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Diversity of beliefs reported in survey
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Willow | 12:29 a.m. June 24, 2008
So 5% of atheists pray? To whom do they pray? If their prayers are answered,
who answered them? Just wondering! Willow
Jobu | 12:34 a.m. June 24, 2008
Other results from the survey:
- 89% of Mormons believe ice cream is a major food group compared to 0% of everyone else.
- 95% of Mormons believe that MLMs are legitimate businesses, compared to 1% of everyone else.
- 90% of Mormons believe that God will financially bless them for going to church compared to 99% of evangelicals and 0% of everyone else.
- 99% of evangelicals believe that God saves people who verbally profess faith and then ignore all the commandments compared to 0% of everyone else.
- 89% of Mormons believe ice cream is a major food group compared to 0% of everyone else.
- 95% of Mormons believe that MLMs are legitimate businesses, compared to 1% of everyone else.
- 90% of Mormons believe that God will financially bless them for going to church compared to 99% of evangelicals and 0% of everyone else.
- 99% of evangelicals believe that God saves people who verbally profess faith and then ignore all the commandments compared to 0% of everyone else.
Comments continue below
Gogat | 12:56 a.m. June 24, 2008
Oh! PEW these people are living on Old glory. The last report I red was
@#$%&* This is no different
Symantics | 1:32 a.m. June 24, 2008
The believing in hell question should be thrown out for the Mormons. In Mormomn
Doctrine it is a rick question.
Hel is not a place you are sent with fire and brimstone. It is however a condition of the terestial kingdom. Being seperated from God for eternity because of your unworthiness is a 'hell' in itself, but not 'hell' as defined by the poll.
The 'meditate' question may have had a higher response had it been worded 'ponder'.
Hel is not a place you are sent with fire and brimstone. It is however a condition of the terestial kingdom. Being seperated from God for eternity because of your unworthiness is a 'hell' in itself, but not 'hell' as defined by the poll.
The 'meditate' question may have had a higher response had it been worded 'ponder'.
Celia | 1:45 a.m. June 24, 2008
Not too flattering for those of us in the LDS church. Im proud that we have the
highest measured faith that God "for sure" exists but much less proud
of being branded intolerant. The results of this survey, in combination with the
big FLDS sexual abuse investigation, may cause people to leave the church out of
embarassment. At least that's what happened to the Catholic church a few
years ago when it was faced with controversy and negative news coverage. It
worries me that this will make it even harder for my children to be accepted by
their peers- they have already been plenty teased for various other aspects of
our faith.
Danny | 3:26 a.m. June 24, 2008
The big difference between Jehovah's Witnesses and Christians is that the
Watchtower Society's creed proclaims Jesus second coming on October 1914.
all roads lead to heaven | 4:48 a.m. June 24, 2008
after all; one Philosophy of Man (mingled with scripture) is about as good as
another.
Lee | 4:57 a.m. June 24, 2008
Jobu has some good insights.As an evangelical,he is not stretching the truth too
much.BTW, MLM's are a great favorite with Evangelicals too!
Anonymous | 6:54 a.m. June 24, 2008
So Gogat, why do I get the feeling that any research that does not square with
your already fixed view of reality would be dismissed as $%%^*& as you put
it. If I where to state that 100% of people that do not think like you are
wrong, without providing any evidence, you would be writing a glowing review.
Just an observation, I maybe wrong.
ramper | 6:54 a.m. June 24, 2008
How can anyone be an atheist? They have no holidays!
cats | 6:58 a.m. June 24, 2008
This survey actually has some kind of weird results. 5% of atheists pray?
Although I'm glad to hear it--it sounds kinda weird. Only 90% of LDS are
sure there is a God while 96% believe in miracles. A lot of this seems pretty
inconsistent.
I agree that some of these questions are not exactly relevant for LDS. (The question about the existence of Hell) However, that's just the nature of surveys. They lock one into questions and answers that may not be exactly accurate. However, generally what it shows is that LDS in general have a stronger belief and more of a personal relationship with God than most other groups. I'm glad to hear it although I'm not at all surprised.
I hope all will find a way to know God. It is the only way to true happiness.
