Urim and Thummim – Instrument of the Spirit: "The first mention of the Urim and Thummim appears in the passage in Numbers which describes Moses' transfer of his authority to Joshua prior to his death. "It is not known exactly when the Urim and Thummim ceased to function, but the latest period for which there is evidence of their use is that of King David The exact meaning of the words "Urim" and "Thummim" have puzzled scholars over the generations. Both in the Greek and Latin translations of the Bible they were rendered as "revelation and truth" or "teaching and truth" and this understanding gave rise to the incorporation of the Hebrew words Urim ve-Thummim on the official seal of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) John Tvedtness, Senior Researcher at F.A.R.M.S (BYU) suggests a connection to the Egyptian letters "RMM" and "TMM," one meaning yes, do or act upon and the other no or negative. The Jewish symbol of the Magen David (Star of David) has two triangles, one pointing upwards and the other downwards. Jospeh Smith described the Urim and Thummim as two triangular, diamond shaped stones held in silver bows (like spectacles), (see Mosiah 8:13; 28:16)

Jewish View of Christianity: More than two thirds of the New Testament occurred from what we now know as Turkey because Jerusalem was destroyed by year 70 A.D. From a Jewish point of view, the transition from Jerusalem is viewed as a change. "Strictly speaking, the ministry of Jesus himself does not come under the heading of "Christianity," but rather is part of the history of different Jewish-Christian sects which developed at the beginning of the common era." "A Christian community began to emerge whose . . . writings included in the New Testament . . . written between 66 C.E. and 200 C.E., a period in which relations between Jews and Christians had already begun to deteriorate." "As the scriptural authority of Christianity, the New Testament has served as a basis for Christian anti-Semitism throughout the ages." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

Apostles had to "Compete" with Popular Gods: A popular worship culture included gods of the earth, wind, rain, and sun. Anciently, the religion of Baal featured different gods. Female gods became popular, such as goddesses of victory, a fish goddess (mermaid), and one connected with fertility, Astarte. This goddess was later know as Ashteroth (the word Easter seems to have been derived from Astarte). A very popular goddess was Diana. It is interesting to note that Ephesus (Turkey) had a large business surrounding the goddess Diana. The tradition of the burial of Mary, the mother of Jesus, and the subsequent veneration of Mary beginning in Ephesus became a counterfeit substitute for a "Godess" religion. The "business" of religion eclipsed the essence of religion.

True Religion Provides Members with Godly Attributes: ". . . Holiness . . . applies to the ordinary Jew as much as to the priests . . . "The Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 'Speak to the whole Israelite community and say unto them: You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy." Clearly, the holiness is not just that of the Tabernacle and the sacrifice, but that of everyday life." "Friendship is a relationship between people arising from mutual respect and affection. The ideal of friendship in the western world is derived from classical Greece, which exalted friendship as one of the great human achievements and prime goals of life. The significance of friendship is recognized in the Bible, but is never raised to such an important place. A friend is defined as "one who is like your very self" (Deuteronomy 13:7) and as one "who sticks closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24). Of the few depictions of close friendship in the Bible, perhaps the most famous is that of David and Jonathan. The Bible appears to be more concerned with social and family relations than with individual ones, and thus puts more emphasis on being a good neighbor than it does on friendship. The Bible also warns against false friendship, saying that people might be attracted to a person solely because of his wealth, and not out of motives of respect." "Hillel was a great teacher who emphasized the qualities of humility, patience, tolerance, and devotion, and who was responsible for a renewed spiritualism in Jewish life" (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)

Necessity for Chastisement: The chastisement that Paul gave to the Saints living in various communities was to help them abandon counterfeit religion and return to the basics. " The Torah very clearly requires the Jew to rebuke his fellow when he sees him acting wrongly. "You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor and not bear sin because of him" (Leviticus 19:17). The most obvious reason is, of course, to restrain him from evildoing and to correct his past misbehavior. Thus a Jew is not only commanded to watch over his own deeds and behavior; he is also responsible for ensuring that his fellow men act righteously." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.) The new Saints were constantly challenged by the "glitz" of the religions around them. Assimilation was a great challenge. The Apostles taught them to be in the world yet not of it. "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;" (Philippians 2:15)

Jews Challenged by Assimiliation: "Assimilation is the process in which one cultural or national group loses its identity and becomes part of another group. Referred to Jews, assimilation means losing Jewish identity and becoming absorbed in gentile society. Throughout Jewish history assimilation of Jews has taken place and has been motivated by many factors. In some cases Jews viewed gentile culture as superior and wished to join it. As early as 175 B.C.E., during the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes, there were Jews who wished to accept the mode of life and culture of Hellenism. Later, in the years of early Christianity, there were Jews who gradually assimilated into the Christian way of life. In other cases, the lure of a better social or economic position led Jews to assimilate. During the Middle Ages this was sometimes the cause of apostasy (conversion out of Judaism). At other times, persecution and anti-Semitism compelled Jews to convert, but often only on the surface while secretly they remained Jews." (Encyclopedia Judaica Jr.)