porkchop got questions!

[Comprehend]

Ok. It took me about 3 minutes on google to find out that "Mormonism, Mama & me" is an anti-mormon book.

 

[porkchop]

gotcha. I haven't ever heard of the book. Does it seem like a fair book?

So far, so good. She is a very sincere lady. Her name is Thelma Geer,lovely woman.

You would look to a book that has been repudiated by the First Presidency of the LDS church for doctrine? The opinion of the First Presidency is different than one of our opinions.

I'm sorry, comprehend, i don't know what your on about

Me too, that is what I did when deciding what I wanted to do about being a mormon. It seems that most people only read the other side. Personally, I don't see how anyone can have any bearing at all for the things they read about the church without having first read the Book of Mormon.

Well, i do prefer to read my Bible than other religions books, but i see what you are saying, im sure i will be looking at it more with reading this book and talking to you guys.

That is exactly my point. Why wouldn't you read what the church has to say about itself first? The only reason I can think of is if someone didn't think our church was honest about itself.

As i said, i don't think i know enough yet to really answer that.

In other words, why do you not read an LDS book about our church to find out about us? I wouldn't read a book written by a Mormon to learn about Baptists. I would find out what the Baptists say.

Well, if you know of some easy to read books bout the LDS church, let me know, and i said i can read your doctrine on line too. Are you saying im a baptist? Cause im not. ( not that thats a bad thing, any baptists out there!!!) But, if you wanted to learn about baptists, i guess you would go to their resources. i get what you saying, but i am enjoying this book, and im not reading it to necessarily learn about mormons, its just a good book.

 

[porkchop]

Ok. It took me about 3 minutes on google to find out that "Mormonism, Mama & me" is an anti-mormon book.

Well, i figured that was coming, as she used to be a mormon, but is now saved. I do not view it as an anti mormon book, if i did, i wouldnt bother asking you guys about it.

 

[Comprehend]

I'm sorry, comprehend, i don't know what your on about

sorry, I'll try to say it differently. How about this: the first presidency of the church specifically took the time to say the book (The seer) was NOT doctrine, if I were looking for information about the church, I would not bother with things the church has repudiated...

Well, i do prefer to read my Bible than other religions books, but i see what you are saying, im sure i will be looking at it more with reading this book and talking to you guys.

I mean when learning about our church, not your religious study in general.

As i said, i don't think i know enough yet to really answer that.

Interesting answer. Normally, people just assume others tell the truth until something proves otherwise. Why do you not assume from the beginning that the church tells the truth and read one of our books first?

Well, if you know of some easy to read books bout the LDS church, let me know, and i said i can read your doctrine on line too. Are you saying im a baptist? Cause im not. ( not that thats a bad thing, any baptists out there!!!) But, if you wanted to learn about baptists, i guess you would go to their resources. i get what you saying, but i am enjoying this book, and im not reading it to necessarily learn about mormons, its just a good book.

No, I have no idea what your religion is. I just picked one for my example. I could have just as easily said Muslim or something. I picked one out of the air.

Sure, I could recommend a few books, I have two large bookcases of LDS books sitting here in my office. How about "The Encyclopedia of Mormonism" by Daniel Ludlow, "Answers to Gospel Questions" by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Gospel Doctrine" by Joseph F. Smith, "Doctrinal Answers" and "Religious Truths Defined" by Joseph Fielding Smith jr. These all give an overview of LDS doctrine. There are also a great many books on specific subjects such as prayer, Faith, The Apostasy, etc etc.

everyone else will probably tell you "A Marvelous Work and A Wonder" by LeGrand Richards.

 

[Comprehend]

Well, i figured that was coming, as she used to be a mormon, but is now saved. I do not view it as an anti mormon book, if i did, i wouldnt bother asking you guys about it.

understood. But I think all of the LDS members here would agree it is anti.

 

[porkchop]

sorry, I'll try to say it differently. How about this: the first presidency of the church specifically took the time to say the book (The seer) was NOT doctrine, if I were looking for information about the church, I would not bother with things the church has repudiated...

Ah, i see. Well, im glad i bought it up, ive learnt something i didn't know. Can i ask when this happened? Thanks for simplifying!

Interesting answer. Normally, people just assume others tell the truth until something proves otherwise. Why do you not assume from the beginning that the church tells the truth and read one of our books first?

Well, the Bible says to test all things, so that's what i do. I'm not assuming the LDS church isnt telling the truth, i just read in the book im reading this one thing and thought i'd ask about it. I The book has been sitting on our bookshelf for a while and i just wanted to read something. It's a testimony and and tells of this lady and the belifs she had as a mormon for over 40 years and her family too. It's not like i believe all that people like this say, that's why i'm asking you.:yes:

No, I have no idea what your religion is. I just picked one for my example. I could have just as easily said Muslim or something. I picked one out of the air.

Ok, i wasn't really bothered anyway.