I agree that some of these questions are not exactly relevant for LDS. (The question about the existence of Hell) However, that's just the nature of surveys. They lock one into questions and answers that may not be exactly accurate. However, generally what it shows is that LDS in general have a stronger belief and more of a personal relationship with God than most other groups. I'm glad to hear it although I'm not at all surprised.
I hope all will find a way to know God. It is the only way to true happiness.
arc | 7:23 a.m. June 24, 2008
Jobu:
unfortunately, there are going to be those that will believe your joke is true.
unfortunately, there are going to be those that will believe your joke is true.
samhill | 7:45 a.m. June 24, 2008
I think it is interesting that, "70 percent of Americans affiliated with a
religion say that ... "there is more than one true way to interpret the
teachings of my religion".
I'd love for them to explain to me HOW they think there can be more than one -TRUE- way to interpret ANYTHING.
What nonsense.
Perhaps they are talking about the many "true" ways of talking about various, but different, aspects of something. Sort of like the idea of the blind men all trying to describe an elephant by feeling different parts (ears, trunk, tail, etc.). Their sense of the "truth" of the elephant are all PARTIALLY true but their idea that the elephant is "like a snake" based on feeling the trunk, or "like a tree" by feeling a leg, are all FALSE.
The truth about truth is that it is not relative. The notion of "several truths" is merely another self-deceptive compromise for the sake of social conformity and/or acceptance.
I'd love for them to explain to me HOW they think there can be more than one -TRUE- way to interpret ANYTHING.
What nonsense.
Perhaps they are talking about the many "true" ways of talking about various, but different, aspects of something. Sort of like the idea of the blind men all trying to describe an elephant by feeling different parts (ears, trunk, tail, etc.). Their sense of the "truth" of the elephant are all PARTIALLY true but their idea that the elephant is "like a snake" based on feeling the trunk, or "like a tree" by feeling a leg, are all FALSE.
The truth about truth is that it is not relative. The notion of "several truths" is merely another self-deceptive compromise for the sake of social conformity and/or acceptance.
Rick | 7:48 a.m. June 24, 2008
It is difficult to get qualified responses on religion from mormons because
mormons are conditioned to canned responses and use mormon code: to believe is
to know, etc. If mormons really were what they say they are it would reveal
itself in their lifes as better people, but for the most part they are no
different than most others. Mormons have a strong need and desire for father
images and this in part influences their religious behavior.
bubba | 8:14 a.m. June 24, 2008
Wow! Now we now what the people believe, who aren't actually attending
church on Sundays, don't understand their own beliefs although they profess
to be members, and subscribe to the "eat, drink, and be merry"
philosophy...
Some great prophets of old have spoken about this very issue. I find it enlightening to see how ignorant most people really are.
Some great prophets of old have spoken about this very issue. I find it enlightening to see how ignorant most people really are.
Matthew | 8:40 a.m. June 24, 2008
To Cat: You can "believe" in miracles without being "sure"
there is a God. You just "believe" there is a God.
To Samhill: Just subsitute "effectual," "valid," or "successful" for "true" and you will be able to understand the point of the question and what people were trying to say. For example, it is Mormon doctrine that a Muslim that lives his religion to the best of his ability and understanding will be able to recieve eternal life, even if the path he followed through life was very different than that followed by a Mormon.
To Jobu: I hope you know that you give too little credit to Mormons and way, way too much credit to "everyone else." Having said that, your comments made me chuckle despite the fact that you come across as mean spirited.
To Celia: What in this survey come across as impying Mormon's are intolerant? Kids will tease anything that is different, anything. If it wasn't religous beliefs and practices it would be something else. Just teach your kids that teasing isn't right but to turn the other cheek.
To Samhill: Just subsitute "effectual," "valid," or "successful" for "true" and you will be able to understand the point of the question and what people were trying to say. For example, it is Mormon doctrine that a Muslim that lives his religion to the best of his ability and understanding will be able to recieve eternal life, even if the path he followed through life was very different than that followed by a Mormon.
To Jobu: I hope you know that you give too little credit to Mormons and way, way too much credit to "everyone else." Having said that, your comments made me chuckle despite the fact that you come across as mean spirited.
