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I am interested in any questions someone might have about this religion. If you met someone you knew who was Mormon, what would you ask them?
If you want to list any beliefs you have about Mormonism, feel free to list this as well. I'm doing this for a paper I'm writing about different questions and what many believe the religion teaches.
Why all the mormonism interest lately?
Anyway, I'll copy the post I made in the other Mormonism topic:
Mormons (particularly the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) have four Primary Works, called the Standard Works: The Bible, The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of Great Price. Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, is considered a prophet who re-established the Christian Church. They believe in many gods and the Trinity is comprised of three separate deities, two with physical bodies (known by other denominations as "God the Father" and "God the Son") and one Spiritual body ("God the Holy Spirit"). God the Father is considered an exalted man who has been given authority over our world. He has a father and a mother and a wife, and created all spirits of those who will be born on Earth. Mormons do not believe the Fall of Man was a serious event. They believe sins can be absolved by works. They consider Jesus to be the eldest of the Father's spirit children before being born in this world. They believe he was a man who had a wife and children, and reached godhood at his resurrection. They believe Christ's death canceled the penalty of death, but they do not believe it is the way to salvation. They believe the afterlife is composed of three realms, plus Hell: Hell, which will be inhabited by the devil and his angels, though it is not known if humans will enter it; the telestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the celestial kingdom, also known as Heaven, which is only open to Mormons.
I consider Mormonism to be pseudo-Christian, and if Mormons harmed themselves or others I would consider it a full-blown cult.
Lastly, Wikipedia is your friend.
I am interested in any questions someone might have about this religion. If you met someone you knew who was Mormon, what would you ask them?
If you want to list any beliefs you have about Mormonism, feel free to list this as well. I'm doing this for a paper I'm writing about different questions and what many believe the religion teaches.
stepnkev
i wrote a paper this year in my theology class about mormonism... heres a portion.
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe and follow the two holy books of Christianity, the New and Old Testaments. In addition to the original Christian books, they also follow the Book of Mormon which was transcribed by Joseph Smith who is viewed as a prophet.The book of Mormon was created when an angel named Moroni visited Joseph Smith and explained the location of golden plates which were left in America by true Native Americans who left Jerusalem in 600 B.C.E to travel and begin there own civilization in America.Joseph Smith then translated the plates into the Book of Mormon by looking into a hat.After the translation, he was ordered to return the plates back to the Angel.After publishing the Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith gained followers who believed in his story.As the church grew in members Joseph Smith had another vision in which he was urged to colonize a utopian community or Zion in Missouri.Due to political and cultural opposition, Mormons were driven out of Missouri and settled again in Illinois in 1838.Joseph Smith finally was killed by a mob in 1844 while on trial for destroying a printing press which published articles against Joseph Smith and the Mormons.
The church's new leader, Brigham Young, decided to move their church once again after continuing persecution from the United States government.Young decided then moved his church to the Territory of Utah and began to colonize.Young became the governor of Utah and encouraged the practice of polygamy.When the government discovered this in 1857, President Buchanan sent federal troops to Utah to depose Young of his position as a governor and replaced him with a non Mormon.Although Young was stripped of his title, he held significant social and political power as the President of the Church.Relations with the U.S. Government were confrontational until 1890 when the church officially renounced polygamy from their Church.The following years the church continued to grow at a slow pace but ever since 1960 the church has experienced rapid growth and is currently the quickest growing religion in the United States.
As you can tell, mormonism is founded on pure BS, and is pretty much a cult... they are also racist...
Although the Mormon Church outlawed polygamy, never the less the church has been surrounded by controversy.One point of contention with the Mormons is claims of racism against African Americans.Although Joseph Smith opposed slavery, racism in the church dates back to the time of Brigham Young. Young believed that the black skin was a punishment for wrongdoing of someone before their conception, "Those who were less valiant in pre-existence and who thereby had certain spiritual restrictions imposed upon them during mortality are known to us as the negroes" (McConkie 527).This argument originates from the Mormon idea of pre-existence, the belief that each individual soul existed before conception He also argued that the black skin was the mark of Cain and thus should not able to be priests or participate in several temple ceremonies, "You see some classes of the human family that are black, uncouth, uncomely, disagreeable and low in their habits, wild, and seemingly deprived of nearly all the blessings of the intelligence that is generally bestowed upon mankind. The first man that committed the odious crime of killing one of his brethren will be cursed the longest of any one of the children of Adam. Cain slew his brother. Cain might have been killed, and that would have put a termination to that line of human beings. This was not to be, and the Lord put a mark upon him, which is the flat nose and black skin" (Young 290). Although the Mormons allowed blacks to join their Church they continuously referred to African Americans as the inferior race.This policy was widely accepted and practiced in the Mormon Church until 1978.
Some people even say that Mormons arent even Christians... here is an outline of the deviations between mormonism and mainstream christianity....
The most notable deviation from Christianity is the Book of Mormon.Although Mormons follow the Holy Bible, Mormons believe that the highest authoritative text is the Book of Mormon.Mormons hold the belief that the Bible is the least authoritative and that is filled with errors wherever it disagrees with the Mormon Doctrine.Christians protest that to suggest that the Bible is mistranslated or corrupt is to call God a liar.If God were to give any additional revelations they would need to be consistent with the divine revelation already given in the Bible, thus discrediting the Mormon writings.Also the Church of Latter-day Saints hold the belief there are many Gods and in Christian religion there is only one God.
