Leather bound, 100% cotton versions of the new scriptures have arrived and are being distributed. The FOREWORD to Volume 3, the Teachings & Commandments states:

JOSEPH SMITH warned in 1831 that “except the church receive the fullness of the Scriptures that they would yet fall.” The “fullness” was defined as the Book of Mormon, the revelations, and the new, inspired Bible revisions (see Teachings and Commandments 105:13 – 14). Less than one year later, in September 1832, the saints of God were condemned by the Lord and commanded to repent and remember the new covenant, even the Book of Mormon and the former commandments which I have given them, not only to say, but to do according to that which I have written (T&C 82:20). This is often interpreted as the Lord rebuking the saints for failing to do according to that which He had written, while the assumption is made that the saints had been correctly saying what He had written. But the saints did not say; they failed to accurately preserve the revelations that God provided to them, and their texts became corrupted.

This volume of scripture is one of three that together constitute a unified effort to recover what the scriptures originally said and to prune away the uninspired alterations of man. This endeavor began with individuals who were separately directed by God to begin this work and were then inspired to find one another. Eventually two groups were formed, each unknown to the other. As they faced the completion of their respective projects in mid-December of 2016, they became aware of one another, and on December 31, 2016, Denver Snuffer Jr. facilitated a meeting between the two groups, in which they determined to unify their efforts. Each group brought different components to the endeavor that provided for a greater outcome than either project had possessed alone. Moving forward, the united team worked closely with one another, with the Lord, and with the Lord’s servant, and produced a record that is more accurate and more true to the Lord’s intent and to the Restoration.

This edition of scripture stands as a witness to the whole world; it is the sign that the moment has arrived when the things that have been prophesied of in scripture will now occur in a single generation. Mankind doesn’t have to accept the witness, they don’t even have to notice the witness; it’s only required that God send the witness. If He sends the witness, God has done His part. These scriptures are a new witness of Him and a sign of His invitation to renew communication with mankind.

This volume of scripture includes the revelations given to Joseph Smith, Jr., as well as revelations that have come forth in our day. A compilation of Joseph’s revelations were first published in 1833 and titled “Book of Commandments.” An expanded volume, titled “Doctrine and Covenants” (D&C), was published in 1835 — the name-change referred to the division of contents: the “doctrine” was the Lectures on Faith, and the “covenants” were the revelations and instruction that followed. Subsequent editions of the D&C removed the “doctrine” — the Lectures on Faith. This Restoration Edition of Joseph’s revelations has restored the “doctrine” and has been renamed the “Teachings and Commandments” (T&C). This name was chosen to provide a distinction between this book and the D&C (and those groups and churches that accept the D&C as scripture). It is also a reflection of the nature of the contents — Teachings, which instruct and invite, and Commandments, which are required of mankind and are necessary for salvation. This volume of scripture is considered to be a living, expanding canon. People who are in a living covenant with God always have an open canon and expect additional revelation and scripture.

The hand of the Lord has been present in the process of preparing these scriptures. May His Spirit guide you and testify to you as you receive them.

When you get your copy of these new scriptures I would encourage you to read the following parts as you go through each volume: Volume 3: Foreword (reproduced above), CANONIZATION (link provided), PREFACE, INTRODUCTION, Volume 2: FOREWORD TO THE NEW COVENANTS, PREFACE TO THE BOOK OF MORMON, Book of Mormon INTRODUCTION, and Volume 1: PREFACE.

These scriptures are not perfect. The Lord has clearly stated their limitations: “The records you have gathered as scriptures yet lack many of my words, have errors throughout, and contain things that are not of me, because the records you used in your labors have not been maintained nor guarded against the cunning plans of false brethren who have been deceived by Satan.” (T&C 157:12) To improve them the Lord had several unreliable sections removed, and replaced them with new revelations (157:25-32 and 33-43) and also made 5 changes to wording in the Book of Mormon (described in the PREFACE TO THE BOOK OF MORMON (linked above). Once these were added the Lord accepted these scriptures: “I will accept what you have produced and you need not labor further to recover my words, but to complete your labors as you have agreed.” (Id., paragraph 45) These scriptures alone are approved as ‘the Lord’s word to this generation, as the standard for governing ourselves, as a law, and as a covenant, to establish a rule for our faith, and as the expression of our religion, so we may have correct faith and be enabled to worship you in truth.’ (Paraphrase of T&C 156:17)

Despite any shortcomings, these scriptures are given to us as the standard for our religion. They have been described by the Lord in these words: “These scriptures are sent forth to be my warning to the world, my comfort to the faithful, my counsel to the meek, my reproof to the proud, my rebuke to the contentious, and my condemnation of the wicked. They are my invitation to all mankind to flee from corruption, repent and be baptized in my name, and prepare for the coming judgment.” (T&C 177:3)

Having them in an enduring, leather-bound, high quality form is indeed an historic event. But that will be only as true as the benefit that comes from studying the contents. We have something enduring in print quality, and precious in content in our hands to study. Therefore we have some work to do.

