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Noah Feldman: A majority of Americans have no idea what Mormons believe
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Alene | 1:59 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I've never read such biased dribble about things no one seems to really
understand. "If" we are all children of our Heavenly Father, which
most believe. We should be looking for the best in each other and being kind
and loving. I thought those were basic teachings in most Christians. The only
argument is the matter of Authority. My parents taught me we were all brothers
and sisters. They also taught that the blacks would one day get the Preisthood.
My mother and I both cried with joy when they were given it. (we are white) My
best friends were always non-LDS we accepted each other as we were and respected
each other for their beliefs. That is Christs teaching free Agency. We are all
being so judgmental. Who gave us that right? I think their is enough hate and
misunderstanding in the world, we don't need to create more. We live in a
free country. Appreciate what we have and look for the good, who knows you
might even find it.
arc | 2:01 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I agree with Tom C. This article doesn't help. The church never has been
secretive of what we believe. It is pretty obvious that many people that think
they know what we believe do not. They haven't even asked us. They ask some
other church, who has no reason to be fair.
re:jay | 2:05 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
We know the roots of our faith are completely unbelievable. But so is the entire
earth being flooded, men standing in a fiery furnance and not being burned, fire
from heaven consuming a water soaked sacrafice, trumpets blowing and
Jericho's walls falling down, the sun standing still, the Nile river turing
to blood, the Red Sea being departed, MANNA FROM HEAVEN...unbelievable. But that
doesn't mean they aren't true! Sorry that you can't comphrehend
what the Latter Day Saints can, but that doesn't mean they aren't
right. For God to call a young boy, about the same age of David who slew
Goliath, to restore truths to the earth that were lost...that's not really
that hard to comprehend.
Comments continue below
Outsider | 2:08 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I have family that is Mormon and I have learned to hate the church as much as
the church has shown hatred to my family. My mother and father were not
permitted to see my sisters marry and I have been excluded from seeing nieces
and nephews marry. From my perspective, the church isn't about family but
about separating people that aren't members from family. I thought Jesus
was about inclusion not exclusion.
russ | 2:18 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I am lost again in this discussion of things. Do Mormons have a theologian?
They have religious teachers, and religious depts., but... a theologian?I once
read an excellent article/interview of a former President of the U of U and he
was a top Mormon educator. He stated that Mormons do not have a theology because
all has been revealed. If you have it all, you do not have a theology (e.g.
STUDY OF GOD). Christians keep studying the word and seeking their God,
thirsting for more understanding and revelation. They have top drawer
theologians. But due to the official word being ... well... official for
Mormons there is no need for a theologian.
Or does the Mormon Church have a knighted, annointed, appointed theologian? Or two or three?
Just wondering. It would be great if Mormons had one, a theologian, who could answer the politics of Mitt. It would certainly take load off of Mitt's back.
That would certainly help clarify matters in this blog.
Or does the Mormon Church have a knighted, annointed, appointed theologian? Or two or three?
Just wondering. It would be great if Mormons had one, a theologian, who could answer the politics of Mitt. It would certainly take load off of Mitt's back.
That would certainly help clarify matters in this blog.
skiwampis | 2:20 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Nearly all the attacks in this blog on Latter-day Saints and the religion they
practice are based in ignorance, stereotypes, or malice. The ignorance is so
myriad in this blog that many who read this and truly know couldn't even
begin to address all the attacks completely or fairly in 200 words. However,
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a significant
amount of media to combat bias, ignorance, and malice that continues to be
leveled at the Church through the course of its history. Much of this
information is available on the Internet. I invite those who don't
consider themselves active Latter-day Saints to seek out these media with an
open mind--or in other words, to do so while avoiding the temptation to
stereotype, extrapolate, or mischaracterize. I know little of the
Jehovah's Witnesses, Baptists, Catholics, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Hindus
or adherents of other religions besides "Mormons;" therefore, I feel
no right or need to accuse, label, or to otherwise defame and deride them or
their beliefs. Even if I did know more about them and their religion I would
still be very reluctant to characterize them or their beliefs, for, what do I
really know?
