Anything Goes LDS Thread (Everyone Welcome)

[ChristineES]

I don't think anyone needs to worry that I will believe every thing I hear unless I hear from the horse's mouth (in this case, a Mormon). There were other things I heard, such as blacks skin being darkened by God for punishment and things such as that. I am certainly not going to jump to any conclusions about these things. Maybe I should have just asked (one of my closest friends is a Mormon) but I was embarrassed to since I did not know if these things were true, misinterpreted, and so on.

 

[Scott C.]

I feel the need to rant after being in this forum for several weeks and reading a recurring theme. The idea that anyone cannot readily find out what Mormons really believe and teach is ludicrous. Read "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder" (Richards) or "Jesus the Christ" (Talmage) or "The Articles of Faith" (Talmage). There are so, so many sources. Read the Standard Works (Scriptures) of our church. Read the Ensign (monthly magazine). Listen to General Conference. Come to church. For Pete's sake, just when and where do you think we're discussing the secrets? After all of the visitors go home, do we head down to the basement to discuss the "real" doctrine?

Why do we waste time debating issues which we don't believe? There are plenty of differences between our actual doctrine and what some Christians believe to provide many interesting threads of discussion and debate.

 

[ChristineES]

The idea that anyone cannot readily find out what Mormons really believe and teach is ludicrous.

I have to say I just never thought to find out. I have been a Baptist all along and I believed what they did (mostly).

 

[Scott C.]

I have to say I just never thought to find out. I have been a Baptist all along and I believed what they did (mostly).

Thanks, and my rant was not directed at you. I was editing my rant at the same time as your post and mine happended to follow yours :drool:

 

[jonny]

This video presents the best summary of Mormon doctrine I've been able to find. If you don't understand Mormonism after watching that movie, this one might help also.

 

[jonny]

This video presents the best summary of Mormon doctrine I've been able to find. If you don't understand Mormonism after watching that movie, this one might help also.

For the record, I got the keys to the gym this week.

 

[Scott C.]

This video presents the best summary of Mormon doctrine I've been able to find. If you don't understand Mormonism after watching that movie, this one might help also.

Thanks, Mormon Baby. I just watched them both with the wife and kids. Nice.

 

[jonny]

Thanks, Mormon Baby. I just watched them both with the wife and kids. Nice.

This video is pretty good for learning about the Law of Chastity.

 

[Katzpur]

I don't think anyone needs to worry that I will believe every thing I hear unless I hear from the horse's mouth (in this case, a Mormon). There were other things I heard, such as blacks skin being darkened by God for punishment and things such as that. I am certainly not going to jump to any conclusions about these things. Maybe I should have just asked (one of my closest friends is a Mormon) but I was embarrassed to since I did not know if these things were true, misinterpreted, and so on.

Sometimes it's hard asking personal friends, though. I realize that. That's why the Internet can be such a valuable resource.

Just to clear up the point about skin color, though, since you brought it up, here is what the Book of Mormon says: For none of these iniquities come of the Lord; for he doeth that which is good among the children of men; and he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile. (2 Nephi 26:33)

Thank you for your questions, Christine.

 

[roli]

It might seem ludicrous to you, but I know what my Church teaches. When someone wants to make someone else look bad, misrepresentation is probably the best way I know of. Since you don't seem to think that former members of the Church would have any ulterior motives for trying to distort our doctrines, maybe you would like to tell me what I possibly would have to gain by telling you a pack of lies about what I hear when I go to church every Sunday.

I understand the arguement ,but it is quite possible that goes both ways, maybe the former LDS are being falsely accused and have a real true expereince that is silenced by existing members.
I have heard personally from former LDS who have not defamed nor have they accused LDS of anything, but have been ostracized by their mormon friends and LDS encouraged the family members of those who left to not associate with them as well.
I'm sure your not here trying to disqualify all these claims as illegitimate.
I am not here questioning your motives and have heard alot of personal perspective from you that is rather interesting.

I have gained alot of insight , but I still struggle with the several of your doctrines concerning God ,jesus, baptism for the dead,mother god, the whole celestial marriage in heaven thing, so contrary from what is laid out in biblical teaching.

We both know this is and always will be the case.

So if we both serve the same God,Spirit and Christ, why are we so different in doctrinal issues, I guess that is the question that remains.