The fourth yearly conference focusing on the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith will be held June 26th in Boise, Idaho. A link to the conference website is provided here: RESTORATION CONFERENCE 2021

The conference will feature speakers from various restoration groups including the LDS, Community of Christ, Church of Christ Temple Lot, Church of Christ Bickertonite, JCRB, and other varying branches. The purpose is to allow believers to look back to their past and remember their beginnings as one group united in Christ.

In the final days of Lehi’s life, he gave his concluding guidance to his sons. He included Ishmael’s sons and the servant Zoram in his counsel.

There is a theme that began early in the Book of Mormon, and is repeated often throughout the entire book. Lehi included that theme in his final instructions: “inasmuch as ye shall keep [God’s] commandments, ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep [God’s] commandments, ye shall be cut off from [God’s] presence.” 2 Ne. 1:4

Keeping the commandments and prospering, is contrasted with disobeying the commandments and being “cut off from [God’s] presence.” Lehi goes on to explain how his posterity could keep the commandments and prosper: He tells them to respect their brother, Nephi, who had been faithful in keeping the commandments and therefore God had worked through Nephi to bless the entire family.

Lehi explained: “Rebel no more against your brother, whose views have been glorious, and who hath kept the commandments from the time we left Jerusalem, and who hath been an instrument in the hands of God in bringing us forth into the land of promise; for were it not for him, we must have perished with hunger in the wilderness. Nevertheless, ye sought to take away his life; yea, and he hath suffered much sorrow because of you. And I exceedingly fear and tremble because of you, lest he shall suffer again. For behold, ye have accused him that he sought power and authority over you, but I know that he hath not sought for power nor authority over you, but he hath sought the glory of God and your own eternal welfare.” Id.

He tells his sons Laman, Lemuel and Sam, and all the sons of Ishmael, specifically, “hearken unto the voice of Nephi.” Id., paragraph 5.

He tells Zoram, “I know that thou art a true friend unto my son Nephi for ever. Wherefore, because thou hast been faithful, thy seed shall be blessed with his seed[.]” Id.

He tells his son Jacob, “thy soul shall be blessed, and thou shalt dwell safely with thy brother Nephi, and thy days shall be spent in the service of thy God.” Id., paragraph 6.

Lehi tied keeping the commandments, prospering in the land and not being cut off from God’s presence, to “hearkening to the voice of Nephi.” Lehi anticipated this would be difficult for some of his sons. He told them that they wrongly accused Nephi of seeking power and authority over them. But, Lehi explained, as the father he knew Nephi had not sought for power nor authority over the family, but he only sought the glory of God and the family’s eternal welfare.

Lehi did not want his family to be cut off from God’s presence. To retain God’s presence Lehi knew that his son Nephi, although a younger brother to several sons, was the one who kept the commandments and therefore could teach them what God commanded. “God’s presence” for the family was to be found through what Nephi would teach them. Being “cut off from God’s presence” would result from rejecting their brother, Nephi’s, teaching.

That did not mean once they were cut off that they would not have other, spiritual experiences. The Book of Mormon includes accounts of a number of teachers who were cut off from God’s presence and proceeded to teach vain, foolish, corrupt and destructive messages. Some of them came from “angels” who ministered to them. For example, Sherem said “that he had been deceived by the power of the Devil.” Jacob 5:6. Korihor taught corrupt and evil ideas, but ultimately acknowledged he was deceived by an angel: “the Devil has deceived me, for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel and said unto me, Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me, There is no God. Yea, and he taught me that which I should say, and I have taught his words; and I taught them because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind. And I taught them even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed that they were true.” Alma 16:12.

When people are cut off from the presence of God, they are not necessarily cut off from the presence of false spirits, deceiving ‘angels of light’ and corrupt influences. The consistent result of these false spiritual guides is invariably failing to keep God’s commandments. They ultimately lead to carnal, foolish, vain and proud practices that disobey God’s commandments.

Lehi’s guidance to his posterity was intended to help them keep the commandments of God. He knew that to keep God’s commandments his sons needed to heed a voice that would constantly remind them to keep God’s commandments. Nephi, a preacher of righteousness, was always careful to honor God’s commandments and serve Him.

The theme of keeping God’s commandments to prosper in the land is repeated throughout the Book of Mormon. And it is coupled with the promise that, when we fail to keep the commandments, we are cut off from the presence of God.