Anonymous | 2:21 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I think the article was fair in its interpretation of the history of the church
as it pertains to politics. However, I strongly disagree with this
statement:"The Mormon Church hierarchy may through continuing revelation
and guidance respond by shifting its theology and practices even further in the
direction of mainstream Christianity." There has never been, nor ever will,
be a shift in theology by the church because the doctrines that the church has
taught have not changed since its founding. Anyone can examine the teachings
taught historically and see that this is true. There are thousands of example
where the church did not bend to popular opinion compared to a few examples
where there was a coincidental change made.
The misunderstanting about mormon beleifs is cuase by people with alterior motives. Persons with a conflict of interest (a preacher who loses his income by losing a convert) or a person with a personal vedeta against the church, spreads lies about mormon beliefs through false propoganda. This is also the reason why so many outside of the church feel that "mormons don't know their own religion." I asert that most active mormons are experts in mormon doctrines.
The misunderstanting about mormon beleifs is cuase by people with alterior motives. Persons with a conflict of interest (a preacher who loses his income by losing a convert) or a person with a personal vedeta against the church, spreads lies about mormon beliefs through false propoganda. This is also the reason why so many outside of the church feel that "mormons don't know their own religion." I asert that most active mormons are experts in mormon doctrines.
Kyle Hosier | 2:22 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Nobody is telling the Mormon members that the biggest problem facing the church
is
" HOMOSEXUALITY". Many Mormon members and ex-missionaries have been excommunicated for being gay or are living a "double life" so that they don"t face being totally shunned from the Mormon community.
Young Mormons are taught very little about homosexuality and experience "gayness" while the first time during their missionary work.
The Affirmation is a large goup of Gay Mormons throughout the US who are growing in members just as fast as the Mormon converts.
Mormons "hate" gays" because they are seen as a threat.
I recommmend people to see the movie, Latter Days" which discusses the Mormons" perverted views on homosexuality
" HOMOSEXUALITY". Many Mormon members and ex-missionaries have been excommunicated for being gay or are living a "double life" so that they don"t face being totally shunned from the Mormon community.
Young Mormons are taught very little about homosexuality and experience "gayness" while the first time during their missionary work.
The Affirmation is a large goup of Gay Mormons throughout the US who are growing in members just as fast as the Mormon converts.
Mormons "hate" gays" because they are seen as a threat.
I recommmend people to see the movie, Latter Days" which discusses the Mormons" perverted views on homosexuality
Dr. L | 2:25 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I am not an evangelical Christian (instead I am Quaker) and I am well versed in
Mormonism. ( Please, no accusations of bitter ex mormon as to why I am
knowledgeable and negative, I am a scholar.)
I would NEVER vote for a Mormon. That is one of the problems of Mormonism, learning about it does not overcome negative opinion. In fact, learning about it can actually entrench an already existing one or create a new one, as it did with me.
Fifteen years ago I was accused of being mormon-sympathetic. And to some extent I still am, it's a free country, believe what you want in your own life, BUT the qualities that make one continue to *believe* in the faith, this is not what I want in a President representing my country or toying with MY life and that of an entire globe's.
I would NEVER vote for a Mormon. That is one of the problems of Mormonism, learning about it does not overcome negative opinion. In fact, learning about it can actually entrench an already existing one or create a new one, as it did with me.
Fifteen years ago I was accused of being mormon-sympathetic. And to some extent I still am, it's a free country, believe what you want in your own life, BUT the qualities that make one continue to *believe* in the faith, this is not what I want in a President representing my country or toying with MY life and that of an entire globe's.
Fredd | 2:29 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
To re Jay: The difference in my mind is that even though the Bible stories are
equally unbelievable as BoM stories is i can show you Jericho, I can stand in
the red Sea, I can touch the Nile. None of the places people, or things in your
stories have ever existed. At least if you use the same standard of evidence
for both books one must conclude the BoM is a poor foundation. And speaking of
foundations Mormons will not show their blueprints prior to beginning the job.
