Posted on 01/28/2012 9:20:46 AM PST by pinochet
Almost all Christian denominations can be traced to 3 main traditions - the Catholic, the Protestant, and the Eastern Orthodox traditions. All three traditions are based on the Bible. Mormonism is a religion that has a heritage that is very different from traditional Christianity, and is based on the Book of Mormon.
The theological differences that separate a Baptist from a Catholic, are not the same as those which separate a Baptist from a Mormon, or a Catholic from a Mormon. In a dispute between a Baptist and a Catholic, they will argue over whether Church tradition prevails over scripture on some issues, and on whether salvation is by faith alone, or a combination of faith and works. The main argument will focus on how they interpret the Bibilical verse, James 2:17, which notes "Faith without works is dead".
But Mormonism doctrines involve stuff that is completely incomprehensible to Christians. It is not just the fact that Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith was a polygamist, like the Muslim Prophet Muhammad. I will grant you that Joseph Smith was not as violent as Muhammad. But Mormons have this crazy doctrine that Jesus visited America, and that some Native Americans are the lost tribes of Israel.
They also have secret ceremonies in Mormon temples, in which they perform wierd rituals and ceremonies, such as one creepy ritual called "naked touching". Non-mormons are never allowed to attend those secret Mormon ceremonies, and only a minority of Mormons - those in good standing with the church, are allowed to witness the strange ceremonies. One is also required to wear special undergarments as part of the faith. Here is a description on "naked touching" by ex-Mormons: http://www.exmormon.org/mormon/mormon366.htm
Many of us have met individual Mormons, and admired them and their families. They are a model religious minority like Hindus from India. Hindu immigrants in America are hard working, law-abiding, and their children do well in school. But we cannot get over the fact that Hinduism is a really strange religion with multiple gods and goddesses, and strange cultural practises such as viewing cows as holy animals. Some Hindu gods like Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesha, and Kali, are really weird creatures. I have always viewed Mormons as a nice pro-family people, but with a religion as strange as Hinduism.
I reckon I won’t really know that until I pass from this world!
Mormonism is made-up
If one just looks at the various facets of Hinduism or thinks of it in comparison with Christianity it seems strange, but Christianity is a coherent, pretty unified theme. Hinduism is multi-religious -- athiest, polytheist, monotheist etc. etc all at the same time
Maybe the topic can be reframed so as to avoid the stigma of "strangeness" or "weirdness" and the temptation to make Hinduism or Mormonism the "odd man out," though.
In fact I would argue that Noah isn't an adaptation of Gilgamesh due to the locale -- Gilgamesh's tale is from Sumeria and the Akkadians (a semitic people) would be well aware of this story.
J Smith's stories about a Semitic people in pre-Columbus America is historically, archaeologically,linguistically and genetically wrong.
” they feel Republicans just don’t really like them.” — yes, I agree, we (as a group) give this perception.
Voters can pick their candidate for any reason at all, and they do.
The Mormons feed on Christians, they seek them out to convert them to an anti-Christian cult.
You don’t support exposing and resisting that?
Not that I have anything against Masons but Mormonism sounds a lot like the Masons when one considers the secret rituals. But of course, the Masonic organization is not considered a religion and maybe neither should Mormonism.
I am very sure I am not alone in the perception of Mormon bashing here on FR. I have been a Freeper since about the time FR started, have attended rallies in DC, and am a staunch Conservative. I want to see Conservatives of all types attracted to FR. Mormons are some of the most conservative folks I know, and have great family values and principles. We should welcome them to FR even if we do not support Romney politically.
If people want to argue about religion, and nit-pick various religions, I think they should go to a religious blog and vent their attitudes there. Here at FR the goal is advancing Conservatism and a country of Liberty and Opportunity. Mormons do that as much as any group I know.
You betcha, TennesseeGirl. I admire many different people who have many different religious beliefs. And some who are atheists just for their human qualities. Some of the people of the Mennonite religion are the people I admire the most. I’ve never seen more hard working, more industrious people and their children are, of those I know, the most well behaved, hard working and courteous of any children I know. Of course, they broke from the Baptist branch of protestantism way back when, if my memory is correct. I detest socialism at any degree.
I'll discuss anything factual I wish to about a prospective president, I'll even ask if magic underwear is itchy. If you don't, then I guess you already know whether magic underwear is itchy.
(ex-mormon "gone commando" since '80)
Mormons historically do not broadcast their doctrine so many are indeed unfamiliar with it and would consider it odd. Actually its not all that different when compared to other religions out there. While Mormons are certainly not following historical Christianity doctrine, but they are much closer to it than any other religion I know of.
It is not “intolerant” of other religions to think that their theology and doctrines are in error.
Why would you think that it is?
You are showing your ignorance of how the LDS church is structured. Admittedly their use of terms is different that other groups - Every practicing member is ordained as a priest. - Local churches (wards) and groups of wards (stake) are run by "bishops" who would be considered unpaid laymen in most denominations. - It is not until you reach the next step up (The Seventy) that you are effectively full time LDS clergy and paid by the church. - Romney has never been anything close to a Roman Catholic Cardinal status in the LDS church. Lay pastor is about it. If you are going to throw rocks, at least get your facts correct.
MYTH ROMNEY IS A MORMON MELCHIDEZEK HIGH PRIEST
He doesn’t need to get paid, he pays them millions of dollars a year
I’m glad someone said it so soon.
So what. So is every practicing LDS male his age. You are aware that every Mormon male is ordained to the preisthood? Before you try and label that as some sort of heresy...consider the Christian concept of the priesthood of beleivers.
I might agree with you if that was still being practiced, but it isn’t. Yet, the LDS has not changed that much at all in its core beliefs (less polygamy).
“...Mormons as a whole ... are a conservative, patriotic people.”
No doubt. Fine people. The only rub is that the religion is so far removed from Christianity, and yet LDS tries to appear as Christian. It’s the misleading religious association that gets me, not the people.
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