Every religion has unique beliefs. This is a list of odd LDS beliefs. Each Item on the list quotes LDS scripture so you can be sure it is authentic.
10. Tithing
While tithes are not uncommon among religion, rarely are they mandatory. LDS theology states that in order to make it to the highest kingdom of heaven, you must pay a full and honest tithe.
D&C 119: 3-6
3 And this shall be the beginning of the tithing of my people.
4 And after that, those who have thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth of all their interest annually; and this shall be a standing law unto them forever, for my holy priesthood, saith the Lord.
5 Verily I say unto you, it shall come to pass that all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you.
6 And I say unto you, if my people observe not this law, to keep it holy, and by this law sanctify the land of Zion unto me, that my statutes and my judgments may be kept thereon, that it may be most holy, behold, verily I say unto you, it shall not be a land of Zion unto you.
9. Pleasure in Life
This is one of the most famous pieces of LDS doctrine. It’s also the cause of many myths about Mormons. Basically; no coffee, no drugs, no tobacco.
D&C 89: 5-13
5 That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him.
6 And, behold, this should be wine, yea, pure wine of the grape of the vine, of your own make.
7 And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies.
8 And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill.
9 And again, hot drinks are not for the body or belly.
10 And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man—
11 Every herb in the season thereof, and every fruit in the season thereof; all these to be used with prudence and thanksgiving.
12 Yea, flesh also of beasts and of the fowls of the air, I, the Lord, have ordained for the use of man with thanksgiving; nevertheless they are to be used sparingly;
13 And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine.
8. Spirits
This one is very unique to the LDS faith. Basically, everyone on earth now was a spirit in the pre-existence. When we die, our spirits are separated from our bodies and if we were good they go to “spirit paradise.” If we were bad they go to “spirit prison.” The spirit world exists as a place for spirits to go while awaiting the second coming.
D&C 138: 8-14
8 “By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;
9 “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” (1 Peter 3:18—20.)
10 “For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.” (1 Peter 4:6.)
11 As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great.
12 And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality;
13 And who had offered sacrifice in the similitude of the great sacrifice of the Son of God, and had suffered tribulation in their Redeemer’s name.
14 All these had departed the mortal life, firm in the hope of a glorious resurrection, through the grace of God the Father and his Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ.
7. Modern Revelation
Almost everyone who knows anything about the Mormon religion knows they have a prophet. What many don’t know, is anything that the prophet says in official capacity is considered official canon.
D&C 43: 2-9
2 For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye have received a commandment for a law unto my church, through him whom I have appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations from my hand.
3 And this ye shall know assuredly—that there is none other appointed unto you to receive commandments and revelations until he be taken, if he abide in me.
4 But verily, verily, I say unto you, that none else shall be appointed unto this gift except it be through him; for if it be taken from him he shall not have power except to appoint another in his stead.
5 And this shall be a law unto you, that ye receive not the teachings of any that shall come before you as revelations or commandments;
6 And this I give unto you that you may not be deceived, that you may know they are not of me.
7 For verily I say unto you, that he that is ordained of me shall come in at the gate and be ordained as I have told you before, to teach those revelations which you have received and shall receive through him whom I have appointed.
8 And now, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that when ye are assembled together ye shall instruct and edify each other, that ye may know how to act and direct my church, how to act upon the points of my law and commandments, which I have given.
9 And thus ye shall become instructed in the law of my church, and be sanctified by that which ye have received, and ye shall bind yourselves to act in all holiness before me—
6. Jesus visited the Americas
The Book of Mormon is a book of LDS scripture that takes place during the same time as the Bible and takes place on the American continent. It follows the stories of two tribes who descended from the family of Lehi. After Jesus’ resurrection LDS people believe he visited the peoples of the Americas.
3 Nephi 11: 7-12
7 Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name—hear ye him.
8 And it came to pass, as they understood they cast their eyes up again towards heaven; and behold, they saw a Man descending out of heaven; and he was clothed in a white robe; and he came down and stood in the midst of them; and the eyes of the whole multitude were turned upon him, and they durst not open their mouths, even one to another, and wist not what it meant, for they thought it was an angel that had appeared unto them.
9 And it came to pass that he stretched forth his hand and spake unto the people, saying:
10 Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world.
11 And behold, I am the alight and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning.
12 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words the whole multitude fell to the earth; for they remembered that it had been prophesied among them that Christ should show himself unto them after his ascension into heaven.
5. The Nature of God
While most religions believe in God, the LDS religion believes in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit as separate beings. They also believe that God, Jesus and resurrected beings have bodies of “flesh and bone.”
