Strange...haven't heard that one before. I ended up marrying a dark haired Jewish girl. That way I figure that I'm all set to run for Congress.
Everything you wanted to know about Shiva but were afraid to ask... http://www.jdcc.org/sepoct97/doc1.htm
Well then maybe he's the anti-cupid or playahata God b/c I didn't get no more time from that girl after her parents brought this stuff up!
I could be wrong this, but I think Mormons do not actually believe that Jesus is Lord. One of the basic tenants of Christianity is that Jesus was not only the Son of God, but God on earth as a human. I think that Mormons do not believe this, but I could be wrong. I heard that they think of him as a high ranking angel or something, sent as the "Son" to do his work, but don't actually think of him as Lord. Is this correct? I don't know.
Mormon church is called "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" and, in order to be baptized into Mormonism, you have to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as the Son of God and our Saviour, first and foremost. At least, that's how they did it in my church. PS, has anybody else noticed that at the Jazz games, all the people in the stands look Mormon?
some of the differences between Protestants and Mormons: 1. Ex nihilio -- the mormon prophet (or whatever his title is) claimed/claims God did not create out of nothing...matter preexisted him. as opposed to creation from nothing... 2. multiple gods -- there are accounts of gods and goddesses in the mormon tradition...and sexual unions of the two...clearly this is not something you'd find in a presbyterian church 3. acts as more important than grace -- much more acts-driven than protestant christianity...so much so that one might earn the level of a god over some other planet 4. marriage has to be sealed in the temple in order for you to remain married in heaven...protestant christianity would point to jesus' words regarding no marriage in heaven, for the most part...marriage until "death do us part." 5. different book...whole different account of native americans actually being displaced jews whom jesus appeared to...this is where the archaelogical evidence bites them...accounts of elephants used in battle, despite no elephant skeletons ever found in this hemisphere there are so many differences it's amazing...really dramatic differences that go to the deity of Jesus Christ...that go to the role of the crucifixion and resurrection in saving...and dramatic differences from an organizational standpoint. one of my closest friends from law school was mormon...we had long talks and open debates...he is among the most honorable people i've ever known and i cherish my friendship with him...i'm proud to call him my friend...i just strongly disagree with his beliefs....and he with mine.
That is funny! I cursed at a couple of Jehovah's Witnesses who woke me up early one morning with their message. I still feel bad about that episode, but who the hell bangs on doors early in the morning unannounced?
I guess I am set up to be your running mate. I married a dark haired Catholic who was born in a Jewish family and I am a fair haired protestant that doesn't drink or smoke So I think all of our bases are covered!! CK
I like the fact that you guys find mormons weird. I love living in Salt Lake City, and I love the fact that the mormons keep everyone at bay. More powder for me. Many of my friends are mormon, and they know my spiel, and I theirs. They probably differ from the run of the mill Utard (ie, most of my pals are from out of state) however. I concede that the archaeological record bodes poorly for the LDS. Pollen grains are the most copious biological element that an archaeologist is ever going to find. The plants that Joseph Smith called for, just were never here. I once read an interesting paper on "how the hell do you forget how to work steel", describing the theory that a lost tribe crosses the ocean and loses the technology they possessed in the Old World. Nevertheless, I recognize all of this stuff as someone whose faith receptor doesn't code. I'm broken. I have looked for God all of my life. It's not to be. I must have empirical experience or I am incredibly suspicious of everything. I expect these rules. How many of you other kids are ready to base your religious experience on empirical observation? Aha! Thought so. There are going to be differences of opinion between mainstream Christianity and Mormonism I suppose. Call me a dork if this is just a normal conversation, but I think, since this conversation is apparently going to come up every friggin' week, that we encourage the input of a few other LDS people (lest this emerge into more mormon bashing). When you're in the South, a mormon may as well be a martian. Perhaps if theists such as MadMax/Isabel or even atheists such as JuanValdez (re: NJRocket's thread) could pose honest questions and have to deal w/ real faces, real people... then this conversation would follow the normal sentiments of actually dealing with real people.
perhaps you didn't read my post where i mentioned my closest friend in law school debated and discussed this with me throughout the 3 years i was there...it was a very real face...a very real friend.
MadMax, that was a miswrite on my part after a bunch of edits... it looks like things came together in a bad way (though I think that JV has some interesting beliefs). I would just like to see a few members of the Mormon church respond to the general questions that you guys pose. You actually laid out your opinions about the differences in the LDS faith and protestant Christianity in a straightforward way. Maybe you guys can get responses without Jeff or me overreacting with labels like "basher" or whatever. It looks like there are honest differences of opinion. What otherwise seems like a cool idea in scripture (no hell, everybody a god, and men collecting women) I suppose will raise the ire of the rest of Christianity.
Incidentally, I would solicit the opinions of a friend here in Salt Lake, but noone can know that I hang out on the internet all of the time.
i certainly don't wish to be insulting to anyone, achebe...i know it can come across that way when you point out differences between one group and another...i don't intend for it to come across that way.
