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Noah Feldman: A majority of Americans have no idea what Mormons believe
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NH curious | 1:08 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
LDS secrecy seems to be a license to lie to 'gentiles.' Maybe that
explains Mitt's very loose relationship to truth. Maybe he tells the truth
in Temple and lies to everyone else all the time? I wanted to vote for Mitt,
but I just can't trust a Mormon.
DANIEL | 1:42 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I am actually investigating the LDS church. Currently, I am a baptist but there
is something just not right. I have been investigating the LDS church for about
10 months now. I've read many books, done lots of research, and I have
also read books about catholics, jews, seventh day adventists, jehova
witnesses's, and muslims. So far, the LDS church seems to be the most
correct in terms of doctrine. After thinking about the basic doctrine and deep
doctrine, both make sense to me. I'm waiting for my answer from the guy
upstairs so I can take the next step.
Skeptic | 1:54 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
This is a pretty good piece of journalism. Why is it impossible for my fellow
LDSians to realize that nobody outside will see the group the same way people do
from the inside. Part of the problem is not being able to see clearly as an
outsider but those inside the church must also realize you see it with bias as
well. Your vision, my friends, likely isn't clear either. Each of us is
biased.
I do wish the LDS collective would stop freaking out about how we are perceived. We can only help people see us better one Christ-like act at a time or one un-Christ-like act at a time. I hope we each choose our actions wisely.
I do wish the LDS collective would stop freaking out about how we are perceived. We can only help people see us better one Christ-like act at a time or one un-Christ-like act at a time. I hope we each choose our actions wisely.
Comments continue below
Please don't distort to defend R | 2:07 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
This guy seem to support Romney, which I of course disagree with, and tends to
bring up the anti-Mormon issue as though it is a bias that Romney struggles
against when in reality it has little or nothing to do with why most people
oppose his candidacy but putting that aside I would like to address a distortion
of what Joseph Smith taught.
The author wrote: "In politics, Joseph Smith was something of a radical. He preached, instead of democracy, a version of theocratic rule within a framework given by his own prophetic leadership."
Joseph Smith actually taught, "With regard to elections, some say all Latter-day Saints vote together, and vote as I say. But I never tell any man how to vote or whom to vote for." He never advocated theocratic rule except after God had come to earth to reign and even then he taught that there would be other forms of government still on the earth for a short while. I suggest that the author stop complaining about the ignorance of others and deal with his own ignorance of what Mormons believe.
The author wrote: "In politics, Joseph Smith was something of a radical. He preached, instead of democracy, a version of theocratic rule within a framework given by his own prophetic leadership."
Joseph Smith actually taught, "With regard to elections, some say all Latter-day Saints vote together, and vote as I say. But I never tell any man how to vote or whom to vote for." He never advocated theocratic rule except after God had come to earth to reign and even then he taught that there would be other forms of government still on the earth for a short while. I suggest that the author stop complaining about the ignorance of others and deal with his own ignorance of what Mormons believe.
re: Reality | 2:25 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Only one who has never met a church-going Mormon, or who has never been to
Mormon meetings, or who has never met a Mormon missionary, or who gets all their
knowledge of Mormons from anti-Mormons, including ministers or ex-Mormons could
possibly or remotely believe that Mormons do not know their beliefs.
I dare say, since most Mormons have taught classes and many have served missions, since many have attended seminary and have personal and family scripture study that the average Mormon knows MUCH more about their beliefs than the average anything else knows about their own beliefs.
I dare say, since most Mormons have taught classes and many have served missions, since many have attended seminary and have personal and family scripture study that the average Mormon knows MUCH more about their beliefs than the average anything else knows about their own beliefs.
to "What is truth???" | 3:04 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I agree that saying, "I know xxx is true," especially emphatically or
loudly, is not persuasive or proof, but I disagree with your statement,
"Truth is confirmed through empirical evidence; and guess what the LDS
Church nor any other have that."
