I remember a married couple whom were "mormons" talking about how only caucasians would go to heaven or something like that...as if God would discriminate the others whom he created as well...to make a long story short...I think that belief was full of horse dung.\nNow,where can I find facts that "mormons" once practiced that belief...I do not believe they preach that anymore because it would not be as profitable to the church if they told non-whites this stupid lie!\nAre there any websites and/or books  with hard evidence on how their teachings are false and their founder was nothing but an ordinary man that felt he had to make up this religion?\nI am asking because I've witnessed and heard of so many wrong things about this religion...what is the truth???\nPlease take this question serious...it is not to offend those of you whom are followers.Obviously,if I already had my mind made up about the whole religion then wouldn't need to seek an answer!
135400
I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While I highly recommend that you visit www.lds.org to accurately research the doctrines of the church, I will attempt to answer your question. I do not recommend going to encyclopedias (as they are often quite inaccurate in reporting the history of our church) and I certainly don't recommend visiting anti-mormon websites as their sole objective is to destroy the church, not educate. These sites blatantly lie, distort the truth, and isolate quotes to twist doctrines that otherwise could be understood with some knowledge of the scriptures. For the record, I am hispanic, not white or living in the US, and the majority of the LDS church now resides outside of the United States.\n\nThere is no doctrine in the church that states that whites are superior in any way shape or form nor that they will be the only ones who get to Heaven. In fact, the Book of Mormon states: He (Christ) inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentil. 2 Nephi 26:33. \n\nWhile it is possible that some members and possibly some leaders have or have had racists feelings, this has never been accepted by the church. Many church leaders, from the beginning have advocated for the rights of blacks. Brigham Young, in the  Journal of Discourses, also said: "Negroes should be treated like human beings, and not worse than dumb brutes [animals]. For their abuse of that race, the whites shall be cursed, unless they repent." (Journal Discourses 10:111) "Men will be called to judgment for the way they have treated the Negro." (Journal of Discourses 10:250) The earliest church leaders called on slave holders to bring their slaves to free states and give them their freedom, citing the constitution as granting these rights to all men without regard to color. Also, when referring to some seemingly racist comments from early church leaders, you must remember that many are from the 1800's when much of the white population of the US was at least midly racist. They should be taken in context, having been spoken in a time period when slavery was still flourishing.\n\nSome misconceptions about race arise due to Brigham Young's explanation of Genesis 4:15 which states, in part "and the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him." The mark, according to his understanding, was black skin. Brigham Young was not racist he was merely trying to explain what he understood this scripture to mean. The mark, as it states in the bible, was a protection from the Lord so that Cain would not be slain. \n\nThe curse, which people often cite as meaning that only whites can get to heaven, comes from Genesis 4:11-14. In these verses, it is the Lord himself who places the curse, not Brigham Young. Again, they are not being cursed for being black, if that is the "mark", they are being cursed according to their lineage or blood line as a result of Cain's murder. \n\nWith regards to some of the other answers that talk about inter-racial marriages or blacks holding the priesthood, they must all be taken in context of the doctrinal interpretations of Genesis. His explanation of the mark and curse should be sufficient for all to understand his meaning. It is not the black skin that is the problem, it is the belief that those with the mark have been cursed. In this light, intermarriage with those under the curse, would be construed as violating God's law. Brigham Young also explained that part of this curse was that the decendants of Cain would not be allowed to hold the Priesthood, until the curse was removed. If dark skin was truly the mark, then it is understandable why the church was opposed to this. Furthermore, we must remember that it really doesn't have to do with with c
339171
