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Posted on 08/11/2010 10:43:46 AM PDT by greyfoxx39
(NOTE: This article is from a recognized LDS site)
Introduction
Latter-day Saints recognize Muslims as brothers and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father, with whom we can find much common ground. LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley stated: "we value our Muslim neighbors across the world." Latter-day Saints respect the strong values of Muslims as well as Islamic contributions to science, literature, history, philosophy, medicine, and the arts. Although there are many differences between Muslims and Latter-day Saints in doctrine and practice, we acknowledge these differences with respect rather than criticism.
Muhammad and Revelation
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that Muhammad was an inspired teacher who taught a portion of God's word. The Book of Mormon teaches: "The Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore, we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true."[1] In a letter written on February 15, 1978, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints declared:
"Based upon ancient and modern revelation, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gladly teaches and declares the Christian doctrine that all men and women are brothers and sisters, not only by blood relationship from common mortal progenitors but also as literal spirit children of an Eternal Father. The great religious leaders of the world such as Muhammad, Confucius, and the Reformers ... received a portion of God's light. Moral truths were given to them by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals ... Consistent with these truths, we believe that God has given and will give to all peoples sufficient knowledge to help them on their way to eternal salvation, either in this life or in the life to come ... Our message therefore is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are sons and daughters of the same Eternal Father."[2]
LDS Apostle George Q. Cannon stated:
"I believe myself that Mahomed, whom the Christians deride and call a false prophet and stigmatize with a great many epithets -- I believe that he was a man raised up by the Almighty, and inspired to a certain extent by Him to effect the reforms which he did in his land, and in the nations surrounding. He attacked idolatry, and restored the great and crowning idea that there is but one God. He taught that idea to his people, and reclaimed them from polytheism and from the heathenish practices into which they had fallen. I believe many men were inspired who lived after him and before him, who, nevertheless, did not have the Holy Priesthood, but were led by the Spirit of God to strive for a better condition of affairs and to live a purer and higher life than those by whom they were surrounded were living. But while this was the case, it was the Spirit of God that did it."[3]
Latter-day Saints accept all truth, wherever it may be found, as part of our religion -- whether in the Quran or in other good books.
God
Latter-day Saints and Muslims believe that God is just, merciful, all-knowing and all-powerful. Latter-day Saints recognize the terms God and Allah to refer to the same being in different languages. The Quran teaches: "Allah is He Who created seven Firmaments and of the earth a similar number. Through the midst of them (all) descends His Command: that ye may know that Allah has power over all things, and that Allah comprehends all things in (His) Knowledge."[4] The Book of Mormon teaches: "Believe in God; believe that he is, and that he created all things, both in heaven and in earth; believe that he has all wisdom, and all power, both in heaven and in earth; believe that man doth not comprehend all the things which the Lord can comprehend."[5]
Christ and Muhammad
The Quran teaches that Jesus (Isa) was a great teacher and prophet sent by God. Latter-day Saints worship Jesus Christ as the son of God and Savior of the world. The Quran testifies that Allah sent Isa to teach truth: "And in their footsteps We sent Jesus the son of Mary, confirming the Law that had come before him: We sent him the Gospel: therein was guidance and light, and confirmation of the Law that had come before him: a guidance and an admonition to those who fear Allah."[6]
The Quran teaches that Jesus should be revered: "Behold! the angels said: 'O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah.'"[7] It testifies of the many miracles performed by Jesus. Sura 3:47-51 states:
"She said: 'O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man hath touched me?' He said: 'Even so: Allah createth what He willeth: When He hath decreed a plan, He but saith to it, 'Be,' and it is! And Allah will teach him the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel, And (appoint him) an apostle to the Children of Israel, (with this message): 'I have come to you, with a Sign from your Lord, in that I make for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by Allah's leave: And I heal those born blind, and the lepers, and I quicken the dead, by Allah's leave; and I declare to you what ye eat, and what ye store in your houses. Surely therein is a Sign for you if ye did believe; (I have come to you), to attest the Law which was before me. And to make lawful to you part of what was (Before) forbidden to you; I have come to you with a Sign from your Lord. So fear Allah, and obey me. It is Allah Who is my Lord and your Lord; then worship Him. This is a Way that is straight.'"
