LDS fascination

[Watchmen]

Yep. I know there are different kinds of Protestants. I was hoping there would be a progressive LDS group in the ranks, but I think they formed their own denomination that is cleaving itself to more Protestant tenets, which does not interest me. Maybe it can't be done, I don't know. I haven't visited my local ward, so I may do that.

You’re either part of the Salt Lake hierarchy or you’re an offshoot (often, a polygamous offshoot). It’s not like Protestantism where you’ll find a range of opinions and teachings. The official LDS Church has every single congregation teach from the exact same manual, same lesson plans, each and every week across the world. The church is the definition of group think.

 

[Watchmen]

I tried. I got as far in the BOM as I could take it, but it makes no sense to me. I think they say they are more accurate because some things that were lost were restored with them. I do like that they are very biblical based, moreso than the Protestant churches.

The BoM is demonstrably false (as is the religion as a whole).

I’m curious why you think Mormons are more Bible-based than Protestant churches. This too is demonstrably false.

 

[Watchmen]

I think the holidays are the same.

Well, I don't think any religious text should be taken literally, so I can take Joseph Smith's visions as a dream or inspiration, but the idea that there were plates written in Reformed Egyptian, not a language, are not literal to me. It seems a stretch.

Did Jesus visit the Americas sometime? Again, I don't see that as literal, so not sure what to make of that idea.

The BOM, IMO, is not well written and really hard to understand. It has some nice verses, but it doesn't seem to have a cohesive storyline and some verses are almost identical, it's redundant.

The things I wish could be different: I wish they would do away with the garments. Since they have allowed exceptions to wearing it 24/7, why bother having it worn at all? Maybe at church, but so many don't wear it at all, especially women, since they are known to be uncomfortable and have caused UTIs and yeast infections, just don't require it.

I wish people could choose their own callings. I think a person will do a better job if it's something they have an affinity for.

I almost converted a few years ago, but about a week before my baptism date, I got cold feet. I just wasn't in 100%.

You’re fortunate. Your instincts were correct and you should stay away from their seductions.

 

[JustGeorge]

This is true. It’s very much an all or nothing church. You’re either worthy of a “temple recommend” or you are not.

What's a temple recommend?

 

[Watchmen]

Not as far as I know. There is a fast Sunday once a month where they give the money that it would cost for breakfast and lunch to charities. I think that is cool.

The Mormon Church has about $150 BILLION but still demand a lot from its members.

 

[Watchmen]

What's a temple recommend?

A temple recommend is a card that permits you entry into a Mormon temple where secret/sacred ordinances (sacraments) are performed. There is a classist element in the church — those who have a temple recommend and those who do not. You only get a temple recommend after having multiple interviews with local church leaders and you have to renew every year.

 

[Mark Charles Compton]

For some reason, I am fascinated with Latter Day Saints. I like parts of the religion, but don't like others. The thing I really like if they seem very family-oriented, moral and modest. Just clean-living folks. That appeals to me. But I can't agree with some of the doctrine and rules. I don't know why I keep looking into it. Help me sort this out.

I have a kind of admiration and infatuation of the Amish denomination of which I was reminded by this pique of interest you're exhibiting towards the church of LDS. The Quakers also have aspects that fill me with intrigue and even allure. I hope you the best in your journey, be safe.

 

[BilliardsBall]

For some reason, I am fascinated with Latter Day Saints. I like parts of the religion, but don't like others. The thing I really like if they seem very family-oriented, moral and modest. Just clean-living folks. That appeals to me. But I can't agree with some of the doctrine and rules. I don't know why I keep looking into it. Help me sort this out.

Likely not a coincidence then, that I've been in a study with several Mormons for several weeks now.

Would the world be a pleasant place with only LDS members in it? It would be friendly and lovely.

However, they serve a different Jesus including a gospel of works, not simple trust in Jesus Christ as per the Bible. Caution is needed.

 

[InChrist]

A temple recommend is a card that permits you entry into a Mormon temple where secret/sacred ordinances (sacraments) are performed. There is a classist element in the church — those who have a temple recommend and those who do not. You only get a temple recommend after having multiple interviews with local church leaders and you have to renew every year.

And a temple recommend is only given to members who regularly pay their tithe. I had a temple recommend years ago as a member of the Mormon church. A part of the interview is to verify the member is paying money to the church before a temple recommend is given.

 

[InChrist]

Likely not a coincidence then, that I've been in a study with several Mormons for several weeks now.

Would the world be a pleasant place with only LDS members in it? It would be friendly and lovely.

However, they serve a different Jesus including a gospel of works, not simple trust in Jesus Christ as per the Bible. Caution is needed.

Yes, I agree the gospel and Jesus of Mormonism is very different than that of the Bible.
I don’t necessarily agree that Mormonism would make the world a friendly and lovely place, though. Behind the image of friendliness, family- oriented , cleanliness, and morality is too often another, dark world of stress, oppression, and abuse.

 

[InChrist]

You’re either part of the Salt Lake hierarchy or you’re an offshoot (often, a polygamous offshoot). It’s not like Protestantism where you’ll find a range of opinions and teachings. The official LDS Church has every single congregation teach from the exact same manual, same lesson plans, each and every week across the world. The church is the definition of group think.

That is true. When I was in the Mormon church that was something which was bragged about; that anywhere in the world we were all on the same lesson. After getting out, I realized that was a cult, group-think, control tactic and definitely did not allow for God to actually be moving freely in the lives of individuals or various gatherings of believers.

 

[Sand Dancer]

The BoM is demonstrably false (as is the religion as a whole).

I’m curious why you think Mormons are more Bible-based than Protestant churches. This too is demonstrably false.

The church is organizationally set up like those in the OT. Their rites seem OT based too.