America has thrived because of the religious foundation upon which it was established. For the entire existence of the US, an overwhelming majority of the population have worshiped the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, and in turn were blessed by it. Moroni explained how prosperity is secured on the American land: “Behold, this is a choice land; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under Heaven if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ, who has been manifested by the things which we have written.” Ether 1:7

Nephi explained to his brothers how every promised land has been lost by God’s covenant people when they reject God. He taught, “Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; he that is righteous is favored of God. But behold, this people had rejected every word of God, and they were ripe in iniquity, and the fullness of the wrath of God was upon them. And the Lord did curse the land against them and bless it unto our fathers; yea, he did curse it against them unto their destruction, and he did bless it unto our fathers, unto their obtaining power over it. Behold, the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited, and he hath created his children that they should possess it. And he raiseth up a righteous nation and destroyeth the nations of the wicked. And he leadeth away the righteous into precious lands, and the wicked he destroyeth, and curseth the land unto them for their sakes. He ruleth high in the Heavens, for it is his throne, and this earth is his footstool. And he loveth them who will have him to be their God. Behold, he loved our fathers; and he covenanted with them, yea, even Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and he remembered the covenants which he had made; wherefore, he did bring them out of the land of Egypt. And he did straiten them in the wilderness with his rod, for they hardened their hearts, even as ye have; and the Lord straitened them because of their iniquity. He sent flying fiery serpents among them; and after they were bitten, he prepared a way that they might be healed; and the labor which they had to perform were to look. And because of the simpleness of the way, or the easiness of it, there were many who perished. And they did harden their hearts from time to time, and they did revile against Moses and also against God. Nevertheless, ye know that they were led forth by his matchless power into the land of promise.
And now after all these things, the time has come that they have became wicked, yea, nearly unto ripeness. And I know not but they are at this day about to be destroyed, for I know that the day must surely come that they must be destroyed, save a few only, who shall be led away into captivity; wherefore, the Lord commanded my father that he should depart into the wilderness. And the Jews also sought to take away his life; yea, and ye also have sought to take away his life. Wherefore, ye are murderers in your hearts and ye are like unto them. Ye are swift to do iniquity but slow to remember the Lord your God.” 1 Ne. 5:19-21

God blesses, protects and raises up righteous people, and destroys the wicked. All promised lands are cursed for the sake of the wicked, to help them understand their conduct is destructive.

History has repeated the same cycles. But at the end, the Lord promises to interrupt the cycle. The wicked will plan to kill the righteous, but their plans “ shall turn upon their own heads, for they shall war among themselves, and the sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads, and they shall be drunken with their own blood.” 1 Ne. 7:4

Churches have one responsibility: To teach God’s commandments and urge that they be obeyed. Churches have and are failing to do that. Therefore, Nephi and Isaiah both promise us that the time “shall come that all churches which are built up to get gain, and all those who are built up to get power over the flesh, and those who are built up to become popular in the eyes of the world, and those who seek the lusts of the flesh and the things of the world and to do all manner of iniquity — yea, in fine, all those who belong to the kingdom of the Devil — are they who need fear, and tremble, and quake. They are those who must be brought low in the dust, they are those who must be consumed as stubble; and this is according to the words of the prophet.” 1 Ne. 7:5
No one needs to trust in a church with ambitions to get worldly gain. Nor does anyone need to follow a church trying to get power or become popular. And a church with lusts of the flesh (ambition, influence, carnal security, worldliness, immorality, acceptance of sexual confusion) will only lead you into the predicted destruction.
The way to peace is through following God. His commandments save us, both temporally and spiritually. God is the messenger of peace. But we have to choose whether we will heed and obey His message to have peace, or to reject it and dwindle into violence and misery.

The prophecies promise there will be people at the Lord’s return who will not be deceived because they obey His commandments. Hopefully there will be many who choose to do so.

Covid-19 has directly affected me. A friend of mine contracted Covid-19 and lost consciousness in his yard. When the ambulance arrived his blood oxygen was only 20%. He was in a coma for 10 days and then died of multiple organ failure.

Four of our children and their spouses contracted Covid-19 last year. They all had mild symptoms.
Some of my children or their spouses have been vaccinated, and others are decidedly opposed to doing so. I think they all hold strong opinions about the vaccination risks. One son got vaccinated to keep a job. One daughter was fired because she refused to be vaccinated.

The current widespread Covid illness has been used to incite anger and fear. “Mankind has been controlled by the adversary through anger and jealousy, which has led to bloodshed and the misery of many souls.” T&C 157:54 “Fear is not only the opposite of faith, but it contains within it the bitterness of hell (see Genesis 1:4).” Glossary, Fear.

Those members of our family who are local come to our house every Sunday for dinner. There have been numerous discussions, but there has never been an argument during our family get-togethers about vaccinations.

I disagree with many friends about many issues. Recently, I received an email from a friend who disliked a footnote in my Religion of the Fathers paper. After acknowledging our disagreement, I thanked him for his comment, and reassured him of my friendship with him.

