Deseret News | LDS Church emphasizes 'Mormon' distinctions

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LDS Church emphasizes 'Mormon' distinctions

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Re: Tina at 1:18 | 7:31 p.m. July 11, 2008

You asked: "Also I was wondering when the LDS church is going to allow women to be sealed to dead and living husbands?"

They do not allow women who are living to be sealed to more than one husband. After a woman is deceased, her family may have her sealed in the temple to any man she had been married to in life. For example, I know a woman who was married, divorced, and remarried. She was not sealed to the father of her children (1st husband) during life. She was sealed to her 2nd husband. After she passed away, she was sealed to her 1st husband. So I guess women can have more than 1 spouse in the afterlife.

Janice | 7:41 p.m. July 11, 2008

Re 1:18
now that doesn't make a bit of sense. I am with the woman who wants to know why she cannot be sealed to both her husbands while she is alive? Why wait until she is dead to do it? That makes no sense!!!

bilbo | 7:46 p.m. July 11, 2008

to Mark, who said: "Jesus my Saviour died on the cross at Calvary washing away ALL of our sins. and by His grace alone may we be with Him in paradise."

I agree with you 100% in these statements of faith...BUT, I am an active Mormon who is not afraid of being called a Mormon.
Incidently, I do wonder why you posters who slam Mormons are sooo reluctant to identify YOUR personal religious denomination. Is it due to you being a Baptist...or an Assembly of God member...or a Church of Christ member or whatever member?
I just wanted to tell you, once again, I agree with your testimony as I quoted, with all my heart...and I AM an LDS member!

Comments continue below

Kindred Spirit | 7:51 p.m. July 11, 2008

Gnostic1,

Pagels is amazing. Her insights into early Christianity are so astute, and they shed precious light on what is going on here and now with the Church trying to defend what it claims is its religious turf.

I dare say, if a few more of the Apostles were better educated with work like that of Pagels, I think they would proceed more circumspectly so that they don't repeat the same mistakes they claim the Catholic Church made when it went into apostasy!

Jim R. | 8:00 p.m. July 11, 2008

Well Mr or Mrs bimbo

I belong to no religion, but I do believe in God. I just enjoy reading all religions chaos on the internet. I find though, that Mormons are the most arrogant and hostile with outsiders, and the Baptists are even worse. I'm not interested in any religion so far. The Mormons religion like Janice mentioned makes no sense. Your history is a mass of jumbo.

Re: bilbo | 8:05 p.m. July 11, 2008

I will identify my religious denomination...it's LDS. I've been an active member for 36 years, serving in several different presidencies, but I keep my criticisms to myself in church. Here, where I can be anonymous, I can ask the questions I need answered, and I can make valid criticisms without the fear of retaliation. I suspect many members like me show up here. The LDS church is my heritage, and it's where my family goes, and so do I.

To Janice | 8:29 p.m. July 11, 2008

For the same reason that women cannot hold the priesthood in the Church. It is what God said, so we go with it. We don't ask why, we just obey. It is as simple as that. If you can't accept it on faith, then you lack the sincerity to be counted among God's chosen people. We are not going to apologize for that. We are not going to try to explain every doctrine to people who lack the faith to understand it. Sometimes what makes sense to you is not sensible to God. You just have to accept that. Sorry.

Paul in Virginia | 8:48 p.m. July 11, 2008

To: What's in the Name - posted at 5:34 p.m.

You and I could debate this issue until the cows come home. I will sign off after this post, so you may have the last word if you wish. Since you seem to believe that neither the LDS Church or Catholic Church have no genuine concern for truth or reality, then possibly you could explain how your beliefs do. You have made no effort to do that. Put your candle on top of a hill and let others see it shine. If you have found a more perfect way, show others, and let them judge for themselves. By the way, the reason I used the term "mother church" in discussing the Catholic and LDS Churches is quite simple. Both claim authority back to the original apostles. One claims that there has never been a break in authority, and the other claims that it had to be restored. My statement was certainly not exclusive of just the Catholic and LDS faiths, and did not minimize, marginalize, or suggest that other faiths are "inferior". That appeared to be your understanding of my comments, but not mine.

Re: To Janice @ 8:29 | 8:51 p.m. July 11, 2008

Wow! Your God is chaotic and nonsensical. It's no wonder you people are all so confused and fight amongst yourselves. It's a good thing there are some of you that don't ask questions.