I suggest you guys try and ignore this mouthbreather.  He asks the same questions on Judaism over and over again, with slightly different (though consistently biased and misleading) wording. If you don't believe me, all I can say is that you can verify this for yourselves.  I sincerely doubt that he is here to learn anything, at least in this area (though I feel obliged to at least commend him on his appropriate choice of screenname).\n\nThis guy's online hobby is something called Jew-baiting.  So don't take the bait, as it were, by responding on his terms and lending legitimacy to his line of questioning (which is shallow and insensitive at best, or, more likely from what I've seen, deliberate bigotry).  He has a real problem with Jews.  I don't know if it stems from a negative personal experience with Jews, or if he was raised by klansmen, or what.  But he keeps asking these same questions, and when confronted with information that contradicts his assumptions, he becomes belligerent and disregards the new information anyway.\n\nI once explained to him that he was mistaken in his assertion that a Jew had to have "Jewish blood" because conversion has a history going back through biblical history, all the way to the first Hebrew himself.  This did not sway him in his irrational belief.  And if someone here were to point out that calling Judaism a "cult of ancestor worship" is inaccurate because\n\na) it's not considered a cult\n\nand\n\nb) worshipping anything other than G-d, one's ancestors included, is the most severe form of blasphemy according to Judaism\n\nI highly doubt this gentleman would be swayed on either point.  My advice is not to waste your time.  There are plenty of people on here asking questions about Judaism because they actually want to learn.  If you are qualified to answer, answer those people.  They'll actually benefit from it.
143711
I'm a christian, and I don't because its not in the Bible. It seems that I've read this particular belief came about when trying to convince idol worshippers to convert to christianity. Since they had trinities we had to have it too. I have no idea how to find a church with everyone so mixed up and believing men instead of God.
183663
You obviously know nothing about Latter-Day Saints. I suggest that you get some better information on the religion BEFORE developing such a strong hatred towards it. It's people like you that make Latter-Day Saints look bad. Shame, isn't it, that people would rather believe some ill-informed, confused delinquent who doesn't know what they're even saying rather than someone who goes to the Church.
624922
sadly, many naive people will follow false leaders like this.we have too many cults like this,going on in our country.how many people have been led to their death, because some radical, sees it fit to take money from his flock, and return swine for his money.whenever we have a man,proclaim he is God,we will have a cult.how many cults,such as Mormons,use this logic to fleece the flock.people are free to worship as they please, but someone must be held accountable for this travesty.\n                                 God Bless
535427
After reading thru your answers I gather that most anti - Mormons are highly mis-informed! The Book of Mormon tells of the first inhabitants of the America's. All the way from the southern tip of South America on up to the Alaskan territories!  The American Indian and the Native Peoples of Mexico are the decendants of these people.  We believe in the same God, the same Jesus, Trinity (Father, Son & Holy Ghost), We definately believe That Jesus suffered in behalf of the all the sinners of the worild that they might be forgiven of their sins. And died on the cross to seal that offer.  And yes we believe in the Bible as far as it is translated correctly!\nI have a challenge. All Mormon Bashers should prayerfully READ the book of Mormon., before deciding what it says. After you've read it and taken Moroni up on his challenge. Then  - lets talk!!
316034
This is not a prophecy for one, matts got that right.  And God never told Joseph he would live to be 85, He said, if thou.  In v16, this leads me to believe that the Lord is telling Joseph not to be concerned with such things, that he will see Christ regardless of when the second coming is.\n\nI am wondering if these are even your own thoughts, because this stuff looks like it came from www.exmormon.org.  Do you know anything about these people who write this stuff?  For all you know they are apostates that have been excommunicated for being an adulterer and become imbittered over it, or something else, and instead of repenting and working to be reinstated into the church, they live their life trying to justify their actions by claiming the church isn't true.  It is all biased.  It is worse than mainstream news.  How can you actually read this stuff and feel fulfilled?  What happened with you Brandon, that you feel you have to destroy the faith of others?  Isn't the faith you have good enough; you have to try to discredit others faith for what?  To strengthen yours?  That is not how to develop faith.  If you were content with your beliefs that would be enough for you.  What is this enfatuation with the LDS church?  It sounds like you might read this anti-mormon trash more than you study to develop your personal beliefs, I hope I am wrong, but is that what God wants?