They give you the foundation and then one wall at a time until you get to the
roof. And its the stuff in the attic that makes the foundation crack. Milk
before meat is a deception.
Art | 2:29 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Protestant churches pay outside consultants to give 'antiMormon'
lessons, mostly false information, to their congregations. Why do they pay
them? Because they are losing members to LDS missioanries who are teaching the
whole Bible with high Christian standards. Protestant churches don't
reject adulterers and drug users. They want their money. They need their money
to pay the ministers and pay for the fancy buildings and expensive TV time. Is
Mitt Romney 'too good' for the USA. Some say he is. Is the Mormon
faith too good for evangelicals? Seems so. Is it way too good for athiests?
Obviously. That's really sad.
Robert | 2:30 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
No doubt about it, most MORMONS don't even know what Mormons truly
believe!
I have sat through High Council meetings, Bishopric meetings, High Priest lessons, Gospel Doctrine lessons, Elder's Quorum lessons, and many, many others, for over 3 decades, and I can assure you that Mormons don't believe the same things as one another! And Mormons don't believe the same things from one year to another! People support their alarmingly different perspectives by quotes from General Authorities who say different things at different times and in different situations. The bottom line is that Mormon doctrine is all over the map. It ebbs and flows with the changing times and seasons. If a belief is too controversial, they de-emphasize it and engage in back-peddling, explaining-away, obfuscation, outright contradiction with previous "prophets, seers, and revelators," and many other defensive devices to preserve the illusion that the Church is "the only true Church" and the men in charge are divinely ordained.
All I can say is I thank God that 2 years ago I was released simultaneously from my calling as a Bishop and from the chains of arrogant, Latter-day Pharisee-ism. Thank God I am free at last!
I have sat through High Council meetings, Bishopric meetings, High Priest lessons, Gospel Doctrine lessons, Elder's Quorum lessons, and many, many others, for over 3 decades, and I can assure you that Mormons don't believe the same things as one another! And Mormons don't believe the same things from one year to another! People support their alarmingly different perspectives by quotes from General Authorities who say different things at different times and in different situations. The bottom line is that Mormon doctrine is all over the map. It ebbs and flows with the changing times and seasons. If a belief is too controversial, they de-emphasize it and engage in back-peddling, explaining-away, obfuscation, outright contradiction with previous "prophets, seers, and revelators," and many other defensive devices to preserve the illusion that the Church is "the only true Church" and the men in charge are divinely ordained.
All I can say is I thank God that 2 years ago I was released simultaneously from my calling as a Bishop and from the chains of arrogant, Latter-day Pharisee-ism. Thank God I am free at last!
Anonymous | 2:30 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I,m a true Republican, but I would vote for Hillary before I would have a cult
member Baptist in the White House. Baptist are just to weird.
chuck | 2:34 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I have never met a more friendly, giving, and God fearing people in my life as
are the majority of the Mormon people. I am sure there are exceptions just as
there are exceptions to whether Americans are good and decent people. Having
traveled to Europe on many occasions, they find us to be rude and loud.
My hope is that we can judge all people by their actions and deeds. If we do I think that you will find the Mormon faith to be extaordinary.
My hope is that we can judge all people by their actions and deeds. If we do I think that you will find the Mormon faith to be extaordinary.
Amazing | 2:39 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
This article was on the misunderstanding of LDS belief and stating some fact
Orthodox Christian V. LDS gets edited out. Here it is again.
Orthodox Christian belief - Mary was impregnated by the power of the holy ghost
LDS belief - Mary was impregnated by her Spirit Father, our Heavenly Father in the natural way.
Orthodox Christian belief - Mary was impregnated by the power of the holy ghost
LDS belief - Mary was impregnated by her Spirit Father, our Heavenly Father in the natural way.
to Don | 2:41 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I am a Mormon living in Europe. I agree with all of your 5 points and as far as
I know, these points are not in conflict with the church.
