Zone1 Who believes (and why) in the Mormon version of black magics, sorcery, and witchcraft

[boevans]

Mormonism, as in all offshoots of the Abrahamic religions, believe in witchcraft, sorcery, and black magic.

Do you believe in some sort of it, and, if so, why?

from the Book of Mormon
Mormon 1: There were 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝘀; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land, even unto the fulfilling of all the words of Abinadi, and also Samuel the Lamanite.

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1958, pp. 589-590:
One of the most evil and wicked sects supported by Satan is that which practices witchcraft, such craft involving as it does actual intercourse with evil spirits. A witch is one who engages in this craft, who practices the black art of magic, who has entered into a compact with Satan, who is a sorcerer or sorceress. Modernly the term witch has been limited in application to women.

There are no witches, of course, in the sense of old hags flying on broomsticks through October skies; such mythology is a modernistic spoofing of a little understood practice that prevailed in all the apostate kingdoms of the past and which even now is found among many peoples.

Lest his people Israel be led to hell by practicing all these abominations – and all of them are part and portion of the craft of witches – the Lord decreed: “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” (Ex. 22:18.) First excommunication and then death by stoning was the penalty. (Lev. 20:6, 27.) It should be noted that the trying, convicting, and executing of so-called witches during the middle ages and in early American history was a wholly apostate and unwarranted practice. It is probable that none, or almost none, of those unhappily dealt with as supposed witches were persons in actual communion with evil spirits. Their deaths illustrate the deadly extremes to which the principles of true religion can be put when administered by uninspired persons.

Witchcraft is one of the “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-20), and in that day when the glory of Israel is fully restored the Lord has promised to cut off witchcrafts and to destroy soothsayers out of the land. (3 Ne. 21:16; Mic. 5:12.)

 

[boevans]

I think so. Too many strange events have happened on the native homelands in our far American west, where I served an LDS mission as a young man.

And back East, can anybody believe the Creek (Musgokee) are anything but strange weird?

 

[Cougarbear]

Mormonism, as in all offshoots of the Abrahamic religions, believe in witchcraft, sorcery, and black magic.

Do you believe in some sort of it, and, if so, why?

from the Book of Mormon
Mormon 1: There were 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝘀; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land, even unto the fulfilling of all the words of Abinadi, and also Samuel the Lamanite.

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1958, pp. 589-590:
One of the most evil and wicked sects supported by Satan is that which practices witchcraft, such craft involving as it does actual intercourse with evil spirits. A witch is one who engages in this craft, who practices the black art of magic, who has entered into a compact with Satan, who is a sorcerer or sorceress. Modernly the term witch has been limited in application to women.

There are no witches, of course, in the sense of old hags flying on broomsticks through October skies; such mythology is a modernistic spoofing of a little understood practice that prevailed in all the apostate kingdoms of the past and which even now is found among many peoples.

Lest his people Israel be led to hell by practicing all these abominations – and all of them are part and portion of the craft of witches – the Lord decreed: “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” (Ex. 22:18.) First excommunication and then death by stoning was the penalty. (Lev. 20:6, 27.) It should be noted that the trying, convicting, and executing of so-called witches during the middle ages and in early American history was a wholly apostate and unwarranted practice. It is probable that none, or almost none, of those unhappily dealt with as supposed witches were persons in actual communion with evil spirits. Their deaths illustrate the deadly extremes to which the principles of true religion can be put when administered by uninspired persons.

Witchcraft is one of the “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-20), and in that day when the glory of Israel is fully restored the Lord has promised to cut off witchcrafts and to destroy soothsayers out of the land. (3 Ne. 21:16; Mic. 5:12.)

I don't think you know how to read and/or comprehend what you read. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not believe in witchcraft, sorcery and black magic. As stated by Elder McConkie, of whom I met personally, stated this fact. We believe in Jesus Christ and all of His works through His priesthood power. Any other power is priestcrafts which are of the devil. Your Book of Mormon quote is when there was much evil in the Americas just before the Savior, Jesus Christ, was crucified. The Book of Mormon is all about the Savior, Jesus Christ and being righteous in all our lives. You are saying the opposite and thus must be wanting unrighteousness to prevail.