375093
Yeah it's hard because people automatically associate "polygamy" with "Mormon" so they of course think we all practice polygamy.  If others REALLY knew what we believed, one thing is we believe in obeying the laws of the land.  Polygamy is against the law, so we don't practice it.  Also, it was only practiced for a certain amount of time, which was short.  People need to just get over it.
319533
Mrknowitall, thank you.  I've been a member of the LDS Church for 13 yrs and I am grateful that their are people in Yahoo answers who doesn't bash someone's beliefs (except the Mormon people)  For all you So-called christians, where does it say in the Bible that if someone doesn't agree with you that you have to bash and degrade and LIE about someones religion.  Jesus Christ Himself NEVER said anything about Hate towards anyone, in fact he said, "Love thy neighbor as thy self."  Are you Christians or worse, even the pagans show more love here then you.\n\nSorry for the rant, I have never believed the LDS Church was a cult, when I was younger I never believed as they believed.
283421
HAHA! good question.. cause i reckon its all crap.. i have soooo many questions christians/religious people cant answer.. like... howd white people come if adam/eve were black? and I was thinking the other day isnt Jerusalam and Bethlaham in a country were muslim is practised? so hows that work? And also a guy came to the door the other day with "Virgin Mary's Miraculous Medal"..apparenly she made it.. they didnt have the tools to engrave medal in such fine detail.. come on!!!!!!!!!! theres no such thing! and in answer to your question.. they say God gave you free will.... haha!
148411
Yes, they do.  However, Mormons will tell you that just because he said it doesn't mean they believe it...which goes against their believing that the words of the prophet/president are the words of God...\n"I know that the Mormon (LDS) church's official stance on ALL races today is that they are to all receive the same blessings according to their faith and diligence."  The key word is "today."  That wasn't the case when the Prophet Brigham Young held the flock under his thumb.  You claim not to pay mind to this because it was well over 100 years ago...The Bible was written 2000 years ago!!!  It only takes a century for the Mormon doctrine to change.  It's been 2000 years for Christianity.  Plus, I've encountered LDS on this site that claim the word of the Prophet to be good enough for them, after all, it really is the word of God.  Why, in the last 150 years had God been so confused?  Does he have Alzheimer's?  For almost two millennium he was solid, then Joseph Smith came along and claimed that God's mind was ever changing.  One cannot trust in a faith that is constantly changing, one that has president's who override past presidents AND the doctrine itself.\n***\nThe LDS keep saying that the remarks sound racist today, but that they didn't back in the 1800's.  His words were the words of God...Was God racist in the 1800's?  Why do you defend him with that answer when all you are really doing is claiming that 100 years ago, God was cool with racism?
185462
I had Elder Bednar come to my stake confeerence last sunday and he explained so much to me.  I know how you feel about this but if someone starts telling you that Mormons belive this and that just say "Dude, I am a Mormon. I know what I believe, I don't need you telling me what I believe."  The world is becoming more and more wicked.  Thats not to say that there aren't good people its that we are becoming outnumbered.\nYou just need to ignore what other people say. Don't let that that get in your way.  You need to have a testimony and no one can take that away.\n\nIt drives me crazy when people put our church down.  We DO NOT DO THAT TO THEM.  Just think is there any Anti-Catholic literature?  The adversary is trying hardest to make your faith waver.  Keep your faith strong.\n\nNo way Joseph Smith could have written The Book of Mormon He translated it.  Prophets of old times wrote it just like the Bible.\nIf any one tries to sway you with Anti-Mormon Literature its them who have not studied about the truth of our religion.\n\nI recently heard that another religion told a mother that because her baby wasn't baptized it was damned to hell and she'd never see it again.  That is horrible, Why would anyone continue in a faith that told you that? Can you imagine what that must be like for her? I'm not a mother but still.