There is empirical evidence of the truth of LDS Doctrine, and that truth is readily accessible to anyone and everyone: Live it, and see if your life improves over time.
The proof of a seed is the plant which does or does not grow. In my experience, my life has been generally better than it has been when I've deviated from those teachings, and I know many, many others who've had the same experience. Even the bumps in the road -- which we all encounter -- have been traveresed more easily.
So, learn LDS teachngs -- like prayer, study of LDS doctrines and scriptures, family home evening, service of your fellow beings -- then live them and observe whether and how your life has changed. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. It isn't in the recipe, or in someone's description of the pudding.
There is empirical evidence of the truth of LDS Doctrine, and that truth is readily accessible to anyone and everyone: Live it, and see if your life improves over time.
The proof of a seed is the plant which does or does not grow. In my experience, my life has been generally better than it has been when I've deviated from those teachings, and I know many, many others who've had the same experience. Even the bumps in the road -- which we all encounter -- have been traveresed more easily.
So, learn LDS teachngs -- like prayer, study of LDS doctrines and scriptures, family home evening, service of your fellow beings -- then live them and observe whether and how your life has changed. The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. It isn't in the recipe, or in someone's description of the pudding.
to "John" | 3:27 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Mormons believe in Salvation for everyone -- resurrection and glory given
freely, almost without exception -- to all mankind (except a small view who are
"sons of perdition"), and Exaltation, which is essentially attaining a
character like Christ through following His teachings. Mormons believe
Salvation is a gift to all, because of and through the grace of Christ. We
believe that without Christ, "we can do nothing," but that doing both
exhibits our faith in Christ (see James chapter 2 "Show me your faith
without your works and I will show you my faith by my works."), and helps
us become more like him, eventually "one" with he and God, who are one
in purpose, and have identical character, though they are different personages.
re: James Warren | 3:29 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Interesting you mention the "Salamander letter." It was purchased by
the LDS Church, IMMEDIATELY published in the LDS Church News -- both a picture
of it and a typewritten version of its content. Obviously, there was no attempt
to hide it. It appeared to cast an unfavorable light on Joseph Smith.
Oh yeah, it turned out to be a Mark Hoffman forgery! The LDS Church made no attempt to hide something DESIGNED to hurt it!
Now, to those who say LDS Leaders were deceived, apparently God does work in marvelous ways, because that one worked out pretty well for them, didn't it! Perhaps they were "guided", not deceived.
Oh yeah, it turned out to be a Mark Hoffman forgery! The LDS Church made no attempt to hide something DESIGNED to hurt it!
Now, to those who say LDS Leaders were deceived, apparently God does work in marvelous ways, because that one worked out pretty well for them, didn't it! Perhaps they were "guided", not deceived.
I'll tell you, Fredd | 3:30 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Fredd, I don't know who you've been talking to, but I'll tell
pretty much anyone anything, though I will indeed lay a foundation for some
things. Ask me anything, and I'd wrap up the discussion in an hour. My
only requirement is they sincerely want to understand. I don't care if
they agree or disagree, just that they have genuine intellectual, social, or
spiritual curiosity.
I also believe most practicing Mormons are the same way, as long as they aren't naturally inarticulate and/or talking with someone who is twisting their words and trying to discourage, intimidate, criticize or beat them down.
I also believe most practicing Mormons are the same way, as long as they aren't naturally inarticulate and/or talking with someone who is twisting their words and trying to discourage, intimidate, criticize or beat them down.
The Bible Only | 3:33 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I find it ironic that a group -- "mainstream Christians" -- that
doesn't believe in anything after the Bible, base their entire
"Mormons aren't Christians" argument on a document (the Nicean
Creed) created hundreds of years after the Bible was "finished."
For every scripture a "Christian" can quote as evidence of the 3-in-1 doctrine, Mormons can quote one to show the 3 are distinct, different -- and in the case of God and Christ -- embodied beings.
