Mormonism

**barbaro** · 06-01-2008, 12:55 PM

Any info, Q & A and articles on Mormonism.

I'll cut an paste some very brief Q & As from a current, practicing Mormon, who I consider to succinct, and not excessively "pro" Mormon.

I would rather not put up a link, but can if you want me to.

Mormon:

People keep asking me questions about my religion, so I thought I'd .... answering people questions.

I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known a the Mormons. Ask any questions you want about my Church, including doctrine and history. The only thing I ask is that questions are asked respectfully, and, if it's not too much trouble, that harsh judgments be kept to a minimum (try not to overload the thread with "Mormons aren't really Christian" and "Mormons are a cult" posts).

Question:

Please explain the significance of your undergarments. Do all Mormons wear them?

Mormon Answer:
The undergarments are a sign of the covenants made in the temple. Only those Latter-day Saints who have entered the temple and have made those covenants to serve God wear the garments. The garments serve as a reminder of those covenants, and might be compared to the purpose of circumcision in the Old Testament.

Question:
Is it true that not all Mormons can enter the temple to go through your ceremonies/sacraments? I've heard of family members even a father in one case who was not allowed to attend the temple marriage ceremony. I never quite understood that one.

Mormon Answer:
Mormons believe that there are certain requirements set by the Lord that one must meet in order to enter His temple. These include trying to obey the law of chasity (no sexual activity outside of marriage), obeying the Word of Wisdom (Mormon dietary code), paying a full tithe, and in general living worthily to enter the Lord's House. The ordinance of baptism by one with the proper authority is also required, and one must claim a testimony in God, His Son, and His Church.

As in ancient times, the temple is considered a sacred place. Only those with clean hands and a pure heart can enter the temple. God's temples aren't closed to anyone; he has set forth the Law, and people have the option of doing what it takes to enter. If people are not living the standards requied, then no, they cannot enter the temple.

The temple should not be confused with the regular chapels where Sunday worship services are held, which is open to the public.

**barbaro** · 06-01-2008, 12:58 PM

Question:
According to Mormonism; does God the Father have a wife? Do you guys believe that God is married to a goddess?

Mormon Answer:

Officially, the Church has no stance on the matter, so it isn't fair to say that that "according to Mormonism" -- well, actually that's more fair to say than "according to the LDS Church" -- that God has a wife. The reason this isn't "official" doctrine is because there is virtually nothing in the scriptures about it (however most LDS interpret some verses in the LDS canon as implying it).

However, it is fair to say that according to most Mormons, God the Father does have a wife. Joseph Smith taught it, Brigham Young taught, and their successors taught it, and I expect it is still believed among the LDS leadership. I personally do believe it, since I believe it is in agreement with the revealed plan of salvation. But there are some Mormons that do not believe it, and it is possible to be a member in good standing and attend the temple while not believing this.

Either way, we this belief lies on the fringes of speculation, and isn't especially pertinent to our eternal salvation.

Short answer: Yes, most Mormons believe God had a wife. Ultimately the logic used is that if we have a Father, we must have a mother.

**AntRobertson** · 06-01-2008, 12:59 PM

Slight thread-jack sorry, but apparently (or so I've been told) because of all the missonary work that they do, and obviously in many countries were it is required to speak another language, the Mormons have developed a pretty good system for teaching/learning foreign languages.

A friend of mine in Korea (non-Mormon) swore by it and said that it was the best system he'd encountered for learning Korean and he was damn near fluent.

**Thormaturge** · 06-01-2008, 01:07 PM

I have encountered Mormons in Bangkok and they are a polite respectful bunch. As Ant says, they do seem to provide good genuine tuition.

Any attempt to convert Thais to Chistianity is futile anyway so the religeous side of their life really isn't likely to impact on their pupils.

**Rigger** · 06-01-2008, 01:19 PM

Originally Posted by Thormaturge

they are a polite respectful bunch.

