[Latest in a series]

Me: You are quite an expert on Mormon scripture, right?
TBM: (modestly) Well, I like to think I know the scriptures quite well.
Me: The scriptures specify in detail how the sacrament is to be administered. Can you tell me how many passages in the Mormon scriptures are disregarded in the actual performance of that ordinance in today's church?
TBM: Why, none. The church's administration of the sacrament conforms strictly to what God has revealed to his prophets in the scriptures.
Me: I don't think the church conforms to D&C 89:5-6.
TBM: That's the "Word of Wisdom" - of course we follow that.
Me: But that passage says that you should use "wine...of your own make" in administering the sacrament.
TBM: Ah, yes, but D&C 27:2-3 says it doesn't matter what we eat or drink as emblems in the sacrament.
Me: I suppose we could argue over whether Section 89 supercedes Section 27, since 89 was given later. But let's not.
TBM: (triumphantly) So you see we are in complete compliance!
Me: Not quite. Are you aware that when the sacrament is being blessed, the entire congregation is to kneel? That's in D&C 20:76 and also Moroni 4:2.
TBM: Well, all that kneeling would be inconvenient...
Me: Also, the person blessing the wine (or water) is supposed to actually TAKE the cup (that is, hold it in his hand), according to D&C 20:78 and Moroni 5:1.
TBM: You are just quibbling!
Me: But here's one that is no quibble: D&C 20:46-50 says that no priest is to administer the sacrament if an elder is present - the elder is to do it. Having a priest administer the sacrament, as is usual in large wards, is contrary to scripture, since usuall there are elders present.
TBM: I'm sure that we are following the guidance that the Brethren receive from Heavenly Father.
Me: It looks like you are violating scripture during every sacrament meeting!

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Previous posts in this series:
#1: Baptism wording: http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,1013735
#2: "sun" vs. "son": http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,1089659
#3: Name of church 1834-1838: http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,1102694
#4: Bible prophecies: http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,1121855
#5: Languages in the pre-existence: http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,1127558
#6: What is doctrine? http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,1135995
#7: Worshiping Jesus: http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,1187412
#8: Priesthood: http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,1218790
#9: Prophecy of JS' murder: http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,1274661

thanks for this, Richard, I'm archiving these.

awesome! I love these

A different last word:

ME: Remember, Mr. TBM, it was YOU a moment ago that said,
"The church's administration of the sacrament conforms strictly to what God has revealed to his prophets in the scriptures"...so, it appears to me that the LDS church DOES violate the scriptures every sacrament meeting, regardless of what the current prophet says.