To Celia: What in this survey come across as impying Mormon's are intolerant? Kids will tease anything that is different, anything. If it wasn't religous beliefs and practices it would be something else. Just teach your kids that teasing isn't right but to turn the other cheek.
The only true chuch--duh! | 8:54 a.m. June 24, 2008
I use to have Jehovah witness stop by my home on a regular basis. I finally had
to put a sign on my door that read.... NO Jehovah Witnesses! Otherwise, Pesky
people.
Jimmy | 9:00 a.m. June 24, 2008
samhill:
All of us, are much more blind than we are willing to admit. Yes, truth is out there, but we are greatly limited by our finite abilities.
Maybe the elephant is not really an elephant? But the elephant merely a projection into our 3D world of something much more glorious?
All of us, are much more blind than we are willing to admit. Yes, truth is out there, but we are greatly limited by our finite abilities.
Maybe the elephant is not really an elephant? But the elephant merely a projection into our 3D world of something much more glorious?
re: samhill | 9:02 a.m. June 24, 2008
Samhill, what in the sam hill are you talking about? Don't try to sound
profound, it is not becoming.
Wayne | 9:03 a.m. June 24, 2008
Amen Samhill.
what in samhill | 9:05 a.m. June 24, 2008
How can there be more than 'one true way' to interpret a religion and
its beliefs? One local example.
What was 'true' in early 1978 is no longer 'true' today!
What was 'true' in early 1978 is no longer 'true' today!
Jen | 9:23 a.m. June 24, 2008
I like your thoughts samhill. Truth is not relative. Truth is things as they
really are and things as they really will be. Just as an elephant really is an
elephant and not a tree trunk or snake, there is an actual truth about what will
happen to all of us after this life is over. My guess is that all human beings
will go through the same process when they die, whether Mormon, Christian, Jew,
or athiest. A Buddists won't necisarily dwell with Budda when he dies
because in this life that is what he believed; and a Christian won't
necesarily be saved in the next life by accepting Christ in some form in this
life. It is interesting how there can be so many beliefs and religions in the
world, but logically there is only one truth about what really will be. It would
seem then that people ought to seek for truth, more than what is socially
acceptable and more than what culturally and traditionally feels good to them.
So, then, the survey really isn't very amazing.
Little meaning | 9:29 a.m. June 24, 2008
By the way, I keep hearing reporters say that these results can be +/- 6%.
I'm not a stat genius, but I learned in grad school that any confidence
interval that's greater than 5% means the data is pretty much worthless.
So while this creates interesting discussion don't assume that the data is
correct.
Clare | 9:48 a.m. June 24, 2008
Rick: My beliefs are not canned responses and I resent you implying so. My
beliefs are my own and I express them as my own. Just because I am a Mormon,
and believe that the family is the sacred unit does not mean I haven't come
to these conclusions on my own. I'm a convert to the church and had to
decide for myself if the things I was taught were true. Please acknowledge that
fact that it is possible to be a Mormon and not some mindless, obedient drone.
Mathew | 9:53 a.m. June 24, 2008
There are no miracles, just amazing things for which we presently have no
understanding. All things in the universe have reason.
Beck | 11:56 a.m. June 24, 2008
To Rick and Clare:
Clare: Thanks for your comment. I would also like to add my declaration of belief. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true and that God is real and personal and loves me and answers my prayers. I grew up in the church, but still had to find out for myself and I can say that I do know. Thanks for your defense.
Rick: You make one good point. Sometimes we do act like everyone else. But as Mormons, we do know better and we are taught better. I hope you don't feel that way about all of us. Please know that most of us try very hard to be better each day. Sometimes we don't do very well. It may be a surprise, but we consider ourselves to be imperfect humans and we believe we are here on earth to learn to be better people. I hope that all of us who claim to be believers will make greater efforts to stand for what we believe.
Clare: Thanks for your comment. I would also like to add my declaration of belief. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is true and that God is real and personal and loves me and answers my prayers. I grew up in the church, but still had to find out for myself and I can say that I do know. Thanks for your defense.
