But the Mormon church is not about theology; it's basically a support group for middle class people trying to raise children, usually in numbers greater than two. It also functions as a countervailing force against the federal government in a region in which the government owns 80% of the land.
I seriously doubt that any more than about a tenth of one percent of Mormons have ever spent more than five minutes thinking or wondering about Mormon theology.
I seriously doubt that any more than about a tenth of one percent of Mormons have ever spent more than five minutes thinking or wondering about Mormon theology.
LOL... we can tell you don't know much about Mormons... :-)
I guess you haven't heard of the Mormon Missionaries, then, huh? I think they spend more than "five minutes" on their theology...
We also have a lay ministry, which means that the common members teach each other, give talks, teach classes, officiate in the Priesthood, do all things that are required, that other churches hire out or pay for. It's very hands on, for all members.
In fact, just today my lovely wife gave a talk during the Christmas program in our Sacrament meeting. (the main Sunday meeting) She was one of 2 speakers, besides the choir numbers for the Christmas program. SHe was given a topic, "The divinity of the Christ" for this Christmas program.
I'll post her talk here. Hopefully it will help you understand the obvious misunderstanding you have of my faith and it's adherents.
Merry Christmas.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah chapter 9 verse 6.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David… to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke chapter 2.
When asked to think of the divinity of Jesus Christ, his divine birth immediately spring to mind. President Ezra Taft Benson tells us “The paternity of Jesus Christ is one of the mysteries of godliness. It may only be comprehended by the spiritually minded.” The Bible and the Book of Mormon are full of testimonies of appointed witnesses that leave no question as to the paternity of Jesus Christ: our Heavenly Father was the Father of His earthly body, and Mary, a mortal woman, was His mother. He is the Only Begotten Son of our Heavenly Father.
His ministry on earth tells, again, of his divinity. In 3rd Nephi, Jesus tells the people his divine purpose: “And my Father sent me that I might be lifted up upon the cross; and after that I had been lifted up upon the cross, that I might draw all men unto me, that as I have been lifted up by men even so should men be lifted up by the Father, to stand before me, to be judged of their works, whether they be good or whether they be evil – And it shall come to pass, that whoso repenteth and is baptized in my name shall be filled; and if he endureth to the end, behold, him will I hold guiltless before my Father at that day when I shall stand to judge the world.”
It was prophesied before His birth that He should perform many might miracles, as part of his ministry. In Mosiah chapter 3 verse 5 we read, “ For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.”
Today there are many who would seek to explain away the miracles of Jesus Christ, or to even proclaim that they never happened. President Benson bears his testimony this way, “ I say, Jesus’ entire ministry was a mark of his divinity. He spoke as God, He acted as God, and performed works which only God himself can do. His works bear testimony of His divinity.”
Other marks of His divinity are the Atonement, his Resurrection and the promise of his second coming. Put all together, these points, and many more testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ. May I put my testimony with that of the leaders of our Church,
“He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.”
Close with personal testimony of the Savior
If they show up HERE; then their percentages will go WAY up! ;^)
I seriously doubt that any more than about a tenth of one percent of Mormons have ever spent more than five minutes thinking or wondering about Mormon theology.
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Mormons actually do spend quite a bit of time thinking about their theology, especially trying to “make it fit” with all the contradictions there are. Been there, done that.
What Mormons FAIL to do, however, is compare their theology to the BIBLE.