I thought that, given the general mistaken beliefs concerning what we believe, I would answer questions.

The term "Mormon" is a term referencing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the LDS Church). It does not typically reference other groups that have splintered off.

Here are the guidelines I would request are followed so as to keep the thread somewhat less chaotic than I foresee it quickly becoming:

• Questions should be direct and as unambiguous as possible.
• Be respectful, do not attack my answers with a "No, you do not" or similar type answer.
• Do not look for a discussion from me in this thread, I am creating this thread so I may try to answer questions not to argue the points.
• If you would like to argue points in my religion, feel free to start another thread and argue those points there. If you want my input, follow Omnaka's example. He politely sent a message making me aware of his desire that I comment on a thread as to the "Mormon" view. I enjoy this type of discussion and if it appears that I may learn something I will participate in discussion.
• If you would like strict Mormon doctrine, I can provide that. I at times will include my personal views, I will attempt to make it clear when something is my opinion and when something is doctrine of the Church
• Finally, I am rather busy between family, Church responsibilities, work and teaching. My four children and wife enjoy their time with me I will try to respond as quickly as I can, but please be patient with me.

Also, there are some splinter groups off the"Mormon" Church. These groups are typically very small. Questions about current polygamy practices are probably referencing one of these sects and not the LDS Church. The LDS Church did practice polygamy until 1890, and I can answer questions concerning our views on polygamy, but have little knowledge of the groups that currently practice polygamy. There are some statements floating that Mitt Romney's geneology includes a man fundamental in the decision to end the practice of polygamy, this is false.

Now again, I welcome any questions or clarification requests you may have.

Hey can you send me the book of Mormon?

Mormon.org - There is a link on this page to request a free copy. It also offers the entire Book of Mormon online.

Edit: Upon further inspection, it also offers a request for the KJV of the Bible for free with LDS footnotes and chapter headers, both online and hardcopy offered.

Why do mormons find the word "Mormon" offensive?

I referred to my uncle as one once (I wasn't being sarcastic or mean) to which he took immediate offense to and asked me to not call him that again.

(he converted from Catholicism, ditched his wife and seven kids and started a new family in another state, btw, complete jerkoff, not that I blame mormons or anything, just saying)

I can recomend the great pearl of price, tells things about Bro Moses, that are not in standard gosphels.
I don't think you will find a free copy though.

To Bee Eff, I have asked a few Mormans Where the Gold Plates are, And gotten conflicting reports, Some say Maroni took them off the earth, and some say They are still here Protected By the first group of Mormans, The ones who still practice Or believe in Poligamy, I have also heard the LDS are a splinter group off that group, Can You give any comment on these things?

I have not asked Father about this, Nor is itthat important,
Father has told That the Book is true, but just as the bible and all the Holy texts,Written in the Infancy of this world, is not complete, History is not Finished yet.

I would enjoy hearing your views on the things I asked my other morman bros.

Thanks.



Love Omnaka

Probable because the name was used as a means of making Mormons seem not to be Christians.

Mormons only read the book of Mormon not the bible which isn't true. I personally don't care one way or the other,

"Mormon" began as a derogatory term. It was used to slur our belief in the Book of Mormon. We typically do not mind the term. We have tried to distance ourselves from it somewhat to aid in the understanding that we are a Christian religion, albeit with a differing belief as to the nature of the Godhead (i.e. God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.) Some may be offended by the term "Mormon", but few are.

I am sorry to hear about your uncle. We view marriage and family as center to the purpose of existence prior to and following, as well as during, this life. The family is sacred to us even if it is not a marriage sealed in one of our temples. If his behavior was not justified by infidelity, or other very strong reason, we would consider him in error and possibly in danger of judgement on the day thereof.

Ok a couple of questions to start the ball rolling..

Is it true that your secret temple oaths are based on the Scottish Rite Masons.

Is it true before 1978 Mormons considered the Negro race inferior, and even one drop of Negro blood prevented a person from entering their priesthood.

Is it true that according to Anton Lavey's Satanic Bible, the demon god of the living dead is called "Mormo". Is it just a coincidence that the Mormons are so concerned with the dead?

