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They Shoot Mormons, Don't They? Religious Bigotry, alive and well today
Saundra Duffy

Posted on 05/04/2007 5:46:36 AM PDT by Saundra Duffy

They Shoot Mormons, Don't They? Religious bigotry, alive and well today

May 4, 2007 - by Saundra Duffy-Hawkins

“I wouldn’t vote for a Mormon for dogcatcher, much less President of the United States!” There’s a lot of that kind of hateful rhetoric going around since Mitt Romney decided to throw his hat in the ring – as if Mormons are some kind of hideous evil monsters. The loudest anti-Mormon shouts, sad to say, are coming from America’s so-called “Christian right”. How can Mitt Romney hope to get a fair shake in this spiritually polluted atmosphere?

There was another man running for President who faced the same dilemma – John F. Kennedy – only he was the target of anti-CATHOLIC bigotry. In his 1960 speech to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association, JFK said the following: “. . .I believe in an America where religious intolerance will someday end - where all men and all churches are treated as equal - where man has the same right to attend or not attend the church of his choice - where there is no Catholic vote, no anti-Catholic vote, no bloc voting of any kind - and where Catholics, Protestants and Jews, at both the lay and pastoral level, will refrain from those attitudes of disdain and division which have so often marred their words in the past, and promote instead the American ideal of brotherhood.” John F. Kennedy Library & Museum (Speeches, 1960). By the way, if you listen to the audio version of JFK’s speech, you will hear the hurt and frustration in his voice and the unfair treatment surely must have caused many a sleepless night.

Fast forward to 2007 where JFK might as well have been “whistlin’ Dixie”. The hostility toward Mormons today, in my opinion, is even worse than that suffered by JFK. Although it is said that JFK lost about a million votes to religious intolerance, Romney stands to lose even more if the anti-Mormon evangelicals hang together.

According to Media Matters for America - “. . . a Web-based, not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media” - FOX News is not reporting accurately on the level of evangelical hostility to the Romney run. Media Matters for America points out that among evangelical leaders rejecting Mormons: Shirley and James Dobson (National Day of Prayer and Focus on the Family, respectively), the Southern Baptist Convention (collectively), Pat Robertson (Christian Broadcasting Network), and Dr. D. James Kennedy (Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Florida). “Among many conservative evangelicals – who comprise a significant part of the Republican base – Mormonism is considered an un-Christian cult.” Media Matters for America (2007)

While stumping in Florida, a man in the audience stood up during the Q&A portion and said the following to Romney: “You, sir, you’re a pretender. You do not know the Lord. You’re a Mormon.” Media Matters for America (2007). This is the kind of un-American, disrespectful treatment Mitt Romney will apparently have to endure throughout the entire campaign – as if just being a Mormon is reason enough to open the floodgates for free flow of pent-up hatred and vindictiveness.

For the record, the Mormon bashers know full well that the official name of Romney’s church is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints” and the members should rightfully be called “members of the LDS Church” but the words “Mormon” and “Mormonism” have an aura of negativity so they prefer to use the “M” word as if it were dirty.

Less than five minutes cruising around the official LDS website (LDS.org) will show anyone who’s interested that the Church is a Christian organization, with Jesus Christ at the Head. There are no paid clergy – all are volunteers. Humanitarian aid is legendary. Members of the LDS Church believe in strong family values; they are patriotic, they are law-abiding upstanding citizens of their community. Many LDS young men right out of high school go on two-year missions – you know, the guys on bikes – and during their mission they don’t date, read newspapers, go to movies or watch TV; but rather they dedicate two years of their lives to serving others. Many women go on missions as well, and couples, only theirs is 18 months in length but the obligations are basically the same. Most members do not shop or go out to eat on Sundays – reminiscent of the good old days when shops and stores were closed in obedience to the Commandment, “Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy”. If they can help it, LDS Church members do not work on Sundays, either, preferring to spend the day at church and with their families. Church members are encouraged to store up a year’s supply of food and water so they will be able to care for their families in the event of an emergency. The LDS Church believes in self-sufficiency and self-reliance but in the event of a financial hardship the Church distributes food and supplies through their welfare (Bishop’s Storehouse) program. Members of the LDS Church do not drink alcohol nor do they use illicit drugs; they do not drink coffee and tea. A Mormon in good standing, therefore, will not be found in a drunken stupor puking her guts out at 3 a.m. anywhere in the world. Furthermore, members of the church are encouraged to dress modestly, be polite and courteous. And members of the LDS Church are faithful tithe payers. Come on, people, what’s not to love?