Another deviation from mainstream Christianity is the Mormon view about the nature of God.The Book of Mormon is specific in its description of a God who is a man made of flesh and bones.Mainstream Christianity on the other hand believes that the Bible is specific in stating that God is not a man but a spirit.Mormons believe that God became a God after learning truth and pursued godhood through obedience to the Gospel.This directly opposes Christian belief that God the Father has always existed and has been the same for all of eternity.Along with an Eternal Father, Mormons believe God had a wife through which he procreates spirit children. They argue that "an exalted and glorified Man of Holiness could not be a father unless a Woman of like glory, perfection and holiness was associated with him as a Mother" (McConkie, 516).Christians believe that God decided to make man in their image and no where in Scripture is there a mention of an Eternal Mother.Mormons also believe that God is not a uniquely eternal being and that "all spirit is self-existent matter and is eternal. Such matter sometimes becomes organized into a spirit being through birth to celestial parents. Then that spirit is born through human parents on earth. Like all people, God took this course and eventually reached Godhood. God would stop being God if intelligences stopped supporting him as God" (McConkie, 751).This directly refutes Christian belief that God is all-powerful and all knowing.A Mormon God that would stop being God because intelligences stopped supporting him is not a God at all according to Christianity.
I love how there is absolutely no archeological evidence of what they say to be moderately true. How is there no evidence for the cities and metal mentioned in the book of Mormon? I just don't see how Mormons account for that. Is it God's plan to test the faith of their believers by having everything they believe be from the mouth of one man? I think not.
In Christianity there are still more archeological discoveries that show many of the events of the Bible are indeed true. No one seriously doubts the existance of the Jews, Jerusalem, and King David. What does Mormonism have? A hill?...
Sorry if my post sounds harsh btw to any Mormons... I just don't see how they account for any of this...
i have about 20-30 mormon friends, they are no different than anyone else and i dont know why people have that belief
i have about 20-30 mormon friends, they are no different than anyone else and i dont know why people have that belief
inyourface_12
I don't see any reason for anyone to bash Mormons. Is it really any less believable than standard Christianity? Colonel_Cool
I refer you two to the five massive posts above yours.
Mormons do not practice polygamy. Mormonism is indeed a cult. Their beliefs are even more far fetched than most other sects of Christianity. Much of the events that happened in their texts have absolutely zero supporting evidence. They were an openly racist organization until the late 70's. So, basically, they are the most delusional branch of Christianity that I know of.-Keel-_basic
I don't even consider it a branch of Christianity. More like a cheap knock-off of a popular religion that somebody wanted to make money off of.
[QUOTE="-Keel-_basic"]Mormons do not practice polygamy. Mormonism is indeed a cult. Their beliefs are even more far fetched than most other sects of Christianity. Much of the events that happened in their texts have absolutely zero supporting evidence. They were an openly racist organization until the late 70's. So, basically, they are the most delusional branch of Christianity that I know of.Dracargen
I don't even consider it a branch of Christianity. More like a cheap knock-off of a popular religion that somebody wanted to make money off of.
Okay. Well, it is a branch of Christianity, and only slightly more absurd than the others.
[QUOTE="Dracargen"][QUOTE="-Keel-_basic"]Mormons do not practice polygamy. Mormonism is indeed a cult. Their beliefs are even more far fetched than most other sects of Christianity. Much of the events that happened in their texts have absolutely zero supporting evidence. They were an openly racist organization until the late 70's. So, basically, they are the most delusional branch of Christianity that I know of.-Keel-_basic
I don't even consider it a branch of Christianity. More like a cheap knock-off of a popular religion that somebody wanted to make money off of.
Okay. Well, it is a branch of Christianity, and only slightly more absurd than the others.
No, it isnt really a branch of Christianity at all. That would be like calling Islam a branch of Christianity. Mormanism has fundamental differences. They have a completely different concept of god, the afterlife, and even the bible. They actually dont follow all of the bible's teachings. The Book of Mormon is far more holy to the mormons. I think even Islam follows more of the bible's teachings than Latter day saints do. (Islam see's Jesus as a prophet).
[QUOTE="-Keel-_basic"][QUOTE="Dracargen"][QUOTE="-Keel-_basic"]Mormons do not practice polygamy. Mormonism is indeed a cult. Their beliefs are even more far fetched than most other sects of Christianity. Much of the events that happened in their texts have absolutely zero supporting evidence. They were an openly racist organization until the late 70's. So, basically, they are the most delusional branch of Christianity that I know of.Tolwan
I don't even consider it a branch of Christianity. More like a cheap knock-off of a popular religion that somebody wanted to make money off of.
Okay. Well, it is a branch of Christianity, and only slightly more absurd than the others.
No, it isnt really a branch of Christianity at all. That would be like calling Islam a branch of Christianity. Mormanism has fundamental differences. They have a completely different concept of god, the afterlife, and even the bible. They actually dont follow all of the bible's teachings. The Book of Mormon is far more holy to the mormons. I think even Islam follows more of the bible's teachings than Latter day saints do. (Islam see's Jesus as a prophet).