Is it true that their Prophet Joseph Smith did not die as a martyr as they claim, but was killed during a gun battle in which he himself killed two men and wounded a third.

Is it true that Joseph Smith taught that there were inhabitants on the moon, and Brigham Young taught there were inhabitants on the sun as well!

sorry but one last thing.Is it true that Prophet Joseph Smith prophesied falsely many times. For example, he foretold the second coming of Christ for 1891. The Bible teaches that one false prophecy puts the prophet under death sentence. (Deuteronomy 18:20-22).

Thank you for you time in answering these.

All the Best
Irish

Are you the religion that can save your ancestors souls? (I think I have seen your genealogical links)

How does it save souls by knowing who you are related to?

yes



we do ordinances for the dead. such as baptism the dead can or can not accept the work done for them.

You could probably obtain a copy, but it would probably require a more direct request for it. Typically people are really only interested in the Book of Mormon.
Where are the Golden Plates? LDS Doctrine is that Moroni took the Gold Plates back following the completion of the translation. Where he took them? I don't know. Yes, there is rumor that they are in the Church's vault somewhere in the mountains to the East of Salt Lake City, this is probably just that, rumor.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the original group of "Mormons." The first, and largest, offshoot occurred after Joseph Smith's death. Sidney Rigdon and Emma Smith claimed that Joseph Smith's oldest son was Prophet. They left the Church with a number of others and created what was known as the Reoganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, later becoming the Community of Christ and denying the need to believe in the Book of Mormon as a historical and inspired account. Their claim, as far as I am aware, was based on the story that Joseph offered Emma to right any request down and that when Joseph returned the request would be granted. Emma supposedly wrote that Joseph's son would succeed Joseph.

Following this, the next major schism was at the point of the Manifesto. At this point many groups splintered off holding that plural marriage should not have ended. These groups were very small and often dissorganized. Most died off, but a few remain.

All splinter groups claim to be the original, but any historian could affirm that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the original church to which the term "Mormon" is applied.

Do Mormons believe that they can one day become as God i.e a God in their own right.

Some can be yes.


God has already gone through this process.

Do Mormans, Or LDS Know That the Holy Spirit is Father's wife, and mother of all spirit In the universe?

Love Omnaka

There are some very slight similarities, but no, the ceremonies were present before any Masonic influence. For a time membership in the Mason organization was encouraged to aid in reducing the social stigma that we had gained. A few early leaders had been a part of the organization, but it did not relieve the social problems the LDS were having. Thus membership in the organization was no longer encouraged.
This is not true, although for quite some time Negroes were not ordained to the priesthood until 1978. Many cite this as evidence that we were racist, yet one of the problems that the people back east had with Mormons was that we were voting to end slavery. The LDS Church was one of the most forward thinking groups during this time. We have never considered Negroes inferior in any manner. I could find little explanation for the Negroes not having the priesthood prior to 1978, but I will search more.
I have never heard of this statement. Yes, it is just a coincidence as far as I know. We are concerned with the dead in that we believe our ancestors should have the same opportunities to join the Church that we have had. Temple ordinances are on the large part for and in behalf of the dead. We perform the Temple ordinances as well as baptism for and in behalf of the dead. These ordinances can only be performed by the living according to our belief. We thus perform the ordinances and the dead may choose to accept these ordinances or deny them.

I personally believe the period between death and the second coming is much like here, little absolute knowledge of God is gained and our beliefs remain the same as they do here. Missionary work occurs there and thus these ordinances must still be accepted to be valid.
No, Joseph Smith died in Carthage Jail as a martyr. Yes, he fired a pistol, purportedly killing two men and injuring a third. Joseph Smith was shot twice in the back and once in the chest. I don't see how someone could claim that he did not die as a martyr.
I believe the moonmen comments were based on scientific opinion of that time. If you do some research you will find that many scientists at that time believed the moon to be inhabited.

On a side note, and probably part of the continuation of such stories. We use the Sun, the moon and the stars as symbols of the three main divisions of heaven, termed "Degrees of Glory." Brigham Young's comments were to the idea that God resides on a planet near a sun given the Name "Kolob."
There are claims to various "false prophecies." The one you reference is this:Most detractors only read verse 15. 16 and 17 bring the statement into context.