So what on earth is their beef, the anti-Mormon zealots? Why is there such disdain for the LDS Church and its members? In Hugh Hewitt’s book, “Mormon in the White House?” he states his thesis that the fierce anti-Mormon sentiment among main-stream Christians stems from one or two or all three of the following factors (in order of importance):

1) “It is just too weird.

2) “A Mormon president will supercharge Mormons’ missionary work.

3) “If there is a Mormon in the White House, Salt Lake City will call the shots, at least on the biggest issues.” Hewitt (2007, p. 221-227)

Hugh Hewitt has written an exquisite book about the Romney campaign and overcoming the “Mormon problem.” It’s a good read and I highly recommend it. Of the three problem points listed in the previous paragraph, Hewitt believes – unless some unforeseen blunder destroys his chances – none of the three is insurmountable for Mitt Romney. (Plus, he has the best hair.)

Well, I’m no Hugh Hewitt, not even close; he’s an icon on the conservative radio talk show circuit. Hewitt could talk circles around me (I’ve seen him in action in Sacramento); he’s brilliant; he’s well educated, well read, no doubt a genius, plus he’s kind of cute. I’m basically a “nobody” – an overweight grandma – but after having researched for this paper, I have come to a totally different conclusion as to why there is such in-your-face angst over Romney’s religion of choice: It’s all about money, power and control (in that order). I think they’re (the evangelical religious bigots, that is) scared half to death and are revving up their attacks, not to save souls, but to save their reputations (which if tarnished would lead to financial ruin).

As I said, all one must do is browse around the LDS official web site to see what the LDS Church believes and stands for. Any reasonable person would conclude that Mormons are not evil monsters at all. In fact, they are God fearing, Christ believing, Holy Ghost following people going about doing good. “You will know them by their fruit” and the LDS has plenty of fruit and they are willing to share.

Earlier, I stated that some high-powered ministries have publicly condemned Mormons: Shirley and James Dobson, the Southern Baptist Convention, Pat Robertson, and Dr. D. James Kennedy – just to name a few. There are hoards of others. Sunday after Sunday, preachers, evangelists, reverends and ministers from all Christian denominations pound the pulpit with anti-Mormon rhetoric. I heard the message loud clear when I was a Baptist and when I tiptoed through evangelical/Pentecostal territories. Was I ever miffed when I later learned for myself the Gospel truth about the LDS Church.

Just think about it, please. If Dr. D. James Kennedy, for example, who wrote the book, The Wolves Among Us, were to admit he’d been wrong in labeling the LDS Church a “cult” that leads unwary ignorant people astray (to hell), what would become of his multi-million-dollar ministry? Suffice it to say, there’s big money to be had by sale of books, tapes, CD’s, videos, and other anti-Mormon propaganda, not to mention speaking engagements and world-wide religious crusades. We’re talking trillions, all told. I realize the anti-Mormon aspect of these ministries is but a small portion of the business, but if the truth came out, that they had been using falsehoods about the LDS Church as a cash cow, their entire empires could tumble.

The ABC News program 20/20 aired on March 23, 2007, exposed the lavish lifestyles of some of the top evangelical preachers – million dollar mansions and personal jets. ABC News - 20/20 (2007) (Again, the LDS Church has no paid clergy.)

