Dealings with ignorant people are my greatest pet peeve. There have been many occasions where people have judged me by my outward appearance. They take one look at the wheelchair, and automatically assume that I am mentally challenged. It really bothers me when people make any decision based on their narrow experiences. Likewise, it bothers me to have my religion scrutinized by ignorant on-lookers. This book contains critical analysis of the Thirteen Articles of Faith which contain the basic fundamental principles of the true and living Gospel. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I loved this book because it caused me to explore my doctrinal beliefs, using Biblical references to explain many basic Mormon doctrines. Reading this articulate treasure is a must for anyone interested in delving into all of the scriptures. These articles of faith are as follows
1 We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression.
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.
5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands, by those who are in authority to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, viz., apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, etc.
8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion will be built upon this [the American] continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul-We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things..
The above 13 articles are a concise way of summarizing the basic Mormon faith. I particularly enjoyed the chapters discussing the 10th article concerning the literal gathering of Israel and the 8th article concerning the Book of Mormon. Wonderful book! :-)