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Many in poll know little of LDS, Muslims

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Texas Ute | 5:59 p.m. Sept. 26, 2007

All religions are a cult. Look up the definition. Obsessive about an idea or person. Duh? Ok attack me you religious zealots. It don't hurt.

Anonymous | 6:46 p.m. Sept. 26, 2007

It is unfortunate that Mormon's recinded polygamy. Now one has to move to Hildale if you want to enjoy God sponsored promiscuity.

Cory | 6:53 p.m. Sept. 26, 2007

SMH I too think it is a shame what has happened to many Muslims in this country post 9/11. It's a shame that many associate the Muslim religion with what has been done by a few extremist groups. I have thought of it this way, I know that groups like the KKK claim to be devout Christians and often quote scriputures during their rallies how would we as Christians feel if other people in the world judged us by the actions of groups like this? It's unfortunate.

Comments continue below

John | 7:22 p.m. Sept. 26, 2007

Well, I think that we should be tolerant of each other according to the philosophy of America. Respect and understanding, but intolerant of things that violate other people's rights. Yet, even in America, we do not do this to perfection to religious,ethnic,racial, and other subcultures.
Our country is founded on the belief that anyone can believe whatever they want as long as they do not take another person's life or liberty away.
Plural marriage was a revelation given to Joseph Smith after reading about the wives of Abraham and Jacob. He was told that it was a eternal principle for the replenishing of the earth and he would need to obey it. He refused, and the Lord forced him to do it. The God that he believed in was seen in a vision as separate personages, but we worship God, the Father. We can become gods as a calling, because we will inherit everything that he has-powers, principalities, and dominions. We will be fathers of spirit children,but he will always be our
Father. It states in the Bible we will become sons of Gods, joint heirs(Corinthians), and judge the angels. What a glorious promise!

John Coltharp | 7:25 p.m. Sept. 26, 2007

People still associate polygamy with Mormonism, because its still a Mormon doctrine, though not currently taught.

We abandoned the practice, but we never denounced the doctrine. It still stands in current edition of the Doctrine and Covenants, section 132. Men can still be sealed to multiple women for eternity, so long as only one of them is living at a time.

I don't get offended when polygamy is associated with Mormonism. In Dalin H. Oak's recent interview with PBS, he said "I have perfect faith in the doctrine."

What does offend me, however, is when evil people like Warren Jeffs are associated with Mormonism.

CG | 8:08 p.m. Sept. 26, 2007

I find ignorance and stupidity halarious. 4th largest religion in America and mainstream Christians still don't get it. I'm LDS, a convert. Over the last 3 years alone I've had no less than 5 different people ask me how many wives I have. I tell them I have three. Some truth to that, two I'm divorced from before joining the Church, over 24 years ago. I live in a county in CA with over 3 million people in it, and LDS is the 2nd largest religion here. They still don't get it. If I like who I'm talking to, then I explain reality to them. If I don't, I let them swim in their ignorance.

Fred | 9:30 p.m. Sept. 26, 2007

I actually don't care anymore what people think about me as a Mormon (and I live in a foreign country where you get some really weird comments about us). I believe in Christ but does that make me a Christian? Depends on the definition. But I've got other things to do than debate the definition of a word. I think if we just live the way we are supposed to and treat ALL people with love and respect (except maybe some Ute fans), everything will turn out fine. You can argue and tell and explain all you want, but in the end it comes down to what people see when they watch you. I guess one thing we could do is put a big M on our foreheads so people at least know they are watching a Mormon. Just my opinion.

To Texas Ute | 10:20 p.m. Sept. 26, 2007

If we're talking about an "obsession with an idea or person" then the cult definition extends far beyond religion. It would include any ideology that takes over people. It could be Communism, Nazism, Maoism (the three biggest killers of all time - more than all religious conflicts in all centuries combined). It could even cover Rush Limbaugh listeners, MoveOn.org and Britney fans. Judging from the posts to this site, it would even be many Ute fans (and BYU fans, sadly), who can't just let things alone.

utahkeith | 11:18 p.m. Sept. 26, 2007

Ignorance is stupidity and bias. LEARN FACTS about Religions rather than going by what you hear! Where in the Bible does it say you can't add to it? Deuteronomy 4:2 and somewhere in Revelation 22. If it mentions adding to the book in Deuteronomy how is it we have the new testament? People are so ignorant and blind, because they know little about the Muslim Faith, they condemn it, yet they are wonderful and very faithful and loving people! Where do "Christians" get off judging these religions without pure knowledge? Follow the commandments of Jesus, and you will be better off! The Muslims and LDS who practice their faith properly do, maybe Christians should do the same and stop persecuting!

