Posted by:
sherlock
(
)
Date: December 29, 2012 05:48PM
http://en.fairmormon.org/Mormonism_and_temples/Second_anointingSome excerpts and my commentary:
"The second anointing is an ordinance performed in the temple. It is not regarded as an essential ordinance which one must receive in this life for exaltation. In the early Utah period, this ordinance was performed more widely than it is today".
(Ok, so at least there's an admission that this exists. Although you have to wonder why even many long-term members are not aware of this. Surely this might form part of the 'meat' of the gospel that people deserve to be taught rather than the countless basic lessons on repentance and Word of Wisdom. If it can only be taught in the temple.... then teach it there for goodness sake).
"Those who receive the second anointing would not discuss the specifics in any public forum, in or out of the Church".
(This is erroneously stated as if it is fact. I think we know differently).
"Written accounts that purport to describe the second anointing should be viewed with extreme caution and skepticism, since by the nature of the subject they cannot be confirmed".
(Tom Phillips has openly stated his name and so FAIR will know that the church will certainly be aware of its veracity and could choose to deny it if blatantly false.
"Even those aware of problems with such accounts would not correct such inaccuracies".
(Perhaps there are no inaccuracies to correct).
"FAIR is confident that no faithful Latter-day Saint would want to learn about such a sacred matter from unauthorized sources".
(Such people have little chance of learning about this anywhere else. What exactly are the 'authorised' sources? If the prophet/15.... well these 'mouthpieces of God' are as silent as they usually are).
"Furthermore, no Latter-day Saint would wisely seek such information prematurely, any more than a parent would want a child to read an unauthorized transcript of the temple endowment prior to attending the temple for the first time".
(Very patronising. So does FAIR liken seasoned bishops and Stake Presidents who don't know about the 2nd Anointing, to children? 'Prematurely' would also indicate that there will come a time when one is ready to learn about this... but we know this is unlikely unless you're a recognised leader / have the right connections / and someone already in the club nominates you).