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
>>As I have said a thousand times, I am not a Mormon, but have strong Mormon heritage. <<
:)
I caught it the first time I saw it.
And yeah, I know what you mean about people being on the attack. Honestly, I used to do it and, when called for, continue to. However, there is the “shake the dust off your feet” thing. Jesus never admonished his followers to keep beating the same people over and over. You present the info and let the Holy Spirit do His thing, and move on to other non Christians to share the good news.
I think the reason people get into the mode you are speaking of is that they are using people’s posts to respond for lurkers, even if it is only subconscious.
I also don’t believe any of us has absolute complete truth. The bible says that we see now as through a glass dimly. That perception is in my mind whenever I post in these threads, with the exception of the “2+2=4” situations, if you get my drift.