Well THANK YOU. If they are correct in your understanding, then there should be no grounds for complaining about their posting. Or is there a problem with openly posting this information?
To seek knowledge, or to make their judgments known. I suppose what upsets me is my perception that people are “urinating on my crufix” so to speak. I seldom get the felling, that their posts are truly concerned with my spiritual welfare.
I see here time and again expressions of love towards lds and their spiritual welfare. HYPOTHETICALLY, if mormonism is wrong - would it be evil or good to have the erroneous doctrines presented in contrast to Christianity so that one can truly SEEK KNOWLEDGE - Hypothetically. I would go as far as to say that the mormon missionaries knocking on doors are concerned about the spiritual welfare of those they are visiting - while at the same time denegrating their beliefs.
One should approach spiritual things, by a spirit of meekness, humility, and a true desire to know truth. Should one decide to accept what another human being says, as prophecy, only they can decide what the spirit tells them.
A noble purpose and goal, but we are not left to fend for outselves. The bible gives ample guidance and warning regarding those who claim to be prophets. There are specific standards God has put in place to determine if the person is a true of false prophet - yes?
I will say this, it is a true challange for me to keep a kind, patient and gentle approach when I feel my beliefs are slammed. I am a sinner, and very imperfect, so please forgive me if I am unable to communicate appropriately. My sincere desire is that others be uplifted and strengthened through civil conversation. Please refrain from throwing rocks, and I’ll sincerely try to do the same.
Fine, but the point comes back full circle - you accept the doctrinal portrait of mormonism in the article - then what is the problem with contrasting them to Christianity? Your missionaries are taught to convince an inquirer that all other churches are false and the mormon church the only 'true' church. I fail to find that the reverse being offensive, unless one doesn't want to deal with faith challenging arguements.
“Fine, but the point comes back full circle - you accept the doctrinal portrait of mormonism in the article - then what is the problem with contrasting them to Christianity? Your missionaries are taught to convince an inquirer that all other churches are false and the mormon church the only ‘true’ church. I fail to find that the reverse being offensive, unless one doesn’t want to deal with faith challenging arguements. “
Your use of “arguments” is an appropriate word here. I suppose I should not care that you believe that the Mormon Church is not a Christian church. By YOUR standards, I suppose you are correct. By MY standards, it is the only completely TRUE Christian Church on the Earth. I believe the TRUE church of Christ has been restored. I see other Christian churches doing much good, and teaching what they understand to be true. I respect that. Can I sit silently by, while someone ridicules my beliefs? It’s difficult to do, just like if someone slapped me up side the head, I WOULD react. Acting is better than reacting. I am committed to pointing out my disagreement with other peoples assessment of my beliefs which I hold sacred. Is that worth my time? Sometimes.... sometimes not.
“HYPOTHETICALLY, if mormonism is wrong - would it be evil or good to have the erroneous doctrines presented in contrast to Christianity so that one can truly SEEK KNOWLEDGE - Hypothetically. I would go as far as to say that the mormon missionaries knocking on doors are concerned about the spiritual welfare of those they are visiting - while at the same time denegrating their beliefs.”
Your perception of Mormon missionaries, in my observation of your comments, is perhaps wrong. You seem to say that Mormon missionaries, when they visit people, and are invited into homes to teach our understanding of Jesus Christ’s gospel, means that that’s a denegration of different beliefs. (does that make sense??) As a missionary, one should NEVER denegrate a person’s beliefs. When I was asked by someone to explain what WE believe, it was not to castigate or defame. When I was a guest in someone’s home, I would act like a GUEST, with respect and proper civility. If someone asks me my opinion, I believe that they sincerely want to hear what my opinion is. I know my opinion may be rejected, but that’s OK. Everyone is free to make their own decisions. No harm, no foul.
“A noble purpose and goal, but we are not left to fend for outselves. The bible gives ample guidance and warning regarding those who claim to be prophets. There are specific standards God has put in place to determine if the person is a true of false prophet - yes?”
You are correct, I follow the guides given in the Holy Bible. I believe that President Thomas S. Monson is a true, and living prophet.