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Theologian-in-chief? Romney's speech spurs questions about faith
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Carlyle Parker | 1:51 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
It is my understanding that the Christian Right disagrees with the Catholics as
much as they do with the Mormons. Yet they believe in the Catholics'
Nicean Creed. Perhaps the Christian Right has their wires crossed.
Bot | 3:10 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
The Nicene Creed�s definition of the Trinity was influenced
by scribes translating the Greek manuscripts into Latin. The scribes
embellished on a passage explaining the Trinity , which is the Catholic and
Protestant belief that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. The oldest versions
of the epistle of 1 John, read: "There are three that bear witness: the
Spirit, the water and the blood and these three are one."
Scribes later added "the Father, the Word and the Spirit," and it remained in the epistle when it was translated into English for the King James Version, according to Dr. Bart Ehrman, Chairman of the Religion Department at UNC- Chapel Hill. He no longer believes in the Nicene Trinity. .
Scholars agree that Early Christians believed in an embodied God; it was neo-Platonist influences that later turned Him into a disembodied Spirit. Harper�s Bible Dictionary entry on the Trinity says �the formal doctrine of the Trinity as it was defined by the great church councils of the fourth and fifth centuries is not to be found in the New Testament.�
Scribes later added "the Father, the Word and the Spirit," and it remained in the epistle when it was translated into English for the King James Version, according to Dr. Bart Ehrman, Chairman of the Religion Department at UNC- Chapel Hill. He no longer believes in the Nicene Trinity. .
Scholars agree that Early Christians believed in an embodied God; it was neo-Platonist influences that later turned Him into a disembodied Spirit. Harper�s Bible Dictionary entry on the Trinity says �the formal doctrine of the Trinity as it was defined by the great church councils of the fourth and fifth centuries is not to be found in the New Testament.�
R Biddulph | 3:14 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Divinization, narrowing the space between God and humans, was part of Early
Christian belief. St. Athanasius of Alexandria (Eastern Orthodox) wrote,
regarding theosis, "The Son of God became man, that we might become
God." Check out Athanasius or theosis in Wikipedia.
Comments continue below
Jake | 3:55 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
I feel that it's not Mitt's job to preach the gospel of Mormonism.
That to me is what they the evangeletics are trying to get him do and then use
that against him. Hmmm I think they know how to read so my suggestion is that if
you want to know about Mormonism read and study a little. Then maybe say a small
prayer you know how to do that don't you.
Carl | 6:46 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Some idiot, somewhere misunderstood the whole doctrine of Mormonism and it got
into some Bible School and it was perpetuated in falsity and ignorance from that
time forward.
The ignorance is dizzying.
The ignorance is dizzying.
A. Eaton | 8:34 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Well if the Evangelicals hate us then we must be doing something right!!!
Doug Carter | 8:52 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
The thing is, if all the other religions are wrong, as we have been taught, why
do we give a flip about what they believe? We know the truth, we have the
truth. They are all lost and need the good news that only the LDS faith is
true. Isn't that our message of restoration? I'm so sick of the push
to make LDS folks "Christian". We are Restored! Not Christian... not
like the rest of them. If we should be pushing anything, it is that we are the
only Christians... not that we are among the ranks of those in need of
restoration.
Call it like it is: We are NOT "Christian" in the way the rest of Christianity defines the word. Our message is that they are wrong and need restoration. Why then do we want to be included among their count? It is a simple matter of equivocation. We believe we are the only true "Christians" and they say they are Christians. We should be saying they aren't Christians because they don't believe in the precious truths revealed by our prophets.
Call it like it is: We are NOT "Christian" in the way the rest of Christianity defines the word. Our message is that they are wrong and need restoration. Why then do we want to be included among their count? It is a simple matter of equivocation. We believe we are the only true "Christians" and they say they are Christians. We should be saying they aren't Christians because they don't believe in the precious truths revealed by our prophets.
Trinity | 8:54 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
So Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River. While he was baptized his father
spoke from heaven and the holy ghost descended as a dove. How much more is there
to understand. 3 separate beings. There are numerous instances of this
throughout the scriptures. There are also scriptures that say he is one with his
father. One in purpose is which makes total sense. 3 beings... one purpose.