All false prophecy accusations that I am aware of ignore context or some aspect of the statement. They attack with having the complete quotation. Nost are as easy to show as false accusations as this.

We believe the work must be done for them, geneological records provide the names. Most of the temple work is family involved, sealing parents to children. Geneology allows for this to be done. As to the rest, I responded to this somewhat in my previous post.

'As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become.'"

We believe it is possible, whether it will? I do not know. For all I know perfection is required to attain such a state. We believe Adam was literally God's physical son in some manner. We also believe we are all literally the spirit children of God. We believe man is divine in potential.

Edit: Clarification, this does not imply God is not our God. Can your father cease to be your father? Our God cannot cease to be our God. Do not mistake our divine potential for some ability or desire to supplant.

We believe the Holy Spirit to be another male figure in the Godhead, another son of God. We believe that there is a Heavenly Mother, we do not believe her role is that of the Holy Spirit.

So another Male figure is The comfortor, Of God's children?
What do the LDS think Heavenly Mothers roll is In the God head, What do they think she does, While Father is Taking care Of buisness?
Love Omnaka

Yes, in our belief, the Comforter is another male figure. He is in the form of spirit without a physical body. It is a generally held belief, but not doctrine, that he may be the last of the spirits to attain a physical body.

Omnaka, do you see the resemblance I saw between what you've been saying and what mormons believe in?

Yes , As Iv'e said Father has not told them everything, Nore have any of the earlier religions Known all.

The Father and Mother of all spirit(GOD) is the same God in all religions.

If one blasphemes anothers God, he blasphemes his own, For there is only One.

I can understand why you might think I was A Morman though.

My religion, and way of life is like that Of father, Unconditional love, and understanding, I'm not perfect at this love, While incarnate But try with all my Might.

Love Omnaka

Thank you for your reply, just a couple more questions.
Was Joseph Smith not convicted prior to the formation of LDS for selling grass seed that only grew three inches?
Could you tell me about the Mountain Meadows Massacre in which Mormons brutally murdered an innocent wagon train of settlers, of over one hundred men, women, and most of the children, traveling through Utah.
Is it true that LDS believe the Archangel Michael came down to earth with several of his celestial wives, and became Adam in the garden of Eden.
What about the Mormon belief that that they believe the angel Gabriel came down to earth and became Noah in the days of the flood.
Is it true that within your Salt Lake City Temple LDS prominently display an upside-down star which is a known Satanic symbol the Goat's head. Why?
Thank you
Irish

I got a question...

Is it true that the tablets or whatever Joseph Smith found were of Egyptian origin?

(the reason I ask is because I ran into some Mormons going door to door and they told me they were)

It was a crime to sell grass that didn't grow so well?

at the time that the people portrayed in the book of mormon left the holy land. They were using egyptian style writings so that was reflected in the early part of the plates.

I don't think I have a question right now Bee_Eff... however, your answers have been interesting and educational. I think this is a great thread!

(although, my own christian sect also uses a derogatory name commonly, 'Quaker', we're really called the Religious Society of Friends, but almost no one knows that.)

And frankly, I'm glad the LDS missionaries come by my house occasionally (I live within a couple of blocks of a temple) I like them, they're nice kids. These days, they mostly just check in to see how I'm doing and say hi. I appreciate that.

You're welcome, I hope I can answer them.
I have never heard this and could not find a reference or comment on it. Joseph Smith was a boy, he was also a young man before becoming a Prophet. Boys and Men often do stupid things. I do not doubt that Joseph Smith did some stupid things prior to becoming Prophet. If he did it is of little consequence, imo. Perhaps his errors are part of what took so long from his vision to his being allowed to take the Gold Plates for a time. I don't really know, and as the apostle Paul could witness the miracle that is forgiveness is a grand thing.
Mountain Meadows was a tragic event. Under the direction of local leadership a group of Mormons did commit the massacre. For a full account and description of the event click here. It is the worst thing I know of committed by a member of the Church. It was not sanctioned by the Church, and requests were made by the Church for a full judicial investigation. I am sorry that I cannot write a sufficient response, the site offered is credible and as historcally accurate as I can find, it is a source from an LDS apologetic group all the same though.
We believe Adam was, and is, the archangel Michael. We do not believe he brought wives to Earth with him. We believe that Adam and Eve were married by God here on Earth in the Garden. As far as I am aware, we believe marriage is an ordinance that cannot be performed while one is a spirit in the pre-existence.
Yes, we believe that Noah was, and is, the angel Gabriel. We believe that we have a name given us by our earthly parents and a name given by our Father in Heaven. Gabriel was Noah's, Michael was Adam's. You and I also had names given.
The pentagram is not a satanic symbol. The pentagram shows up on some Cathedrals and the congressional medal of honor. Christian Kabbalists used the pentagram. Early Christians wore pentagrams prior to the tradition of the Cross.

