El Libro de Mormón/La promesa de Moroni

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La promesa de Moroni

Sumario: Se afirma que el orar acerca del Libro de Mormón no es un criterio objetivo para determinar si el libro es verdadero o no, y por lo tanto no es de fiar. Afirman que muchas personas han leído y orado acerca del Libro de Mormón y lo hayan recibido respuesta, o que han recibido una respuesta de Dios que es falso.

Saltar a subtema:

• Pregunta: ¿Cuál es la promesa de Moroni?
• Pregunta: ¿Es la oración el único elemento necesario en la determinación de la verdad?
• Pregunta: ¿Qué pasa con los que oran y no reciben la confirmación del Libro de Mormón es verdadero?
• Predicad Mi Evangelio: "Al orar en busca de inspiración, también debe confirmar sus sentimientos ... Ciertamente, el Espíritu del Señor puede traer fuertes sentimientos emocionales, incluyendo las lágrimas, pero esa manifestación externa no debe ser confundido con la presencia del Espíritu en sí"
• Pregunta: ¿Cómo podemos saber si una revelación moderna proviene de Dios o de Satanás?
• Pregunta: ¿Las experiencias espirituales de los no mormones con el Espíritu Santo son tan válidas como las que reclaman los Santos de los Últimos Días?
• Pregunta: ¿Cómo puede una persona reafirmar su testimonio cuando aprende hechos desconcertantes que pueden poner en duda su testimonio?
• Pregunta: ¿Por qué el Espíritu Santo se menciona tantas veces en el Libro de Mormón antes del tiempo de Cristo?

Pregunta: ¿Cuál es la promesa de Moroni?

La promesa de Moroni

El Libro de Mormón ofrece un medio para determinar la veracidad del libro Moroni 10:3-5:

He aquí, quisiera exhortaros a que, cuando leáis estas cosas, si Dios juzga prudente que las leáis, para que vosotros recordéis cuán misericordioso del Señor ha sido a los hijos de los hombres, desde la creación de Adán hasta el tiempo en que recibáis estas cosas, y que lo meditéis en vuestros corazones.
Y cuando recibáis estas cosas, quisiera exhortaros a que preguntéis a Dios el Eterno Padre, en el nombre de Cristo, si estas cosas no son ciertas; y si pedís con un corazón sincero, con verdadera intención, teniendo fe en Cristo, él os manifestará la verdad de ellas que, por el poder del Espíritu Santo.
Y por el poder del Espíritu Santo podréis conocer la verdad de todas las cosas.

La promesa de Moroni afirma que podemos conocer la veracidad del Evangelio, orando al respecto con la intención sincera

La promesa de Moroni afirma que podemos conocer la veracidad del Evangelio, orando al respecto con la intención sincera (Moroni 10:3-5). Sin embargo, algunos afirman que orar acerca del Libro de Mormón no es un criterio objetivo para determinar si el libro es verdadero o no, y por lo tanto no debe ser de confianza. A veces también se afirmó que muchas personas han leído y orado acerca del Libro de Mormón o la Iglesia y tienen bien recibido ninguna respuesta o una respuesta de Dios que es falso.

El conocimiento de la verdad del Libro de Mormón o de la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días no es algo que se obtiene casualmente

El conocimiento de la verdad del Libro de Mormón o de la Iglesia de Jesucristo de los Santos de los Últimos Días no es algo que se obtiene por casualidad. No es suficiente simplemente "pedir a Dios" sin poner algún esfuerzo. El Señor requiere que seamos sinceros y que en realidad estudiamos el contenido del libro para saber de su veracidad. Como dice Moroni, debemos tener "verdadera intención", mientras que "teniendo fe en Cristo." Los que leer el Libro de Mormón con el único fin de encontrar fallas con el fin de derribarla no tienen "verdadera intención" para saber de su veracidad. Se nos enseña que los sentimientos no son suficientes, y que debemos confirmarlas.

Pregunta: ¿Es la oración el único elemento necesario en la determinación de la verdad?

La oración es un elemento de verdad la determinación

Los no mormones a menudo afirman que la Biblia es la única verdadera "vara de medir" para la determinación de la verdad. Irónicamente, la Biblia refuta esto, y muestra claramente que el Espíritu Santo, o el Espíritu de la Verdad que nos conducirá a toda la verdad (Juan 14:26, Juan 15:26, 1 Jn 5:6). Al reclamar la Biblia como la única fuente de la verdad, no LDS son de hecho reducir al mínimo el poder de la oración y el papel del Espíritu Santo.