God strengthened Jesus by the Holy Spirit and gave Jesus power to perform miracles, heal the sick, raise the dead. The Quran states: "Then will Allah say: "O Jesus the son of Mary! Recount My favour to thee and to thy mother. Behold! I strengthened thee with the holy spirit, so that thou didst speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught thee the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel and behold! ... thou healest those born blind, and the lepers, by My leave. And behold! thou bringest forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the Children of Israel from (violence to) thee when thou didst show them the clear Signs ..."[8] Muhammad never claimed to have performed any miracles.
The Quran further states of Jesus: "He said: 'I am indeed a servant of Allah. He hath given me revelation and made me a prophet; And He hath made me blessed wheresoever I be, and hath enjoined on me Prayer and Charity as long as I live; (He) hath made me kind to my mother, and not overbearing or miserable; So peace is on me the day I was born, the day that I die, and the day that I shall be raised up to life (again).' Such (was) Jesus the son of Mary: (it is) a statement of truth, about which they (vainly) dispute."[9]
The Quran teaches that Jesus was taken up to heaven, where he dwells with God: "Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise."[10] Muhammad's grave is in Medina today. In contrast, Muhammad was told to seek forgiveness of his sins: "Know, therefore, that there is no god but Allah, and ask forgiveness for thy fault, and for the men and women who believe ..."[11] Muhammad never claimed to be sinless.
Faith, Works, and Judgment
God will return to judge the world "When the earth is pounded to powder, And thy Lord cometh, and His angels, rank upon rank."[12] The Book of Mormon teaches that all men will one day "stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body."[13] Latter-day Saints strive to "endure to the end" to be found worthy, through Christ's grace, to return to God.[14]
Both Muhammad and Christ taught that even after doing good works, the grace of God is still necessary. The Quran teaches: "If Allah were to punish men for their wrong-doing, He would not leave, on the (earth), a single living creature: but He gives them respite for a stated Term: When their Term expires, they would not be able to delay (the punishment) for a single hour, just as they would not be able to anticipate it (for a single hour)."[15] It continues: "One Day every soul will come up struggling for itself, and every soul will be recompensed (fully) for all its actions, and none will be unjustly dealt with. But verily thy Lord, to those who do wrong in ignorance, but who thereafter repent and make amends, thy Lord, after all this, is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."[16] The Bible teaches that "God is a merciful God."[17] The Book of Mormon prophet Nephi writes: "it is by grace we are saved, after all we can do."[18]
The Quran and the Book of Mormon teach that God looks upon our actions and our intentions. The Quran states, "Seest thou one who denies the Judgment (to come)? Then such is the (man) who repulses the orphan (with harshness), and encourages not the feeding of the indigent. So woe to the worshippers who are neglectful of their prayers, those who (want but) to be seen (of men), but refuse (to supply) (even) neighbourly needs."[19] The Book of Mormon teaches, "For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such."[20]
The Quran, Bible, and Book of Mormon all warn against placing our hearts on riches. The Quran teaches that God's chastisement comes "because they love the life of this world better than the Hereafter: and Allah will not guide those who reject Faith."[21] The Bible teaches, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."[22]
The Quran teaches: "Who can be better in religion than one who submits his whole self to Allah, does good, and follows the way of Abraham the true in Faith? For Allah did take Abraham for a friend."[23] Jesus taught, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."[24]
The Quran and the Book of Mormon both teach the importance of obeying God's laws. The Quran teaches, "Then, he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) heavy, Will be in a life of good pleasure and satisfaction. But he whose balance (of good deeds) will be (found) light, Will have his home in a (bottomless) Pit."[25] The Quran states that "those who believe in Allah and work righteousness, He will admit to Gardens beneath which Rivers flow, to dwell therein for ever: Allah has indeed granted for them a most excellent Provision."[26] The Book of Mormon teaches: "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness."[27]
The Pillars of Islam
Similarities can be found between the "Five Pillars of Islam" and LDS beliefs. Latter-day Saints and Muslims believe that there is one God, and that we must have no other gods before Him. Second, Muslims pray five times daily toward the holy city of Mecca. Latter-day Saints pray daily, personally and with their families, a minimum of five times daily -- before all meals, when rising in the morning, and when retiring in the evening. We also believe that we should always have a prayer in our hearts. Third, Muslims participate in almsgiving, or giving one-fortieth of one's income to the poor. Latter-day Saints believe in the law of tithing and return one-tenth of all of our increase to the Lord. Fourth, Latter-day Saints and Muslims both believe that fasting can bring us closer to God. While Muslims fast from food and drink from sunrise to sunset from morning to evening throughout the entire month of Ramadan, Latter-day Saints believe in fasting for twenty-four hour periods once a month, or more frequently if the occasion warrants. Finally, Muslims strive to perform a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in one's lifetime. The travels of the early Latter-day Saint pioneers are in many ways comparable to those of devout Muslims. The sacrifices made by many LDS families to attend the temple at least once in a lifetime, and much more frequently, if opportunities allow, are in many ways similar to the sacrifices made by Muslim pilgrims to Mecca.