I sometimes swerve at them in the car and give them a beep but most the time just yell hey farang to them, missus thinks it's funny as fok, But now and then some of them can get a little abusive

**Texpat** · 06-01-2008, 01:26 PM

All that I've encountered have been polite, well-dressed lads who promptly get off my porch when they see the shotgun.

What's with the Mormon underwear? Never heard of that before. Is it something kinky or is it a secret like the Mason's handshake?

**Norton** · 06-01-2008, 01:33 PM

Howard Hughes a non-Mormon, had a great respect for Mormons. He was quick to put them in positions of authority in his companies as he thought them to be the most honest and loyal employees.

**AntRobertson** · 06-01-2008, 01:37 PM

^ Yes that's true, good point.

Although in fairness it should also be pointed out that Hughes was a bit bonkers.

**sabang** · 06-01-2008, 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by Norton

Howard Hughes a non-Mormon, had a great respect for Mormons. He was quick to put them in positions of authority in his companies as he thought them to be the most honest and loyal employees.

And they ended up robbing him blind!

Never trust a God botherer in business.

**MeMock** · 06-01-2008, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Thormaturge

Any attempt to convert Thais to Chistianity is futile anyway.

I agree with this but only somewhat as there is a small but thriving church scene in Thailand (some headed up by westerners) and it is growing.

**November Rain** · 06-01-2008, 01:47 PM

Which religion/sect is it that doesn't allow blood transfusions or certain types of surgery? Is that Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses?

**AntRobertson** · 06-01-2008, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by MeMock

Originally Posted by Thormaturge

Any attempt to convert Thais to Chistianity is futile anyway.

I agree with this but only somewhat as there is a small but thriving church scene in Thailand (some headed up by westerners) and it is growing.

Does that not beg the question then as to what all those missionaries here are actually doing?

Purely emperical evidence I accept, but it seems to me that there are dozens in Chiang Mai alone that I know of personally. So what's the ratio here and how 'effective' is it for the church(es) - cost and otherwise - if there's 20 missionaries to every convert (just for example)?

**MeMock** · 06-01-2008, 01:52 PM

Chiang Mai does seem to attract the missionaries thats for sure. Whenever I meet one if western land and they say they were a missionary in Thailand I always ask "in chiang mai" and they are like "how did you know?"

I sponsor a a child in chiang mai and whenever I talk to other child sponsors and they say they have a kid in thailand it is always in Chiang Mai, might have something to do with this.

**Thormaturge** · 06-01-2008, 02:01 PM

^
Indeed there is and with perfectly genuine people who want to do good. There are a good many devout Christians doing very good work on the charity scene too.
The Mormons are a slick and very well organised group with very serious money behind them. The individuals aren't paid wages as such and there seems to be a marked lack of materialism at an individual level.

I have met Christian Thais including one who had a crucifix hanging from his rear-view mirror. He had decided he wanted to be a Catholic after seeing the Pope on TV. Sadly he didn't seem to realise there was a tad more to it than buying a crucifix. Still, he confessed a few sins to me on the journey so I am pleased to have helped. Thais are free spirits and I should think attempting to convert them to anything would be a considerble challenge.

I don't regard Mormons as a sect since they are providing good genuine help. I have looked very closely at Scientology however and I truly believe it to be totally false.

**sabang** · 06-01-2008, 02:04 PM

Originally Posted by November Rain

Which religion/sect is it that doesn't allow blood transfusions or certain types of surgery? Is that Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses?

Thats the Jehovahs Witnesses. At least they can have a drink though- the Mormons are Teetotal.

**AntRobertson** · 06-01-2008, 02:06 PM

Originally Posted by Thormaturge

I have looked very closely at Scientology however and I truly believe it to be totally false.

Are you saying that you don't believe that this world was seeded by alien life-forms that lie dormant in volcanoes!? What on earth's wrong with you man!?!

**MeMock** · 06-01-2008, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by November Rain

Which religion/sect is it that doesn't allow blood transfusions or certain types of surgery? Is that Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses?