To: Jim R. | 8:57 p.m. July 11, 2008

You got it right. In time you will find the God that seeks you, and you will be free. Relax, pray, and be still and know.

You got it right.

Sugar Momma | 9:01 p.m. July 11, 2008

I'm shocked the LDS church even acknowledged Principle Voices comments. Honestly, aren't they just a handful of nobodies trying to facilitate communication between authorities and polygamists? Who cares what they say?

The LDS Church isn't threatened by much, and it's earlier comments on the distinction suffice.

Please tell me that Principle Voices won't get all excited that they've been acknowledged by the higher ups of a 13-million member church, and use the feud for publicity.

Just let it go. Both of you! I feel that the church demeans itself when it lends itself to argument, or pointless debate. As a body, it's better than that.

A Losing Battle | 9:12 p.m. July 11, 2008

Mormon distinctions or not, the LDS Church is losing its control over its intellectual property and identity. They cannot claim copyrights, patents, or trademarks on "Mormon," "Restoration," "The Church of Jesus Christ," and many other words and phrases.

For instance, did you know that the entire Book of Mormon is available as an eBook through Project Gutenberg? The Church cannot possibly enforce any copyrights on the Book of Mormon if it is in such a public domain.

And when people read the Book of Mormon, they don't necessarily gain a testimony of the LDS Church in Salt Lake City. They may gain a testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet, but that can lead them to any number of Churches that hold Joseph Smith as a prophet: FLDS, Bickertonite (A Restoration Christian Church), Community of Christ, The Church of Christ (Temple Lot), The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Strangite), and a few others (that practice polygamy).

What a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive...

kenny | 9:12 p.m. July 11, 2008

I'm a active Latter Day Saint and agree with those who say the church is becoming more concerned about the image than the message.Who really cares what the FLDS church calls themselves.The world does not care and neither should we.On the other hand if the LDS church owns the word mormon as a trade mark then that should be a legal matter and handled in the courts not the media.To you defensive LDS I say stop trying to defend the church. You are only fanning the fire.Put your papers in and go on a mission!!!!!!!!!!ITNOJCA

Anti LDS LDS | 9:23 p.m. July 11, 2008

There are LDS people on here(Or those who claim to be LDS) who are saying "why do we complain....not a big deal" THIS ISN'T A CROWD. IT IS THE CHURCH who is complaining and you ought to follow it.

People are so ignorant to what their own beliefs are and our right to express concern over a sensitive issue WHICH IS sensitive!. If you believe something...believe it.... Don't pretend to be LDS and not even follow your faith.

Paul | 9:31 p.m. July 11, 2008

Nice backpedaling, Paul in Virginia, but no cigar. You got yourself SCHOOLED by old "What's In a Name"!

SCHOOLED I tell ya'!

"What's In a Name"? do you have a Church? I think i would like to look into that one!

To A Losing Battle | 9:36 p.m. July 11, 2008

Ummm, correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Joseph Smith's whole objective to bring people to Christ? So if people come to Joseph Smith through the Book of Mormon, but that doesn't necessarily equate with joining the LDS Church, then at least they are coming to Jesus Christ!

And I guess if they all eventually come unto Christ, then does it matter how they got there? Through Joseph Smith (and one of the several Churches that claim he was a prophet), or through any other Christian Church?!

All this sectarian fighting means nothing.

Re: Anti LDS LDS | 9:37 p.m. July 11, 2008

Ahhhhhh....the age old issue of hypocrisy and pretending to be "in" to show all the neighbors, friends, and family the perfect image. And, how many of you will be up there bearing your "testimony" about the truthfulness of the gospel? This truly is a peculiar people.

Charles | 10:14 p.m. July 11, 2008

Yea, Janice, if you can't accept temple marriage to one man and on faith then get out of the LDS church. We don't need you!

zoar | 10:39 p.m. July 11, 2008

All this contention is useless and leads nowhere. Those of us who are LDS should know better.