As for this writer, Noah from Harvard, he mentioned our secrecy and lack of comfort in discussing our beliefs. This is pure nonsense. He could call Prof. Christensen at the Harvard B-school and get a very open discussion, I'm sure. Or call any of us...I would LOVE to be interviewed by ANYONE about what we believe.
As for this writer, Noah from Harvard, he mentioned our secrecy and lack of comfort in discussing our beliefs. This is pure nonsense. He could call Prof. Christensen at the Harvard B-school and get a very open discussion, I'm sure. Or call any of us...I would LOVE to be interviewed by ANYONE about what we believe.
bannorhill | 2:43 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Re:Jay The biggest difference between the Bible and the Book of Morman is the
Bible is historically accurate. Every year new discoveries are being made in
the Near East confirming what the Bible has said for over 2000 years. Copies of
parts of the Bible exist and are published from 150 BC. You can go and touch
streets where Jesus walked and turned water into wine.
There in NO historical evidence for anything in the New World confirming one item in the Book of Mormon. Likewise there are NO copies of the Book of Mormon prior to Joseph Smith.
I can believe the story of David because there is historical proof that he was the King and existed. The Biblical record shows him as a man with sins and passions of sinful men. It also shows him as a man who turned to and depended on god.
Reading the Book of Mormon the foundation of truth does not exist and historical errors exist.
For me as a Christian I believe in the historical Jesus of the Bible.
There in NO historical evidence for anything in the New World confirming one item in the Book of Mormon. Likewise there are NO copies of the Book of Mormon prior to Joseph Smith.
I can believe the story of David because there is historical proof that he was the King and existed. The Biblical record shows him as a man with sins and passions of sinful men. It also shows him as a man who turned to and depended on god.
Reading the Book of Mormon the foundation of truth does not exist and historical errors exist.
For me as a Christian I believe in the historical Jesus of the Bible.
Ken | 2:51 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
If you read The Book of Mormon with the attitude of a Oliver Wendall Holmes,you
will find out it is the most true book ever published. The Bible is often
referred to as the Good Book. Mon is the Egyptian name for good. That means The
Book of Mormon is More good, testifying of Jesus Christ on almost every page.
To the angry Outsider | 2:56 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I had a daughter who was married in an LDS Temple, her mom attended the
ceremony, I did not. It was hard, but we have to accept responsibility for the
decisions we make (or don't make) in life...ALL of them. My daughter and
son-in-law are very close to both my wife and I. Additionally, my wife and I
weren't married in the Temple, as where her sisters, originally that was a
great disappointment to her family. Yet now her aging dad who has 5 son-in-laws
refers to me a the son he never had. There's no exclusion. That is a
figment of your imagination.
Sacred vs. secret | 3:02 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
There is nothing secret about the Mormon faith. When you are a worthy member,
you can enter any temple on the earth and find out the sacred, not secret,
truths.
Some help | 3:07 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Mom in MO:
This statement is correct: " ...the doctrine of Celestial -which was to say plural- marriage..."
According to Joseph Smith's definition, Celestial marriage is plural marriage.
Read 'Mormon Polygamy: a History' by a mormon, Richard . Van Wagoner, or check out the teachings of Joseph Smith.
This statement is correct: " ...the doctrine of Celestial -which was to say plural- marriage..."
According to Joseph Smith's definition, Celestial marriage is plural marriage.
Read 'Mormon Polygamy: a History' by a mormon, Richard . Van Wagoner, or check out the teachings of Joseph Smith.
to Bannorhill | 3:11 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Go stand in the Palacio Nacional in Mexico City and see the huge Diego Rivera
mural representing the very prevalent New World story of the bearded white god
Quetzlcoatl, who appeared to the people and promised to return again. Aztecs
confused Montezuma for him as did the Hawaiians with Captain Cook. There are
representations of the Tree of Life, and architectural similarities to Egypt
(pyramids). This is only scratching the surface.
