Mormons?

[onefour1]

John 10:31-36
31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

Why would Jesus call us gods if there is only one God?

Another typical Mormon doctrine. Notice the small case "g". Where is that Scripture from?

That's from the same KJV Bible that you surely use. With the same use of capitals and lower case as what onefour1 quoted. I just googled to verify that it is not just our edition, but all editions of the KJV that make that use of upper and lower cases, and even at least one or two other non-KJV versions.

What is it that you are trying to dispute, here? It seems that any disagreement on your part is with the Bible itself, or at least with the KJV.

Mormonism doesn't rightly divide the Word. Read this.

Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34: Ye are Gods – Mormonism Research Ministry

www.mrm.org

The breaking of the word of God by anti-mormons, which you often quote, hold no weight with the faithful. Jesus said:

John 10:34-35
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

In other words, it means what it means and it is in this context in which Jesus used it to mean "gods".

So you believe that Scripture is saying that YOU can become God. Is that correct?

The scripture is saying exactly what it is saying, "I said ye are gods". In this context, Jesus is telling us that we are gods. But what does he mean by this? We believe that we (those of us on this earth) are the literal offspring of God our Heavenly Father.

Acts 17:28-29
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.

We believe that Gods beget gods. As his literal children, God refers to us as gods. Not that we rule over God's kingdom or that others on this earth should look to us as a god whom they should worship but that we are of the same species as God our Heavenly Father.

We believe that we, before coming to this earth, lived with God as spirits and are his literal offspring in spirit. This is why he is our Father in Heaven. There was a war in heaven before we all came to this earth where part of the children of God rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven into this earth. They became the devil and his angels. The rest of God's children sided with our Father and we were allowed to come to this earth and receive bodies of flesh and bones.

Revelation 12:7-11
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Consider this great scene in heaven where Michael and his angels fought against the devil and his angels. Who were Michael and angels? How does Michael and his angels overcome the devil and his angels? Verse 11 tells us. They overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. They also loved not their lives unto the death. Who is it that needs the blood of the Lamb to overcome Satan? Is it not we who are on the earth? It says that those who overcome love not their lives unto the death. Who, other than we mortals, need Jesus' blood to overcome the devil and who suffer death. Is it not we who were there with Michael as his angels in the premortal existence who fought against the dragon? Are we not now in need of the blood of the Lamb? These verses are evidence that we lived in the presence of God before coming to this earth and all who have received bodies on this earth were faithful and sided with God in the war of heaven. You were there! You are a literal child of our Father in heaven. You are a god. This why Jesus refers to the Father's children as gods.

Job 38:3-7
3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Yes it is true that we do believe that among the very faithful of God's children that they can become like him in all respects.

Matthew 5:48
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

It is the desire of God that we become like him. Would the Lord give us a commandment to become as perfect as our Father in heaven if it was not something that is possible?

John 17:20-23
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

1 John 3:2-3
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

We believe that the verses In Isaiah which refers to there being only one God and beside Him there is no God is in reference to this world and that on this earth we worship none other but Him. He is the true God of this world and there are no other Gods that apply to us on this earth whom we should worship. We shouldn't worship any of the children of God other than Jesus Christ whom the father has sent. The rest of us are gods in the sense that we are the children of God and are of the same species, but we are not to be considered as God (with a capital G). God is God and we are his and are to worship him and him alone. However, we do believe that we can become perfect just as our Father in Heaven is perfect. We believe that in the eternities if faithful, we too can become a father or mother of our own spirit children and have our own kingdoms which will add to the glory of our Father in Heaven. Just as in this world, we grow up and become parents of our own children, we believe this is an eternal pattern for the faithful in eternity. We believe we can grow up to become like our Father and Mother in heaven. If you become one with the Father, you will never oppose the will of the Father.

The Apostle Paul taught:

1 Corinthians 8:4-6
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Here the Apostle Paul is speaking of eating things that are offered to idols and says that "Idols are nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one." Then Paul clarifies that there be gods many, and lords many but that to us there is but one God, the Father and one Lord Jesus Christ. Here Paul clarifies that there are gods many and lords many, but for us here on earth there is but one God. Just as on earth there are father and mothers many but to each of us there is but one father and mother from whom we are born and belong to. For sure, on earth, there be those that are called gods and we know this because Jesus himself has called us gods. There will be some of us who go to heaven and thus we see that there are those also in heaven who are called gods. But we do not worship them but only the God to whom we belong, our Father in heaven.

Do you believe that you will be a God and be a heavenly father on another planet?

Try reading the post you are responding to.

 

[BS Filter]

John 10:31-36
31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

Why would Jesus call us gods if there is only one God?

Another typical Mormon doctrine. Notice the small case "g". Where is that Scripture from?

That's from the same KJV Bible that you surely use. With the same use of capitals and lower case as what onefour1 quoted. I just googled to verify that it is not just our edition, but all editions of the KJV that make that use of upper and lower cases, and even at least one or two other non-KJV versions.

What is it that you are trying to dispute, here? It seems that any disagreement on your part is with the Bible itself, or at least with the KJV.

Mormonism doesn't rightly divide the Word. Read this.

Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34: Ye are Gods – Mormonism Research Ministry

www.mrm.org

The breaking of the word of God by anti-mormons, which you often quote, hold no weight with the faithful. Jesus said:

John 10:34-35
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

In other words, it means what it means and it is in this context in which Jesus used it to mean "gods".

So you believe that Scripture is saying that YOU can become God. Is that correct?

The scripture is saying exactly what it is saying, "I said ye are gods". In this context, Jesus is telling us that we are gods. But what does he mean by this? We believe that we (those of us on this earth) are the literal offspring of God our Heavenly Father.

Acts 17:28-29
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.

We believe that Gods beget gods. As his literal children, God refers to us as gods. Not that we rule over God's kingdom or that others on this earth should look to us as a god whom they should worship but that we are of the same species as God our Heavenly Father.

We believe that we, before coming to this earth, lived with God as spirits and are his literal offspring in spirit. This is why he is our Father in Heaven. There was a war in heaven before we all came to this earth where part of the children of God rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven into this earth. They became the devil and his angels. The rest of God's children sided with our Father and we were allowed to come to this earth and receive bodies of flesh and bones.

Revelation 12:7-11
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Consider this great scene in heaven where Michael and his angels fought against the devil and his angels. Who were Michael and angels? How does Michael and his angels overcome the devil and his angels? Verse 11 tells us. They overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. They also loved not their lives unto the death. Who is it that needs the blood of the Lamb to overcome Satan? Is it not we who are on the earth? It says that those who overcome love not their lives unto the death. Who, other than we mortals, need Jesus' blood to overcome the devil and who suffer death. Is it not we who were there with Michael as his angels in the premortal existence who fought against the dragon? Are we not now in need of the blood of the Lamb? These verses are evidence that we lived in the presence of God before coming to this earth and all who have received bodies on this earth were faithful and sided with God in the war of heaven. You were there! You are a literal child of our Father in heaven. You are a god. This why Jesus refers to the Father's children as gods.

Job 38:3-7
3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Yes it is true that we do believe that among the very faithful of God's children that they can become like him in all respects.

Matthew 5:48
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

It is the desire of God that we become like him. Would the Lord give us a commandment to become as perfect as our Father in heaven if it was not something that is possible?

John 17:20-23
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

1 John 3:2-3
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

We believe that the verses In Isaiah which refers to there being only one God and beside Him there is no God is in reference to this world and that on this earth we worship none other but Him. He is the true God of this world and there are no other Gods that apply to us on this earth whom we should worship. We shouldn't worship any of the children of God other than Jesus Christ whom the father has sent. The rest of us are gods in the sense that we are the children of God and are of the same species, but we are not to be considered as God (with a capital G). God is God and we are his and are to worship him and him alone. However, we do believe that we can become perfect just as our Father in Heaven is perfect. We believe that in the eternities if faithful, we too can become a father or mother of our own spirit children and have our own kingdoms which will add to the glory of our Father in Heaven. Just as in this world, we grow up and become parents of our own children, we believe this is an eternal pattern for the faithful in eternity. We believe we can grow up to become like our Father and Mother in heaven. If you become one with the Father, you will never oppose the will of the Father.

The Apostle Paul taught:

1 Corinthians 8:4-6
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Here the Apostle Paul is speaking of eating things that are offered to idols and says that "Idols are nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one." Then Paul clarifies that there be gods many, and lords many but that to us there is but one God, the Father and one Lord Jesus Christ. Here Paul clarifies that there are gods many and lords many, but for us here on earth there is but one God. Just as on earth there are father and mothers many but to each of us there is but one father and mother from whom we are born and belong to. For sure, on earth, there be those that are called gods and we know this because Jesus himself has called us gods. There will be some of us who go to heaven and thus we see that there are those also in heaven who are called gods. But we do not worship them but only the God to whom we belong, our Father in heaven.

Do you believe that you will be a God and be a heavenly father on another planet?

Try reading the post you are responding to.

I did read it. I don't agree with much of your interpretation of Scripture. Please answer my question. Thank you.

 

[onefour1]

It was answered in the post

 

[LittleNipper]

John 10:31-36
31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;
36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God?

Why would Jesus call us gods if there is only one God?

Another typical Mormon doctrine. Notice the small case "g". Where is that Scripture from?

That's from the same KJV Bible that you surely use. With the same use of capitals and lower case as what onefour1 quoted. I just googled to verify that it is not just our edition, but all editions of the KJV that make that use of upper and lower cases, and even at least one or two other non-KJV versions.

What is it that you are trying to dispute, here? It seems that any disagreement on your part is with the Bible itself, or at least with the KJV.

Mormonism doesn't rightly divide the Word. Read this.

Psalm 82:6 and John 10:34: Ye are Gods – Mormonism Research Ministry

www.mrm.org

The breaking of the word of God by anti-mormons, which you often quote, hold no weight with the faithful. Jesus said:

John 10:34-35
34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?
35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

In other words, it means what it means and it is in this context in which Jesus used it to mean "gods".

So you believe that Scripture is saying that YOU can become God. Is that correct?

