Introduction to the New TestamentIntroduction to the New Testament

Testament means covenantTestament means covenant. .

C.S. Lewis warned us about saying the really foolish thing C.S. Lewis warned us about saying the really foolish thing that people often say about (the Lord):that people often say about (the Lord):

““I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God. That is the one thing don’t accept His claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on a level with teacher. He would either be a lunatic - on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would the man who says he is a poached egg - or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon; or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not at His feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”He did not intend to.”

http://vimeo.com/15034110

It does not surprise me that Satan would It does not surprise me that Satan would thus try to influence the painting of thus try to influence the painting of pictures of a Jesus Satan never saw. Satan pictures of a Jesus Satan never saw. Satan encountered no effeminate Lord on the encountered no effeminate Lord on the Mount of Temptation. Satan did not go up Mount of Temptation. Satan did not go up against a frail Lord in the preexistence, nor against a frail Lord in the preexistence, nor was he dispatched out of the presence of a was he dispatched out of the presence of a fragile Lord. Indeed, the Lord whom Satan fragile Lord. Indeed, the Lord whom Satan often has had represented in religious art is often has had represented in religious art is just the opposite of that Being of whom he just the opposite of that Being of whom he is so fearfully jealous. There is not truth in is so fearfully jealous. There is not truth in Lucifer’s art (Neal A. Maxwell, Lucifer’s art (Neal A. Maxwell, Deposition of Deposition of a Disciplea Disciple, 59-60)., 59-60).

President David O. McKay, a latter-day President David O. McKay, a latter-day prophet saidprophet said: :

“ “What you sincerely in your heart think of What you sincerely in your heart think of Christ will determine what you are, will Christ will determine what you are, will largely determine what your acts will be. largely determine what your acts will be. No person can study this divine personality, No person can study this divine personality, can accept his teachings without becoming can accept his teachings without becoming conscious of an uplifting and refining conscious of an uplifting and refining influence within himself...“Members of the influence within himself...“Members of the Church of Christ are under obligation to Church of Christ are under obligation to make the sinless Son of Man their ideal - make the sinless Son of Man their ideal - the one perfect being who ever walked the the one perfect being who ever walked the earth” (C.R., Apr., 1951, 93, 98).earth” (C.R., Apr., 1951, 93, 98).

What is the Gospel? What is the Gospel?

““What is the gospel then?...So What is the gospel then?...So often I hear my brethren saying often I hear my brethren saying something that I wish we would something that I wish we would not say quite that way - that the not say quite that way - that the gospel is a way of life. It is not a gospel is a way of life. It is not a way of life - it is the way to eternal way of life - it is the way to eternal life. life. It is the science of salvationIt is the science of salvation” ” (Harold B. Lee, C.R., April, 1959, (Harold B. Lee, C.R., April, 1959, 68).68).

Gospel - means God news, or Good Gospel - means God news, or Good news! news!

Brigham Young said, “The Gospel of the Brigham Young said, “The Gospel of the Son of God that has been revealed is a Son of God that has been revealed is a plan or system of laws and ordinances, by plan or system of laws and ordinances, by strict obedience to which the people who strict obedience to which the people who inhabit this earth are assured that they inhabit this earth are assured that they may return again into the presence of the may return again into the presence of the Father and the Son” (Father and the Son” (JDJD, 13, 233)., 13, 233).

The perceptions necessary for The perceptions necessary for the ultimate diagnosis of the ultimate diagnosis of human ills are, in my judgment, human ills are, in my judgment, contained in the Gospel of contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Some secular Jesus Christ. Some secular prescriptions, ironically, would prescriptions, ironically, would amount to giving mankind an amount to giving mankind an aspirin when surgery is aspirin when surgery is required (Neal A. Maxwell, required (Neal A. Maxwell, A A Time To ChooseTime To Choose, 15)., 15).

Granted there is not full Granted there is not full correlation among the four correlation among the four Gospels about the events and Gospels about the events and participants at the empty participants at the empty garden tomb. Yet the garden tomb. Yet the important thing is that the tomb important thing is that the tomb was empty, because Jesus had was empty, because Jesus had been resurrected! Essence, not been resurrected! Essence, not tactical detail! (Neal A. Maxwell, tactical detail! (Neal A. Maxwell, EnsignEnsign, November 1984, 11)., November 1984, 11).

Why we are not considered Why we are not considered Christians by the WorldChristians by the World!!

1. We do not come from the traditional Catholic 1. We do not come from the traditional Catholic or or Protestant line.Protestant line.

2. We do not believe in “The Trinity.”2. We do not believe in “The Trinity.”

3. Our unusual doctrines.3. Our unusual doctrines.

Concerning mainstream Christianity, they Concerning mainstream Christianity, they say: “You’re not like us, and we say, you’re say: “You’re not like us, and we say, you’re right, and we don’t want to be!”right, and we don’t want to be!”

John TaylorJohn Taylor

Quiet Christianity is a necessary Quiet Christianity is a necessary counterpoint to the rumble of the counterpoint to the rumble of the kettle drums and the crash of kettle drums and the crash of cymbals of those Christian acts cymbals of those Christian acts which are, by their very nature, which are, by their very nature, visible and hard to ignore. We also visible and hard to ignore. We also need the behavioral equivalent of need the behavioral equivalent of the flute and the violin in order to the flute and the violin in order to have the kind of symphony that can have the kind of symphony that can make a difference in mortality (Neal make a difference in mortality (Neal A. Maxwell, A. Maxwell, A Time to ChooseA Time to Choose, 28)., 28).