For every scripture a "Christian" can quote as evidence of the 3-in-1 doctrine, Mormons can quote one to show the 3 are distinct, different -- and in the case of God and Christ -- embodied beings.
Mom in MO | 5:26 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Exactly who is "Most Mormons" ?? The ones you personally know in
Utah. Get out of the state and interview Bro. Most Mormons. The arrogance here
is astounding.
Svoboda | 5:37 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
The article's author is clueless with some of the ignorance based
conclusions he has made. Geez!
Raymond | 7:47 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Mitt Romney does not represent the Mormon faith I believe in.
So what? | 7:59 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
So what! Most Americans do not know what Scientologists believe. Most Americans
do not know Jewish doctrine. Most Catholics do not know what THEY believe. Most
LDS people do not know what they really believe (the 2/3's that leave right
away after baptism). Most LDS people do not really know their history....
Outsider | 8:32 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
To the person that pretended to be a father incapable of seeing his daughter
because he wasn't LDS: "but we have to accept responsibility for the
decisions we make (or don't make) in life...ALL of them." Only
someone LDS would find the practice of disallowing parents at a wedding
acceptable. I still believe it is a practice that forces, yes forces, a person
to decide between family and a so called Church. The exclusion is proof that
the LDS church has no respect for parents ....some "family" religion.
It is no small wonder, thank you internet, that the church is far behind the
Seventh day Adventists and even the Jehovah's witnesses in new conversions.
James | 8:47 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
When anyone asks me why I'm athiest, I will refer them to the above 163
comments. All religions believe they have it right. All have
"experiences" which they cannot explain but yet somehow prove their
way of life is correct. All have members or leaders who give their all, even
their lives, to their faith. All say, "Try this and you'll see,"
and when you convert they say, "See, we told you," and if you
don't convert they say, "You didn't do it the right way".
It's all nonsense. Just change the words "God, Lord, Savior, Prophet,
etc." to the word "church" in any scripture, and you'll
understand exactly what churches want. Once they steal your soul then
they'll try to steal your money. It's time to move out of the dark
ages and deal with reality, not mythology. While my belief system is based on
doctrinal issues, it's easy to become cynical about religion based on the
silly bantering between all sides, each claiming to be blessed more by God
because of their teachings.
To Fred again | 8:55 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Look, what's important is how you use the time in this life, wether
you're obey the commandments, develop faith, all of that. So
"important" doctrines are the ones that bring you to do that, such as
faith, repentance, baptism, the Holy Ghost, etc. The issues you find so crucial
about the Mormon faith are not really taught or emphasized in the church, and
that is probably why your Mormon friends cannot answer them.
Gary S. | 9:05 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
The article is a good non-biased one, if taken literally. The author is saying
what we believe and what the born-agains believe about us. He isn't saying
what he believes. He's reporting, and he does a good job.
He's right that it's hard for born-agains to accept our beliefs. What he doesn't say is that what the born-agains think of the gospel is irrelevant. They have no revelation and no authority to proclaim what is true and what is not. Their opinion may matter in politics, which is based on perception more than truth, but their opinion does not make the gospel false. It does blind people to the truth, which is sad, but it does not change the truth.
He's right that it's hard for born-agains to accept our beliefs. What he doesn't say is that what the born-agains think of the gospel is irrelevant. They have no revelation and no authority to proclaim what is true and what is not. Their opinion may matter in politics, which is based on perception more than truth, but their opinion does not make the gospel false. It does blind people to the truth, which is sad, but it does not change the truth.
WJ | 9:12 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Reading through the comments, I have seen non-LDS people who are impolite but
also a few of my fellow LDS Churh members who are also impolite. I agree that
they need to live their religion by being courteous, although I know it's
hard sometimes, especially for the young posters. I admit I've gotten
carried away by some of the arguing a little bit myself.
Also, we are not anti-Catholic, anti-Baptist, etc. Let's let our own Church speak for itself for those who want to sincerely learn the truth about it.