Los mormones creen que el versículo más importante de la escritura, la escritura que ha tenido el mayor impacto en la historia del mundo se encuentra en Santiago 1:5–6:

Y si alguno de vosotros tiene falta de sabiduría, pídala a Dios, quien da a todos abundantemente y sin reproche, y le será dada. Pero pida con fe, no dudando nada, porque el que duda es semejante a la ola del mar, que es movida por el viento y echada de una parte a otra. (Santiago 1:5-6)

Este versículo llevó a un joven, José Smith a seguir ese consejo y ndash; para ofrecer una humilde oración de fe, estar dispuesto a aceptar la respuesta, no importa cuán difícil aceptar esa respuesta podría ser. Esa oración dio lugar al inicio de la restauración del Evangelio.

Hay elementos, además de la oración que se requieren a fin de determinar la verdad

Por medio de José Smith, el Señor ha revelado otras claves para la oración. Una es que debemos "estudiarlo" en nuestra mente, entonces irás delante del Señor y pedir la confirmación de que nuestra decisión es correcta. Entonces nos instruye que si nuestra decisión es correcta, vamos a sentir los frutos del Espíritu, y si no es correcta, tendremos un "estupor de pensamiento". Por lo tanto, los solicitantes serios de verdad no pueden reclamar plenamente que han estudiado el Libro de Mormón hasta que hayan leído en su totalidad. Los SUD animan análisis crítico del Libro de Mormón, específicamente por la oración preguntando si alguien podría haber fabricado el libro. Todo el que se pregunta a esa pregunta con cada página encontrará, en algún lugar entre la primera página y el último, que la respuesta es "no" y ndash; que el Libro de Mormón es verdadero. El Libro de Mormón es evidencia convincente de la restauración del Evangelio por medio de José Smith.

Pregunta: ¿Qué pasa con los que oran y no reciben la confirmación del Libro de Mormón es verdadero?

Hay más necesaria que simplemente orar para recibir una confirmación de la veracidad del Libro de Mormón

Moroni nos da de los requisitos que deben cumplirse para obtener una confirmación:

Y cuando recibáis estas cosas, quisiera exhortaros a que preguntéis a Dios el Eterno Padre, en el nombre de Cristo, si no son verdaderas estas cosas; y si pedís con un corazón sincero, con verdadera intención, teniendo fe en Cristo, él os manifestará la verdad de ellas por el poder del Espíritu Santo; (Moroni 10:4)

No es suficiente simplemente preguntar: ¿Hay que ejercer la fe en Jesucristo y demostrar un sincero esfuerzo para entender lo que está contenido en el Libro de Mormón. Es útil recordar la experiencia de Oliver Cowdery cuando trató de traducir,

Pero he aquí, te digo que debes estudiarlo en tu mente; entonces has de preguntarme si está bien; y si así fuere, haré que tu pecho arda dentro de ti; por tanto, sentirás que está bien. (DC 9:8)

Predicad Mi Evangelio: "Al orar en busca de inspiración, también debe confirmar sus sentimientos ... Ciertamente, el Espíritu del Señor puede traer fuertes sentimientos emocionales, incluyendo las lágrimas, pero esa manifestación externa no debe ser confundido con la presencia del Espíritu en sí"

"¿Cómo reconozco y comprendo al Espíritu?," Predicad Mi Evangelio: Una guía para el servicio misional:

Al orar en busca de inspiración, también debe confirmar sus sentimientos. Por ejemplo, comparar sus decisiones con las Escrituras y las enseñanzas de los profetas vivientes. Asegúrese de que los sentimientos son consistentes con la misión que le tiene; por ejemplo, usted no recibirá revelación de decirle a un obispo local, cómo se debe llevar a cabo en su llamamiento. Hable de sus decisiones y conclusiones con su compañero, su líder de distrito, o su presidente de misión cuando sea apropiado.

El presidente Howard W. Hunter ofreció este consejo: " Permítanme ofrecer una palabra de precaución . ... Creo que si no tenemos cuidado ... , podemos empezar a tratar de falsificar la verdadera influencia del Espíritu del Señor por medio indignos y manipuladoras . Me preocupo cuando parece que una fuerte emoción o de flujo libre lágrimas se equiparan con la presencia del Espíritu. Ciertamente, el Espíritu del Señor puede traer fuertes sentimientos emocionales, incluso lágrimas, pero esa manifestación externa no debe ser confundida con la presencia del Espíritu en sí " ( Las enseñanzas de Howard W. Hunter , 184 ) . El Espíritu del Señor siempre edifica .

