Ex-LDS seminary principal gets 5-to-life for abusing student

American Fork » Former LDS seminary principal Michael Jay Pratt will spend at least five years in prison for sexually abusing a student 20 years younger than himself.

Fourth District Judge Christine Johnson imposed concurrent sentences of five years to life in prison for first-degree felony forcible sodomy and two object rape charges, and one to 15 years for forcible sexual assault, a second-degree felony. Johnson said it was a sentence that best balanced the needs of justice and mercy in a case that carried heavy religious overtones.

Pratt pleaded guilty to the crimes in June as part of an agreement in which prosecutors dropped 11 other charges.

Pratt’s attorney, Stephen McCaughey, sought to get Pratt two years in the Utah County Jail followed by a lengthy probation. He said Pratt had no prior criminal record, and the case did not involve violence or physical force. McCaughey argued Pratt would likely serve about six years in prison on the charges.

Pratt said he was sorry for what he had done, and was given enough time to hug his wife before he was escorted from the courtroom by sheriff’s deputies.

Johnson said Pratt’s position as a teacher and spiritual adviser at Lone Peak High School placed him in a position of trust which he abused.

The victim and her family also told the court how Pratt had gained their trust as a dedicated, popular teacher and church leader who was helping the victim through a rough spot in life. He then manipulated the victim into going along with his sexual fantasies.

“Justice was served, but it is a tragedy,” the victim’s stepfather said after the hearing.

If I actually thought I had to “earn” my salvation, I would be up the creek for sure! No way I could ever be good enough.

Then why are you still a mormon SD? Your AoF which you like to post on occasion states:

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

Ok SD, what are 'obedience to laws and ordinances'? Those are works - ya gotta do the works BEFORE the atonement takes effect SD. Made it 'possible' only after ALL the works and you are perfect. Still don't believe it is works SD - here are what YOUR scriptures say on the matter -

D&C 18:46 "And after that you have received this, if you keep not my commandments you cannot be saved in the kingdom of my Father"

Keeping the commandments = works SD, the atonement doesn't matter here.

D&C 76:52 “That by keeping the commandments they might be washed and cleansed from all their sins...”

Incase you didn't notice here SD, the atoning sacrifice of Jesus doesn't remove your sins - 'obeying the commandments' - works - is what does it.

Yes SD, for you it makes it possible for you to be 'saved', but you have to do the work to prove yourself worthy to be saved. So how goes your efforts to earn your salvation today SD? Or are you committing the same sins over and over again. Remember SD MORONI 10:32 states it clearly that you must have ALL ungodliness removed from your life BEFORE his grace sufficient for you. Don't believe me, look it up.

Sandy, did John lie when he started his gospel with 'In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.' Do you know Whom is The Word Who became flesh and dwelt among us? You're becoming almost hysterical with your ardent assertions ... I certainly did not write to you saying you blasphemed in your denial of the Trinitarian concept, but you bear that enormous chip on your Mormon shoulder, so you saw what you wanted to see in order to attack that notion. And yes, that is a sign of obsession, Sandy.

You can certainly be saved without affirming the concept of the Trinity ... the thief on the cross had no such teaching offered to him prior to his death, the Ethiopian whom Phillip baptised did not receive that doctrine as a condition for his baptism. You and I are no better than those fellows who were made whole by The Lord's Grace in Christ. The concept of the Trinitarian nature of God The Almighty is found within the teaching of the Bible, for those with eyes to see and ears to hear. In fact, 'Hear of Israel, the Lord our God is One' can only be rationally understood as absolute truth if The Holy Spirit and The God in Christ ARE THE SAME EBING, Sandy.

You have so much muddled in your mind that it is hard to sort you out to help you awaken, but here's one poiint to ponder:
Sandy, you asked, "When Jesus was dying on the cross, to Whom was he crying out?" Since you will not receive teaching from me, I'll return the query with, "Do you believe Jesus was God as He died, or did the seed which remained within Him during His life prior to the cross depart from Him at the moment He died for you and for me? Do you know what He cried out? ... 'Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?'

Now Sandy, be honest with readers: do you believe God The Father Almighty, The Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ are separate beings, as a troika of three, as in a 'more than one' God acting in common purpose? ... And if you do, why does your religion teach that men can become gods like your false prophet claimed Jesus was the God of Earth and His Father was once like Him and gained exaltation on a different planet before siring Jesus?

You see, Sandy, we have witnessed the heresies of Mormonism for years now and know your religion perhaps as well as you, but we do not try to hide what it teaches. Will you stop trying to hide these teachings which you know are antithetical to Christianity?

Over and over and over I have said that I believe the LDS Articles of Faith - not what you THINK I believe. i>
I will post the AoF because it doctrinally TELLS me what mormons BELIEVE SD. #3 clearly states that it is by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel which MUST be accomplished BEFORE the atonement kicks in. If you do not believe this, then I ask again - why are you still a mormon? I cite your DOCTRINAL sources showing that you on your own works and merits must obtain a state of sinlessness BEFORE any 'grace'can be effective. Have you done ALL that you can DO SD to earn your salvation?
Honestly SD, if you don't believe what the AofF and your Quad teach - why are you still a mormon - because they teach that your salvation depends upon your works.

Tell me SD - being a temple mormon is key to your salvation. Do they hand those out to just anyone - or must you prove by your works that you are worthy?

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.