Jesus is my savior. God sacrificed his son for the sins of all mankind. This
thing with Mitt Romney is just pure old fashioned bigotry. Mitt is a great man
and deserves to be looked at no matter what his religious beliefs are.
DEAN | 9:01 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Ir's all politics. I would be a lot more concerened about the religion or
lack of it of the other candidates than I would of Mitt's.
Rob | 9:17 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
I do not think it is Mitt's job to keep telling what the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter Day Saints believe. He is not running for a religious
appointment. He is running for President of the United States of America. Will
he follow the laws of the land? Will he lead with dignity and respect? Will he
listen to the people and make the best choices he can? Will he bring honor to
the United States? I feel the answer is yes to each one of these. He honors
his wife, his children, and from what I have heard did that for the lovely state
of Massachutes. I think religion is not in play with this except is he a good
Man who has good solid convictions, can he make good decisions, can he help the
economy, help with health care, etc. He has experience of his own. Also what
he learned growing up from his Father was of great value.
wisdom of men | 9:32 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Choose 1. Will you accept the CREEDS of MEN, from a position of political
expediency? Or will you accept the witness of 1 man's vision on FAITH? As
for the label of Christian...ask yourself, in the eternities, will you be able
to stand before God himself, who told you that he would judge you with the same
judgment you give, and tell him you rejected an entire group of people who
professed faith in the saving power of his Son on very questionable grounds? I
would not want to be there. If there is an equal amount of evidence of 3
seperate beings in the Godhead as there is 1 in 3, why is it Latter Day Saints
don't condemm the other believers to Hell? I would suggest they don't
because THEY are the real Christians. By their fruits ye shall know them. The
fruit of the evangelical is bitter indeed.
UtahRez | 9:41 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
It is deceptive for any Mormon to compare the LDS doctrine of exaltation
(Godhood) with Theosis. Eastern Orthodox scholars have made it very clear that
there is no comparison. Augustine never taught what Mormons are led to believe,
and Mormons who continue to perpetuate this myth should be ashamed of
themselves. Furthermore, anybody who thinks a rewrite of 1 John was necessary to
arrive at a Trinitarian concept of the godhead, needs to read some good books on
the subject. Ehrman? You gotta be kidding.
Tim | 9:47 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
When the LDS Church said jump, Hatch pole vaulted. Why should citizens think
differently of Romney? Do I believe him or do I look at Hatch and Smoot? Tough
question.
Salem | 10:23 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
I'm sick to death of reading and hearing about the bigotry, narrow
mindedness, prejudice, bias,and, worst of all, the hypocrisy, coming through in
this election. Those who call themselves Christians, no matter their church
affiliation, who turn around and publicly criticize and condemn those of a
different faith are the worst hypocrits of all. Christ did not teach, exemplify,
or condone any of these kinds of behavior! As the old saying goes, "There
are none so blind as those who will NOT see."
Who CARES!? | 10:31 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
All of this hoopla is being stirred up by preachers who's lifestyle and
livelihood necessitate "enemies among us" and attacks on God in order
to fill the donation plates that line their pockets. They knowingly distort the
truth about our beliefs to create rallying points, or at best perpetuate them in
an unchristian manner for money. The fact of the matter is that if they (the
Evangelists) don't get behind an electable candidate, they're going to
be a lot worse off than having an "evil" "cultist" Mormon
running the country.
And where are the noble among us? Why isn't there more of a non-Mormon outcry at this bigotry? Where are our friends from Louisiana (Katrina), Thailand (tsunami), California (fires), Peru (earthquake)? The silence is more painful than the sound of hate.
And where are the noble among us? Why isn't there more of a non-Mormon outcry at this bigotry? Where are our friends from Louisiana (Katrina), Thailand (tsunami), California (fires), Peru (earthquake)? The silence is more painful than the sound of hate.
UtahRez | 10:46 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
How Mormons can take theological disagreements and turn that into hatred and
bigotry for the Mormon people just amazes me. For those who so glibly like to
throw out that accusation, let me ask you, when Brigham Young said,
�Should you ask why we differ from other Christians, as
they are called, it is simply because they are not Christians as the New
Testament defines Christianity,� was he being a
bigot?�
When President John Taylor said, "What does the Christian world know about God? Nothing...Why so far as the things of God are concerned, they are the veriest of fools; they know neither God nor the things of God,� was he being a bigot?