D&C 129:1-5
1 There are two kinds of beings in heaven, namely: Angels, who are resurrected personages, having bodies of flesh and bones—
2 For instance, Jesus said: Handle me and see, for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
3 Secondly: the spirits of just men made perfect, they who are not resurrected, but inherit the same glory.
4 When a messenger comes saying he has a message from God, offer him your hand and request him to shake hands with you.
5 If he be an angel he will do so, and you will feel his hand.
D&C 130: 22-23
22 The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us.
23 A man may receive the Holy Ghost, and it may descend upon him and not tarry with him.
4. Priesthood
In the LDS religion any worthy male can be given the priesthood and is given specific duties. Black people were not allowed to have the priesthood until 1978. Females are not allowed to have the priesthood.
D&C 107: 1-5
1 There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic, including the Levitical Priesthood.
2 Why the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest.
3 Before his day it was called the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God.
4 But out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.
5 All other authorities or offices in the church are appendages to this priesthood.
Official Declaration – 2, 1978
Aware of the promises made by the prophets and presidents of the Church who have preceded us that at some time, in God’s eternal plan, all of our brethren who are worthy may receive the priesthood, and witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the priesthood has been withheld, we have pleaded long and earnestly in behalf of these, our faithful brethren, spending many hours in the Upper Room of the Temple supplicating the Lord for divine guidance.
3. Multiple Heavens
In LDS doctrine there are three heavens: the Celestial Kingdom, Terrestrial Kingdom, and Telestial Kingdom. The Celestial is the highest, where God and the ones who followed his law reside. The Terrestrial is the middle, where people who followed the Law of Moses reside. The Telestial is the lowest, where the ones who followed carnal law reside.
D&C 76: 94-98
94 They who dwell in his presence are the church of the Firstborn; and they see as they are seen, and know as they are known, having received of his fulness and of his grace;
95 And he makes them equal in power, and in might, and in dominion.
96 And the glory of the celestial is one, even as the glory of the sun is one.
97 And the glory of the terrestrial is one, even as the glory of the moon is one.
98 And the glory of the telestial is one, even as the glory of the stars is one; for as one star differs from another star in glory, even so differs one from another in glory in the telestial world;
2. Forgiveness
In LDS theology you can be forgiven for any sin, save two. First, denying the Holy Spirit, and second, murder. Also, God is infinitely forgiving, until the second coming. After that, you end up where you end up, no matter what. There are no second chances. Period.
D&C 76: 43-45
43 Who glorifies the Father, and saves all the works of his hands, except those sons of perdition who deny the Son after the Father has revealed him.
44 Wherefore, he saves all except them—they shall go away into everlasting punishment, which is endless punishment, which is eternal punishment, to reign with the devil and his angels in eternity, where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched, which is their torment—
45 And the end thereof, neither the place thereof, nor their torment, no man knows;
D&C 18: 42
18 And now, behold, I speak unto the church. Thou shalt not kill; and he that kills shall not have forgiveness in this world, nor in the world to come.
D&C 76: 111-112
111 For they shall be judged according to their works, and every man shall receive according to his own works, his own dominion, in the mansions which are prepared;
112 And they shall be servants of the Most High; but where God and Christ dwell they cannot come, worlds without end.
1. Multiple Worlds and Multiple Gods
This deserves some explanation. Mormons believe that God created multiple worlds and each world has people living on it. They also believe that multiple Gods exist but each has their own universe. We are only subject to our God and if we obtain the highest level of heaven we can become gods ourselves.
D&C 76: 24
24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
D&C 93: 10
10 The worlds were made by him; men were made by him; all things were made by him, and through him, and of him.
Moses 1: 33
33 And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.
D&C 76: 108
108 Then shall he be crowned with the crown of his glory, to sit on the throne of his power to reign forever and ever.
D&C 131: 1-5
1 In the celestial glory there are three heavens or degrees;
2 And in order to obtain the highest, a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];
3 And if he does not, he cannot obtain it.
4 He may enter into the other, but that is the end of his kingdom; he cannot have an increase.
5 (May 17th, 1843.) The more sure word of prophecy means a man’s knowing that he is sealed up unto eternal life, by revelation and the spirit of prophecy, through the power of the Holy Priesthood.
Contributor: Mystern
Mystern; Husband cheating with sister – I would not consider that murder for gain,its losing it and it is manslaughter
My family murdered – of course I would personally want those suckers dead – but as a society I believe we must behave in a manner better than that. If you haven’t seen the interview with Alison Parrot’s mom(child murdered by Francis Carl Roy) it is amazing. Forget Mother Theresa, this woman should be canonized.
I do believe that there are things we should not forgive ourselves for, understand maybe, but forgive? When I was a teenager I once did the mob thing to someone. You know a bunch of us just tormenting the hell out of a girl cuz she had big boobs, many boyfriends or something; We pinned her down and wrote slut on her forhead or something equally awful. I won’t ever forgive myself for not sticking up for her, I understand the stoopid teenage need for acceptance is why I stood by and laughed. I am a better person because of it. I have never done anything like that again, and when I witness injustice or cruelty I speak up. God can forgive me and maybe even Janet P., but myself,,,I think not
Exactly. You prove my point. The moral compass of the individual is subjective to the point of being nonexistent.
