Catholic Bishop defends traditional marriage amid scrutiny

Catholic Archbishop Timothy Dolan, who was appointed nearly three years ago as the head of the Catholic Archdiocese in New York City, has defended traditional marriage vehemently in the Empire State, often amid scrutiny from both the right and the left.  Some issues faced head-on by Dolan are in conformity with the doctrines and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The Mormon Eagle's examination of them, as Dolan puts them forth in the Sunday 30 October 2011 issue of the Deseret News, follows.

Boldly Stated by the Catholics and the Mormons
Archbishop Dolan stated, "We are, as a people of faith, against any attempt by anyone anywhere to diminish the pure definition of marriage.  We're against adultery, we're against a frivolous divorce, we're against cohabitation before marriage" ("A Man of Faith: How the Battle Over Same-Sex Marriage is Defining "America's Pope'", Deseret News, Sunday 30 October 2011, A4).  Stated plainly and simply enough, but to make the point further, I quote from "The Family: A Proclamation to the World", given by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children. . . . We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife. . . . we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World, October 1995 Semiannual General Conference).

Not Anti-Gay, But Pro-Family
Both The Church of Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church has received flak for defending traditional marriage so strongly.  Many have stated, at least to the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that Mormons are anti-gay.  This, however, is untrue; the Mormons aren't anti-gay, but rather pro-family.  President Gordon B. Hinckley stated,  

People inquire about our position on those who consider themselves so-called gays and lesbians. My response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and which may be difficult to control. Most people have inclinations of one kind or another at various times. If they do not act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are (Ensign, Nov. 1998, p. 71).

He stated elsewhere, "We want to help these people, to strengthen them, to assist them with their problems and to help them with their difficulties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so-called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the rearing of families" (Ibid., p. 71).

Bishop Dolan stated, "[Gays and lesbians] have our love, they have our acceptance, they deserve our dignity and respect, and so we can't allow this ever to be reduced to an anti-gay question" ("A Man of Faith: How the Battle Over Same-Sex Marriage is Defining "America's Pope'", Deseret News, Sunday 30 October 2011, A4).

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints stands with our friends of other faiths who support traditional, God-sanctioned marriage.  We will fight alongside you, ever willing to keep the commandments of God.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Religion in the Public Square

Independent Senator Joseph Lieberman spoke at Brigham Young University on Tuesday 25 October 2011 about the necessity of religion in the public square.  He also spoke of Governor Romney and Mormonism.  Senator Lieberman made telling remarks concerning those who try to alienate religious freedom from the public square.  Said he, "Anybody who tries to separate faith from America's public square is doing something unnatural and ultimately bad for our country" ("A test of fairness", Deseret News, Wednesday 26 October 2011, A6).

Indeed it is foolish for those who are non-believers to say religion should stay out of the public square.  Well did Elder Neal A. Maxwell, then of the Quorum of Seventy but later a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, prophesy of the rise of the irreligious sentiment when he said,

Your discipleship may see the time come when religious convictions are heavily discounted. . . . In its mildest form, irreligion will merely be condescending toward those who hold to traditional Judeo-Christian values.  In its more harsh forms, as is always the case with those whose dogmatism is blinding, the secular church will do what it can to reduce the influence of those who still worry over standards such as those in the Ten Commandments. . . . But there is occurring a discounting of religiously-based opinions.  There may even be a covert and subtle disqualification of some for certain offices in some situations. ("Meeting the Challenges of Today", 10 October 1978, p. 2).

Elder Dallin H. Oaks spoke of the need for religious freedom's defense as well as religion's place in the public square and political debate.  Said he,  

We are fortunate to have such a guarantee [of religious freedom] in the United States, but many nations do not.  The importance of that guarantee in the United States should make us ever diligent to defend it. . . . The extent and nature of religious devotion in this nation is changing.  The tide of public opinion in favor of religion is receding, and this probably portends public pressures for laws that will impinge on religious freedom. . . . Such forces — atheists and others — would intimidate persons with religious-based points of view from influencing or making the laws of their state or nation. . . . We should never be reticent to declare and act upon the sure foundations of our faith.  The call of conscience — whether religious or otherwise — requires no secular justification. ("Religious Freedom", speech given at BYU-Idaho, 13 October 2009).