What are your criteria for a religion to be deemed Christian? Mormonism holds that Jesus was the Messiah, the saviour of the earth. Doesn't that alone make it a Christian religion? They do take on the bible--new and old testaments--as one of their holy texts, as well as several others. No religion practices all of the Bible's teachings, they read selectively.
You know what, I'm not atheist, but I'm going to just to say I think it is hypocrisy to criticize another religion because it differs from yours (unless there are human rights issues).
Some Mormons, Christians, Hebrews, Hindus, whatever, are more extreme than the other members.
One religion believes in a multi-armed elephant god man, the other believes in a Jewish man who rose from the dead, another believes an old guy parted the red sea, and another believes drawing a picture of a guy who is the prophet is blasphemy (no one knows what said guy looks like).
Really, it all sounds like HP Lovecraft and Dr. Suess collaborated with Sun Tzu to come with these "stories."
So how about we all sit back, relax, and not worry about the elephant god, or the religion where you inhabit your own planet after death. It all sounds like insanity (yeah, I believe in a God of some sort).
Well, as a Mormon, I will dispel a few of the myths being tossed around.
We do not consider the Book of Mormon as holier then the Bible. We simply believe it is the most accurately translated of the three, and most relevant to our time. Christ's life is of the utmost importance to us, and many things in the Old testament directly relate to practices we have today.
Joseph Smith didn't use a hat to translate, he used seer stones, like the ones referred to in the Old Testament. Polygamy is no longer practiced by the mainstream church.
We believe that in the primitive days of the church, God ordained its practice as he did in Old Testament days, but as a limited thing. Once the prophet said it was to end, people broke away, and distorted the beliefs of the Mormon church.
We aren't racists. While Joseph Smith was living, blacks received all the church had to offer. After his death, this changed until the 1970's, someting that is still debated in our church. In southern states, though the church is not very prominent, we are actually one of the few integrated religions.
We, as many religions, believe that God loves all his children equally, regardless of the color of our skin. Our Hell, as mentioned before, is a place almost exclusively for satan and his angels. Aside from that, it would require someone who had seen God to deny him to get in. We belieive that following this life, all those who never encountered our church have one last chance to accept it to make it to the highest place in heaven. Most everyone else makes it to the lower levels of heaven if they do not take this last chance. Bad Mormons get the worst place in heaven, because they knew the truth, but went against it.
We do believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ the son, and the holy ghost are three seperate beings as members of the godhead.
are we a cult? Cult, is defined by princeton.edu as "adherents of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices" or "a system of religious beliefs and rituals." By that defenition, aren't all christians, muslims, hindus, etc. all members of cults? Do you really think that because mormons don't drink coffee, we're a cult like the KKK? If you define cult as simply an odd set of beliefs, then fine, we're a cult, and I will accept your ad hominem.
If you want more info, mormon.org can give you the basic outline.
well im no expert, but didnt mormons practice polygamy? (marrying many wives at once)Yes, they did in the late 1800s, but no mainstream Mormons practice polygamy now.
spyrofan_sp
[QUOTE="Tolwan"][QUOTE="-Keel-_basic"][QUOTE="Dracargen"][QUOTE="-Keel-_basic"]Mormons do not practice polygamy. Mormonism is indeed a cult. Their beliefs are even more far fetched than most other sects of Christianity. Much of the events that happened in their texts have absolutely zero supporting evidence. They were an openly racist organization until the late 70's. So, basically, they are the most delusional branch of Christianity that I know of.-Keel-_basic
I don't even consider it a branch of Christianity. More like a cheap knock-off of a popular religion that somebody wanted to make money off of.
Okay. Well, it is a branch of Christianity, and only slightly more absurd than the others.
No, it isnt really a branch of Christianity at all. That would be like calling Islam a branch of Christianity. Mormanism has fundamental differences. They have a completely different concept of god, the afterlife, and even the bible. They actually dont follow all of the bible's teachings. The Book of Mormon is far more holy to the mormons. I think even Islam follows more of the bible's teachings than Latter day saints do. (Islam see's Jesus as a prophet).
What are your criteria for a religion to be deemed Christian? Mormonism holds that Jesus was the Messiah, the saviour of the earth. Doesn't that alone make it a Christian religion? They do take on the bible--new and old testaments--as one of their holy texts, as well as several others. No religion practices all of the Bible's teachings, they read selectively.
The following is reason enough to not call Mormons Christians...
Well, as a Mormon, I will dispel a few of the myths being tossed around.
We do not consider the Book of Mormon as holier then the Bible. We simply believe it is the most accurately translated of the three, and most relevant to our time. Christ's life is of the utmost importance to us, and many things in the Old testament directly relate to practices we have today.
Joseph Smith didn't use a hat to translate, he used seer stones, like the ones referred to in the Old Testament. Polygamy is no longer practiced by the mainstream church.
We believe that in the primitive days of the church, God ordained its practice as he did in Old Testament days, but as a limited thing. Once the prophet said it was to end, people broke away, and distorted the beliefs of the Mormon church.