Amanda: You said, “The bible doesn’t say ‘Love everyone except for homo*****uals’” I now direct your attention to the following quote:
If a man has ***** with another man, kill them both. Leviticus 20:13
It really doesn’t get any clearer than that.
While God does state that *****ual immorality is a sin, He still loves the sinner. As Christians, we need to love these people; Love is what will attract all sinners to become Christians. While I do not condone any *****ual immorality, I still love the people. As Christians, we need to focus on loving and serving others and on loving and serving the Lord Jesus. As for the sinner, let God be the judge. Sin is sin, no matter what it is. Since all of us have sinned, we all need the love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ.
Mystern; Do you mean that their are no moral absolutes? That nothing is always wrong? Sorry if I’m being obtuse. I’m not arguing but I need clarification.
Miss Destiny: You need to realize that the bible is wrong on this fact.
You can’t help who you love, you just can’t and for ANYONE to try and tell someone otherwise… well they need to pull their head out of their ass and take a glimpse in the real world. Because the moment anyone and I mean anyone tries to tell me who I am allowed to love (I am straight) I will be shoving their head so far up their ass that they will be talking through their belly button.
How would you feel if you were told that you were not allowed to love someone with brown hair or green eyes or that was left handed. That is how ridiculous this is.
***** does not always equal love. We can love someone without *****ual immorality.
I’m not saying I AGREE with the Bible. I’m just saying it’s there!
Please don’t go putting words and ideas in my mouth. Sorry if I was unclear.
Mom424: No I am not saying there are no moral absolutes. I am saying there are no moral absolutes within religion that allow for justice. I am saying there are no moral absolutes within the human psyche.
For example, I don’t consider it wrong for me to have premarital *****, for various reasons I won’t go into. But other people do consider it wrong.
There may or may not be such a thing as absolute morality, I don’t know. If it does exist then there is a line and that line is either unfair, or “all or nothing”. If the line says I can sin 5 times then it’s unfair to the one who sins 6 times. If the line is drawn at 1 sin then it’s fair, but hard.
Miss Destiny: I apologize for puting words in your mouth but when someone quotes the bible to prove someone else wrong, there is a tendancy to believe that they are backing up what they quoted.
My apologies.
SocialButterfly: No harm no foul. I was just interested by Amanda’s comment and felt the need to reply.
If a man has ***** with another man, kill them both. Leviticus 20:13
That is in the Old Testament. Christ didn’t come along until Matthew, the New Testament. John 3:16 reads ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
It does not say whosoever except homo*****uals. I find the Old Testament to be crap and not part of the Christian religions. How can it be Christian when it pre-dates Christ? I think it’s all myth and folklore, much like the Greek Gods and Godesses. Christ was a great man and a great teacher, and his work is overshadowed by controlling zealots who killed every innocent person who disagreed with them. If people would just concentrate on Christ’s message of love this world would be a much better place.
Mystern; Aha, lightbulb engaged. (kids in the andes eating human flesh, or borneo headhunters for that matter)Your point is true, thus my lack of belief in organized religion. I am hoping though that there are moral absolutes within the human psyche. Maybe thats what evil is. No lines you won’t cross.
Mom424: Evil? Evil is an invention of the powerful to scare the masses into submission. As are the concepts of right and wrong. If there is absolute evil or absolute good in the universe humans will never find it. By your definition I would be considered evil during certain circumstances. How can I consider someone who does only as they see fit as evil? To claim thus would make every single individual within the human race evil.
I can tell you first hand, there is absolute evil and absolute good in our world. I have experienced first-hand the absolute evil of the devil and the absolute good of God. You don't have to believe it and that is your choice, but it does exist. Both evil and good are present, but people chose not to see it.
Mystern; And Joseph Mengele did only what he saw fit… I disagree, rather vehemently, evil was not created by the masses, but perpetrated by them. I have no problem believing in evil, its really the only logical reason I believe in god.
Mom424: You argue semantics. Nevertheless I see your point. I still maintain that every human action is a choice and every choice made is the best possible choice, as seen by that individual, at that time, under those circumstances.
Every human action is a choice, but not all choices are the best choice possible, as seen by that individual, at that time, under those circumstances. I am a former drug addict, I never considered doing drugs as a good choice even while I was in the middle of the dope. I've got almost two years of sobriety.
Mystern; We will agree to disagree, but in my personal example, I did not make the best possible choice.
