I also think that some are taken out of context for these anti-Mormon essays.
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Are you (or have you ever been) LDS?
If not, then how can you be sure they are taken out of context.
I was LDS for several years. I testify that these are in context and actual beliefs of rank and file members. Some beliefs discussed are considered “meat” doctrines, therefore not commonly discussed with “gentiles” (non mormons), but the are beliefs held by many of the rank and file and/or taught by their leaders.
God, in His amazing grace, saved me and saved me out of Mormonism. I speak from first hand knowledge and experience on these threads, as do many others who were also LDS at one point.
I went to an LDS church a few times and intended to join. If what you say is true (and you have more experience than I, so I won’t dispute what you say), then they did a VERY good job of shielding me from their “anti-Christian” beliefs. They seemed very Christian to me.
But, I stopped going when people started visiting my house at random times to “see” how I was doing. I wasn’t ready for that level of intrusion. Then, I learned about some of the “weird” stuff (like the garment) and knew that I could never be a fully-practicing Mormon.
Since then, I have become a Methodist (which is every bit as heretical to many FReepers) and have learned the things that prove to me that Mormons are definitely wrong in their beliefs, but I still won’t call them “anti-Christian” as some have called them in this thread. They’re just misguided, just as the upper leadership of my church is.
I just get so tired of seeing these “Your Christian denomination sucks” fights. Wesleyans denouncing the TULIP of Calvinists, Baptists saying that no one else baptizes right, Protestants calling Catholics idolators, Catholics calling Protestants apostates, Mormons vs everyone, everyone vs Mormons, etc.
We all have a common enemy. The next time Mormons show up on my doorstep, I will argue with them that their are misguided but I will pray for them and with them that we all find the correct Way.