Behold, you have my gospel before you, and my rock, and my salvation.
Ask the Father in my name, in faith believing that you shall receive, and you shall have the Holy Ghost, which manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men.
And if you have not faith, hope, and charity, you can do nothing.
Contend against no church, save it be the church of the devil.
Take upon you the name of Christ, and speak the truth in soberness.
And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.
Behold, Jesus Christ is the name which is given of the Father, and there is none other name given whereby man can be saved;
Wherefore, all men must take upon them the name which is given of the Father, for in that name shall they be called at the last day;

D&C 18:17-24

Happy Camper | 11:13 p.m. July 11, 2008

Nor a big deal to me, but as the Lord's annointed are asking for this I support them. I meet people all over the world who don't know the term "Mormon". Its a great organization with lots of great people in it. Our missionaries name tags still keep it simple. Its kind of like having a unique name for a long time and then a misbehaving person takes your unique name, not pleasant but not on the top of bad things that happen in life. Names have meaning and having them sullied is not good.

Bruce R. | 11:53 p.m. July 11, 2008

Why should we have to find a new nickname just because someone else uses it? All I know is that we have been trying to get people to call us "LDSs" for many years, anything but mormon. What is the big deal? Isn't the lord in control? Have baptisms slipped because of the publicity?

I encourage anyone that is investigating the church to use the wonderful, god given, inspired from on high, ultimate missionary tool, internet to learn more. Try these searches: "Joseph Smiths wives", "mormon mason".

manzere | 12:05 a.m. July 12, 2008

couple of thoughts, someone posted about the irony of the whole Mormon/Christian debate being the same as FLDS/LDS debate, it is really not the same thing, being called a CHRISTIAN, applies (or should) apply to anyone who has a belief in Christ as their Savior, however that does not mean that all Christians are Catholic,Baptist, Mormon, FLDS, LDS, Jehova Witness, whatever, they all have a right to call themselves Christian and to claim their core doctrine, however, the title of each groups particular branch of faith and that name should belong to that group and that group only, that being said, it really does not matter what they call themselves, most people ouside of Utah view all Mormons the same (FLDS, reorganized, mainstream etc.), regardless what is said, preached, discussed or disseminated. In addition, someone else commented on early LDS members involved in plural marriage, that they did not marry teenagers? the reality is most females were married while still in their teens, I know it was much more common by society as a whole, however avoid using facts that are not true, because it causes your whole argument to become suspect.

Hugh | 12:39 a.m. July 12, 2008

Just thinking...if only the church could charge it's members for smugness. It wouldn't have to be much. Maybe just a nickel for each smug act or comment. Golly, they could probably do away with tithing altogether.

RE: David R Van.... | 6:43 a.m. July 12, 2008

It seems you've bought into the sanitized version of Mormon Polygamy. Fundamentalist in the 1890's. They were everwhere. There were more offshoots of Mormonism trying to get away from the heavy handed Brigham and those that thought Joseph was a philandering fool than you could shake a stick at.
Don't be mistaken. Do some research.

Anonymous | 7:36 a.m. July 12, 2008

To Mr. Lambert:

You said:

"Whether or not your accusation has standing against the FLDS I can not say."

I made no accusation against the FLDS. I was stating my own Protestant beliefs. I really see no need for accusations, but seeking those things in comman and encouraging brothers and sisters in Christ. And I was pointing out the good things I have seen in them and the disappointing actions of the LDS in their not wanting to be associated with them.

Linda Lamb | 9:41 a.m. July 12, 2008

To Mr. Lambert:

You said to me: "Whether or not your accusation has standing against the FLDS I can not say."

I did not make an accusation against the FLDS. As a Protestant I merely stated my different belief. I admire the reactions and attitudes I have seen of the FLDS during this difficult time for them regardless of our differences.

Myrna Lea Houston | 10:19 a.m. July 12, 2008

The official name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "Mormon Church" has long been publicly applied to the Church as a nickname, it is not an authorized title, and the Church discourages its use.

Style Guide (www.JesusChrist.lds.org):
Please avoid the use of ï¿½Mormon Church,ï¿½ ï¿½LDS Churchï¿½ or ï¿½the Church of the Latter-day Saints.ï¿½
When a shortened reference is needed, the terms ï¿½the Churchï¿½ or ï¿½the Church of Jesus Christï¿½ are encouraged. When referring to Church members, the term ï¿½Latter-day Saintsï¿½ is preferre though ï¿½Mormonsï¿½ is acceptable. The term ï¿½Mormonismï¿½ is acceptable in describing the combination of doctrine, culture and lifestyle unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When referring to people or organizations that practice polygamy, the terms ï¿½Mormons,ï¿½ ï¿½Mormon fundamentalist,ï¿½ ï¿½Mormon dissidents,ï¿½ etc. are incorrect. The Associated Press Stylebook notes: ï¿½The term Mormon is not properly applied to the other ... churches that resulted from the split after [Joseph] Smithï¿½s death.ï¿½

Anonymous | 11:39 a.m. July 12, 2008

Wow the more you try to distance yourselves the more you all look alike. I think this campaign is having the opposite effect you are trying to accomplish. The mormon church has some very serious image issues and it is only getting much much worse.

