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I have been Mormon All of my life .... my ancestors were early members and pioneers of the LDS Church, my great-great-great-grandparents knew Joseph Smith. I engaged in a two year LDS prostyliting Mission in Africa, I was a commissioned Officer in the US Army, I am a Licensed Civil Engineer, I am a proud American, I have a wonderful family, and I worship Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. I feel the spirit of the Holy Ghost when I commune with God.

I do not; however, believe in the Nicene Creed.

Sorry, I just don’t see the “Evil” that you do.

Maybe YOUR the one who is in error.

Merry Smithmas to all, and a McConkie New Year!

;^)

“I have been Mormon All of my life .... my ancestors were early members and pioneers of the LDS Church, my great-great-great-grandparents knew Joseph Smith. I engaged in a two year LDS prostyliting Mission in Africa,”

Indeed. I am truly sorry for what was done to you and what your actions may have done to ensnare others in the cult of mormonism. I would suggest, however, that you do not make this thread about yourself.

“I worship Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. I feel the spirit of the Holy Ghost when I commune with God.”

Which Jesus Christ are you referring to in that statement:

1. The Jesus Christ of Scripture, who was and is and evermore shall be, eternally God. Neither Created nor made? The Savior who died to pay the full penalty of sin on the cross?

OR

2. The Mormonic Jesus, who was a created spirit-being, who came to earth and earned his way to godhood, by swooning in the garden and who can not save?

It is worth noting here for readers that mormonism teaches that there are AT LEAST 4 Earth Gods: Heavenly Father, who used to be a man, Heavenly Mother (may be more than one), Swooning Jesus, who became a God, and the Holy Spirit, who was naughty and never got a body. In addition, there are millions or billions or trillions of other mormonic gods. Heck, you may intend to become one yourself teppe. Do you?

“I do not; however, believe in the Nicene Creed.”

Many people who cannot read and who have never read the Nicene Creed, have come to faith in the real Jesus Christ and are saved. They did not do so by adding to what God said about Him. They put there faith in the Christ of Scripture.

“Sorry, I just donâ€™t see the â€œEvilâ€ that you do.”

It is always difficult to be objective about a system that you are part of.

“Maybe YOUR the one who is in error.”

God’s Word is not in error. The mormonic cult additions to Scripture add all kinds of evil errors to God’s plan of salvation.

**I do not; however, believe in the Nicene Creed.**

Yeah, it’s got it’s flaws, for sure.

There are some other things you might oughta correct though.

Joseph Smith claimed to have seen images of the Father and the Son.

Not possible. The Father is only visible thru his Son, the EXPRESS image of the invisible God. Jesus Christ, and the apostles John and Paul, all declared God to be invisible.

Do you Mormons use the phrase ‘God the Son’? Neither Jesus Christ, nor his apostles, ever used that phrase.

Jesus Christ is ‘the image of the invisible God’, not ‘God the image’.

Side note: Thank you for your service to our nation.

I do not; however, believe in the Nicene Creed.

ALL of it?

Or PART of it?

I engaged in a two year LDS prostyliting Mission in Africa, I was a commissioned Officer in the US Army, I am a Licensed Civil Engineer, I am a proud American, I have a wonderful family, and I worship Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.

That's nice, but how are you with the management of your religious organization?

In conclusion let us summarize this grand key, these â€œFourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophetâ€, for our salvation depends on them.

1. The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
2. The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.
3. The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
4. The prophet will never lead the church astray.
5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
6. The prophet does not have to say â€œThus Saith the Lord,â€ to give us scripture.
7. The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
8. The prophet is not limited by menâ€™s reasoning.
9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.
10. The prophet may advise on civic matters.
11. The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
12. The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
13. The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidencyâ€”the highest quorum in the Church.
14. The prophet and the presidencyâ€”the living prophet and the First Presidencyâ€”follow them and be blessedâ€”reject them and suffer.

I testify that these fourteen fundamentals in following the living prophet are true. If we want to know how well we stand with the Lord then let us ask ourselves how well we stand with His mortal captainâ€”how close do our lives harmonize with the Lordâ€™s anointedâ€”the living Prophetâ€”President of the Church, and with the Quorum of the First Presidency.