Mom424: Very well. We can agree to disagree but the question I ask you is this:
You see your choice as bad. But that is in reference to where you are now. When you made the choice did you see it as a bad choice? If so why did you make it? You may say that you don’t know why you made it but the truth is you saw it as the best thing you could do in the circumstances. I believe you are confusing what I am saying. I am saying you made the best possible choice for you. Not necessarily what you saw as right or good, but what you saw as best of the options available. As a matter of fact you may have at the time seen it as the worst (morally speaking) thing you could have possibly done. However, if you did not see it as the best (psychologically speaking) choice, why did you make that choice. for that matter, why do you make any choices?
Mystern; Holy Hannah, we’re taking the chicken/egg debate to whole new levels….
I have to think and process all of this, also household drudgery awaits,,,we will continue a little later
Dont know if this was covered but as far as Joseph Smith and Brigham Young not being forgiven of murder, thats an easy one. They had a hitman so to speak. The guys name was Porter Rockwell. Heres the link for from Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_Rockwell
What if the Mormons are right and our god is some guy named Bob from New Jersey who happened to be a really good Mormon?
If it isn't in the bible, I don't believe it.
Toolnut: hahaha yeah, pretty much every Mormon church has a basketball court inside
its great isnt it? hahaha Well, this way we can play basketball all year round! I see it as a good way for the young men to have fun and keep out of trouble. 
It also provides a good way to bond. So why not inside? Thanks for your insights as well 
amanda: I agree w/ you, one reason why I avoid Christian religions in general. I also avoid those who are quote happy of Paul’s writings. It makes me laugh especially when I remember Harry Dean Stanton playing Paul in “The Last Temptation of Christ”, even though in Christ’s vision on the cross that he didn’t die, Paul still became preachy happy even without a savior.
Here’s a scripture for the forgiveness thingy Alma 39:1-6
Another bizarre Mormon belief I thought of the other day, when Christ visited the Americas he chose another 12 apostles and asked what they desired. 9 wanted full lives, but wanted to ascend to heaven eventually. The other 3 were granted immortality and are still walking around to this day.
Check out 3 Nephi 28:1-25 or go here if you don’t have a BOM:
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/3_ne/28/7-8,25,37-38#7
Verse 25 is especially giggle worthy.
Now I’ve started to settle most of my beefs with the LDS church. I’m not like the nutters at exmormon.org, though I used to be. To me any organized religion is bizarre. Some beliefs may be bizarre, but damn, I fear the “bizarre” people even more: Mike Huckabee is a fruit, so is Fred Phelps, Louis Farrakhan, Pope Benedict, Ted Haggard, James Dobson, Tom Cruise, Warren Jeffs and many others. (Not to say these people are bad or evil, don’t get me wrong, I just don’t want them dictating my life)
All I ask of people is to not judge and be aware of other things. Don’t get so close minded when people judge your beliefs. Read the Bible, the Qur’an, the Book of Mormon, the Gnostic gospels, the Rig Vedas, Tao te Ching, etc. If you want less scriptural reading the Dummies and Idiot’s Guide books on any religion are pretty well informed, ie Religion for Dummies.
I’d avoid books by Karen Armstrong (decent, but not for the layman anyways) and anything published by Regnery Publishing, Inc or the “Politically Incorrect Guides” (very conservative bias that slanders anything non-Protestant Christian). If you want to learn more about atheism Sam Harris isn’t as annoying as Richard Dawkins, but they’re both “holier than thou” atheists.
Hell if you don’t like to read there are some good movies and documentaries out there too. “The Message” (about Islam), “The Last Temptation of Christ” (“The Passion of the Christ” is just pointless, imo), “Jesus Camp” and “Fall from Grace” are good documentaries about extreme “Christianity” (very loose term there), and if you’re curious about early Christianity simplified yet not stupefied, check out “From Jesus to Christ”. If you can get your hands on them, Mormon seminary videos can be decent, a little propagandistic, but it makes somethings simple. The old Book of Mormon cartoons are just too weird.
I haven’t found many good movies on Eastern religions, if anybody knows of any please let me know.
Knowledge can help find the means to eliminate intolerance, or at least lubricate the grindstone better.
And if nothing else check out religioustolerance.org and religiousworlds.com, these are some great sites.
My two cents, if everybody had an open mind maybe they wouldn’t feel so threatened. This includes Muslim, Christian (yes, I’m sticking Mormons in there), Jew, atheist, agnostic, Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, etc.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
(Is it foolish to quote the Bible when I said to research other things? ;])
“…believes in God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit as separate beings.”
That’s what Muslims believe also.
God is creator
Jesus is prophet
Holy Spirit is angel
You forgot one most excellent belief of mormons, that of course was abandoned in the name of political correctness( I didn’t know god’s word was so tempermental) .
Mormons believe that :
The angels that fought on the side of lucifer became demons.
The angels that fought on the side of god became aryan white people.
The angels who did not fight at all…. became black people!
Hahahaha makes sense to me.
