Manaus Brazil Temple open house and dedication

The newest Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints begins its Open House this week, and will continue on through 2 June, in preparation for the dedication on 10 June.  The Open House is free of charge. 

LDS Church purchases Far West and Haun's Mill (MO) and Kirtland (OH) historic sites

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said on Saturday that it purchased three sites from the Community of Christ, formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The sites purchased are: 6,000 acres of farmland in Missouri as well as three historic sites, which are the Haun's Mill and the Far West Burying Ground in Missouri, as well as the Joseph Smith, Sr. Home in Kirtland, Ohio.   Among the over-200 people buried at the Far West Burial Ground is Elder David W. Pattern, one of the original members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

Why the Lord takes the young in Death

Many have wondered why the Lord would cause a Mormon infant, baby, child, youth, or young adult to die, when he clearly has his whole life ahead of him.  To console such mourners, I quote the words of President Wilford Woodruff, which will give my answer:

One evening, as I fell asleep, I was very much troubled with evil spirits that tried to afflict me; and while laboring to throw off these spirits and their influence, there was another spirit visited me that seemed to have power over the evil spirits, and they departed from me.  Before he left me he told me not to grieve because of the departure of Abraham Hoagland Cannon [of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who died at 37 years of age]; for the Lord had called him to fill another important mission in the spirit world, as a pure and holy apostle from Zion in the Rocky Mountains - a labor which would not only prove a great benefit to his father's household, but to the Church and kingdom of God on the earth.  I feel to name this, because it is true. I have become acquainted with many things in our history that I have marveled at. While in the St. George temple I had a son, who was in the north country, drowned.  He had a warning of this.  In a dream he was notified how he would die.  We had testimony of that after his death.  I asked the Lord why he was taken from me.  The answer to me was, "You are doing a great deal for the redemption of your dead; but the law of redemption requires some of your own seed in the spirit world to attend to work connected with this."  That was a new principle to me; but it satisfied me why he was taken away.  I name this, because there are a great many instances like it among the Latter-day Saints.  This was the case with Brother Abraham Cannon.  He was taken away to fulfil [sic] that mission.  And where we have anything of this kind, we should leave it in the hands of God to reconcile. (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, 292)

LDS Conference Center catches fire

At around 8:15p.m. Monday night, a small fire damaged the LDS Conference Center's mechanical room.  The fire caused the sprinkler system to come on, causing thousands of gallons of water to leak through the floor and spill into the first ten rows of seats in the auditorium, the seats for General Authorities, and onto and around the pulpit.

ABC 4 said that smoke triggered the building's sprinkler system, which caused 40 fire fighters to respond to the two-alarm blaze.  When crews arrived, the sprinklers had put out the fire, and crew had to clean up "'more than a couple feet of water' in the mechanical room and around the pulpit", according to the Salt Lake Tribune.  The Deseret News reports that the fire started near a bank of batteries.  The News also reparts that Salt Lake fire spokesman Jasen Asay said that it is too early still to know what caused the fire, but that it is under investigation.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released an official statement:

The fire at the Church Conference Center was limited to a backup power supply cabinet in an electrical control room above the main auditorium.  Two sprinkler heads functioned as designed and extinguished the fire.  Water overflow to the auditorium floor below was limited to a 50-foot area in front of the podium but did not cause significant damage.  Water in the affected area has been extracted, and fans are being used to dry the carpet and chairs.  The actual cause of the fire remains under investigation.

"Go ye into all the world" 1974 Regional Representative Seminar

As The Mormon Eagle's motto is "It is better to represent ourselves than to be represented by others", I post the video of the remarks made by President Spencer W. Kimball at the 1974 Regional Representative Seminar.  At the time, there were only the Presidency of the Seventy as General Authorities; all other Seventies were Stake Seventies, called by Stake Presidents.  It was not until 1975 (the next year) when the First Quorum of the Seventy was reconstituted as a General Authority Quorum.  Now, there are 8 Quorums of the Seventy, which number of Quorums can expand to any number the Lord wants.  Contrast the statistics in this video with the Church today, and one stands in awe at the growth the Lord has caused to be throughout the world.  Here it is:

First Presidency Easter Message - 2012

The following is taken directly from the Church News, front page, for the week of 1 April 2012:

This is the season of the year when the Christian world remembers the Resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Out of love for His Father and for us, the Savior allowed Himself to suffer beyond the capacity of mortal man.  He said, "Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit — and would that I might not drink the bitter cup and shrink — Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men" (Doctrine and Covenants 19:18-19).

Our Savior broke the bands of death.  Through His Resurrection there is assurance that life is everlasting.  Our Lord and Savior is the living witness that such is so.

As special witnesses, we declare that God does live.  Jesus Christ is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh.  He is our Redeemer, our Mediator with the Father. Jesus Christ atoned for our sins.  He became the firstfruits of the Resurrection.  Because He died, all shall live again.

The First Presidency,

Religious Freedom and public colleges

According to today's USA Today, Vanderbilt University's non-discrimination policy has got a faith-base group in a bind.  Vanderbilt Catholic, a 500-member group, is being asked by Vanderbilt University to let anyone run for leadership, not just Catholics.  P.J. Jedlovec, the president of Vanderbilt Catholic, says, "If we were open to having non-Catholics lead the organization, we wouldn't be Catholic anymore" (Smietana, Bob, "Vanderbilt bias policy drives groups off campus", USA Today, Monday 2 April 2012, 3A).

This attempt to shut down religion in public life has happened elsewhere on college campuses throughout the United States.  "The University of North Carolina-Greensboro refused to recognize a Christian group called Make Up Your Mind because it discriminated on the basis of faith for leaders.  The school relented after being sued" (Ibid.).


Apparently, the aforementioned colleges do not understand either the Constitution of the United States or the fact that not letting someone into leadership because one doesn't qualify is not discrimination.  Let us look at look at the Constitution itself for an example.  Article II, section 1 of the Constitution reads, "No person except a natural born citizen, or a citizen of the United States, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the office of President; neither shall any person be eligible to that office who shall not have attained to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a resident within the United States."  Does this mean that the United States is discriminating against, say, a Canadian-born, naturalized-American citizen who is 34 years of age and wants to run for the Presidency?  No!  That person could never run for it, because, even after he turns 35, he is not a natural-born citizen.  Is this discrimination?  Not in the least!!

