- NEW!
by Glenn Blaylock on December 2nd, 2009
Yes.
by laie_techie on December 2nd, 2009
It is a matter of faith. As an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I'm going to affirm that we have the Priesthood.
The story of Simon Magus (Simon the Magician) teaches us that the Priesthood is neither bought nor sold, so paying to a attend a Seminary doesn't buy you the Priesthood.
The example of the Apostles shows that the Priesthood was conferred by the laying on of hands.
The Catholics believe they have an unbroken line of authority back to the Apostle Peter.
The LdS Church has an unbroken line of authority back to Joseph Smith Jr. Joseph claimed to have received the Priesthood from John the Baptists, and from the Apostles Peter, James, and John. This is the step that requires faith.
by Mister IT is trying to Liahona outta here on December 2nd, 2009
SHORT ANSWER: The clear Biblical answer is NO!
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LONG ANSWER:
Rather than reinventing the wheel I'm going to point you to this AB discussion thread http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1825237 where you will find several fine answers. I will clip the one (from "PinkyLee" that I felt was the best):
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this passage [1 Peter 2: 9] deals with the priesthood of all believers. It is as follows: "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ … But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:5-9).
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believers are called "kings and priests" and a "royal priesthood" as a reflection of their privileged status as heirs to the kingdom of the Almighty God and of the Lamb. Because of this privileged closeness with God, no other earthly mediator is necessary.
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Second, believers are called priests because salvation is not merely “fire insurance,” escape from hell. Rather, believers are called by God to serve Him by offering up spiritual sacrifices, i.e., being a people zealous for good works.
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As priests of the living God, we are all to give praise to the One who has given us the great gift of His Son's sacrifice on our behalf, and in response, to share this wonderful grace with others.
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I don't believe any of the mormon doctrines are biblical.
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so it is no surprise when one doesn't know what the bible is saying to us.
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And I felt that my answer in this thread was pretty good too (if you don't mind me saying so).
by whew4 on December 2nd, 2009
Not only do we have the Priesthood, but we received it in exactly the same way the Apostles received it from Christ, as the Church of Jesus Christ was being organized.
At first, however, John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery and gave them the Aaronic Priesthood, which holds the authority to Baptize among other things.
Then a short time later, Peter, James and John appeared to them and conferred upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood and ordained them Apostles, under the direction of the Lord.
So as Glenn said, the answer is absolutely YES!..Later
by troygstott on November 22nd, 2010
If lineage through Aaron is a requirement, did Adam, Enoch, Noah, and their sons hold the priesthood? The priesthood and the Gospel of Jesus Christ existed from the beginning. It is not an invention of the Jews. Hebrews states, "And no man taketh this honor except he who was called of God, as was Aaron". As the ultimate High Priest, Christ can have ordained any man he feels is worthy of that. If he call the person, that's his decision. You can argue about who He has given it to, but you can't suggest that only descendants of Aaron or Levi have held the priesthood. That would also remove anyone before Noah.
by TenLostTribes on February 19th, 2010
We have been given the authority through Joseph Smith Jr.'s ordinations from John the Baptist (Aaronic) and Peter, James, & John (Melchizedek)--these four beings from Biblical times were resurrected. Through this line, we now have authority to act in his name. I testify to you that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints does have the priesthood and that the Prophet has all the keys and authority to run the church.
by Martureo on December 3rd, 2009
No, most, if not all Mormons claiming to do not have the necessary requirements for holding a priesthood.
-no lineage to Aaron or Levi
-non Semetic bloodlines
-do not keep Mosaic law
-do not keep laws pertaining to the lifestyle of a priest
-claim to have more than one High Priest
-do not act as priests (i.e. no sacrifice)
The LDS priesthood is as valid as a 3 Dollar Bill signed by Joseph Smith himself.
by PrestorJohn on April 26th, 2011
They believe they do. Just like any other faith claiming authority.
Mormons: Is everything of which Joseph Smith Jr. spoke concerning religion true?
by k on December 6th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
Mormons: Do you believe that Joseph Smith Jr.'s 1891 prophecy has been fulfilled?
by k on December 6th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
do mormons believe in being "saved"?
by Does it matter? on October 7th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
Mormons: Does the LdS church define murder as only the shedding of innocent blood?
by k on December 20th, 2010
| 1 person likes this
LdS: what does "We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed"* mean EXACTLY?
by k on January 25th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
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Comments
Sorry, nope. No priesthood that is valid anyway.
by Martureo on December 3rd, 2009
Doctrine and Covenants 84:32 states that Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, and many others are in fact sons of Moses and Aaron (you can see the verse @ http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/84/32#32); Joseph Smith Jr. was a lawful heir to the priesthood (see D & C 86:8-10 @ http://scriptures.lds.org/en/dc/86/8,9,10#8).
by TenLostTribes on February 19th, 2010
B_D_Davies, I have a couple of questions:)
I was wondering what proof outside of D&C supports the claim that these men are blood descendants of Moses and Aaron (for example many Jewish men CAN trace their familial histories through blood lines back to OT times). Also, does this then mean that Mormons believe the priesthood to be a reinstatement of the OT (old testament) Aaronic priesthood? In which case are there animal sacrifices practiced at Mormon temples? How are the priesthood holders able to take so much time away from family and work to serve (I am talking about the purification rites required by OT law for priests serving within the temple). And does that mean that the priesthood spoken of in 1 Peter 2:9 is considered a different priesthood within the lds church?
Also, as far as I know all of the Cohanim (the blood descendents of Aaron) are recorded in the Rothchild museum for all Jews to research in order to preserve the record of the blood line. Has it been substantiated by the museum that Joseph Smith Jr. is a blood descendent?
by anon on March 5th, 2010
Proof--no matter how well documented and supported--won't do either of us any good if that's what we base our beliefs in. I'm not going to convince you and you're not going to convince me--so, why waste time? Sorry annajordan but no thanks.
by TenLostTribes on March 6th, 2010
I do not think that clarifying statements that one makes about ones beliefs should ever be considered a waste of time. It is really too bad that you do. This is a question and answer site. I asked questions based on your claim. That is the point. If you do not have any proof to support your claim, just say that. There is nothing wrong with beleiving something entirely on faith.
by anon on March 6th, 2010
I'm sorry, I was just worried about starting an argument or trying to prove something in matters of my beliefs. To be honest, I have no such proof in my possession outside of the D & C.
By the way, we believe that the Law of Moses was fulfilled through Christ's Atonement. However, temples and the ordinances therein are sacred to us and I want to be very careful about such things.
by TenLostTribes on March 6th, 2010
Thank you very much for clarifying that. I was really just curious is all. I understand not wanting to feel defensive of your faith, I had no intentions of making you feel that way. I appreciate your reply!
by anon on March 6th, 2010
Thank you so much for understanding.
by TenLostTribes on March 8th, 2010