The scripture is saying exactly what it is saying, "I said ye are gods". In this context, Jesus is telling us that we are gods. But what does he mean by this? We believe that we (those of us on this earth) are the literal offspring of God our Heavenly Father.

Acts 17:28-29
28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.

We believe that Gods beget gods. As his literal children, God refers to us as gods. Not that we rule over God's kingdom or that others on this earth should look to us as a god whom they should worship but that we are of the same species as God our Heavenly Father.

We believe that we, before coming to this earth, lived with God as spirits and are his literal offspring in spirit. This is why he is our Father in Heaven. There was a war in heaven before we all came to this earth where part of the children of God rebelled against God and were cast out of heaven into this earth. They became the devil and his angels. The rest of God's children sided with our Father and we were allowed to come to this earth and receive bodies of flesh and bones.

Revelation 12:7-11
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.
11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Consider this great scene in heaven where Michael and his angels fought against the devil and his angels. Who were Michael and angels? How does Michael and his angels overcome the devil and his angels? Verse 11 tells us. They overcome him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony. They also loved not their lives unto the death. Who is it that needs the blood of the Lamb to overcome Satan? Is it not we who are on the earth? It says that those who overcome love not their lives unto the death. Who, other than we mortals, need Jesus' blood to overcome the devil and who suffer death. Is it not we who were there with Michael as his angels in the premortal existence who fought against the dragon? Are we not now in need of the blood of the Lamb? These verses are evidence that we lived in the presence of God before coming to this earth and all who have received bodies on this earth were faithful and sided with God in the war of heaven. You were there! You are a literal child of our Father in heaven. You are a god. This why Jesus refers to the Father's children as gods.

Job 38:3-7
3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Yes it is true that we do believe that among the very faithful of God's children that they can become like him in all respects.

Matthew 5:48
48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

It is the desire of God that we become like him. Would the Lord give us a commandment to become as perfect as our Father in heaven if it was not something that is possible?

John 17:20-23
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

1 John 3:2-3
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

We believe that the verses In Isaiah which refers to there being only one God and beside Him there is no God is in reference to this world and that on this earth we worship none other but Him. He is the true God of this world and there are no other Gods that apply to us on this earth whom we should worship. We shouldn't worship any of the children of God other than Jesus Christ whom the father has sent. The rest of us are gods in the sense that we are the children of God and are of the same species, but we are not to be considered as God (with a capital G). God is God and we are his and are to worship him and him alone. However, we do believe that we can become perfect just as our Father in Heaven is perfect. We believe that in the eternities if faithful, we too can become a father or mother of our own spirit children and have our own kingdoms which will add to the glory of our Father in Heaven. Just as in this world, we grow up and become parents of our own children, we believe this is an eternal pattern for the faithful in eternity. We believe we can grow up to become like our Father and Mother in heaven. If you become one with the Father, you will never oppose the will of the Father.

The Apostle Paul taught:

1 Corinthians 8:4-6
4 As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one.
5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)
6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

Here the Apostle Paul is speaking of eating things that are offered to idols and says that "Idols are nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one." Then Paul clarifies that there be gods many, and lords many but that to us there is but one God, the Father and one Lord Jesus Christ. Here Paul clarifies that there are gods many and lords many, but for us here on earth there is but one God. Just as on earth there are father and mothers many but to each of us there is but one father and mother from whom we are born and belong to. For sure, on earth, there be those that are called gods and we know this because Jesus himself has called us gods. There will be some of us who go to heaven and thus we see that there are those also in heaven who are called gods. But we do not worship them but only the God to whom we belong, our Father in heaven.

When a believer acts according to GOD's will and behaves as GOD desires the believer to behave, then he becomes GOD's ambassador and in so doing becomes a god ---- because that one is accomplishing GOD's goals on GOD's behalf. Man is a created being. GOD was always and is forever. We have a beginning. As for there being many gods, that is so when ANYTHING becomes the focus of one's attention. Money becomes a god for one who wants more of it. Power becomes a god for one desiring to control and manipulate others. And a prophet becomes a god for those who embrace that individual's teachings at the expense of the TRUE Gospel of CHRIST. The Word clarifies the Word and exposes the falsehood of any other testament. One doesn't come to the FATHER by a burning in one's bosom. One comes to the FATHER through prayer and supplication in FAITH alone in the MESSIAH JESUS. The TRUE Word was never hid under a bushel. It sits high on a candle stand where it's light does the best work to illuminate the hearts of fallen men with GOD's salvation.

 

[BS Filter]

It was answered in the post

Yes, I read the part about being a God over your own kingdom. I'm just making sure I fully understand your beliefs. So will you go to a planet and be born and become a man and die for the sins of the people who live there?

 

[Flash]

We lived in a predominately Mormon community for seven years. At the time our sons were young.

We were the only Christians that lived on my street. Everybody else LDS.

When we first got there the neighbors were super friendly.

However, once they found out we were Lutheran and would not be attending their church they shut us off. We never had any bad words or anything, just politely declining to go to their church.

My wife and I didn't care because we had other friends. However, the Mormons also would not let their children play with our children. That really pissed me off. Our sons did not understand why the neighborhood kids wouldn't associate with them. Even the ones they went to school with. That was a crappy thing to do.