Covid-19 has become the battleground for political, social and even religious disagreements. Combatants wrongly call themselves, among other things, “conservative” or “liberal”—both sides are neither. Both sides should be blamed for stirring up anger and fear.

Have you ever listened (or read) media messages while looking only for the emotions of the message? It does not matter which outlet you tune in, each condemns the other with equal indignation. The language is inflammatory. They urge you to be afraid, and to hate the “other side.” People on both sides of the political spectrum are being swept into fear and anger.

It can be avoided. In the closing remarks at the Covenant of Christ Conference, on September 3, 2017, the following warning was given to us all, “Language of scriptures gives a description of the events now underway and calls it the end of the times of the gentiles. This process with the spirit withdrawing will end on this continent, as it did with two prior civilizations in fratricidal and genocidal warfare. For the rest of the world, it will be as in the days of Noah in which, as that light becomes eclipsed, the coldness of men’s hearts is going to result in a constant scene of violence and bloodshed. The wicked will destroy the wicked.”

This pandemic is more notable for the effect it has had on the souls of men than even the many deaths that have been caused. I can only urge you to reflect on the dangers of both fear and anger that Covid-19 has exposed.

There will come a desolating sickness, and it will cause death, both directly and indirectly; directly by the illness itself, and indirectly by the violence resulting from fear and anger of the wicked. Together they will constitute an “overflowing scourge” of judgment, death and violence. “And in that generation shall the times of the gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be men standing in that generation that shall not pass until they shall see an overflowing scourge, for a desolating sickness shall cover the land. But my disciples shall stand in holy places and shall not be moved; but among the wicked, men shall lift up their voices, and curse God, and die.” T&C 31:7

The Lord counseled us, “Study to learn how to respect your brothers and sisters and to come together by precept, reason, and persuasion, rather than sharply disputing and wrongly condemning each other, causing anger. Take care how you invoke my name. Mankind has been controlled by the adversary through anger and jealousy, which has led to bloodshed and the misery of many souls. Even strong disagreements should not provoke anger, nor to invoke my name in vain as if I had part in your every dispute.” T&C 157:54

The world will not be charitable with one another. We must do better if we hope to avoid the coming overflowing scourge.

In June 1981 the CDC published an article about five young, white, previously healthy gay men in Los Angeles who died of a rare lung infection. These young men also had other infections that suggested their immune systems were not functioning. Two died before the publication of the article, and the rest would die shortly thereafter. The same day the article was published a New York doctor called the CDC to report a cluster of cases of a rare and unusually aggressive cancer among gay men in New York and California. Three days later the CDC organized a task force to investigate these opportunistic infections.

In December 1981 a pediatric immunologist was treating five black infants showing signs of severe immune deficiency. Three of the children had mothers involved in the sex industry. The doctor recognized the signs of the same illness affecting gay men, but other colleagues dismissed his diagnosis.

Thus began what the New York Times the following year would label GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency). Their acronym would not last. In September of 1982 the CDC would use the term AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), which would last. This syndrome became extremely controversial because of religious sentiments from conservative Christians who viewed the homosexual association of the disease with God’s disapproving will and judgment. This resulted in the infection become a political issue.

In January 1983 the CDC hosted a conference with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), gay activists and the Red Cross to develop a plan. No consensus was reached about what to do.
In March 1983 the CDC published an article reporting that most cases of AIDS have been reported among gay men with multiple sexual partners, people who inject drugs, Haitians, and people with hemophilia. This stigmatized Haitians for two years, until they were dropped from this list in 1985.

In July 1985 Rock Hudson announced he had AIDS. He died in October 1985, age 59. In August of that year an Indiana teenage hemophiliac, Ryan White, was refused entry to his middle school because of contracting AIDS. His case was impossible to dismiss as a moral judgment by an angry Christian god. Public opinion began to change somewhat. Blood transfusions resulted in many other infections, before a test was developed to screen the blood supply.

These events happened in the early years of the AIDS scare. Make no mistake, it was a “scare” and the responses in those early years were emotional, political, religious and very often foolish. There are many things which were said or written in that time frame which, in retrospect, should embarrass those who were vocal.
It would require time, a great deal more research, many deaths, and much greater maturity before the AIDS health threat was successfully addressed and a form of “remission” achieved. The history of those early years should inform us today about reacting, overreacting, and injudicious temperament about illnesses.

Right now, COVID-19 is in the early “scary” years, and much of what is being said is, like the early days of AIDS, emotional, political, religious, and in the long term destined to be regarded as often foolish. We are in a short season of raw emotion that will pass with time. It gives us a chance to consider how we are individually reacting. Should we be as fearful as we are? Remember, there are still a lot of unknowns. Should we be as judgmental and unkind in our reactions to others about this issue as we are? Should we regard the virus as a political opportunity, or something to arouse political sentiments? Should we regard it as vindicating or undermining the will of God? Why?