I know that God has established the Constitution of the United States of America to protect the rights of all people.  In addition to the establishment of the Constitution, He also established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - and no other religion whatsoever.  The Church of Jesus Christ - and all Americans - have a mandate, as stated in the Constitution, to ensure all people receive God's gifts of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".  Religion must have a place in the public square - along with all other reasons why one maintains the political beliefs he does - in order for the United States to function correctly.  I know this is true.  I know what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches regarding the Constitution is true.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Dedication of Palestine for the Return of the Jews

Elder Orson Hyde of the Twelve Apostles

As today marks the 170th anniversary of the dedication of Palestine for the return of the Jews by Elder Orson Hyde of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Mormon Eagle feels to give a short history and commentary upon the subject.

Shortly after Elder Hyde's baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ, the Prophet Joseph Smith pronounced a blessing upon him, in which the Prophet prophesied, "In due time thou shalt go to Jerusalem, the land of thy fathers, and be a watchman unto the house of Israel; and by thy hands shall the Most High do a great work, which shall prepare the way and greatly facilitate the gathering together of that people" (History of the Church, 4:375).

At the April General Conference of 1840, the Prophet Joseph Smith called both Elder Orson Hyde and Elder John E. Page of the Twelve on a mission to Jerusalem to dedicate the land for the return of the Jews.  Elder Page refused to go, so Orson Hyde went alone, after preaching in the eastern United States (principally New York City).  Elder Hyde left for Europe on 13 February 1841.  He spent three and one-half months in the United Kingdom with the rest of the Twelve, then headed on to the European continent.  On 21 October 1841, Elder Hyde reached Jerusalem, the Holy City.  Three days later on 24 October, he dedicated the land for the return of the Jews.  What was his astonishment when he ascended the Mount of Olives, the place where the Son of God was wont to assemble with His ancient Apostles!  Elder Hyde later wrote of what he felt:  

Is that city which I now look down upon really Jerusalem, whose sins and iniquities swelled the Savior’s heart with grief, and drew so many tears from his pitying eye? Is that small enclosure in the valley of Kidron, where the boughs of those lonely olives are waving their green foliage so gracefully in the soft and gentle breeze, really the garden of Gethsemane, where powers infernal poured the flood of hell’s dark gloom around the princely head of the immortal Redeemer?" (A Sketch of the Travels and Ministry of Elder Orson Hyde, (Salt Lake City: Deseret News Office, 1869), p. 13).

While in the spiritually reflective mood, he wrote the prayer of dedication under the direction of the Spirit of the Lord, and then dedicated the land.  He prayed,

Now, O Lord! Thy servant has been obedient to the heavenly vision which Thou gavest him in his native land; and under the shadow of Thine outstretched arm, he has safely arrived in this place to dedicate and consecrate this land unto Thee, for the gathering together of Judah's scattered remnants, according to the predictions of the holy Prophets -- for the building up of Jerusalem again after it has been trodden down by the Gentiles so long, and for rearing a Temple in honor of Thy name. . . . Do Thou take from them their stony heart, and give them a heart of flesh; and may the Sun of Thy favor dispel the cold mists of darkness which have beclouded their atmosphere.  Incline them to gather in upon this land according to Thy word.  Let them come like clouds and like doves to their windows.  Let the large ships of the nations bring them from the distant isles; and let kings become their nursing fathers, and queens with motherly fondness wipe the tear of sorrow from their eye. . . . Do Thou now also be pleased to inspire the hearts of kings and the powers of the earth to look with a friendly eye towards this place, and with a desire to see Thy righteous purposes executed in relation thereto.  Let them know that it is Thy good pleasure to restore the kingdom unto Israel -- raise up Jerusalem as its capital, and constitute her people a distinct nation and government. . . . (History of the Church, 4:456–59).

This prophetic prayer was answered in 1948, when the State of Israel was founded as a homeland for all Jews by the victors of World War Two.  Truly as Elder Hyde prayed, "kings [became] their nursing father, and queens with motherly fondness [wiped] the tear of sorrow from [the Jews'] eye".