Utah or Idaho ?

And I would agree.....that was crappy.

In 1999, members were asked to reconsider such attitudes...

Washington State.

I was in management at a large facility with many employees. One of the biggest HR problems we had was the LDS managers showing favoritism to their fellow LDS members.

We arrive there in 1996 and left in 2003. By the time we left the message of that video had not trickled down to the ones we knew.

I could tell several other stories.

Mormons are great people. I have a lot of respect for them. However, they are clannish.

For many years, the church has been seen as a something of a hard shell to penetrate.

Which is very unfortunate.

I can speculate on reasons why, but it would be just speculation.

I do know that we can get caught up in tradition and let it replace doctrine. One tradition seems to be the US vs. The World where everything not LDS is The World. This is not a concept I agree with. I know many people who don't "practice" religion but are much better persons than I am. They have strong internal moral compasses and they follow them closely.

I understand the reason why they are close knit. They have been persecuted in this country for their religion.

Even though we were socially ostracized in our neighborhood for not being LDS there is no doubt in my mind that if we ever needed help we would have been flooded with kindness and support from our LDS neighbors.

By the way, by being "ostracized" I don't mean they were unfriendly. We just were not included in anything soically or their kids were not allow to socialized with our kids. It was never hostile.

Thank you for that.

Generally speaking...and I do mean generally.....I wish mormons were more in touch with their communities. They can take many of the skills they learn from the callings and ministries they serve in and apply them in the community to the benefit of all.

Appreciate that you don't sound bitter.

It also works both ways.

When my son was in high school he was smitten by a cute LDS girl. A lovely young lady.

Her family put pressure on her to get him into the LDS fold.

We put pressure on our son to not only resist but pull her away.

My son invited her several times to come to our Lutheran church service but her parents wouldn't let her.

The back and forth between the two families could have been a funny episode on a sitcom.

Want to here something else funny?

My son went in the Army as a Cav Scout. In his training they were allowed Sunday mornings off to go to church.

They were also kept from eating sweets in the mess hall lest they didn't get a fit and trim as they should.

He went to the LDS service because they always served cake and cookies after the service.

By the way, whenever the young men in white shirts and ties come by my Florida neighborhood on their bicycles we are always nice to them.

 

[BS Filter]

We lived in a predominately Mormon community for seven years. At the time our sons were young.

We were the only Christians that lived on my street. Everybody else LDS.

When we first got there the neighbors were super friendly.

However, once they found out we were Lutheran and would not be attending their church they shut us off. We never had any bad words or anything, just politely declining to go to their church.

My wife and I didn't care because we had other friends. However, the Mormons also would not let their children play with our children. That really pissed me off. Our sons did not understand why the neighborhood kids wouldn't associate with them. Even the ones they went to school with. That was a crappy thing to do.

Utah or Idaho ?

And I would agree.....that was crappy.

In 1999, members were asked to reconsider such attitudes...

Washington State.

I was in management at a large facility with many employees. One of the biggest HR problems we had was the LDS managers showing favoritism to their fellow LDS members.

We arrive there in 1996 and left in 2003. By the time we left the message of that video had not trickled down to the ones we knew.

I could tell several other stories.

Mormons are great people. I have a lot of respect for them. However, they are clannish.

For many years, the church has been seen as a something of a hard shell to penetrate.

Which is very unfortunate.

I can speculate on reasons why, but it would be just speculation.

I do know that we can get caught up in tradition and let it replace doctrine. One tradition seems to be the US vs. The World where everything not LDS is The World. This is not a concept I agree with. I know many people who don't "practice" religion but are much better persons than I am. They have strong internal moral compasses and they follow them closely.

I understand the reason why they are close knit. They have been persecuted in this country for their religion.

Even though we were socially ostracized in our neighborhood for not being LDS there is no doubt in my mind that if we ever needed help we would have been flooded with kindness and support from our LDS neighbors.

By the way, by being "ostracized" I don't mean they were unfriendly. We just were not included in anything soically or their kids were not allow to socialized with our kids. It was never hostile.

Thank you for that.

Generally speaking...and I do mean generally.....I wish mormons were more in touch with their communities. They can take many of the skills they learn from the callings and ministries they serve in and apply them in the community to the benefit of all.

Appreciate that you don't sound bitter.

It also works both ways.

When my son was in high school he was smitten by a cute LDS girl. A lovely young lady.

Her family put pressure on her to get him into the LDS fold.

We put pressure on our son to not only resist but pull her away.

My son invited her several times to come to our Lutheran church service but her parents wouldn't let her.

The back and forth between the two families could have been a funny episode on a sitcom.

Want to here something else funny?

My son went in the Army as a Cav Scout. In his training they were allowed Sunday mornings off to go to church.

They were also kept from eating sweets in the mess hall lest they didn't get a fit and trim as they should.

He went to the LDS service because they always served cake and cookies after the service.

By the way, whenever the young men in white shirts and ties come by my Florida neighborhood on their bicycles we are always nice to them.

They are good people, always helping others.

 

[Flash]

What I perceive the difference in Christianity and Mormonism doctrine to be:

Christians believe in Faith and Grace.