Friendships have been and are being undermined because of conflicting opinions about this virus. A great deal of the basis for the current opinions are based upon rumors, suspicions, fears and outright lies. Both ill-informed social media and respected leaders have used this as a wedge issue to divide us. Why are we letting that happen? It is our choice to respond with fear and anger. No matter who is cheerleading the decision to become upset and disaffected with one another, we decide whether to control our emotions and to react deliberatively and charitably. Oftentimes dividing the public into opposing camps is a way to distract and confuse people. It hides other, more important, ongoing irresponsibility happening in law, education, business and government.

There are things we ought to be fearing, but they are not on the front page of news outlets, nor trending on social media

This is the second in a series involving the Covid-19 vaccines:

Before they were released for public use the following trials were conducted with the following results for the three versions of the vaccines: Pfizer: A total of 43,548 participants underwent randomization, of whom 43,448 received injections: 21,720 with BNT162b2 and 21,728 with placebo. A two-dose regimen of BNT162b2 conferred 95% protection against Covid-19 in persons 16 years of age or older.
Moderna: The trial enrolled 30,420 volunteers who were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either vaccine or placebo (15,210 participants in each group). The mRNA-1273 vaccine showed 94.1% efficacy at preventing Covid-19 illness, including severe disease.
Johnson & Johnson: The per-protocol population included 19,630 SARS-CoV-2–negative participants who received Ad26.COV2.S and 19,691 who received placebo. A single dose of Ad26.COV2.S protected against symptomatic Covid-19 and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection and was effective against severe–critical disease, including hospitalization and death.

The present state of testing for these is called Phase 4. Data is now being gathered through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to evaluate how these drugs interact in a much larger population.

All of these vaccines have adverse events being reported. An “adverse event” does not automatically mean cause-and-effect. For example, Hank Aaron received a much-publicized injection of the vaccine and died two weeks later. The Fulton County Medical Examiner attributed his death to a stroke, and therefore natural causes unrelated to the vaccine. Locally, this week a healthy 17-year-old high school basketball player received a vaccine shot and then began developing blood clots. He has been hospitalized and his case has received national attention in some media outlets.

In Wisconsin a 16-year-old girl received the vaccine and died shortly after receiving the second injection. This was reported on VAERS, but like Hank Aaron and the Draper basketball player, how and if there is a cause-and-effect will have to be investigated. It is possible all these and many more reported adverse events are unrelated to the vaccines they received.

Numerous drugs have passed clinical trials and entered into public distribution. Over time reports of adverse events accumulate, are investigated, and cause-and-effect is established. Then the drug is recalled, and oftentimes litigation follows. Fen-Phen, a weight loss drug, was on the market for 24 years before its danger was adequately proven. It was shown to cause potentially fatal pulmonary hypertension and heart valve problems.

Seldane was sold for 13 years before being removed from the US market. It caused potentially fatal disruption in heart rhythms.

Vioxx was an arthritis treatment marketed for 5 years. But it was linked to thousands of fatal heart-attacks and recalled.

Acutane is now known to cause birth defects. Zantac has been linked to cancer.

Perhaps the most notorious recall is Thalidomide. It was the only non-barbiturate sedative known at the time, and this gave the drug massive appeal. When it was discovered to help with morning sickness for pregnant women, many women took it for that purpose. The drug caused numerous horrific birth defects. These deformed children were so numerous and tragic in America that Thalidomide is mentioned in Billy Joel’s lyrics in his song We Didn’t Start the Fire. The lyrics survey significant historic events from the time of Billy Joel’s birth in 1949 until the year the song was written in 1989.

All of these drugs were “safe and effective” until enough data was gathered to show a cause-and-adverse-effect. Then they were dangerous. There are many other similarly recalled drugs, whose adverse effects could not be established until widely distributed and used.

Right now it is possible the three vaccines being administered are indeed safe and effective. But there are obviously those who fear otherwise. Eventually, the VAERS reports will be investigated, and perhaps there will be a cause-and-effect established that leads to a revised opinion from the health community. Or, it may prove that some or all of these vaccines are indeed altogether safe and effective. How any given individual evaluates the risks of receiving or refusing the offered vaccine should be their health choice. An intelligent person could very much want to get the vaccine, and should not be condemned or called foolish for that choice. But an equally intelligent person could decide to delay or refuse the vaccine, and they should also not be condemned or called foolish for the opposite choice.

Why has this choice become a charged, divisive issue today? Think about that, and in the next post I’ll suggest some reasons to consider.