When President George Q. Cannon said, �"After the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, there were only two churches upon the earth. They were known respectively as the Church of the Lamb of God and Babylon. The various organizations which are called churches throughout Christendom, though differing in their creeds and organizations, have one common origin. They all belong to Babylon,� was he being a bigot?
Mormon history is full of quotes like these.
When President John Taylor said, "What does the Christian world know about God? Nothing...Why so far as the things of God are concerned, they are the veriest of fools; they know neither God nor the things of God,� was he being a bigot?
When President George Q. Cannon said, �"After the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized, there were only two churches upon the earth. They were known respectively as the Church of the Lamb of God and Babylon. The various organizations which are called churches throughout Christendom, though differing in their creeds and organizations, have one common origin. They all belong to Babylon,� was he being a bigot?
Mormon history is full of quotes like these.
david | 11:06 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
thank you, nice article
Puzzled | 11:08 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
So, if Christ is not now a resurrected being with a tangible body, why did he
make a point to eat food with his apostles and invite them to touch his body and
confirm he was not just a spirit? And what did he do with that glorified,
resurrected body--dump it off on his way back to heaven? The bigotry towards
Mormonism is all fueled by ministers whose paychecks diminish a bit whenever one
of their flock is touched by the spirit brought into their lives by two young
men on bicycles.
Anonymous | 11:12 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
When it comes to Christianity, Catholicism is now and ever will be #1.
Live with it.
Live with it.
To Doug Carter | 11:12 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Doug, your frustration reflects the realities of a Church that once took pride
in it's truthfulness and uniqueness despite the persecution it received for
that bold testimony - but that now puts all else behind acceptance and political
correctness. There has been enough whitewashing the past 25 years to re-paint
the 'Y' a thousand times over. The Church under Joseph Smith and
Brigham Young was vastly different in both doctrine and how it was willing to be
viewed from the Public Relations driven Church of today. And since we believe we
are guided by revelation we all better enthusiastically jump on the public
relations - image driven plan of today!!
Thanks to all of you! | 11:16 a.m. Dec. 8, 2007
I appreciate the all of the comments. I can add nothing to this discussion, but
will take these remarks with me.
sb | 12:23 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
I don�t understand those who claim to be Christian could
deny others this claim as well. I don�t believe there is a
monopoly on who can say who is or isn�t Christian. Members
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are Christian, just as those
of others faiths who believe in Christ. Also those in the Book of Mormon who
believed in Christ were called Christians by those people who did not believe in
Christ. In Alma when Captain Moroni raises the title of liberty he prays to God
for the protection of his people and �that they might
maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of
Christians.� (Alma 46:13-16, Alma 48:10)
optimist | 12:49 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Wow ! Who cares??? I care !
I care that we, the Mormons, the Babtist, the Methodist, the Pentacostals, the Catholics, and all the rest of the Christian groups are children of one God. We are all brothers and sisters. We should all be united and loving towards each other. We are all neighbors. We are taught to love thy neighbors. There is much that we are in common with each other in. There is also much diversity that if willing, we could all,in each of the groups, be more open and more willing to learn the good that each group has to offer with the right to disagree respectfully on those issues, that we can not accept from one group to another.
We all, from each group need to be less divisive with our words, our attacks, our beliefs, and be more respectful of eachothers true beliefs weather we agree or not.
I care that we, the Mormons, the Babtist, the Methodist, the Pentacostals, the Catholics, and all the rest of the Christian groups are children of one God. We are all brothers and sisters. We should all be united and loving towards each other. We are all neighbors. We are taught to love thy neighbors. There is much that we are in common with each other in. There is also much diversity that if willing, we could all,in each of the groups, be more open and more willing to learn the good that each group has to offer with the right to disagree respectfully on those issues, that we can not accept from one group to another.
We all, from each group need to be less divisive with our words, our attacks, our beliefs, and be more respectful of eachothers true beliefs weather we agree or not.