Also, we are not anti-Catholic, anti-Baptist, etc. Let's let our own Church speak for itself for those who want to sincerely learn the truth about it.
Too Arrogant & superior | 9:23 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
It would be nice if the views of others were as important as the Mormons. I was
thinking of joining, but no more!
business as usual | 9:30 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
With all due respect WJ - I've been to a couple of LDS functions. Compared
to the way I was raised, the LDS church isn't a religion - its a
business.
But if it works for you, I am happy.
But if it works for you, I am happy.
Devin | 9:31 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
As to the above article, I thought it was fair and balanced
� it left room for belief but explained why people doubt.
The same cannot be said for the comments. Religion engenders so much hatred
towards one another that it makes it nearly impossible to believe there is a God
in heaven who promotes tolerance and love. Divorcing oneself from religion
seems to be the best option to eradicate hate. Most, not all, of the problems
in our world today result from religious belief. By their fruits ye shall know
them.
Hymnsinger | 9:35 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Joseph Smith said, �I wish to declare I have always and in
all congregations when I have preached on the subject of the Deity, it has been
the plurality of Gods. It has been preached by the elders for fifteen
years� (Discourses of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p.35).
Brigham Young, the second president of the LDS Church, once stated,
�How many Gods there are, I do not know. But there never was a time when there were not Gods and worlds, and when men were not passing through the same ordeals that we are now passing through. That course has been from all eternity, and it is and will be to all eternity. You cannot comprehend this; but when you can, it will be to you a matter of great consolation� (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 7:334, October 8, 1859).
However, Isaiah 44:6,8 tells us that the God of the Bible knows of no other Gods. �I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God�Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any.�
Brigham Young, the second president of the LDS Church, once stated,
�How many Gods there are, I do not know. But there never was a time when there were not Gods and worlds, and when men were not passing through the same ordeals that we are now passing through. That course has been from all eternity, and it is and will be to all eternity. You cannot comprehend this; but when you can, it will be to you a matter of great consolation� (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 7:334, October 8, 1859).
However, Isaiah 44:6,8 tells us that the God of the Bible knows of no other Gods. �I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God�Is there a God beside me? Yea, there is no God; I know not any.�
Don | 9:42 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Since this article is still up on Mon. I'll add this.
Many Mormons in the Salt Lake valley are obnoxious. Why is that? Why are many Baptists in the Bible belt obnoxious? Why are many Catholics in the Boston area obnoxious? Why are so many Mormons defrauded by fellow church members? Has anyone ever heard of tares among the wheat?
Any time one group has a controlling interest in the local power structure and financial structure you will see dishonest people infiltrate that structure for their own ends. Just one of these can leave a stain that tarnishes a whole church.
Away from Utah the LDS are generally much nicer.
Many Mormons in the Salt Lake valley are obnoxious. Why is that? Why are many Baptists in the Bible belt obnoxious? Why are many Catholics in the Boston area obnoxious? Why are so many Mormons defrauded by fellow church members? Has anyone ever heard of tares among the wheat?
Any time one group has a controlling interest in the local power structure and financial structure you will see dishonest people infiltrate that structure for their own ends. Just one of these can leave a stain that tarnishes a whole church.
Away from Utah the LDS are generally much nicer.
LegrandIsaSweety | 9:57 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Elder Richards is a sweety but his doctrine is skewed no matter how popular or
useful his book has been to the church.