We aren't racists. While Joseph Smith was living, blacks received all the church had to offer. After his death, this changed until the 1970's, someting that is still debated in our church. In southern states, though the church is not very prominent, we are actually one of the few integrated religions.
We, as many religions, believe that God loves all his children equally, regardless of the color of our skin. Our Hell, as mentioned before, is a place almost exclusively for satan and his angels. Aside from that, it would require someone who had seen God to deny him to get in. We belieive that following this life, all those who never encountered our church have one last chance to accept it to make it to the highest place in heaven. Most everyone else makes it to the lower levels of heaven if they do not take this last chance. Bad Mormons get the worst place in heaven, because they knew the truth, but went against it.
We do believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ the son, and the holy ghost are three seperate beings as members of the godhead.
are we a cult? Cult, is defined by princeton.edu as "adherents of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices" or "a system of religious beliefs and rituals." By that defenition, aren't all christians, muslims, hindus, etc. all members of cults? Do you really think that because mormons don't drink coffee, we're a cult like the KKK? If you define cult as simply an odd set of beliefs, then fine, we're a cult, and I will accept your ad hominem.
If you want more info, mormon.org can give you the basic outline.
BoG_
Well, as a Mormon, I will dispel a few of the myths being tossed around.
We do not consider the Book of Mormon as holier then the Bible. We simply believe it is the most accurately translated of the three, and most relevant to our time. Christ's life is of the utmost importance to us, and many things in the Old testament directly relate to practices we have today.
Joseph Smith didn't use a hat to translate, he used seer stones, like the ones referred to in the Old Testament. Polygamy is no longer practiced by the mainstream church.
We believe that in the primitive days of the church, God ordained its practice as he did in Old Testament days, but as a limited thing. Once the prophet said it was to end, people broke away, and distorted the beliefs of the Mormon church.
We aren't racists. While Joseph Smith was living, blacks received all the church had to offer. After his death, this changed until the 1970's, someting that is still debated in our church. In southern states, though the church is not very prominent, we are actually one of the few integrated religions.
We, as many religions, believe that God loves all his children equally, regardless of the color of our skin. Our Hell, as mentioned before, is a place almost exclusively for satan and his angels. Aside from that, it would require someone who had seen God to deny him to get in. We belieive that following this life, all those who never encountered our church have one last chance to accept it to make it to the highest place in heaven. Most everyone else makes it to the lower levels of heaven if they do not take this last chance. Bad Mormons get the worst place in heaven, because they knew the truth, but went against it.
We do believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ the son, and the holy ghost are three seperate beings as members of the godhead.
are we a cult? Cult, is defined by princeton.edu as "adherents of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices" or "a system of religious beliefs and rituals." By that defenition, aren't all christians, muslims, hindus, etc. all members of cults? Do you really think that because mormons don't drink coffee, we're a cult like the KKK? If you define cult as simply an odd set of beliefs, then fine, we're a cult, and I will accept your ad hominem.
If you want more info, mormon.org can give you the basic outline.
BoG_
joseph smith used the "seer stones" in a hat.... so... i think one of the biggest things that make you a cult is that members are EXPECTED TO GIVE 10% OF THEIR UNTAXED INCOME TO THE CHURCH. you may not be racist now but it was religious doctrine which joseph smith and other church leaders believed that africans were inferior, as evident in the many quotes i posted. and to be honest, mormons are not christians... they follow some of christian beliefs but there are more mormon beliefs that really do not coincide with mainstream crhistianity
also... please dont go to mormon.org for any information... pure biased cult propaganda
You know what, I'm not atheist, but I'm going to just to say I think it is hypocrisy to criticize another religion because it differs from yours (unless there are human rights issues).
Some Mormons, Christians, Hebrews, Hindus, whatever, are more extreme than the other members.
One religion believes in a multi-armed elephant god man, the other believes in a Jewish man who rose from the dead, another believes an old guy parted the red sea, and another believes drawing a picture of a guy who is the prophet is blasphemy (no one knows what said guy looks like).
Really, it all sounds like HP Lovecraft and Dr. Suess collaborated with Sun Tzu to come with these "stories."
So how about we all sit back, relax, and not worry about the elephant god, or the religion where you inhabit your own planet after death. It all sounds like insanity (yeah, I believe in a God of some sort).
cametall
You realize that u just criticized all of the religions that u mentioned by saying they are just "stories". So u are a hypocrite.
Well, as a Mormon, I will dispel a few of the myths being tossed around.
We do not consider the Book of Mormon as holier then the Bible. We simply believe it is the most accurately translated of the three, and most relevant to our time. Christ's life is of the utmost importance to us, and many things in the Old testament directly relate to practices we have today.
Joseph Smith didn't use a hat to translate, he used seer stones, like the ones referred to in the Old Testament. Polygamy is no longer practiced by the mainstream church.
We believe that in the primitive days of the church, God ordained its practice as he did in Old Testament days, but as a limited thing. Once the prophet said it was to end, people broke away, and distorted the beliefs of the Mormon church.
We aren't racists. While Joseph Smith was living, blacks received all the church had to offer. After his death, this changed until the 1970's, someting that is still debated in our church. In southern states, though the church is not very prominent, we are actually one of the few integrated religions.