Let's take The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as another example.  In July of 2009, "Derek Jones and his partner, Matthew Aune, were holding hands as they passed through the pedestrian mall east of the Salt Lake Temple as they returned home from a concert at the Gallivan Center.  Aune hugged and kissed Jones in the plaza, at which point church security asked the men to leave because they were being inappropriate" (Norlen, Clayton, "2 men cited in trespassing on LDS Plaza", Deseret News, 11 July 2009).  Was the LDS Church being discriminatory when they asked these persons to leave the LDS-owned Main Street Plaza (private property) because they were violating Church teachings?  No!  It is not discrimination to have policies, laws, and rules.

Is it discrimination if I am pulled over by a Black cop in Harlem because I run a red light?  No!  I broke the law, and should pay the penalty.  Laws, especially Constitutional laws, exists to keep all people safe.  Hence, Vanderbilt University is in the wrong for kicking the group Vanderbilt Catholic off of campus, because Vanderbilt Catholic clearly was exercising Constitutional law.

Mormon Theology no. 48 - The Covenant Marriage

30 April 2009

Kim Kardashian's recently failed marriage to Kris Humphries is a tragic story.  Tragic, but one that need not happen again.  In the 27 January 2012 online edition of Us Weekly, Kim remarked to her sister Kourtney, "'It's hard for me.  He's a good heart, he's a Christian -- everything on paper I want in someone, but for some reason, my heart isn't connecting,' she tells Kourtney".  The main reason that marriage failed was because it wasn't a Covenant Marriage.

What is a Covenant Marriage?

 To fully answer this question, we must first define what a covenant is.  Dictionary.com's definition of the word "covenant" reads, "an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified."  This is sufficient when we add the words "between God and man" to replace the words "between two or more persons".  We then have the definition as follows: "An agreement, usually formal, between God and man to do or not do something specified."  In other words, a covenant is a two-way promise between God and man, in which  God sets the terms, and man agrees to follow said terms.  In the case of a covenant marriage, the agreement is as follows:

And again, verily I say unto you, if a man marry a wife by my word, which is my law, and by the new and everlasting covenant, and it is sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise, by him who is anointed, unto whom I have appointed this power and the keys of this priesthood; and it shall be said unto them—Ye shall come forth in the first resurrection; and if it be after the first resurrection, in the next resurrection; and shall inherit thrones, kingdoms, principalities, and powers, dominions, all heights and depths—then shall it be written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, that he shall commit no murder, and if ye abide in my covenant, and commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood, it shall be done unto them in all things whatsoever my servant hath put upon them, in time, and through all eternity; and shall be of full force when they are out of the world; and they shall pass by the angels, and the gods, which are set there, to their exaltation and glory in all things, as hath been sealed upon their heads, which glory shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever.  Then shall they be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting, because they continue; then shall they be above all, because all things are subject unto them.  Then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them (D&C 132:19-20). whereby to shed innocent blood

In layman's terms, this means that when a man and a woman are married by the Lord's Holy Priesthood in one of His Temples (built only by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormons), that marriage has the potential to last literally forever, even into the next life.  That couple will continue to have children in the next life, and even become Gods, as God our Father is also a God.

Not all champagne and roses

Now, of course marriage is not all champagne and roses.  Marriage is hard work.  One must realize that in order to make it work, one must forgo self.  If both the man and woman are looking out for the other's happiness, safety, security, etc., then the marriage will work, despite the troubles and trials that come upon us.  To put it in the words of modern Prophets and Apostles, "Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities" ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World").  Indeed, the old adage that "the family the prays together stays together" rings true.  The Christ has established marriage as far back as the Garden of Eden to be entered into through a covenant with Him and thus to be eternal, as He is Eternal.

I hope this explains more clearly why Mormon marriages are the way they are, and why married Mormons are so happy.

What I didn't see coming

The first day of the LDS Church's Annual Conference was amazing, filled with revelation from the Heavenly Father of us all.  However, what I didn't see coming was the release of the entire Presiding Bishipric and the Relief Society General Presidency.  I'm a little excited that it did occur, however, because I think a new Presiding Bishopric will bring new zest into the Church (or at least give the three new men called a completely different perspective when it comes to temporal affairs of the Church.  I am excited to see what the Lord has in store for His Church over the next six months.  It will be interesting, and The Mormon Eagle shall keep you abreast of the issues, revelations, and announcements that come around.  Promise.

Elder Harold G. Hillam dies at 77

The Mormon Eagle takes the following from the Deseret News of Thursday 29 March 2012:

Elder Harold G. Hillam, 77, an emeritus general authority for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died Tuesday evening at his home in Bountiful.

Elder Hillam was called to the Second Quorum of the Seventy at the April 1990 general conference of the church, and to the First Quorum a year later.  He served in the Presidency of the Seventy for five years, from August 1995 through August 2000.  He was named an emeritus general authority on Oct. 1, 2005, and was called to be president of the Boise Idaho Temple of the church.  He was released as temple president in 2008.

Among his assignments were counselor, then president of the Brazil area and counselor and president in the Europe West Area.  He also was Sunday School general president for five years.

He was born on Sept. 1, 1935, in Sugar City, Idaho, to Gordon Hillam and Evelyn Skidmore Hillam.  He was the third of five children and the oldest son.  He spent part of his boyhood in St. Anthony, Idaho, and served a mission to Brazil.

Elder Hillam was only 11 when his father fell gravely ill and had to be hospitalized in Salt Lake City.  His mother went to Salt Lake City to be with her sick husband, leaving him and his two older sisters to run the family home.

"We just kind of made ends meet," he recalled in a Church News interview after he was sustained to the Seventy.  "There was no income.  The two girls had a job and I had a paper route and that was really it."
During that time, he said he poured out his worries to his Heavenly Father and promised a lifetime of commitment and dedication if God would help them through it.

As a result, missionary work was a high priority.   Just before he left on his mission to Brazil, he met his wife-to-be, Carol Lois Rasmussen, while he was a fishing guide at Yellowstone National Park.  They were married on June 5, 1958, in the Salt Lake Temple after he returned from his mission and the day before she graduated from Brigham Young University.  They are parents of seven children.

After Elder Hillam completed his studies at BYU, he moved his family to Chicago, where he was a dental student at Northwestern University.  Even with heavy church responsibilities — he was a counselor in the Chicago Heights Ward bishopric while a student — he graduated with honors with a doctorate in dental surgery.