There’s a title intended to make you curious. But, really, what the hell is going on with the COVID-19 vaccination? I’m not a doctor. But I am a lawyer. And lawyers sue doctors and pharmaceutical companies all the time when they screw up and injure people. Even if they do so negligently with the best of intentions, lawyers sue these health professionals.

As a result of the injuries caused while providing health care, the medical industry has chosen to shift the risk from themselves to those they treat through warnings. If you are warned, and you choose to proceed, then if there is an injury you assumed the risk. You can’t blame anyone for the injury you chose to accept.

These warning labels are because of the lawyers. Here are a few examples of warnings on common products you and your children have probably taken (or received) in the normal course of your life:

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C): You should not use ascorbic acid if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a vitamin C supplement. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about using ascorbic acid if you have: kidney disease or a history of kidney stones; hereditary iron overload disorder (hematochromatosis); or if you smoke (smoking can make ascorbic acid less effective). Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are breast-feeding a baby. Do not use ascorbic acid without your doctor’s advice in either case.
Aspirin: You should not use aspirin if you have a bleeding disorder such as hemophilia, a recent history of stomach or intestinal bleeding, or if you are allergic to an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Orudis, Indocin, Lodine, Voltaren, Toradol, Mobic, Relafen, Feldene, and others. Do not give this medication to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, or chickenpox. Salicylates can cause Reye’s syndrome, a serious and sometimes fatal condition in children.
Benadryl: You should not use Benadryl to make a child sleepy. When taking Benadryl, use caution driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Diphenhydramine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking Benadryl. Do not give this medication to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.
Vitamin E: Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use vitamin E if you have other medical conditions, especially: anemia (low red blood cells); a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia; liver disease; kidney disease; any allergies; an eye disorder called retinitis pigmentosa; a vitamin K deficiency; high cholesterol or triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood); diabetes; a history of cancer; a history of stroke or blood clot; or if you need surgery, or have recently had surgery. FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether vitamin E will harm an unborn baby. Taking vitamin E in amounts that do not exceed the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) is considered safe; however, supplementation is not generally recommended unless dietary vitamin E falls below the RDA. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are pregnant. It is not known whether vitamin E passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine without a doctor’s advice if you are breast-feeding a baby. Your dose needs may be different during pregnancy or while you are nursing.

Here are the same kinds of warnings you get for childhood vaccines we may have all received:

Measles: Applies to measles virus vaccine: subcutaneous powder for injection. Local:
Local side effects have included injection site burning/stinging, wheal and flare, erythema, swelling, and vesiculation. Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reactions have included anaphylaxis, anaphylactoid reactions, angioneurotic edema (including peripheral or facial edema), and bronchial spasm. Cardiovascular: Cardiovascular side effects have included vasculitis. Dermatologic: Dermatologic side effects have included Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, erythema multiforme, urticaria, and rash. Gastrointestinal: Gastrointestinal side effects have included diarrhea. Hematologic: Hematologic side effects have included thrombocytopenia, purpura, regional lymphadenopathy, and leukocytosis. Musculoskeletal: Musculoskeletal side effects have included arthralgia and/or arthritis (usually transient and rarely chronic), polyneuritis, myalgia, paresthesia, and rarely chronic arthritis; these symptoms may also occur with natural rubella. Nervous system: Nervous system side effects have included measles inclusion body encephalitis (MIBE), encephalopathy, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), febrile convulsions, afebrile convulsions or seizures, ataxia, and ocular palsies. Significant central nervous system reactions such as encephalitis and encephalopathy have been very rarely temporally associated with measles vaccine (occurring within 30 days after vaccination); however, causality has not been determined in any case. A certain number of encephalitis cases unrelated to vaccines is expected to occur in a large childhood population; however, there is the possibility that some of these cases may have been caused by measles vaccine. The risk of measles vaccine-associated serious neurological disorders is much smaller than the risk for encephalitis and encephalopathy due to natural measles. Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) has been very rarely reported in children after measles vaccination. Some of these cases may have been due to unrecognized measles during the first year of life or possibly due to the measles vaccination. The results of a retrospective case-controlled study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest that measles vaccine has had the overall effect of protecting against SSPE by preventing measles with its greater risk of SSPE.
Mumps Vaccine also carries warnings about side effects that include risks of local injury, hypersensitivity, cardiovascular, dermatologic, endocrine, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, hematological, nervous system, ocular, and respiratory. (I’m omitting the details for each of these categories.)
Rubella Vaccine has similar potential side effects and warnings as measles and mumps, and also adds additional warnings about musculatoskeletal risks and and even deafness.

We know about the risks for these products because human trials allowed us to learn about the side effects through control groups (who do not receive the medication/vaccination) and those who are tested. Large samples over years of testing allow the risks to be identified. Not everyone is susceptible to each risk, and some people are more likely to suffer from specific side effects than others.