Thus was the Holy Land dedicated by a true Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, sent by Christ's True Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Only this Church will be able to build up the Temple in Jerusalem.  Watch the President of the Church for the announcement, for only he is Authorized to do so by the Lord.  The Jewish religion will not build a Temple in their Holy City, but rather their Mormon brethren, who have the Authority so to do, and the only religion on Earth that has.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Mormonism and the Christ no. 4 - Abinadi's Teachings

 
In our no. 4 of this current topic, the Eagle uses the words of Abinadi to the wicked King Noah to further explain our belief in Christ.  We shall start from the beginning of the sermon and proceed through to the end.

In Mosiah 13, Abinadi begins teachings the wicked King and his wicked priests of the importance of the law of Moses, and what it typifies.  He reads to them the Ten Commandments out of the scriptures, and then goes on to say, "For behold, did not Moses prophesy unto them concerning the coming of the Messiah, and that God should redeem his people?  Yea, and even all the prophets who have prophesied ever since the world began—have they not spoken more or less concerning these things?" (Mosiah 13:33).  The fact that the Ten Commandments are here read by a Prophet of God, as well as the interpretation of the meaning of the Law of Moses, is clearly an indication that the believers in the Book of Mormon both believe the Bible and also believe in Christ, and thus are Christians.

Abinadi goes on to quote Isaiah 53, wherein the Prophet describes the true Manhood of the Savior and what He will do for His people.  Abinadi then continues to teach, 

I would that ye should understand that God himself shall come down among the children of men, and shall redeem his people.  And because he dwelleth in flesh he shall be called the Son of God, and having subjected the flesh to the will of the Father, being the Father and the Son—The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son—And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Fatherof heaven and of earth (Mosiah 15:1-4).

The teachings of Abinadi concerning "God Himself" coming down among His people may seem contradictory when one remembers that Jesus is also called the Son of God.  How, then, is Jesus Christ both God Himself as well as the Son of God?  Can He actually be the Son of Himself?  Christ is called "God Himself" by Abinadi here because it was He, under the direction of His Father Elohim, who gave Moses the Law and who appeared unto His prophets.  He always acts under the direction of His Father.  Also, the use of the phrase "they are one God" means that God the Father and Jesus Christ are distinct Personages united in one purpose.

To further and finally prove my point, Abinadi, speaking of Christ, says, "He is the light and the life of the world; yea, a light that is endless, that can never be darkened; yea, and also a life which is endless, that there can be no more death. . . . redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father.  Amen" (Mosiah 16:9, 15). 

Thus we can plainly discern the Light by which the Mormons walk, which is Jesus Christ the Savior.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Mormonism and the Christ no. 3 - Elder Russell M. Nelson

Elder Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

In today's Deseret News, an article compares the venomous Reverend Robert Jeffress - who made remarks about Mormonism, saying it wasn't Christian and a member thereof is "not a Christian" - with the example of Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  The article reads,  

Daniel Ruth, a columnist for the St. Petersburg Times, had a lot to say. . . . For Ruth, the Christianity of Mormonism was illustrated by a recent visit by Elder Nelson to his newspaper's editorial board.  "At 87, he was lean, fit, mentally sharp and about to embark on a multi-nation tour on behalf of the church. . . . There were no horns.  No signs of Beelzebub.  No harems.  This was just a thoughtful, spiritual man.'  Ruth said Elder Nelson 'readily acknowledged the church's image problems.  His solution?  Simply live a moral, decent life.  Be a responsible member of the community.  And by living a virtuous life, you set an example for others to recognize Mormonism is not a threat to anyone - except perhaps Starbucks."

Ruth does no consider himself a religious man, and is probably not even a member of The Church of Jesus Christ, but he asks,

What if I suddenly faced some personal crisis and I wanted to talk to someone for spiritual insight, guidance or consolation?  Whom would I be more comfortable with?  Would it be the bloviating little God-baiting parson in Dallas who is so quick to condemn, to judge, to exploit the worst ignorant fears in people?  Or would it be the octogenarian gentle man, who may hold dogmatic beliefs I don't subscribe to, but nevertheless yearns to simply lead a meaningful life?  I think . . . I would be on the next plane to Salt Lake City. ("Columnist contrasts Elder Nelson and Rev. Jeffress", Deseret News, Friday 14 October 2011, A3).

