The great latter day “pollutions” referred to by Mormon in Mormon 8: 31 are the behaviors of men; not environmental waste. Mormon identifies what those “pollutions” are: “murders, and robbing, and lying, and deceivings, and whoredoms, and all manner of abominations.”
Those are harsh indictments. But it becomes even more harsh when Mormon identifies US as the culprits. He calls us “pollutions.” He tells us we have polluted the “holy Church of God.” That can only mean the Restored Church. Sobering indeed.
“O ye pollutions, ye hypocrites, ye teachers, who sell yourselves for that which will canker, why have ye polluted the holy church of God?” (Mormon 8: 38.) Remember that Mormon saw us. Jesus Christ showed Mormon US. He was in a unique position to accurately tell us what ails us. (Mormon 8: 35.)
So why do we think ourselves in good spiritual condition? Why are we confident we aren’t condemned by the Lord? Why do we presume that as Latter-day Saints we are safe. Why do we think Mormon is talking to all those other churches; churches who will never read his book, and therefore cannot be warned by it? It defies common sense, really.
We are in a lot of trouble. He’s trying to help us. How foolish to think we can line up beside him and point the finger away from ourselves. He won’t let us do that, you know. He’s pointing the finger right at us.
I think it refers to both the condition of people and the environment. The state of the Earth is a window into the hearts of men. Pollution in the environment happens when there is pollution in the hearts of people.
If folks are righteous, then the earth is clean. Indeed, cleanliness is next to godliness.
Our culture has a lack of accountability for our actions which makes it very easy to point fingers. We need to teach our children to take responsibility for their actions and not turn a blind eye to their dishonesty. It’s easy to ignore something, but takes time and effort to hold them accountable and talk to your children about what they did wrong.
With computers and texting we are losing accountability through face to face contact with others. It’s easy to say harsh things over email or text. I sometimes have to keep myself in check by saying “Would I say this if this person was standing in front of me?”
We are SOOOO very much set for the fall as LDS and as a nation. People that can’t see it are in for a rude awakening.
Cleon Skousen’s new book “The Cleansing of America” will sum it up. The Lord’s house first, then the rest.
I just pray I and my family can stay out of the way.
Many of these topics discussed on this blog would benefit the general membership of the church and I long for the day when such teachings could be spoken openly in GC.
After reading Alma 36:14, I learned a new definition of Murder.
“Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.
That is a different way of looking into the word murder.
According to Alma, murder means “leading someone away unto destruction”…. Not the shedding of blood. Could we personally or as a an institution ever be guilty of ever leading anyone away unto destruction? I know that might sound extreme. But read again what Alma thought of his actions after he lead others away. He has inexpressible HORROR. (what if we are to lead someone away just one degree (reminds me of President Uctdorf’s talk)… Do we lead or follow others who possibly might be leading us off by maybe even just 1 degree?
Another word:
Whoredoms: From Websters 1828 dictionary: “ the desertion of the worship of the true God, for the worship of idols. Unfaithfulness to God; idolatry.
So do we have idols today? We sure see enough of idols on television. Are we guilty of commiting whoredoms under this definition which is not necessary of a sexual nature?
One last thought from another eye witness to our days, Nephi, who said that many false churches shall be built up in the last days—They shall teach false and vain and foolish doctrines—Apostasy shall abound because of false teachers. What is this false doctrine? What is the “murdering” or leading someone away unto destruction? What is this vain and foolish doctrine? What is this apostasy?
THIS THE DEFINITION OF APOSTASY: Any doctrine that does NOT teach that salvation comes in and through CHRIST!
If we believe that our church attendance, our temple recommends, or our good works will save us.. to me that is apostasy…
Nephi says and I close with this: “They have ALL gone astray save it be a FEW, who are the humble followers of Christ.”
__________________