It is true that we believe that there was a war in heaven. God presented a plan, one it which we would have freedom to choose and Jesus would be our Savior, and Satan presented another plan in which we would not have agency but would all be saved. Some fought on the side of Satan, and they are now evil spirits, and those who fought on God's side have a chance to come to Earth to grow and progress and hopefully return to Heaven. There is no distinction made between different races in the war in heaven.
Mount Teetar: Close but not quite. Official church documents list it as spirits who were “less valiant” in the war in heaven became black people, but there were no bystanders.
Some of the comments on this list are just retarded. Mormons are not any more strange then any other bible toters. At least you don’t see them involved in scandals on a regular basis.
Mystern; I’ve been processing our little debate for the last few days, trying to figure out why my bull***** (read common-sense) detectors were firing…I couldn’t quite figure out why because I finally understand what you are saying and don’t really disagree. I think I figured it out. I was actually thinking about Anne Perry (author, co-killed her friends mom when caught up in fantasy/love relationship in her teens). The problem I was having is just semantics, but important semantics. Instead of correct choice, I think more apt, “only” choice psychologically speaking….
Mom424: I’m glad you finally got it. The thing most people don’t realize is that everything we do in life is the best we can do at the time. After the fact we may kick ourselves in the ass, but at the time if we saw any other viable alternatives we would have taken those.
I’ve come to the realization that people get caught up lamenting the past thinking there was something they could have done differently. You know those people who are stuck in the same place in their lives? They always make the same mistakes? They are the ones most caught up in the past. They so fervently believe they could have done something differently that they recreate the same situation and make exactly the same mistake and then wonder why they are so miserable.
I’ve realized that I really did the best I could have done in the past, considering the circumstances. I’ve also realized, while it’s important to remember the past, it doesn’t really have any effect on my current situation. Just because I made a bad decision in the past doesn’t mean the decision I must make right now is bad. It has to do with living in the present, and letting go of the past, and the future. What will come will come, you have no say in that whatsoever. And it’s not possible to change the past. The only time you can affect is right now. Period.
Mystern; what do you do in real life? You should teach.
Mom424: Teach what? For the longest time I wanted to be a teacher. Actually, I’ve aspired to many things in my life. Teaching, architecture, science, literature, business and engineering to name a few. You see how varied my tastes are? Right now I’ve ended up as a corporate junkie doing quality assurance. Basically, I listen to phone calls all day long and make sure the company can’t get sued. For a while there I was in sales, and I”m going back to do sales (door to door, no less) this summer.
Above all else there is one thing in my life I’ve wanted to do. Write. I’ve thus far in my life not had the willpower to do it. The hardest part about writing is just sitting down and doing it. It’s not always easy. You can’t always write fifteen pages in a couple hours, sometimes it only ends up as fifteen sentences. That’s what’s hard about writing. I’ve just never had the willpower thus far to just sit down and do it.
Mystern; I also did sales for years, the varied interest thing gives you something in common with almost everyone, makes the sales easier.
The reason I said you should teach is that you tend to provoke thought. What the best teachers do. It doesn’t really matter what subject; the best teachers/profs I had went off-topic always. I believe teachers to be under-paid and under-valued, at least the good ones….
Mom424: That is true. Although I believe that could be said for most of the valuable people in society.
I don’t know if it’s considered a bizarre practice, but it’s certainly an interesting fact: The LDS’ family records are an excellent resource for genealogical information. They keep very thorough familial records.
Almost forgot – on the practice of tithing and the comment made earlier about God giving us everything, um, can someone tell me exactly what the Creator of Everything (On A Non-Existent Budget) needs with 10% of my money? I think He would be happier knowing my family is fed, clothed, educated, and kept healthy. You know, seeing as he’s supposed to love us all, and such.
He doesn't need the money. We need the faith to give it. But really, the tithing we give is used to pay church expenses, like building more buildings, printing church materials, and many other things.
I have a close friend who’s morman, but she’s refreshingly sane.
I live in Brazil, it’s funny to see al kind of foreigner people walking wearing the same clothes (the ‘elders’), entering in the ‘favelas’ to doctrine poor people, LOL. My father (74y.o.) is a kind of new-mormon and I caught him begging my for a cup of hot and delicious coffee!
One day he invites me toa party in the ‘church’, people saw me smoking and almost expel me from the ‘sacred place’ (the church car parking), calling the Priest to explain me ‘why I can’t smoke there). Haha, i never came back, they’re weird!!!
o___º
hhmmm lets see everyone hear is saying what they think mormons believe.
yet no one is actually talking to a mormon they are just talking about their own missunderstandings.
dumb dumb dumb
Most of my family is Mormon. Any comment that I see as out right Ignorant I respond to. I know what mormons think. No matter how Weird(*****tarded) Mormons may be, I still understand the train of thought. Keep your generalizations to yourself… All of you.
