Considering Our Canon

Considering Our Canon 

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My Response to "The Perfect Mousetrap" -- Part 1 - McKay Platt

My Response to “The Perfect Mousetrap” – Part 1 I have heard a good deal of reaction to this talk. Some reacted viscerally to the message, including me. Having had 2+ weeks to read and re-read the transcript, I have come to realize that what I originally thought was being said is quite different from what was actually taught. I want to share my understanding of the message in the hopes that it might help some of you.  In part 1, I will review what was taught, what wasn’t taught and what was behind my visceral reaction about the interchange between Cpt. Moroni and Parhoran. There is plenty more in the talk to critique and evaluate later but not in Part 1. “The Perfect Mousetrap” speaks in glowing terms about some aspects of the communication of Cpt. Moroni but barely addresses his anger, unrighteous judgement, threats of violence and death.  The talk specifically endorses… “reason(ing) through … great conflict” “tremendous example of a forthright, spirited and difficult exchang...
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Many Crickets and One Elephant

Many Crickets and One Elephant   Ishmael, the son of Abraham, is a more interesting character than first meets the eye. In fact, for Gentiles, he is perhaps a more important figure, a more central figure, than even Jacob the grandson of Abraham. Consider these questions that arise from the scant details that we have of Ishmael’s life.   1-Ishmael was named by God before he was born. (OC Genesis 7:26) That is exceedingly rare in scripture and puts Ishmael in the company of men like John the Baptist and the Lord Himself. And of course the name Ishma-el suggests that he is part of the El. Even Abraham had to go through, and pass, certain earthly trials before being given a name by God. But Ishmael came pre-named. Does this suggest that he had already achieved a certain standing or relationship with God in a previous cycle of existence?   2-Both Jacob and Ishmael had twelve sons. Nowhere else in scripture do we read of a man thusly blessed. But both the son and grandson of Ab...
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