On the other hand, although there are many physical evidences of the Bible, there is no proof of the census which brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, no proof of Herod's infanticide, and no physical evidence of the exodus (this is the short list). There was no evidence of Troy until the 1880's, and still gaping holes in our physical record of many of histories greatest legends and stories - battles, rumored civilizations.
I say there is just as much proof or lack of it for both the Bible and Book of Mormon. Yet, the Book of Mormon's main mission is to support and testify on behalf of the Bible. Both have incredible impact for good in this world and teach of Christ. Enough proof for me.
On the other hand, although there are many physical evidences of the Bible, there is no proof of the census which brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem, no proof of Herod's infanticide, and no physical evidence of the exodus (this is the short list). There was no evidence of Troy until the 1880's, and still gaping holes in our physical record of many of histories greatest legends and stories - battles, rumored civilizations.
I say there is just as much proof or lack of it for both the Bible and Book of Mormon. Yet, the Book of Mormon's main mission is to support and testify on behalf of the Bible. Both have incredible impact for good in this world and teach of Christ. Enough proof for me.
Lyn | 3:11 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I don't think it is a figment of anyones imagination. Try having a child
marry into another faith like mine has, and than tell me who gets excluded. I
don't think we can judge every situation simply by our own. Because it is
not just Mormons who do this , but all religions.
Congratulations | 3:17 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
..to the father of the bride that was married to a mormon. Its so wonderful
that you and your wife have a wonderful relationship with your son-in-law and
his family....however, adding the comment:
'That is a figment fo your inmagination' is not acceptable. I know of families who have not had that wonderful experience, so just be thankful that you did, and leave it, as that.
'That is a figment fo your inmagination' is not acceptable. I know of families who have not had that wonderful experience, so just be thankful that you did, and leave it, as that.
Credibility | 3:18 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
How can we trust Noah Feldman to report accurately on Islam, when he can't
even get the facts straight on Mormonism - a more geographically and culturally
accessible religion??
Seems the rest of these antagonists have some kind of bone to pick or are also intellectually lazy. The fact that some in the church do not take their religion seriously or ever question their beliefs is not an adequate excuse for them to stereotype all LDS people.
Seems the rest of these antagonists have some kind of bone to pick or are also intellectually lazy. The fact that some in the church do not take their religion seriously or ever question their beliefs is not an adequate excuse for them to stereotype all LDS people.
Anonymous | 3:23 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
This article is fundamentally so far off. Lame.
Ken S. | 3:31 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
As tantalizing a prospect it is, I unfortunately cannot comment on this very
interesting article, as I have made avoiding these contentious forums one of my
New Year's goals.
I invite others to join me.
I invite others to join me.
Heidi | 3:31 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
There are tens of thousands of Christian churches. So, Mr. Noah Feldman, which
one of these thousands of churches is the true faith? I think traditionally the
problem that other Christian faiths have had with "Mormonism" is that
members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus
Christ and God the Father are seperate and distinct Beings and that they have
bodies of flesh and bones. I think most of the other Christian faiths believe
that They are the same Being and a Spirit capable of being everywhere. I think
that all of those beliefs are beautiful and LDS and other Christians are can be
better people as they follow the teachings of their Lord Jesus Christ. As I
have observed, Mitt Romney is following these teachings the best he knows how.
I know of quiet service he has done (it touched our family personally).
Anonymous | 3:36 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I think the hostile, bigoted comments on the LDS faith of Mitt Romney are
outrageous. Seems religious tolerance is for everyone except those of the LDS
faith. Frankly, if you're not a member of this maligned faith, what do you
care what they believe? Do you really think you or your beliefs are superior?
Grow up and accept the "diversity" you're always ranting
about. The LDS faithful have as much right to worship God as you do. Who are
you to criticize?
Anonymous | 3:55 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Right on, Anonymous. Couldn't have said it better myself!
To Bob | 4:03 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
for the wealth huh? i guess those people in third word countries who are paying
their tithing in chickens and eggs and time are really adding to the bottom
line. try having a wider view bob....i agree a lot of churches are after the
money. take a look at a lot of these televangelists. Anyone who has a TV and a
phone can give. You can always see the real Christians out teaching their
beliefs. Joining the church and the money that comes with it is a bi-product,
not the goal. the goal truly is the soul.
