Poink,

Chill man, there's lots of us Mormons floating around.

What I can't understand is why there is so much infighting among those of us who wish to keep God in our country, who wish to teach our children to be moral, honest, industrious, self sufficient, civic minded, politically active members of society? Why not focus on what we have in common instead of trying to inflame or exaggerate differences? This is where the Left has an advantage over those of us wary of the dangers of collectivism and socialism... They all hate us in Unison.  We all hang together or we will definitely hang separately.

Quoted: The Father has promised us that through our faithfulness we shall be blessed with the fullness of his kingdom.  In other words we will have the privilege of becoming like him. To become like him we must have all the powers of godhood; thus a man and his wife when glorified will have spirit children who eventually will go on an earth like this one we are on and pass through the same kind of experiences, being subject to mortal conditions, and if faithful, then they also will receive the fullness of exaltation and partake of the same blessings.  There is no end to this development; it will go on forever.  We will become gods and have jurisdiction over worlds, and these worlds will be peopled by our own offspring.  We will have an endless eternity for this. -Joseph  Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 2, p.48.

Book, chapter, and verses???

I don't recall reading any of that in my Bible.

Quoted: Poink, Chill man, there's lots of us Mormons floating around. What I can't understand is why there is so much infighting among those of us who wish to keep God in our country, who wish to teach our children to be moral, honest, industrious, self sufficient, civic minded, politically active members of society? Why not focus on what we have in common instead of trying to inflame or exaggerate differences? This is where the Left has an advantage over those of us wary of the dangers of collectivism and socialism... They all hate us in Unison.  We all hang together or we will definitely hang separately.

It is true that there is a lot of agreement in the various denominations, but some of the differences are not just unimportant trivia. Some of them deal with the very fundamental nature of the God we serve.

But you are correct in that our theological differences should not stop us from doing what we can all agree is right.

Quoted: Book, chapter, and verses???

I gather that this is part of his new revelation. There is a verse in the Bible that says "ye are gods" (Little g) and there are verses that say the saints will rule with Christ in a new kingdom, (which could explain the ruling planets thing in a stretch) but I can't fathom where the idea that Jehovah God was once a man like us and that one day we will be Gods (big G) just like Him is in scripture.

I don't really get hung up on what OTHER people want to believe.   It it makes their lives better, more power to them.  The very nature of religions means that if you put ANY of them under a microscope and subject it to some kind of rigorous standards of scientific evidence, they all run into problems.   In my opinion, Christians who insist on a completely literal translation of an english Bible (or even a greek or aramaic one) run into just as many problems, and can be "exposed" to appear just as ridiculous.  Utlimately, that's not the point - and people who think it is, are missing it.

Thus, I try not to care too much about someone elses religion as long as their beliefs don't affect ME.  (of course, if their beliefs are "death to all infidels" or something like that, then unfortunately I am forced to care ).  

What I do care about is how people ACT and how they treat others.  Three of my colleagues (and two of my fiancee's colleagues) are mormons, and they are geniuinly nice, friendly and hard-working people.  I like them, and I get along with them - and as long as they are not trying to convert me or kill me, that's all I care about.

As a Christian with well-known negative thoughts about mormonism, I'd like to ask that this topic not 'go there'.

Someone answer the original poster's questions, nobody argue with them.


I'm curious as to whether it's even possible for this thread to remain on-topic........

Are the following quotes correct? I am trying to get a handle on some Mormon theology here, as I have never really heard much about it other than JS found a book in a stream or something like that. So I am genuinely curious to know what is taught from the average Mormon pulpit....

I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. Neither Paul, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day-Saints never ran away from me yet."

-LDS History of the Church, vol. 6, pp. 408-409

"In the beginning, the head of the Gods called a council of the Gods; and they came together and concocted a plan to create the world and people [in] it."

-Journal of Discourses Vol. 6, Page 5

"I will prove that the world is wrong, by showing what God is. God himself was once as we are now, and is an exalted man. We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea. You have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves the same as all Gods have done before you, namely, by going from one small degree to another. I know more than all the world."