It’s nothing new. Severe harassment and persecution has been the lot of the LDS Church since it’s inception in 1820 when a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith saw visions and communed with heavenly beings. Rather than discuss the spiritual aspects of the LDS Church, however, let’s stick to facts of history. Taken from a college-level early American history textbook, Joseph Smith, upon experiencing the visions and visitations, believed “that God had work for me to do, and that my name should be for good and evil among all nations, kindreds and tongues.” Ayers, Gould, Oshinsky, and Soderlund (2004, p. 292). The textbook continues, “They were met with hostility virtually everywhere they went . . . . As the movement gathered momentum, hundreds of people joined the church; entire congregations of churches of other faiths joined . . .” Ayers, Gould, Oshinsky, and Soderlund (2004, p. 293)

During the dark time of American history when slavery was flourishing and when Native Americans were forced from their lands, the pioneers of the LDS Church also suffered at the hands of unscrupulous politicians, governmental leaders, and angry hate-filled mobs. “In the face of relentless persecution, Joseph Smith, the founder of the church, had led his flock to Illinois. There they had established the town of Nauvoo, which by the mid-1840’s had become the largest city in Illinois with over 15,000 people. . . In June 1844, a mob of non-Mormons broke into the jail where Smith was being held and killed both him and his brother. . .The Mormons abandoned Nauvoo in the spring of 1846 as anti-Mormons pounded the town with cannon, destroying the Great Temple. In a well-coordinated migration, 15,000 Mormons moved in stages to the Great Salt Lake.” Ayers, Gould, Oshinsky, and Soderlund (2004, p. 334-335) Many walked all the way and many died along the way, including innocent babes.

Joseph Smith at one time was tarred and feathered by a mob. No jury, no trial, no judge – and they had planned to castrate him, too. On October 27, 1838, the then governor of Missouri issued an “extermination order”: “The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary . . .” Far West History (n.d.) Please note that the order called for exterminating “Mormons” making no distinction between men, women and children, and indeed women and children were subject to the extermination order.

In an event known in LDS history as “the Haun’s Mill Massacre”, precipitated by the extermination order, 30 to 40 LDS families were surprised by some 200 to 250 militia. After the smoke cleared, seventeen LDS people lay dead including a ten-year-old boy. Thirteen LDS members were wounded including a woman and a seven-year-old boy. “A few Missourians returned the next day and took plunder.” LDS FAQ (n.d.) No Missouri militiamen were killed but three were wounded. Just a few years earlier, the LDS folk who died that day had been members of other churches - Congregational or Methodist or Baptist or Presbyterian.

In l976, Governor Bond of Missouri officially rescinded the extermination order and presented apologies for the “unfortunate developments” it caused. Quoting from Governor Bond’s Executive Order: “WHEREAS, Governor Boggs’ order clearly contravened the rights to life, liberty, property and religious freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, as well as the Constitution of the State of Missouri; and . . . Expressing on behalf of all Missourians our deep regret for the injustice and undue suffering rescind Executive Order Number 44 dated October 27, 1838, issued by Governor W. Boggs. . .” Far West History (n.d.) The individuals who harassed, abused, and even murdered Mormons in cold blood were never tried for their crimes.

I read Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from Birmingham Jail and it really touched my heart. There he was, suffering for the Lord in jail, and these religious leaders with highfalutin titles on the outside wrote an open letter (“A Call for Unity”) in which they criticize King’s tactics and basically blame King for the racial turmoil of the time. Though you can tell King is upset and hurt by the attack – made worse because he’s stuck in jail and can’t confront the religious leaders face-to-face – his response is gentle genius. “I wish you had commended the Negro sit-inners and demonstrators of Birmingham for their sublime courage, their willingness to suffer, and their amazing discipline in the midst of great provocation. One day the South will recognize its real heroes.” Barnet and Bedau (2005, p. 881)

King has a few choice words for the Church, too: “If today’s church does not recapture the sacrificial spirit of the early church, it will lose its authenticity, forfeit the loyalty of millions, and be dismissed as an irrelevant social club with no meaning for the twentieth century. Every day I meet young people whose disappointment with the church has turned into outright disgust.” Barnet and Bedau (2005, p. 880)

King signs off with “Yours for the cause of Peace and Brotherhood”.