Unlike all other compounds, vitamins, medications and vaccines, this is what we are told about the COVID-19 vaccine (which has not undergone human trial testing-unless you consider what is happening at present to be that test): Covid-19 risks: COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. You may have side effects after vaccination, but these are normal.

How can that be? There is nothing yet documented to justify the claim it is safe, so why tell us that? What does it mean that something has “normal” side effects?

I’m hoping you ask yourself: “What the hell is going on?” (Rather than just trust the appeal to emotions, shaming, and social pressure used today to influence a health decision.) Think this through for yourself. And choose wisely. But if someone makes a different choice than you, refrain from using emotion, shame and social pressure to confront them. Let them go in peace. Every person has the right to choose to be vaccinated, and to choose against it. And every person has the right to then live with the consequences of their choice.

One last matter for you to consider: Because all these vaccinations were developed with emergency authorization, and normal FDA requirements were waived, the pharmaceutical companies are not liable for any injuries caused by the vaccines. Even if they tell you they are “safe and effective” and the vaccines later prove to be neither safe nor effective, you can’t sue the manufacturer.

I’ve been thinking about a statement made by the Lord in the Answer to Prayer for Covenant. We have been told, “Even a single soul who stirs up the hearts of others to anger can destroy the peace of all my people.” T&C 157:19

That is a sobering thought. The peace of a whole community can be destroyed by a single individual.

It is little wonder the scriptures report of so few places of peace and unity.

When believers were driven away from the designated gathering place in 1833, the Lord explained their failure: “Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore, by these things they polluted their inheritances. They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God, therefore the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble. In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel, but in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.” T&C 101:2

As I think about it, the voice of the Lord tells us how to conduct ourselves. Some of our behavior seems to reflect very light esteem for His counsel.

I know the Lord is determined to fulfill His covenants, the prophecies, and keep His word. But if a single soul can disrupt all the people (and he/she can), then there are only two ways I can see the Lord accomplishing His work. The first would be for Him to be selective about who He gathers. The second would be to send “the day of trouble” again to humble people enough to change their pride into humility.

He is watching us, and taking note of our conduct. I’m assuming the first choice will be the one the Lord follows. At least initially. Then, later, maybe the second will be added.

We are facing many serious issues that are being ignored. Instead of dealing with directly relevant challenges that we now face, education, news, governmental and entertainment opinion-leaders urge us to focus on divisive side-issues.

There are very small and extreme groups who use social media to influence the larger population. This is organized and intended to misrepresent public reaction in order to sway opinion. It is unfortunately effective. We are fed a constant stream of misrepresentations, deceptions and distractions to occupy our attention. We have all become “Nero” while “Rome is burning.”

There is a fog of lies so deep, widespread and effective that even the very elect have a challenge to remember what matters most.

The left-leaning media and politicians accuse conservatives of being an actual threat to peace and order. And the right-leaning media outlets engage in a constantly shrill counter-attack accusing “liberals” of being a threat to freedom. The objective of both left and right is to stir up anger against our fellow-man.

Anger distracts us. In a July 2017 revelation the Lord described this condition and urged us to avoid engaging in the angry current social disorder: “Study to learn how to respect your brothers and sisters and to come together by precept, reason, and persuasion, rather than sharply disputing and wrongly condemning each other, causing anger. Take care how you invoke my name. Mankind has been controlled by the adversary through anger and jealousy, which has led to bloodshed and the misery of many souls. Even strong disagreements should not provoke anger, nor to invoke my name in vain as if I had part in your every dispute.” T&C 157:54

We are being distracted as a very dangerous tactic. Leaders who incite anger run the risk of leading us into “bloodshed and the misery of many souls.” Even if we disagree with one another, strong political disagreements should never be allowed to “provoke anger, nor to invoke [God’s] name in vain, as if [He] had part in our every dispute.” We do that. It should end.

I’ve heard perplexed news reporters, commentators and politicians say that many of our national government’s decisions are inexplicably stupid. One new book attempts to explain the course the United States is taking. It is methodical and deliberate, not random and inadvertent. I read an advance copy of the book and can recommend it as a very good read.

The book is now available through a number of outlets. You can see how to order Irresistible Revolution HERE.

If the money supply outstrips the increase of goods and services then the value of money decreases. The growth of the money supply when the national output is either steady or declining will result in money having less value or inflation. Things will cost more.

The United States money supply has increased under both Republican (Trump) and Democrat (Biden) administrations as national debt has soared by trillions of newly printed dollars to cope with the “Covid-19 emergency.” That increase of the money supply started by Trump continues unabated by his successor.

Inflation is inevitable. It is impossible for the Federal Reserve Bank to hold interest rates as low as they are now. We are likely to see a significant increase in inflation, interest rates, and related economic troubles because these foolish decisions have been made before and the outcome is predictable.