After two years practicing as a dentist in Idaho Falls, he and his family went back to Northwestern, where he received a degree in orthodontics.  Then he set up an orthodontics practice in Idaho Falls.  He also was a counselor in the Idaho Falls 28th Ward bishopric.

Elder Hillam was serving as president of the Idaho Falls Idaho South Stake when he was called as president of the Portugal Lisbon Mission.  He was also a regional representative in Portugal and again in Idaho, as well as a regional welfare agent and a counselor in the Idaho Falls South Stake presidency.
Professionally, Elder Hillam was president of the Idaho Falls Dental Society, Idaho State Orthodontic Society and the Rocky Mountain Society of Orthodontists.  He was president of the Teton Peaks Council for the Boy Scouts of America.  He also received the Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Award. 
Elder Hillam spoke five times in general conference.  In his last talk, in the Saturday morning session of the April 2000 conference, he spoke of the need for the young people of the church to learn the lessons needed to become leaders.

"I pray that you young people will develop a reverence for sacred things, a respect for your elders and a willingness to keep the commandments," he said.  "I pray that you will learn to know of the Savior and have an ever-growing understanding of His Atonement."

Funeral plans are pending.

The Kirtland Temple: A short ecclesiastical history

As today, 27 March, is the day upon which the first House of the Lord built by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was dedicated, The Mormon Eagle shall give some short ecclesiastical history of the building, from its visionary beginnings until today.

The Kirtland Temple, Kirtland, Ohio

Concerning the floor plan and layout of the Temple, the Lord showed the First Presidency in vision how it was to look.  Frederick G. Williams, then a counselor in the First Presidency, recalled,

Joseph received the word of the Lord for him to take his two counselors, Williams and Rigdon, and come before the Lord, and He would show them the plan or model of the house to be built.  We went upon our knees, called on the Lord, and the building appeared within viewing distance: I being the first to discover it.  Then all of us viewed it together.  After we had taken a good look at the exterior, the building seemed to come right over us; and the make-up of this hall seemed to coincide with what I there saw to a minutia (in Marvin E. Smith, “The Builder,” Improvement Era, Oct. 1942, 630).

West (Melchizedek) Pulpits, Lower Court, of the Kirtland Temple

Construction on the Temple began in June 1833.  President Hyrum Smith, that dutiful servant of the Lord, had such a desire to build the Lord's House.  Hyrum Smith was so eager to build the Temple that on the first day of construction, he, with scythe in hand, dashed outdoors, exclaiming, "We are preparing to build a house for the Lord, and I am determined to be the first at the work" (“The History of Lucy Smith, Mother of the Prophet,” 1844–45 manuscript, book 14, pp. 1–2, Church Archives).

Even before the House was dedicated, the Lord showed marvelous visions within its walls.  The vision now known as D&C 137 is only a partial account of it.  Immediately after the end of what is now D&C 137, the vision continues on:

I saw the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb, who are now upon the earth, who hold the keys of this last ministry, in foreign lands, standing together in a circle, much fatigued, with their clothes tattered and feet swollen, with their eyes cast downward, and Jesus standing in their midst, and they did not behold Him.  The Savior looked upon them and wept.

I also beheld William E. M'Lellin [sic] in the south, standing upon a hill, surrounded by a vast multitude, preaching to them, and a lame man standing before him supported by his crutches; he threw them down at his word and leaped as a hart, by the mighty power of God.  Also, I saw Elder Brigham Young standing in a strange land, in the far south and west, in a desert place, upon a rock in the midst of about a dozen people of color, who appeared hostile.  He was preaching to them in their own tongue, and the angel of God standing above his head, with a drawn sword in his hand, protecting him, but he did not see it.  And I finally saw the Twelve in the celestial kingdom of God.  I also beheld the redemption of Zion, and many things which the tongue of man cannot describe in full (History of the Church, 2:381).

After the dedication of the House of the Lord, Brother Truman O. Angell, later the chief architect for the Salt Lake Temple, recorded that he and Elder Brigham Young were walking by the Temple one night, at which time other Brethren inside were engaged in prayer.  Angell wrote, 

We walked out towards the [Kirtland] Temple, approaching the building on the side which was used for the Prophet Joseph and his counselors, a portion of the attic on the east being especially appropriated to their use.  In the said attic, and right over the stand where the brethren were praying in the hall below were two windows in the gable end to help give light to his compartment or room, the windows being 12 or 14 feet apart, and unusually high from the floor; being nearly 4 feet to the bottom of the lower sash.

When about ten rods distant we looked up and saw two personages; before each window, leaving and approaching each other like guards would do.  This continued until quite dark.  As they were walking back and forth, one turned his face to me for an instant; but while they walked to and fro, only a side view was visible.  I have no doubt that the house was guarded, as I have had no other way to account for it (quoted in Hawkins, Chad S., Holy Places: True Stories of Faith and Miracles From Latter-day Temples, Salt Lake City, Deseret Book Company, 2006, 23).

Unfortunately, the Saints were driven out by apostates in 1838.  During his mission to the East in 1844, President Brigham Young wrote in his journal for Sunday 9 June 1844, "I preached in the temple in the morning, and Brother F[ranklin] D. Richards in the afternoon.  I lectured in the evening on the subject of the location of Nauvoo; the Saints were dead and cold to the things of God" (Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1801-1844, ed. Elden Jay Watson (Salt Lake City: Smith Secretarial Service, 1968).   

An apostate group (the Community of Christ) now owns the building, which is no longer a House of the Lord, but an unholy building, as per President Brigham Young's statement, which states, "The Temple at Kirtland [has] fallen into the hands of wicked men, and by them been polluted, . . . and consequently it [is] disowned by the Father and the Son" (Journal of Discourses 2:32).  Notwithstanding the fact that the Community of Christ is in possession of the building, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is in possession of the Priesthood Keys, the which Keys and Priesthood no other religion possesses.  I hope that one day, the Kirtland Temple will be back in the hands of the Latter-day Saints.  God only knows the time and season.

A Jew's perspective on the Mormon Mission

In a blog article for the Huffington Post, Rabbi Shmuley Boteach gives his perspective on how the LDS Missions help the missionary.  He writes,

There's a reason why the Mormons fielded two top candidates in a single presidential election cycle and there's a reason why the comparatively small church is surging to prominence worldwide.  Primarily, it's the fact that they inculcate within their teenagers the idea of mandatory service. . . . And what does a mission do?  It teaches them altruism [or concern for the welfare of others] and selflessness, not to mention going beyond a natural shyness and learning to approach complete strangers about their beliefs.