Rick: You make one good point. Sometimes we do act like everyone else. But as Mormons, we do know better and we are taught better. I hope you don't feel that way about all of us. Please know that most of us try very hard to be better each day. Sometimes we don't do very well. It may be a surprise, but we consider ourselves to be imperfect humans and we believe we are here on earth to learn to be better people. I hope that all of us who claim to be believers will make greater efforts to stand for what we believe.
Raymond Takashi Swenson | 12:23 p.m. June 24, 2008
Reading the pages of Christianity Today is enlightening about Evangelical
Christians. There is a good deal of discussion of the apparent fact that their
religious affiliation seems to have little effect on distingujishing their
behavior from other people who are not formally affiliated with a church. They
are expressing concern that many of their congregations are so focused on
bringing people to the point of making a declaration of faith in Christ that
they fail to teach their members anything about what Christ and his apostles
taught about the life that should be lived by Christians. The largest Protestant
and Evangelical denomination in the US, the Southern Baptist Convention,
reported recently that in 2007 their total membership actually dropped by 40,000
people. A spokesmen attributed it to the perception by many people that
Baptists are arrogant and intolerant toward others. A nationally known religion
professor related last week that the freshman students at a Evangelical
church-affiliated university know little about the doctrines of Christianity and
don't know the content of the Nicene Creed. Boyd K. Packer was right: The
teaching of doctrine changes behavior more than anything else, and Evangelicals
are having trouble teaching doctrine to their youth and adults.
Raymond Takashi Swenson | 4:18 p.m. June 24, 2008
The survey demonstrates two things relevant to Mormon-Evangelical relations.
First, the caricature made by many Evangelical anti-Mormon publications that
Mormons are uneducated and poor, and therefore easily misled, is false; Mormons
exceed Evangelicals in educational achievement and income.
Second, the view of many Evangelicals expressed during the presidential primary elections that Mormons like Mitt Romney are not trustworthy supporters of conservative, Republican values, is demonstrably false. Mormons are far more Republican, conservative, and opposed to abortion and the normalization of homosexuality than Evangelicals.
On many of the views that identify social conservatism, Mormons lead all other religious groups, including Evangelicals and Catholics.
It is interesting that Mormons are also the strongest supporters of an active US foreign policy. The fact that many Mormons and their sons and daughters have lived abroad, and that they are very aware of their church's international membership, makes their perspective much more global than other Americans. After all, half of all Mormons live outside the US, in Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Pacific.
Mormons are educated, prosperous, conservative, religious, and international.
Second, the view of many Evangelicals expressed during the presidential primary elections that Mormons like Mitt Romney are not trustworthy supporters of conservative, Republican values, is demonstrably false. Mormons are far more Republican, conservative, and opposed to abortion and the normalization of homosexuality than Evangelicals.
On many of the views that identify social conservatism, Mormons lead all other religious groups, including Evangelicals and Catholics.
It is interesting that Mormons are also the strongest supporters of an active US foreign policy. The fact that many Mormons and their sons and daughters have lived abroad, and that they are very aware of their church's international membership, makes their perspective much more global than other Americans. After all, half of all Mormons live outside the US, in Latin America, Asia, Africa, Europe and the Pacific.
Mormons are educated, prosperous, conservative, religious, and international.
marc | 5:46 p.m. June 24, 2008
Someone reads CHRISTINITY TODAY? That in itself is reason for joy. I am
impressed.
Henry Drummond | 5:50 p.m. June 24, 2008
I can't imagine why anyone would consider this report to be negative
towards Mormons or other beliefs. It seems to be quite accurate and I doubt
anyone at Church headquarters would quarrel with it. The Church has participated
in the Pew studies for years and even provides them with statistical
information.
Enlightened | 7:31 p.m. June 24, 2008
Jehovah's witnesses do NOT:
- celebrate Christ's birth
- celebrate Easter
- celebrate Halloween
- celebrate birhtdays
- salute the flag
- go to war to protect freedom of religion,speech, etc.
- sing the national anthem
- take a blood transfusion
these are just a few DO NOT's
- celebrate Christ's birth
- celebrate Easter
- celebrate Halloween
- celebrate birhtdays
- salute the flag
- go to war to protect freedom of religion,speech, etc.
