In case you forgot the background or you are new to the subject.
Dr. Reiner came to Utah to learn about the Mormons where he was allowed to speak from the stand of the Salt Lake tabernacle. Elder Whitney of the Quorum of The Twelve stated that he became well acquainted with him and that they conversed freely and frankly. Elder Whitney said that he was a great scholar, with perhaps a dozen languages at his tongue's end. Dr. Reiner seemed to know all about theology, law, literature, science and philosophy. At the end of one day he stated the following to Elder Whitney:
"You Mormons are all ignoramuses. You don't even know the strength of your own position. It is so strong that there is only one other tenable in the whole Christian world, and that is the position of the Catholic Church. The issue is between Catholicism and Mormonism. If we are right, you are wrong; if you are right, we are wrong; and that is all there is to it. The Protestants haven't a leg to stand on. For, if we are wrong, they are wrong with us, since they were a part of us and went out from us; while if we are right they are apostates whom we cut off long ago. If we have the apostolic succession from St. Peter, as we claim, there is no need of Joseph Smith and Mormonism; but if we have not that succession, then such a man as Joseph Smith was necessary and Mormonism's attitude is the only consistent one. It is either perpetuation of the gospel from ancient times, or the restoration of the gospel in latter days."
[This message has been edited by Genesisag (edited 11/12/2007 9:45p).]
[This message has been edited by Genesisag (edited 11/12/2007 9:46p).]