 

[lafayette]

I don't think you know how to read and/or comprehend what you read. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not believe in witchcraft, sorcery and black magic. As stated by Elder McConkie, of whom I met personally, stated this fact. We believe in Jesus Christ and all of His works through His priesthood power. Any other power is priestcrafts which are of the devil. Your Book of Mormon quote is when there was much evil in the Americas just before the Savior, Jesus Christ, was crucified. The Book of Mormon is all about the Savior, Jesus Christ and being righteous in all our lives. You are saying the opposite and thus must be wanting unrighteousness to prevail.

Thank you for contradicting yourself.

 

[Cougarbear]

I think so. Too many strange events have happened on the native homelands in our far American west, where I served an LDS mission as a young man.

And back East, can anybody believe the Creek (Musgokee) are anything but strange weird?

Why do you think they are strange weird? Because they do not believe in the things you do? You do know thy did not have TV's, Internet, computers and the knowledge you do, don't you? To them, you would be weird. And, isn't it weird that you would answer your own post because no one else would. Others recognized your post is one of hatred to those you don't understand.

 

[Cougarbear]

Thank you for contradicting yourself.

There is no contradiction whatsoever. Again, you are unable to comprehend what you read.

 

[rampart]

Mormonism, as in all offshoots of the Abrahamic religions, believe in witchcraft, sorcery, and black magic.

Do you believe in some sort of it, and, if so, why?

from the Book of Mormon
Mormon 1: There were 𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗰𝘀; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land, even unto the fulfilling of all the words of Abinadi, and also Samuel the Lamanite.

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 1958, pp. 589-590:
One of the most evil and wicked sects supported by Satan is that which practices witchcraft, such craft involving as it does actual intercourse with evil spirits. A witch is one who engages in this craft, who practices the black art of magic, who has entered into a compact with Satan, who is a sorcerer or sorceress. Modernly the term witch has been limited in application to women.

There are no witches, of course, in the sense of old hags flying on broomsticks through October skies; such mythology is a modernistic spoofing of a little understood practice that prevailed in all the apostate kingdoms of the past and which even now is found among many peoples.

Lest his people Israel be led to hell by practicing all these abominations – and all of them are part and portion of the craft of witches – the Lord decreed: “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” (Ex. 22:18.) First excommunication and then death by stoning was the penalty. (Lev. 20:6, 27.) It should be noted that the trying, convicting, and executing of so-called witches during the middle ages and in early American history was a wholly apostate and unwarranted practice. It is probable that none, or almost none, of those unhappily dealt with as supposed witches were persons in actual communion with evil spirits. Their deaths illustrate the deadly extremes to which the principles of true religion can be put when administered by uninspired persons.

Witchcraft is one of the “works of the flesh” (Gal. 5:19-20), and in that day when the glory of Israel is fully restored the Lord has promised to cut off witchcrafts and to destroy soothsayers out of the land. (3 Ne. 21:16; Mic. 5:12.)

is that in the book of mormon? or old wives tales

 

[lafayette]

Why do you think they are strange weird? Because they do not believe in the things you do? You do know thy did not have TV's, Internet, computers and the knowledge you do, don't you? To them, you would be weird. And, isn't it weird that you would answer your own post because no one else would. Others recognized your post is one of hatred to those you don't understand.

I hate no one, but it reeks in you. Strange things in the native world, and I would not be the first to say it. I am curious. You shed an unsavory presence when you write, which is not what I usually find of LDS priesthood holders.

 

[lafayette]

There is no contradiction whatsoever. Again, you are unable to comprehend what you read.

You show your inability to be self aware with almost every post.

 

[Cougarbear]

I hate no one, but it reeks in you. Strange things in the native world, and I would not be the first to say it. I am curious. You shed an unsavory presence when you write, which is not what I usually find of LDS priesthood holders.

Nonsense! What’s happening is you are getting your hand handed to you. So, you resort to liberal tendencies calling people haters, racists, misogynistic and stuff like that. Why can’t you just stick to the topic?
You claimed the Book of Mormon teaches priestcrafts when it never said that.

 

[Cougarbear]

You show your inability to be self aware with almost every post.

You show your inability to comprehend what you read.

 

[boevans]

is that in the book of mormon? or old wives tales

The Book of Mormon scriptures and Mormon Doctrine, now out of date but still read, are for real.

 

[boevans]

Nonsense! What’s happening is you are getting your hand handed to you. So, you resort to liberal tendencies calling people haters, racists, misogynistic and stuff like that. Why can’t you just stick to the topic?
You claimed the Book of Mormon teaches priestcrafts when it never said that.

