I'm actually a member of the Church, but have been inactive lately.  I still feel the burning in my bosom when I think about the Church, but I don't know how I can reconcile that to what I see on the anti websites.  The antis make a lot of sense.  What say you?
211946
I liked that the site at least wasn't so blatantly rude as some are--but you really can't take information like that at face value. Most obvious is that this site isn't objective. I don't think it really claims to be--but it must be understood that it is making the argument that the Book of Mormon is incorrect. Therefor it isn't going to give you any of evidences that HAVE been found. This is pretty important. There are A LOT of mysteries about the Book of Mormon--but there are also more and more explanations. \n\nSomething I found interesting about the site is that they ad the disclaimer that no "non-mormon" archeological evidence for such and such. While I wouldn't agree with that on ALL points it really must be noted that Mormon archeology can't be discounted just because it is done by Mormons. Mormons obviously have great interest in Book of Mormon archeology...more so than much of the world. In Meso-America (where it is most often thought the BoM took place) it is estimated that out of KNOWN ancient ruins--a mere 5% have been excavated and researched. I've been to many of the sites and it is simply staggering. Interesting building have been uncovered on a particular site--but there are hundreds of mounds covered in growth that are known to be more buildings and more cities. They are still covered up because "independent" and Mormon archeologists just don't have the time or money yet. So just realize--the evidences have just begun. \n\nOkay, so if you REALLY want to know the truth, then at least get both sides. Here is a movie you really need to see if you are interested in evidences. It is called "A Journey of Faith". It is a great movie made in part by F.A.R.M.S and it outlines much of the evidences that we have supporting Lehi's journey out of Jerusalem. It has some amazingly convincing evidence showing how well the BoM account lines up with real geography, political movements, etc. You can get it off of BYU Bookstore, Deseret Book or any place like that. But really--if you want to see both sides--you have GOT to see this video. \n\n\nOkay, so some point by point reconciliations for whatismormonism.com. And I'm tell you, there information is FULL of holes which is why is is SO important to get both sides of the story. \n\n"The theory that the American Indians are descendants of the Hebrews is genetically incorrect. No one questions this anymore due to the DNA testing available today which wasn't available in the 1800's."\nThis is easily refuted. The DNA testing didn't (and couldn't) take into account all the variables and it simply doesn't prove anything other than that "natives" in America have DNA with Asiatic influences. How in the world does that prove the BoM wrong?? We simply don't know enough about the people the BoM talks about. Jaradites? How in the world do we know what their DNA should look like? Lehi was of the tribe of Manassah...but what does that really mean? What about Zoram? Ishmael? What about other groups that could have migrated to the Americas? The BoM NEVER says that they were the only people there. Interestingly enough, reading between the lines actually suggests that there WERE other people there when Lehi's group arrived. \n\n"There never was a reformed Egyptian language. And Hebrews didn't write in Egyptian."\nIt depends on what "reformed" means. There WERE at least two variants of Egyptian. One was used more for religious texts. Plus Nephi simply could have been "reforming" Egyptian for his own uses. "Hebrews didn't write in Egyptian"?? First off, Lehi, being of the tribe of Manassah would have likely had ties to Egypt. Ding ding ding! The very name "Lehi" was used in the Arabia/Egypt area at the time. Why not? Not to mention that Egyptian would have taken up less room then Hebrew which makes sense if you have limite
172849
Yes. I have asked my pastor and friends to share their ideas after answering questions. There have been concepts covered here that I had not thought of before. It has served as a tool that has deepened my understanding and fortified my faith. My church is open to all questions, and we discuss whatever is on our minds on Wednesday nights, so the reaction has been as it always is, very welcoming and non-judgemental. A topic that I am currently mulling over is the concept of hell - whether it is the eternal burning and torture most think it is, or if it is obliteration by being thrown into the lake of fire. I'm leaning towards the latter lately as I have found nothing that indicates that hell is eternal torture.
224996
I know how you feel. It's disheartening, and doesn't seem fair. Some of the attacks seem completely groundless, once you really look at the claims of Jesus.\n\nSome people have had bad experiences with Christians, so everything is filtered through that. They've never been exposed to people really living out of faith and loving others, they've just gotten the negative hypocritical behavior.\n\nSome listen to Christians: There are many CHristians who approach their faith negatively. ("Do not touch! Do not taste! Do not speak!" says Paul, I think, right before he says this is ridiculous, for restrictions do not have the power to save.) We treat the world as an enemy and attack it for what we believe it does wrong -- then get surprised when it views us negatively. Christians are very negative sometimes, so Christianity is attacked as such.\n\nThe other big reason is simply because they really don't want to understand your viewpoint. It's more convenient for them to attack Christianity because they won't actually have to think through their own lives and compare, maybe even make a change. Everyone is like this: It's easier to talk over someone than to listen, easier to attack than taking wounds, easier to blame someone else besides ourselves.\n\nChristians sometimes get a raw deal because people don't want to take the risk of truly thinking through the claims of the faith and comparing their own philosophy to it, then perhaps being forced to make decisions they don't want to make. Pride and self-comfort is an issue.\n\nHang in there. You're on the right track -- Jesus didn't just atone for sin, he was a very tangible representation of how much God truly loved us -- and you're willing to speak up in a kind way about it. That's good stuff.