The Christian Apostasy
Muslims and Latter-day Saints both recognize that after the coming of Jesus, divisions and apostasy arose in the Christian church. The Quran teaches: "Those apostles We endowed with gifts, some above others: To one of them Allah spoke; others He raised to degrees (of honour); to Jesus the son of Mary We gave clear (Signs), and strengthened him with the holy spirit. If Allah had so willed, succeeding generations would not have fought among each other, after clear (Signs) had come to them, but they (chose) to wrangle, some believing and others rejecting. If Allah had so willed, they would not have fought each other; but Allah Fulfilleth His plan."[28] Latter-day Saints recognize the departure of many Christians from the teachings of the Apostles and the loss of divine authority in the Church, as well as the restoration of God's church through the prophet Joseph Smith.
Latter-day Saints and Muslims acknowledge that writings in the Bible, while inspired and truthful, underwent some changes as they passed through the hands of careless scribes and translators and conniving priests. Latter-day Saints and Muslims also recognize that many doctrines of non-LDS Christianity come not from the Bible, but from various creeds and non-apostolic works of the so-called 'early church fathers,' as well as from pagan Greek and Roman traditions. Latter-day Saints do not accept the non-biblical creeds widely regarded by other Christian faiths.
The Divine Light and Revelation
Latter-day Saints receive guidance through ongoing revelation from living prophets and apostles today. While Jews accept the holy writings constituting the Old Testament and sectarian Christians claim to believe both the Old and New Testaments, Muslims recognize the Old and the New Testament and the Quran as inspired. In each case, a certain amount of revelation is accepted, but no more. Each group draws a line cutting themselves off from ongoing, contemporary revelation. This diverges from the Lord's pattern of constant, ongoing revelation to His people throughout all of recorded scripture. Latter-day Saints differ from Jews, Sectarian Christians, and Muslims in that we accept not only the Lord's ancient words in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, but we accept the words and instruction that the Lord continues to give through living prophets and apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the Book of Mormon, the Lord states: "because that I have spoken one word ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my work is not yet finished."[29]
God is eternal and unchanging, and He loves his children as much today as in the time of Abraham or Muhammad. He revealed to Abraham and Muhammad many particulars relating to even seemingly small aspects of daily life. Yet we face challenges today that did not exist at the time of Abraham or Muhammad. Would God withhold counsel from us today in great matters, when he taught Abraham and Muhammad even in small ones? Latter-day Saints believe that God in his wisdom has provided living prophets on earth today, in whom the divine light dwells, to provide us with direction. God also provides a way in which all those who live worthily and receive authorized ordinances can receive within themselves the divine light.
God sends the Holy Spirit to help us to identify truth. The Quran teaches: "Say, the Holy Spirit has brought the revelation from thy Lord in Truth, in order to strengthen those who believe, and as a Guide and Glad Tidings to Muslims."[30] God promises that if we study, pray, and ask God sincerely, the power of the Holy Ghost can help us to know that the Book of Mormon is true.[31] The divine authority held in ancient times by apostles and prophets was restored in modern times through the prophet Joseph Smith.
The Book of Mormon
Like the Prophet Muhammad, Book of Mormon prophets like Alma and Moroni lived in times when many people held false beliefs and denied the one true God. The people of God were often persecuted and faced many hardships. God empowered chosen prophets to call people to repentance and teach divine truths. These truths are recorded in the Book of Mormon.
Practical Religion
For Muslims and Latter-day Saints, religion is not simply a philosophy, but a way of life. Latter-day Saints believe that gospel principles must govern daily conduct. The fruits of faith in the lives of Latter-day Saints are easily identified. Latter-day Saints and Muslims share in common a strong focus on the family. The family is recognized as the fundamental unit of society and as ordained by God. While lackadaisical attitudes towards morality and divorce are held by many non-LDS Christians, observant Latter-day Saints and Muslims highly value chastity, fidelity in marriage, and familial responsibility. Latter-day Saints are commanded by the Lord to "bring up children in light and truth."[32] U.S. research shows that active Latter-day Saint youth are far less likely to be involved in immoral conduct than their non-LDS peers.[33] Latter-day Saints, like observant Muslims, do not drink alcohol. Latter-day Saints observe a strict law of health that includes a healthy diet and abstinence from tobacco products and other harmful substances. Adherence to these teachings brings practical benefits. One medical study found that observant Latter-day Saints had a life expectancy eight to eleven years longer than the U.S. average.[34] Latter-day Saints also receive many other blessings as they strive to obey God's laws. LDS Prophet and Apostle David O. McKay stated that "the purpose of the gospel is ... to make bad men good and good men better, and to change human nature."