Pregunta: ¿Cómo podemos saber si una revelación moderna proviene de Dios o de Satanás?

  NEEDS TRANSLATION  

Moroni: "that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God"

Moroni 7:13

But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

Philosophy

How do we know the world is not an illusion? How do we know we are not just a brain in a vat? How do we know our life is not a dream?

We just don't believe any of that, we just take what our senses tell us. Such questions are just meaningless.

Consider what Joseph Smith told Brigham Young

Tell the brethren to be humble and faithful and be sure to keep the Spirit of the Lord, that it will lead them aright. Be careful and not turn away the still, small voice; it will teach them what to do and where to go; it will yield the fruits of the kingdom. Tell the brethren to keep their heart open to conviction, so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them their hearts will be ready to receive it. They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits—it will whisper peace and joy to their souls; it will take malice, hatred, strife and all evil from their hearts, and their whole desire will be to do good” (quoted in Juvenile Instructor, 19 July 1873, 114)

Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley said:

That’s the test, when all is said and done. Does it persuade one to do good, to rise, to stand tall, to do the right thing, to be kind, to be generous? Then it is of the Spirit of God. . . . If it invites to do good, it is of God. If it inviteth to do evil, it is of the devil. . . . And if you are doing the right thing and if you are living the right way, you will know in your heart what the Spirit is saying to you.

You recognize the promptings of the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit—that which enlighteneth, that which buildeth up, that which is positive and affirmative and uplifting and leads us to better thoughts and better words and better deeds is of the Spirit of God” (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, 260–61)

Elder Dallin H. Oaks stated:

[A person may have] a strong desire to be led by the Spirit of the Lord but . . . unwisely extends that desire to the point of wanting to be led in all things. A desire to be led by the Lord is a strength, but it needs to be accompanied by an understanding that our Heavenly Father leaves many decisions for our personal choices. Personal decision making is one of the sources of the growth we are meant to experience in mortality. Persons who try to shift all decision making to the Lord and plead for revelation in every choice will soon find circumstances in which they pray for guidance and don't receive it. For example, this is likely to occur in those numerous circumstances in which the choices are trivial or either choice is acceptable.

We should study things out in our minds, using the reasoning powers our Creator has placed within us. Then we should pray for guidance and act upon it if we receive it. If we do not receive guidance, we should act upon our best judgment. Persons who persist in seeking revelatory guidance on subjects on which the Lord has not chosen to direct us may concoct an answer out of their own fantasy or bias, or they may even receive an answer through the medium of "false revelation" (“Our Strengths Can Become Our Downfall,” Ensign, Oct. 1994, 13–14)

This statement can apply to everyone, even to General Authorities as a voice of warning

President Howard W. Hunter said

“Let me offer a word of caution. . . . I think if we are not careful . . . , we may begin to try to counterfeit the true influence of the Spirit of the Lord by unworthy and manipulative means. I get concerned when it appears that strong emotion or free-flowing tears are equated with the presence of the Spirit. Certainly the Spirit of the Lord can bring strong emotional feelings, including tears, but that outward manifestation ought not to be confused with the presence of the Spirit itself” (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, 184)

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Pregunta: ¿Las experiencias espirituales de los no mormones con el Espíritu Santo son tan válidas como las que reclaman los Santos de los Últimos Días?

  NEEDS TRANSLATION  

Moroni: "every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God"

It is claimed that when religious experiences of people of other faiths sound similar, it calls into question LDS spiritual experiences

Moroni 7:13:

But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

Gordon B. Hinckley said:

That’s the test, when all is said and done. Does it persuade one to do good, to rise, to stand tall, to do the right thing, to be kind, to be generous? Then it is of the Spirit of God. . . .

If it invites to do good, it is of God. If it inviteth to do evil, it is of the devil. . . . And if you are doing the right thing and if you are living the right way, you will know in your heart what the Spirit is saying to you.