What a remarkable example is Elder Nelson!  I say this not to extoll him, because it is not he whom we should extoll, but rather Him who gave His life as the perfect example, even Jesus Christ the Son of God.  Elder Nelson is a true Apostle of the Lord, don't get me wrong.  However, as is demonstrated by the account of Elder Nelson's love for people, it is because of Elder Nelson's Mormonism - not in spite of it - that he is the way he is.  It is ultimately Jesus Christ who sets Elder Nelson's actions, because Elder Nelson tries to emulate Him whom he serves.  Well did the Savior say,  

Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.  Ye shall know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?  Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.  A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.  Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.  Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matt. 7:15-20).

He also saith, "What manner of men ought ye to be?  Verily I say unto you, even as I am" (3 Nephi 27:27).  May we ever be like the Lord Jesus Christ in all our actions, so that the world may know that the Latter-day Saints follow Christ, and that Mormonism is true Christianity.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Mormonism and the Christ no. 2 - King Benjamin's Teachings

In view of the continuation of the national anti-Mormon tirade against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Mormon Eagle has established the "Mormonism and the Christ" section, in hopes that the anti-Mormons will shut their mouths and hearken to the truth, as taught by the Mormons themselves, rather than by the false priests of a decadent and degenerate so-called "Christian" pastor.  We will examine Mormonism and the Christ by dissecting King Benjamin's sermon to the Nephite people.

We begin in the third chapter of Mosiah, wherein an angel of the Lord prophesies of the coming of Christ.  The angel saith, 

For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.  And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men.  And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people.  And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary (Mosiah 3:5-8).

This is plain enough for anyone - especially any anti-Mormon - to see Whom we believe in and declare as the Savior.  But, in case the foolish and unwise be stubborn, we shall continue in quoting King Benjamin's words.  He continues to teach that "salvation cometh to none such except it be through repentance and faith on the Lord Jesus Christ" (Mosiah 3:12).  The link will suffice in proving our point heretofore explained.  He also prophesied of these days.  He said, "The time shall come when the knowledge of a Savior shall spread throughout every nation, kindred, tongue, and people.  And behold, when that time cometh, none shall be found blameless before God, except it be little children, only through repentance and faith on the name of the Lord God Omnipotent" (verses 20-21).  In what way has the Lord ordained that the knowledge of God's Son be promulgated throughout the entire Earth?  Why, through the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  As President Ezra Taft Benson taught, "the Book of Mormon is the greatest single tool which God has given us to convert the world" ("A New Witness for Christ", Ensign, November 1984, p. 6).

I know the Savior Jesus Christ is indeed my Redeemer.  The foregoing is sufficient to teach any man the right doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ.  Mormonism is Christianity, and the only religion on Earth recognized by God as His True Church.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Mormonism and the Christ no. 1 - Declaration of Belief

To Pastor Robert Jeffress and the First Baptist Church Dallas, greeting:

As Pastor Robert Jeffress, a Baptist from Texas, recently called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a "cult" and that we are "not Christian", The Mormon Eagle must, by Divine mandate to preach the Gospel of Christ to all mankind, as well as to confound the wise and otherwise, publish the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concerning it's Namesake, the Son of God Christ Jesus.  The following is a refutation of such ignorant, foolish bigotry using both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, the which Holy Books The Church of Jesus Christ believes as scripture.

Jesus Christ's Own Sonship Declared by Himself
John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his Only Begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life".  In companion with that, Christ also taught in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ , "And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil" (3 Nephi 27:14).  Is this not an evidence that Latter-day Saints believe in Christ Jesus as the Savior of the world?  Thus it is so.