Ezra Taft Benson

(Address given Tuesday, February 26, 1980 at Brigham Young University) http://www.lds.org/liahona/1981/06/fourteen-fundamentals-in-following-the-prophet?lang=eng

I engaged in a two year LDS prostyliting Mission in Africa...

Still have your handbook??

The Rules

Learn and obey all missionary rules.
Keep your thoughts, words, and actions in harmony with the gospel message.
Read only books, magazines, and other material authorized by the Church.
Don't debate or argue.
Center your mind on your mission.
Dress conservatively. Elders: white shirts, conservative ties, and business suits. Sisters: conservative colors and skirts that cover your knees. No floor-length skirts or dresses.
Cut your hair regularly.
Keep your hair clean and neatly combed at all times in the approved style.
Be neat and clean.
Bathe frequently.
Use deodorant.
Polish your shoes.
Iron your shirt and business suit.
Arise at 6:30 A.M.
Study for 2 hours every morning.
Proselytize for 10 hours between 9:30 A.M. and 9:30 P.M.
Turn off your lights at 10:30 P.M.
Exercise regularly.
Write in your journal regularly.
Follow the "Missionary Gospel Study Program" (31157) for your personal study.
Regularly study the Missionary Guide and the Discussions.
Attend Sunday priesthood or Relief Society meetings, Sunday School, and sacrament meeting.
Attend the general session of Stake Conference.
Attend general conference broadcasts if available.
Avoid all other church meetings unless you have a special assignment or are brining an investigator.
Proselytize as much as possible on weekends and holidays because this is when you'll find people home.
End your preparation day at 6:00 P.M. and proselytize from 6:00 P.M. to 9:30 P.M.
Wear your missionary uniform in public on preparation day while not engaged in recreational activities.
Arise at 6:30 on preparation day and study for 2 hours from the approved books.
Take care of your physical preparation for the week on preparation day: wash your clothes, clean your apartment, wash your car, get your haircut, and shop for groceries.
Write to your parents every week on preparation day.
Write less frequently to your siblings, friends, and acquaintances.
Don't communicate with any friends or acquaintances that are within or close to your mission boundaries, except as a part of official mission business.
Plan safe, wholesome, and uplifting activities for preparation day.
Stay with your companion during all activities.
Do not go on road trips.
Do not leave your assigned area without permission
Do not watch television.
Do not view unauthorized videocassettes.
Do not listen to the radio.
Do not listen to unauthorized audiocassettes or CDâ€™s.
Do not participate in musical groups.
Do not participate in athletic teams.
Do not sponsor athletic teams.
Do not engage in contact sports.
Do not engage in water sports.
Do not engage in winter sports.
Do not engage in motorcycling.
Do not engage in horseback riding.
Do not engage in mountain climbing.
Do not embark on a private boat.
Do not embark in a private airplane.
Do not handle firearms.
Do not handle explosives.
Do not swim.
Do not play full court basketball.
Do not play basketball in leagues.
Do not play basketball in tournaments.
You may play half-court basketball.
Never be alone.
Seek advice from your mission president if your companion is "having difficulties".
Be loyal to your companion.
Ask your mission president for help if your companion doesnâ€™t obey the rules.
Pray with your companion every day.
Study with your companion every day.
Plan your work with your companion every day.
Take time at least once a week for companionship inventory.
Seek to be one in spirit and purpose and help each other succeed.
Always address your companion as Elder or Sister.
Sleep in the same bedroom as your companion.
Do not sleep in the same bed as your companion.
Do not arise before your companion.
Do not retire after your companion. (apparently, being together is more important than getting the correct amount of sleep that your unique body requires.)
Frequently study with your companion the Missionary Guide section on companions.
Never be alone with anyone of the opposite sex.
Never associate inappropriately with anyone of the opposite sex (conversely, they don't mention whether or not it is against the rules to associate inappropriately with anyone of the same sex).
Do not flirt.
Do not date.
Do not communicate via phone or letter with anyone of the opposite sex living within or near mission boundaries.
Do not visit a single or divorced person of the opposite sex unless accompanied by a couple or another adult member of your sex.
Try to teach single investigators in a memberâ€™s home or have missionaries of the same sex teach them.