-King Follett Discourse, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 6, pp. 3-4, italics added

"God made Aaron to be the mouth piece for the children of Israel, and he will make me be God to you in his stead and if you don’t like it, you must lump it."

-Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 363, italics added

Quoted: Quoted: They believe: *  Once a mormon dies, he will become god of his own planet See the quote by Joseph Feilding Smith above. * Jesus and satan were once brothers We are ALL children of God as are they, some of us are just more obedient * Jesus' death on the cross did not buy our salvation, it was the blood that was shed in the garden of gethsemane Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was a very important part of the atonement He made for us.  His suffering in the garden of Gethsemane is also a major part. * God the Father was once a man.  If he appeared and walked down the aisle of a church, he would appear as any other man. "Man is as God once was, God is as Man may become" Joseph Smith, the Prophet * Joseph Smith found the Book of Mormon in a creek.  The angel Moroni gave him special glasses that allowed him to understand the language it was written in. Actually, it was revealed to him by an Angel named Moroni on a hill named Cumorah in upstate New York, near Palmyra.  If you live in New York state you can go visit a memorial commemorating this event. The Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God by Joseph Smith * They believe in holy underwear garments, that good mormons wear at all times; and they must be buried in them. It is part of a covenant we make with God.  An outward symbol of our inward commitment.  I guess it is because I have grown up in this religion but, I have never understood why people think we are weird for wearing underwear. TNO, I hope that clears things up for you a little bit. with 12 million members world wide, we are not exactly a small religion. For the most part, members are patriotic, self-starting, gun-friendly, and honest.  I would expect a warmer welcome from members of this board than we sometimes get.  Oh well... here are some links of interest: www.lds.org/newsroom/0,15239,3879-1,00.html#FlashPluginDetected www.mormon.org For those of you who want to see what we have to "offer"

This post sums up my feelings about Mormonism; as a Roman Catholic, I think their theology is way off base.  However, every member of the LDS I have met has been just a genuinely nice person with most if not all the same social, economic and political views that I have.  They act way more "Christian" than many "mainstream" Christians, including a lot of Catholics.

Quoted: Quoted: you really think this religion would be around today if it started 5 years ago buy some long-haired, camaro driving, hippy? The Church of Scientology was started by science-fiction fan/writer L. Ron Hubbard in the 1950s, who did it to prove that he could start a religion that people would believe in.  It is structured to give its leadership tremendous control over the membership, especially the membership's money.  It has been very successful... Never underestimate people's desire to be told what they want to hear. -Troy

+1.

Quoted: Quoted: Who the hell would want their own planet if you couldn't at least drink caffiene? cult.....cults will tell you anything to get you. Hmmm coffee or rule my own world.... coffee.... my world...... coffee..... world What the hell would I drink with my donuts?? I PICK COFFEE!!! Honestly MrsDrFrige would have a better answer. She is into that learning of all religions stuff... I will ask her to post.

mrs dr frige
beliefnet LDS
this site has good general info on most religious ( a few quizzes too)
I have never heard the planet thing....I have a few mormon friends....

Mormonism is so full of errors and contradictions, it's laughable as a religion - basically the 19th Century version of Scientology. Joseph Smith was nothing more than a professional con man, and had the criminal record to prove it.

The sad thing is, the Mormon followers are usually good people, trying to live good lives - while the people in their inner power structure are reaping the benefits (mostly financial).

A very good read: www.bookmasters.com/marktplc/00995.htm

I'll probably get flamed by the LDS members on this forum, but to them I'd say to actually take an objective look at the writings of Joe Smith and Brigham Young. I've read the entire Book of Mormon - why don't you read the book in the link above?