We, as many religions, believe that God loves all his children equally, regardless of the color of our skin. Our Hell, as mentioned before, is a place almost exclusively for satan and his angels. Aside from that, it would require someone who had seen God to deny him to get in. We belieive that following this life, all those who never encountered our church have one last chance to accept it to make it to the highest place in heaven. Most everyone else makes it to the lower levels of heaven if they do not take this last chance. Bad Mormons get the worst place in heaven, because they knew the truth, but went against it.
We do believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ the son, and the holy ghost are three seperate beings as members of the godhead.
are we a cult? Cult, is defined by princeton.edu as "adherents of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices" or "a system of religious beliefs and rituals." By that defenition, aren't all christians, muslims, hindus, etc. all members of cults? Do you really think that because mormons don't drink coffee, we're a cult like the KKK? If you define cult as simply an odd set of beliefs, then fine, we're a cult, and I will accept your ad hominem.
If you want more info, mormon.org can give you the basic outline.
BoG_
Do u think Mormonism is just another branch of Christianity? And do u believe the trinity is three in one or just 3 separate and distinct Beings?
[QUOTE="BoG_"]Well, as a Mormon, I will dispel a few of the myths being tossed around.
We do not consider the Book of Mormon as holier then the Bible. We simply believe it is the most accurately translated of the three, and most relevant to our time. Christ's life is of the utmost importance to us, and many things in the Old testament directly relate to practices we have today.
Joseph Smith didn't use a hat to translate, he used seer stones, like the ones referred to in the Old Testament. Polygamy is no longer practiced by the mainstream church.
We believe that in the primitive days of the church, God ordained its practice as he did in Old Testament days, but as a limited thing. Once the prophet said it was to end, people broke away, and distorted the beliefs of the Mormon church.
We aren't racists. While Joseph Smith was living, blacks received all the church had to offer. After his death, this changed until the 1970's, someting that is still debated in our church. In southern states, though the church is not very prominent, we are actually one of the few integrated religions.
We, as many religions, believe that God loves all his children equally, regardless of the color of our skin. Our Hell, as mentioned before, is a place almost exclusively for satan and his angels. Aside from that, it would require someone who had seen God to deny him to get in. We belieive that following this life, all those who never encountered our church have one last chance to accept it to make it to the highest place in heaven. Most everyone else makes it to the lower levels of heaven if they do not take this last chance. Bad Mormons get the worst place in heaven, because they knew the truth, but went against it.
We do believe that God the Father, Jesus Christ the son, and the holy ghost are three seperate beings as members of the godhead.
are we a cult? Cult, is defined by princeton.edu as "adherents of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices" or "a system of religious beliefs and rituals." By that defenition, aren't all christians, muslims, hindus, etc. all members of cults? Do you really think that because mormons don't drink coffee, we're a cult like the KKK? If you define cult as simply an odd set of beliefs, then fine, we're a cult, and I will accept your ad hominem.
If you want more info, mormon.org can give you the basic outline.
bluntmastaslaya
joseph smith used the "seer stones" in a hat.... so... i think one of the biggest things that make you a cult is that members are EXPECTED TO GIVE 10% OF THEIR UNTAXED INCOME TO THE CHURCH. you may not be racist now but it was religious doctrine which joseph smith and other church leaders believed that africans were inferior, as evident in the many quotes i posted. and to be honest, mormons are not christians... they follow some of christian beliefs but there are more mormon beliefs that really do not coincide with mainstream crhistianity
also... please dont go to mormon.org for any information... pure biased cult propaganda
That doesn't mean he used a hat to do it.
What, you mean our tithing? And whether it is paid before or after taxes is up to the individual. It's like other religions pass around the collections, we all just give 10%. Willingly. Don't like it, well then don't become a mormon!
As I said above, Joseph Smith did not feel this way about blacks. After him, a few of the church leaders may have, of course, so did most of the United States. Around the 60's, things began to change among mormons, until the official changes.
Ok. I don't need to be a christian, even though I do believe that Christ suffered and died for my sins, and loves me to this day.
Well, of course it is biased.
Thank you, once again, for all the bigotry and ad hominem arguments.
[QUOTE="MeriMorganov"]If Mormons allow polygamy do they allow polyandry?BoG_
Ever seen "Paint your Wagon"?
That was a joke.
Please read the thread.
I mean like when polygamy was allowed in the church was polyandry too?
I'm a Mormon, an quite frankly, I'm tired of what some people like bluntmastaslayas are saying on here.
Mormonism is a branch of Christianity. We believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit just like all other Christians. If we went by bluntmastaslayas definition of Christianity, then Jehovah's Witnesses and other similar branches of Christianity wouldn't be Christianity.
And a cult? Explain to me why you think Mormonism is a cult. We're not exclusive, we don't think that we should harm people who don't share our beliefs, and although our practices may seem a little odd to people of other religions, we're most definitely not a cult.
And yes, polygamy was practiced in our church at one time. But that was because God commanded it. Now, God no longer wills it.
[QUOTE="BoG_"][QUOTE="MeriMorganov"]If Mormons allow polygamy do they allow polyandry?MeriMorganov
Ever seen "Paint your Wagon"?
That was a joke.
Please read the thread.
I mean like when polygamy was allowed in the church was polyandry too?