Thomas | 4:11 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
"Bannorhill": Yes, it can be proved rationally that there really is a
Bethlehem and a Jerusalem. It doesn't automatically follow, though, that
there was therefore a man named Jesus who did the things the Bible records --
any more than the fact that it can be proved that there really is a Paris, means
that there was really a man named Jean Valjean who was sent to jail for stealing
a loaf of bread.
Anonymous | 4:13 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I just love to read the anti-LDS comments. They keep re-telling the same old
junk that some anit-Mormon told them. Most of their arguments are based on
half-truths (if that)! I know what my church teaches...no secrets at all. An no,
we won't just disappear. We have a right to be here. How the Book of Mormon
came about is clearly stated. Kinderhook plates? Please, that's old news!
We must have some very powerful teachings and truths or the anti-Mormons would
be wasting their time so much. Of course, these same evangelical hypocrites used
to say that Catholics weren't Christian, condemned Islam and anyone who
didn't think their way. Keep your own glass cathedral clean and don't
worry about what others believe. Ask your Creator if he's happy with your
hateful rhetoric (look that up if you don't know what it is!)
Truthmonger | 4:18 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Truth is truth whether you like the answer or not.
Truth: if there is one god there can be only one true church, or god would cease to be god.
Truth: Mormon still believe in and practice polygamy through sealings.
Truth: Mormaons did not allow blacks to "offically" have the priesthood until 1978, But niether did they hate them or bar them from the church. This change came by for practical reasons well as prophectic reason, as the church was growing in foriegn countries such as brazil, were degree of blackness became a real question. God never gives answers until the question is asked.
Truth: Mormaon belive in three distinct beings in the god as given by revelation, Othere belive in a godhead created by doctrines of man.
Truth: mormons don't know how mary got pregnant, just that god the father is the biological father.
Truth: People aren't perfect, Joseph Smith wasn't perfect, moses wasn't perfect, peter wasn't perfect, even jesus wasn't perfected until he ascended to his father.
Truth: Truth is what was, what is, and will become.
Truth: if there is one god there can be only one true church, or god would cease to be god.
Truth: Mormon still believe in and practice polygamy through sealings.
Truth: Mormaons did not allow blacks to "offically" have the priesthood until 1978, But niether did they hate them or bar them from the church. This change came by for practical reasons well as prophectic reason, as the church was growing in foriegn countries such as brazil, were degree of blackness became a real question. God never gives answers until the question is asked.
Truth: Mormaon belive in three distinct beings in the god as given by revelation, Othere belive in a godhead created by doctrines of man.
Truth: mormons don't know how mary got pregnant, just that god the father is the biological father.
Truth: People aren't perfect, Joseph Smith wasn't perfect, moses wasn't perfect, peter wasn't perfect, even jesus wasn't perfected until he ascended to his father.
Truth: Truth is what was, what is, and will become.
Truthmonger | 4:33 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Funny people have problem with bible stories, yet they will believe such
nonsense as evolution, which much a fairytale as anything. It's a story
concocted up by scientists, but still a story.
A story with gapping holes, hundreds if not thousands of assumptions and suppositions. It may pretend to be scientific, but it is anything but in language and in deed.
Remember our main purpose here is have our faith tested, so we will not given answers all things, just things neccesary for our salvation.
You can dig up old bones and make up all the stories you want about them, but that doesn't make them true.
Open minds will see the truth no matter were it lies, closed minds will see only what they want to see.
Closed minds: a story about gold plates and stones to translate them.
Open Minds: A loving caring God speaking to man in modern times.
A story with gapping holes, hundreds if not thousands of assumptions and suppositions. It may pretend to be scientific, but it is anything but in language and in deed.
Remember our main purpose here is have our faith tested, so we will not given answers all things, just things neccesary for our salvation.