Always follow the above rules, even if the situation seems harmless.
Use the commitment pattern to get referrals from members.
Keep your dinner visits with member briefs and during the customary dinner hour in the area.
Remember to say thank you to those who feed you.
Visit members and nonmembers only at appropriate times.
Do not counsel or give medical treatment.
Do not stay in the homes of people when they are on vacation.
Only write letters to family members and friends at home.
Do not telephone parents
Do not telephone relatives.
Do not telephone friends.
Do not telephone girlfriends.
Contact your mission president in case of an emergency.
Take problems and questions to your mission president.
Do not write to the President of the Church or to other General Authorities. Letters from missionaries to General Authorities are referred back to the mission president
Respect the customs, traditions, and property of the people who you are trying to convert.
Obey all mission rules.
Obey the laws of the land.
Do not get involved in politics.
Do not get involved in commercial activities.
Do not give any information about the area.
Respect the customs and cultures of those who you are trying to convert to your own customs and culture.
Respect the beliefs, practices, and sites of other religions.
Do not say or write anything bad about the political and cultural circumstances where you serve.
Do not become involved in adoption proceedings.
Do not suggest or encourage emigration. (This rule is a bit ironic, given the now-defunct doctrine of gathering the believers to Zion)
Be courteous.
Provide community service.
Do not provide community service that isnâ€™t approved by your mission president.
Do not provide more than 4 hours a week of community service.
Do not provide community service during the evening, weekend or holidaysâ€”those are peek proselytizing times.
Your mission president must approve your housing.
Keep your housing unit clean.
Do not live with single or divorced people of the opposite sex.
Do not live where the spouse is frequently absent.
Your living unit must have a private bath and entrance.
You may occasionally fast for a special reason, but generally the monthly fast is sufficient.
Do not fast longer than 24 hours at a time.
Do not ask friends, relatives, and members to join in special fasts for investigators.
Maintain your health.
Eat a healthy diet.
Sleep from 10:30 to 6:30.
Follow the approved exercise program.
Keep your body, clothes, dishes, linens, towels and housing unit clean.
Dispose of your garbage properly and promptly.
Follow the safety rules for all of your stuff.
Seek medical care if you are in an accident or become sick.
Be immunized.
Spend your money only on things relating to your mission.
Budget your money carefully.
Keep a record of what you spend.
Do not spend more than your companion.
Do not loan money.
Do not borrow money.
Keep a reserve fund of $50 to $100 at all times for transfers.
Pay your bills before leaving an area.
Pay cash for all resale literature and supplies ordered from the mission office.
Do not waste money on souvenirs.
Do not waste money on unnecessary items.
Be a frugal photographer.
Do not accumulate excess baggage.
Obey custom laws and regulations.
Pay fast offerings each fast Sunday to the bishop or branch president where you serve.
Pay tithing on outside sources of income (i.e. interest) to your home bishop or branch president.
Evaluate your funds a few months before the end of your mission. If you have more than you need, ask that less be sent so that you can return home without excess money.
Do not drive without a license.
Drive only Church-owned vehicles.
Do not drive membersâ€™ cars.
Do not drive nonmembersâ€™ cars.
Do not give rides to members or investigators in Church-owned cars.
Use cars only on approved mission business.
Use cars only within the assigned geographical area.
Be conscious of safety at all times.
Drive defensively.
Wear your seat belt.
Pray for the Lordâ€™s protection while driving.
If your companion is driving, assist him or her.
Do not tamper with the vehicleâ€™s odometer.
Know bicycle safety rules.
Use extreme caution on your bicycle.
Do not ride your bicycle after dark.
Do not ride your bicycle in heavy traffic.
Do not ride your bicycle in adverse weather conditions.
Go directly to your new area when transferred.
Find your new companion without delay when transferred.
Have a maximum of two suitcases and a briefcase.

I engaged in a two year LDS prostyliting Mission in Africa
___________________________________________

Gee kid yuz speshall...

Poor Willard had to make do with deep dark Paris and a mansion...