I have gained many-needed skills from my Mormon mission to California.  Among the many skills I gleaned are: altruism, how to sow on a button, complete reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ and upon the promptings of His Spirit (and learn when it is speaking to me), how to work with people, proper decorum and etiquette, the truthfulness of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the inherent goodness in all people, etc.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true because in it are the proper Priesthood Keys to act in the Name of God, which Priesthood no other religion has.  The Church grows so quickly and is a marvel to many people because God raised up this Church, and not man.  Indeed, it is not the Church of Joseph Smith nor of Thomas S. Monson, but it is The Church of Jesus Christ, established by Him in these last days in order to prepare the world for His Second Coming.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

The Savior Suffers In Gethsemane Bible video

As The Mormon Eagle has been established to promulgate the Gospel of the Redeemer to the world, we give you this video produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and under the direction of the Council of the First Presidency of said Church.  Enjoy!

I, Clark LeRay Herlin, author of The Mormon Eagle, know Jesus is the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of the Living God.  It is through Him, and Him only, that mankind shall be saved.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

"Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth"

Samuel heard the word of the Lord, and so can we.

A glorious day has come for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  In an article by Ryan Morgenegg for the Church News, we read,

In recent years, members' interest in historical audio and video of conference talks on the Internet has dramatically increased. . . . Recently, the Church has gone beyond 2002 to release English video and audio formats of general conference back to the '90s, '80s and '70s. By the end of March 2012, the English audio and video archive of general conference at lds.org will include addresses given from present back to 1971. . . . Addresses from priesthood session, general Relief Society and general Young Women meetings will also be included along with various music selections ("Glimpsing the past: General Conference audio and video archive", ldschurchnews.com, Saturday, 17 March 2012).

Indeed, this is a glorious day to be a Mormon.  Revelation flows now as it did in the days of Peter and Paul, all because the Lord has opened the windows of Heaven in the form of new technologies, that His holy work might spread forth upon the earth!  Now we all can truly say, "Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth" (1 Samuel 3:9-10).

President Thomas S. Monson's first talk as an Apostle

The following video is all 7:10 minutes of "I Stand at the Door and Knock", President Thomas S. Monson's first talk as an Apostle, given on the day he was sustained, 10 October 1963, in the Salt Lake Tabernacle.

Official Statement: LDS Church and race

A Florida Pastor, Reverend O'Neal Dozier, held a press conference Monday to get US Presidential candidate Mitt Romney to renounce Mormonism and its apparent racist aspects.  In light of this, The Mormon Eagle here posts the LDS Church's official statement on race within the Church:

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is for everyone.  The Book of Mormon states, “black and white, bond and free, male and female; . . . all are alike unto God” (2 Nephi 26:33).  This is the Church’s official teaching.

"People of all races have always been welcomed and baptized into the Church since its beginning.  In fact, by the end of his life in 1844 Joseph Smith, the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, opposed slavery.  During this time some black males were ordained to the priesthood. At some point the Church stopped ordaining male members of African descent, although there were a few exceptions. It is not known precisely why, how or when this restriction began in the Church, but it has ended.  Church leaders sought divine guidance regarding the issue and more than three decades ago extended the priesthood to all worthy male members.  The Church immediately began ordaining members to priesthood offices wherever they attended throughout the world.

"The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including any and all past racism by individuals both inside and outside the Church.  In 2006, then Church president Gordon B. Hinckley declared that 'no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ.  Nor can he consider himself to be in harmony with the teachings of the Church.  Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all of His children.'

"Recently, the Church has also made the following statement on this subject: 'The origins of priesthood availability are not entirely clear. Some explanations with respect to this matter were made in the absence of direct revelation and references to these explanations are sometimes cited in publications. These previous personal statements do not represent Church doctrine.'"

Statements on the US Constitution to "hang by a thread"

The following are direct prophecies given by LDS Church leaders about the fate and destiny of the Constitution of the United States of America.  The Mormon Eagle shall quote prophecies made in public meetings, and shall quote from the speakers' mouths.  Second-hand accounts (such as "I heard so-and-so say such-and-such") will not be used.

The Prophet Joseph Smith
"Even this nation will be on the verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground and when the Constitution is on the brink of ruin this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction” (Joseph Smith Papers, LDS Church Historical Archives, Box 1, March 10, 1844). 

President John Taylor
"When the people shall have torn to shreds the Constitution of the United States the Elders of Israel will be found holding it up to the nations of the earth and proclaiming liberty and equal rights to all men" (Jornal of Discourses 21:8).

President J. Reuben Clark, Jr.

"You and I have heard all our lives that the time may come when the Constitution may hang by a thread.  I do not know whether it is a thread, or a small rope by which it now hangs, but I do know that whether it shall live or die is now in the balance" (Conference Report, October 1942, 58). 

President Brigham Young
"When the Constitution of the United States hangs, as it were, upon a single thread, they [the people of the United States of America] will have to call for the 'Mormon' elders to save it from utter destruction; and they [the Elders] will step forth and do it" (JD 2:182, February  18, 1855). 

Philosophy of "babies raise stress, reduce happiness" false

What is the impact of children on a relationship?  Today's USA Today report on 25 separate studies done over the past two years.  We read, "'Kids do lower marital satisfaction and there's not much we seem to be able to do to prevent it,' says Brian Doss, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Fla. . . . Ninety percent of the 218 couples in an eight-year study Doss co-authored experienced a decline in satisfaction, he says" ("Years of research point to strain kids put on relationships"). 

No, one can't blame USA Today for reporting on the results of this survey; however, the "results", if one may call them such, are scholarly, but nevertheless false and foolish.  We must, in this situation, rely on the words of the Prophets, both ancient and modern.

Adam and Eve teaching their children, by Del Parson

What does our glorious Mother Eve have to say about children and the blessing they are?  Saith she, "Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed [children], and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient" (Moses 5:11).  Indeed, the Psalmist saith well that "Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward" (Psalms 127:3).  Was not Mary amply rewarded in being the mother of the One Perfect Child?  Indeed she was.  All those who think children are a burden must talk to Eve when they get to Spirit Prison and behold their error!