Foolish choices are not being made, but instead we are seeing deliberate efforts to accomplish an outcome for the United States. Irresistible Revolution explains the long history that has led to current circumstances.

Former LDS Assistant Historian and BYU faculty member D. Michael Quinn died last evening. He was an important and prolific writer whose contributions were not always welcome in the community he served. When I first read his work I thought him a heretic, writing agenda-driven and unreliable assortments of anti-Mormon tripe. His writing drove me to find and read the primary sources rather than the “faithful histories” I relied on as an LDS convert. The more I became acquainted with the primary sources, the more I realized Michael’s conclusions were not only reasonable, but in many ways more truthful than the LDS orthodox “faithful histories.”

His writing resulted in his excommunication from the LDS church. But even before my own excommunication, I didn’t hold that against him. Like me he never doubted the authenticity of the restoration or the Divine calling of Joseph Smith. He was just more willing to pursue a truthful telling of the restoration than was willing to submit to church dictates, when they conflicted.

His writing drove me to acquire a new library of Mormon historical sources and to research more deeply into the life, ministry, and teachings of Joseph Smith, as well as what happened to the faith following Joseph’s death. Michael was and always will be a watershed figure in Mormon history. I am indebted to and grateful for his important life’s work.

I did not agree with all of his conclusions. We shared dinner one evening and discussed our differences on the issue of plural marriage. He was engaging, interesting, and open to examining ideas that challenged his own. I doubt he could have produced as much important material if he were not open to other’s ideas.

He cannot be replaced. He will be missed.

Nephi received an extended tutorial from an angel that resulted in prophecy about events now happening. The prophecy mentions “other books” that would come by the power of the Lamb of God to the gentiles. 1 Ne. 3:24

At the time the Book of Mormon was translated and published in 1829-1830 there was nothing available to help Joseph Smith and early believers understand what these “other books” would include. Work on the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible would not begin until June 1830. Work on the Book of Abraham would not begin until July 1835. Neither of these would be finished for many years following the Book of Momon translation and publication. Yet the Nephi prophecy anticipated both of these, and more. The Teachings & Commandments include two centuries of additional material provided by the power of the Lamb of God to the gentiles from 1820 to 2019.

The purpose of these other books is to convince three groups of today’s people. Nephi explains they are: “unto the convincing of the gentiles, and the remnant of the seed of my brethren, and also the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the earth, that the records of the prophets and of the twelve apostles of the Lamb are true.” These “other books” are to first persuade the gentiles, so they will undertake the effort required to bring them to the other two groups.

The second group are “the remnant of the seed of my brethren” or the Native American descendants living today. Although a poor effort has been attempted in the past, we are today actively working to bring these records to the second group.

The third group are “the Jews who were scattered upon all the face of the earth.” Essentially no effort has been made in the past to accomplish this work. But we are now also actively working to accomplish this as well.

The objective of the records is explained by Nephi: “These last records which thou hast seen among the gentiles shall establish the truth of the first, which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them, and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father and the Savior of the world, and that all men must come unto him or they cannot be saved.”

There needed to be a Savior. The Jewish Messiah was and is the only one who can save all mankind. The twelve apostles who accompanied Him in His mortality at Jerusalem testified that He lived, sacrificed His life, and rose from the grave. He promised to likewise raise all mankind from the grave and reverse the fall of Adam. They testified that His blood was shed for all sin, and to fully reconcile mankind to God.

Just as Nephi foretold, the “other books” not only confirm the testimony of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, but also make known many plain and precious things that have been removed from existing scripture. The Book of Mormon and “other books” combine to restore plain and precious truths we need to understand. They help us awaken and arise, and flee from the coming wrath.  

This weekend is associated with the death and resurrection of the rejected Messiah, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. The One whose shed blood was foreshadowed in the Passover and the Day of Atonement rites.

He was wounded for our transgressions. The chastisement of our peace was put upon Him.

His apparent defeat on the cross was turned into triumph by His resurrection. That triumph was not only His but all mankind’s. We have every reason to rejoice this coming Sunday. He who was slain lives. Though we will die, we, too, will live again. He intends to wipe away every tear, and bring us forth rejoicing.

Spring awakens nature, and new life springs from the ground, the trees, and the animal kingdom. All the world breaks out in its symbolic testimony confirming that the Messiah brings new life for all of this creation.

He suffered terribly, enduring more than any man could endure. And He secured a triumph greater than any man could achieve.

We returned from the conference in Aravada Springs. A transcript of the talk I gave at the conference is now available for download here: Religion of the Fathers

The setting was beautiful and the conference was well organized. I appreciate the invitation and opportunity to speak. The conference is continuing today and this next week (but I had to return for work tomorrow).