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold their Muslim neighbors around the world in high regard. Latter-day Saints extend an invitation to all people to learn of God, of His son Jesus Christ, and of His restored gospel, so that others may also share in the blessings of the gospel in this life and in the next.
[2] Apocryphal Writings and the Latter-day Saints, ed. C. Wilfred Griggs, p. 29. [3] George Q. Cannon, Journal of Discourses, 24:371. [4] Quran 65:12, Yusuf Ali edition [6] Quran 5:46 [7] Quran 3:45 [8] Quran 5:110 [9] Quran 19:30-34 [10] Quran 4:158 [11] Quran 47:19, see also 40:55 [12] Quran 89:21-22 [15] Quran 16:61 [16] Quran 16:111, 119 [19] Quran 107:1-7 [21] Quran 16:107 [23] Quran 4:125 [25] Quran 101:6-9 [26] Quran 65:11 [28] Quran 2:253 [30] Quran 16:102 [33] Top, Brent L, and Bruce A. Chadwick. "Helping Teens Stay Strong." Ensign. March. 1999, p. 27. [34] Enstrom, James E., "Health Practices and Mortality among Active California Mormons, 1980-1993," in James T. Duke (ed.), Latter-day Saint Social Life, Provo: Religious Studies Center, 1998, pp. 461-471.
Blue Goose
I am so glad you are concerned about sources
Now go over and help your friend Rip who seems to lack the skills you have as he posts his daily mormon caucus...
I'm not really concerned about sourses but others are. i also sent this to the RM because of some requirement.
maybe you ought to go outside and play baseball or something.
Thanks much for posting this article. It is very interesting.
The mostly absurd comments from the anti-Mormon regulars afterwards... not so much.
As far as the attack posts from the anti-Mormon attack squad regulars go, I invite everyone to read all of them and then do some research on your own from more than one side of the “issues”. Don’t forget to check out the vast multitude of others threads just bursting at the seams with anti-Mormon propaganda. You’ll find all sorts of copy/paste fun as well as tons of off the cuff /sarcasm “loving comments” /sarcasm off.
Is what all these Mormon attack squad people parrot day in and and day out on these boards true? Don’t take their word for it. Find out for yourself. Put forth some effort. You do want the truth right? Prove it.
Read both sides. Talk to both sides. Not just mine. Not just theirs. Make up your own mind.
Here’s a few links to get your started from a different viewpoint. The vast majority of the issues brought up can be found and addressed at http://www.fairlds.org/ I have found but here’s more.
http://scriptures.lds.org/
http://www.lds.org
http://www.fairlds.org/
http://www.mormonwiki.com/Main_Page
http://www.lightplanet.com/response/index.html
http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDS_Intro.shtml
http://www.answeringantimormons.com/index.htm
http://promormon.blogspot.com/
I forgot to add..thanks for your many bumps to my thread...helps keep it going.
Just one site vs. the many posted by PD. This one site should provide some very valid and good counter-arguments for those of you interested in finding “the truth” vs. the numerous needed to “address the vast majority of issues”. Yet, “the vast majority” is not all is it? I wonder why all of “the issues” aren’t addressed by the many sites provided?
http://www.irr.org/mit/default.html
Any mormon is free to present their side of the “issues” PD, yet few do. Why is that? Is it because they won’t “put forth some effort”?
No one here is forcing anyone to accept what any of us post.
Disclosure: I’m an ex-mormon who has “converted” to Christianity. I have been married to a mormon for over 20 years and she is a very devout and practicing member of the religion. I am now considered a “mormon basher” because I post my knowledge of and experiences of mormonism on these boards. However, this is a tame reference compared to some of the others I and others have been called by mormons and their defenders.