Old Testament Saints and the Son of God

The forcefulness of the teachings of Christ is taught beautifully by Abraham and Isaac.  We read, "And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.  And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of" (Genesis 22:1-2).  It must be understood through the light of revelation that all the Prophets (both before Christ and after Him) worshiped the Father in the name of His Son Jesus Christ.  Jacob, the brother of Nephi, explained the meaning of the passage heretofore quoted: "Behold, they [the Saints before Christ] believed in Christ and worshiped the Father in his name, and also we worship the Father in his name.  And for this intent we keep the law of Moses, it pointing our souls to him; and for this cause it is sanctified unto us for righteousness, even as it was accounted unto Abraham in the wilderness to be obedient unto the commands of God in offering up his son Isaac, which is a similitude of God and his Only Begotten Son" (Jacob 4:5).  Yet another evidence Mormons are Christian in word and in deed.

A Witness of Two Prophets

The Prophet Joseph Smith further taught, "The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 121).  Even the purpose of the Book of Mormon itself is made plain by Nephi.  Saith he, "And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God; And that he manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith" (2 Nephi 26:12-13).

The Mormon Eagle's Witness

The Mormon Eagle boldly yet humbly declares that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.  As the ancient Saints worshiped His Father in His name, so do the Latter-day Saints worship Him in His Father's name.  Indeed must the fact that Jesus is the Christ be published to the world, the which duty the Eagle does unflinchingly.  Jesus Christ is the Savior of the author, as well as the Savior of all mankind, even of those who do not believe in Him, both living and dead.  I know He, Jesus Christ, is indeed the Son of God and my Savior and Redeemer.  I leave this witness in Christ's name.  May it be condemnatory to those who preach bigotry against the Kingdom of God, and a proclamation of approbation to those who do believe in the Son of God and in His Restored Church, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  In the name of Jesus Christ my Savior, amen.

The Most Correct of any Book on Earth

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, "I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book" (Book of Mormon, Introduction).  Herein we shall examine this claim, and deduce its veracity.

The Book of Mormon is the most correct book on Earth because it teaches the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Every page in the Book of Mormon has at least one mention of the proper title of Deity in one form or another (God, Father, Lamb of God, Son of God, Holy One of Israel, etc.), with a total of 4,032 proper titles of Deity used throughout the book (not including the words "he", "his", "him", etc.  It only includes the proper titles, meaning those capitalized).  Moroni wrote of the purpose of the Book of Mormon.   He said it is "to the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that JESUS IS THE CHRIST, the Eternal God, manifesting himself unto all nations" (Book of Mormon, Title Page).

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve taught, "Indeed, in its role of restoring plain and precious biblical truths that had been lost, while adding scores of new truths about Jesus Christ and preparing the way for the complete restoration of his gospel and the triumphant day of his millennial return, the Book of Mormon may be considered the most remarkable and important religious text ever given to the world” (Christ and the New Covenant, p. 9–10).


The reasons why the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth is simply that it teaches a fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  President Ezra Taft Benson said, "If we really do our homework and approach the Book of Mormon doctrinally, we can expose the errors and find the truths to combat many of the current false theories and philosophies of men" (“Jesus Christ—Gifts and Expectations,” Ensign, Dec. 1988, p. 4). 

Indeed, the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on the face of the Earth because the doctrines of Christ found within its pages anchor one to the Spirit of the Lord, and confirm correct teachings found within the Bible, while sifting out the false teachings of men, both in the world and within the Bible (which was translated by men, and not by a Prophet of God).

I know the Book of Mormon is the most correct of any book on earth because I have read it.  I have studied it, comparing it meticulously with the Bible, and have found the teachings of the Bible are corroborated by the Book of Mormon, and the doctrines taught in the Bible are agreed upon by the Book of Mormon.  To put it another way, if one has a plank of wood, and nails one end to the floor, the plank can still be turned about a full 360 degrees.  However, nail both ends of the plank to the floor, and it is immoveable; such is the case with the Bible and Book of Mormon - they anchor each other and the doctrine of Christ to the floor of revelation, never to be moved.  I know this is true, and all may know through study of the Book of Mormon, and a prayer to God to know of the veracity thereof.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

From Tabernacle to Temple: The Provo City Center Temple

At around 11am during the Saturday morning session of the 181st Semi-Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1 October 2011), it was announced by President Thomas S. Monson that the fire-ravaged Provo Tabernacle will be rebuilt as a House of the Lord, the second Temple in Provo City.  Provo City, Utah, will then be only the second city in the world to have two LDS Temples.  The other is South Jordan, Utah.

