Some Mormons Search the Web and Find Doubt

I was raised Mormon, and I had my own problems with the church - minor niggles really, with the "teachings" and some of the ways the "elders" explained things. Mormons (at the time) taught that dinosaurs never existed on this planet - but were part of the material god gathered to make this planet. When I questioned how there were in-tact nests with eggs found recently - I was told that god has a gentle touch.

really...

As a youth, I was required to participate in "baptisms for the dead", where a youth is baptized over and over while standing in for someone who has died. I questioned this - what if these people don't want to be baptized? The answer was - "of course they do, they're dead - so they already know it's true"

a way to inflate membership - post mortem

So, when I reached adulthood (and the Internet was just taking off) I found myself questioning a lot of things - when I found this document (circa 1994) Man, Yes; Myth, Maybe; Prophet, NEVER! Teaser: Joseph Smith was charged with TREASON in the state of Illinois!

I learned a great many things - things that are backed up by verifiable, documented fact.

The fact is, any Mormon who knows about these things shouldn't speak about them or they will be persecuted by the church. Mormons have their own versions of history that paint a much rosier picture than actual truth.

Originally posted by crazyewok
When your holy book is written by a guy talking to rocks in a top hat something has gone abit wrong.

For those with a belief in what we call supernatural, I would just like to mention that this farm boy succeeded in getting many many people to leave all they had and follow him into a dangerous and for many deadly wilderness trek to find "the promised land". HOW?

hen Smith once again raised the stone and attempted to retrieve the plates, Smith saw something in the box like a toad that grew larger and struck him to the ground.[58] Although Smith's followers do not mention a toad-like creature, they agree with several non-believers that Smith said he was stricken by a supernatural force that hurled him to the ground as many as three times.[59]

en.wikipedia.org...

I went on a long trip with a history teacher, she was writing a book on her Mormon ancestors and i was able to read vault locked letters from the poor first followers who suffered terribly and many died. The thinks i learned during that 7 week trip about Mormonism was stunning. we visited all relevant sites.

We reached the site the tablets were supposedly found just at dusk, the trail leads to a cave not very high up a hill from where we parked, from my memory. There was a huge sign telling of the event.

We got out and as I walked toward the area my footsteps got heavier and heavier and a weight and fear descended on me. I simply felt an evil I cannot describe. I had to tell my friend I could not go any closer, she agreed and we left.
Maybe he did meet up with something but I don't think it was from God.

reply to post by Miracula

At age 19 I had more respect for my employer, myself, and the people I served than Smith did. The next question I would have is that if caffeine is legal, and kissing and making out is legal why when the Bible warns against being overly righteous would a church advise against these behaviors and yet approve of violating one's own church doctrine to manipulate a 14 year old into marriage with a 38 year old whose prophecies weren't even coming true. And yet members of the same church will walk up around a 29 year old college student is was also an honorably discharged rescue swimmer of the Coast Guard and call them a "pedophile" for purusing a grown adult.

Bro, I totally understand where your coming from. There's a lot with the LDS internally that is just "hypocritical" at the very core, I couldn't even fathom giving you a legitamate response lest I was blowing smoke out my ass...

Different times? Maybe?

Did you hear about the new LDS "thing" it's called "Hovering" my oldest sister found out about this from active members in the church. Students at BYU and Ricks Collage are tip toeing around fornication by inserting and not moving, hence "hovering"

reply to post by stutteringp0et


I think we need look no farther then the fact that the founder was from a fanatically religious family whos Mother read him the bible constantly, and lived in an area where religion was changing and growing and people grabbing onto new one over and over looking searching for something they could follow.
The fact that the boy was a treasure hunter, said to go out and dig holes everywhere even when he was supposed to be working and dreaming of gold gold gold.

reply to post by Char-Lee


If you'll read the document I linked, you'll find that he found the gold he was looking for. He opened what he called an "Anti Bank" and took deposits - literally, he took them from the safe - replacing the money with stones to keep the safe heavy, also lining the front edge of each shelf with coin to give the appearance of a full safe.

It's a religion based on lies, theft, murder and who knows what else.

Ever since I left the church, my family treats me differently. They're convinced that I'm a drunk, drug addict, porn fiend. The last time I visited, I was given a tour to show the location of the bars and strip clubs in town.