The Mormon Eagle need only cite the words of the venerable Prophets and Apostles of our day.  It is written, "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. . . . The family is ordained of God. . . . Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ" ("The Family: A Proclamation to the World").

Men and women are free to choose to believe what they will, but I, Clark LeRay Herlin, know that marriage is God's creation, and that children are truly "an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3).  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Don't wear masks, Elder Cook says

On Sunday 4 March 2012, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke at Brigham Young University - Idaho for a Church-wide Church Educational System fireside for young adults from the ages of 18-30, both single and married.  The subject of Elder Cook's talk was that of not wearing masks, or acting in character of a Latter-day Saint both in public and private life.

Among many things, he said, "One of your greatest protections against making bad choices in to not put on any mask of anonymity.  If you ever find yourself wanting to do so, please know it is a serious sign of danger and one of the adversary's tools to get you to do something you should not do" (R. Scott Lloyd, "Beware of Wearing the mask, Elder Cook warns", Deseret News, Monday 5 March 2012, B2).  Let's examine this more, by looking at the Perfect Example.  Christ taught, "No man can serve two master: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.  Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matt. 6:24).  Our Savior didn't wear a mask during His mortal journey.  However, it wasn't easy, at times, for Him.  He showed kindness, yet also forthright boldness, in teaching His doctrine and ministering to His brethren and sisters, but was hated and killed for it.  Because the Savior wore no mask, the scripture was fulfilled which saith, "He had done no evil, neither was any deceit in His mouth" (Mosiah 14:9; compare Isaiah 53:9).

Elder Cook also said, "You generation, like the 'greatest generation', will need to protect righteousness and religious freedom. . . . We need to preserve it for future generations" ("Mask", B2). 

Policy for submitting names to the House of the Lord

The following is a letter from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to be read in Sacrament Meeting this Sunday 4 March 2012:

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We would like to reiterate the policies first stated in 1995 concerning the submission of names for proxy temple ordinances:

Our preeminent obligation is to seek out and identify our own ancestors. Those whose names are submitted for proxy temple ordinances should be related to the submitter.

Without exception, Church members must not submit for proxy temple ordinances any names from unauthorized groups, such as celebrities and Jewish Holocaust victims. If members do so, they may forfeit their New FamilySearch privileges. Other corrective action may also be taken.

Members are encouraged to participate in FamilySearch indexing which is vital to family history and temple work.

Bishops are asked to post this letter on their meetinghouse bulletin boards. Church members may seek the assistance of the family history consultants in their area for additional information, if needed. Name submission policies are also clearly stated on New.FamilySearch.org.

We appreciate the faithful adherence to these policies by all members of the Church.
Sincerely yours ,

[Signed]
The First Presidency

Manaus Brazil Open House and Dedication

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has announced that the public Open House for the Manaus Brazil Temple are from Friday 18 May 2012 through Saturday 2 June 2012, excluding Sundays.

Manaus Brazil Temple

The Temple will be formally Dedicated on Sunday 10 June 2012 in three sessions.  The dedicatory sessions will be broadcast throughout Brazil.

An Apostle's 3 days in Africa

While visiting the African nation of Ghana, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles met with missionaries, both young and old, at the Accra Ghana Missionary Training Center.  Among many things he said, he prophesied, "Little by little, we’re going to see this continent covered by temples."  This is what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is built on - prophecy and direct revelation - and what The Mormon Eagle wishes to emphasize.

On Valentine's Day 2012, Elder Holland met with Ghana-area office employees in which he remarked that - and note that this is because of prophecy and revelation, and not in spite of it - the Church during 2012 will create the 3,000th Stake in the Church, and also that there will be 7 or 8 new mission created on the African continent.

On 16 February 2012, Elder Holland met with members at a fireside in Sierra Leon.  During the standing-room-only meeting, Elder Holland "had the impression to invite two children - a brother and sister - to come up.  He had on a white shirt and tie.  She wore a beautiful, colorful dress."  He then prophesied, "Their future - and the future of the Church - is bright, filled with possibility.  I don't know what their lives might have promised 200 years ago, or 500 years ago, or 2,000 years ago, but in this day, with the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Church established in this land, I can promise and see in great detail what their future will be.  What hope, and faith and possibility they have."  Elder Holland gave an Apostolic Blessing over the land, nation, and people while in Sierra Leon.  "I was to [sic] able to pray for and bless the land, the people at large, government officials and for peace among warring fractions that might put an end to such horrific history [Africa has had in the past]" (Church News, week ending 25 February 2012, 4).

The Mormon Eagle knows that revelation leads The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that President Monson is a Prophet of the Lord, even as Moses and Peter were.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Mormon Theology no. 47 - Love

As it is Valentine's Day on Tuesday, The Mormon Eagle will expound on the true meaning of love.

Meaning of Love
Let us firstly define the word "love".  Dictionary.com's first definition for "love" reads as "a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person".  This is true.  Passionate in this case doesn't necessarily mean romantic or sexual love.  For our purposes, the "passionate affection" we're talking about can be termed in another word - friendship - true, genuine, heartfelt friendship.  Now, this love speaking of friendship is defined by the Prophet Joseph Smith in a letter he wrote to James A. Bennett on 13 November 1843.  The Prophet wrote, "That friendship which intelligent beings would accept as sincere must arise from love, and that love grow out of virtue, which is as much a part of religion as light is a part of Jehovah.  Hence the saying of Jesus, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends'" (History of the Church 6:73).

Perfect Representative of Love

Owing to the above words of President Smith, it follows that the best example of love is Jesus Christ Himself.  It is written, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35).  The question must now be asked, how did the Savior love us?  How did He show that love?  The answer is found in the words of the Master through His Prophet Joseph Smith.  Said the Redeemer, "But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I; Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men" (D&C 19:17-19).  Christ the Lord showed His love to all mankind - both the wicked and the righteous - by suffering for their sins on conditions of repentance.  In other words, He did for others what they could not do for themselves.  We must also, as He did, do for others what they cannot do for themselves, whatever that may be, as led by the Holy Ghost.

How to obtain love

The Prophet Joseph Smith was once asked, "'Why is it this babbler gains so many followers, and retains them?'  I answer, It is because I possess the principle of love" (HC 5:498).  How can we gain the "principle of love"?  The scriptures teach of the Love of God, even Jesus Christ Himself.  As Jesus Christ is the Exemplar of all good things, it is through Him - and Him only - that love is obtained.  As we read the New Testament and the Book of Mormon, we are taught what Christ personally did in His ministry to His sheep in Israel, and also taught His doctrine as taught by Prophets and Apostles as well. 

