When my own particular faith is assailed (which happens a lot) I respond with a few facts and then close by saying that I’m not asking anyone to join the faith I belong to.
That said, Colofornian’s posts present information that, on a discussion forum, should be answered with information. Instead, Colofornians’ case that Mormons evade challenges is met with what, to my eyes, looks like evasion.
Before anoyone goes off thinking I’m anti-Mormon I’d like to say that I have a blog (which I will not ‘pimp’ on FR) and I’d say about 1/3 of my readers are LDS, RLDS, and FLDS. While they may not all get on so well, I like all of them just fine.
That said, if Colofornian challenges your beliefs then meet those challenges with the facts as you see them. Or not. But to simply reply with name calling and etc. is to pour gasoline on a fire.
For people like me, who don’t really care one way or the other on LDS/RLDS/FLDS doctrine and history, what I see so far is Colofornian making an insistent case against the LDS and not much in the way of good argument is being presented in return. Ironically, the responses to his posts from people who are allegedly LDS seem to illustrate his points.
Again, I’m not throwing down on the LDS posters but I am imploring you to make a better case for your faith when you post a response to Colofornian!
Or don’t reply at all.
Whatever you do, at least acknowledge that you can’t logically refute accusations of being evasive and repressive with evasion and repression. I especially cringe for you people when you do these things on behalf of your church and you don’t see what you’re doing.
When I speak on behalf of my faith I think about it carefully because I know that I am a missionary for my faith when I speak for it. I am only imploring the LDS people on here to do the same.
Happy New Year to you all.
You are truly a breath of fresh air 'round here.
(And the kind of objectivity -- that by your mere post -- realized how lacking it's been of late)
Before anoyone goes off thinking I’m anti-Mormon I’d like to say that I have a blog (which I will not ‘pimp’ on FR) and I’d say about 1/3 of my readers are LDS, RLDS, and FLDS. While they may not all get on so well, I like all of them just fine.
Allow me also to restate...I like Mormons...otherwise, I wouldn't like to converse w/them so much...My Lds relatives -- I love.
Have any of my Mormon relatives or contacts left a "bitter taste" in my mouth at some point in my past? -- as some non-Mormon allies of Mormons oft' accuse me of these threads? (No)
Would I be here if some Mormon immigrant had not come to this country? (No)
Do I respect my Lds ancestors' search for truth? (Yes)
ALL: We are not mere "contenders" of this or that faith. We are neighbors. The apostle Paul said in Ephesians 6:12 that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood,"
Mormons are not our enemies. Some ex-Mormons will join us in heaven. And I believe some Mormons are heaven-bound well before they officially exit the Church. And if a Mormon adheres to Eph. 6:12, they realize we Christians are not their enemies...though the vicious name-calling Lds leaders have engaged in thru the generations doesn't depict that.
The bottom line is the line given in the George C. Scott film version of A Christmas Carol: Scrooge is closing out his visit with the Ghost of Christmas Past. The scene: They have returned to his room.
The Ghost of Christmas Past says something Scrooge doesn't like. He is offended, and immediately tries to smother this ghost.
What are the parting words from the Ghost of Christmas Past?
"Truth lives!!!"
God's wrath exists vs. those who "suppress the truth" (Romans 1:18).
It's time to stop suppressing, smothering, squelching & censoring truth.
It's time to face square on what the Ghost of Christmas Past is saying to each of us about our personal pasts -- including our family ID -- as well as our corporate past -- our religious ID.
In the Name of Jesus Christ, I beg you: First face truth head-on -- including historical truth. And whatever that discovery process results in, know that the Living Truth, Jesus Christ (John 14:6), will be with those who acknowledge Him:
Whoever believes in him is NOT condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s ONE and ONLY Son. (John 3:18)
Any other "sons of God" are adopted.
No Other Son of God exists.
The apostle John says our very condemnation -- or lack of it -- hinges on whether we believe in the "one and ONLY Son of God"...
No pre-existent brothers fit. Embrace John 3:18 as you would John 3:16.
To ALL: Have a blessed New Year.