No, and I don't think it is allowed in the off shoot churches either.
[QUOTE="cametall"]You know what, I'm not atheist, but I'm going to just to say I think it is hypocrisy to criticize another religion because it differs from yours (unless there are human rights issues).
Some Mormons, Christians, Hebrews, Hindus, whatever, are more extreme than the other members.
One religion believes in a multi-armed elephant god man, the other believes in a Jewish man who rose from the dead, another believes an old guy parted the red sea, and another believes drawing a picture of a guy who is the prophet is blasphemy (no one knows what said guy looks like).
Really, it all sounds like HP Lovecraft and Dr. Suess collaborated with Sun Tzu to come with these "stories."
So how about we all sit back, relax, and not worry about the elephant god, or the religion where you inhabit your own planet after death. It all sounds like insanity (yeah, I believe in a God of some sort).
syorks1
You realize that u just criticized all of the religions that u mentioned by saying they are just "stories". So u are a hypocrite.
Really? No kidding.
I did not realize I was criticizing all religions /sarcasm.
What I was trying to get across was that one religion is no better or worse than yours because it is different than what you believe.
Mormonism gets a lot of hate for things that haven't been practiced for hundreds of years.
But looking at your sig I can see why you'd become upset because I mocked Christianity, despite me mocking other religions too.
1. Jesus came to America?
2. The Book of Mormon says Jesus was born in Jerusalem instead of Bethlehem?
3. How do you know the BoM is more accurate than the Bible? or if it's even part of God's Word?
4. You're required to pay some 10% tax or you shouldn't be a mormon simply 'cause you don't want to pay?
5. There are different levels of heaven? Bad place in heaven?
1. Jesus came to America?
2. The Book of Mormon says Jesus was born in Jerusalem instead of Bethlehem?
3. How do you know the BoM is more accurate than the Bible? or if it's even part of God's Word?
4. You're required to pay some 10% tax or you shouldn't be a mormon simply 'cause you don't want to pay?
5. There are different levels of heaven? Bad place in heaven?
Revinh
Yet how do we know the Bible is truly God's word? How do you know it wasn't written by people trying to give other people power over others?
Nobody knows. Maybe the BoM is more accurate than the Bible... Nobody knows!
You're stuck on there being different levels of heaven. Heresy right? No, nobody knows! Stop criticising other religions' or sects' beliefs because they don't fit your own.
Just accept what you want to believe in and keep quiet about other religions. As long as there are no human or animal rights issues why should you worry about what a Mormon or Muslim or Hindu believes in?
1. Jesus came to America?
Yes. We say he planned this all along, in John 10, Christ says "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold. Them also I must bring." We believe he is talking about those in the Americas and across the globe.Book of Mormon says Jesus was born in Jerusalem instead of Bethlehem?
I don't think so.
3. How do you know the BoM is more accurate than the Bible? or if it's even part of God's Word?
We say this because it was a direct translation by Joseph Smith, and there was no time for the tampering of its words by men.
4. You're required to pay some 10% tax or you shouldn't be a mormon simply 'cause you don't want to pay?
If you have such a problem with it then fine. If you don't pay your tithes, you won't be excommunicated from our church.
5. There are different levels of heaven? Bad place in heaven?
Yes, different levels. Bad place was a bad way to say it. One of our prophets said that the lowest level was such that a man would do anything to get there, so its not bad, just not as good as the other levels.
revnih
[QUOTE="Revinh"]1. Jesus came to America?2. The Book of Mormon says Jesus was born in Jerusalem instead of Bethlehem?
3. How do you know the BoM is more accurate than the Bible? or if it's even part of God's Word?
4. You're required to pay some 10% tax or you shouldn't be a mormon simply 'cause you don't want to pay?
5. There are different levels of heaven? Bad place in heaven?cametall
Yet how do we know the Bible is truly God's word? How do you know it wasn't written by people trying to give other people power over others?
Yet I'm just asking how Mormons can believe the BoM is an addition to the Bible. The question assumes that the Bible is God's Word.
Nobody knows. Maybe the BoM is more accurate than the Bible... Nobody knows!You're stuck on there being different levels of heaven. Heresy right? No, nobody knows!cametall
Obviously, you're not a mormon so I'm not looking for your answers.
Stop criticising other religions' or sects' beliefs because they don't fit your own.cametall
What does the thread title say? Yeah. that's right, Questions on Mormonism..
Just accept what you want to believe in and keep quiet about other religions. As long as there are no human or animal rights issues why should you worry about what a Mormon or Muslim or Hindu believes in? cametall
If you're looking for the true religion then obviously you shouldn't just believe what you want. You shouldn't just accept Mormonism or whatever without questioning it and you should question your own religion if that's your religion because that's what you were "born with."
1. Jesus came to America?Yes. We say he planned this all along, in John 10, Christ says "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold. Them also I must bring." We believe he is talking about those in the Americas and across the globe.2. Book of Mormon says Jesus was born in Jerusalem instead of Bethlehem?
I don't think so.
3. How do you know the BoM is more accurate than the Bible? or if it's even part of God's Word?
We say this because it was a direct translation by Joseph Smith, and there was no time for the tampering of its words by men.