By organizing our concern we By organizing our concern we become more involved, more become more involved, more effectively involved, enlarging our effectively involved, enlarging our circles of concern. Otherwise, we circles of concern. Otherwise, we might become mere “checkbook-might become mere “checkbook-Christians,” contributing money Christians,” contributing money but not involving ourselves with but not involving ourselves with others, and “checkbook-others, and “checkbook-Christianity” is simply monetary Christianity” is simply monetary monasticism (Neal A. Maxwell…”A monasticism (Neal A. Maxwell…”A More Excellent Way, 12).More Excellent Way, 12).

Doctrine of the Holy Trinity Fundamental to the Catholic and Protestant faiths is the Fundamental to the Catholic and Protestant faiths is the acceptance of the God of their creeds. acceptance of the God of their creeds. Known to us Known to us today as the doctrine of the Holy Trinitytoday as the doctrine of the Holy Trinity, this teaching , this teaching first found formal expression in the first found formal expression in the Nicene CreedNicene Creed and and then in its successor, the then in its successor, the Athanasian CreedAthanasian Creed. It reads as . It reads as follows: follows:

““We worship one God in trinity and trinity in unity; We worship one God in trinity and trinity in unity; neither confounding the persons; nor dividing the neither confounding the persons; nor dividing the substance. For there is one person of the Father: substance. For there is one person of the Father: another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one: the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal.Ghost, is all one: the glory equal, the majesty co-eternal.

““Such as the Father is: such is the Son: and such is the Such as the Father is: such is the Son: and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreate: the Son uncreate: and Holy Ghost. The Father uncreate: the Son uncreate: and the Holy Ghost uncreate. The Father incomprehensible: the Holy Ghost uncreate. The Father incomprehensible: the Son incomprehensible: and the Holy Ghost the Son incomprehensible: and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible.incomprehensible.

““So the Father is God: the Son is God: and the So the Father is God: the Son is God: and the Holy Ghost is God; And yet they are not three Holy Ghost is God; And yet they are not three Gods: but one God. So likewise the Father is Gods: but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord: The Son is Lord: and the Holy Ghost is Lord: The Son is Lord: and the Holy Ghost is Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity: to acknowledge every person Christian verity: to acknowledge every person by himself to be God and Lord: so are we by himself to be God and Lord: so are we forbidden by the Catholic religion: to say, there forbidden by the Catholic religion: to say, there be three Gods, or three Lords” (Smith, be three Gods, or three Lords” (Smith, Restoration of All ThingsRestoration of All Things, 49)., 49).

The Nicene Creed is not found in any GospelThe Nicene Creed is not found in any Gospel. It . It derives from no utterance of Christ nor from the derives from no utterance of Christ nor from the words of any of His Apostles. It directly words of any of His Apostles. It directly contradicts the plain language of the New contradicts the plain language of the New Testament. Testament.

Its ideas can’t even be expressed in Its ideas can’t even be expressed in scriptural language; they are cloaked in scriptural language; they are cloaked in that of the Greek philosophy from whence that of the Greek philosophy from whence they came. Its best defense is the they came. Its best defense is the admission that it is a mystery and as such admission that it is a mystery and as such is indefensible. is indefensible.

Of the Athanasian CreedOf the Athanasian Creed, which was , which was formulated about a century after the formulated about a century after the Nicene Creed, Nicene Creed, James E. Talmage saidJames E. Talmage said, , ““It would be difficult to conceive of a It would be difficult to conceive of a greater number of inconsistencies and greater number of inconsistencies and contradictions expressed in words as contradictions expressed in words as fewfew” (” (Articles of FaithArticles of Faith, 44)., 44).

Parley P. Pratt would observe when once the light Parley P. Pratt would observe when once the light of the restored gospel had risen: of the restored gospel had risen:

““It is painful to the human mind to be compelled It is painful to the human mind to be compelled to admit that such wonderful inconsistencies of to admit that such wonderful inconsistencies of language or ideas have ever found place in any language or ideas have ever found place in any human creed. Yet, so it is. human creed. Yet, so it is. It is but another way It is but another way of saying that there is a God who does not exist, of saying that there is a God who does not exist, a God who is composed of non-entity, who is the a God who is composed of non-entity, who is the negative of all existence, who occupies no space, negative of all existence, who occupies no space, who exists in no time, who is composed of no who exists in no time, who is composed of no substance, known or unknown, and who has no substance, known or unknown, and who has no powers or properties in common with any thing powers or properties in common with any thing or being known to exist or which can possibly be or being known to exist or which can possibly be conceived of as existing either in the heavens or conceived of as existing either in the heavens or on the earthon the earth” (” (KeyKey, 18)., 18).

The following is a literal translation, as published by the The following is a literal translation, as published by the Nicene Creed then adopted:Nicene Creed then adopted:

““We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of We believe in one God the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus all things visible and invisible; and in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten of the Father, that is, of the Christ, the only begotten of the Father, that is, of the substance of the Father, God of God, begotten not substance of the Father, God of God, begotten not made, of the same substance with the Father, through made, of the same substance with the Father, through whom all things were made both in heaven and on whom all things were made both in heaven and on earth; who for us men and for our salvation descended, earth; who for us men and for our salvation descended, was incarnate, and was made man, suffered and rose was incarnate, and was made man, suffered and rose again the third day, ascended into heaven and cometh again the third day, ascended into heaven and cometh to judge living and dead. And in the Holy Ghost. Those to judge living and dead. And in the Holy Ghost. Those who say: There was a time when He was not, and He who say: There was a time when He was not, and He was not before He was begotten; and that He was was not before He was begotten; and that He was made out of nothing; or who maintain that He is of made out of nothing; or who maintain that He is of another hypostasis or another substance (than the another hypostasis or another substance (than the Father), or that the Son of God is created, or mutable, Father), or that the Son of God is created, or mutable, or subject to change, (them) the Catholic Church or subject to change, (them) the Catholic Church anathematizes.”anathematizes.”