You are acting against GA counsel, as you well know. Your post in #5 reeks of what you accuse of me.

Talk to your Bishop or high councilman for the ward. Your spirit is awful.

You may be narcissistic, accusing me of being what is rotting in you.

 

[boevans]

You show your inability to comprehend what you read.

Now you merely are mindlessly chattering chipmunk. Don't be that old fat high priest mumbling at the back of quorum meeting, "Now, in our religion, we believe..." when you cannot articulate what you believe, only hate.

Readers, he is mumbling along because i correct his nonsense every time I see it, and that infuriates him.

 

[Cougarbear]

You are acting against GA counsel, as you well know. Your post in #5 reeks of what you accuse of me.

Talk to your Bishop or high councilman for the ward. Your spirit is awful.

You may be narcissistic, accusing me of being what is rotting in you.

My statement is accurate. You just can’t handle the truth. You attack our beliefs. When we answer you, you get defensive and fall back on liberal behaviors. Those behaviors don’t work anymore. Trump won.

 

[lafayette]

Nonsense! What’s happening is you are getting your hand handed to you. So, you resort to liberal tendencies calling people haters, racists, misogynistic and stuff like that. Why can’t you just stick to the topic?
You claimed the Book of Mormon teaches priestcrafts when it never said that.

The scripture Mormon tells you the writer believes in it.

 

[lafayette]

My statement is accurate. You just can’t handle the truth. You attack our beliefs. When we answer you, you get defensive and fall back on liberal behaviors. Those behaviors don’t work anymore. Trump won.

"We"? How many in your head is there. This had nothing to do with Trump. Are you imbibing?

 

[Cougarbear]

The scripture Mormon tells you the writer believes in it.

It does not! The Book of Mormon is written basically in second grade level English. And, you can’t read it and understand it. Yet, you claim to be a learned man. You should read Isaiah 29 Mr. Learned man

 

[onefour1]

Here is the entire chapter of Mormon 1

The Book of Mormon​

Chapter 1

Ammaron instructs Mormon concerning the sacred records—War commences between the Nephites and the Lamanites—The Three Nephites are taken away—Wickedness, unbelief, sorceries, and witchcraft prevail. About A.D. 321–26.

1 And now I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have both seen and heard, and call it the Book of Mormon.
2 And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe;
3 Therefore, when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this people; and when ye are of that age go to the land Antum, unto a hill which shall be called Shim; and there have I deposited unto the Lord all the sacred engravings concerning this people.
4 And behold, ye shall take the plates of Nephi unto yourself, and the remainder shall ye leave in the place where they are; and ye shall engrave on the plates of Nephi all the things that ye have observed concerning this people.
5 And I, Mormon, being a descendant of Nephi, (and my father’s name was Mormon) I remembered the things which Ammaron commanded me.
6 And it came to pass that I, being eleven years old, was carried by my father into the land southward, even to the land of Zarahemla.
7 The whole face of the land had become covered with buildings, and the people were as numerous almost, as it were the sand of the sea.
8 And it came to pass in this year there began to be a war between the Nephites, who consisted of the Nephites and the Jacobites and the Josephites and the Zoramites; and this war was between the Nephites, and the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites.
9 Now the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites were called Lamanites, and the two parties were Nephites and Lamanites.
10 And it came to pass that the war began to be among them in the borders of Zarahemla, by the waters of Sidon.
11 And it came to pass that the Nephites had gathered together a great number of men, even to exceed the number of thirty thousand. And it came to pass that they did have in this same year a number of battles, in which the Nephites did beat the Lamanites and did slay many of them.
12 And it came to pass that the Lamanites withdrew their design, and there was peace settled in the land; and peace did remain for the space of about four years, that there was no bloodshed.
13 But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people.
14 And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief.
15 And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus.
16 And I did endeavor to preach unto this people, but my mouth was shut, and I was forbidden that I should preach unto them; for behold they had wilfully rebelled against their God; and the beloved disciples were taken away out of the land, because of their iniquity.
17 But I did remain among them, but I was forbidden to preach unto them, because of the hardness of their hearts; and because of the hardness of their hearts the land was cursed for their sake.
18 And these Gadianton robbers, who were among the Lamanites, did infest the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof began to hide up their treasures in the earth; and they became slippery, because the Lord had cursed the land, that they could not hold them, nor retain them again.
19 And it came to pass that there were sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land, even unto the fulfilling of all the words of Abinadi, and also Samuel the Lamanite.