For some reason, they can't accept that I'm the same person. They can't accept that I still believe in god - but that I don't believe in Joseph Smith. Of course, they're convinced that I'm going to end up in "outer darkness" (mormon version of hell)

reply to post by stutteringp0et

Ever since I left the church, my family treats me differently. They're convinced that I'm a drunk, drug addict, porn fiend. The last time I visited, I was given a tour to show the location of the bars and strip clubs in town.

For some reason, they can't accept that I'm the same person. They can't accept that I still believe in god - but that I don't believe in Joseph Smith. Of course, they're convinced that I'm going to end up in "outer darkness" (mormon version of hell)

Wow~ This sounds like my family.... My father has litterally shuned us.. Well Me, lil sis, and Mother... My older sis is still in the good graces of the Patriarch...

One thing is for sure.... I've challanged my father numerous times over the faith he so diligently preaches to me on a nearly daily basis.... It's maddening... Sometimes... I just want to yell on the phone... "SHUT UP! JUST... SHUT YOUR MOUTH, STOP IT, DEAR JESUS, I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE".... But after the day dream ends... I quickly realize.... With the indocterination I aquired... That's not the "saintly" thing to do...

But seriously... If I have to listen to him preach about how the church is true, one more time... Someone might get hurt...

reply to post by boymonkey74


Whoever said I was a creationist? I believe both...The creation evolves..

reply to post by MystikMushroom


That's not what I meant....

Darwin was known for being a proponent of evolution VIA natural selection....

Charles Darwin was the first to formulate a scientific argument for the theory of evolution by means of natural selection.

en.wikipedia.org...
Which means your premise is still wrong if he recanted it....

Learn to read between lines, not literal representations..

reply to post by Char-Lee



I had a similar thing happen to me regarding the JWs, I actually became one, the history of that organization was amazing, but I did my own research and found out the truth, a word they use often, obviously I disassociated myself from the JWs but I do think some of the things I learned from them were worthwhile.

It really needs to be called " The Church of Joseph Smith of Latter Day Saints ". I cannot go into a rant else the moderators delete me, but, all I can say is keep your faith in the Almighty, Do good, be compassionate, caring and don't be fooled into a multi-billion dollar a year income church that simply wants to control your life .[ in my case, for what ever it's worth ] I'll keep an eye on this thread. Take care people.

Originally posted by mormonmike
It really needs to be called " The Church of Joseph Smith of Latter Day Saints ". I cannot go into a rant else the moderators delete me, but, all I can say is keep your faith in the Almighty, Do good, be compassionate, caring and don't be fooled into a multi-billion dollar a year income church that simply wants to control your life .[ in my case, for what ever it's worth ] I'll keep an eye on this thread. Take care people.

I spent many years looking for truth, sadly, sometimes it is painful, almost lost my faith and I was very devout, nothing worse then losing ones faith.

Stormdance, Yes, what I'm going through tends to weaken one's faith. Yet at times, I have a strong faith in Jesus Christ . I simply don't agree with how the LDS church [ or should I say what the LDS church ] is doing. You don't ask reasonable/logical questions. You keep your mind focussed on their teachings, keep your mouth shut, and "bleat" with the rest of them. I need a break, back later.

Originally posted by Stormdancer777
reply to post by Char-Lee

 

I had a similar thing happen to me regarding the JWs, I actually became one, the history of that organization was amazing, but I did my own research and found out the truth, a word they use often, obviously I disassociated myself from the JWs but I do think some of the things I learned from them were worthwhile.

Yes I agree as I had already read the bible through and studied it heavily before I met them, I was surprised how many things we were in agreement about. Sad that many only have a "love of truth and faith in God" for the fear of dying, they want to live and they really love thinking they will be in the only group to survive thus... the chosen.

reply to post by snakebit

But all this inaccurate stuff being thrown around kind of strikes a nerve, believe me "Mormons" are not sitting around trying to find ways to de-value whatever eeveryone else believes in. Peace

No but they don't have to since they are the only ones who will be saved...oh and the JW's I believe they accept will be saved. Correct?

Originally posted by sulaw
Bro, I totally understand where your coming from. There's a lot with the LDS internally that is just "hypocritical" at the very core, I couldn't even fathom giving you a legitamate response lest I was blowing smoke out my ass...