The Nicene CreedThe Nicene CreedConstantine called a council of Catholic bishops Constantine called a council of Catholic bishops to meet at Nicaea in 325 A.D. Their work was to meet at Nicaea in 325 A.D. Their work was to adopt a creed which would settle the then to adopt a creed which would settle the then politically explosive problem of the Arianism — politically explosive problem of the Arianism — a concept that the Son had been created by the a concept that the Son had been created by the Father, was subordinate to him, and was Father, was subordinate to him, and was therefore unequal as to eternity, power, and therefore unequal as to eternity, power, and glory.glory.

The Council was opened by Constantine. The Council was opened by Constantine. He He made sure that all the Bishops had taken their made sure that all the Bishops had taken their seats before making his entry. He was clad in seats before making his entry. He was clad in gold and covered with precious stones. A chair gold and covered with precious stones. A chair of gold had been made ready for himof gold had been made ready for him..

The current version of this The current version of this creed is called the Niceno-creed is called the Niceno-Constantinopolitan Creed Constantinopolitan Creed and was probably adopted and was probably adopted by the Council of by the Council of Constantinople in 381 A.D. Constantinople in 381 A.D. ((Catholic EncyclopediaCatholic Encyclopedia, vol. , vol. 11, 49-50).11, 49-50).

The “Gospels” cover about 31 The “Gospels” cover about 31 days of the Saviors life.days of the Saviors life.

The The Synoptic GospelsSynoptic Gospels, which , which mean, taken from the same point mean, taken from the same point of view include of view include Matthew, Mark, Matthew, Mark, and Lukeand Luke..

Johns account seems to have Johns account seems to have been an independent source.been an independent source.

GospelGospel                                                          ExclusiveExclusive                                  CommonCommon

Mark 7% 93%Mark 7% 93% Matthew 42% 58%Matthew 42% 58% Luke 59% 41%Luke 59% 41% John 92% 8%John 92% 8%

LanguageLanguage                      

Old Testament      Old Testament       =   =    HebrewHebrewNew Testament     New Testament      =  =   Greek and Greek and

AramaicAramaic

Time-lineTime-line

Moses 1300 B.CMoses 1300 B.C David 1000 B.C.                                  David 1000 B.C.                                   AssyriaAssyria Babylonian, 587 B.C. (Lehi leaves)             Babylonian, 587 B.C. (Lehi leaves)             

BabylonBabylon Ezra, 520 B.C.                                           Ezra, 520 B.C.                                            PersiaPersia (Turns the people from idles to Law of Moses)   (Turns the people from idles to Law of Moses)   

(fall to Alexander the Great) (fall to Alexander the Great) Alexander the Great, 333 B.C.                   Alexander the Great, 333 B.C.                   

HelenisticHelenistic Roman Empire, 60 B.C.                             Roman Empire, 60 B.C.                              RomansRomans Christ, A.D.                                             Christ, A.D.                                             RomansRomans

What do Jews believeWhat do Jews believe??  

It’s like asking what Christians believe.It’s like asking what Christians believe.

  

What does following the “Law of Moses” What does following the “Law of Moses” mean?mean?

  

It is fractured, because of the different It is fractured, because of the different groups within Judaism.groups within Judaism.

Political and Religious GroupsPolitical and Religious Groups

PhariseesPharisees

Their aim was to preserve their national integrity Their aim was to preserve their national integrity and to strictly conform to the Mosaic Law. and to strictly conform to the Mosaic Law.

They were the most numerous and influential of They were the most numerous and influential of the religious sects of Jesus’ day.the religious sects of Jesus’ day.

They acquired for themselves an influential They acquired for themselves an influential position in the state.position in the state.

They were the most prominent of the They were the most prominent of the Jewish sects. Josephus said there were Jewish sects. Josephus said there were approximately 6,000 in the first century. approximately 6,000 in the first century.

They prided themselves on being “set They prided themselves on being “set apart” or “separated” from the rest of the apart” or “separated” from the rest of the Jews by their strict observance of the Jews by their strict observance of the minutest requirements of the law of minutest requirements of the law of Moses.Moses.

They claimed that Moses had received They claimed that Moses had received the law on Mount Sinai in two parts, the law on Mount Sinai in two parts, one one written and one oralwritten and one oral. . Their strength was Their strength was in the local synagogues, which they in the local synagogues, which they controlledcontrolled. Their religious leaders were . Their religious leaders were called rabbis (meaning teachers or called rabbis (meaning teachers or masters).masters).

Pharisees were generally scholars and Pharisees were generally scholars and preachers rather than priests.preachers rather than priests.

The “oral law” was a body of ‘decisions’ or The “oral law” was a body of ‘decisions’ or ‘judgments’ in oral form, explanatory of the ‘judgments’ in oral form, explanatory of the written law, ‘the tradition of the elders’ or ‘the written law, ‘the tradition of the elders’ or ‘the oral tradition.’ It was memorized.oral tradition.’ It was memorized.

Prince Judah, 200 B.C. wrote down the “Prince Judah, 200 B.C. wrote down the “oral oral lawlaw.”.”

