Hey, I wanted to ask you, have you ever read the book “Mamma, Mormonism and Me”?
I almost became a mormon in the late 70’s but it just seemed weird. I became a Christian a couple of years later. I continued to study mormonism ever since because it fascinated me how many people could glom onto something like that with no historical support for its claims whatsoever. The same is true for various other cults and islam but those depend on ignorance and a Lemming culture.
I did discover the answer though. I think it has to do with giving people an opportunity to actively participate in something greater than themselves and really hit the “man’s relationship with man” part of Christianity via FHE and other stuff.
On a side note, one of my friends, after watching “The God Makers” said the movie answered her question about why her mormon neighbor killed herself after her mormon husband divorced her.
No, I haven't read that book, but I will on your advice. I did read a very good ‘page-turner’ entitled “Leaving the Saints”. I passed it on with recommendation to continue to do the same.
As I have said a thousand times, I am not a Mormon, but have strong Mormon heritage. Many here seem to read past that line and label me as a “Mormon apologist”. They are so focused on furthering their anti-Mormon agenda that they overlook the truth about me and my connection to Mormonism and Mormon pioneers.
They do not let up. They ping each other and send private emails at the speed of light. I must admit that I do allow myself some enjoyment by aggravating them.
Although not a practicing Mormon, I will strongly defend their right to worship as they wish, as I would any of those who chastise me for my beliefs in freedom of religion.
Here's a quick history of panaxanax's “Mormonism”. (I suggest that my constant critics cut and paste this for future reference)
Baptized in 1959 in Japan in a Baptist Church in Tokyo. LDS did not have a baptismal ‘tank’? at that time. The Baptists were more than willing to let us use theirs.
I became a ‘jack-Mormon’ within a few weeks, drinking soda's, tea and cussing etc. I went to church occasionally (when I wasn't doing something more fun). I enjoyed being around the other kids at Fireside meetings and Boy Scouts. I probably have attended church less than 25 times in my entire life. I haven't been in a church (except for funerals & weddings) for more than 40 years. I never served on a mission or received any ‘title’ (Priesthood etc.) in the Mormon church.
Both my parents and grandparents drank and smoked, but I did go to the Mormon church and it was my own choice to get baptized. Needless to say, Mormonism was not pounded into my head by my parents. My mother was a non-practicing Baptist. She often spoke about how nutty the Mormons were. My Dad was also a baptized Mormon, yet did not practice, just as his Dad was. Yes, I come from a family of “Jacks”.
We did make a point to attend family reunions when stateside. Mostly for the purpose of Dad meeting up with his old friends and hundreds of cousins. They'd sneak off into the bushes and share a bottle and smoke cigarettes. The music was great and the people were more than friendly. All were hard workers and good providers for their families.
I have read the entire Bible, BoM, Pearl and DoC. I do not attend church, but am a believer. I have provided for my family and Mrs. panax (whose Father is a retired Baptist Minister and married us 30+ years ago) and I do maintain a more than substantial supply of food, silver/gold and all things needed in case of an unforeseen crisis or prolonged period of ill-health. If anyone is hungry, we will feed them. If we have something in abundance, we will share. In short, we are good people that don't attend church!
Tired of typing...later...panax