There is no rational explanation for it unless you consider the Mormon teaching that "God dwells in eternal burnings" and think that maybe that is what Utah Zion is all about. Eternal burnings.

When I think of God the last thing I think of is eternal burnings. I normally think of Satan and his demonic followers who were cast out, evil ghosts if you will, of being condemned to eternal burnings.

Maybe that is where the false teachings, over-righteousness towards caffeinated beverages, and condemnation of normal relationships with honorable Coast Guardsmen and acceptance of 24 year age gap with a girl who vehemently opposed the relationship comes from....eternal burnings. I hear of people praising Kimbal for submitting to a 24 year age gap and people complain about a 9 year age gap and I think the reason behind the lack of normal thinking is demonic.

But they don't know they are being influenced upon by spirits. Otherwise the hypocrisy would be readily recognizable, but those dark forces possibly prevent some insight in analyzing how this kind of thinking deviates from the rest of society.

Even atheists think more clearly than that.

Originally posted by Atzil321
reply to post by borntowatch

 

If ONLY this worked on all atheists.

An honest search for the truth about religion will quickly lead to a realization that it is all complete nonsense. That's what atheism is, non-belief, a rejection of crap.

Giving people unfettered access to basically all our accumulated knowledge will eventually lead to a mass rejection of crap

Welcome to the future...

Tell me what you find wrong with the religions below:
1 Buddhism
2 Sikhism
3 Jainism
4 Bahá'í

Originally posted by crazyewok
When your holy book is written by a guy talking to rocks in a top hat something has gone abit wrong.

He might be psychic with third eye opened and really get answers. I am more impressed that people believing a holy book is the truth when politicians in ancient times decided what should exist in the holy book.

And just to clarify I have no issue with Jesus but a lot of issues with Paul.

reply to post by stutteringp0et


I agree with everything you said except the "dinosaur" thing. Seems like in other areas, the elders, and missionaries are going out of their way to teach some really crazy things. Wondering why we were never taught anything of a such. Is it because people are so naive else where? I refuse to believe that. All this Smith lineage is superior, no dinosaurs, no trinity, not Christian stuff? Never would have flied where Im at.

reply to post by Char-Lee


Um, not entirely. Excuse me if I misunderstood. Mormons believe that they & JW's will be saved? No. They dont believe that just because your a practicing member that you will be saved. If your sealed as a family in the temple, yes. There is a lot of work that you will be required to complete for salvation. Temple work, being ordained with the priesthood, following the commandments, praying..etc

Like I said, I was a practicing member and a total bad ass at the same time. No salvation for me I guess. My point was "mormons" are not sitting in church plotting on how to de-value another denominations beliefs. They are very focused on sealing families, baptizing new members, and doing temple work.

Originally posted by honested3
reply to post by onthedownlow

 

It is Christ's teachings = Christianity. It doesn't come from a guy who was a treasure hunter who decided to establish a false and contradictory doctrine. Yes you might say God used Joseph Smith the same as He used the other Biblical figures. But did the other Biblical figures contradict what the Lord has already established? No, because God used them to speak His word. Joseph Smith is a fraud.

If were being honest, if you cannot see the differences between Mormonism and Christianity, then do your research, there are so many contradictions that by calling a Mormon a Christian only shows me you don't know this enough to form a proper debate.

edit on 7/22/13 by honested3 because: (no reason given)

From my point of view: No it is Paul teaching saying it is Christ teaching. The corruption was already there from the beginning. I would not call all followers of the bible Christians. The loudest ones know days are definitely more goat like than the nice spiritual ones.

Jesus taught non duality in it's purest form and discussed third eye blockage (splinter in your eye) and the experiance of symbiosis with the other side thru crown chakra. Jesus was one and connected but not all that is god.

You do realise that god teaches to the level of the human awareness? What you get is a simplification/idol pointing towards the source when it is not corrupted. The view is not important but getting to the source of the view is.

That Jesus changed the message in the old testament proves that it was never the truth but as good as it got at that time. I have a feeling christianity is in for version 3.0 soon where the old testament was 1.0. Jesus preaching was 2.0 and the adding and removal by others was something undefined in what version it is.