Texas Ute | 11:16 a.m. Sept. 27, 2007

Thanks for expressing "cult" exactly like it's defined. I agree with everything you wrote. It also comes out strong in International contests like the Olympics. There they call it "jingoism". Overly flouting anything can lead to no good.

MN experience | 12:30 p.m. Sept. 27, 2007

Its sad, but true. Most everyone who sits in a pew, knows very little about their Christian history or the Truth of their Salvation. Many of the baptised do not have a clue as to what it means to have a relationship with the Lord. So, why would they know about Islam or Mormonism? Just because LDS Missionaries go door-to-door proclaiming the Mormon Gospel,tells us, nothing.... so why would one expect the media to get it right?
I love my Mormon friends and the Missionaries that come to my door. They are dedicated and sincere, but ignorant about Christianity..its history and its scripture....and as of yet, I haven't met one who knows their own history and teachings beyond what they've been spoon-fed.
Being unprepared, when they came to my door,(and having Mormon friends) I had been challenged to find out what their religion as all about. Now, Iam very confidant is saying that I probably know more about Mormon history and past/present doctrine then any Missionary that come to my door.
BoM,D&C,Mormon Doctrine,Truth Restored,Messiah Series,Gospel Principles,Miracle of Forgiveness,etc.
Lesueur's book on the 1838 War; van Wagoner's "Mormon Polygamy: a History"&"Nightfall in Nauvoo"..all respected Mormon authors.Therefore,Ihopeyouwilldothesamewithknowing Christianty.

bookaholic | 11:07 p.m. Sept. 27, 2007

I love the LDS Church and the emphasis in it on patterning one's life after Christï¿½s, and on serving others. That really appeals to me and was really different than what I was raised with as a Methodist and Lutheran. There it was having a testimony of Christ (EXTREMELY IMPORTANT) and showing up for an hour once a week. As a Mormon, itï¿½s believing and putting those beliefs into action. I love it.

There are wonderful Muslim people in the world, I'm sure. The problem is what the Koran teaches--good things (like regular prayer and giving alms to the poor), but other things that promote violence. The Koran says to strike the neck of the unbelievers; that Mohammad is the PERFECT man--and he led violent military campaigns. They are taught that jihad is a religious DUTY. They must fight until all people on earth worship Allah. For that reason, the most devout can be the most dangerous.

Women are held in contempt because theyï¿½re considered sleazy and tempt men. Also, there can never be a reformation for Muslims because they think the book is perfect, written by Allah and given to Mohammad piecemeal. Incidentally, the punishment for apostasy is death.

Deseret roots in Wisconsin | 6:24 p.m. Sept. 28, 2007

How intense it was when a relatively educated co-worker asked in all seriousness if I as a Mormon (of 9 generations via Utah, Nauvoo & Kirtland mind you) believed in God ? How on earth can my fellow Americans be that ignorant ? How tempting it was to respond - "No we believe in the angel Moroni, and I am an evil cultist" - but alas, I did not have any fun and responded appropriately. I am glad the public views LDS as 'Christian but different' - I will read that as 'Christian but tolerant', and 'Christian but serious about living a certain way'. Praise to the Man of Holiness y'all!

Question | 10:44 a.m. Sept. 29, 2007

Who or what is "the Man of Holiness?" is that from Mormon scripture?

Cirrus | 1:08 a.m. Sept. 30, 2007

One factor that many LDS members forget when discussing the general lack of knowledge about the LDS Church is how small it is on a world-wide basis.
Of the 12M gross membership number only about 4-5 million are active, and many of those active are concentrated in relatively few areas, i.e. the "Mormon corridor" (UT, N-AZ, S-ID), and some other locations in the USA. Outside the USA the LDS population is mostly in third-world countries with very low activity rates, e.g. Latin America.

To All | 9:38 a.m. Oct. 1, 2007

hey "hi there"

out of all the comments I liked yours the best. Simple and straight. so there!
thank you

Truth | 10:28 a.m. Oct. 2, 2007

If you believe in God it is incumbant upon you as an individual to seek out truth wherever you can find it. Rejecting others and their beliefs can be harmful and personally destructive. Take the time to listen to others and understand their beliefs. If there is a God He will direct your learning for your benefit and the benefit of others.

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