Kristin | 10:29 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Isn't it interesting that those who are disaffected, unable to "live
their religion", or who are not active members of the Mormon Church or who
are not members of the Mormon Church at all, have the most to say?! I have
found, as a convert to Mormonism, that another dimension has been added to my
life - lo, these last 50 years. I am a thinking, reasoning woman of 67 years
who has tried to "live my Christian religion" and follow the teachings
of Jesus Christ. I attend my meetings, serve my fellow beings, study
"all" our "Mormon" scriptures - including the Holy Bible,
participate in my community. The New Testament tells us, "By their fruits
ye shall know them." Judge me, an "active" Mormon, by my fruits
and my works. No, the Mormon Church is NOT moving toward mainstream
Christianity. We have always been "Christians" from the beginning when
the heavens were again opened to mankind and we were reassured that there was a
God in Heaven who really cared about us all. Mormonism holds no secrets - but
we do value sacredness. Judge me by my life - not by the distorted views of
other "Christians" and unbelievers.
Jane | 10:35 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Don,
I think it's better not to mix someones business with the members of the church. Keep it separate. It is the wrong reason to be a member of the L D S church, to use it for personal gain is wrong. I have seen this and it is very irritating!
I think it's better not to mix someones business with the members of the church. Keep it separate. It is the wrong reason to be a member of the L D S church, to use it for personal gain is wrong. I have seen this and it is very irritating!
Fredd | 10:49 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I believe some have missed my point, and I believe some of the other
non-believers points. Primarily, I have nothing against Mormon people or the
practise of the Mormon faith. I know some do but I don't. My point is
that many Mormons I have met and discussed issues with, even on this very post,
demonstrate there is a wide disparity on the belief of what constitutes Mormon
doctrine. And on the more contreversal issues there seems to be a reluctance to
give straight answers. From several posters I believe i now have my answer on
God as a man. Here is what i learned. Gosd was once a man and walked on earth
(may be another planet) and was exalted. We have the opportunity, through the
Mormon church to become Gods also. Did I get it right?
Give it a rest | 11:04 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I am so tired of this nonsense. "Mormons don't know what they
believe". Tell me something--you are involved with one thing, anything,
for your entire life and you want people to believe you have no idea what it is?
I don't go into a Catholic or Baptist church and tell them what they do
and don't believe. Religion--ANY RELIGION--is a personal issue between you
and God. Every doctrine has to be interpreted on a personal level. There are
guidelines, as in any religion, but essentially it comes down to you and God.
The idea that those of LDS faith are simply mindless drones is insulting and
ridiculous. We are not secretive--anyone is welcome to investigate and become a
member or not. Every church has certain sacred practices that are not widely
discussed--but for most it isn't condemned by the ignorant for being
secretive and wrong.
This is 2008. Tell me--what other religion other than so called Mormonism is so judged and at times reviled in this day and age? Who cares if Mitt Romney is LDS or Catholic or Baptist or Muslim? I'm more concerned about his lack of ability to stick to one stance in politics than his religion.
This is 2008. Tell me--what other religion other than so called Mormonism is so judged and at times reviled in this day and age? Who cares if Mitt Romney is LDS or Catholic or Baptist or Muslim? I'm more concerned about his lack of ability to stick to one stance in politics than his religion.
Wrong purpose for religion | 11:33 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I think Mitt Romney would be good for our country. I don't think he is
interested to mix business with religion. I agree with the above there is too
many who do go to church just to sell their business to others. It has been away
for some to make money. Rather they have a testimony is another story. I really
wonder about the testimonies of these sort of members. probably very shallow, if
at all they have one. Religion should not be a business. There is nothing
religious about someone promoting a business with members. I am sorry this
happens. It is very distracting and unrighteous.
Hey Fredd, don't give up on us. There is hope.
Hey Fredd, don't give up on us. There is hope.
LDS 2 | 11:36 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
To John @10:35pm
If you describe your version of heaven to a LDS elder and ask if you will be allowed there when you die� I think the answer will be yes.
Your Baptist definition of heaven and mine are 2 very different heavens. Your idea of the perfect neighborhood and mine may be different, but you will be happiest in yours and I will be happiest in mine. The neighborhoods can be in the same town and country, with the same laws and the same leadership.
The Lord wants us to be happy and he has shown us the way. He said, �Come follow me�. I am working daily to do just that. I am blessed and saved every day by my Saviors love and sacrifice for me.
