Posted on 11/12/2011 10:43:37 AM PST by Saundra Duffy
Some public figures have labeled the Mormon church as a cult. Most recently, ABC News reported that Dallas Pastor Robert Jeffress applied such a label in an interview following a political gathering where Jeffress introduced a political rival to Mormon candidate Mitt Romney.
Use of such a term to describe Mormonism is highly offensive to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Cult carries the connotation of dangerous, even violent groups whose beliefs are irrational and whose practices are immoral and lawless (Koresh and the Branch Davidians, Heavens Gate, Aum Shinrikyo, and The Peoples Temple are all prominent examples) . The term cannot be applied to Mormons unless it is so broadly defined that its use could be applied to virtually any religious body.
Like racist language, the use of the word cult to describe a religion usually tells us very little about the religion, but a great deal about the person using the word. In short, it tells us only that the person using the label cult doesnt like the religion in question, or thinks it is illegitimate. Bryan Wilson, a Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and a noted sociologist of minority religions noted:
(Excerpt) Read more at mdl.org ...
Talk about mind boggling.
A cogent apology of Mormon doctrine can't be mounted even using the full weight of any and all Mormon sources - and the weakness of the sources for the Mormon apologetic is only half as debilitating as the dimwittery of its defenders.
When confronted with the undeniable record of the words of its prophets and the unvarnished history of the Mormon church, the only choice is to run away from the debate.
Well, actually, first deny the accuracy of historical facts, deny the meaning of words, and even recorded beliefs - then exit the thread.
Concoct an incomprehensible lament over the absence of proper context when confronted with Mormon sources, attack its critics, and flail at anything in efforts to change the subject of the discussion - then disappear.
Use a feigned defensiveness to shift the discussion away from the substance of the debate, i.e., invent a story ... a totally fictious account, and use the invented attack to shift into victimized righteousness - then disappear.
Or one of my favorites, a sudden proclamation of victory when the debate clearly is unresolved - then disappear.
Attempt to disengage by denying the relevance of questions or arguments, or simply refuse to answer a relevant question; i.e., run away.
Shift the argument out of the objective into the subjective by 'bearing testimony' based on feelings, then facts become irrelevant to rational perspective and there can be no rational argument - and slink away.
Benjamin Franklin, explaining why to take an older woman to bed, “When all candles be out, all cats be gray”.
Oh, come one ALL, when you quote something at least try and put it in context.
Excellent!
A man wrapped up in himself makes a very small bundle.
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_franklin.html#ixzz1dkswKjBO
Did you say you have a ladder ???
great...
we’ll be watching ...
Mind your step...
dont get dizzy...
Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.
Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/b/benjamin_franklin.html#ixzz1dkteoW8h
He that speaks much, is much mistaken
... And as in the dark all Cats are grey, the Pleasure of corporal enjoyment with an old Woman is at least equal, and frequently superior, every Knack being by Practice capable of Improvement.
http://www.leatherarchives.org/exhibits/franklin.htm
Actually; ignoring what was posted is the single most used tactic that I've seen.
"Look over there" comes in close behind it.
"Answering the question that WASN'T asked" comes in third.
IBTHTP!!!
LOL. Since HT is no longer in the public eye, so to speak, she doesn't get posted nearly as often on FR these days.
D&C 71:1
1 Behold, thus saith the Lord unto you my servants Joseph Smith, Jun., and Sidney Rigdon,
that the time has verily come that it is necessary and expedient in me that you should open your mouths in proclaiming my gospel,
the things of the kingdom, expounding the mysteries thereof out of the scriptures,
according to that portion of Spirit and power which shall be given unto you, even as I will.
This doesn't apply to us.
MORMON
Some Characteristics...
1-Critics should be silenced. 2-Anything remotely unfavorable to the church is ANTI-MORMON and should be quickly labeled as such. 3-Balance is not required or desired. Everything in print should sing the unending praises of Jesus true cult. 4-Jesus has one true church. All other opinions are of Satan and should be held with the appropriate contempt. 5-Mormons are the moral majority and have the right, or even duty, to correct the misinformed. 6-Free speech should be allowed so that people can freely praise the church. Other forms of free speech are unnecessary. 7-The Mormon church is responsible for everything good in Utah and nothing bad. If you feel the church may be associated with something negative please refer to point two above. 8-Opinions other that the correct Mormon opinion are invalid, offensive, and not worthy of voice. 9-The Mormon church has never done anything to be ashamed of. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER!!!! |
Then there MUST be limits SOMEwhere!!
Cult-calling is nothing more than childish name-calling with childish replies. Even hillbilly feuds had more rational foundations than this raillery.
IMHO, a person’s claiming to have knowledge in metaphysical fields is an act of one’s ego, not their intellect.
It was in the context of having sex with someone in the dark in preference to having the lights on.
To quote Lisa Simpson “IT WAS APT!”.
With all that education you can only offer an ad hominem?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.