Sure, I could recommend a few books, I have two large bookcases of LDS books sitting here in my office. How about "The Encyclopedia of Mormonism" by Daniel Ludlow, "Answers to Gospel Questions" by Joseph Fielding Smith, "Gospel Doctrine" by Joseph F. Smith, "Doctrinal Answers" and "Religious Truths Defined" by Joseph Fielding Smith jr. These all give an overview of LDS doctrine. There are also a great many books on specific subjects such as prayer, Faith, The Apostasy, etc etc.

everyone else will probably tell you "A Marvelous Work and A Wonder" by LeGrand Richards.

Thankyou, i will have a look for them on ebay or maybe i can read them on line.

 

[Arabis]

hello there LDS people, ive got a question for the ladies of LDS and i thought id leave this thread as a place where i can ask questions, cause i often think of more.
Right, first one,....How do you ladies feel bout having to give birth in the afterlife? Does it not bum you out? Cause it sounds like my idea of hell! (i am serious, by the way)
And do you not feel equal to men in your church because of this roll and does that bother you?
Many thanks, i await your responses.xxxxx

I know I am a little late responding, but this is the first chance that I have had to look at RF for a week. I hope that even though others have posted their thoughts, you might also take mine into consideration.

To your first question, I don't believe that we will be "giving birth" in the afterlife, giving birth and all the pain and suffering that comes along with it was part of the curse given to Eve in the Garden of Eden, so I don't think that it would carry over into the afterlife. We might have a role in creating spirits, but I have no idea how that will happen or if I will even be able to play a role in that. On earth, it doesn't burn me out or cause me any burden to give birth, I am giving life to my children and that causes me great joy.

To your second question, I do feel equal to the men in my church. I don't know how I would feel otherwise. We are given equal responsibilites and the women are very highly regarded in our church because they are mothers or have the ability to become such. I have never felt that a man was superior to me because I have the ability to birth children. To me this is a great priviledge and I would never want someone to take it away.

 

[Katzpur]

Porkchop,

I realize I told you last night that I would honor your request that I not respond to future questions from you, but in thinking it over, I've decided that I'm going to continue to provide you with information whenever I feel as if I have something to offer. If you choose to ignore what I have to say, that's your choice.

The books that have been recommended are all good, but are very long and contain some pretty heavy reading. If you want an easy-to-read, understandable introduction to the Church, I would suggest, "Our Search for Happiness: An Introduction to Understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." It's by M. Russell Ballard, who is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. You could pick up a copy on www.amazon.com for under $1.00 (US).

 

[Arabis]

"Each god through his wife or wives raises up a numerous family of sons or daughters; indeed, there will be no end to the increase of his own children: for each father and mother will be in condition to multiply forever and ever" Orson Pratt, the seer, pg37.
I read this in a book, i always had the impression that what i said above was the case and thought this backed it up, do you not think that? Interesting subject.

I have never heard of this book. I hope that you are not under the impression that the women in our church are forced or coersced into having children, that is surely not the case. We are equal partners with our spouse.

 

[porkchop]

I know I am a little late responding, but this is the first chance that I have had to look at RF for a week. I hope that even though others have posted their thoughts, you might also take mine into consideration.

Of course, i am happy to hear your views. Nice to meet you, Arabis.

To your first question, I don't believe that we will be "giving birth" in the afterlife, giving birth and all the pain and suffering that comes along with it was part of the curse given to Eve in the Garden of Eden, so I don't think that it would carry over into the afterlife.

So you believe that giving birth came from the curse of Eve? I always thought that it was the pain and suffering that came from the curse, not the giving birth part; interesting. Oh, youve just given me an idea for a thread, no, another question for you guys, thankyou!!

To your second question, I do feel equal to the men in my church. I don't know how I would feel otherwise. We are given equal responsibilites and the women are very highly regarded in our church because they are mothers or have the ability to become such. I have never felt that a man was superior to me because I have the ability to birth children. To me this is a great priviledge and I would never want someone to take it away.

Thankyou Arabis for your response.

 

[porkchop]

I have never heard of this book. I hope that you are not under the impression that the women in our church are forced or coersced into having children, that is surely not the case. We are equal partners with our spouse.

No, i am not under that impression at all, don't worry.

 

[Bishka]

No, i am not under that impression at all, don't worry.

If you weren't under that impression, why start this thread?

 

[porkchop]

Porkchop,

I realize I told you last night that I would honor your request that I not respond to future questions from you, but in thinking it over, I've decided that I'm going to continue to provide you with information whenever I feel as if I have something to offer. If you choose to ignore what I have to say, that's your choice.

The books that have been recommended are all good, but are very long and contain some pretty heavy reading. If you want an easy-to-read, understandable introduction to the Church, I would suggest, "Our Search for Happiness: An Introduction to Understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." It's by M. Russell Ballard, who is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. You could pick up a copy on www.amazon.com for under $1.00 (US).

Thankyou, K.purr, that sounds like my kinda book, cheap and easy to read, great. You know, your not half bad ( a british saying meaning youre alright)
Bethx

 

[porkchop]

If you weren't under that impression, why start this thread?