My understanding is that the Mormons certainly accept the Faith but have a different view of Grace. A big difference.

The Morons are a much more deeds centered religion and that is not real Christianity. That flys in the face of the concept of Grace.

The Mormons that I have discussed this with have all denied it to some degree or another but I think that is a fact.

No offense to any Mormon but I do not consider them to be Christians. At least not my Protestant understanding of Christianity.

 

[LittleNipper]

Scientology is but today's reinvention of 19th Century Mormonism. Note the following:

In both religions, the first step to conversion is to deny that it's a cult.

To examine Scientology or Mormonism is to dive into a romanticized study of the life of the founder. (Scientology: L. Ron Hubbard. Mormonism: Joseph Smith.)

Both founders were products of the social milieu, believed by people already looking for leaders like them. (Scientology was based on the drugs and free love of the 1960s, psychotherapy, and an age of trust of science. Mormonism took place in the 2nd Great Awakening among other restorationist movements, American masonry, and popular Native American origin theories.)

Prophetic origins were actually opportunistic. (Scientology: Hubbard was a science-fiction / self-help writer, and an internal memo said "let's try the religion angle". Mormonism: Joseph was a treasure digger, folk magician, and a known con-man, who just happened to make the dig of a lifetime.)

Both founders left a trail of legal and social disarray everywhere they went. For this reason, they were paranoid about the government, and travel was frequent. (Scientology: summary expulsion from commercial ports all over the world. Mormonism: constant ejection to the lawless West.)

Founder neurotically collected women; the first wives suffered. (Scientology: Polly Grubb, Sara Northrup. Mormonism: Emma Hale.)

Both early churches were remarkably sexually fluid.

Founder kept few of his own commandments, and early followers noticed but squared it somehow.

The church regularly obfuscates / rationalizes undesirable details of the founder, which only the members themselves buy into. Indeed, they'd rather not acknowledge such details exist, and most don't know anything of their leaders' criminal pasts.

Both religions maintain folkloric anecdotes and little miracle stories surrounding the founder, establishing legitimacy. (Scientology: stories about Hubbard's super-hearing and his curing a follower's madness. Mormonism: Smith took no anesthetic or alcohol for leg surgery, and created a storm during Zion's Camp to scare enemies.)

Both founders created galactic lore that was consistent with their time period only. (Scientology: the Galactic Confederacy 75 million years ago looked just like 1950-1960. Mormonism: Joseph taught that 6 ft. tall Puritans live on the moon and the North Pole was a secret oasis for the 10 tribes of Israel.)

Both churches are failures at producing the results the founders claimed. (Scientology: where are all the Clears? Mormonism: there's always more trouble within Zion than out.)

Both founders were terrible with money. Their subsequent churches learned to collect lots of money from members, which led to rich churches, if nothing else. The highest positions in both early churches swapped like musical chairs. Almost all those closest and most loyal to the founder were excommunicated and eventually became critics of the church.

Both founders secretly launched serious offensives against early critics. (Scientology: Operation Snow white, legendary litigation nightmares towards critics like Paulette Cooper. Mormonism: (alleged) attack on Gov. Boggs, Nauvoo / Kirtland raids, Joseph burning the Nauvoo Expositor.)

Good, capable, open-minded outsiders joined the early churches, and left disillusioned and disgusted. (Scientology: Belkacem Ferradj. Mormonism: William Law.)

Both founders were neurotic. (Scientology: Hubbard claimed to be a war hero, nuclear physicist, commodore, etc. while being none. In a private communication, he wrote "I have an insatiable lust for power and money". Mormonism: Smith wrote "I have more to boast of than any man had... Neither Paul, John, Peter nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I.")

Both founders were fountains of outlandish and now-forgotten claims. Only a fraction of their ideas were culled for future use.

After writing the founding documents (Dianetics, The Book of Mormon respectively) both wrote prolifically, establishing the new doctrine, policy, and orders for confederates. The revelations were many, specific, and written with unjustifiable confidence. Both memberships use this to defend their religion: "who would just make all that up?" or, "how could he do that?"

L. Ron Hubbard and Joseph Smith have a way of constantly speaking with certainty and alluding to their other ideas and sayings, improvising new vocabulary and syntax that results in a charming mysteriousness. For example, Hubbard heavily used adjectives as proper nouns, and utilized the second person as a metaphor for a hypothetical subject. Joseph Smith began the tradition of never distinguishing between when speaking as himself or on behalf on God, and mixed instances of important concepts like priesthood, key, doctrine, commandment, etc.

The founding documents of both religions have little in common with the founders' later teachings. (Scientology: Dianetics was a self-help book, which led to the OT bridge teachings and thetan doctrine. Mormonism: The Book of Mormon was mainstream Protestantism, which led to theosis, loss of trinitarianism, and infusion of masonry.)

Neither leader gave much thought to their successor. Wouldn't that be an important detail to sort out regarding the truest thing on Earth? This underscores that these movements are all about the founder.

The death of the founder was seized as an opportunity, and thus glorified. (Scientology: Hubbard's thetan was so powerful, it was released from his cumbersome body. Mormonism: Smith's death is spinned as a necessary martyrdom, and contradictory details are omitted.)