You can dig up old bones and make up all the stories you want about them, but that doesn't make them true.
Open minds will see the truth no matter were it lies, closed minds will see only what they want to see.
Closed minds: a story about gold plates and stones to translate them.
Open Minds: A loving caring God speaking to man in modern times.
William Lowe | 4:35 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
It is quite amazing what people will concoct when attacking the true word of
God. I am beginning to think that ignorance is a tenant of all religions, of
course with the exception of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
The truth is within everyone�s grasp yet the soiled masses
fail to recognize that which is valid. One day these people will have the
opportunity to accept our faith but unfortunately I do not believe it will be in
this world.
To Truthmonger | 5:05 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Truthmonger,
Very well thought out logical argument, unfortunately you are barking up the wrong religion. The truth as you have stated is the Catholic or �universal� Church. All Christianity that has spawned from this True religion is either an invention of man or influenced by evil.
Seek the truth and you will find it.
Very well thought out logical argument, unfortunately you are barking up the wrong religion. The truth as you have stated is the Catholic or �universal� Church. All Christianity that has spawned from this True religion is either an invention of man or influenced by evil.
Seek the truth and you will find it.
BRJ | 5:12 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
So many inaccuracies in this article. One no one else seemed to notice: LDS do
not "baptize the dead". They do baptisms FOR deceased ancestors. If
you are truly interested - asked an active LDS member the reason for this. They
will be happy to explain.
Mindy from GA | 5:13 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I have seen first hand how Mormons are discriminated against. Several times I
have been called to pickup my child from another childs birthday party because
they are Mormons. I have seen the so called Bible Belt Baptists turn on someone
who does not believe in their religion. My 10% of my earnings go to a church
that helps others who are in need. You should see the MEGA churchs they have
down here. God did not get paid for teaching his beliefs. These mail-order
preachers make a fortune for themselves and live very lavish lives. They also
are not taxed for their earning. The only thing I can understand of their fear
for the Mormons is they are afraid to learn the truth!
Glenn Stoneman | 5:23 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
As to Mormons being secretive go to mormon.org or lds.org. There you will find
our basic beliefs and access to lesson manuals and Church magazines.
Any active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints should be able to answer most questions about the Church. Every Sunday members spend a period of 50 minutes studying in Sunday School. We study the Old Testament for one year. Next we study the New Testament for one year. After that comes the Book of Mormon(another testament of Christ) for one year. Then comes the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price(Church History). This cycle keeps repeating itself, the lesson manuals for these studies are the same for all the world. We are a worldwide church with more members outside the USA than in.
Any active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints should be able to answer most questions about the Church. Every Sunday members spend a period of 50 minutes studying in Sunday School. We study the Old Testament for one year. Next we study the New Testament for one year. After that comes the Book of Mormon(another testament of Christ) for one year. Then comes the Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price(Church History). This cycle keeps repeating itself, the lesson manuals for these studies are the same for all the world. We are a worldwide church with more members outside the USA than in.
jph1223 | 5:27 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I thought the Feldman article was very fair considering it was published in the
New York Times. Being from New York I can testify that the New York media covers
the LDS Church (and all religion for that matter) differently than the Deseret
News.
Russ had a question about there being no LDS theologians. I think we don't acknowledge having theologians because of the nature of the LDS lay ministry. However, in my mind, James E. Talmage constituted the closest we've had to an official theologian. His books The Articles of Faith and Jesus the Christ were read and approved by the LDS Church hierarchy before they were published under the Church imprimatur. Other who might be considered LDS theologians were Orson Pratt, B. H. Roberts, John A. Widtsoe and Hugh Nibley. Some might consider Joseph Fielding Smith, Bruce R. McConkie and Legrand Richards as theologians, but I see them more as scriptorians, which is a different role.