Doug Carter to SB | 12:51 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Brigham Young did not agree with you. He said that the LDS are the true Jews
(Christians) and all the rest are imposters. Which is why I say that we should
be telling the rest of the so called Christians that we are the only true
Christians... not trying to be included in their number.
Frank | 12:54 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
I was raised in the Mormon Church.
Here are some of the things I was taught.
How to pray.
To believe in Chist and follow his teachings.
To love my neighbor no matter who or what he/she is.
To obey the law of the land.
To obey the Scout oath and the Scout Law.
Especially to be honest and trustworthy.
Not to take myself too seriously.
To be a good listener and respect the views of others.
To work hard and pay my own way.
To be the "giver" - not the "getter".
To seek good things, and avoid harmful things.
This list could go on and on . . . .
Over the past 80 years I have been neighbor to and have learned to love Blacks, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Taoists, Athiests, Christians of many different denominations,and others. I also have dear friends who are Japanese, Chinese, Korean, English, French, Italian, Mexican, German, African and citizens of other countries in the world. I love and respect them all.
This is what my "Mormon" religion has taught me to do.
I will vote for Mitt Romney because I know he was taught to do the same things.
Here are some of the things I was taught.
How to pray.
To believe in Chist and follow his teachings.
To love my neighbor no matter who or what he/she is.
To obey the law of the land.
To obey the Scout oath and the Scout Law.
Especially to be honest and trustworthy.
Not to take myself too seriously.
To be a good listener and respect the views of others.
To work hard and pay my own way.
To be the "giver" - not the "getter".
To seek good things, and avoid harmful things.
This list could go on and on . . . .
Over the past 80 years I have been neighbor to and have learned to love Blacks, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Taoists, Athiests, Christians of many different denominations,and others. I also have dear friends who are Japanese, Chinese, Korean, English, French, Italian, Mexican, German, African and citizens of other countries in the world. I love and respect them all.
This is what my "Mormon" religion has taught me to do.
I will vote for Mitt Romney because I know he was taught to do the same things.
rick | 1:28 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
A great theologian once hit the nail right on the head when he stated that it is
like the Mormons say that the truths of the gospel were lost and needed to be
restored or its the Catholic religion who state that they unbroken link to
authority back to the earily apostles. They have a valid claim on authority.
All of the other religions are man made. I believe by honorable men who saw
something amis and attempted create a religion they felt was more correct,
however as this theologian correctly noted they have no valid claim to authority
and such are apostates. Its either the Mormons or the Catholics. And who's
not Christian. maybe the so called true Christians really aren't so
Christian after all.
Is anyone else confused? | 1:42 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
After all the comments in yesterday's articles about what the Nicene Creed
truly says about the Trinity (e.g. they're not the same being, they are one
like a team is one), now I'm really lost. Trinitarians would set only one
place for dinner? How is this different from modalism?
jb | 1:43 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
I was told that if you talk to your self there was something wrong with your
head . How meny of you get rready to do something by your self and then say to
your self let us go do it? I don't think there is any thing wrong with GOG
so Idoubt
that he talks to him self
that he talks to him self
Anonymous | 1:55 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
After conservatives invoke culture wars in America, secularism will be views as
the good old days. Historically religion backfire in America. Read about the
Second awakening
What is "Christian"? | 1:56 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Everyone, on both sides... Before you call someone Christian or not Christian,
make it clear what your definition is. The dictionary says it means "one
who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ." Nothing to do with
authority or prophets, and nothing to do with creeds or orthodoxy. If you want
to use a different definition, OK but recognize that it could be misleading
because your audience may be thinking of the dictionary definition.
Judy | 2:11 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Thank you Frank you are so right on.
Obdurate-Visant | 2:12 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Mitt Romney: Christ, King, or Caricature? How you answer this question reveals
all you need to know about how your vote--and your soul--settles. Brigham Young
knew the answer. So did Jack Kennedy. Do YOU?!?!?
Who decides? | 2:13 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
I don't think anyone has the right to say whether or not someone else is a
Christian. That is a very personal decision--if you say you are (in sincerity),
then you are. Period.