COmment 103. I said I had called my mom who is a Mormon to ask how true these were. Her reply is in that comment. I also seem to remember I a lot of posts that they are either an exmormon, current mormon, or married to a mormon. Not all the posts, but many of them. And I belive the person who made the list was either Mormon, exmormon, or married to one.
I wrote the list and I was born and raised LDS and I know for a fact that all of these are correct.
Mystern: I apologize for my not knowing about the murder thing. I’ve been going to church for sixteen years and it never occurred to me to seperate manslaughter from murder. I don’t disbelieve you, but where can I find that?
Adia: The difference has to do with intent. Ask your bishop. Manslaughter, is generally an accident. I know of one case in which deliberate murder was forgiven. During WWII a group of Jews were escaping a Nazi camp and one woman had a baby. They were wading across a river to escape and the baby started crying. The woman drowned the baby. Generally the Mormon church will not baptize someone who has committed murder but in this case an exception was made.
mom424: In your comment #83, you said that Jehovah’s Witnesses must also tithe? Where did you get that?
From all my time raised as a JW, I never knew that. I always thought one thing that made JW special was that all contributions were voluntary. In fact, all positions of the congregation is voluntary.
It sounds like most of you have to much time on your hands, discussing things you know nothing about but hear through rumors. Gossip was made by the ignorant to spread lies and false stories. Satan used this tactic throughout the bible sending false prophets mingling scripture with the philosophy of man to lead the children of god away into his keep. If you want the truth as stated in the bible in the book of James 1: 5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
Jesus taught in parables so only those who where spiritually humble would understand the meaning of the symbolism he used. Those who were looking to condem him simply heard great stories but couldn’t understand.
If you want to know the truth seek it from the source not people who have an agenda for negativity and belittlement. Why do you think of all religons The church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints is attack so viciously since it’s inseption. Maybe because Satan wants it to fail, thus using all his rescources including blogs like this to attack and attack and attack things that just maybe true. Why would anyone seek to destroy someone looking for God except they have evil in there own hearts. Remember Jesus said Charity is the pure love of christ and those who have this with them in the end will be well in the sight of god.
Just a few things to ponder………….. Thanks for your time in reading this opinion I have read yours and have to agree to disagree with your gossip.
Jared: As the author of this list I would like to point out a few things. First and foremost, this list was meant not to poke fun at, or attack the LDS church in any way shape or form. I am a former member of the church, and I have a great respect for it, there are simply some things i do not agree with. As a member of the church, you must know that every item on this list is true and accurate and no scripture has been taken out of context. This list is not gossip, and the commentary of each item is purely informational.
Secondly, you cannot tell me what I know and do not know. Believe me, I know far more about LDS doctrine than almost any average church member. Please do not insult me by telling me that I am discussing things that I have only heard through rumor and know nothing about.
Third, I can assure you that I do not have any agenda of “negativity and belittlement.” I am not seeking to destroy anyone looking for God or anyone’s faith. While I personally believe standardized religion to be the opiate of the masses, I will be the first to admit that it is the only thread in many peoples lives.
Fourth, it is only the opinion of the LDS church that they have been attacked more viciously than any other religion. Every religion has its naysayers and Mormons do not have any exclusive right to persecution.
I do agree with you strongly on one aspect of your comment though, every man, woman, and child should definitely develop a personal relationship with a respective higher being, be it God, Buddha, Allah or simply the universe in general.
Well done Mystern, your list and your defense of of the rational mind, here in the comments section. The truth about the origins of Mormonism is more interesting than the myth. What you have is a gang of colorful Yankee scam artists from the early 19th Century pulling off one very long con.
Yogi is showing my point of following without knowledge but a bias from an ex-mormon.
I don’t issue any hate or negativism but wish those who want to express themselves to make a researched informed opinion from there own personal witness or experience.
Mystern you indeed are the creator of this list to which you have a bias agenda whether you realize it or not. For your title in itself emphasizes your own belief you wish others to share with you. I do respect your opinion and have a great ability thanks to the God who led inspired men across a great ocean to “The Promise Land”, and created this “Light unto the world.” Freedom to speak, worship, and live as we may.
To your point this list is not gossip and is not taken out of context I will say the list itself doesn’t consist of gossip but the 163 posts to this list IS. Out of this list show me ONE other than myself is not a negative towards the LDS church.
“Only the opinion of the LDS Church” I think not. Nowhere in time has a free country with constutional rights to worship been attacked and hunted as the LDS church has been. There families slaughtered and women and children forced out into the snow without shoes or warm clothing. The tarring and feathering, attempted sodomy. Homes and land taken at the force of death in their wake. Ohio by order of Governer Boggs issued an “Extermination” order against free citizens of this country because of what they believed and tried to worship as their constitutional rights are. But because of fear of losing their power in government they sought their lives. This Extermination order for the lives of any who claimed to be a member of the LDS church were killed, forced to lose all they had, and was legal and in full effect until after 1970 when it was recinded. Blacks had their freedom from slavery, women had equal rights given them. Mormons were still legal to be killed under this order at these times. Not one other religon in a free country ever in history has had to endure these persistant perscutions.