- sing the national anthem
- take a blood transfusion
these are just a few DO NOT's
Eye Dee Ten Tee | 9:15 p.m. June 24, 2008
OK, will try to post this for the 3rd time. If it doesnt' post this time, I
will start a conspiration society and move to the mountains of Idaho.
This study ignored the fastest growing relegion: Environmentalism. As a dogmatic is defined as a person who cannot or will not question the authority, and is not open to logical argument, the Global Warmists certainly fall into this category. For evidence, just watch the recently revealed hoax of the uncontacted tribe in the Amazon forest. Our non-biased media will forgive the author of the hoax, citing the emminent danger of logging as sufficient reason for the lie. Also, note how Al Gore used footage from a science fiction movie in his Inconvinient Truth movie. If the lie fits their belief, it is not questioned. If a study and it's findings are contrary to their belief, it is rejected. Now that is some mighty fine Dogma.
This study ignored the fastest growing relegion: Environmentalism. As a dogmatic is defined as a person who cannot or will not question the authority, and is not open to logical argument, the Global Warmists certainly fall into this category. For evidence, just watch the recently revealed hoax of the uncontacted tribe in the Amazon forest. Our non-biased media will forgive the author of the hoax, citing the emminent danger of logging as sufficient reason for the lie. Also, note how Al Gore used footage from a science fiction movie in his Inconvinient Truth movie. If the lie fits their belief, it is not questioned. If a study and it's findings are contrary to their belief, it is rejected. Now that is some mighty fine Dogma.
Rich | 9:50 p.m. June 24, 2008
Rick: "most part they are no different than most others".
Behavior-wise, compared to the general population, LDS have a lower divorce rate, alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse (including prescription drugs) is lower, education is higher, family size is higher, and teenage sex rate is lower.
They likely exist, but I am not aware of any studies that have looked at things like loving thy neighbor, lying, cheating, violent crime, etc.
Behavior-wise, compared to the general population, LDS have a lower divorce rate, alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse (including prescription drugs) is lower, education is higher, family size is higher, and teenage sex rate is lower.
They likely exist, but I am not aware of any studies that have looked at things like loving thy neighbor, lying, cheating, violent crime, etc.
Interloper | 5:11 a.m. June 25, 2008
Most striking to me is that some people, including some commenters on this
thread, will hold forth on being independent and free thinking, only to next
recite the catechism of their faith. Another notable aspect is that many people
apparently see being close-minded as an attribute.
mconder | 9:54 a.m. June 25, 2008
Raymond Takashi Swenson: Second, the view of many Evangelicals expressed during
the presidential primary elections that Mormons like Mitt Romney are not
trustworthy supporters of conservative, Republican values, is demonstrably
false.
No, Mitt Romney is not trustworthy because if his own personal lack of integrity. This should in no way reflect on the LDS Church. What do you expect from a McCain republican?
No, Mitt Romney is not trustworthy because if his own personal lack of integrity. This should in no way reflect on the LDS Church. What do you expect from a McCain republican?
tressa | 11:14 a.m. June 25, 2008
In Reply to ENLIGHTENED's comment
You're right, Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate:
1.Christmas~ Jesus was not born on December 25th, in fact it was probably more like October. �Inexplicable though it seems, the date of Christ�s birth is not known. The Gospels indicate neither the day nor the month.��New Catholic Encyclopedia.
2.Easter~ Pagan Origins~research it if u like
3.Halloween~Pagan Origins once again
4.birthdays ~ pagan origins
5.Salute the flag ~ we cannot conscientiously give what we view as worship to anyone or anything except our God, Jehovah.
6. Go to war to protect freedom of speech, religion, etc. ~We do not engage in war and take lives, that is a violation of the ten commandments. We have won several court cases on these exact matters that you mention though. Therefore, we do protect those issues, just not in a way that cost human lives.
7.sing the national anthem~ pretty much same thing as with the flag salute
8. Take a blood transfusion~ Blood is a sacred life force, not meant to be abused in this way. You can research the reasons further if you care to know rather than just throw things out there.
You're right, Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate:
1.Christmas~ Jesus was not born on December 25th, in fact it was probably more like October. �Inexplicable though it seems, the date of Christ�s birth is not known. The Gospels indicate neither the day nor the month.��New Catholic Encyclopedia.