(edited to fix hotlink)

Quoted: The Neutral Observer has a legitimate question about the Mormon religion. No religion bashing allowed in here!  This means you, asshole.  Yes!  You! Is it true that Mormons believe, upon death and arrival in heaven, they will get their very own planet/world to administer as they see fit? If so, can one administer the world as they see fit, or are there codes of conduct one must abide by to maintain one's godship? Someone at work mentioned this to The Neutral Observer, and The Neutral Observer is not certain if this person was truthful or not. EDIT: Eh....That would be Mormons.

TNO

Yes, we do have believe that we can become gods to other worlds sometime in our afterlife. This doctrine is not "preached" but discussed in some of our priesthood meetings.

I am a convert from the Luthern breed of christian and this makes perfect sense to me. If one was to really look out at the massive expanse of space and count the number of visible and non visible galaxies that I am very sure also contain planets with life, how could one think that God would be selfish enough to control them all? I am a father and want to share with my children. I want them to grow up and do the things I do as well as do better than I have in my life.

Why wouldn't my Heavenly Father feel the same way as me? Does he want me to die to return to him where he can rule and control me? I doubt it. I think, based on my faith and obediance to his commanments he might just provide a way for me to give creation a shot.

Sorry for any spelling errors I might have left behind.

Gary: Look, maybe us Mormons do believe in crazy stories that make absolutely no sense, and maybe Joseph Smith did make it all up, but I have a great life. and a great family, and I have the Book of Mormon to thank for that. The truth is, I don't care if Joseph Smith made it all up, because what the church teaches now is loving your family, being nice and helping people. And even though people in this town might think that's stupid, I still choose to believe in it. All I ever did was try to be your friend, Stan, but you're so high and mighty you couldn't look past my religion and just be my friend back. You've got a lot of growing up to do, buddy. Suck my balls.

Cartman: Damn, that kid is cool, huh?

These threads are WORTHLESS (with or without pics). If you want to know what a Mormon believes and why, ask one. Don't waste your time with anything else. If I want to know what the Jewish religion believes and why, I'm sure as crap not going to ask a Muslim.

But I must admit, these threads are good for shining the light on the ignorant of all religions or atheism. If your religion is a belief system that is good for you, makes you a better person and doesn't harm others, then it is good. There are SO many supposed "Christians" on this board who don't seem to care what kind of example Christ actually set. They think that because they've supposedly taken upon themselves his name, they are set above all else. They ignore his councel on hypocracy and how he will "know them not" when they that PRETEND to be followers (in name only) stand before him again. But isn't that what religion is really all about for the small-minded and small-hearted... just another way to put themselves above others.

Luckily, there are many religious people of ALL denominations who DO live by the tenants set forth in their religion and who DO make this world a better place. So the question is "who are you"? Are you a busy-body, full of crap and stirring-up ill will? Or do you seek to lift-up your fellow man and truly strive to live in a Christ-like manner? If you're only interested in causing conflict for your own purposes (whatever they may be), then you have no right to pretend that you stand on any high ground at all.

The ignorance of posters in threads like this is why I spend so little time at GD. There are other forums where adults participate. But for any of you pre-pubescent sh#t -spreaders out there who believe that the S will HTF, just remember that after the smoke clears you are likely to be sharing your post-Apocalyptic utopia with a high percentage of Mormons because they actually practice what they preach in the area of preparedness. Enjoy...

While belief bashing is kindof fun, I have to agree with a couple of earlier posters around, that by and large Mormon neighbors are the best kind to have, and also