Both churches were succeeded not by the natural fit, but by those who seized the power. (Scientology: not the Broeckers, but Miscavige. Mormonism: not Hyrum or Joseph III, but Brigham.)

The leader who followed both founders were draconian and violent-tempered, but also excellent businessmen, which was instrumental in building up an actual church. (David Miscavige and Brigham Young, respectively. Also, Catholics benefitted from Peter's leading the early Christians, and like Mormonism, Islam divided into Shia and Sunni factions based on different criteria of legitimacy.)

Officials continue to maintain mannerisms of the founder / founding time period. (Scientology: executives smoke cigarettes, own many cars, have an aversion to perfumes, and exhibit casual misogyny. Mormonism: 19th century sayings, pioneer worship, and polygamy practice are most extensively prevalent among leaders).

Both religions focus on self-help, guided by the church. "Scientology is there to help the able become more able." / "I teach them correct principles and they govern themselves."

Both have a detailed progression to follow (Scientology: the Bridge. Mormonism: the ordinances.) The hypocritical lack of special ability in those further along in this progression ("clears" / "endowed") is pointed out by critics, and is denied / seen as an attack by followers.

The origin and destiny of souls is detailed and preposterous. (Scientology: OT III / the Wall of Fire. Mormonism: the Plan of Salvation.)

Both churches implicitly combat introversion. Scientology explicitly says so, and Mormon callings encourage social interaction with callings and missions.

Both make a straw-man of the study of humans. (Scientology: "psychiatrists". Mormonism: "the philosophies of men".)

Both are well-versed in arguing about tolerance and freedom of religion, and both have major persecution complexes. (Scientology is litigious, and Mormons use religious persecution as the centerpiece of its cultural history).

Religious freedom is used to defend the churches' oppression of others. (Scientology: Battle of Portland vis-a-vis court revelations. Mormonism: Prop 8. Also, Catholic hospitals need not provide birth control, Christian Science historically refused to vaccinate children.)

Non-participants are labeled and avoided. (Scientology: "PTS, of Potential Trouble Source." Mormonism: "worldly influences".) Of course, defectors are feared or outright hated. (Scientology: "SPs," or Suppressive Persons. Mormonism: "Antis", Korihors.)

Both modern churches focus on mainstream acceptance and obsess over public image. (Scientology: Project Celebrity. Also, I suggest watching their online commercials. Mormonism: the church wishes to be indistinguishable from white mainline Protestantism. The Mormon church is preoccupied with the name the media calls them by, and the "I'm a Mormon" campaign was launched near Romney's election.) Today, both religions make extensive use of their PR departments, while the leaders only talk to the faithful, and then only occasionally and symbolically.

Both churches target influential people as potential converts. (Scientology: celebrities. Mormonism: mostly white collar men become bishops and leaders.)

Weirdest details only revealed after loyalty is established, and after lots of time and money. (Scientology: the OT III / Wall of Fire. Mormonism: the Endowment.)

Concrete and inscrutable conversion process. (Scientology: use of the E-meter. Mormonism: Moroni's Promise.)

 

[onefour1]

It was answered in the post

Yes, I read the part about being a God over your own kingdom. I'm just making sure I fully understand your beliefs. So will you go to a planet and be born and become a man and die for the sins of the people who live there?

The faithful will inherit the earth. We don't need to go to another planet. This earth will be changed and inherit a celestial glory. Once a person is resurrected, you can never die again. It would be impossible for us to go and become a savior and suffer death again.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:17–20
Doctrine and Covenants

17 And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it.

18 Therefore, it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory;

19 For after it hath filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the presence of God the Father;

20 That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent are they sanctified.

Alma 11:45
45 Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.

 

[BS Filter]

It was answered in the post

Yes, I read the part about being a God over your own kingdom. I'm just making sure I fully understand your beliefs. So will you go to a planet and be born and become a man and die for the sins of the people who live there?

The faithful will inherit the earth. We don't need to go to another planet. This earth will be changed and inherit a celestial glory. Once a person is resurrected, you can never die again. It would be impossible for us to go and become a savior and suffer death again.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:17–20
Doctrine and Covenants

17 And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it.

18 Therefore, it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory;

19 For after it hath filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the presence of God the Father;

20 That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent are they sanctified.

Alma 11:45
45 Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.

Is the Book of mormon and Doctrines and Covenants superior, lower or equal to the Holy Bible in authority?

 

[MadChemist]

We lived in a predominately Mormon community for seven years. At the time our sons were young.

We were the only Christians that lived on my street. Everybody else LDS.

When we first got there the neighbors were super friendly.

However, once they found out we were Lutheran and would not be attending their church they shut us off. We never had any bad words or anything, just politely declining to go to their church.

My wife and I didn't care because we had other friends. However, the Mormons also would not let their children play with our children. That really pissed me off. Our sons did not understand why the neighborhood kids wouldn't associate with them. Even the ones they went to school with. That was a crappy thing to do.

Utah or Idaho ?

And I would agree.....that was crappy.

In 1999, members were asked to reconsider such attitudes...

Washington State.

I was in management at a large facility with many employees. One of the biggest HR problems we had was the LDS managers showing favoritism to their fellow LDS members.