Just Me | 12:34 p.m. July 12, 2008

I like the comment at the top "Wouldnt the LDS Curch be better spending its time and resources helping those in need???" Obviously the writer doesn't realize/accept/know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints leads the largest humanitarian aid in the WORLD...and even accomodates countries desires by not labeling the boxes with any church name.

Jenny | 1:20 p.m. July 12, 2008

Re: Hugh, you got that one straight.

Re: David R. Van....
Yes, ALL polygamist men are nothing less than philandering scum-bums.

TO: Just me | 1:21 p.m. July 12, 2008

There are many churches and non-profits which provide more humanitarian and charitable aid. The difference is the church heavily publishes its aid and presents itself to the world as the champion of each and every humanitarian effort.

Humanitarian aid | 1:47 p.m. July 12, 2008

While I do think the LDS church is very image-conscious in ways I occasionally find arbitrary and fatuous, I've rarely - if ever - seen the church heavily publicize the aid it gives and/or present itself as a humanitarian champion. Regardless of what I disagree with doctrinally, I think the LDS church has an excellent organizational model for providing humanitarian aid. I also think the church often doesn't get credit for the extensive services and aid it renders, many of which are barely publicized. Give credit where credit is due. The LDS church DOES do some really great things and has some excellent programs in place.

Aid This | 1:56 p.m. July 12, 2008

The Catholic Church gives more humanitarian aid than the LDS Church by such an extreme margin that -- how shall I put this? Well, it would be like giving away the entire book value of the LDS Church and its revenues from all activities every year!

LDS people, I'm sure there are a handful of grateful people around the world who think the LDS Church's little baggies with a soap and a toothbrush are great. And another handful of people love the little quilts. Big deal. You people amount to LESS THAN A DROP IN THE BUCKET!

Get over yourselves!

bleedkentuckyblue | 2:24 p.m. July 12, 2008

Aid this,

you won't be saying that when something bad happens to you and smiling people with "Mormon Helping Hands" come to deliver more than a baggie with soap and a toothbrush. Don't mock--what goes around comes around, and you'll never know when you'll need help from Mormons you loathe.

Aid This | 3:04 p.m. July 12, 2008

bleedkentuckyblue,

Is that some kind of poorly veiled threat? Wow! I am impressed with how you Mormons follow your own beliefs and the teachings of your savior, Jesus -- or was that Joseph Smith?

I am not worried. I will have the infinitely greater resources of the Catholic Church to help me. The good part about that is they help without making a big PR moment out of it! Unlike the Mormons, who take pictures and videos and quotes so they can feed their publicity machine! Who wants to be on camera when they are being helped?! I am certainly glad the Catholic Church does not do that.

bleedkentuckyblue | 3:12 p.m. July 12, 2008

Aid this:

that wasn't a threat at all. I was just saying when/if something happens, I guarantee you won't be complaining when LDS people come to help you.

People like you embarass Christianity with your hatefulness for other religions.

An Observer | 3:17 p.m. July 12, 2008

To Humanitarian aid,

The Church doesn't publish the help it provides?? Where have you been??

On its web site, along with Statistical information, the Church publicizes the total estimated dollar amount of Humanitarian Aid given since 1985:

"Countries Receiving Humanitarian Aid Since 1985: 165

Humanitarian Cash Donations Since 1985: $259.8 million

Value of Humanitarian Material Assistance Since 1985: $750.9 million

Welfare Service Missionaries (Including Humanitarian Service Missionaries): 3,974"

It is all just a Public Relations game. It is all about the image of the Church. There is no salvation or exaltation at issue here; it is just about money and power. The Church leaders are just trying to grow the Church as big as they can and make it as rich as it can get. They get their stipends (Apostles get over a quarter million annual stipend) and their honors -- being virtually deified by members! They don't care about individuals or families. They just love to grow their business! That is why there are so many businessmen in the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve, including at least a couple of Harvard MBAs!