James
1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: They believe: *  Once a mormon dies, he will become god of his own planet sort of, see the quote by Joseph Feilding Smith below. * Jesus and satan were once brothers We are ALL children of God, some of us are just more obedient * Jesus death on the cross did not buy our salvation, it was the blood that was shed in the garden of gethsemane Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was a very important part of the atonement He made for us.  His suffering in the garden of Gethsemane is also a major part. * God the Father was once a man.  If he appeared and walked down the aisle of a church, he would appear as any other man. "Man is as God once was, God is as Man may become" Joseph Smith, the Prophet * Joseph Smith found the Book of Mormon in a creek.  The angel Moroni gave him special glasses that allowed him to understand the language it was written in. Actually, it was revealed to him by an Angel named Moroni on a hill named Cumorah in upstate New York, near Palmyra.  If you live in New York state you can go visit a memorial commemorating this event. The Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God by Joseph Smith * They believe in holy underwear garments, that good mormons wear at all times; and they must be buried in them. It is part of a covenant we make with God.  An outward symbol of our inward commitment.  I guess it is because I have grown up in this religion but, I have never understood why people think we are weird for wearing underwear. TNO, I hope that clears things up for you a little bit. with 12 million members world wide, we are not exactly a small religion. For the most part, members are patriotic, self-starting, gun-friendly, and honest.  I would expect a warmer welcome from members of this board than we sometimes get.  Oh well... here are some links of interest: www.lds.org/newsroom/0,15239,3879-1,00.html#FlashPluginDetected www.mormon.org For those of you who want to see what we have to "offer" do you honestly believe God gives a shit what sort of underwear you wear? really? really? has everyone lost any and all semblance of common sense?      "The greatest ignorance is to reject something you know nothing about" Instead of casting stones, perhaps you should consider answering the admittedly rude question? Why the tightey whiteys? Why would anyone try to explain themselves to you?  You seem to know more about the religion than the people who practice it.  I love it when people tell me what I believe.

WTF are you talking about? Try again.... this time, no booze.

I'm reluctant to comment on this.

I dislike religion in general.  I think it has been hijacked from it's original purpose.  It is supposed to help people.  I think that in the vast majority of cases today, it helps itself.  I don't like that.

But in any event...

I am suprised that noone has brought up the missionary aspect.  Every mormom male, in my understanding, is to conduct a 2 year 'mission' to convert people.  Upon their return, they are married fairly quickly, usually to Women that are about the age they were when they left on their mission.

There (in my experience from friends that go on these) is a substantial difference between who leaves and who comes back from these missions.  It's definately a life-changing experience.  They just aren't the same person they were when they left.  Some people 'revert' to their 'original' personality, some don't.  You can usually tell a Mormon missionary - they typically wear dark pants, a white shirt, and a dark tie.

Some people will tell you that the people who go away are 'brainwashed'.  I don't know if there is a concious effort to do this, but that does appear to be the effect on many participants.  (again, this is my experience of 'before' and 'after' from people whom I knew)

On the Female side, Girls seem to be raised to marry returning missionaries.  Most of them then begin to pop out babies at a pretty astounding rate.  Many mormon families are BIG.  There are very few that are small.

There is also a 'fundamentalist' Mormon sect.  These people haven't changed their behavior from the original religion.  The Army was actually sent against the Mormons at one point, and they renounced some behaviors (particularly polygamy) as a result (this is all from memory...).  The practitioners of 'fundamentalist' mormonism are REAL losers.  Alot of Child abuse (well, 12 yo 'wives') and they skirt accross the AZ/UT border to avoid capture by either state.

I've learned a lot about them since I came to AZ.  There's a lot of them here.  I don't really like the religion.  But many of the people seem to be very nice, at least to your face.  I don't like the missionaries - they are far to forceful, in my experience.  I've had trouble getting some to leave.  We had a serious problem with the missionaries in a previous apartment complex I was in - they wouldn't go away, despite protestations from the apartment complex.  

They vote republican, though, and share many of the same 'social values' that I do, though.

Quoted: If your religion is a belief system that is good for you, makes you a better person and doesn't harm others, then it is good.

I agree with this.

I also agree with R_L's beliefs about preparedness - Mormons are prepared for when TSHTF.  If something terrible were to happen, they would be likely to have a high percentage of the survivors.

Quoted: WTF are you talking about? Try again.... this time, no booze.

Ummm... maybe YOU should put down the dounut and fifth of whiskey. I think his point was pretty clear. But let me help clarify it more for your benefit: He doesn't want to waste his time explaning something that he holds very sacred to someone who may have little interest in treating his belief with the respect that it deserves.