Obviously Mormon is not promoting sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics but is only stating that the wickedness of the people became so wicked that these evil practices were among them. Taking these words out of context and claiming we members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in these evil practices is either a complete misunderstanding on your part or you're bearing false witness against our church. Mormon was a righteous man living in wicked times where the people of his day were practicing much wickedness. That is all that is being said in this chapter regarding sorceries, witchcrafts, and magics.

 

[Cougarbear]

Here is the entire chapter of Mormon 1

The Book of Mormon​

Chapter 1

Ammaron instructs Mormon concerning the sacred records—War commences between the Nephites and the Lamanites—The Three Nephites are taken away—Wickedness, unbelief, sorceries, and witchcraft prevail. About A.D. 321–26.

1 And now I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have both seen and heard, and call it the Book of Mormon.
2 And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age, and I began to be learned somewhat after the manner of the learning of my people) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe;
3 Therefore, when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this people; and when ye are of that age go to the land Antum, unto a hill which shall be called Shim; and there have I deposited unto the Lord all the sacred engravings concerning this people.
4 And behold, ye shall take the plates of Nephi unto yourself, and the remainder shall ye leave in the place where they are; and ye shall engrave on the plates of Nephi all the things that ye have observed concerning this people.
5 And I, Mormon, being a descendant of Nephi, (and my father’s name was Mormon) I remembered the things which Ammaron commanded me.
6 And it came to pass that I, being eleven years old, was carried by my father into the land southward, even to the land of Zarahemla.
7 The whole face of the land had become covered with buildings, and the people were as numerous almost, as it were the sand of the sea.
8 And it came to pass in this year there began to be a war between the Nephites, who consisted of the Nephites and the Jacobites and the Josephites and the Zoramites; and this war was between the Nephites, and the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites.
9 Now the Lamanites and the Lemuelites and the Ishmaelites were called Lamanites, and the two parties were Nephites and Lamanites.
10 And it came to pass that the war began to be among them in the borders of Zarahemla, by the waters of Sidon.
11 And it came to pass that the Nephites had gathered together a great number of men, even to exceed the number of thirty thousand. And it came to pass that they did have in this same year a number of battles, in which the Nephites did beat the Lamanites and did slay many of them.
12 And it came to pass that the Lamanites withdrew their design, and there was peace settled in the land; and peace did remain for the space of about four years, that there was no bloodshed.
13 But wickedness did prevail upon the face of the whole land, insomuch that the Lord did take away his beloved disciples, and the work of miracles and of healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people.
14 And there were no gifts from the Lord, and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any, because of their wickedness and unbelief.
15 And I, being fifteen years of age and being somewhat of a sober mind, therefore I was visited of the Lord, and tasted and knew of the goodness of Jesus.
16 And I did endeavor to preach unto this people, but my mouth was shut, and I was forbidden that I should preach unto them; for behold they had wilfully rebelled against their God; and the beloved disciples were taken away out of the land, because of their iniquity.
17 But I did remain among them, but I was forbidden to preach unto them, because of the hardness of their hearts; and because of the hardness of their hearts the land was cursed for their sake.
18 And these Gadianton robbers, who were among the Lamanites, did infest the land, insomuch that the inhabitants thereof began to hide up their treasures in the earth; and they became slippery, because the Lord had cursed the land, that they could not hold them, nor retain them again.
19 And it came to pass that there were sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics; and the power of the evil one was wrought upon all the face of the land, even unto the fulfilling of all the words of Abinadi, and also Samuel the Lamanite.

Obviously Mormon is not promoting sorceries, and witchcrafts, and magics but is only stating that the wickedness of the people became so wicked that these evil practices were among them. Taking these words out of context and claiming we members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in these evil practices is either a complete misunderstanding on your part or you're bearing false witness against our church. Mormon was a righteous man living in wicked times where the people of his day were practicing much wickedness. That is all that is being said in this chapter regarding sorceries, witchcrafts, and magics.

It would be the same as saying Moses was teaching the people of Israel to do all manner of wickedness when he left them and went up onto Mt. Sinai. This is how antiMormons are able to confuse members of the Church, especially new members.