From what you said about the Christian Nicene Creed straight out of the Christian Bible which I believe, you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving to that same God of the Nicene Creed...

so Happy Thanksgiving to the rest of the FReepers in this thread...

I have been Mormon All of my life .... my ancestors were early members and pioneers of the LDS Church, my great-great-great-grandparents knew Joseph Smith. I engaged in a two year LDS prostyliting Mission in Africa, I was a commissioned Officer in the US Army, I am a Licensed Civil Engineer, I am a proud American, I have a wonderful family, and I worship Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior. I feel the spirit of the Holy Ghost when I commune with God.

I was mormon all my life. I am a direct descendant of Martin Harris who sold his farm to pay for the very first printing of the BoM after scribing it for Joseph Smith. I am a former Marine Corps Platoon Sgt. I was temple married and a bishopric member at 30. Just last year I went expecting to DIE to protect mormons from what i believed would be another Eric Holder Apr 19th slaughter like waco and ruby ridge....several years AFTER these very Christians here opened my blind eyes so God could save me. They and I do what we do out of LOVE for YOU. This is me guarding the grandchildren on April 19th, at the Bundy Ranch standoff.

Here are the facts:

1. You taught hundreds "the plan of salvation" without knowing that Joseph Smith ripped every word of it off from Emmanuel Swedenborg in his 1770's book "A treatise on Heaven and Hell"...every 'jot and tittle' as they say. Library records showed Joseph Smith checked it out a dozen times before the 'first vision'. Swedenborgianism is still around btw, stationed in san franfreakso. Look it up. You didn't know this because your LEADERS kept this secret from you.

2. One of the gods in Smith's first vision told him that the reason for the whole thing was a mistranslated bible. According to Smith, after completing the BoM, an angel told him to 'retranslate' the entire bible. Your founding "prophet, seer and revelator", the only one who claimed personal physical visits from the gods, spent two years doing this. After Brigham Young declared it "spurious" and a "fraud", the Salt Lake sect does not use it to this day. Knowing this is absolutely inexcusable, the Salt Lake sect leadership put in a handful of footnotes and cross references to the JST bible, covering about 2% of Smith's work. The church with 6 billion for a SLC mall says they can't afford printing rights to this day.

3. In the 'first vision' the gods also told Smith they were upset about so many denominations in Christianity. Between then and now, mormonism has fractured into at least 114 different sects.

As you can see, the very foundation is shattered....a house built on sand, ruled over by "prophets, seers and revelators" who prophesy nothing, see nothing, and reveal nothing. The keep embarassing secrets from YOU.

Did you know that the Catholics excommunicated Pelosi over her abortion votes? Harry Reid on the other hand gets to address the entire byu student body and faculty and claim Ezra Taft Benson was a false prophet....then brags about being a temple recommend holder. There is only ONE explanation for this! It is ALL FRAUD!

You're a smart guy, use the brain God gave you! If you can't understand what i laid out before you, take it to your superiors...do your research and PROVE ME WRONG IN PUBLIC!

Sorry about that, you’ve wasted your life, following a cult.

I’m sorry.

I do not; however, believe in the Nicene Creed.

Tell us Teppe, what's wrong with the Apostles Creed?

Please be specific.

Joseph Smith, in his "first vision" later made into Mormon "scripture" placed on the same par with the Bible, claimed there that "ALL" Christian creeds were "an abomination in His sight" -- the sight, that is, of the unnamed entities who appeared to Smith.

Why do Mormons deem the Apostles Creed to be an "abomination" Teppe?

Can ANY Mormon tell us specifically what's so "abominable" about the Apostles Creed?

I applaud your presence here, in spite of all the vitriol your faith receives here.

Unlike the Marxist-Progressive-Liberals, my Conservative values honor Liberty to the fullest, which demands, under true Liberty, a truly diverse society where all professions of faith are free to be heard and made a personal commitment by all who freely choose them.

Sometimes, some Freepers here begin to act like religious absolutists and with that only their version of Conservatism is welcome here. They are wrong. They are as wrong as the Marxist-Progressive-Liberals who keep trying to keep other voices than theirs out of academia.