 

[jonny]

So if we both serve the same God,Spirit and Christ, why are we so different in doctrinal issues, I guess that is the question that remains.

I don't believe we serve the same God. The God you believe in is fundamentally very different from the God that I believe in.

 

[Scott C.]

This video is pretty good for learning about the Law of Chastity.

Also nice. Hmmm...I wonder if I could get away with showing that at our upcoming For the Strength of Youth fireside?

 

[jonny]

Also nice. Hmmm...I wonder if I could get away with showing that at our upcoming For the Strength of Youth fireside?

Its from Sons of Provo. If you get the movie, I'm sure the clip of them singing it is better than that video.

Sons of Provo

 

[ChristineES]

Thank you for your questions, Christine.

Thank you, I was reluctant to ask them but now I am glad I did, since it cleared up some interpretations.

 

[Katzpur]

I understand the arguement ,but it is quite possible that goes both ways, maybe the former LDS are being falsely accused and have a real true expereince that is silenced by existing members.

Well, from your perspective, that would certainly be a possibility. Obviously, it's your decision who to believe.

I have heard personally from former LDS who have not defamed nor have they accused LDS of anything, but have been ostracized by their mormon friends and LDS encouraged the family members of those who left to not associate with them as well.

I'm sure that has happened. After all, every case is different. But I can tell you one thing: The policy of the Church would be to encourage us to do the exact opposite.

I'm sure your not here trying to disqualify all these claims as illegitimate.

That's right, we're not.

I am not here questioning your motives and have heard alot of personal perspective from you that is rather interesting.

Well, maybe it hasn't been a complete waste of time for us to talk then.

I have gained alot of insight , but I still struggle with the several of your doctrines concerning God ,jesus, baptism for the dead,mother god, the whole celestial marriage in heaven thing, so contrary from what is laid out in biblical teaching.

I can appreciate your inability to accept these things. I don't see them as being contrary to biblical teachings, but as adding additional insights to biblical teaching. To someone who believes that no additional insights are valid, your perspective makes sense.

We both know this is and always will be the case.

I'm sure that's true, but it doesn't hurt to talk about these things. Furthering understanding is never a bad thing, in my opinion.

So if we both serve the same God,Spirit and Christ, why are we so different in doctrinal issues, I guess that is the question that remains.

I don't know. I honestly wish I did. I am willing to accept the fact that you are every bit as sincere as I am in your desire to know the truth about Him and His gospel. I am also willing to accept the fact that God loves us both equally and will judge us both fairly. Are you willing to accept that, too?

 

[Scott C.]

I understand the arguement ,but it is quite possible that goes both ways, maybe the former LDS are being falsely accused and have a real true expereince that is silenced by existing members.

Anything can happen. Members of my church don't always treat people the way they should. If a former member relates a story of bad or inconsiderate treatment, I don't assume he's making it up. Most members of my church are regular people who are trying to do what is right.

 

[Katzpur]

Anything can happen. Members of my church don't always treat people the way they should. If a former member relates a story of bad or inconsiderate treatment, I don't assume he's making it up. Most members of my church are regular people who are trying to do what is right.

I could be wrong, but I think that roli is saying that when former Latter-day Saints say they were taught certain things in Church during the time they were active members, there is no reason to assume that they're not being totally honest.

 

[Scott C.]

I could be wrong, but I think that roli is saying that when former Latter-day Saints say they were taught certain things in Church during the time they were active members, there is no reason to assume that they're not being totally honest.

I was interacting with roli's statement that some people claim they were ostrasized by members of the church after they left they church. I don't necessarily discount that claim.

 

[Katzpur]

I was interacting with roli's statement that some people claim they were ostrasized by members of the church after they left they church. I don't necessarily discount that claim.

I agree. I'm sure that happens. But there are denominations (I won't name any in particular) where people are encouraged to ostracize those who leave. That's something our leaders would never want us to do.

 

[Sola'lor]

I agree. I'm sure that happens. But there are denominations (I won't name any in particular) where people are encouraged to ostracize those who leave. That's something our leaders would never want us to do.

Our members are encouraged to have love, compasion, and understanding to those who leave. Of course our members aren't perfect. Some react instinctually rather than with though. I can see how a member would not want to associate with someone who leaves the church. They could feel betrayed or not want to associate with 'evil.' I think both of those are rediculous ideas. The best thing is to love and respect all people.