My How Times Change | 2:34 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Someone please help me understand how the LDS Church went from a church that
proudly, loudly and clearly stated they are the only true Church and as such
understand and worship God in the true, restored way as originally organized by
the Savior. Someone previously provided a few of many bold quotes by church
leaders proclaiming this fact and making clear the incorrectness of all other
religions. But now, the Church clamors and grovels for acceptance into the
mainstream Christian club and loudly protests those who claim we are not what
they are. Why have things changed so dramatically? Have we lost our will to
stand out as the one true restored Church for the ever increasing desire to be
accepted and viewed as mainstream and ok?
Joel | 3:03 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Frank said it best. That should end the debate!!
Pyrrho | 3:27 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
To Frank,
To Whom were you and Mitt Romney taught to pray? To God, The Father [Elohim]? or to Jesus, the Son [Jehovah]?
Why did Joseph Smith address the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer to "The God of Israel", whom Mormons believe to be Jehovah, aka Jesus? And yet they teach you to pray to the Father, NOT to Jesus?
You Mormons try to oversimplify things and then get defensive and upset when others try to point out that your simpleminded, naive ideas don't hold together or don't make sense of reality.
You Mormons - especially Mitt Romney - really should practice a TON more humility and ten times that in eliminating arrogance. You don't know as much as you think you do.
To Whom were you and Mitt Romney taught to pray? To God, The Father [Elohim]? or to Jesus, the Son [Jehovah]?
Why did Joseph Smith address the Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer to "The God of Israel", whom Mormons believe to be Jehovah, aka Jesus? And yet they teach you to pray to the Father, NOT to Jesus?
You Mormons try to oversimplify things and then get defensive and upset when others try to point out that your simpleminded, naive ideas don't hold together or don't make sense of reality.
You Mormons - especially Mitt Romney - really should practice a TON more humility and ten times that in eliminating arrogance. You don't know as much as you think you do.
paul | 5:22 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Could someone define what a "Christian" is?
Simply put it used to be a person who believed in
Christ and his teachings as they were recorded in the New Testament.
Simply put it used to be a person who believed in
Christ and his teachings as they were recorded in the New Testament.
Dale Newton | 5:26 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Interesting comments from Doug, Trinity, Rob and Who Cares? I believe the only
[or at least main] reason Romney is even addressing this matter is becuase of
his belief that he needs the votes of the so-called "evangelical
Christians" to win the election. None of this is changing his religious
views at all. The evangelicals are beside themselves because this dialogue is
threatening their livelihoods and questions the great learning they had in their
seminaries. I think they would have much less passion about this debate if they
were all lay clergy [like in the Church of Jesus Christ] and their jobs and
personal incomes weren't involved. I think the LDS Church's inclusive
approach is a reflection of a desire to invite other serious truth seekers [a
tiny minority of the people out there] to come and explore its faith and see if
the Church can add anything to it - as Presdient Hinckley has said on several
occassions. When "push comes to shove" the Church and its leaders
will be happy to stand tall for truth whenever needed - but it does make one
wonder if Bruce R. McConkie is anxious to join in this discussion.
Confused con't | 5:55 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
4) I'm assuming Christians go to their church because they believe the
doctrines are true. But different Christian denominations teach different
things, so how can they be all true?
There are a lot more questions I have, but this will do for now. If I can get someone to answer me in a "non-bashing" way, then I'd like to ask more questions. I know that I will probably get some bashing emails just to let you know I will not read or respond to.
Thanks
There are a lot more questions I have, but this will do for now. If I can get someone to answer me in a "non-bashing" way, then I'd like to ask more questions. I know that I will probably get some bashing emails just to let you know I will not read or respond to.
Thanks
Questions...About Mormonism | 6:08 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
I need one of the Mormons to please explain to me why those with a lot of kids
are higher up in the pecking order. Also, can you Mormon folks be gods on our
planet Earth? Also..i've heard you guys believe in something about running
your own planet. I don't know, just things said on the street. Also, if
you believe in the crucifixion, how come your churches lack the cross? That is
a big question.
Thanks for clearing this up.
Thanks for clearing this up.
Christian Atheist | 7:17 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Currently, I do not believe in God � I call myself a
non-believing religious atheist. However, at the same time I can call myself a
Christian as a follower of Christ in that he was a liberal who promoted
questioning established traditions, a deeper understanding why we do certain
things with tolerance and forgiveness. In this light I call myself Christian.