 

[Exaltist Ethan]

I have a fascination with LSD too. Wait, LDS? Oh...

Mormons are exalt-y type Christians. They claim to be restorationist but they are not. Their doctrine is if you believe hard enough you get your own planet to rule in the afterlife. That sounds boring! Like 99% of planets have no life and there's virtually nothing special with them. In Exaltism you can choose your afterlife and the default afterlife is being post-human as a species that controls galaxies, universes, and more. It's funny because as someone who is interested in both Christianity and exaltation I should gravitate towards the Mormons, especially with how well they built their community.

I found myself having more in common with progressive Mennonites, Quakers, Disciples of Christ and Messianic Jews. I kind of hate the fact that I've already developed a new theology and find it impossible to incorporate it with Christianity. I live around Milwaukee. The Mennonites only rent room from a church governed by Lutherans, the Disciples of Christ services are in Spanish and I have to take two busses and end up in a bad part of Milwaukee if I want to attend a Messianic service. The Quaker group is one bus in a decent part of town, but honestly ... I don't like unprogrammed worship, which they practice. My most convenient options if I want to go the Christian route is Catholic, Pentecostal, or Lutheran. Those three have services around me. I just can't get myself to forsake what I've already built and adding Christianity to my own faith would be confusing and paradoxical.

I've met Mormons who live in my apartment complex. They are nice but all they want to do is talk about Jesus...

 

[idea]

The church is organizationally set up like those in the OT. Their rites seem OT based too.

OT is rather... authoritarian.

I was a member for 20 years, left after high priest abused kids (church covered it up for years, he is now in jail).

Let me warn you about "the spirit", elevation emotion is real, but it is not from God- see examples of it in heaven's gate etc

Humans are herd animals, we seek to belong to groups. Authoritarian type groups with dictators / Nazi / prophet tend to be very dangerous.

The best groups are "by the people", democracy, encourage free thought, humble- admit when they are wrong.

Find a good group - non-denominational, no dogma tend to be best.

 

[loverofhumanity]

For some reason, I am fascinated with Latter Day Saints. I like parts of the religion, but don't like others. The thing I really like if they seem very family-oriented, moral and modest. Just clean-living folks. That appeals to me. But I can't agree with some of the doctrine and rules. I don't know why I keep looking into it. Help me sort this out.

I love their attitude towards family too. They used to drop by my place for a chat and I always enjoyed their company. I personally find that there is truth in all religions and so accept them all.

 

[loverofhumanity]

For some reason, I am fascinated with Latter Day Saints. I like parts of the religion, but don't like others. The thing I really like if they seem very family-oriented, moral and modest. Just clean-living folks. That appeals to me. But I can't agree with some of the doctrine and rules. I don't know why I keep looking into it. Help me sort this out.

I would strongly encourage you to love whatever good and positive you find.

Love ye all religions and all races with a love that is true and sincere and show that love through deeds and not through the tongue; for the latter hath no importance, as the majority of men are, in speech, well-wishers, while action is the best. (Abdul-Baha)

 

[Sand Dancer]

OT is rather... authoritarian.

I was a member for 20 years, left after high priest abused kids (church covered it up for years, he is now in jail).

Let me warn you about "the spirit", elevation emotion is real, but it is not from God- see examples of it in heaven's gate etc

Humans are herd animals, we seek to belong to groups. Authoritarian type groups with dictators / Nazi / prophet tend to be very dangerous.

The best groups are "by the people", democracy, encourage free thought, humble- admit when they are wrong.

Find a good group - non-denominational, no dogma tend to be best.

I haven't heard them using the term "high priest" for any position. Which person is that?

 

[loverofhumanity]

Mormons have many good teachings and principles such as their teachings regarding charity, not drinking or smoking,

 

[DNB]

For some reason, I am fascinated with Latter Day Saints. I like parts of the religion, but don't like others. The thing I really like if they seem very family-oriented, moral and modest. Just clean-living folks. That appeals to me. But I can't agree with some of the doctrine and rules. I don't know why I keep looking into it. Help me sort this out.

Well, if it's only the social aspect of the denomination that appeals to you, that is, tenets that you can find in a myriad of other denominations and religions, then I would say that it is not the distinct and definitive theology of the LDS group that attracts you, but the circumstantial events that brought you to that awareness.

 

[InChrist]

I haven't heard them using the term "high priest" for any position. Which person is that?

The term "high priest" refers to an office in the Melchizedek Priesthood. Men must be ordained high priests to serve as bishops, on high councils, or in stake presidencies, or as General Authorities (see High Council; Priesthood). Stake presidents may ordain high priests for other reasons as well.
https://eom.byu.edu/index.php/High_Priest


The Melchizedek Priesthood is one of the “orders” of priesthood in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church). It is referred to as the “high priesthood of the holy order of God” (Alma 4:20, 13:8) or simply as the “high priesthood.” This priesthood was restored to the Prophet Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the spring of 1829 at the hands of the resurrected Peter, James, and John.In the Mormon Church, the Melchizedek Priesthood is given to worthy male members 18 years and older who have been members of the Church for over one year. Ordination is based on the person’s age and moral worthiness without regard to training, knowledge, or aptitude.
Melchizedek Priesthood


The priesthood as practiced by the LDS church is more akin to the practices of the Masonic Lodge, not the biblical gospel or teachings of Jesus, the apostles or early church...

Mormonism, Masonry, and their Related Temple Rituals

I participated in Mormon Temple work for over twenty years as a Mormon. I did not realize that I was actually involved in gnostic, occult pagan worship. Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism became a Mason in 1842. He stated “I was with the Masonic Lodge and rose to the sublime degree.” He introduced the Mormon temple ceremony less than two months later (Tanner 490).

Mormonism, Masonry, and their Related Temple Rituals - Sword Cross and Crown