Capiche?  

Quoted: I heard that the founder of the Mormon religion was shot and killed on his way to being hung after being convicted of fraud. True?

I heard that the founder of the Christian religion was beaten and crucified after being convicted of sedition, treason, and blasphemy AND that his followers practice ritual cannibalism by symbolically eating his flesh and drinking his blood.  True?

You can spin anything to sound any way you want.

Don't know a lot about their religion, but grew up in Mormon country.
Good people, do their part and if you don't want to join their religion, they are still nice to you.
Let them believe what they want.
I will take an occasional knock on the door.
Mormon chicks are hot (and not all of them are good)
I think the mormon plan is to breed a race of super-hot blond chicks and make men convert to have sex with them

Quoted: I'm reluctant to comment on this. I dislike religion in general.  I think it has been hijacked from it's original purpose.  It is supposed to help people.  I think that in the vast majority of cases today, it helps itself.  I don't like that. But in any event... I am suprised that noone has brought up the missionary aspect.  Every mormom male, in my understanding, is to conduct a 2 year 'mission' to convert people.  Upon their return, they are married fairly quickly, usually to Women that are about the age they were when they left on their mission. There (in my experience from friends that go on these) is a substantial difference between who leaves and who comes back from these missions.  It's definately a life-changing experience.  They just aren't the same person they were when they left.  Some people 'revert' to their 'original' personality, some don't.  You can usually tell a Mormon missionary - they typically wear dark pants, a white shirt, and a dark tie. Some people will tell you that the people who go away are 'brainwashed'.  I don't know if there is a concious effort to do this, but that does appear to be the effect on many participants.  (again, this is my experience of 'before' and 'after' from people whom I knew) On the Female side, Girls seem to be raised to marry returning missionaries.  Most of them then begin to pop out babies at a pretty astounding rate.  Many mormon families are BIG.  There are very few that are small. There is also a 'fundamentalist' Mormon sect.  These people haven't changed their behavior from the original religion.  The Army was actually sent against the Mormons at one point, and they renounced some behaviors (particularly polygamy) as a result (this is all from memory...).  The practitioners of 'fundamentalist' mormonism are REAL losers.  Alot of Child abuse (well, 12 yo 'wives') and they skirt accross the AZ/UT border to avoid capture by either state. I've learned a lot about them since I came to AZ.  There's a lot of them here.  I don't really like the religion.  But many of the people seem to be very nice, at least to your face.  I don't like the missionaries - they are far to forceful, in my experience.  I've had trouble getting some to leave.  We had a serious problem with the missionaries in a previous apartment complex I was in - they wouldn't go away, despite protestations from the apartment complex.   They vote republican, though, and share many of the same 'social values' that I do, though.

I have a nice piece of ocean front property in Eloy you might be interested in.

Quoted: They believe: * Joseph Smith found the Book of Mormon in a creek.  The angel Moroni gave him special glasses that allowed him to understand the language it was written in.

From what I understand, he was told it in a vision.  The angel appeared before him and rattled off the whole shebang.

* They believe in holy underwear garments, that good mormons wear at all times; and they must be buried in them.

I thought it was a chastity thing.  Not necesserily celebacy, but to be kept pure?

EDIT: Nevermind....

Can't we all just get along???  


Seriously, I've had a couple Mormon friends when I was younger.  Not many around here where I am now, though.  They were nice people, and the kids did well in school.   I was a practicing Catholic at the time, and we never got into theological discussions... (we were too young to care about it... besides, it was the Baptists that liked to discuss [read: Argue] religion)

I did go to a youth track event thing, where they had all kinds of different odd sport like competitions.  They had a dance that night, but me and my buddy were too young, so we went bowling.  On the way back to meet up with the main group, we stopped for drinks at a gas station.  Then we're sitting there in this guys' van, sipping away, and I've got the only brown drink (Dr. Pepper) in the van.  It was funny how the young girls looked at me.  I just said "I'm Catholic", and they didn't bug me about it.  


