The idea of using blood of a living creature, (typically an animal’s) in order to blot out immorality, or better known as sin, can be traced back to the roots of primal civilization. Specifically in Judaism, the ritual started in which an animal was sacrificed in order to cover the sins of a person or multiple people. As we presently observe the traditions of Judaism we do not find any sign of animal sacrifice, with an exception of orthodox Jews. While on the other hand, Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) will be found to zealously observe blood atonement in their practices today. The significance and importance that was placed in blood atonement, through animal sacrifice, no longer has the same affect in Judaism traditions because of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, yet blood atonement can still be found heavily regarded by FLDS, as they hold to the belief that Jesus’s shedding of blood on the cross is not sufficient for serious sins such as murder or adultery. In the following paragraphs I will be discussing the key differences in the believe of blood atonement between Jews and Fundamentalist Mormons and how the beliefs in blood atonement has evolved over the last few centuries in both religions and how in turn has shaped the view of the two religions.
The word “atone” connotes to “wash away,” to cover,” or “to erase.” The book of Leviticus 17:11 says “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life.” In more concise terms, what this verse is saying is that the blood of another creature would in fact be able to cover the sins of a human being. The blood of another creature was necessary bec...
... middle of paper ...
... of Israel, 2d ed.: A Theological Survey of the Old Testament. Garden City: Baker Academic, 2002.
Krakauer, Jon. Under the Banner of Heaven. Random House, Incorporated, 2004.
Kraut, Ogden. Blood Atonement. Santaquin: Pioneer Press, 1993.
Rich, Tracey. Qorbanot: Sacrifices and Offerings. 1 August 2012. 30 November 2013.
"Salt Lake Tribue." 2 February 1985.
Smith, Joseph Fielding. "Doctrines of Salvation." Vol. 1 (1954): 133-136.
Smith, Joseph. "History of the Church." Vol. 5 (1838): 296.
Tanner, Jerald and Sandra. Mormonism—Shadow or Reality? Salt Lake City: Utah Lighthouse Ministry, 1987.
Wright, Robert. Thou Shalt Kill. 3 August 2003. 30 November 2013.
Young, Brigham. "Deseret News." 1856: 235.
—. Journal of Discourses By B. Young. London: S. W. Richards, 42, Islington, 1857.
—. Journal of Discourses: Volume 13-14. London: Horace S., Eldredge, 42, Islington, 1871.
Fielding, Henry. Tom Jones. 1749. Ed. John Bender and Simon Stern. New York: Oxford, 1996.
113 Encyclopedia Britanica. Chicago, IL. Chicago, 1965. Bitton, Davis & Beecher, Maureen U. New Views of Mormon History. Salt Lake City: University of Utah Press, 1987.
Tobler, Douglas F., and Nelson B. Wadsworth. The History of the Mormons. New York, New York: St. Martin's Press, 1989. Print.
I am regularly (such as last night) in conversation with well-educated Mormons who struggle when trying to deal with rational concepts related to things like science, investment strategies, politics and other purely secular matters. And I see in their struggles infections likely attributable to the magical thinking at the heart of what is required these days to be a literally believing Mormon. The conversation in which I participated last night that caused this essay had to do with an investment opportunity that a bright, successful young Mormon had been offered. Some Mormons still respect my judgment regarding investments that seem not to require "the Spirit", and he wanted to run by me what had been proposed to him. I was happy to listen for a few minutes and tell him what I thought.
Walker, Joseph. "LDS Christianity: Differences That Matter." Deseret News [Salt Lake City] 27 Nov. 2011. Print.
...his was the reason God gave the commandment not to eat blood, as the blood represents life, and most of all represents the blood of Christ poured out for all sinners. This command was so important that it carried over to the New Testament. This reflects the fourth approach of Principlism, applying an Old Testament law to the New Testament. This law is repeated as Christians are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is to be remembered by the shed blood of Jesus Christ, and therefore the Old Testament law still applies to Christians today.
Shipps, J. (1985). Mormonism: The Story of a New Religious Tradition. New York: University of Illinois.
This research paper will cover the religious group the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I will discuss the group’s origins from their original start to their current history. I will also touch on a few of the Jehovah’s Witnesses beliefs as well as some of their most prevalent practices of yesterday and today. By the end of this paper you will have a better understanding of this modern, in terms of length, religion.
Handley, William R. “Distinctions without Differences: Zane Grey and the Mormon Question”. Arizona Quarterly: A Journal of American Literature, Culture, and Theory, vol. 57, number 1, spring 2001. pp. 1-33. Web. PDF file. 8. December 2014.
“History of Fundamentalist Mormons.” Wheat & Tares. Wheat and Tares, 2011. Web. 19 Dec. 2011. .
Wolff, Hans Walter. Joel and Amos: A Commentary on the Books of the Prophets Joel and Amos. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 1977. Print.
LaSor, W., Hubbard, D., Bush, F., & Allen, L. (1996). Old Testament survey: The message, form, and background of the Old Testament (2nd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans
Beecher, Willis J. “Twenty-Seventh and Twenty-Eighth Studies (In One): Hezekiah’s Reign.” The Old Testament Student 7, no. 7 (1888): 233.
Confession is one of the most challenging sacraments to engage in on a psychological level. It is often painful because it infers that one has done something wrong and it asks one to examine their lives and the mistakes they have made during it. However, integrated into to the Sacrament of Reconciliation is forgiveness. The peace and comfort given by confession outweigh the pain and guilt experienced be before it. The three main aspects of Reconciliation I will focus on is guilt, confessing, and forgiveness. I will show how man is naturally inclined to the aspect, how the aspect ties into the sacrament, and the benefits of partaking in the sacrament.
Zodhiates, S. (1990). The Hebrew-Greek key study Bible: New American Standard, Zodhiates' original and complete system of Bible study (Red letter ed.). Chattanooga, Tenn.: AMG Publishers.