Russ had a question about there being no LDS theologians. I think we don't acknowledge having theologians because of the nature of the LDS lay ministry. However, in my mind, James E. Talmage constituted the closest we've had to an official theologian. His books The Articles of Faith and Jesus the Christ were read and approved by the LDS Church hierarchy before they were published under the Church imprimatur. Other who might be considered LDS theologians were Orson Pratt, B. H. Roberts, John A. Widtsoe and Hugh Nibley. Some might consider Joseph Fielding Smith, Bruce R. McConkie and Legrand Richards as theologians, but I see them more as scriptorians, which is a different role.
suzyk | 5:29 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I find the writer's comments and beliefs to be comical just to the fact
they can't let something that was stopped over a 110 years from being their
topic. I guess they can find no other subject to talk about. They just need to
give it a rest and just let Mitt Romney prove that he is the man he professes to
be. What's wrong with that? You won't be disappointed...it's
guaranteed.
Question for Mr. Glenn Stoneman | 5:39 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Where does the Book of Abraham come into the lesson manual? Just curious in
investigate your beliefs.
Thanks,
Thanks,
to Outsider | 5:40 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I am sorry that you feel that way because you were unable to attend the marriage
ceremony of your sisters nor were your parents. My brothers and sisters
didn't attend my sealing either but it is because they aren't members.
When we join the church we make covenants to do certain things - live the word
of wisdom, pay tything, etc. I know that if we don't do these things that
it can and will keep us from the blessings of the temple. Perhaps if your
sisters had had a civil marriage first and married in the temple a year later
would you and your parents been happy? Sis and her husband did what they felt
was right and the church had nothing to do with it. We have free agency - if you
are not living up to certain baptismal covenants then you will miss out on the
blessings of the temple. Attend the Rexburg Temple's open house - you will
get an understanding of the sacredness of it. Stand on temple property with a
pure heart. You will understand it a little more.
To: to outsider | 5:55 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
The Church has everything to do with it. It breaks up families and causes
divides among people. That is why many people label the LDS Church as a cult.
Colorado Mormon | 6:04 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Barriers can be broken down between Mormon and non-Mormons with common courtesy
and respect for one another. I am a senior manager for a large corporation, and
I did not get to this position with an "I'm better than you
perspective on life." A high majority of people I work with are not
members of the LDS church, but we like and respect each other, and operate under
the Golden Rule regardless of the various religions represented. My employees
know I will stand up for them and help them in their careers as much as an LDS
employee. Over the years, we have built a great deal of trust for each other.
How non-members I work with have come to see the church is how I live my life-
no sermon necessary. Thanks for reading.
Truthmonger | 6:07 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
To:To:outsider
Believing in the truth is just as hard for those that accept it, a great test of their faith, knowing their family member can not join them if they do not accept it, or that they may be disowned if they go ahead.
It is very difficult for most people accept the real truth after a long time believing in something different. It's veryeasy to keep clinging to an old worn blanket.
But the truth is the truth whether you like it or not.
Believing in the truth is just as hard for those that accept it, a great test of their faith, knowing their family member can not join them if they do not accept it, or that they may be disowned if they go ahead.
It is very difficult for most people accept the real truth after a long time believing in something different. It's veryeasy to keep clinging to an old worn blanket.
But the truth is the truth whether you like it or not.
how they are perceived | 6:13 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Though I have relatives who are active LDS, I am sad to report that many people
outside the Zion Curtain view Mormons as "crazy cultists."
The exclusionary terms of Mormon ceremonies support this perception and is actually a sad attempt at class distinction.
The exclusionary terms of Mormon ceremonies support this perception and is actually a sad attempt at class distinction.
Annette L. | 6:29 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
I am disappointed by anit-mormon commets. What have we done to offend you? We
prvide love and a doctrine that is unquestionable. Please stop this the
attacking and contact you LDS neighbor for inforamtion about the church. I know
the church is true and if you do any investigating you will know this as well.
Anonymous | 6:54 p.m. Jan. 6, 2008
Just leave us alone. These comments sicken me. We are not a cult but a wonderful
religion that many of hate for. You people have no idea what the LDS church is.
I am sad for you and ask you to stop with these rediculous comments. You sadden
me and need to get a life or join the church to clense your soul
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