So what is the belief about pumping out the kids until the oldest child is married?  Most Mormon families I've known are quite large.  My sister's college roomate was Mormon and got married.... at their graduation, she joked about her 500 relatives being there.    I can't imagine having more than a couple kids without having a seriously badass job, and a wife that works.  

As the astoundingly astute 10 year old said during a visit to the tabernacle in Salt Lake, "They had good story going there until they lost the tablets."

Quoted: I'm reluctant to comment on this. I dislike religion in general.  I think it has been hijacked from it's original purpose.  It is supposed to help people.  I think that in the vast majority of cases today, it helps itself.  I don't like that. But in any event... I am suprised that noone has brought up the missionary aspect.  Every mormom male, in my understanding, is to conduct a 2 year 'mission' to convert people.  Upon their return, they are married fairly quickly, usually to Women that are about the age they were when they left on their mission. There (in my experience from friends that go on these) is a substantial difference between who leaves and who comes back from these missions.  It's definately a life-changing experience.  They just aren't the same person they were when they left.  Some people 'revert' to their 'original' personality, some don't.  You can usually tell a Mormon missionary - they typically wear dark pants, a white shirt, and a dark tie. Some people will tell you that the people who go away are 'brainwashed'.  I don't know if there is a concious effort to do this, but that does appear to be the effect on many participants.  (again, this is my experience of 'before' and 'after' from people whom I knew) On the Female side, Girls seem to be raised to marry returning missionaries.  Most of them then begin to pop out babies at a pretty astounding rate.  Many mormon families are BIG.  There are very few that are small. There is also a 'fundamentalist' Mormon sect.  These people haven't changed their behavior from the original religion.  The Army was actually sent against the Mormons at one point, and they renounced some behaviors (particularly polygamy) as a result (this is all from memory...).  The practitioners of 'fundamentalist' mormonism are REAL losers.  Alot of Child abuse (well, 12 yo 'wives') and they skirt accross the AZ/UT border to avoid capture by either state. I've learned a lot about them since I came to AZ.  There's a lot of them here.  I don't really like the religion.  But many of the people seem to be very nice, at least to your face.  I don't like the missionaries - they are far to forceful, in my experience.  I've had trouble getting some to leave.  We had a serious problem with the missionaries in a previous apartment complex I was in - they wouldn't go away, despite protestations from the apartment complex.   They vote republican, though, and share many of the same 'social values' that I do, though.

+1

You have the whole missionary perspective way, way outa whack my friend. Maybe you should invite those missionarys in for a chat unless you feel you are to week and might cave into their teachings.

no one has answered my questions.

Quoted: no one has answered my questions.

That's probably because no one wants to waste their time. Ooops... I've just wasted a few seconds of my own time...

Quoted: no one has answered my questions.

Quoted: You have the whole missionary perspective way, way outa whack my friend. Maybe you should invite those missionarys in for a chat unless you feel you are to week and might cave into their teachings.

So explain it.

Quoted: So explain it.

Please do NOT explain it. You would be wasting your time. People believe what THEY WANT to believe and what suits their own purposes -- religious people, and non-religious people.

There was something in the Bible about "throwing your pearls to swine"...

Quoted: WTF are you talking about? Try again.... this time, no booze.

Ummm... maybe YOU should put down the dounut and fifth of whiskey. I think his point was pretty clear. But let me help clarify it more for your benefit: He doesn't want to waste his time explaning something that he holds very sacred to someone who may have little interest in treating his belief with the respect that it deserves.

Capiche?  
Yawn.....

I'll lump you in with the Cultist aspect of the religion.

Quoted:
Quoted:
So explain it.


Please do NOT explain it. You would be wasting your time. People believe what THEY WANT to believe and what suits their own purposes -- religious people, and non-religious people.

There was something in the Bible about "throwing your pearls to swine"...

See what I mean?

It's odd, several members here defending the the religion cannot do so without insulting the intelligence of the person asking or comparing them with swine....