However, if I had to align myself with Evangelical dogma or George W. Bush as a
true representative of Christianity, I would have nothing to do with it. Their
message seems clear: Hate your enemies, desecrate them that curse you, do bad to
them that hate you, and damn them which despitefully use you, and persecute
you.
A Christian should believe more than a confession of faith in a particular concept of salvation. A Christian should: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Ask yourself what kind of Christian you are. I�m thankful my Christianity doesn�t tell me to hate people.
A Christian should believe more than a confession of faith in a particular concept of salvation. A Christian should: Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. Ask yourself what kind of Christian you are. I�m thankful my Christianity doesn�t tell me to hate people.
Answer...about Mormonism | 7:26 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
Yes, the LDS Church believes in the crucifixion and believes Christ died on the
cross at Golgotha. However, I think the LDS Church elects not to use the cross
on church buildings in hopes that members will focus on a living Jesus Christ, a
Jesus who still lives and directs His church today.
Various | 8:10 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
We can't use the reasoning anymore of: "If the Christian churches are
true, then why are there so many different ones that teach different
things." Why? Tell me, should I join the LDS, RLDS (Community of Christ),
LDS-Strangite, Bickertonites, Restoration LDS, Remnant LDS, Restored LDS, AUB,
FLDS, Cutlerite LDS, and the list goes on. My question would be, "Why are
there so many different Book of Mormon believing churches that teach so many
different things?" Who is right? And who is wrong? And you can't say
"pray about it" either, because all the various Mormon sects say pray
about it and tell you that they have and that us how they know their church is
true.
Frank | 8:13 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
To Pyrrho,
I was taught to pray to my Father in Heaven and to end each prayer �in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.� I was also taught to pray for strength to follow the teachings of Christ, to love God and to love my neighbor as myself. And to seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and ask for such other things that I might desire, with faith in God that He would answer my prayers in His own way and in His own time. Because I sincerely appreciate the atoning sacrifice of my Saviour, Jesus Christ, I sometimes talk to Him directly in my prayers.
That is what I was taught and I am not ashamed of it. Years of experience, study and prayer have convinced me that praying in this manner gives me strength and it is a comfort to me.
On the other hand, I think it is none of my business what kind of God other people visualize when they pray. I am just grateful that they do pray, and/or �strive for� the moral, spiritual and intellectual values that will help each of them be an honorable and respected citizen in their own country.
I was taught to pray to my Father in Heaven and to end each prayer �in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.� I was also taught to pray for strength to follow the teachings of Christ, to love God and to love my neighbor as myself. And to seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost, and ask for such other things that I might desire, with faith in God that He would answer my prayers in His own way and in His own time. Because I sincerely appreciate the atoning sacrifice of my Saviour, Jesus Christ, I sometimes talk to Him directly in my prayers.
That is what I was taught and I am not ashamed of it. Years of experience, study and prayer have convinced me that praying in this manner gives me strength and it is a comfort to me.
On the other hand, I think it is none of my business what kind of God other people visualize when they pray. I am just grateful that they do pray, and/or �strive for� the moral, spiritual and intellectual values that will help each of them be an honorable and respected citizen in their own country.
David in CA | 8:47 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
To Frank (dated earlier in the comments @ 12:54 PM
Dec. 8):
You SAID IT RIGHT ON!!! GREAT Comments!!
The LDS Church does teach A LOT of High Ideals and
Basic Beliefs BASED in Christian Ideas. Many
followers of LDS teachings Actually DO Live UP
to those standards and take following very
seriously!!
Mitt grew up in that same Church belief system which sets high Goals and Standards. Mitt is also a great businessman and organizer. He just gave a Great Speech on Faith and Tolerance and Diversity.
He comes WELL CREDENTIALED to be President of the
United States!!
Dec. 8):
You SAID IT RIGHT ON!!! GREAT Comments!!
The LDS Church does teach A LOT of High Ideals and
Basic Beliefs BASED in Christian Ideas. Many
followers of LDS teachings Actually DO Live UP
to those standards and take following very
seriously!!