I found that the “revelation” found in Doctrine and Convenants Sect. 132 is not Biblical in nature and this was but one point of contention with mormon doctrine that prompted me to leave mormonism. In D&C 132, Mormons teach that men can become gods. If you aspire to godhood, then mormonism is the religion for you. If you aspire to reside and dwell in and with Christ, then it’s not.
What mormons won’t tell you is that once you’re “exalted”, you graduate to your own heaven and your own planet to rule over as god. You then get to populate your planet through the eternal process of procreating with your wives in your heaven. You leave the presence of God to become one.
But, as PD has said, don’t just take my word for it. If you’re interested in the pitch, by all means research it. But be forewarned, many of the words used by mormons are Christian and Biblical words. However, their meanings and uses are quite different in many instances.
I would recommend that if you are interested in your eternal salvation and are investigating mormonism to sit down with your pastor, priest, preacher, etc. Someone who is knowledgeable in Biblical scripture and discuss what you’re learning and what you’ve been told about mormonism.
Test what you’re hearing, be like the Bereans of the Bible. It pays to be cynical/skeptical.
God did not give you a brain for you to then use your heart instead when making decisions of this magnitude.
FRegards,
SZ
As for your assertion:
“The mostly absurd comments from the anti-Mormon regulars afterwards... not so much”
As with all of your assertions it is long on words, short on substantive facts or citation.
So I think you for once again showing the empty hand of the LDS apologist as well. you do a great service to those of use bringing toe truth to those caught in or contplationg the LDS.
It is impossible to fathom how such could be countered given its detail and substance.
Are you the walrus?
Please respond to the content of the article.
Nothing more.
Nothing less.
We aren't seeing much "refuatation" and further research shows why.
Bridges of Faith Between Mormons and Muslims
Are Mormons the Bridge Between the Christian and Muslim Faiths?
A Latter-day Saint Perspective on Muhammad
Latter-day Saint Interest in Muhammad
One of the noteworthy examples of the Latter-day Saint commitment to treasure up true principles and cultivate affirmative gratitude is the admiration that Church leaders have expressed over the years for the spiritual contributions of Muhammad.
As early as 1855, at a time when Christian literature generally ridiculed Muhammad as the Antichrist and the archenemy of Western civilization, Elders George A. Smith (1817–75) and Parley P. Pratt (1807–57) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivered lengthy sermons demonstrating an accurate and balanced understanding of Islamic history and speaking highly of Muhammad’s leadership. Elder Smith observed that Muhammad was “descended from Abraham and was no doubt raised up by God on purpose” to preach against idolatry. He sympathized with the plight of Muslims, who, like Latter-day Saints, found it difficult “to get an honest history” written about them. Speaking next, Elder Pratt went on to express his admiration for Muhammad’s teachings, asserting that “upon the whole, … [Muslims] have better morals and better institutions than many Christian nations.” 9
Latter-day Saint appreciation of Muhammad’s role in history can also be found in the 1978 First Presidency statement regarding God’s love for all mankind. This declaration specifically mentions Muhammad as one of “the great religious leaders of the world” who received “a portion of God’s light” and affirms that “moral truths were given to [these leaders] by God to enlighten whole nations and to bring a higher level of understanding to individuals.” 10
In recent years, respect for the spiritual legacy of Muhammad and for the religious values of the Islamic community has led to increasing contact and cooperation between Latter-day Saints and Muslims around the world. This is due in part to the presence of Latter-day Saint congregations in areas such as the Levant, North Africa, the Persian Gulf, and Southeast Asia. The Church has sought to respect Islamic laws and traditions that prohibit conversion of Muslims to other faiths by adopting a policy of nonproselyting in Islamic countries of the Middle East. Yet examples of dialogue and cooperation abound, including visits of Muslim dignitaries at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City; Muslim use of Church canning facilities to produce halal (ritually clean) food products; Church humanitarian aid and disaster relief sent to predominantly Muslim areas including Jordan, Kosovo, and Turkey; academic agreements between Brigham Young University and various educational and governmental institutions in the Islamic world; the existence of the Muslim Student Association at BYU; and expanding collaboration between the Church and Islamic organizations to safeguard traditional family values worldwide. 11 The recent initiation of the Islamic Translation Series, cosponsored by BYU and the Church, has resulted in several significant exchanges between Muslim officials and Latter-day Saint Church leaders. A Muslim ambassador to the United Nations predicted that this translation series “will play a positive role in the West’s quest for a better understanding of Islam.” 12
A cabinet minister in Egypt, aware of the common ground shared by Muslims and Latter-day Saints, once remarked to Elder Howard W. Hunter of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that “if a bridge is ever built between Christianity and Islam it must be built by the Mormon Church.” 13 The examples of Latter-day Saint–Muslim interaction mentioned above, together with the Church’s establishment in 1989 of two major centers for educational and cultural exchange in the Middle East (Jerusalem and Amman), reflect the traditional attitude of respect for Islam that Church leaders have exhibited from earliest times. These activities represent tangible evidence of Latter-day Saint commitment to promote greater understanding of the Muslim world and witness an emerging role for the Church in helping to bridge the gap that has existed historically between Muslims and Christians.