There’s an eerie commonality between what JFK and MLK endured at the hands of the religious bigots of their day and what Mitt Romney is facing today. I hope and pray that Romney will be able to fend off these undeserved attacks from the religious hypocrites with the same grace, dignity and God-inspired resolve displayed by the other two.

A few popular bumper stickers read: “Honk if you love Jesus” and “Christians aren’t perfect, just forgiven” or “Jesus is my co-pilot”. Yet, apparently, these same bumper-sticker Christians are the ones waging war against Mitt Romney’s run for the Presidency solely on the basis of his chosen faith in a Church that bears the name of the Savior of the world.

References

ABC News - 20/20 (2007). Philanthropic donations come from your heart, but where do they end up? Ex-money manager says "enough!" to secretive Christian Ministry spending. Glenn Ruppel & John Stossel. United States: ABC News.

Ayers, E. L., Gould, L. L., Oshinsky, D. M., & Soderlund, J. R. (2004). American Passages - a history of the United States - Volume I: to 1877 (2nd ed.). Belmont, California: Thomson/Wadsworth.

Barnet, S., & Bedau, H. (2005). Letter from Birmingham Jail. Current Issues and Enduring Questions - a guide to critical thinking and argument, with readings (7th ed., pp. 867-882). Boston and New York: Bedford/St. Martin's.

Far West History. (n.d.). The Extermination Order and how it was rescinded. Retrieved April 28, 2007, from http://www.jwha.info/mmff/exorder.htm

Hewitt, H. (2007). A Mormon in the White House? 10 things every American should know about Mitt Romney. Washington, D.C.: Regnery Publishing, Inc.

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum. (1960, September 12). Address of Senator John F. Kennedy to the Greater Houston Ministerial Association. Retrieved April 22, 2007, from http://www.jfklibrary.org

Lds Faq. (n.d.). What was the Haun's Mill Massacre? Retrieved April 28-2007, 2004, from Brigham Young University Web Site: http://ldsfaq.byu.edu/view.asp?q=57

Media Matters for America. (2007). Fox News whitewashes evangelical hostility to Romney's faith. Retrieved April 22, 2007, from http://mediamatters.org/items/printable/200702280002


TOPICS: Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: boggsforgovernor; cuespookymusic; election; lds; mormon; mormons; romney; whitesalamanderblues
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To: colorcountry
Since this is obviously meant for me, I’ll respond, at least to the military accusation, the others wern’t from me. (you left me out of the addressee list, but that’s ok.) I’m sorry to have offended you. I didn’t lie, I told you to be careful because you were gling down a road talking about protecting freedoms in one breath, and badmouthing the Mornon faith in the next. I simply stated that there are more National Guard per capita from Utah currently protecting our freedoms in the middle east than from any other state. I found it ironic that they were protecting your right to denigrate their beliefs. It was in no way meant as a statement about your own military family connections. I have my own, so I know why you are defensive. Perhaps you in your anger can sense in just a small way how we must feel every single day when you say hateful things about what we also hold most dear and love with all our hearts.

Congratulations to you son! And I'm sory to have offended you on that post so long ago!

1,181 posted on 05/07/2007 11:55:21 PM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: colorcountry; Utah Girl; sevenbak

Sorry I got the impression in all these years I thought you were seal in the Church. I remember you going in one post a few years back of how you did all those duty of LDS wife and going to the temple etc and how your husband did not want you to leave the Church to me this left the impression you were at one time doing the whole 9 yards!

Excuse me!

I just read sevenbak post and saw I have miss something your post, and you seem so quick to say I telling lies when I get a wrong impression of your relationship all these years with the Church!

You said you started to become in active in the Church in the 80’s and you are married for 24 years and it is 2007 now so you must have start to become inactive when around the time I was converted in 1982?

I am one for timelines it helps me to keep order!


1,182 posted on 05/07/2007 11:58:18 PM PDT by restornu (Elevate Your Thoughts!)
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To: Colofornian
Okay, we all need repentance. But the Book of Mormon says that ya don't get grace til you've done all you can do.

Not true!!:

Helaman 12:24

And may God grant, in his great fullness, that men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works.