JW's I think.

**Norton** · 06-01-2008, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by AntRobertson

^ Yes that's true, good point. Although in fairness it should also be pointed out that Hughes was a bit bonkers.

A "bit" is an understatement but that was all near the end of his life. His right hand man Noah Dietrich, a Mormon, is probably the guy most responsible for Howard's success. Even after a falling out with Howard in the late 50s, Noah remained for many years a highly respected adviser to Hughes Corporation. I worked many years for Hughes Corp and met many Mormons hired into the organization. The Mormons I have met are all what I would consider honest, hard working folks and frankly I have never met one I would categorize as a bad person. Given my experience with Mormons, even though I don't agree with their beliefs, I have to conclude when it comes to business they practice what they preach.

Unfortunately for Mitt Romney the majority of Americans and especially the evangelists view Mormons with suspicion and this will play a significant role in his race for the nomination. He would do much better if he were running on the Democrat's ticket where this would not be as big an issue. JFK, a catholic probably would never have been nominated had he been a Republican.

**Sir Burr** · 06-01-2008, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by MeMock

Originally Posted by November Rain

Which religion/sect is it that doesn't allow blood transfusions or certain types of surgery? Is that Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses?

JW's I think.

Christian Scientists.

**Norton** · 06-01-2008, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by sabang

And they ended up robbing him blind!

How so? Are you referring to the supposed Howard Hughes will aka "Mormon Will" which popped up in Utah?

**Thormaturge** · 06-01-2008, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by AntRobertson

Are you saying that you don't believe that this world was seeded by alien life-forms that lie dormant in volcanoes!? What on earth's wrong with you man!?!

That's right. Silly idea. David Icke makes far more sense:

David Icke Website - Home

I especially like this bit:

"If you support what David Icke is trying to do, virtually alone....." LOL

**AntRobertson** · 06-01-2008, 02:42 PM

^ I began reading this:

After receiving yesterday, my copy of David's 'Freedom or Fascism: The Time to Choose', I simply had to let you know, (even at the time of writing only having watched the first two discs) David's presentation is absolutely
'Fantastic and Amazing'. Brilliantly put together, and presented. It made
me cry, laugh and applaud...

And fully expected it to be signed off with this:

Love,

David's mum

**barbaro** · 06-01-2008, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by November Rain

Which religion/sect is it that doesn't allow blood transfusions or certain types of surgery? Is that Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses?

The other answers are correct: JW.

Jehova's Witnesses don't allow blood transfusions.

They cite a passage in Leviticus (I believe). (A Jehova's Witness thread may be informative. Anyone can start it.)

If a JW gets a blood transfusion they can be "shunned" and/or lose privaleges. They might even be excommunicated.

**AntRobertson** · 06-01-2008, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Milkman

If a JW gets a blood transfusion they can be "shunned" and/or lose privaleges. They might even be excommunicated.

All fates worse than death, apparently. No other way to explain the 'logic' behind refusing what could conceivably be a life-saving procedure.

**barbaro** · 06-01-2008, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by AntRobertson

Originally Posted by Milkman

If a JW gets a blood transfusion they can be "shunned" and/or lose privaleges. They might even be excommunicated.

All fates worse than death, apparently. No other way to explain the 'logic' behind refusing what could conceivably be a life-saving procedure.

I agree. I don't see the logic either. But this is why I have problems with organized religion.

My aunt and her husband converted to Jehova's Witness. over 20 years ago. She's very hip, and cool. I don't see her often, and we don't talk about religion.

JW's also do not celebrate Christmas because they believe it's not a Christian holiday (I agree with this.) The also don't celebrate birthday's becaue Christians historically have not.

They do not salute national flags, or stand for national anthems.

They cannot serve in the military.

I'm off topic, but apologies.

Thread: Mormonism

Thread Tools

Display

Mormonism

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

Posting Permissions