4. You're required to pay some 10% tax or you shouldn't be a mormon simply 'cause you don't want to pay?
If you have such a problem with it then fine. If you don't pay your tithes, you won't be excommunicated from our church.
5. There are different levels of heaven? Bad place in heaven?
Yes, different levels. Bad place was a bad way to say it. One of our prophets said that the lowest level was such that a man would do anything to get there, so its not bad, just not as good as the other levels.
revnihBoG_
1. That's vague and surely needs more support. It doesn't necessarily mean he has other sheep he would physically bring. And the Bible actually says he ascended back to heaven after his resurrection.
2. That's what I heard quite a lot.
3. Well, the BoM seems to have just sprung out of nowhere unlike the Bible that we know was actually written down over many centuries.
4. Ok, your earlier post seemed to imply it's required. ("You don't want to pay? Then don't be a mormon!")
5. I see it's based on the BoM. I don't think the Bible mentions such levels (I don't think it even says people would go to heaven after death). And what prophecies has that prophet made, and came true?
6. Oh, and God was originally a man? That doesn't make sense.
[QUOTE="BoG_"]1. Jesus came to America?Yes. We say he planned this all along, in John 10, Christ says "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold. Them also I must bring." We believe he is talking about those in the Americas and across the globe.2. Book of Mormon says Jesus was born in Jerusalem instead of Bethlehem?
I don't think so.
3. How do you know the BoM is more accurate than the Bible? or if it's even part of God's Word?
We say this because it was a direct translation by Joseph Smith, and there was no time for the tampering of its words by men.
4. You're required to pay some 10% tax or you shouldn't be a mormon simply 'cause you don't want to pay?
If you have such a problem with it then fine. If you don't pay your tithes, you won't be excommunicated from our church.
5. There are different levels of heaven? Bad place in heaven?
Yes, different levels. Bad place was a bad way to say it. One of our prophets said that the lowest level was such that a man would do anything to get there, so its not bad, just not as good as the other levels.
revnihRevinh
1. That's vague and surely needs more support. It doesn't necessarily mean he has other sheep he would physically bring. And the Bible actually says he ascended back to heaven after his resurrection.
2. That's what I heard quite a lot.
3. Well, the BoM seems to have just sprung out of nowhere unlike the Bible that we know was actually written down over many centuries.
4. Ok, your earlier post seemed to imply it's required. ("You don't want to pay? Then don't be a mormon!")
5. I see it's based on the BoM. I don't think the Bible mentions such levels (I don't think it even says people would go to heaven after death). And what prophecies has that prophet made, and came true?
6. Oh, and God was originally a man? That doesn't make sense.
1. There are other areas that I can't think of at the moment, but that is the most prominent one. It is all a matter of interpretation. He did ascend back to heaven, but he did this as well.
2.Oh. well I've never heard it before. I just hear it as it's told in Luke, that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
3.It was written over many generations like the bible, then hid away, you'd have to read it to see this.
4.Well, most Mormons pay tithing, it is still a a major part of our religion, you just won't be kicked out if you don't pay it.
5.Well, as for prophesies that came true, mostly our prophet just gives us guidance for our days, he doesn't say that the second coming is tomorrow or we're approaching world war 3.
6.No... God was originally God.
By the way, I do agree with your other post about questioning.
1. There are other areas that I can't think of at the moment, but that is the most prominent one. It is all a matter of interpretation. He did ascend back to heaven, but he did this as well.2.Oh. well I've never heard it before. I just hear it as it's told in Luke, that Jesus was born in Bethlehem.
3.It was written over many generations like the bible, then hid away, you'd have to read it to see this.
4.Well, most Mormons pay tithing, it is still a a major part of our religion, you just won't be kicked out if you don't pay it.
5.Well, as for prophesies that came true, mostly our prophet just gives us guidance for our days, he doesn't say that the second coming is tomorrow or we're approaching world war 3.
6.No... God was originally God.
By the way, I do agree with your other post about questioning.BoG_
1. Interpretation is fine, but if it isn't so clear then I think there's a tendency to point out to things that aren't there. (Contrary to what some think, I think the Bible can be interpreted correctly.) Also, there aren't much other evidence such as archaeological support. The Bible, however, seems historically sound and talks about the past, present and future. It just seems to be the complete Word of God and doesn't need any additions.
3. Well, we know the Bible was written down. It's claimed that the BoM is the same, but I mean, literally, it sprung out of nowhere. Some angel was said to have shown the book on golden plates that was hidden away to Joseph Smith and made him translate it, then there it is, the BoM. The original apparently disappeared. Also, I heard it was revised thousands of times.
5. I find no reason to trust it.
6. I think someone posted something saying "God was originally a man that was enlightened and became God."
1. Jesus came to America?
Yes. We say he planned this all along, in John 10, Christ says "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold. Them also I must bring." We believe he is talking about those in the Americas and across the globe.
BoG_
No. That means those not of the Judaic faith in His homeland. Not America...if you're going to believe that then He would have had to go to all countries...not just one.
I'm a Mormon, an quite frankly, I'm tired of what some people like bluntmastaslayas are saying on here.