We receive grace for grace, according to our obedience and faithfulness. We do all we can do all the time, so it stands to reason that receiving grace for grace is a lifelong process of blessings from God.

This one might help too:

2 Nephi 28:30

For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.

1,183 posted on 05/08/2007 12:06:55 AM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: sevenbak; colorcountry

Thank you for defending me it sure can get lonely when there are so few of us!:)

CC I would always want you to be with your husband companionship is priceless and still hurts even after they have pass on!

I look forward to the day when my husband and I reunite someday!:)


1,184 posted on 05/08/2007 12:07:12 AM PDT by restornu (Elevate Your Thoughts!)
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To: restornu

I’ve counted 35 LDS people here on FR, not including myself.


1,185 posted on 05/08/2007 12:11:56 AM PDT by RichRepublican (Good fences make good neighbors.)
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To: DelphiUser

Ah, I love that one, thanks. It’s similar to the “I’ll take his lickin’” story. Anyone know where that one is?


1,186 posted on 05/08/2007 12:13:46 AM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: FastCoyote
But ooops, the tightnit Mormon community is as pure as driven snow.

Hardly! To illustrate that, look no further than Harry Reid. ;-) LDS are as human as everyone else. We aren't alone among Christian sects who believe strongly in the commandments and the importance of works, (see James 2) but we fail like everyone else. No one is perfect except Christ.

We've all done a lot of Bible quoting lately, perhaps it's time for some Shakespeare:

"If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?" - Merchant of Venice

1,187 posted on 05/08/2007 12:24:32 AM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: MHGinTN
I wonder how many of the ‘board members’ of Marriott are Not Mormons? Hypocrisy is such a telling trait don’tchaknow.

Why don’t you find out instead of calling me a hypocrite. There are many many factors in decisions like this. Do I hate it yes, but I don’t assume to know everything. Find out who is a member if you can. I don’t know if it’s possible, but there it is:

http://www.investor.reuters.com/business/BusCompanyBusLeaders.aspx?ticker=MAR&target=%2fbusiness%2fbuscompany%2fbuscompfake%2fbuscompbusleaders%2fall

Also, I'm sure you wouldn't appreciate it if I judged all Baptists on the actions of Jimmy Carter (or worse)

1,188 posted on 05/08/2007 12:32:06 AM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: colorcountry
Christians do not live under the Abrahamic Covenant

Since when? This is exactly what the Abrahamic covenant was and is for. Read Galatians 3, the whole chapter. Here's the last verse to whet your appetite:

29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham's’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

1,189 posted on 05/08/2007 12:37:17 AM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: RichRepublican

Glad to know thank you for clueing me in!


1,190 posted on 05/08/2007 12:38:49 AM PDT by restornu (Elevate Your Thoughts!)
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To: rwfromkansas
that IS NOT A CHRISTIAN BELIEF. Scripture makes it clear the Bible is the COMPLETE revelation of God and Jesus Christ. Revelation says if anybody adds anything to what was written, they will bring damnation upon themselves like a whirlwind.

This reference from Revelations is about the REVELATIONS of John, not the word of God. Were that to be the case, then you could throw out the whole bible after Deuteronomy:

Deut. 4: 2 (2-3). 2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

The Book of Mormon is "Another Testament of Jesus Christ", given by His prophets anciently in a separate land from where He ministered while in the flesh.

"...in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." Matt 18:16

1,191 posted on 05/08/2007 12:50:31 AM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: DelphiUser
We had the same lesson, my brother had it last week, next week, we have stake conference, then we will be in sync with his ward again.

WHEW! ;-)

1,192 posted on 05/08/2007 12:54:20 AM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: sevenbak
I just can’t keep up, I need sleep. See ya all tomorrow night, I'm sure there will be another 200-300 more added to the 200 I didn’t finish tonight. (sigh)

WOW, I finally caught up with this last post from yesterday. It's only 2am and I'm still 200 posts from the end. Looks like I continue to fail, thank heaven I don't have to be perfect! ;-) G'Night all.