I know the scriptures are true, and through a study of them, we can gain the Love of God, even Jesus, and learn through the Spirit to treat others a He would.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

A warning voice to the United States

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that California's Proposition 8 (the voter-approved measure that outlawed gay-marriage there in 2008) was unconstitutional on the grounds that it "lessen[ed] the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California" (Michael De Groote, "Reaction swift to latest Prop. 8 ruling", Deseret News, Wednesday 8 February 2012, A1).  In view of the above statement made by Judge Stephen Reinhardt of the 9th Circuit, The Mormon Eagle feels to raise a warning voice to the people of the United States at large concerning the decrees of God on the subject of homosexual activity, and the fate of the United States of America if she does not keep the commandments of God as revealed through ancient and modern Prophets and Apostles.

Homosexual Activity Wrong

The Eagle must first here state that God views all individuals as His children, and has an infinite love for them.  However, He has given commandments through His Prophets against certain actions, homosexual activity being one of them.


The Lord said through His servant Moses, "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination" (Lev. 18:22).  1,500 years later, the Apostle Paul taught, "For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet" (Romans 1:26-27).  The Apostle Jude taught, "Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire" (Jude 1:7).  Lastly, President Boyd K. Packer explained that "there are those today who not only tolerate but advocate voting to change laws that would legalize immorality, as if a vote would somehow alter the designs of God’s laws and nature. . . . To legalize that which is basically wrong or evil will not prevent the pain and penalties that will follow as surely as night follows day" ("Cleansing the Inner Vessel", October 2010 General Conference).

Now, before one calls me a bigot, I must here state that I am not a bigot.  I try to love all people, no matter their sexual orientation, for that is what the Savior Jesus Christ did.  However, my stating what Prophets and Apostles in both past and current dispensations have said does not make me a bigot.  One is free to do as he will, but neither he nor the United States can escape the consequences, both here and in the hereafter.

Fate of the United States on her present course

The United States of America faces a dreadful fate if she continues rejecting the words of God's Prophets and Apostles.  The Prophet Moroni taught, "And thus the Lord did pour out his blessings upon this land, which was choice above all other lands; and he commanded that whoso should possess the land should possess it unto the Lord, or they should be destroyed when they were ripened in iniquity; for upon such, saith the Lord: I will pour out the fulness of my wrath" (Ether 9:20).  Elder Mark E. Petersen warned that "no people can fight God and live!  Every nation will feel a chastening hand if it turns its back upon the Ruler of Heaven and violates his eternal precepts" ("O America, America", October 1979 General Conference).  President George A. Smith gave the most stern warning of all.  Said he, "When God has a Prophet on the earth, and that Prophet tells the people what to do, and they neglect to do it, they must suffer for it.  I bear witness before you, this day, in the name of the Lord God of Israel, that no people can treat lightly the sayings of a Prophet of God, whom He places on the earth to direct His people, and prosper. I know it is impossible" (Journal of Discourses 1:193).  President Brigham Young said of America and the Civil War, "If [the United States] had hearkened to the counsel of [the Prophet Joseph Smith], this nation would have had no wars; there would have been no division in the Government, but it would have gone on in harmony and prosperity" (JD 12:120-121).

The actions of the people of the United States will turn to her destruction unless the people repent and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed through Joseph Smith the Prophet and currently taught by President Thomas S. Monson, the Lord's representative on Earth today.  I know this is hard to hear, but it is true.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Refuting the Ex-Mormon: Carrie Sheffield

The Mormon Eagle has started the Refuting the Ex-Mormon series to, in the words of Joseph Smith the Prophet, "disabuse the public mind, and put all inquirers after truth in possession of the facts, as they have transpired, in relation to . . . the Church" (JS-H 1:1).  This first refutation in this series is concerning an editorial written by Carrie Sheffield for The Washington Post, in which she lies about the Church.  Carrie Sheffield is an ex-Mormon, who has left the Church, but apparently cannot leave the Church alone.  The article she wrote is called "A Mormon Church in Need of Reform".  The Eagle will attempt to refute only some of the falsely-stated relevant lies as told by Ms. Sheffield.

"The church isn’t exactly welcoming of outsiders"
Now, true, she may be talking politically, and in that she is correct to an extent.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a Republican Church, though many more Republicans exist within the Church than do Democrats.  The Church does not endorse any politicians, nor tell its members how and for whom to vote, however.  Each individual Mormon may vote for whom he wants, as moved upon by one's own convictions, as ever he will.

In regards to being unwelcoming of outsiders in a theological sense, we have the words of President Joseph Smith, Jun., President Gordon B. Hinckley, and Nephi, respectively.  "We don't ask any people to throw away any good they have got; we only ask them to come and get more" (History of the Church 5:259).  "We say to the people, in effect, you bring with you all the good that you have, and then let us see if we can add to it" (Ensign, August 1998).  "Hath [Jesus Christ] commanded any that they should not partake of his salvation?  Behold I say unto you, Nay; but he hath given it free for all men; and he hath commanded his people that they should persuade all men to repentance.  Behold, hath the Lord commanded any that they should not partake of his goodness?  Behold I say unto you, Nay; but all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden" (2 Ne. 26:27-28).

We see from the above quotations that all are welcome within The Church of Jesus Christ, provided first that they forsake those things which are wrong, and continue to do the things which are right, according to the revelations.

"The church I was raised in values unquestioning obedience over critical thinking."

This is definitely not true.  I will let President Brigham Young speak concerning Theology versus critical thinking within the Church: "Not only does the religion of Jesus Christ make the people acquainted
with the things of God, and develop within them moral excellence and purity, but it holds out every encouragement and inducement possible, for them to increase in knowledge and intelligence, in every branch of mechanism, or in the arts and sciences, for all wisdom, and all the arts and sciences in the world are from God, and are designed for the good of his people" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young, 193).  President Young also stated, "The religion embraced by the Latter-day Saints, if only slightly understood, prompts them to search diligently after knowledge.  There is no other people in existence more eager to see, hear, learn, and understand truth" (DBY, 247).  In addition, the LDS Church holds in its grasp four institutions of higher learning.  