“So I think you for once again showing the empty hand of the LDS apologist as well.”
Thank you for continuing to prove my points. I never said I was an apologist. And empty hand? You only prove my point again as I said. I have given you all you need. You just don’t want to hear it.
No problem. Free will eh?
Like Szonian (or however you spell it) said, everyone talk to and investigate both sides. On this point we do agree.
” Yet, “the vast majority” is not all is it? I wonder why all of “the issues” aren’t addressed by the many sites provided?”
Your reading comprehension is either off or I didn’t spell it out clearly enough. The one site in particular addresses the vast majority of “the issues”. Actually it may address them all, I don’t bother to look up every single silly thing that the anti-Mormon squad on this board brings up to see exactly where it is addressed.
I think it fairly safe to say that if some “issue” is not found at the one site it can be found on one of the others.
You see, none of these “issues” are anything new. It’s all old and tired and already addressed.
The bottom line for anyone and everyone is,”Is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints the true and restored church?”
Yes. It is.
If you really want to find out. You can know it too.
Seriously? It is lds themselves that make the comparison.
http://www.cumorah.com/index.php?target=gospel_topics&story_id=10
Well, since you implied my "reading comprehension" may be lacking, I could imply the same about yours or are you addressing your comment to "all"? If the latter, you may want to put the word "all" in the "To:" block next time to prevent a lack of comprehension.
I've clearly stated, I'm an ex-mo, converted to Christianity. I have no further interest in "finding out" anything further related to the mormon church. I have three priorities right now; submit my resignation letter (short term), get my family out of it (mormonISM)(long-term) and to continue my witness about my experiences in the LdS church(very long-term).
The "issues" may be "old and tired" for some. But, most importantly, for those who may be investigating mormonism, they may not be. As many know and have clearly stated and proven, the mormon missionaries and many mormons will NOT discuss the many things posted here. They may be quite revealing to some. (I have noticed a few posts on various threads indicating this to be the case.) For others, such as ourselves, they are not.
Since you continue to parse words and address the posts and posters as "anti-Mormon" vs. anti-mormonISM, is it your contention that we have something personal against mormons (the people themsleves)? If so, can you clearly identify where exactly, any of us have demonstrated that? Otherwise, I interpret the continued use of the phrase as an intentional attempt to marginalize us "anti's" as "haters" of the individuals themselves.
And, to prove your assertion about the "true and restored church", can you show us how and when Christ lost his bride?
Found as many links as I could from the sites you recommend:
http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/muslim.pdf
http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/interfaith/Islam_EOM.htm
http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_BMEvidence.shtml
Now, tell me, how are the content of those sites different than the posted article???
Found as many links as I could from the sites you recommend:
http://www.fairlds.org/pubs/muslim.pdf
http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/daily/interfaith/Islam_EOM.htm
http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_BMEvidence.shtml
Now, tell me, how are the content of those sites different than the posted article???
First, I’d like to applaud you on putting forth some effort!
But you must have missed my very first post in this thread where I said:
“Thanks much for posting this article. It is very interesting.
The mostly absurd comments from the anti-Mormon regulars afterwards... not so much.”
Who said I had any problem with the posted article?
Sz the tag “Anti-Mormon” is not neccesarily referring to the individual. We pretty much identify ourselves closely with our religious beliefs. Can you grasp what I am saying?
Honestly I grasp what you are saying I just disagree with how you are looking at it. I tell you what though, as soon as I see the regular anti gang on here stop belittling and acting in a manner far from someone showing actual Christlike concern for others, I’ll change my use of the term, just for you, even though it is accurate.
As far as putting “all” in the header, I know that everyone can see the post so I don’t see the point. Perhaps you like everyone getting a notice or something? I am unsure if “all” means only those involved in the thread to that point or not. So.. my apologies. I was not addressing you directly with my comments it was to all readers. I would have sent you a private reply otherwise.
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