In final I wish those who think they know because of some literature they got or a opinion they heard would be willing to do some research, find out for themselves if these things are indeed attributed to the pecular people of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, over 13 million strong, in over 160 countries, over 100 languages, whose humanitarism leads in many regards one of the greatest. Mystern as you know being a former member as Jesus stated the work will go forth unto every nation, tongue, and people among the isles of the sea never to be taken again off the face of this earth until the glorious return of yours and my elder brother and savior to all man kind. We all must have our own testimony because you can only survive on borrowed light for so long. Have a great weekend everyone and God Bless.
Hi Jared. Your opinions matter here and I understand that, I would however like you to READ THE COMMENTS!
“Out of this list show me ONE other than myself is not a negative towards the LDS church.”
Me for one and if you are referring to comment 155., it was a quote. You can believe whatever you want, it’s psychos and Scientologists I don’t like.
Your info is dated.
Your stats are wrong.
And like someone else said “That’s one impressive word salad”
Question before you leave… You haven’t by any chance, recently, been to Texas have you?
Yogi: I try not to go into the early history of the church because it is difficult to separate fact from fiction.
Crimanon: Jared’s stats are not all wrong. He is correct, there was an extermination order passed and he is correct that it is a law that fell into disuse and wasn’t bothered to be removed until the 1970′s. Also, this list deals primarily with the LDS church. The group in Texas were fundamentalists who were not sanctioned or recognized by the LDS church.
Jared: First, I did not name this list. My original title used the word “odd” instead of “bizarre.”
Second, I would like to point out comments 73, 76, 82, 89, 90, 94, 103 and 112 as comments that are not made to be negative. I did not include the ones that could be considered “questionable.”
Third, while the extermination order was signed, state laws do not take precedence over federal law, and murder is against federal law. You must also consider in the early church history it wasn’t as much of a ‘religion’ as a religious movement. I would like to point out that while The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints may be the largest Mormon religion there about a dozen of them. It’s called the “Latter Day Saint movement.” The majority of persecution is directed at the non CJC-LDS groups. Those groups are also the ones who give Mormons a bad name.
Finally, I agree that anyone who is curious about the LDS faith should seek out someone knowledgeable who can answer their questions in person. The LDS church is a wonderful institution, and I have a great respect for it.
Mystern: 160 countries? There are only 195. To say that mormons inhabit most of the earth is egotistical and an incredible embellishment of fact.
Refer to —http://www.religioustolerance.org/lds_intr.htm#stat—
The “Order” could be something akin to the extermination of the Jews still practiced Now. Illegal, in Any form of hatred, is the killing of another man.
Prominent officials —http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latter_Day_Saint_political_history—
They had a pretty good run, Pre-1970, for being killed. No more deaths than any other historical political run.
New group on the block always catches some hell. It was no Holocaust and the only reason why LDS takes any heat now is because Extremists are the only “Mormons” that get any air time. Sure the garb is strange and the women hang out at the back of the church, how is that any different than Muslims or Jews? Your persecution has ended, relatively, Theirs keeps getting worse.
If you want to stop the stewing emotions of the under-informed. You should bring LDS into a better light. I have yet to see One LDS leader speak out against polygamy. I think this Texas fiasco would be a good start. I’ve got a few Mormon friends who would join you.
Crimanon: Sorry for the misunderstanding. I said his stats were not all wrong. But I did not say they were all correct.
You’re right though, in your statement about persecution. I agree completely.
And as a last note about LDS leaders not speaking out against polygamy, there’s a reason. While polygamy has been officially abolished in current times, the Church still maintains that in Heaven there will be polygamy. You ask any church leader and they will tell you that polygamy has been abolished on earth, and they will likely be evasive when asked about polygamy in heaven. The official church stance is yes, there will be polygamy in heaven.
Forsake the flesh of the earth, so that we may feed as we wish in the heavens.- Me, just now.
Hey guys! I just want you to know that I’m a mormon and those ten things listed are absolutely true and we do believe in them. However, I would highly encourage everyone who has anything bad to say about mormons that maybe you should get to know one and you will realize that we are normal everyday people just trying to live the best we can. Oh and for the record, we are not affiliated with the FLDS church that is all over the news these days. We do not curretnly practice polygamy. Yes, there was a time in the 1800′s when polygamy was practiced but only for a very short period of time. As with all religions it takes faith to believe in them. Logic sometimes just simply won’t do. God’s ways are mysterious but one day we will know the reasons for all of His works. I just ask that you please respect the mormon church and take the time to learn about it from credible sources such as a member themself or our church literature…Some examples are lds.org, The Book of Mormon, The Ensign, the LDS Missionaries and so on. Stop turning to the opinions of those who are not members of the church or those who have posted hateful things on the internet. Anyway, wow, that was a long post! Thanks for taking the time to read it.
well said ashlee. . you didn't just defend the church, you also asked some people to be decent.