1. Misnah   1. Misnah    6 volumes6 volumes

2. Talmud   2. Talmud    18 volumes18 volumes

SadduceesSadducees

We know very little regarding them. What we We know very little regarding them. What we do know is recorded by their enemies. So do know is recorded by their enemies. So needless to say it is not a good source! needless to say it is not a good source!

They were members of the ruling class, and They were members of the ruling class, and they did not believe in the resurrection (Sad-they did not believe in the resurrection (Sad-you-see).you-see).

A small party of very wealthy and influential A small party of very wealthy and influential aristocrats. Most Sadducees were priests. aristocrats. Most Sadducees were priests. They controlled the Jerusalem Temple and They controlled the Jerusalem Temple and derived wealth, power, and influence from it. derived wealth, power, and influence from it.

They were the head of the Sanhedrin (the They were the head of the Sanhedrin (the governing council of the Jews). Politically governing council of the Jews). Politically they cooperated with the Romans in they cooperated with the Romans in return for the continued exercise of their return for the continued exercise of their privileges.privileges.

They exerted almost no moral influence They exerted almost no moral influence on the common people who resented on the common people who resented them because of their cooperation with them because of their cooperation with Rome.Rome.

They were suspicious of the popular faith They were suspicious of the popular faith in the coming of the Messiah.in the coming of the Messiah.

Their authority as Their authority as interpreters of the interpreters of the Law met a serious Law met a serious challenge from the challenge from the Pharisees, who Pharisees, who developed their own developed their own oral tradition. oral tradition.

EssenesEssenes The third major Jewish sectThe third major Jewish sect according to Josephus. according to Josephus.

There may have been more than one type of There may have been more than one type of Essenes.Essenes.

The best known were those who lived in a desert The best known were those who lived in a desert community on the shores of the Dead Sea community on the shores of the Dead Sea (Qumran). (Qumran).

They were not very numerous.They were not very numerous.

They believed that the Sadducean Jerusalem They believed that the Sadducean Jerusalem priesthood was illegitimate and that all who priesthood was illegitimate and that all who associated with Sadducean priest were apostate. associated with Sadducean priest were apostate. They were waiting for the end of the world and They were waiting for the end of the world and their own vindication.their own vindication.

They were more strict and rigorous than They were more strict and rigorous than even the Pharisees, whom they called even the Pharisees, whom they called “seekers after smooth things.” “seekers after smooth things.”

Their beliefs were very similar to the Their beliefs were very similar to the Pharisees.Pharisees.

They were anti-Romans! They held all They were anti-Romans! They held all things in common without distinction of things in common without distinction of property or house, with special provisions property or house, with special provisions made for the relief of the poor.made for the relief of the poor.

ZealotsZealots They should be considered as a branch of They should be considered as a branch of Pharisaim, because their theology was basically Pharisaim, because their theology was basically that of the Pharisees. They resisted Roman rule that of the Pharisees. They resisted Roman rule of the Jews even to the point of armed of the Jews even to the point of armed insurrection....insurrection....

They believed that if Jews would only rise up They believed that if Jews would only rise up and fight, God would send them victory. The and fight, God would send them victory. The militant wing of the Zealot movement was militant wing of the Zealot movement was called Sicari (Latin for daggers). The best way called Sicari (Latin for daggers). The best way to show support for their God was to fight for to show support for their God was to fight for Him.Him.

Zealots, Essenes, and Zealots, Essenes, and Sadducees were basically Sadducees were basically all gone by 70 A.D. all gone by 70 A.D.

Only the Pharisees Only the Pharisees remained to rebuild remained to rebuild Judaism. Judaism.

““Am Ha-aretzAm Ha-aretz””

The vast majority of the population in Jewish The vast majority of the population in Jewish Palestine did not go to church, that is, they did Palestine did not go to church, that is, they did not have an active affiliation with any of the not have an active affiliation with any of the Jewish sects. Jewish sects.

Most people accepted the views of the Most people accepted the views of the Pharisees on the interpretation of the law, but Pharisees on the interpretation of the law, but few actually became Pharisees. few actually became Pharisees.

They were considered nonaffiliated Jews and They were considered nonaffiliated Jews and made up probably 90% of the crowds and made up probably 90% of the crowds and multitudes to which John the Baptist and Jesus multitudes to which John the Baptist and Jesus preachedpreached..

ScribesScribesInterpreted and applied the Law. Their functions Interpreted and applied the Law. Their functions were three-fold:were three-fold:

1. 1. Preserve the Law (Oral law was more Preserve the Law (Oral law was more important important than written).than written).

2. 2. Gather many pupils to instruct in the law.Gather many pupils to instruct in the law.

3. 3. They were referred to as lawyers and They were referred to as lawyers and teachers.teachers.

It was knowledge alone which gave them power. It was knowledge alone which gave them power.

Scribes could come from any segment of Jewish Scribes could come from any segment of Jewish society.society.

A Brief History of the BibleA Brief History of the BibleWhy were books bound? Why were books bound?

It was easier than hiding scrolls.It was easier than hiding scrolls.

It wasn’t until 1200 A.D. that the Bible came to be.It wasn’t until 1200 A.D. that the Bible came to be.

Only 50 fragments existed from the first 300 years of Only 50 fragments existed from the first 300 years of Christianity.Christianity.

There were no printing presses until the 1400’s.There were no printing presses until the 1400’s.

Latin was the standard language before the printing Latin was the standard language before the printing press was invented.press was invented.

The Bible was the dominant book over the people and The Bible was the dominant book over the people and the people had no access to it. It controlled the people the people had no access to it. It controlled the people economically and politicallyeconomically and politically..