We arrive there in 1996 and left in 2003. By the time we left the message of that video had not trickled down to the ones we knew.

I could tell several other stories.

Mormons are great people. I have a lot of respect for them. However, they are clannish.

For many years, the church has been seen as a something of a hard shell to penetrate.

Which is very unfortunate.

I can speculate on reasons why, but it would be just speculation.

I do know that we can get caught up in tradition and let it replace doctrine. One tradition seems to be the US vs. The World where everything not LDS is The World. This is not a concept I agree with. I know many people who don't "practice" religion but are much better persons than I am. They have strong internal moral compasses and they follow them closely.

I understand the reason why they are close knit. They have been persecuted in this country for their religion.

Even though we were socially ostracized in our neighborhood for not being LDS there is no doubt in my mind that if we ever needed help we would have been flooded with kindness and support from our LDS neighbors.

By the way, by being "ostracized" I don't mean they were unfriendly. We just were not included in anything soically or their kids were not allow to socialized with our kids. It was never hostile.

Thank you for that.

Generally speaking...and I do mean generally.....I wish mormons were more in touch with their communities. They can take many of the skills they learn from the callings and ministries they serve in and apply them in the community to the benefit of all.

Appreciate that you don't sound bitter.

It also works both ways.

When my son was in high school he was smitten by a cute LDS girl. A lovely young lady.

Her family put pressure on her to get him into the LDS fold.

We put pressure on our son to not only resist but pull her away.

My son invited her several times to come to our Lutheran church service but her parents wouldn't let her.

The back and forth between the two families could have been a funny episode on a sitcom.

Want to here something else funny?

My son went in the Army as a Cav Scout. In his training they were allowed Sunday mornings off to go to church.

They were also kept from eating sweets in the mess hall lest they didn't get a fit and trim as they should.

He went to the LDS service because they always served cake and cookies after the service.

By the way, whenever the young men in white shirts and ties come by my Florida neighborhood on their bicycles we are always nice to them.

 

[onefour1]

It was answered in the post

Yes, I read the part about being a God over your own kingdom. I'm just making sure I fully understand your beliefs. So will you go to a planet and be born and become a man and die for the sins of the people who live there?

The faithful will inherit the earth. We don't need to go to another planet. This earth will be changed and inherit a celestial glory. Once a person is resurrected, you can never die again. It would be impossible for us to go and become a savior and suffer death again.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:17–20
Doctrine and Covenants

17 And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it.

18 Therefore, it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory;

19 For after it hath filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the presence of God the Father;

20 That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent are they sanctified.

Alma 11:45
45 Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.

Is the Book of mormon and Doctrines and Covenants superior, lower or equal to the Holy Bible in authority?

In authority, they all originated from the inspiration of God through his chosen servants. So they would all be equal. However, the bible has been translated into various languages and we do say in our Articles of Faith that we do believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly.

 

[Bob Blaylock]

We were the only Christians that lived on my street. Everybody else LDS.

That's incorrect.

LDS/Mormons are Christians.

However, once they found out we were Lutheran and would not be attending their church they shut us off. We never had any bad words or anything, just politely declining to go to their church.

My wife and I didn't care because we had other friends. However, the Mormons also would not let their children play with our children. That really pissed me off. Our sons did not understand why the neighborhood kids wouldn't associate with them. Even the ones they went to school with. That was a crappy thing to do.

That sort of behavior is not consistent with our values.

I cannot speak for your neighbors, or know why they behaved as they did (assuming you're telling the truth), but it certainly is not the sort of behavior that the church encourages of us.

 

[MadChemist]

What I perceive the difference in Christianity and Mormonism doctrine to be:

Christians believe in Faith and Grace.

My understanding is that the Mormons certainly accept the Faith but have a different view of Grace. A big difference.

The Morons are a much more deeds centered religion and that is not real Christianity. That flys in the face of the concept of Grace.

The Mormons that I have discussed this with have all denied it to some degree or another but I think that is a fact.

No offense to any Mormon but I do not consider them to be Christians. At least not my Protestant understanding of Christianity.

Before denying anything, you'd have to explain the nature of Faith and Grace as you see it.

I can only do the same and then we can compare notes.

Also, what do you mean by deeds centered ?

I'll put forth this paragraph from Dallin H. Oaks from a fantastic address given in 2001:

From such teachings we conclude that the Final Judgment is not just an evaluation of a sum total of good and evil acts—what we have done. It is an acknowledgment of the final effect of our acts and thoughts—what we have become. It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.

I found this to elucidate something that had eluded my ability to put into words.

With respect to Grace, or the relationship between grace and deeds, the Book of Mormon teaches:

23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.

As a general rule, I would say that our modern day leaders constantly testify of the central importance of the Atonement (often called one of the three pillars of eternity) in our lives. Without the Atonement, doing for us what we can't do for ourselves......there would be no salvation.

I do not apologize for any differences. We are who we are and we teach what we teach:

From the same talk given by Oaks in 2001, we also are taught that we qualify for Eteranl Live through the process of conversion (change).

