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"From the fact that records are kept in heaven (such as the Book of Life), we deduce that there must necessarily be recording angels; that is, some ministering servants must be assigned there to keep the records. Knowing what we do of the importance of record keeping, and knowing that our affairs in this life have been formulated in accordance with a heavenly pattern, we can suppose that many records are kept by those beyond the veil. This view, however, cannot rationally be extended (as it is among some sectarians) to the point of supposing that every word of mortals is recorded. No angel is assigned to follow every person around and keep a record of his every utterance. (Doctrines of Salvation, vol. 1, p. 54.)"
Bruce McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, under Recording Angels, p. 440.
One is reminded of the Islamic belief in recording angels. According to Mohammed, everyone has two angels following them around, one recording good deeds and the other recording bad deeds. Even though McConkie denies that every word is recorded, we can only wonder if Joseph Smith was influenced by the Islamic view.
A greater problem for Christians is that McConkie's claim that no angel records "every utterance" contradicts Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.
36 [Jesus says, ] "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” --Matthew 12: 36-37 NIV
Jesus does tell us that every word is known and remembered by God. He says nothing about recording angels being necessary to this process.
Bruce McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, under Recording Angels, p. 440.
One is reminded of the Islamic belief in recording angels. According to Mohammed, everyone has two angels following them around, one recording good deeds and the other recording bad deeds. Even though McConkie denies that every word is recorded, we can only wonder if Joseph Smith was influenced by the Islamic view.
A greater problem for Christians is that McConkie's claim that no angel records "every utterance" contradicts Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew.
36 [Jesus says, ] "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” --Matthew 12: 36-37 NIV
Jesus does tell us that every word is known and remembered by God. He says nothing about recording angels being necessary to this process.