The first English Bible was created in 1384 by John The first English Bible was created in 1384 by John WycliffeWycliffe. Wycliffe was against . Wycliffe was against transubstantiationtransubstantiation..

John 6:54John 6:54 According to Catholic and Eastern Orthodox According to Catholic and Eastern Orthodox dogma transubstantiation is the miraculous change by dogma transubstantiation is the miraculous change by which the sacrament at their consecration becomes the which the sacrament at their consecration becomes the body and blood of Christ while keeping the appearance body and blood of Christ while keeping the appearance of bread and wine. The moment the wafer touches the of bread and wine. The moment the wafer touches the tongue or the wine their lips it literally turns into the tongue or the wine their lips it literally turns into the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ (flesh and blood of Jesus Christ (Webster DictionaryWebster Dictionary).).

During the 1400’s there were two Popes which During the 1400’s there were two Popes which excommunicated each other. Wycliffe believed that the excommunicated each other. Wycliffe believed that the scriptures had more authority than the church.scriptures had more authority than the church.

John Wycliffe was calledJohn Wycliffe was called::

““The Morning Star of the ReformationThe Morning Star of the Reformation””

Though he lived two hundred years before Though he lived two hundred years before the Reformation, his beliefs and teachings the Reformation, his beliefs and teachings closely match those of Luther, Calvin and closely match those of Luther, Calvin and other Reformers. other Reformers.

He called the Pope an “anti-Christ.”He called the Pope an “anti-Christ.”

He believed that all men should have access He believed that all men should have access to the Bible.to the Bible.

It took one small herd of sheep to provide the It took one small herd of sheep to provide the parchment for one Bible.parchment for one Bible.

Wycliffe’s followers were burned by the hundreds and Wycliffe’s followers were burned by the hundreds and thousands. thousands. What was there crimeWhat was there crime? ?

They had a page or two of the Bible.They had a page or two of the Bible.

Wycliffe’s bones were exhumed from his grave and Wycliffe’s bones were exhumed from his grave and burned 44 years after he was martyred. They pounded burned 44 years after he was martyred. They pounded his bones to dust symbolizing that he never existed. his bones to dust symbolizing that he never existed.

He translated the Bible from Latin to English.He translated the Bible from Latin to English.

The Gutenberg BibleThe Gutenberg Bible: (1453-55), It was printed in Latin : (1453-55), It was printed in Latin and intended for the church. It was considered the and intended for the church. It was considered the greatest contribution to Western Culture.greatest contribution to Western Culture.

Martin LutherMartin Luther: A great scholar : A great scholar who translated the Latin Bible who translated the Latin Bible into German. He also studied into German. He also studied the Bible in Greek before it the Bible in Greek before it was translated into Latin. He was translated into Latin. He was told to renounce his was told to renounce his beliefs or be burned alive. His beliefs or be burned alive. His ““95 Thesis95 Thesis” was written ” was written during the 1500’s.during the 1500’s.

Martin LutherMartin Luther (1483-1546) (1483-1546)The 95 item thesis was written in 1517 and nailed to the doors of the The 95 item thesis was written in 1517 and nailed to the doors of the Church in Wittenberg Germany. He was later buried there with Church in Wittenberg Germany. He was later buried there with Melanchthon. Melanchthon.

Philipp Melanchthon to Luther was like Oliver Cowdery to Joseph SmithPhilipp Melanchthon to Luther was like Oliver Cowdery to Joseph Smith. .

Luther wrote the 95 thesis in Latin so that only scholars would know Luther wrote the 95 thesis in Latin so that only scholars would know what he had written. He was not trying to offend anyone and was being what he had written. He was not trying to offend anyone and was being respectful. During that time period scholars would often nail questions respectful. During that time period scholars would often nail questions to the church door in hope of future discussions or debates. to the church door in hope of future discussions or debates.

The 95 thesis was not 95 different points, it was different points related The 95 thesis was not 95 different points, it was different points related to the following challenges: to the following challenges:

1.1. Selling of indulgencesSelling of indulgences

2.2. CelibacyCelibacy

3.3. The Grace of GodThe Grace of God

4.4. The Pope not having the authority to forgiveThe Pope not having the authority to forgive

PenancePenance::

Punishments which a repentant sinner had to undergo Punishments which a repentant sinner had to undergo to show their sorrow for their sins.to show their sorrow for their sins.

PurgatoryPurgatory::

The place after death where repentant sinners The place after death where repentant sinners completed the portion of punishment for sins not completed the portion of punishment for sins not completed while living.completed while living.

Indulgences: Indulgences:

A waiver from the Pope that excused the sinner from A waiver from the Pope that excused the sinner from doing penance and shortened the time one had to stay doing penance and shortened the time one had to stay in purgatoryin purgatory..

Non-Biblical Doctrines and Practices Non-Biblical Doctrines and Practices Developed within the Catholic ChurchDeveloped within the Catholic ChurchMonasticismMonasticism::

The church encouraged many to withdraw from society believing The church encouraged many to withdraw from society believing that in so doing they would be alone with God; men who practiced that in so doing they would be alone with God; men who practiced monasticism were called monks and women were called nuns.monasticism were called monks and women were called nuns.

CelibacyCelibacy::

Monks, nuns, and priests believed they should not be married Monks, nuns, and priests believed they should not be married

(I Timothy 4:3, Doctrine & Covenants 49:15-18).(I Timothy 4:3, Doctrine & Covenants 49:15-18).