The above photo can be seen at newsroom.lds.org, and is an official rendering of how the Temple will look.  According to an article on that website, "Historically, the tabernacle was used for church meetings and cultural events.  Since the 2010 fire, Church leaders have worked with architects, engineers and historical experts to determine the future of the building.  The project will include a complete restoration of the original exterior." 

Provo's Daily Herald quoted President Monson as saying, "After careful consideration, we have decided to rebuild it with full preservation to become the second temple of the Church in the city of Provo".

Update 18 January 2012

As of 18 January 2012, Brigham Young University's Office of Public Archeology will be unearthing the foundation of Provo's "Old Meetinghouse", which stood just north of the current Tabernacle on the same block, facing Center Street.  The Daily Herald of Provo wrote,

Old Tabernacle

The original meetinghouse was raised in 1867 and demolished in 1919.  For a time, it stood next to its replacement, a larger Provo Tabernacle, which is now a burned shell after a 300-watt lamp bulb ignited a blaze that gutted the building in December.  The first tabernacle was one of Provo's earliest structures, with three levels, a large belfry and brick walls on a foundation of stone, said Richard Talbot, director of the Office of Public Archaeology at Brigham Young University. ("Archaeology team to unearth old Provo Tabernacle", heraldextra.com. http://www.heraldextra.com/news/state-and-regional/utah/archaeology-team-to-unearth-old-provo-tabernacle/article_58a6c667-6743-56fc-a7f9-8fb3a9c1725b.html (accessed January 18, 2012)).

Update 17 February 2012
The Deseret News of Friday 17 February 2012 announced that the LDS Church is purchasing NuSkin's existing Parking Terrance (just west (behind) the Tabernacle), and NuSkin also announced they are building a larger Parking Terrace southwest of their Tower in lieu of the Church purchasing NuSkin's old Parking Terrace.  The LDS Church is also planning on purchasing an adjacent portion of 100 South, in between University Avenue and 100 West.

Update 13 March 2012
The Deseret News of Tuesday 13 March 2012 wrote, "Provo's planning commission will address plans to permanently close a portion of 100 South at University Avenue [and 100 West] to accommodate an LDS temple being built downtown."  The hearing will take place Wednesday.

Update 16 March 2012
The Provo Planning Commission has approved the go-ahead for the purchase of 100 South between University Avenue and 100 West, according to the Salt Lake Tribune of 14 March 2012 ("Provo panel endorses closing 100 South for Mormon Temple", Salt Lake Tribune).

Update 6 April 2012
In today's Deseret News, the groundbreaking plans for the Provo City Center Temple have been announced.  "The groundbreaking for the new Provo City Center Temple will be held on Saturday, May 12 at 9 a.m., with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the church's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presiding. Church spokesman Scott Trotter said tickets will be required to attend the groundbreaking ceremony, which will also be broadcast to LDS stake centers in and around Provo.

"Tickets will be available through local LDS ecclesiastical leaders within the new temple district" ("Provo City Center Temple groundbreaking plans announced", Deseret News, 5 April 2012).  The construction time, according to the Deseret News, should be roughly 2 1/2 years.

Update 12 May 2012
The groundbreaking ceremony was held Saturday at 9am.  Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided and offered the dedicatory prayer over the grounds.  More than 5,600 people attended on the grounds of the Tabernacle.  The groundbreaking was also broadcast to meetinghouses in both Provo and Springville.  The Provo Utah City Center Temple District will consist of 8 Stakes in Provo and 8 Stakes in Springville.  Among the many things said by Elder Holland during the ceremony, he remarked that groundbreakings in The Church of Jesus Christ are ordinances.  During the performance of the ordinance of groundbreaking and site dedication, the Spirit of the Lord was felt as Elder Holland, using his Apostolic Authority, dedicated the site, and also blessed the workers that they would be safe and protected, and that the Temple as it is constructed will be protected from both natural disasters and the hands of the wicked.
 
More details will be printed by The Mormon Eagle as they become available.