You're winning over hearts and minds everywhere!

Quoted: insulting

I'm please that you chose to use that word. Reread your own posts and run your insult-checker.

I will admit to not being as laid-back and many of the other posters here. I don't like trolls who pretend to be asking questions but who do so with their little snares ready. Either you really want to know something or you do not (which means that you simply want to fuel the fire).

I no longer wish to add fuel to the fire regarding this worthless thread. So knock yourself out K9.

Quoted: Quoted: It's odd, several members here defending the the religion cannot do so without insulting the intelligence of the person asking or comparing them with swine.... You're winning over hearts and minds everywhere!

it's typical; you really shouldnt expect anything less.

Quoted: Quoted: insulting I'm please that you chose to use that word. Reread your own posts and run your insult-checker. I will admit to not being as laid-back and many of the other posters here. I don't like trolls who pretend to be asking questions but who do so with their little snares ready. Either you really want to know something or you do not (which means that you simply want to fuel the fire). I no longer wish to add fuel to the fire regarding this worthless thread. So knock yourself out K9.

Thank god! You were the internet equivalent of tits on boar.

Anyone "brave" enough to answer the ? bout the undergarments?

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: insulting I'm please that you chose to use that word. Reread your own posts and run your insult-checker. I will admit to not being as laid-back and many of the other posters here. I don't like trolls who pretend to be asking questions but who do so with their little snares ready. Either you really want to know something or you do not (which means that you simply want to fuel the fire). I no longer wish to add fuel to the fire regarding this worthless thread. So knock yourself out K9. Thank god! You were the internet equivalent of tits on boar. Anyone "brave" enough to answer the ? bout the undergarments?

I would imagine its the same thing as a frock, a jewish beanie, a catholic cross, rosery beads, a wedding ring, your favorite sports jersey...  not that hard to realize what he said, its a personal thing. Whatever floats their boat...

Quoted: I'm please that you chose to use that word. Reread your own posts and run your insult-checker. I will admit to not being as laid-back and many of the other posters here. I don't like trolls who pretend to be asking questions but who do so with their little snares ready. Either you really want to know something or you do not (which means that you simply want to fuel the fire). I no longer wish to add fuel to the fire regarding this worthless thread. So knock yourself out K9.

I find it somewhat revealing that you call a respected, long time member of this site a 'troll'.

Quoted: Every Mormon I have ever met has always been a very nice person. Their children are always polite and well behaved. I have no problems with them. Some people should take lessons. I know next to nothing about their religion and don't care to. The temple in SLC is beautiful. Edit to add---- They seem to have a lot of hot womenz.

+1 on all comments (except I don't mind leaning about their religion I find it interesting to learn others beleifs).

My new neighbors are from LDS and they are the nicest people (yes we even got a plate of cookes and candies at Christmas).

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: insulting I'm please that you chose to use that word. Reread your own posts and run your insult-checker. I will admit to not being as laid-back and many of the other posters here. I don't like trolls who pretend to be asking questions but who do so with their little snares ready. Either you really want to know something or you do not (which means that you simply want to fuel the fire). I no longer wish to add fuel to the fire regarding this worthless thread. So knock yourself out K9. Thank god! You were the internet equivalent of tits on boar. Anyone "brave" enough to answer the ? bout the undergarments?

If you want accurate answers to this and just about any other doctrinal question, go to
www.fairlds.org.
It isn't an "official" church website, but it has well-researched, referenced information.

I haven't been active in over 10 years.  HOWEVER...I have alot of respect for what was taught to me by the church.  They are some of the most family based people you will ever meet.  They are very into being prepared for SHTF.  And one of the most important aspects, they take care of people in need.  My family was on very bad financial times, and recieved a version of welfare from the church..HOWEVER, it was not just a handout.  If we wanted the food and support, my parents were required to help out at the cannery and to help out other families in need with what they could.