501211
First off, those who believe it was "Adam and Eve" don't believe in EVOLUTION. So that throws that out.\n\nSecondly those same people who claim they're "Christians" Keep throwing Levitical/Mosaic Laws in our faces when as "Christians" they should know that even THEY aren't bound to those same laws...their insistance is purely hatefilled.\n\nYou reminded me of something my brother says when he meets someone who's vihemently against gays and gay marriage. \n"Do you believe in God?" \nif yes, he moves on...\n"Do you believe your God is a loving God, a "father" in heaven?"\nif yes, he moves on...\n"Do you believe your God created all people?"\nif yes, he moves on again...\n"Then why would your Loving God, who creates all people, who is OUR Father in Heaven...Ever create an entire group of people JUST to be hated?" \n\nNow, as far as those who do use that silly phrase I say: \n\nYes, it was Adam and Eve, but if you believe in God who created all people, then it's more accurate to say "it's Adam, Eve, Steve, Larry, Janet, Misty, Kahdeem, Horacio, Tiffany, Joe, Alex, Jon, Pete, Doris, Patty, Edith....etc" \n\nI also remind them that if they claim to be "Christians" then they should remember that Jesus left us with only one mandate: "LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF!" \n\nThat was it, only one...and he NEVER ONCE said anything about gays/lesbians or same sex marriage. As a matter of fact there's not ONE referance to a committed, loving, devoted same sex couple ANYWHERE in the Bible!
47195
I'm sorry but a religion who is against homosexuality because it's not a marriage between a man and a woman but their men are allowed to have more than one wife is completely f'ed up.  It was Adam and Eve, not Adam and Eve, Stacy & Amanda. \n\nTim : while mormons practiced polygamy much more back in the day, there are still mormons who have more than 1 wife.  Not many, but there are still some.  *******Even though they do not practice polygamy as widespread as they once did, they do feel that since David, Solomon and other patriarchs had many wives, obviously God would not look upon it as a sin. **********  Can I put that more clearly Tim who has to continue defending his answer.   \n\n"I have many more wives than one...and am not ashamed to have it known." this quote is by a very famous Mormon by the name of Brigham Young.
2906
Uhm... I think you've got things just a little bit distorted, lol. It's not the Indians who became the first Mormons. According to the Mormon philosophy, the first Native Americans were European settlers who turned brown when they first migrated to the new land. Hence, the first Native Americans.\n\nSo, perhaps the question you should be asking is, why don't Europeans (Whites or Caucasians) turn brown when they integrate into Native American culture?
261368
I was married to a mormon once, and her daddy was a bishop.  For her sake I tried to validate mormonism, but Joseph Smith was a lying con artist who victimized the weak and ignorant.  This is based on the mormons version of the mormon history.\n\nBeyond that, their doctrine is a perversion of Biblical truth on almost every point of their doctrine.
109794
I am not a Mormon, but in the studies I have done, I have found that Mormons believe in the Torah and the NT>  The problem is, they believe in it so long as it is correctly interpreted...by the leaders of the church.  Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, said that the Bible and all it's teachers were corrupt.  He claimed to have been given a new testament of Jesus Christ.  The Mormons use th Book of Mormon and The Pearl of Great Price as their ultimate authority on everything, including the OT and NT.  There were literally thousands of errors in the original Book of Mormon when Joseph Smith recieved the Divine revelation.  Those have been corrected, for the most part.  There is also the contradictions of scripture and revelation that have taken place since then.  At one point, the prophet, Joseph Smith and then the presidents of the church...Brigham Young, etc., stated as prophecy that Mormons will practice polygamy...that this was a commandment that shall be everlasting.  After the US government told them that they will abandon that belief or get kicked out of Utah and the US, a new, everlasting commandment, came down from God to the president of the church saying you shall not commit polygamy.  I hate it when gods are afraid of the gvernment. ;)  Sorry, my Christian bias came through there.