If you describe your version of heaven to a LDS elder and ask if you will be allowed there when you die� I think the answer will be yes.
Your Baptist definition of heaven and mine are 2 very different heavens. Your idea of the perfect neighborhood and mine may be different, but you will be happiest in yours and I will be happiest in mine. The neighborhoods can be in the same town and country, with the same laws and the same leadership.
The Lord wants us to be happy and he has shown us the way. He said, �Come follow me�. I am working daily to do just that. I am blessed and saved every day by my Saviors love and sacrifice for me.
Krby | 11:52 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
The Deseret News cut off the last 2.5 paragraphs of the author's article as
printed in the NY Times Magazine. Here is the missing part.
"If this hypothetical picture of a future Mormonism seems unimaginable to the contemporary LDS faithful, as it may, today�s Mormon theology would look almost as different to Brigham Young.
Religious development, driven by turns from within and without, is, after all, the mark of a vital faith. Today we do not think of the Catholic pope as the occupant of the pagan Roman office of pontifex maximus, but of course the pontiff is precisely that: the living exemplar of how Christianity met, conquered and was changed by the very empire that presided over the crucifixion. All religions assimilate and change, even as they claim to hew to the old truths.
America changes, too. Today the soft bigotry of cultural discomfort may stand in the way of a candidate whose faith exemplifies values of charity, self-discipline and community that we as Americans claim to hold dear. Surely, though, the day will come when we are ready to put prejudice aside and choose a president without regard to what we think of his religion."
"If this hypothetical picture of a future Mormonism seems unimaginable to the contemporary LDS faithful, as it may, today�s Mormon theology would look almost as different to Brigham Young.
Religious development, driven by turns from within and without, is, after all, the mark of a vital faith. Today we do not think of the Catholic pope as the occupant of the pagan Roman office of pontifex maximus, but of course the pontiff is precisely that: the living exemplar of how Christianity met, conquered and was changed by the very empire that presided over the crucifixion. All religions assimilate and change, even as they claim to hew to the old truths.
America changes, too. Today the soft bigotry of cultural discomfort may stand in the way of a candidate whose faith exemplifies values of charity, self-discipline and community that we as Americans claim to hold dear. Surely, though, the day will come when we are ready to put prejudice aside and choose a president without regard to what we think of his religion."
entertainment | 11:58 a.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I must say this is entertaining if nothing else. I have seen somone continue to
use the "milk before meat" in different posts as though this was a
Mormon saying. It comes from 1 Cor 3:2 and Heb 5:12. I am a Mormon and hardly
ever hear this phrase.
For real | 12:07 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Being a strong, believing Mormon, I come from a loooong heritage of ex-mormons.
One, in particular, is written about quite often on those anti-mormon websites.
I have lived through this and I have read the websites hundreds of times. I know
the stories better than anyone but the stories on the websites are so fabricated
it makes me sick. These stories also claim to have been written by a
professional journalist. It's bogus, please think logically before
believing these stories on the anti-mormon websites.
Also, for those of you saying that mormons are racist please tell that to my 19-yr-old brother serving the people of Ghana- a mission in which he is paying for.
Also, for those of you saying that mormons are racist please tell that to my 19-yr-old brother serving the people of Ghana- a mission in which he is paying for.
Slander of a church member | 12:28 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
to: for real,
I have one of those ancestors on a anti- Mormon website as well. It is awful and hard for me to stay active with this sort of false slander. There is no one out there who understands the feelings of seeing your great, great, great, grandparent written about so horribly. It it makes all family members feel sad.
So good luck to you for yours.
I have one of those ancestors on a anti- Mormon website as well. It is awful and hard for me to stay active with this sort of false slander. There is no one out there who understands the feelings of seeing your great, great, great, grandparent written about so horribly. It it makes all family members feel sad.
So good luck to you for yours.