Praying to Mary or SaintsPraying to Mary or Saints::

Deceased persons who were officially recognized by the church as Deceased persons who were officially recognized by the church as holy. They believed Mary or the saints could stand before God on holy. They believed Mary or the saints could stand before God on behalf of sinners.behalf of sinners.

TransubstantiationTransubstantiation::

The belief that elements of the Sacrament actually The belief that elements of the Sacrament actually become the body and blood of Christ (John 6:53-57).become the body and blood of Christ (John 6:53-57).

Infant baptismInfant baptism::

The belief that infants must be baptized to overcome The belief that infants must be baptized to overcome original sin (Moroni 8:9, Doctrine & Covenants 137:10).original sin (Moroni 8:9, Doctrine & Covenants 137:10).

PilgrimagesPilgrimages::

Those who visited the Holy Land or visited holy Those who visited the Holy Land or visited holy churches with select religious relics were able to churches with select religious relics were able to shorten their time in purgatory.shorten their time in purgatory.

RelicsRelics::

““Melanchthon visited the Schlosskirch, Melanchthon visited the Schlosskirch, with its thousands of special, holy relics with its thousands of special, holy relics displayed in fabulous gold and silver displayed in fabulous gold and silver casements --- 17,443 relics which could casements --- 17,443 relics which could help a person reduce his future stay in help a person reduce his future stay in purgatory by as much as two million purgatory by as much as two million years” (years” (Melanchthon: The Quiet Melanchthon: The Quiet ReformerReformer, Clyde Leonard Manschreck, , Clyde Leonard Manschreck, 21).21).

““The thornThe thorn that had brought that had brought blood to the brow of Jesus was blood to the brow of Jesus was always displayed on a special always displayed on a special altar on All Saints’ Day, while altar on All Saints’ Day, while the other relics were shown the other relics were shown from emporiums and from emporiums and balconies built along the sides balconies built along the sides of the church. of the church. Pilgrims came Pilgrims came to behold, and they to behold, and they contributedcontributed. .

Melanchthon gazed at a Melanchthon gazed at a piece of the cloak of piece of the cloak of John the BaptistJohn the Baptist. .

A rock from Mount CalvaryA rock from Mount Calvary..

A portion of the rock on which Jesus stood A portion of the rock on which Jesus stood when he wept over Jerusalemwhen he wept over Jerusalem..

Some of the Some of the milk of the Virgin Mary’s breastmilk of the Virgin Mary’s breast..

A part of Mary’s gownA part of Mary’s gown..

Four strands of Our Lady’s hairFour strands of Our Lady’s hair. .

Four pieces of Our Lady’s girdleFour pieces of Our Lady’s girdle..

A tear that Jesus shed at Lazarus’ tombA tear that Jesus shed at Lazarus’ tomb..

Thirty-five splinters from the cross of ChristThirty-five splinters from the cross of Christ. .

Three pieces of myrrh and one piece of gold Three pieces of myrrh and one piece of gold brought by the Wise Men to the baby Jesusbrought by the Wise Men to the baby Jesus..

A strand of Jesus’ beardA strand of Jesus’ beard..

One of the nails driven into his handsOne of the nails driven into his hands..

A piece of bread served at the Last SupperA piece of bread served at the Last Supper..

A part of the stone on which Jesus stood before A part of the stone on which Jesus stood before ascending into heavenascending into heaven..

A twig from Moses’ burning bushA twig from Moses’ burning bush. .

An angel featherAn angel feather..

Bones and teeth from an array of saintsBones and teeth from an array of saints including including Chrysostom, Bernard, Augustine, Jerome, Anastasia, Chrysostom, Bernard, Augustine, Jerome, Anastasia, Apollonia, and Lucia, along with one complete skeleton Apollonia, and Lucia, along with one complete skeleton and 204 odd bones of the innocent children of and 204 odd bones of the innocent children of Bethlehem slain by the order of Herod (Clyde Leonard Bethlehem slain by the order of Herod (Clyde Leonard Manschreck, Manschreck, Melanchthon: The Quiet ReformerMelanchthon: The Quiet Reformer, 22)., 22).

It was the work of others who took his It was the work of others who took his writings and had them translated so that writings and had them translated so that the common people could read it. the common people could read it.

Some say that when Luther Some say that when Luther hammered his thesis to the door, the hammered his thesis to the door, the sound was heard in Romesound was heard in Rome. .

Wittenberg, Germany is to Protestants Wittenberg, Germany is to Protestants what Temple Square is to uswhat Temple Square is to us. .

Luther translated the Bible into German Luther translated the Bible into German (Joseph Smith’s favorite translation).(Joseph Smith’s favorite translation).

When Luther was ordered to give up his work, he boldly When Luther was ordered to give up his work, he boldly declared: “declared: “Unless I be refuted by Scriptural Unless I be refuted by Scriptural testimonies, or by clear arguments – for I believe testimonies, or by clear arguments – for I believe neither the Pope nor the councils alone, since it is clear neither the Pope nor the councils alone, since it is clear that they have often erred and contradicted one that they have often erred and contradicted one another – I am convinced by the passages of Scripture, another – I am convinced by the passages of Scripture, which I have cited, and my conscience is bound in the which I have cited, and my conscience is bound in the word of Godword of God. . I cannot and will not recant anything; I cannot and will not recant anything; since it is insecure and dangerous to act against since it is insecure and dangerous to act against conscienceconscience” (Henry Eyster Jacobs, ” (Henry Eyster Jacobs, Martin LutherMartin Luther:: The The Hero of the ReformationHero of the Reformation, 1843-1546, 192)., 1843-1546, 192).