2.Easter~ Pagan Origins~research it if u like
3.Halloween~Pagan Origins once again
4.birthdays ~ pagan origins
5.Salute the flag ~ we cannot conscientiously give what we view as worship to anyone or anything except our God, Jehovah.
6. Go to war to protect freedom of speech, religion, etc. ~We do not engage in war and take lives, that is a violation of the ten commandments. We have won several court cases on these exact matters that you mention though. Therefore, we do protect those issues, just not in a way that cost human lives.
7.sing the national anthem~ pretty much same thing as with the flag salute
8. Take a blood transfusion~ Blood is a sacred life force, not meant to be abused in this way. You can research the reasons further if you care to know rather than just throw things out there.
tressa | 11:19 a.m. June 25, 2008
RE:Danny
Ummm, We do NOT believe that Jesus second coming was in 1914, you are completely incorrect here. And you statements about the Watchtower Society are unbelievable as well as vastly unfounded, perhaps someone is disgruntled?
Ummm, We do NOT believe that Jesus second coming was in 1914, you are completely incorrect here. And you statements about the Watchtower Society are unbelievable as well as vastly unfounded, perhaps someone is disgruntled?
JWBILL | 10:21 p.m. June 25, 2008
Jesus second coming in 1914 aka 'invisible presence' aka 'return
to power' is an embarrassing false prophecy that has been printed up in
millions of Watchtowers over decades.
Can't deny it now.
Can't deny it now.
Agki | 4:05 a.m. June 26, 2008
Little meaning hath said: "I'm not a stat genius, but I learned in
grad school that any confidence interval that's greater than 5% means the
data is pretty much worthless. "
No, you're not a "stat genius." The 5% is not a "confidence interval" but a value of p, the probability that the result is due to chance. The data are not worthless but one cannot acceptably draw the stated conclusion if there is more than a 5% probability that the data are the result of chance. If p is greater than 5%, the null hypothesis (that no effect is seen) is accepted.
No, you're not a "stat genius." The 5% is not a "confidence interval" but a value of p, the probability that the result is due to chance. The data are not worthless but one cannot acceptably draw the stated conclusion if there is more than a 5% probability that the data are the result of chance. If p is greater than 5%, the null hypothesis (that no effect is seen) is accepted.
enlightened | 6:58 a.m. June 26, 2008
Tressa, are you counting and reporting your time?
BANE | 7:13 p.m. June 26, 2008
Um...JWBILL, can you prove that that is the case. Printed up millions of times
huh? I want specific references. Each magazine, year, date and I want to
ACTUALLY look at it. If you SAY you have proof, do it.
JWBILL | 2:09 a.m. June 27, 2008
For 50 plus years the masthead of the Watchtower,viewed when you opened up to
the inside front cover would read as follows:
"This magazine(Watchtower) builds up confidence in the Creators PROMISE of a peaceful and secure "new world" before the generation "that witnessed" the EVENTS OF 1914 passes away"".
By their own admission the Watchtowers has published this dogma in hundreds of millions of pieces of their own literature.
"This magazine(Watchtower) builds up confidence in the Creators PROMISE of a peaceful and secure "new world" before the generation "that witnessed" the EVENTS OF 1914 passes away"".
By their own admission the Watchtowers has published this dogma in hundreds of millions of pieces of their own literature.
Oldtimer | 7:46 a.m. June 27, 2008
The Watchtower society DID teach 1914 as the 'pivotal year' for Jesus
return.
Tressa | 9:29 a.m. June 27, 2008
1914 Is believed to be the year in which Jesus began his HEAVENLY reign, NOT
earthly. The only time he spent on earth is recorded in the bible. And no, I
am not counting my time, I am not a publisher.
Tressa | 9:38 a.m. June 27, 2008
I will have to research that JWBILL but when I open MY Watchtower my masthead
reads this way:
"The Purpose of the Watchtower is to exalt Jehovah God as Sovereign Lord of the universe. It keeps watch on world events as these fulfill bible prophecy. It comforts all peoples with the good news that God's Kingdom will soon destroy those who oppress their fellow men and that it will turn the earth into a paradise. It encourages faith in in God's now-reigning King-Jesus Christ, whose shed blood opens the way for mankind to gain eternal life. The Watchtower, published by Jehovah's Witnesses continuously since 1879, is nonpolitical. It adheres to the bible as its authority."