In connection with critical thinking and obedience, Ms. Sheffield complains thusly, "Mormonism’s claims about anthropology, history and other subjects contradict reason and science."  This is also not true, as per a statement by that great aforementioned Prophet-colonizer Brigham Young.  Said he, "Our religion will not clash with or contradict the facts of science [or any other secular phase of learning] in any particular. . . . There is no mystery except to the ignorant.  This we know by what we have learned naturally since we have had a being on the earth" (DBY, 258–59).  Elder Dallin H. Oaks said this when he was President of Brigham Young University: "At Brigham Young University and in the other institutions of the Church Educational System, we are concerned with teaching the fundaments [sic] of spiritual and secular knowledge and with bringing those teachings into harmony in the lives of men and women in order to prepare them for a balanced and full life of service to God and fellowman" ("Strive For Excellence", October 1971 General Conference).  This all should be sufficient to throw out anything Ms. Sheffield says against the Kingdom of God.

"Many gay Mormons have been driven to suicide, deeply conflicted about whether acting on their sexuality is, as the church teaches, a sin."

Homosexual activity is a sin, for "wickedness never was happiness" (Alma 41:10).  Many a distraught person has taken his own life because he was mired in sin and thought he had no way out.  The people who committed suicide made a choice, the which choice The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had no hand in whatsoever.  President Boyd K. Packer stated, "We will hold to the principles and laws and ordinances of the gospel. If they are misunderstood either innocently or willfully, so be it. We cannot change; we will not change the moral standard" ("Cleansing the Inner Vessel", October 2010 General Conference).  However, there is always a way out, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and full, active membership within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

To Find the Truth

Now, Ms. Sheffield, the only way to find the Truth about Mormonism (or lack thereof, if you prefer), is to read the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.  Through this Book one learns what Mormonism really teaches.  On the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon hangs the truthfulness of Joseph Smith's and Thomas S. Monson's testimonies of the reality of Christ and His Church.  The fact is, Ms Sheffield, that the Book of Mormon is indeed true, a work of scripture, and proof that God exists, that His Church is indeed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that all may come and find the Truth that is Mormonism, come drink from the Water of Life, and not from the befouled and stained water offered by other religions.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

BYU ranked 2nd-most popular school in America

The following is from the article "BYU ranked no. 2 most popular school in America" by Phillip M. Volmar at ldschurchnews.com:

Brigham Young University is the second most popular national university in the country, according to rankings released by U.S. News & World Report earlier this week.

Since 2008, the magazine has ranked schools according to the percentage of university applicants accepted who actually enroll, a statistic called the "yield rate."

Last year, BYU ranked No. 1, ahead of both Harvard and Stanford, respectively.  This year, the Provo school had a yield rate of 74.7 percent, closely edging behind Harvard, which had a 75.5 percent yield.


"Clearly, the majority of our applicants are members of the Church, and they want to be here," said BYU spokesman Todd Hollingshead.  "They want to be here for the academic experience and environment where they share the same standards and values as others."

The No. 2 status comes during a time of spotlight for the Church that the media are calling the "Mormon moment."  The Church, which sponsors Brigham Young University and its sister schools in Idaho and Hawaii, is publicly known for its emphasis on honesty and family values.

"Our graduates have excellent preparation to enter the workforce with integrity," Brother Hollingshead said.

U.S. News also consistently ranks BYU among the top 20 schools for "best value."

According to the magazine, "The higher the quality of the program and the lower the cost, the better the deal."

This year, BYU ranks No. 13 for "best value," with 32.9 percent of students receiving need-based grants and the average discount from the total cost of tuition being 33 percent.


According to BYU's website, tuition for LDS students costs $2,280, an amount that is subsidized by the Church for each enrollee, while non-LDS students pay twice as much.  The BYU website also states that "significant portions of university operating costs are paid with the tithes of Church members."

Speaking to students and others at a BYU-Hawaii groundbreaking event Dec. 17, 2011, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve said, "What you get, you get because of the contributions of people all over the world who will never get a temple or a university in their community."

Among other recognitions, BYU is also nationally known for its foreign language teaching focus, a factor largely attributed to the high population of returned-missionary students.  As students come home from their foreign-speaking missions, they often desire to continue learning the language and opt for classes that meet that need, Brother Hollingshead said.

"A significant portion of language skill acquisition at BYU comes from serving foreign missions," he said, adding that nearly 70 percent of students speak more than one language.  BYU has some 30,000 undergraduates.

In 2010, the Wall Street Journal also ranked BYU graduates No. 11 in the eyes of recruiters.

Bishop's Central Storehouse opens in Salt Lake City, Utah

A new 570,391-square-foot Bishop's Central Storehouse of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been opened in Salt Lake City, Utah.  Located at 5405 W. 300 S., the Bishop's Central Storehouse contains floor space for approximately 63,000 square feet of freezer/cooler/cold dock space; 23,630 square feet for Deseret Transportation, the Church's fleet of Semis used to transport aid; 18,333 square feet of administrative offices; 297,695 square feet of rack-storage space; and 210,884 square feet of bulk-storage space ("New central storehouse opens in S.L.", Deseret News, Friday 27 January 2012).

Many non-members wonder why the Church keeps a Bishop's Storehouse.  The reason for this is to answer fully the scripture which says,

And again, if there shall be properties in the hands of the church, or any individuals of it, more than is necessary for their support after this first consecration, which is a residue to be consecrated unto the bishop, it shall be kept to administer to those who have not, from time to time, that every man who has need may be amply supplied and receive according to his wants.  Therefore, the residue shall be kept in my storehouse, to administer to the poor and the needy, as shall be appointed by the high council of the church, and the bishop and his council . . .And if thou obtainest more than that which would be for thy support, thou shalt give it into my storehouse, that all things may be done according to that which I have said (D&C 42:33-34, 55).

The Church has wealth only because the Lord has ordained The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to save the world, both temporally and spiritually, both the living and the dead.  Only The Church of Jesus Christ can fulfill this mandate, because it is the only religion acknowledged by God as His own.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Prayers in the House of the Lord

Terrestrial Room of the Salt Lake Temple.  Around the Altar is performed an inspired Prayer

The Mormon Eagle at this time wishes to testify of the inspiration contained in the Prayers around the Alters of all the Houses of the Lord on this Earth.  The Prayer around the Alters at the end of the Endowment are sacred, and in every way inspired as if an Apostle of the Lord were praying.  Paul the Apostle uses the words, "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26-27).