Luther’s resistance led to his excommunication from Luther’s resistance led to his excommunication from the church and to his being placed under the ban of the the church and to his being placed under the ban of the empire, which made him an outlaw.empire, which made him an outlaw.

Martin Luther (1483-1546)Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Philipp Melanchthon Philipp Melanchthon

The Chapel door that Martin Luther The Chapel door that Martin Luther nailed his 95 thesisnailed his 95 thesis

The Chapel in Wittenberg The Chapel in Wittenberg GermanyGermany

Martin Luther’s GraveMartin Luther’s Grave

William TyndaleWilliam Tyndale: (1494-1536): (1494-1536)

He was England’s Martin Luther. He was England’s Martin Luther.

He knew eight languages fluently. He knew eight languages fluently.

Knowing those languages were helpful when he Knowing those languages were helpful when he was fleeing English authorities seeking to take was fleeing English authorities seeking to take his life. his life.

He read the Bible in Latin and translated it from He read the Bible in Latin and translated it from Greek to English. Greek to English.

Why? Why? Because Wycliffe's Bible was pretty Because Wycliffe's Bible was pretty much much destroyeddestroyed..

Tyndale standardized the English languageTyndale standardized the English language. He . He translated the Old Testament from Hebrew to English. translated the Old Testament from Hebrew to English. He finished his work to the Book of Chronicles before he He finished his work to the Book of Chronicles before he was caught and put in jail for 18 months.was caught and put in jail for 18 months.

He was admitted to Oxford when he was eleven years He was admitted to Oxford when he was eleven years old. old.

He helped to open the eyes of England. He helped to open the eyes of England.

He was also burned at the stakeHe was also burned at the stake..

His last words were, His last words were,

““If God grants me breath to finish this translation If God grants me breath to finish this translation then the simplest plow boy will be able to read it then the simplest plow boy will be able to read it and will know more about it than you in the and will know more about it than you in the clergyclergy..””

In 1524, at the age of thirty, William Tyndale left In 1524, at the age of thirty, William Tyndale left England to pursue his work outside the repressive spy-England to pursue his work outside the repressive spy-state set up by Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey. He state set up by Henry VIII and Cardinal Wolsey. He would never return. would never return.

He met Erasmus and later Luther, the two key men in He met Erasmus and later Luther, the two key men in the movement towards what became Protestantism. the movement towards what became Protestantism. He settled in Cologne and He settled in Cologne and began single-handedly to began single-handedly to translate the New Testament not from Latin but from translate the New Testament not from Latin but from the original Greek and Hebrewthe original Greek and Hebrew. It was this, no doubt, . It was this, no doubt, coupled with Tyndale’s genius for language, which coupled with Tyndale’s genius for language, which made his translations so telling and memorable.made his translations so telling and memorable.

                      

                      

Two years later, six thousand copies had Two years later, six thousand copies had been printed abroad—evidence of the been printed abroad—evidence of the substantial nature of the patronage substantial nature of the patronage Tyndale must have received from the Tyndale must have received from the wool merchants of Gloucestershire, and wool merchants of Gloucestershire, and of the speed and efficiency of print. The of the speed and efficiency of print. The new Bibles were packed and sent to the new Bibles were packed and sent to the coast ready to be smuggled into England. coast ready to be smuggled into England. Yet again English comes to England from Yet again English comes to England from across the sea, this time written English, across the sea, this time written English, some of the most sublime ever put on some of the most sublime ever put on paper. paper.

But Henry VIII and Wolsey’s spies informed them of this But Henry VIII and Wolsey’s spies informed them of this invasion. It now seems quite extraordinary, but the whole invasion. It now seems quite extraordinary, but the whole country was put on alert. In order to prevent the word of country was put on alert. In order to prevent the word of God in English landing in the land of the English, naval God in English landing in the land of the English, naval ships patrolled the coastal waters, boats were stopped and ships patrolled the coastal waters, boats were stopped and searched, men were arrested and a great many Bibles searched, men were arrested and a great many Bibles were intercepted. The action taken was indistinguishable were intercepted. The action taken was indistinguishable from being on a war footing, and to Henry VIII and Wolsey from being on a war footing, and to Henry VIII and Wolsey it was just that. Latin was the only word of God allowed by it was just that. Latin was the only word of God allowed by the state and now the state came out in full armed force to the state and now the state came out in full armed force to defend its most loyal ally, the Church. defend its most loyal ally, the Church.

At first tens and then hundreds got through the lines. The At first tens and then hundreds got through the lines. The Bishop of London then tried another tack: he sought to buy Bishop of London then tried another tack: he sought to buy the entire print run through an intermediary. the entire print run through an intermediary.

                      

““O he will burn them,” Tyndale is supposed to have said O he will burn them,” Tyndale is supposed to have said when he heard of this. “I am the gladder,” he went on, when he heard of this. “I am the gladder,” he went on, “for these two benefits will come thereof. I shall get “for these two benefits will come thereof. I shall get money of him for these books to bring myself out of money of him for these books to bring myself out of debt and the whole world shall cry out upon the burning debt and the whole world shall cry out upon the burning of God’s word.” And that is what happened. The bishop of God’s word.” And that is what happened. The bishop bought and burned the books and Tyndale used the bought and burned the books and Tyndale used the money to rework, prepare and print a better version, as money to rework, prepare and print a better version, as it were at the Church’s expense. it were at the Church’s expense.