You recognize the promptings of the Spirit by the fruits of the Spirit—that which enlighteneth, that which buildeth up, that which is positive and affirmative and uplifting and leads us to better thoughts and better words and better deeds is of the Spirit of God

People of different faiths can also receive revelation, or have spiritual experiences

Blake T. Ostler said:

Now we may be called into question if somebody has a vision, for instance, of the Virgin Mary; because I don't believe that the LDS believe that the Virgin Mary puts in many appearances. However I suggest that we look beyond what divides us and look to "inclusivism," and that is, "What is it that they learned? What does their religious experience teach them?" Because God will adapt his message to any culture, and any means that He can, to increase the light of a person (see Alma 29:8). So I suggest that by adopting "religious inclusivism" we minimize the challenge from "religious pluralism."""

Are all spiritual experiences true?

• Some people intentionally lie
• Some experiences are caused by the devil, see for example (Alma 30:53)
• To claim that all religious experiences are equivalent is an unproven assumption. Just because some of the experiences that people describe sound the same, does not mean that they are always the same.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks stated:

[A person may have] a strong desire to be led by the Spirit of the Lord but . . . unwisely extends that desire to the point of wanting to be led in all things. A desire to be led by the Lord is a strength, but it needs to be accompanied by an understanding that our Heavenly Father leaves many decisions for our personal choices. Personal decision making is one of the sources of the growth we are meant to experience in mortality. Persons who try to shift all decision making to the Lord and plead for revelation in every choice will soon find circumstances in which they pray for guidance and don't receive it. For example, this is likely to occur in those numerous circumstances in which the choices are trivial or either choice is acceptable.

We should study things out in our minds, using the reasoning powers our Creator has placed within us. Then we should pray for guidance and act upon it if we receive it. If we do not receive guidance, we should act upon our best judgment. Persons who persist in seeking revelatory guidance on subjects on which the Lord has not chosen to direct us may concoct an answer out of their own fantasy or bias, or they may even receive an answer through the medium of "false revelation"

President Howard W. Hunter said:

Let me offer a word of caution. . . . I think if we are not careful . . . , we may begin to try to counterfeit the true influence of the Spirit of the Lord by unworthy and manipulative means. I get concerned when it appears that strong emotion or free-flowing tears are equated with the presence of the Spirit. Certainly the Spirit of the Lord can bring strong emotional feelings, including tears, but that outward manifestation ought not to be confused with the presence of the Spirit itself

We can never know exactly what other people experience,and many of us don't have the right to judge the experiences that many people claim to have, but we can know what we experience ourselves. Spiritual experiences are not given to convince others--at best, they can persuade others to undertake the same search for truth through study, reflection, and asking God for revelation.

What about extremists that claim to hear voices in their head?

If a personal revelation tells people to do evil, then it must be rejected.

• Consider what Joseph Smith told Brigham Young

“Tell the brethren to be humble and faithful and be sure to keep the Spirit of the Lord, that it will lead them aright. Be careful and not turn away the still, small voice; it will teach them what to do and where to go; it will yield the fruits of the kingdom. Tell the brethren to keep their heart open to conviction, so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them their hearts will be ready to receive it. They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits—it will whisper peace and joy to their souls; it will take malice, hatred, strife and all evil from their hearts, and their whole desire will be to do good” (quoted in Juvenile Instructor, 19 July 1873, 114)

The spiritual experience that Nephi received was not invalid in his days. Plantilla:SummaryItem

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Pregunta: ¿Cómo puede una persona reafirmar su testimonio cuando aprende hechos desconcertantes que pueden poner en duda su testimonio?

  NEEDS TRANSLATION  

Remember that sometime in the past you received a spiritual witness to some extent about some aspect of church doctrine

First of all, remember that sometime in the past you received a spiritual witness to some extent about some aspect of church doctrine. Building upon this you can have the desire to reconcile your conflict.

Also, understand that there isn’t a single “disconcerting” fact that eludes the general body of church history and doctrine. There are many church historians and scholars that are considered the world’s most knowledgeable specialist in areas of church history, doctrine and scientific facts. They are fully aware and fully comfortable with their testimonies.

The problem at hand usually arises when a person receives a testimony and has an incorrect understanding of the church or gospel

The problem at hand usually arises when a person receives a testimony and has an incorrect understanding of the church or gospel. In other words, their gospel paradigm is flawed. The individual’s testimony was a manifestation from God, through the Holy Spirit witnessing to them that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. They did not receive a witness that their complete understanding of the gospel and how everything in the world relates to it is 100% correct.

Later, a fact is discovered that is in opposition to the paradigm they had when they received their testimony. A logical fallacy (definition) occurs when the person feels that both their paradigm and their testimony are now erroneous. In reality, their paradigm was mistaken, but their testimony (witness in the divinity of the Savior, restoration, priesthood, etc.) was correct.