Reality | 12:53 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
To Lori, Thank you for sharing your feelings. I believe you and others like you
do have honest loving hearts. I think it has more to do with your nature than
external forces, but anyway I sometimes wish I could share those feelings. I
also have non-Mormon friends who claim to be born again Christians, who are very
nice people. The born again thing (the way I understand it) is like a
metamorphism: the changing of a catapillar into a butterfly. But, I can not see
the change to butterfly in any of my friends. Maybe I am just too much of a
skeptic. But, I hope you remain the same because I believe the world needs more
kind hearts.
Anonymous | 1:33 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
The majority of these comments make me sad. I can understand why many of those
who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints feel some
resentment as it seems that many are being arrogant. I think it is important to
point out that while we believe that this church is the only true church on the
earth, we also believe that our Heavenly Father and our Savior, Jesus Christ
know the intent and desires of our hearts, each and every person. He knows if
they are trying and living the best way that they know how, and all will have
the opportunity to make it to the celestial kingdom. We need to remember that
Our Father in Heaven loves each of us and truly desires for us to search out all
that we can and then make our own decision for what we feel and know in our
hearts.
JB | 1:59 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
All I can say is what is good for the gander is also good for the goose. So live
and let live. We all have a right to our own beliefs and opinion. I would like
to answer each person's message on here but don't have the time. So
good luck to you all.
The Heathen | 2:02 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
gee after reading all these blogs , be tolerant, let others hang on to anything
good, work togetheter and aren't you members suppose to be persecuted some
more..if so you had better get a little more thick skinned..used to be the older
LDS members were so hard to rile that they became legends amongst us unworthy
guys..now it seems somewhat defensive which i can unerstand with all the
falsehood pointing at you..this should only make you more emphatetic to others
facing bias attitudes even within your church.
You really don't know... | 2:15 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
"Give it a rest"....is it really worth it to start asking questions
that I know you don't know the answer to? Honestly, trust me, I am an
active member, and I did not know certain aspects of our history. I have gone
through quite a journey of discovery. The sources are almost all exclusively
LDS people, still in the church, writers, historians, etc. There is a large
swath of our history that our leaders do not want us to know about and never
talk about in any detail that would help explain the problems. I'm for
real and what I am saying is very informed. We don't know our REAL
history...
Wayne Perry | 2:24 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I have to agree with the title of the article that the average american does not
know anything about the lds church. Have spent a considerable amount of time
explaining the lds church to familly and friends. They knew and know nothing
about it at all. Not being a member, I think I have a fairly open mind about
it, and in my opinion the nonmembers who do know about lds got their knowledge
the old fashioned way.
They married a member.
They married a member.
Ed | 2:32 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I am a convert to the church. I studied it and have a
great acceptance of it. I can not believe that in the
21st century, we resolved to this type of bigatry and
nonsence. We waste time and money trying to come to
conclutions on this religion when we need to talk more about the issues that need to be solved by our
next president. The Mormons are good people who are
honorable and contribute positively to the well being
of our country. We do not bother anyone and we allow
anyone to worship and believe as they will. Please
allow us the same right. This serves no purpose but
to gain opinions that are wrong and uncall for. Mr. Romney is not runing as a Mormon but as a Mormon, he can be a good President however, he should not be elected because he is a Mormon nor should he be rejected because he is a Mormon. Another thing, If
you want to know the true teachings of the Mormons,
as the church. They know best. Please! Don't fall for this, we need to worship freely, as you do!
Ed
great acceptance of it. I can not believe that in the
21st century, we resolved to this type of bigatry and
nonsence. We waste time and money trying to come to
conclutions on this religion when we need to talk more about the issues that need to be solved by our
next president. The Mormons are good people who are
honorable and contribute positively to the well being
of our country. We do not bother anyone and we allow
anyone to worship and believe as they will. Please
allow us the same right. This serves no purpose but
to gain opinions that are wrong and uncall for. Mr. Romney is not runing as a Mormon but as a Mormon, he can be a good President however, he should not be elected because he is a Mormon nor should he be rejected because he is a Mormon. Another thing, If
you want to know the true teachings of the Mormons,
as the church. They know best. Please! Don't fall for this, we need to worship freely, as you do!