“Stop turning to the opinions of those who are not members of the church or those who have posted hateful things on the internet. Anyway, wow, that was a long post! Thanks for taking the time to read it.”
Don’t worry, I laugh at all religious people regardless of their belief system. Just kidding
Crimanon- About your issue about the churches stance on polygamy I would like to refer you to http://www.lds.org go to the scriptures and look in the Doctrine and Covenants, go to Declaration 1 and 2.
Ashlee- Very well said indeed.
Mystern-”Finally, I agree that anyone who is curious about the LDS faith should seek out someone knowledgeable who can answer their questions in person. The LDS church is a wonderful institution, and I have a great respect for it.”
I appreciate your opinion and respect your view.
Jared: Why do you think I’m arguing with you? I said “I have yet to see One LDS leader speak out against polygamy.” I never said that they didn’t say it, I have yet to Meet/See/Hear, Personally/Television/Vid of an LDS leader. With the amount I watch the news (laughing mostly) I’ve yet to see even “low man on the pole” Romney speak out against what is happening in the news.
MY POINT IS, this is the last time, If you (Mormons) are getting tired of the bad press Do Something About It! Even Sharpton stands up and goes “Hey, that’s not how it works!” when he gets heat from some ones twisted ideals.
Do you need the permits for a picket line? A few extra bucks for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir? Dude, you’re a representative of your faith. Teach it, preach it, I don’t care what you do with it, But Defend It! And get these people to see what It is.
That one went way out there didn’t it? I should get something to drink.
“I appreciate your opinion and respect your view.”
I don’t believe that faith and worship of the supernatural deserve respect. Tolerance, absolutely, but not respect.
Jared, excuse me? WTF are you talking about? I’m not an ex-Mormon, nor am I biased against them. LDS beliefs are no more bizarre than most other religions, it’s just that you can prove that it is based on hooey. I’ve been studying the roots of Mormonism for some time now. I’ve got a rough draft of a screenplay about Smith and Co. I’m sorry dude, the golden plates were nonsense. The BOM was plagiarized, Joseph Smith was a con artist. It wasn’t a completely harmless lie either. Has it ever occurred to you that God’s greatest gift to man is his rational mind. For example, God has never created anything of substance that can only be seen by two people. That’s just not the way it works in this universe. And how pray tell, could the plates be invisible AND golden at the same time. You do know that Smith tried the same con later on by fabricating plates made out of copper. What’s up with that?
My only real beef with Mormonism is that they blur the line between state and religion in Utah. They run “for profit” businesses and claim tax exempt status, even shopping malls.
Mystern, now you are disappointing me. It’s not at all difficult to separate fact from fiction regarding Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. They were treasure hunters who used diving rods. It is completely irrational to believe there were golden plates that only Smith and Cowdery could see, that when translated, this allegedly ancient text, contained entire passages from a manuscript stolen from Walt Whitman’s publisher. Other entire passages are from another book that was written by someone known to Oliver Cowdery. Oh yeah, one other thing, most of the “information” about native Americans and pre-diaspora Jews is provably wrong. So was Moroni a fabrication or just an ill-informed prophet?
If anyone here has ever studied the life of Joseph Smith you would see that this man was not a fake. Joseph Smith endured intense ridicule, violence,abuse, mockery, etc etc. No man would go through what he went through if it was false. He did not restore this church for his own fame or glory, he restored the Gospel of Jesus Christ on the earth.He gives all the glory to God. He was a very faithful man who God trusted to bring about His work. Like I said earlier, when it comes to God and His purposes there are some things that you just have to trust and have faith in whether or not it makes any logical sense at all. I mean I will admit that it sounds a little strange that God and Jesus Christ appeared to a 14 year old boy but it also sounds strange that a man by the name of Moses parted the Red Sea…it all comes down to faith and a confirmation of the truth of things through prayer and study. The mormon church does not worship Joseph Smith but we do regard him as a wonderful prophet. We worship Jesus Christ. Take yourself back to the times when Jesus was on the earth and ask yourself would you have believed Him back then? A man born of humble beginnings claiming to be the Son of God? How do you think the people back then knew it was Him? They had faith and believed His words. I liken that to a man by the name of Joseph Smith who claimed to be a prophet of God…its a test of faith right. Not to say I compare Joseph Smith to Jesus Christ-there is no man who has ever walked the earth like Him-he is the real Son of God.But, from my own personal experience I have studied the Book of Mormon, prayed about it, and received a personal confirmation in my heart that this was true. I respect the things that others believe and always wonder why it is people spend so much time and energy trying to disprove something that others hold dear. Why not use your time and energy and invest in the things you do believe in?