Mitt grew up in that same Church belief system which sets high Goals and Standards. Mitt is also a great businessman and organizer. He just gave a Great Speech on Faith and Tolerance and Diversity.
He comes WELL CREDENTIALED to be President of the
United States!!
Dale Newton | 10:50 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
To Christian Atheist - Jesus Christ was not - and is not - a "liberal"
in the current context of the word. He is much closer to a very stong
conservative in today's terminology. Let's see - today's
"liberal" believes in the following: killing unborn children of God,
intolerance of other ideas, socialism and Godlessness, heavy taxation and loss
of freedom and individual opportunity and responsibility, no such thing as right
and wrong, deviant lifestyles, absolutley no concern for the sanctity of
marriage, lawlessness - do I need to go on? I find it offensive to call my
Savior a "liberal" considering the current context of that word. You
can be - and should be - politically conservative in the United States of
America and adhere to all the teachings of Jesus Christ. And, this also means
the current Republicans have a long way to go to obtain the conservative nature
of the Savior. In this vein, many of today's Democrats are a lost cause.
To Christian Atheist | 10:59 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
You hit some points squarely "On the Head".
I was once had atheistic beliefs, but now do believe
in God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost(or Spirit).
Your definition of "Applied Christianity" is something that the world desperately needs!!
"What the World Needs Now Is Love". Isn't that the title of a 60's song? Needed then and still much needed NOW!!
In the Book of Mosiah (in the Book of Mormon record)
King Benjamin said, "When you are in the Service of Your Fellow Beings, you're Only in the Service of
Your God".
Applied Christianity is Service and Love.
Applied Christianity is NOT hate, disrespect, and
being mean and spiteful to one another.
I was once had atheistic beliefs, but now do believe
in God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost(or Spirit).
Your definition of "Applied Christianity" is something that the world desperately needs!!
"What the World Needs Now Is Love". Isn't that the title of a 60's song? Needed then and still much needed NOW!!
In the Book of Mosiah (in the Book of Mormon record)
King Benjamin said, "When you are in the Service of Your Fellow Beings, you're Only in the Service of
Your God".
Applied Christianity is Service and Love.
Applied Christianity is NOT hate, disrespect, and
being mean and spiteful to one another.
Lost opportunities | 11:47 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
I was hoping more from Romney's speech. I was hoping, that he would have
been able to - at least to a degree - "give his testimony". You would
think that a former bishop and stake president would be able to do that.
For instance: Aren't all members of the church missionaries.
Aren't we encouraged to give out missionary versions of the Book of Mormon.
Isn't this the only true church as stated to Joseph Smith by God the Father and Jesus Christ.
He should have refuted his earlier statement that polygamy was "bizarre" but in fact a valid commandment from God.
He should have reemphasized that abortion and gay rights are depraved sins.
Isn't the Book of Mormon a true book of God and the visitation of Jesus Christ to the Americas.
and let us not forget temple work. Wouldn't it have been great for him to explain the grave is not the master and there is a future after we die.
But alas, he missed an opportunity to further explain the glorious work of the Lord.
For instance: Aren't all members of the church missionaries.
Aren't we encouraged to give out missionary versions of the Book of Mormon.
Isn't this the only true church as stated to Joseph Smith by God the Father and Jesus Christ.
He should have refuted his earlier statement that polygamy was "bizarre" but in fact a valid commandment from God.
He should have reemphasized that abortion and gay rights are depraved sins.
Isn't the Book of Mormon a true book of God and the visitation of Jesus Christ to the Americas.
and let us not forget temple work. Wouldn't it have been great for him to explain the grave is not the master and there is a future after we die.
But alas, he missed an opportunity to further explain the glorious work of the Lord.
lenn | 11:55 p.m. Dec. 8, 2007
If any of us that call ourselves christians, were aressted and put on trial,
would there be enough evidence to convict us?
To Doug Carter | 12:00 a.m. Dec. 9, 2007
You are walking on dangerous spiritual territory and might want to do some deep
soul searching. you remind me of the man who considered himself first but when
the time came to meet his maker, his maker considered him last. God hates
pride.... satan is the ultimate example of that by exalting himself above the
rest, even God. You might want to put more faith in what Jesus says rather than
Brigham Young.
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