We are challenged to move through a process of conversion toward that status and condition called eternal life. This is achieved not just by doing what is right, but by doing it for the right reason—for the pure love of Christ.

That process of conversion is something we chose to engage in, but would not be possible without the Atonement.

 

[MadChemist]

It was answered in the post

Yes, I read the part about being a God over your own kingdom. I'm just making sure I fully understand your beliefs. So will you go to a planet and be born and become a man and die for the sins of the people who live there?

The faithful will inherit the earth. We don't need to go to another planet. This earth will be changed and inherit a celestial glory. Once a person is resurrected, you can never die again. It would be impossible for us to go and become a savior and suffer death again.

Doctrine and Covenants 88:17–20
Doctrine and Covenants

17 And the redemption of the soul is through him that quickeneth all things, in whose bosom it is decreed that the poor and the meek of the earth shall inherit it.

18 Therefore, it must needs be sanctified from all unrighteousness, that it may be prepared for the celestial glory;

19 For after it hath filled the measure of its creation, it shall be crowned with glory, even with the presence of God the Father;

20 That bodies who are of the celestial kingdom may possess it forever and ever; for, for this intent was it made and created, and for this intent are they sanctified.

Alma 11:45
45 Now, behold, I have spoken unto you concerning the death of the mortal body, and also concerning the resurrection of the mortal body. I say unto you that this mortal body is raised to an immortal body, that is from death, even from the first death unto life, that they can die no more; their spirits uniting with their bodies, never to be divided; thus the whole becoming spiritual and immortal, that they can no more see corruption.

Is the Book of mormon and Doctrines and Covenants superior, lower or equal to the Holy Bible in authority?

We don't teach that any of them has authority.

It is through the priesthood of God that these scriptures were written and it within that priesthood that authority lies.

 

[MadChemist]

What I perceive the difference in Christianity and Mormonism doctrine to be:

Christians believe in Faith and Grace.

My understanding is that the Mormons certainly accept the Faith but have a different view of Grace. A big difference.

The Morons are a much more deeds centered religion and that is not real Christianity. That flys in the face of the concept of Grace.

The Mormons that I have discussed this with have all denied it to some degree or another but I think that is a fact.

No offense to any Mormon but I do not consider them to be Christians. At least not my Protestant understanding of Christianity.

Now wait a minute !!!!

 

[LittleNipper]

Are you somehow under the impression that posting the same dishonest bullshit twice makes it any less bullshit?

You haven't read it. Go ahead.

I've read that article, and others on that bullshit site, many times, probably long before you ever knew that site existed.

You do realize, do you no, that that particular site exists for no other purpose than to spread lies and slander about my religion? Only an ignorant cretin would take anything from such a site as that as being in any way credible. Or someone who shares their irrational obsession with slandering the Mormon faith.

Merely by citing such a source, you demonstrate that you are nobody to be taken seriously.

Why should this bother you? Atheistic sites exist to slander Christianity. So what? As a Christian my concern is for the lost and not whether my church is politically or "religiously" acceptable. What remains is that Atheists get me to study the Bible and investigate various scientific theories and archaeological research, but also examine my own heart. Lies are lies only if one can prove them to be ---- if what is being said merely disagrees with your teachings, then perhaps you need to study those teachings in light of the Bible without any additional religious doctrine that supposedly clarifies what GOD intended 1800 years after the fact. The Protestant Reformation occurred as more and more individuals began to read the Bible for themselves without having it explained to them according to Roman Catholic doctrine. As a result Purgatory, Transubstantiation (in connection to the Mass), The Immaculate Conception (surrounding the birth of MARY), the selling of Indulgences, Celibacy of the clergy, Confession to a priest, seeking intercession of dead Saints, Infant baptism, the perpetual Celibacy of Mary, among other things were exposed as TRADITIONS of Roman Catholicism and without Biblical support or necessity. The Bible AGAIN became the focus of doctrine and not THOSE TRADITIONS. And this is why I will not recite the Hail Mary 20 time in succession ----- anymore than any other portion of scripture. Jesus never told me to; however, Jesus did speak against vain repetitions and burdensome TRADITIONS.

 

[MadChemist]

It was answered in the post

Yes, I read the part about being a God over your own kingdom. I'm just making sure I fully understand your beliefs. So will you go to a planet and be born and become a man and die for the sins of the people who live there?

While we have some component of that doctrine in our teachings....."As man is.....", I think it somewhat presumptive to think that we can really address this issue as humans other than to be aware of it's existence.

I recently watched a documentary on Hubble and seeing galaxies that were billions of light years from us. Billions of Light Years !!!! I was overcome.

I sure felt small.

I once saw a bumper sticker that said "Forget world peace, try using your turn signals". There was a great lesson in that.

 

[Bob Blaylock]

Why should this bother you? Atheistic sites exist to slander Christianity.

They have the right to express their opinions, however ignorant and misguided they might be.

I would not look to an openly atheistic site for information about what Christians believe.

If I want to know what Catholics believe, I'll look to a Catholic source.

If I want to know what Lutherans believe, I'll look to a Lutheran source.

Why, if you want to know what we Mormons believe, would you look to a site that openly exists for the purpose of spreading lies about us? That just doesn't make any sense at all.