"I'm a sixth generation Latter-Day-Saint(on all sides) of my much researched pedigree. My dad was a Bishop, my Grandfather a Stake President"
Why do you even think any of that is the least bit relevant? There is nothing genetic about faith, knowledge, testemony or anything else.
"and sealed to a dirty, rotten, scoundrel who was practicing to attain celestial glory through earthly polygamy (but he never actually married his "helpmates"), "
I hope he was reported to the church and dealt with properly. I also hope that you are not so bitter about the wrongs one person did to you that you feel compeled to lash out at a church that also doesn't approve of what he did.
"Now you can go and tell me, that all these "beliefs" don't belong to the "Church." "
there are commonly held mistaken ideas, 'lds urban legends' and such that circulate among members (especially in Utah it seems). The same could be said of any church however, it is just human nature to do things like that.
The doctrine of the church however is what is in the scriptures. A lot of work is put into making sure official publication like Church magazines and lesson manuals accuratly portray the doctrine of the church, but the stardard to measure by is what is in the Standard Works. If you can't find it on lds.org, don't go around calling it church doctrine.
"I'm sorry you don't remember me, because I remember you."
I apologize for my poor memory then. Can you remind me what thread it was?
"I have researched the LDS from inside and out, I know BOTH sides....not just one side of the propaganda."
Likewise. Nor was I born, raised or ever lived in place with a significant Mormon population to shelter me from other ideas. Even inside my childhood home my dad was not a member for many years. I too am a Seminary Graduate, and I'm a returned Missionary who married in the temple and has served in many different callings, including EQ President.
Don't assume that simply because I have not reached the same conclusion as you that I have not examined things as deeply.
"Mormons can be wonderful people, great neighbors, and good politicians. They can also be dishonest, self-serving, criminals."
And how is this any different than any other group?
"I believe that people need to examine all sides of an argument. I hope you can."
I can, I have, and I continue to do so. Seeking personal revelation is part of examining things however, don't ignore that.
If you want to discuss this further, freepmail would seem to be more appropriate IMHO.
Why do you even think any of that is the least bit relevant? There is nothing genetic about faith, knowledge, testemony or anything else.
I have access to the writings and intimate experiences of at least 32 forbearers. This gives me glimpses into the history of the Church, as experienced by its members…not through the propaganda of the “Church Machine.” I have a family member who was director of communications for the LDS, thus I have some knowledge of the workings of the “approved doctrine.”
"and sealed to a dirty, rotten, scoundrel who was practicing to attain celestial glory through earthly polygamy (but he never actually married his "helpmates"),
I hope he was reported to the church and dealt with properly. I also hope that you are not so bitter about the wrongs one person did to you that you feel compeled to lash out at a church that also doesn't approve of what he did.
Your statement goes to prove that members are “reported” to Church hierarchy and thus forced to submit or else face recrimination. This can be devastating in a small LDS community and serves (as in a cult) to strictly regulate behavior.
"Now you can go and tell me, that all these "beliefs" don't belong to the "Church."
there are commonly held mistaken ideas, 'lds urban legends' and such that circulate among members (especially in Utah it seems). The same could be said of any church however, it is just human nature to do things like that.
The Church did not view “garment protection” as an urban legend when it published many books containing stories of such. For example; see the writings of Paul H. Dunn and other Church officials. Of course, now the Church views Dunn as a liar and no longer recognizes his “faith promoting stories.” Other Church officials have publicized the belief see - Apostle Boyd K. Packer, The Holy Temple, page 75
The doctrine of the church however is what is in the scriptures. A lot of work is put into making sure official publication like Church magazines and lesson manuals accuratly portray the doctrine of the church, but the stardard to measure by is what is in the Standard Works. If you can't find it on lds.org, don't go around calling it church doctrine.
A lot of work goes into preparing official publications so that they do not contain sacred or embarrassing doctrine, for example the text of the Temple Ceremony is not recorded anywhere for the general public since it is sacred. It is published however by non-LDS groups (much to the chagrin of the Church machine.)
The Church Lesson manuals are a fairly recent invention of the LDS. In days past, there were other publications that were approved as educational materials such as; BY’s Journal of Discourses. Of course the Church no longer recognizes these writings as “approved doctrine,” because frankly they are embarrassing. Brigham Young’s writings teach of man becoming God, Adam = Michael the Arch Angel, the Earth being populated by beings from another planet named Kolob, to name a few. It is very convenient for the Church to be able to say now, that these were just the ramblings of a man named Brigham Young and not the PROPHET, Brigham Young.
Approved Church doctrine in the 1960’s said Joseph Smith never practiced physical intimacy in polygamy….that he was sealed to multiple women for eternity only. Of course, this doctrine has had to be revised, as history has revealed the embarrassing facts concerning Joseph Smith and polygamy. The Doctrine and Covenants, section 132 was changed in the 1970’s to state that the doctrine of polygamy had been revealed to Joseph Smith and he had in fact been practicing it for six years before the practice was revealed to his wife, Emma in that section of D & C.
Another recent invention is lds.org. My ancestors would have been surprised to hear your statement, that “If you can't find it on lds.org, don't go around calling it church doctrine.”
"I'm sorry you don't remember me, because I remember you."
I apologize for my poor memory then. Can you remind me what thread it was?
The great thing about FreeRepublic is I can read what you write and become acquainted with your opinions without your knowledge. We have, in fact, conversed, but that is irrelevant since anyone can read about you here.
"I have researched the LDS from inside and out, I know BOTH sides....not just one side of the propaganda."
Likewise. Nor was I born, raised or ever lived in place with a significant Mormon population to shelter me from other ideas. Even inside my childhood home my dad was not a member for many years. I too am a Seminary Graduate, and I'm a returned Missionary who married in the temple and has served in many different callings, including EQ President.
Not having lived in Utah or among a significant Mormon population gives you the disadvantage of not experiencing Mormon culture. Mormon culture, consist of non-doctrinal, folkloric beliefs, which are just as important and vital to the religion as the “official doctrine.” By their FRUITS you shall know them. How Mormons live their religion is possibly MORE important than the Church’s published doctrine. Following is an example of culture dictating behavior over published “doctrine:”
Garments have remained the same since the last changes in 1979, although more women today are wearing their bras underneath their garments. Traditionally, temple workers have told women that they must wear the garment on their skin and bras must be worn over the garment. Although temple workers continue to give this directive, there is no documented instruction from the First Presidency to do so.
"Mormons can be wonderful people, great neighbors, and good politicians. They can also be dishonest, self-serving, criminals."
And how is this any different than any other group?
Not different at all…..this makes Mormons just like everyone else, not special, chosen or exalted in any way.