I didnt start this thread cause i thought that, i was just asking bout the whole giving birth thing in the afterlife, which ive been corrected on, and i also asked if women feel equal to men cause of it. I thought it may be possible some women dont, but i was wondering more overall in the church if women feel equal, just trying to get more of an understanding of your religion, and its interesting to see the differences in your church/temple to mine.

 

[Bishka]

I didnt start this thread cause i thought that, i was just asking bout the whole giving birth thing in the afterlife, which ive been corrected on, and i also asked if women feel equal to men cause of it. I thought it may be possible some women dont, but i was wondering more overall in the church if women feel equal, just trying to get more of an understanding of your religion, and its interesting to see the differences in your church/temple to mine.

Just a correction

Church/Chapel is where we go weekly to worship on Sundays and hold other activities during the week.

The Temple is where only temple-recommend holders may enter.

 

[Comprehend]

Ah, i see. Well, im glad i bought it up, ive learnt something i didn't know. Can i ask when this happened? Thanks for simplifying!

Sure, Katzpur has already given a date: (she was quoting B.H. Roberts I think)

The Seer, by formal action of the First Presidency and Twelve Apostles of the Church was repudiated, and Elder Orson Pratt himself sanctioned the repudiation. There was a long article published in the Deseret News on the 23rd of August, 1865, over the signatures of the First Presidency and Twelve setting forth that this work--the Seer--together with some other writings of Elder Pratt, were inaccurate.

Well, the Bible says to test all things, so that's what i do. I'm not assuming the LDS church isnt telling the truth, i just read in the book im reading this one thing and thought i'd ask about it. I The book has been sitting on our bookshelf for a while and i just wanted to read something. It's a testimony and and tells of this lady and the belifs she had as a mormon for over 40 years and her family too. It's not like i believe all that people like this say, that's why i'm asking you.:yes:

Yes, the bible does say to test all things. Reading a book about a thing is not testing it. To test our religion, you must read OUR books. You don't "test" a recipe for chocolate pudding by reading a review of the chocolate pudding by somebody who used to like it but now they very much do not like it.

 

[Katzpur]

Thankyou, K.purr, that sounds like my kinda book, cheap and easy to read, great.

You're very welcome. I have some other suggestions, too, that I thought of later on -- also cheap and easy to read.

The first one is "What Do Mormons Believe?" It was written by Rex Lee who was the President of the LDS-owned Brigham Young University. It's 116 pages long and, like my first recommendation, is written in an extremely casual, conversational style. It's also available on www.amazon.com for about $6.00.



My next recommendation is "Believing Christ" by Stephen E. Robinson, who is a religion professor at BYU. This book contains the best explanation I have ever read of how the Latter-day Saints view the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and what He means to us. It's 125 pages in length and costs about $4.00 (on www.amazon.com).



My next recommendation is called "How Wide the Divide?: A Mormon & an Evangelical in Conversation." It's by Craig L. Blomberg, an Evangelical scholar and Stephen E. Robinson, an LDS scholar. This book is a little more "meaty" than the others I've mentioned so far, but I found it quite readable. It represents an honest attempt by these two individuals, both of whom are very knowlegeable in their faiths, to explore the similarities and the differences between their two religions. It is broken down into four chapters: Scripture, God & Deification, Christ & the Trinity, and Salvation. It's 196 pages long and costs about $7.00 on www.amazon.com.



The next book is called, "A Different Jesus?: The Christ of the Latter-day Saints." It's by Robert L. Millett, also a professor at BYU. To be perfectly honest, I haven't read this book in its entirety myself. I'm actually reading it now. I'm recommending it because of your belief that we worship a different Jesus than the rest of Christianity. This book explains our doctrines on Jesus Christ in light of this rather common perception among mainstream Christians. It sells for about $8.00 on www.amazon.com and is 188 pages in length. It is probably the most academic and scholarly of the books I have recommended, but contains an excellent glossary of terms in the back that would be useful to anyone wanting to know more about Mormonism.

You know, your not half bad ( a british saying meaning youre alright)

Well, since my ancestry on my dad's side of the family is 100% Brittish, I guess maybe that's the "half" that's alright! I probably have tons of long-lost third cousins somewhere in Yorkshire.

 

[jonny]

Thankyou, K.purr, that sounds like my kinda book, cheap and easy to read, great. You know, your not half bad ( a british saying meaning youre alright)
Bethx

The "Our Search for Happiness" is the best intro book I can think of also. It's a quick read.

 

[DeepShadow]

Ah, Granny Geer's "Mama, Mormonism & Me"? Interesting you haven't picked up that the book is "anti." Have you got to the part about our supposed orgies in the temples yet? In case you were wondering, the temple ceremony she presents in that book has no bearing whatsoever to reality, or at least to the genuine LDS temple ceremony.

 

[Katzpur]

The "Our Search for Happiness" is the best intro book I can think of also. It's a quick read.

Agreed. At 124 pages, you can breeze right through it.

The neat thing about this book is that Elder Ballard actually invites readers of the book to contact him personally if they have questions and gives the address of Church Headquarters. (That, Porkchop, is kind of like one of the Cardinals in the Catholic Church saying, "Drop me a line if you need me to clarify anything." )