Wonhyo wrote:Mittens, very interesting.
The Book of Mormon's christology is essentially mainstream Nicene, and hardly distinguishable from other denominational teachings about the essence of God. The earliest account(s) of Joseph Smith's first vision also sound similar to other theophanies of the time. (Details about two beings visiting Joseph instead of just one came about - or were finally put down on paper - later.)
Not being an expert in anything, especially LDS history, I'm interested to know more about the early Mormon development of its unique ideas on God and Jesus Christ. I get the sense, reading early temple dedicatory prayers, that the distinction was quite nebulous for a long while, even after Joseph's death. Joseph's most clear exposition on the nature of God may have come from his sermon at King Follett's funeral in April 1844, and again the so-called Sermon in the Grove in May (or June?) 1844.
But then Joseph died in late June 1844, and his contributions to the development of LDS theology ceased, other than our continued hermeneutics on his sermons and discourses and revelations.
I agree the Book of Mormon completely agrees with Creeds other than The Athanasion Creed statement of confounding the persons "mixing them up" which was done in these passages
Luke 10:
23 All things are delivered to me of my Father; and no man knoweth that the Son is the Father, and the Father is the Son, but him to whom the Son will reveal it. JST
Mosiah 15
3 The Father, because he was conceived by the power of God; and the Son, because of the flesh; thus becoming the Father and Son—
4 And they are one God, yea, the very Eternal Father of heaven and of earth.
Mosiah 16:
15 Teach them that redemption cometh through Christ the Lord, who is the very Eternal Father. Amen.
Alma 11:38 Now Zeezrom saith again unto him: Is the Son of God the very Eternal Father?
Helaman 14:12 And also that ye might know of the coming of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and of earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and that ye might know of the signs of his coming, to the intent that ye might believe on his name.
Ether 3:14 Behold, I am he who was prepared from the foundation of the world to redeem my people. Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son. In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who shall believe on my name; and they shall become my sons and my daughters.