1,193 posted on 05/08/2007 1:00:15 AM PDT by sevenbak (A LIE travels around the world while the TRUTH is still putting on its boots -Winston Churchill)
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To: DelphiUser

>> What, got to you? Somebody sold you some
>> scientific mumbo jumbo and you believed
>> it? “Science is the history of saying we
>> were wrong”

No, what got to me is how the church deals with science. For example, the reputable LDS scholars all believe that Joseph Smith was wrong and that the scientists are right that the Lamanite/Nephite civilization are not the principal ancestors of the Native Americans. Why did they change their mind? Is it because there has been ZERO evidence found of the Lamanite/Nephite civilization? Is it because the scientists of all disciplines agree that the ancestors of the Native Americans were people who crossed a land bridge that once existed on the Bering Straits? Whatever it is its happened that they’ve changed their mind about the ancestry of the Native Americans.

BTW for restornu .... I had a very strong testimony. That’s a fact and all your suggestions that this wasn’t so are simply rubbish. I mourned my loss of testimony in Mormonism very deeply and would love to have it back if such a thing were honestly possible. Frankly the biggest problem facing the church today is the ever-willingness of its defenders to spin, lie, distort, withhold the truth, etc. on any issue that comes up which might not make the church look good. Some members wearing rose-colored glasses don’t see how foolish this makes them look. But for those outside the fold its quite obvious. And your statements about me are definitely false.


1,194 posted on 05/08/2007 4:04:06 AM PDT by Degaston
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To: MHGinTN

Jhn 13:16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent

Jhn 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come [again] unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.


1,195 posted on 05/08/2007 4:19:32 AM PDT by Netizen (If we can't locate/deport illegals, how will we get them to come forward to pay their $3,250 fines?)
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To: sevenbak

Define Abrahamic Covenant for our readers.


1,196 posted on 05/08/2007 4:36:09 AM PDT by colorcountry (It is wrong to criticize the leaders of the church even if the criticism is true ~Dallin Oaks)
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To: restornu
All are saved by grace from hell, as long as they are not the Son of Perdition.

Even the Xlintons?

Come now. Don't force us to call the mods on you!

Heh-heh
1,197 posted on 05/08/2007 4:37:33 AM PDT by George W. Bush (Election Math For Dummies: GOP รท Rudi = Hillary)
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To: sevenbak; restornu

I told you back in the day when Mormons on FR first started “baiting” me to resign from the Church because I wasn’t being truthful, that my husband asked me not to resign.

He is afraid of the community and family fallout. The threat is real, it may very well impact our business, our relationships and our family. As for me, I don’t care. I maintained my membership because my mother and my husband asked me to, it was important to them.

I regret listening to you people! It was none of your business what I did. But in reality this is a much less painful way for them than if I was dragged into court and excommunicated because I didn’t sustain the Prophet.

(This post is not directed to you Resty, you were supportive of my decision to maintain membership.)


1,198 posted on 05/08/2007 4:42:47 AM PDT by colorcountry (It is wrong to criticize the leaders of the church even if the criticism is true ~Dallin Oaks)
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To: restornu

Resty you know my story, quit acting obtuse.

I was Temple married at 17 to an LDS man in the TEMPLE. I was married (I thought) for seven years and had 3 children. He was actually married to a wife in Texas....oopsy! At 24 I found myself alone with three children and still active LDS. Those events with my current husband came later.

Just go read my story again. Now I wonder if you ever did. You’ve talked to me for two years about Mormonism and I’ve posted my story TWICE and you still don’t understand. Oh well.


1,199 posted on 05/08/2007 4:49:56 AM PDT by colorcountry (It is wrong to criticize the leaders of the church even if the criticism is true ~Dallin Oaks)
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To: sevenbak

If the tithe is private, on the honor system, and between the person and God, then there is no need to even have a ‘tithing settlement’ with a third party.


1,200 posted on 05/08/2007 5:31:28 AM PDT by Netizen (If we can't locate/deport illegals, how will we get them to come forward to pay their $3,250 fines?)
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