Ed
Well-wisher | 2:36 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
My comment to those with ancestors on the Anti- Mormon websites. I completely
agree with you guys, and can certainly understand the anguish that each of you
and your families must all feel for your ancestors. Perhaps the church needs to
reveal these things to you, and who was really responsible for whatever?. Your
ancestors were probably just scapegoats. So to: YOU REALLY DON'T KNOW...you
are probably right about your comment on this subject. Just maybe, the church
needs to come clean. I wish you sad people the best.
Thank you, Give it a rest!!!! | 2:40 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
They nailed it on the head at 11:04 am. You've gotta love living in Utah,
where the Mormon religion is such a high spirited issue for everyone in and out
of the church and you have people from both sides that think they know
everything. This article could have said anything with the Mormon church in the
title and all the sudden you have people chomping at the bit to lash out and
knock down what us Mormons choose to believe. Just stick with the topic at hand
and that is that there is a good man with good morals and values trying to run
for a political office, which he has already done a good job at doing and can
continue to help many people with his knowledge and expertise in POLITICS.
Standing Firm | 2:58 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
If there is one thing the author is wrong about it is that Mormonism will change
to be more mainstream, if you look around mainstream is synonymous with immoral
because of the shifting of allegiance that mainstream america gives to the ten
commandments, in other words the author is under the belief that if the external
pressure is heavy enough Christians with moral allegiance to their God will
abandon their values. How absurd is that? Who are the flip floppers now?
KT | 3:03 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
re: Thank you, Give it a rest!!!!
I am trying to figure out what you meant by your comment. Sticking to the topic above. I think most Mormon people on here are expressing themselves with their deepest feelings. So whats your problem? Sounds like you are the one that's doing the chomping. I didn't realize that your opinion was all that mattered or is important to us all. Have a good day whoever you are.
I am trying to figure out what you meant by your comment. Sticking to the topic above. I think most Mormon people on here are expressing themselves with their deepest feelings. So whats your problem? Sounds like you are the one that's doing the chomping. I didn't realize that your opinion was all that mattered or is important to us all. Have a good day whoever you are.
Anonymous | 3:04 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I love how everyone keeps saying the Mormon church is so secretive. Aren't
there over 53,000 missionaries throughout the world going from door to door
trying to tell people about it?
Truthmonger | 3:09 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
To Hymnsinger:
Isaiah was refering to this world. There is only one god of this world. That does not mean there are not other gods. Remember who Isaiah was talking to. To the isrealites and other around him, many who were worshipping idols and gods of ther own creation like the greeks and romans, and egyptians.
Isaiah was refering to this world. There is only one god of this world. That does not mean there are not other gods. Remember who Isaiah was talking to. To the isrealites and other around him, many who were worshipping idols and gods of ther own creation like the greeks and romans, and egyptians.
old fashioned | 3:29 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
I have been to a couple of LDS functions. Though nice and quaint, I felt as if I
was in a business meeting of sorts with reports and speeces to boot.
But I have no right to diss the way they want to spend 3 hours each Sunday.
I prefer the old-fashioned pomp and circumstance.
But I have no right to diss the way they want to spend 3 hours each Sunday.
I prefer the old-fashioned pomp and circumstance.
Tell me the truth | 3:34 p.m. Jan. 7, 2008
Take me for instance, I really believe I will be a God someday. I live well and
I treat others well. Each to his own. I love this feeling of knowing this.
And to the: HEATHEN, we haven't heard from you lately. Hope things are well with you while you are out and about the town.
And to the: HEATHEN, we haven't heard from you lately. Hope things are well with you while you are out and about the town.
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