Paul here mentions how "we know not what we should pray for as we ought", but that the Spirit whispers to he who is voice in the prayer what we should pray for.  This scripture was fulfilled last night, as I was in the House of the Lord at Provo, Utah.  I take this from the pages of my own Journal for Wednesday 25 January 2012:

I have had a school assignment weighing on my mind, in which I need to write a Literature Review, which compiles historians' interpretation of a particular subject.  I chose 19th Century Mormon Polygamy.  I have no idea what I need to do to make it work.  I have prayed the Lord to help me, and that topic is what was on my mind while inside the Temple tonight.  I learned in the Endowment Ceremony that: 1) I must put forth an effort before I will receive knowledge from the Lord how to do it.  During the True Order of Prayer at the Altar, the officiator prayed that the company may have a special blessing of knowledge they seek tonight.  I know the prayers at the Altars of the Temples are led by the Holy Ghost.

I used to think all the Prayers were the same, but know, through revelation, I know they are inspired from God.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

The return of the "C-Word"

The anti-Mormons are at it again, this time in South Carolina.  According to the Deseret News, Reverend Huey Mills, head of the South Carolina Association of Christian Schools, will not vote for Governor Mitt Romney for President of the United States because Romney's Mormonism "is a cult, most definitely". 

The Mormon Eagle need not respond to an ignorant fool such as Reverend Mills.  However, the Eagle puts forth a question to Mr. Mills: as a Christian, who are you to judge?  Have you not read the Scriptures which saith, "Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works" (James 2:18), and also, "A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit" (Matt. 7:18).  We also have this passage,  

Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil. . . . For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God (Moroni 7:14, 16).

It is evident from your works that you have not applied the scriptures fully, sir.  Let us, therefore, as children of God the Father, and brethren to Jesus the Christ, treat others with mutual respect, kindness, and love, as our Savior would do.  I know Mormons are Christians, for I am one.  I know Jesus is the Christ, and therefore I am Christian in word.  I read the Bible and Book of Mormon daily, and sup from their teachings of Christ, and therefore am a Christian in deed.  Look at active Mormons and judge them as Christians by both their faith and their works, so as to not be shown as a fool.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Staying safe in enemy territory

On Sunday, 22 January 2012, President Boyd K. Packer spoke at the Seminary centennial broadcast held in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.  His theme was how one stays safe in these times of such evil and wickedness.  For this article, The Mormon Eagle will quote President Packer (as found in the Deseret News of Monday 23 January 2012 on page B2), and then will add some inspiration as moved upon by the Spirit of the Lord.

President Packer said, "You are growing up in enemy territory.  When you become mature spiritually, you will understand how the adversary has infiltrated the world around you.  He is in homes, entertainment, the media, language - everything around you.  In most cases, his presence is undetected.  Pornography is just on example."  He spoke of the most desirable and worthwhile things the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can do to stay spiritually strong.

Sensitivity of the Holy Ghost
The Spirit of the Lord is sensitive.  President Packer taught, "You cannot lie or cheat or steal or act immorally and have those [spiritual] channels remain free from disruption.  Do not go where the environment resists spiritual communication.  You can learn to seek the power and direction that is available to you, and then follow that course no matter what."

Let us take President Joseph F. Smith as an example of one whose sensitivity to the Spirit saved him from injury and possibly death.  Once President Smith was riding the train home from the eastern United States.  He was outside on the platform when he heard the Spirit say to him, "Go in and sit down."  He went back into the train, but hesitated a moment, telling himself, "Oh, pshaw, perhaps it is only my imagination."  He then heard the Spirit's voice again say, "Sit down."  Responding without hesitation, President Smith sat down.  No sooner had he done so, when the train's engine and most of the cars lurched from the track.  President Smith, however, was unharmed, although all the rail cars in front of his were smashed up.  President Smith was at this time accompanied by Presiding Bishop Charles W. Nibley, who said the train cars were "jammed up pretty badly."  Concerning the voice of the Spirit, President Smith said, "I have heard that voice a good many times in my life, and I have always profited by obeying it" (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith, p. 265).

We can also take Nephi as one whose daily living allowed him to heed the promptings of the Spirit.  Concerning the trip to get the Brass Plates from Laban, he said, "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do" (1 Nephi 4:6).

Agency and Gender
President Packer said to the youth of the Church,

This matter of gender is of great concern to the Brethren, as are all matters of morality.  A few of you may have felt or been told that you were born with troubling feelings and that you are not guilty if you act on those temptations.  Doctrinally we know that if that were true, your agency would have been erased, and that cannot happen.  You always have a choice to follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and live a morally pure and chaste life, one filled with virtue. . . . You have . . . agency.  Use it wisely to deny acting on any impure impulse or unholy temptation that may come into your mind.  The key word is discipline - self discipline.  The word discipline comes from the word disciple or follower.  Be a disciple/follower of the Savior, and you will be safe (emphasis added).

The Mormon Eagle concurs with President Packer.  The evilness of homosexual relations is spreading across the world.  Currently, the issue of so-called gay marriage is making its way through the state of Washington's Legislature.  This is a travesty that the great nation of the United States and the people within it are sanctioning iniquity under the guise of tolerance.

Latter-day Saints should not, must not, and ultimately cannot tolerate wickedness.  We can be friends with the world, but we must stand strong against the Arch-Deceiver's ploy to "call evil good, and good evil" (Is. 5:20).


I know President Packer is an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, a mighty seer as was the Apostle Paul of old.  The Lord speaks to President Packer and all the other living Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ today.  I know if we follow President Packer's counsel, we will be spiritually safe, and that when the world starts destroying itself because of it's sanctioning of evil, the Mormons will be the only people on Earth not at war with anyone.  In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Kansas City Missouri Temple open house

The open house for the Kansas City Missouri Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will be held from 7-21 April 2012, excluding Sundays.  Admission is free.  On Sunday 6 May 2012, the House of the Lord will be dedicated in three sessions.

Elder Steven E. Snow to become LDS Church Historian and Recorder

 From lds.org/church/news we read, "The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently announced the call of Elder Steven E. Snow of the Presidency of the Seventy as Church Historian and Recorder, a role previously filled by Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy.

"Elder Snow will be released from the Presidency of the Seventy, while Elder Jensen will be released from the First Quorum of the Seventy and given emeritus status at the October 2012 general conference."