It's sad to see people get bashed for what they believe.  How can one argue for or against faith?  It's an emotional belief based on things that are not tangeable.  The same goes for bashing someone for NOT believing.  I don't necciarilly belong to ANY church anymore, but I have so much appreciation for religeon in this country.  People who are religeous, by their belief structure, will want to be good people.  Can you really argue with someone wanting to be a good person?

TNO...I can answer some questions you may have as well, IM me if you need.


<<end rant>>

sorry for the misspelled words.....flame away

I'm out - I don't need to be recieving IM's on this, I really don't care enough.

I wish people would just answer questions.  Don't ignore them with a 'you wouldn't understand'.  Why don't you help us understand?

Quoted: I'm out - I don't need to be recieving IM's on this, I really don't care enough. I wish people would just answer questions.  Don't ignore them with a 'you wouldn't understand'.  Why don't you help us understand?

See all the other LDS "inspired" threads over the last couple of years.  Like TNO alluded--they usually degenerate into "your Jesus isn't my Jesus" or "your God isn't my God" or "you're a cult", etc., etc.  If you want to understand, or at least get accurate info, see my post above.  If you're sincere, I hope you get the information you need.  If you're not, piss off.

Quoted:  I try not to hijack TNO's thread....but.....You know, one of these days, don't be surprise to find out that your God, my God, his God, their God, Johnny's God, Shirley's God, Robert's God....to be the same.

Wow, Buddha...is that really you?

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: serious question here..... if joseph smith found the "book" and translated it, where is the original book now? mike If there was proof of everything then there would be no room left for faith. i understand that but if a physical book was found and somehow translated then there is physical evidence. my question is what happened to it? we are talking about a potential earth shattering event from the not so distant documented past. mike

Where are Paul's original letters?  Where is John's original gospel?  What happened to them?

While in New Jersey I lived for 4 years with a woman raised in Utah in the Mormon religion.

She was a self described 'Jack' mormon, which means she didn't follow the traditions. She drank coffee, wine etc. seldom went to any services, etc.

I don't much care for religions but I'm always curious and she described some things to me. I'll relate what I remember, neither good nor bad, just what I learned. At least 4-5 times a year, sometimes more, missionaries and 'deacons' in the local congregation would come to the house and try to get her to come to church more often. They were always pleasant and polite. They never hassled me and I usually sat and talked with them for a while.

1. Mormons have many dietary restrictions and similar prohibitions but eating is not on the list. Many mormons are very overweight by their 40's as food is an indugence that is not restricted.

2. Mormonism is a very male dominated religion,as is the Muslim religion. Women hold a place of respect but they are not part of the decision making process in the church and at home they defer to their husbands. The husband has the last word and women are encouraged to accept this. I have found most religions to be reaction to what was happening in society when they came to be. For mormonism, it became important at a time when women were gaining more freedom in American society. Many new immigrints didn't hold with this and mormonism promised more traditional roles.

3. In addition to the planet thing, whoever you married in the mormon church in Utah would be with you through eternity. Your whole family would remain intact in their afterlife.

4. For strict Mormons, the undergarments are never completely removed. The body is never completely naked.

5 Mormonism is belief system controlled tightly from the top and enforced by male deacons at the local level. The collection of the 10% tithe insures that the church will always have enough money. Mormons try to do business with other Mormons over non-Mormons to increase profit and for the trust factor.

6. Most Mormons don't read the book of Morman any more than most Christians read the bible. They have a vague and passing understanding of the beliefs of Mormanism but they don't dwell on the contraditions any more than Christians or Moslems do.

7. The indians in America when Columbus discovered the country are a lost tribe of Jews. During the three days after resurrection but before appearing to the apostles, he was in the western hemisphere appearing before the indians.

8. Mormonism is a lifestyle as much as a religion. It is quite ridgid and this works to the secular benefit of the members like a club. Mormons take care of each other. The price is conformity. Some are willing to pay and some aren't.

Anyway, these are some of the things I learned about Mormonism in my 4 years. Also, I have been to Utah and visited the Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City.

Mormons are OK in my book.