Tyndale’s aim was simple: “I had perceived by Tyndale’s aim was simple: “I had perceived by experience,” he wrote, “that it was impossible to experience,” he wrote, “that it was impossible to stabilize lay people in any truth unless the scripture stabilize lay people in any truth unless the scripture were to be plainly set before their eyes in their mother were to be plainly set before their eyes in their mother tongue so that they might see the process, order, and tongue so that they might see the process, order, and meaning of the textmeaning of the text” (“” (“The Adventure of EnglishThe Adventure of English” by ” by Melvynn Bragg).Melvynn Bragg).

The Geneva BibleThe Geneva Bible: (1560), it was the first English Bible. : (1560), it was the first English Bible. Because of Bloody Mary people escaped and settled in Because of Bloody Mary people escaped and settled in Geneva. People were able to study the Bible in English. Geneva. People were able to study the Bible in English. It was the first entire Bible written in English. It was the first entire Bible written in English.

This was the Bible that the Puritans and the Pilgrims This was the Bible that the Puritans and the Pilgrims brought to the New World.brought to the New World.

King JamesKing James, (1611): Forty seven scholars worked on it. , (1611): Forty seven scholars worked on it. It was not really completed until 1900. King James had It was not really completed until 1900. King James had nothing to do with it, but he was the King when they nothing to do with it, but he was the King when they worked on it. worked on it. We are really reading Tyndale’s words, We are really reading Tyndale’s words, not so much God’snot so much God’s..

The Wicked Bible: The Wicked Bible: Thou shalt commit Thou shalt commit adultery!adultery!

The Bay Psalm Book, 1782: This was the The Bay Psalm Book, 1782: This was the first publication in America because of first publication in America because of copy right problems with the King James copy right problems with the King James Version.Version.

The Dead Sea ScrollsThe Dead Sea Scrolls

They found 18,000 segments, they did They found 18,000 segments, they did not find scrolls.not find scrolls.

They were 2,000 years old.They were 2,000 years old.

They legitimize that Jesus once lived They legitimize that Jesus once lived there.there.

More information on the BibleMore information on the Bible

By the Bible we mean the collection of writings By the Bible we mean the collection of writings that contain the records of divine revelation.that contain the records of divine revelation.

the word itself is of Greek origin, being derived the word itself is of Greek origin, being derived from from ta bibliata biblia, “the books.”, “the books.”

By the word Bible therefore we must By the word Bible therefore we must understand not a single book, but a “divine understand not a single book, but a “divine library.”library.”

The books of the New Testament have varied in The books of the New Testament have varied in sequence somewhat through the centuries but sequence somewhat through the centuries but are generally in this order: the four Gospels are generally in this order: the four Gospels and Acts, being primarily historical; the epistles and Acts, being primarily historical; the epistles of Paul (of Paul (arranged according to lengtharranged according to length, except , except Hebrews); the general epistles of James, Peter, Hebrews); the general epistles of James, Peter, John, and Jude; and the Apocalypse or John, and Jude; and the Apocalypse or Revelation of John.Revelation of John.

Martin Luther and many scholars today think Martin Luther and many scholars today think the “Hebrews” was written by Apollus the the “Hebrews” was written by Apollus the Alexandrian (NIV).Alexandrian (NIV).

We are comfortable with “Hebrews” being We are comfortable with “Hebrews” being written by Paul.written by Paul.

The Bible used by most non-Catholic The Bible used by most non-Catholic churches today has 66 books --- 39 in the churches today has 66 books --- 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. The books called Apocrypha Testament. The books called Apocrypha have generally not been printed in the non-have generally not been printed in the non-Catholic Bibles in the past century, Catholic Bibles in the past century, although in recent years these books have although in recent years these books have been gaining in popularity.been gaining in popularity.

The Dead Sea Scrolls, some of which are The Dead Sea Scrolls, some of which are believed to be as early as the 2believed to be as early as the 2ndnd century century B.C., give evidence that the Old Testament B.C., give evidence that the Old Testament text was corrupted at least by that time.text was corrupted at least by that time.

Forerunners to the Forerunners to the ReformationReformation

John HussJohn Huss (1369-1414) (1369-1414)

Objected to the selling of indulgences (which were to Objected to the selling of indulgences (which were to reduce time in purgatory).reduce time in purgatory).

He was greatly influenced by Wycliffe.He was greatly influenced by Wycliffe.

He was excommunicated in 1411, therefore his doctrines He was excommunicated in 1411, therefore his doctrines could not be taught and his books were burned.could not be taught and his books were burned.

In June of 1415, still refusing to recant his beliefs and In June of 1415, still refusing to recant his beliefs and teachings, he was found guilty of heresy and sentenced teachings, he was found guilty of heresy and sentenced to death to be burned at the stake.to death to be burned at the stake.

The first English Version of the whole The first English Version of the whole Bible is associated with the name of John Bible is associated with the name of John Wycliffe. There were two editions of this Wycliffe. There were two editions of this version beginning in 1382. These version beginning in 1382. These versions were made from the Latin.versions were made from the Latin.

The honor of making the first translation The honor of making the first translation of the Bible into English from the of the Bible into English from the languages in which it was originally languages in which it was originally written belongs to William Tyndale, born written belongs to William Tyndale, born about 1490.about 1490.

The Church has held to the King The Church has held to the King James Version as being doctrinally James Version as being doctrinally more accurate than these recent more accurate than these recent versions. The newer versions in versions. The newer versions in many instances easier to read, but many instances easier to read, but are in some passages doctrinally are in some passages doctrinally weaker in their presentation of the weaker in their presentation of the gospel. Therefore, the King James gospel. Therefore, the King James Version remains the principal Bible Version remains the principal Bible of the Church of Jesus Christ of of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Latter-day Saints.