Symbols are chiseled on the granite stones which depict the sun, the stars, the planets, and the earth. I assume these are again depicted our view of the kingdoms of heaven symbolized as the sun, the stars, the moon, as well as our current position on Earth.

The writing was said to be a form of Egyptian. The Plates are believed to be the record of an ancient people that migrated from Israel to the Americas. The location of these people is unknown and disputed even among Mormon scholars. We do not necessarily believe they were the only people on the American continents, although such is a commonly held belief with no substantial evidence in our scripture to support such.

Edit: I believe the phrase used to describe it is "Reformed Egyptian."

Thanks for the comment I thought that with the general comments I was seeing on "Mormon" beliefs that a thread like this might aid people in a better understanding and hopefully dispel some of the horrible rumors that get spread about us. I had a friend that was a "Quaker" while my father was stationed in Germany, very nice people.

Edit: P.S. Were you were able to make it to the tour before the dedication? LDS temples are closed to the public due to their sacred nature, much as the Israelite temples were to the gentiles. Prior to dedication we allow tours through the majority of the temple, if anyone is interested in such, they are worth touring if you get a chance prior to a dedication. There are some wonderful photographs online, some good internal images can be found here.

Ok, another question...Am I the only one who finds that to be quite strange???

Ah, there's just a small neighborhood temple here, it was built long before I was born, so it's quite old (well, more than 40 years old hahaha). But, when I was a child, they did allow my neighborhood Girl Scout troup meet in a meeting room there, but you're right, we weren't allowed into any other rooms. They also have a wonderful lawn in front, and allow the neighborhood kids to play soccer or tag or whatever the game is of the afternoon... they don't have 'keep off the lawn' signs in front like some of the other neighborhood chuches. Like I said, they've always been awesome neighbors to have. They keep an eye on things (and people) in a very community oriented way.

Neat pictures! Thanks for sharing them.

Just a thank you this time for your honest and friendly opinion

You're welcome Thanks for asking your questions

If you start a conversation with some of the Mormon Missionaries and get into discussion with them (perhaps go through their six-part conversion course), then request a copy of the Pearl of Great Price from them, they will give it to you (that's how I got my copy of it - I was, and am, interested in learning more about their beliefs).

A question I would like answered - what is the LDS opinion on the Bible, and its relationship to the Book of Mormon? Do they believe the entirety of the Bible, or only agree with it insofar as it agrees with the words of Joseph Smith? I ask this because of a confusion I have. The foreward in the Book of Mormon states that the Book of Mormon is a religiously signifcant text comparable with the Bible. Yet in a discussion with Missionaries a few months back when stumped on a question they couldn't answer from the Bible, they informed me that the Bible had been corrupted over the centuries and could not be trusted to be truthful or accurate in all things. this has confused me because I have always thought that the Book of Mormon is supposed to be comparable to the Bible and complementary to the Book of Mormon.

Thanks for your answer, Bee Eff

The Bible is scripture. We believe it to be true. We do believe that small flaws have entered into it and that some things have been left out. I personally believe it is trustworthy in all regards, the issue is that the translation can be slightly off. An example is the NIV Bible, I believe the NIV is translated very poorly. I actually am better versed with the Bible than I am with the BoM, I have done this because discussing religion with non-LDS Chirstians must be centered around the Bible as a common source.

We do not believe the Bible is infallible or inerrent. Nor do we at all prescribe to Sola Scriptura, we are its opposite. We believe Prophets supercede ancient scripture, as scripture is the word of God to man and not just the ancient writings of men recording his word.