629406
Oh My!! You confess to the whole church???  Do the people judge you for what sins you have made?? How could I look at the members in the church eye to eye, who have commited serious sins?  I don't think it is meant for us to judge.  How can we not when we hear about members airing their dirty laundry?  I think your sin should be left to God to handle.
637771
I'm sorry that you had so much trouble and pain in your life.  I am Catholic also.  I was away from the church for a long time because I just kinda wanted to do my own thing.  It was about 4-5 years ago that I started feeling something missing in my life.  I couldn't figure it out.  Initially I started looking for a sense of meaning in my life.  Tried a couple churches, even a Methodist church.  Nothing felt quite right until I found the church I attend now.  It's a Catholic church.  It is truly amazing when I look back now on things that happened in my life and to people I love.  I looked at things very much like you.  My son went to jail, I was in financial hell, didn't have the greatest relationship with my wife which caused us to separate for a year.  Looks pretty gloomy huh?  Where was God during all this?  Well, my son was running with some pretty bad people.  He was put in jail where he had time to reflect on where his life was going and he now attends mass with me and my wife who are now together with a relationship stronger than ever because we needed time apart to see how much we needed each other.  As for the finances, we still live week to week, but when I look back, there is always enough there.  There is always a sum of money that comes from somewhere right before we really need it.  Sometimes God doesn't give us what we want.  Sometimes that's a good thing because we rarely know what we want and our mind is always changing.  Mostly God gives us what we need.  Because he knows us.  I doubt what I said will change your mind about God right now.  But please keep in mind what I said.  Please give Him time to work in your life.  I don't know what you have been through, but maybe some of the things were for the better.  For your better.  Maybe they weren't what you wanted.  Maybe they were what you needed.  God is always there waiting for you to turn around and talk to him.  Start small and tell Him how you feel.  Even if it's anger.  Tell Him that you hurt and need healing.  I know it's cliche' but even if you don't believe in him, he believes in you and he loves you very much even if you don't feel it.  Faith isn't a feeling.  Faith is what keeps us praying when we have no feeling to grasp.  If everyone had that feeling of God's love and presence, there would be no need for faith.  Hang in there my friend.  God Bless you.
623046
My entire family is Catholic and I was baptized Catholic.  I attended church every Sunday until I was almost 17.  \n\nReasons why I stopped going:\n1. I finally realized it just didn't mean anything to me\n2. I sat there and thought about everything but what was going on (many times about things that probably shouldn't be thought about during mass - ex. "Wow that guy in the third pew is so attractive!!"). I spaced off for the entire hour.\n3. I don't want to disrespect the people who actually care about the religion. I felt like I was making a mockery of them and their faith by being at mass and spacing off the whole time.\n\nI honestly don't think I'd consider going back unless I had a huge life-changing experience that made my faith much, much stronger. I believe in God, but I don't really like the idea of organized religion. Maybe I would if the church became a lot more liberal toward many social issues, but it's not likely.\n\nHope this helps!
24172
I too faced a similar situation where bad things happened at my "old church" and I ended up leaving it. At the time I was immiture in my walk and I ended up turning away from God for a period of time. That was the biggest mistake I have ever made in my life. What I should have done was seek him more than ever before. \n\nAt that time I felt like I was going against God becasue I didn't agree with what was going on at the church. This couldn't have been farther from the truth. The truth is we live in a fallen world and people do make mistakes. Even those we look up to and count on are not perfect. They too can dissapoint us. What happened at your church was very wrong. If you want to stay that's fine, but if you feel lead to leave, that is perfectly fine too. As you pray about it God will speak to your heart. Don't be afraid to listen to him. The important thing to remember is that people are people and God is God. People make mistakes but that doesn't change who God is. He is still perfect. He still loves you like crazy. And He never changes. No matter what is going on around you or how you feel, God is still the same.\n\nRight now you are going through a time of testing in your walk with God. You're right if you want to leave your old church, and if you continue to trust God He will lead you to another, the right one where He wants you to be. However you don't know yet because before He does He's allowing you to go through this time of testing. Will you trust God still even though you don't have an answer yet?\n\nRemember God promises "I will never leave you or forsake you" ((Heb 13:5)\n\nRight now I'm reading a book called The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. I highly recommend you check it out during this time in your life. It is changing my life. It's a popular book you can get at Wal-Mart or any bookstore Christian or otherwise.\n\nDay 14 is titled "When God Seems Distant." Here are a few quotes I highlighted as I read it. They might help you out.\n\n"God is real no matter how you feel."\n\n"The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, and loving him when he seems distant."\n\n"But often this feeling of abandonment or estrangement has nothing to do with sin. It is a test of faith - one we all must face: Will you continue to love, trust, obey, and worship God, even when you have no sense of his presence or visible evidence of his work in your life?"\n\n"God ios always present, even when you are unaware of him, and his presence is too profound to measure by mere emotion. Yes, he wants you to sense his presence, but he's more concerned that you trust him than that you feel him. Faith, not feelings pleases God."\n\n"Tell God exactly how you feel. Pour out your heart to God. Unload every emotion that you're feeling...God can handle your doubt, anger, fear, grief, confusion, and questions."\n\n"Never dubt in the dark what God told you in the light."\n\n"Trust God to keep his promises. During times of spiritual dryness you must patiently rely on the promises of God, not your emotions, and realize that he is taking you to a deeper level of maturity...so don't be troubled by trouble. Circumstances cannot change the character of God."\n\n"When you feel abandoned by God yet continue to trust him in spite of your feelings, you worship him in the deepest way." \n\nHope this helps. Just never forget that God will never leave you and He will get you through this time. You will come out of it stronger in Him than ever.\n\nMany blessings!
