Scripture about corrupt latter-day leaders?

[Hagoth]

I seem to recall a prophesy in the Book of Mormon that in the latter days even the leaders of the true church would become corrupt. Does anyone know what I'm talking about or am I smoking curelom tailfeathers?

[FiveFingerMnemonic]

Mormon 8:28

And basically all of chapter 8.

It makes sense that this book is called mormon because apparently satan influenced his name.

[Palerider]

Sorry Hagoth.

Can't think of one from the BofM....

But a careful reading of Ezekiel 34 is one of the reasons I believe the gathering of Israel will be AFTER the 2nd Coming.

The "shepherds" of Israel have become corrupted and make their living by exploiting the flock.

Rather than relying on men any longer to take care of the flock, the Lord states that He, himself will come and gather Israel and establish "David" (the Savior) to rule over them in righteousness. Then the covenant will be re-established with Israel and they will dwell in peace.

The main thrust of this chapter is that the Lord is done dealing with men as the shepherds. He states emphatically that "Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out."

This is stated repeatedly throughout the chapter that the Lord will do this work himself. No mention is made of employing prophets to prepare the people. The "prophets" have already done as much damage as they could.

[moksha]

2 Nephi Chapter 28 seems to be dedicated to that topic.

[Palerider]

2 Nephi Chapter 28 seems to be dedicated to that topic.

However 28 isn't directed toward the "true church" but all those other godforsaken churches built up by men.

Still it (the bom) recognizes the problem while conveniently proclaiming itself as the solution. And that proposition (that it is the solution), goes against biblical scripture which should and does take precedence.

[deacon blues]

I enjoyed reading Ezekiel 34. Thanks for the reference. It does point to having a personal need and even a relationship with God, rather than with an organization or church.

[Reuben]

I enjoyed reading Ezekiel 34. Thanks for the reference. It does point to having a personal need and even a relationship with God, rather than with an organization or church.

At a certain point, the organization mostly just gets in the way. "No! You can't go out there! There are mists of darkness!" Yeah, well, Exodus 20:21 says God might be out there in the mists. Y'all can stay back there at a safe distance and pretend he's with you if you want.

The longer I'm out, the more the church seems like a kid who is afraid of the dark.

Back on topic, Hagoth, you're almost certainly looking for Mormon 8:35 and onward.

I remember being very surprised at the mismatch in tone between a certain seminary video and the actual passage. "But behold," he breathes in a deep bass narration voice as the music swells, "Jesus Christ hath shown you into me..." as if it isn't followed by condemnation. I guess this is what happens when you want the idea "written for our day" to have positive connotations, but the only thing you can do is proof-text a major dressing-down.

The condemnation is worth quoting.

36 And I know that ye do walk in the pride of your hearts; and there are none save a few only who do not lift themselves up in the pride of their hearts, unto the wearing of very fine apparel, unto envying, and strifes, and malice, and persecutions, and all manner of iniquities; and your churches, yea, even every one, have become polluted because of the pride of your hearts.

37 For behold, ye do love money, and your substance, and your fine apparel, and the adorning of your churches, more than ye love the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted.

He obviously doesn't mean The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I mean, it didn't exist yet when he wrote this. Wait, but this is a prophecy. Well, it must mean every church before April 6, 1830. But then, is it written for our day, or for April 5, 1830 and before?

Remember how you felt! This is the kind of truth that you feel, okay?

[Just This Guy]

I interpret Mathew 24 the same way as well. V. 24 saws:"For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

It is also interesting to look at the JST as well, it add even more validation to this interpretation:
"For in those days there shall also arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch, that, if possible, they shall deceive the very elect, who are the elect according to the covenant." (JS Matthew, 1-22)

The church teaches that the member today are the elect of God to carry out the great work of bring the church forth in the latter day. So who are the "Very elect?" That would be the upper leadership of the church. THEY would be the ones that Christ is warning will be lead astray.

[deacon blues]

Do temples count in the "adorning your churches" prophecy? How about the "great and spacious building?"