Hi again Bee Eff,
What do LDS Think Heavenly Mother's roll is in THe God Head, Besides Being Father's wife?

Love Omnaka.

Do you folks believe that some Native Americans are actually a lost tribe of Jews?

If you do believe this, how do you explain things like DNA and archeological evidence that indicate that no native Americans have semitic origin?

Whether your comment applies, depends on your definition of tribe. Is a tribe defined by genetic similarity, or by a tradition?

There are black jews, who trace their lineage back to the queen of sheba, Dna would say they are not semitic, but they are jews by a tradition.

I do not know if any american indians have a tradition. But if they did, could it not be similar?

Either way, do Mormons believe that some Native Americans are a lot tribe of Israel? And if so, how do you reconcile this with all the genetic and archeological evidence that is contrary to this idea?

As for the black jews of upper Ethiopia, there IS archeological evidence to show a link between them and jews of Solomon's time. But there is none to link Native Americans and jews. do you still believe that some Native Americans are actually a jewish tribe?

Wrong Thread sorry -O

Bee Eff,
Glad you decided to start this thread. As it will hopefully clear up a lot of the ridiculous beliefs and unfounded prejudice I have seen posted about Mormons on this forum and around the Salt Lake City area. Some of the comments and beliefs about Mormons I have seen and heard would be hilarious; if not for the fact people actually believe them.

As an atheist it is natural (for me at least) to empathize with Mormons, as I have seen first hand, the out right lies, hatred, and fear of your beliefs. I have seen the so called “real Christians” picket and harass people of your faith as they leave the temple (I am positive many Christian worshipers would take up arms if they were accosted and harassed right out side of their own churches). I have seen people on this forum that want so badly to believe the anti Mormon propaganda that is out there, that they latch on to any number of lies and or spiteful remarks about Mormons, and then cling to them as if their lives depended on it. I have stood up in defense of Mormons many times in this forum, but because I’m an atheist I don’t think that you’re fellow christian take me very seriously. After all us atheist are empty soulless vessels devoid of and human feelings, or morality.

Anyway my question is; what is the best way to keep the Mormon missionaries and local ward members from visiting my home. Don’t get me wrong I like Mormons and have plenty of Mormon friends, but I would prefer to keep my interactions with them on a professional and social basis. All of my Mormon friends and neighbors understand and respect my aversion to religion, however it seems the local ward and missionaries aren’t getting the message. Any ideas?

Omnaka, you are one scary dude.

This thread is about Mormanism. I was asking the Mormon OP about Native Americans. If you can, try to resist injecting your personal ideas, it's just clouding the waters. I'm VERY interested in finding out what Mormons think about Native Americans.

Can any Mormon answer my question?

What’s the deal with the garments?

I never had a definate opinion, either for or against. I was only questioning whether genetic evidence matters in the question. Is a tribe a genotype or a tradition? That is a simple question to ask, what is your answer?

Both.

Either or.

The fact is, there is NO evidence, genetic or cultural, to link any Native American group with the Isrealites. And plenty evidence, genetic and archeological, to trace NA populations back to Asia.

So my question is, do Mormons still believe that some NAs are lost Israelites, and how do they reconcile that with common scientific knowledge that is contrary to that idea.

So if it is either/or, that means genetic evidence is not required.

As for archeological evidence, if 10 jews arrived in north america and then transferred a tradition to a tribe of natives before they died out, where would you find archeological evidence?

But there's NO evidence, and evidence to the contrary. Genetic, archeological, etc. We already have a good idea where NAs came from, and even when they arrived in North America. And it wasn't from Israel.



There would be archeological evidence of the tradition they supposedly transerred. Not to mention that 10 jews living in North America pre-columbian times would probaby interbreed wtih the natives or reproduce themselves. Or are we to believe that they came here and lived long enough to transfer a culture to an indigenous population, but conveniently not long enough to reproduce with either theselves or the natives?


Are you seriously defending this insane idea?

Are you a Mormon, are you speaking for Mormons when you imply that you think it is possible that Jews came to North America before Scandanavians or Europeans?