144208
My rebellious story......I was Catholic for about 35 years and had trouble in believing that an all loving god would condemn people to hell for what he determined to be indiscretions.  \nShoot...I love to master bate, have pre marital sex with men and women and sometimes a freak fest or two with a couple of friends of mine.  So I guess I was going down to the fiery brimstone pit.\nThe clincher for me was that I was signing up my kids for another year of CCD classes and they told me I had to pay $150 for the classes (which is about double what it should be) because I didn't use the "envelope system" every week, even though I was a registered member of the church and would throw in $1 or two when I would have it.\nI took the CCD applications and ripped them up into tiny pieces and threw one right at the lady and the other one I threw up in the air so it landed in a million pieces all over the floor.\nI've been a practicing eclectic witch, but lately I've been leaning more towards Hinduism and spirituality with a little bit of quantum physics
609482
Count me in.  In my experience, people who choose not to fall in and follow organized religion are some of the most fascinating and brilliant people I've ever had the pleasure to communicate with.  \n\nI have nothing against organized religion.  I thought it through carefully, and I chose not to subscribe.
651480
The best move you ever made - but why cant you just simply tell them, "I quit" and leave?  Am I a bit naive about the Catholic Church  here? I mean - what are they going to do without an official writ -  Come after you with an armed squad and attack dogs???
201906
I haven't gone to church for about 8 yrs.\nI stopped going and I am not planning on going back.\nBut, me and that spirit in the sky are on good terms... we have an understanding. \nlol\n:)
163273
I think it's hilarious - so close to the knuckle.\n\nHey, sk8girl, why do you hate me? You've never even met me! If you're a Christian you need to know that I gave my life to Christ when I was 14 and spent years looking for a church where the Holy Spirit was manifest. I was very actively involved in an anti-Mormon group for five years before I stopped to smell the roses - and pray - and my hatred was taken away and my eyes opened and I realised that the LDS church is where the Holy Spirit is manifest and where I can best follow Christ and get to know Him. Did this turn me into a hateful person? Most people I meet seem to like me... my kids and my fiance love me... you may like me if you met me socially.
572878
Interesting website, but I'm a Hindu and this website is definately just a "Christianity is wrong" website. It's concept of God is limited in its perspective and it doesn't seem to bother to look further into the vast landscape of religious, philosophical, theological, and spiritual diversity that exists. The site seems to be aimed at trying to convince Christians that what they believe is wrong (which seems very similar to how many Christians try to convert people by trying to convince them what what they believe is right). So, for me, the website wasn't of any real interest.\n\nI do have a complaint about the website. It loads its pages too slow (and I'm on DSL!). Not sure why it was moving so slow, but it took me a while to even read through the website. Whoever maintains the website should look into this or contact their host. \n\nOther than that I am sure that the website is of interest to those who would already agree with it. Otherwise I seriously doubt many Christians would take it very seriously and the website isn't speaking to people of other religions (it seems not to even acknowledge the larger more diverse concepts of God, religion, etc). \n\nThanks for sharing the website.\n\nPeace be with you.
180034
i ve been asking this for so long. thank god i am not alone. i am so sick of this anti-catholic bs that has no validity whatsoever.\n\nyou would expect this kind of garbage from the secular world, but i have no idea what these protestants are thinking sometimes.\n\nhere's an idea protestants...why don't you actually learn about the catholic church first. as opposed to just blurting out a bunch of nonsense like we worship mary, and the pope ,etc.  give me a break already. still goin with those arguments?? don't even waste my time then.
340824
Friend - Whoa...I need to understand how you see emotions as gothic or satanic.  Please, read Ecclesiastics 3.  God Bless
641426
I joined the Church for the peace it brings me.  I was raised Protestant and have had all the fire and brimstone I will ever need.  Sigh, but for the record--it is still a harsh church for women.
71782
*Chuckling for I wait an hour after everyone else has drunk their's to drink mine* But if you are asking does the church with its history of bloodshed and crusades scare me today?\n\nThe answer is an emphatic, hell yeah!\n\nFrom their insane desire to destroy all other faiths to the hijacking of politics, they worry me greatly as would any rational free thinker...