Aid This | 3:30 p.m. July 12, 2008

I don't need Mormons helping me. Their help is insincere: a cover for trying to convert me -- and incompetent: a bunch of untrained, inefficient amateurs fumbling around doing more damage than good.

And dont' even get me started about "hatefulness for other religions"! You Mormons are the ones who STARTED your Church based on hatefulness for other religions! Your founder claimed that God said all other Churches were "an abomination" and their preachers and leaders are "all corrupt"! The Mormon church has been hateful from its foundations, and it continues to be. Only because of public relations does the Church and its members put a smile on their face and try to fake like they are regular people! What a lie!

An Observer (continued) | 7:57 p.m. July 12, 2008

You have to wonder why they give the cumulative amount since 1985. Well, it is just more Public Relations and image management. It makes it look like a bigger number. But if you do the math, that's only about $33 million per year since 1985. For an organization that brings in an estimated $4-6 Billion per year in revenue JUST FROM TITHING, that is not very much. A pittance, if even that. And most of that amount is "in kind", meaning it is the VALUE of the LABOR that volunteers (missionaries) give! Notice that the "cash donations" is only about $260 million since 1985. That is only about $11 million per year!

Don't get too proud of the Mormon Machine. You may proudly say, "The caravan moves on...", but that is not necessarily a good thing!

Please Stop Bickering | 10:58 p.m. July 13, 2008

By their fruits shall ye know them...

That is the true disciples of Jesus Christ.

Please stop bickering. True disciples of Christ are tolerant, and show love to those that do not understand.

For those that may attack the credibility of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: Again, by their fruits shall ye know them.

You cannot argue as to the goodness that comes from the LDS Church. Not those people that would do it harm, those that do not live the teachings, those that are not perfect... But the true acts of Christian kindness and goodness that stem from the Church.

I dare you to find fault in the good things that the LDS Church provides to the world.

Oh, Please! | 8:53 a.m. July 14, 2008

By their fruits you have shown your hostile colors. So quit bickering!!!!

I agree with Jim R | 12:56 p.m. July 14, 2008

I also don't belong to any religion at this time, but I do believe in a "Higher Power". It is sad, interesting and hard at the same time looking at some of these posts. Some people might say I am an "anti" because I used to be a Mormon, but this couldn't be further from the truth. I love all people, but don't believe in one "right way". I think this type of mentality is catching on more and more. I hope that all can find the peace that I (and others) have found.

Matthew | 10:17 p.m. July 14, 2008

It is amazing how trying to share something you value can make some people so angry.
For my part, I choose to be a builder. I try and build people up, build things for those that come after me, and build up the Kingdom of God.
Being constructive is almost always a good approach to life.
Peace, Joy, and Happiness to one an all!

Jesus Christ is Lord! | 1:43 p.m. July 15, 2008

As an outsider with LDS friends and family, I know the difference between LDS and FLDS; however, one must admit that they share a common origin and still share quite a lot of beliefs. Most telling of these amongst modern cults (by cults I refer to religious sects that build upon Christianity and insist they are the only true church); polytheism, proxy baptism, led by modern day 'prophets', esoteric rituals, claims that all others are 'wrong', a perversion of the Gospel, to include false teachings and false prophets, and of course, polygamy (both literally ahd ideologically,or spiriturally, if you will.) Not surprising that many associate the two.
As an aside, I don't personally know any FLDS folks. Do they claim to be Christian as well?
The good news is that God loves them all, and they still have a chance to return to the truth of the Gospel found in the scriptures! There is but one God, and He knows of none other. How could Almighty God say this, yet your prophets disagree? Something is wrong isn't it.

Numbers? | 2:10 p.m. July 15, 2008

The posts about Mormons in Utah controlling everything are interesting to me. When I first emigrated to Utah in the 1960's the population was definitely mostly Mormon. Today, some areas are predominantly Mormon, others less so (e.g. Salt Lake City is more non-Mormon than Mormon). According to percentages I have seen recently, about 62.2% of Utah residents are "Mormon" - and, if statistics hold true in Utah as in the Church in general, perhaps 40 to 50% are 'active' members. So, that leaves 31.1% of the population of Utah considering themselves practicing Mormons (to varying degrees). If that 3l.1% is ruling the State, why are the 69.9% of the rest of the population not doing more to even or balance the field as they would see it?

No, Fritz | 1:37 a.m. July 17, 2008

.
The orginal name of 'the Church' was 'The Church of Latter-day Saints'.
.

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