"The Purpose of the Watchtower is to exalt Jehovah God as Sovereign Lord of the universe. It keeps watch on world events as these fulfill bible prophecy. It comforts all peoples with the good news that God's Kingdom will soon destroy those who oppress their fellow men and that it will turn the earth into a paradise. It encourages faith in in God's now-reigning King-Jesus Christ, whose shed blood opens the way for mankind to gain eternal life. The Watchtower, published by Jehovah's Witnesses continuously since 1879, is nonpolitical. It adheres to the bible as its authority."
jfb | 11:31 a.m. June 27, 2008
Interloper: I wonder if the fact that I have studied the law of gravity and
personally been the beneficiary and occasionally the victim of its effects, and
am convinced of its truth make me closed minded?
enlightened | 11:32 a.m. June 29, 2008
Tressa,
If you are not a publisher...........then you are using "theocratic warfare", and only telling half truths.
You are thus technically a pioneer (auxiliary, special or regular)............whatever.
You are "witnessing", as you have been taught to do.
If you are not a publisher...........then you are using "theocratic warfare", and only telling half truths.
You are thus technically a pioneer (auxiliary, special or regular)............whatever.
You are "witnessing", as you have been taught to do.
Tressa | 9:21 a.m. July 16, 2008
RE: Enlightened
No sir, I am not a pioneer of any kind, nor was I raised as a Witness. However, you are right, I am "witnessing" to correct falsehoods and misrepresentation as it were when I see it. I do hold fast to the truths I believe in, that's not to say that I am close minded, only that I have proven this to be true to myself. If you had the cure for cancer, wouldn't you share it with the everyone who wanted it?
No sir, I am not a pioneer of any kind, nor was I raised as a Witness. However, you are right, I am "witnessing" to correct falsehoods and misrepresentation as it were when I see it. I do hold fast to the truths I believe in, that's not to say that I am close minded, only that I have proven this to be true to myself. If you had the cure for cancer, wouldn't you share it with the everyone who wanted it?
James | 12:03 p.m. Oct. 10, 2009
Organizations listed as charities help all in need.
If an organization is given taxation benefits by the
Government. They are obligated to help all in need. If it is found they shun those in need then it is time to remove their charitable status. Let them operate without taxation benefits.
If an organization is given taxation benefits by the
Government. They are obligated to help all in need. If it is found they shun those in need then it is time to remove their charitable status. Let them operate without taxation benefits.
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- TCU stuck at fourth in BCS 12:50 a.m.
- Students from abroad come to Utah 12:26 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:18 a.m.
- Sports briefs 12:17 a.m.
- Editorial: Red flags at Fort Hood 12:14 a.m.
- Rid Capitol Hill of 'roaches' 12:14 a.m.
- Health proposal not 'reform' 12:14 a.m.
- Afterthoughts 12:14 a.m.
- BYU happy to escape with victory
230 - TCU creams U.225
- Editorial: Mormons and gay rights206
- Will state consider gay rights law?149
- Can BYU root for (ick) Utah Utes?131
- RSL heads to MLS title game125
- Utes remain silent about BCS120
- Celtics crush Jazz104
- TCU stays 4th in AP; Y. 19th, U. 23rd97
- 3A: Hurricane advances to title game88
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Jehovahs Witnesses and freedom of speech.
They will extol and preach *God's Kingdom* and this sounds attractive,what they hide from you is their Watchtower society version that Jesus has already had his second coming in 1914 and is working *invisibly* through them.
They have won 37 of their 46 Supreme court cases assuring us all of freedom of speech and assembly and equal protection under the law.
The sad irony is that the Watchtower Society *daily* abuses the human rights of thousands of its members. It denies current members the right of free speech by forbidding them to speak to former members, even close family members.
And it denies former members their right of freedom of worship by refusing to allow them to leave the religion with dignity, should they come to disagree with Watchtower's practices or doctrines.