Examples

For example, a youth in seminary gains a testimony and at the same time believes that the entire earth was immersed in water at the time of the flood as part of an earthly baptism. Later on in college he learns from history and geology many facts that make him not believe in a flood that covered the highest peak of the highest mountain on earth. He begins to doubt his testimony in the Bible because he gained it while holding this erroneous personal belief. Rather than casting his testimony aside he should consider that as an imperfect person his paradigm was incorrect and his loving Father in Heaven blessed him with a spiritual manifestation about the truthfulness of the gospel.

We also find an example of this in the scriptures. Near the end of John 6 the followers of Jesus learned some tough doctrine John 6:60-66 and “many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” Peter does not falter and his testimony deepens. It is even at one time certified by the Savior Matt 16:17.

Keep your faith as you work out your doubt

Keep your faith as you work out your doubt. For example, Peter did not expect the death of the Savior. After the crucifixion, Peter’s testimony is shaken. His personal paradigm did not factor in a death for his Messiah. Instead of leaving everything behind at this critical moment Peter stays in the right place (with the Saints) while in doubt and is therefore able to witness the reappearance of the Savior. Now his paradigm has shifted to a more correct understanding and his testimony has been confirmed again. Later, he is better able to handle another paradigm shift when a doctrine changes, taking the gospel to the gentiles. Furthermore, he is able to take this experience and help others, “think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” 1 Peter 4:12

To reconcile your new paradigm with your previously gained testimony you must not forget the latter

Why do some people struggle with disconcerting information when others do not? Those that do not ever struggle are definitely in the minority. That strength is most likely due to having a personal spiritual gift of faith. Sometimes, members who are not currently struggling with their own testimonies will incorrectly assume that another person’s struggles come from living an unworthy life. Although sin can be a source of doubt, it is not always the case. Rather than condemning, it would be more in line with the example of our Savior to reach out and help those in their time of need.

To reconcile your new paradigm with your previously gained testimony you must not forget the latter. Your testimony is key. Your testimony is a gift that you can fall back on if ever new information is learned that allows you to gain a more perfect understanding. As an imperfect being, one must always be willing to accept that their comprehension of the gospel or church history is flawed and therefore, an adjustment of your paradigm may be required from time to time.

Pregunta: ¿Por qué el Espíritu Santo se menciona tantas veces en el Libro de Mormón antes del tiempo de Cristo?

  NEEDS TRANSLATION  

It is interesting to note that the same question arises about Satan in the Old Testament

Why is the Holy Ghost mentioned so many times in the Book of Mormon prior to the time of Christ (e.g., 1 Nephi 10:17) and yet in the Old Testament there is hardly any mention of the Holy Ghost, especially with regard to his mission of bearing witness of the truth?

The typical answer Biblical students give for this is the evolving understanding of doctrine from the Old Testament to the New Testament

It is interesting to note that the same question arises about Satan in the Old Testament. There is very little information about Satan outside of the first two chapters of Job. Students of the Bible have observed that Satan is much more prevalent and "real" in the New Testament. The typical answer Biblical students give for this is the evolving understanding of doctrine from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Some who are more skeptical say that the New Testament period was perhaps more influenced by spiritual beliefs in devils and spirits than the earlier period.

For Latter-day Saints this reinforces our belief that many plain and precious things were not adequately handed down to us from ancient times

But for Latter-day Saints there is a different perspective. We know that the knowledge of both Satan and the Holy Ghost has been part of gospel teaching from the time of Adam down. The fact that both are poorly represented in the Old Testament reinforces our belief that many plain and precious things were not adequately handed down to us from ancient times (see 1 Nephi 13:26–40). This was one of the great necessities for the Restoration—to restore the "fulness" of the doctrines and principles of the gospel, because they were not adequately transmitted into our time. The Book of Mormon in its plainness and simplicity, and uncorrupted nature, shows us a clearer picture of what was understood and believed about both Satan and the Holy Ghost by inspired prophets.

Even with these textual losses, the concept of Spirit of the Lord as an independent entity does appear in a handful of passages, including Genesis 1:2; 2 Samuel 23:2; Isaiah 40:13; 48:16; and 59:19.

Similar criticisms are leveled at the Book of Mormon and the Church, because the Book of Mormon reveals the name of Jesus Christ prior to his birth. Again, the answer is, inspired prophets knew a great deal, unfortunately it wasn't adequately transmitted to us before the recovery of the Book of Mormon.