Mormonism is a branch of Christianity. We believe in God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit just like all other Christians. If we went by bluntmastaslayas definition of Christianity, then Jehovah's Witnesses and other similar branches of Christianity wouldn't be Christianity.
And a cult? Explain to me why you think Mormonism is a cult. We're not exclusive, we don't think that we should harm people who don't share our beliefs, and although our practices may seem a little odd to people of other religions, we're most definitely not a cult.
And yes, polygamy was practiced in our church at one time. But that was because God commanded it. Now, God no longer wills it.
The_AI
i will explain to you why mormonism IS a cult...
-mormons strictly associate with other mormons. they are not allowed to marry outside of the religion.
-they are supposed to give a tit
-BYU and its affiliates in idaho and hawaii is not just the only university that mormons want to go to its a place to meet other mormons for wives/husbands
-mormons are required to perform mormon missions to expand and spread their religion... (perhaps to increase the amount of people to pay the 10% tithe) you may not want to harm others that dont hold your beliefs but you sure dont have a problem shoving it down other peoples throats... ie. walking around door to door passing out literature.
Mormonism IS NOT a branch of christianity. here is why...
The most notable deviation from Christianity is the Book of Mormon.Although Mormons follow the Holy Bible, Mormons believe that the highest authoritative text is the Book of Mormon.Mormons hold the belief that the Bible is the least authoritative and that is filled with errors wherever it disagrees with the Mormon Doctrine.Christians protest that to suggest that the Bible is mistranslated or corrupt is to call God a liar.If God were to give any additional revelations they would need to be consistent with the divine revelation already given in the Bible, thus discrediting the Mormon writings.Also the Church of Latter-day Saints hold the belief there are many Gods and in Christian religion there is only one God.
Another deviation from mainstream Christianity is the Mormon view about the nature of God.The Book of Mormon is specific in its description of a God who is a man made of flesh and bones.Mainstream Christianity on the other hand believes that the Bible is specific in stating that God is not a man but a spirit.Mormons believe that God became a God after learning truth and pursued godhood through obedience to the Gospel.This directly opposes Christian belief that God the Father has always existed and has been the same for all of eternity.Along with an Eternal Father, Mormons believe God had a wife through which he procreates spirit children. They argue that "an exalted and glorified Man of Holiness could not be a father unless a Woman of like glory, perfection and holiness was associated with him as a Mother" (McConkie, 516).Christians believe that God decided to make man in their image and no where in Scripture is there a mention of an Eternal Mother.Mormons also believe that God is not a uniquely eternal being and that "all spirit is self-existent matter and is eternal. Such matter sometimes becomes organized into a spirit being through birth to celestial parents. Then that spirit is born through human parents on earth. Like all people, God took this course and eventually reached Godhood. God would stop being God if intelligences stopped supporting him as God" (McConkie, 751).This directly refutes Christian belief that God is all-powerful and all knowing.A Mormon God that would stop being God because intelligences stopped supporting him is not a God at all according to Christianity.
The Church of Latter-day Saints also disagrees with the traditional Christian view of the creation of man and sin. On one hand, Mormons hold the belief that man was around at the same time as God, and that man is eternal through the center of the personality of man, or the "'light of truth', or whatever name one gives to the center of the personality of man, is an uncreated, eternally existent, indestructible entity" (Hunter, 126).For Mormons, these intelligences are then clothed with spirit bodies and then dwell in a spirit world where "...these spirit children were organized, possessing divine, eternal, and godlike attributes, inherited from their Heavenly Father and Mother. There in the spirit world they were reared to maturity, becoming grown spirit men and women prior to coming upon this earth" (Hunter, 127).On the other hand, traditional Christian beliefs state that man is a finite being and that the first man, Adam, was created at a specific point in time.The Bible explicitly states that God was alone when creating the universe and that there is only one God and none beside him.Although the Mormons believe that death and sin come from the fall of Adam and Eve, they do not believe that it was a sin, but a blessing which allows us to pursue an eternal life, "They (the Christian world) have been long taught that Adam and Eve were great transgressors...We, the children of Adam....should rejoice with them, that through their fall and the atonement of Jesus Christ, the way of eternal life has been opened up to us" (Articles of Faith, 476). This view is considered controversial to mainstream Christianity because of the idea that the original sin should be rejoiced.Due to that sin, Adam and Ever were kicked out of the garden forever and the human race was destined to live with the repercussions of that sin for eternity.Christians believe that to rejoice the Eve's sin is to rejoice the fall of man and embrace Satan's lie.
The last major deviation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from mainstream Christianity is a conflicting idea concerning salvation.The Mormon doctrine states that, "If there had been no atonement, temporal death would have remained forever, and there never would have remained forever, and there never would have been a resurrection. The body would have remained forever in the grave" (McConkie, 63).They hold the belief that when Jesus died on the cross he negated the penalty of death on all men and ensures that the human race is given the gift of immortality, the reuniting of the spirit with the body.They believe that salvation is given to all men, righteous or sinful, and is a gift given the human race without man needing to do anything to achieve salvation.Christians hold a slightly different view on the subject of salvation.They believe that only those who accept Jesus' sacrifice and surrender themselves to Him are eligible to receive the benefit of Jesus' death and resurrection, forgiveness of sins and salvation, and this gift is only achievable only by grace through faith.
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