Question for Mormons... about "Big Love"?
370918
I'm a Mormon--I haven't seen any of the episodes, I wouldn't mind checking it out but I just don't get HBO. \n\nIt is unfortunate that the show, whether intentionally or not, draws lines between Polygamist groups in Utah and the official LDS (Mormon) church. Any degree of research or life experience would show you that the two are very separate. The LDS church is intricately structured with an effective leadership hierarchy. It is not as though a single Mormon church group could decided to practice or support polygamy without any higher up leadership finding out. If they do anything so far out of line, they would be excommunicated. In that respect, the LDS church exercises nearly complete control over officially sponsored doctrine and practices to the individual church level. If you had the chance to see this process in action--it would be much easier to understand. \n\nWith this in mind, the highest LDS leadership over 100 years ago decreed that Polygamy was no longer needed and it's practice was to end. Today, that stance is even more firm. I have complete faith that any person who is a member of the official LDS church will be excommunicated if they practice polygamy. \n\nWith that all said, yes the Mormon church did practice polygamy. It is not a secret, however we do try to distance ourselves from it today since for one it is no longer in effect, and for another Polygamist groups aren't usually very pleasant for PR and we simply have no relation to them, therefor it is unfair to be associated with them. \n\nBut do take this in context. Mormons have a history of Polygamy. So do Christians in general if they believe in the Old Testament. So do the Jews and so do Muslims. So you can say what you want, but you practically can't be religious if you want to have a real argument against polygamy in religious life.
1017194
first- notoriousnick- Are you LDS?\n\nAnyway, back to the question- Why do others think Mormons aren't Christian....\n\nI think it all has to do with definitions.\nIf you define a duck as a waterfowl with webbed feet, a big bill, a bird that waddles, quacks and is white in color, eliminating any animal that does not fit this description... that's a pretty specific definition!... it also eliminates all wild ducks, like malards...\n\nIf you define Christians as people who believe in the Bible, both the Old and New Testament, have accepted Jesus as their savior, and accept the Trinity as fact... Again, that could be considered a pretty narrow definition.\n\nBecause "Mormons" don't accept the idea of the Trinity, they are often exluded from the label of Christian.\n\nMy own definition of Christian-\nA Christian is one who\na) accepts Jesus as the Son of God, Savior of mankind (including him or herself), and Redeemer of the world (btw- these characteristics, when applied to Jesus of Nazareth can be found in the Bible, both Old and New Testament).\nb) also tries to follow Christ's example as recorded in the New Testament, living the "Golden Rule" throughout their lives.... (this definition could eliminate many who call themselves Christian, simply because they arent' living the "Golden Rule")\n\nIn essence, my definition of Christain is someone who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk.\n\nAccording to my definition of what a Christian is- someone who fulfills both parts of what I've written, yes, "Mormons" are Christian.
540871
Try the story of Ammon.  He set a great example by serving the king very diligently while keeping his sheep.  The excellent service that Ammon gave to the king made the king want to listen to his message.  Eventually many people were converted as a result.\n(It's in the Book of Mormon, but I don't want to look it up right now.  Just look up "Ammon" in the Index, and you'll find it.)\nAnd I completely agree with destiney that it's not the missionary who converts people, it's the Holy Ghost.  Brigham Young taught this quite clearly.
861853
God wants us to return the love that he gives to us.\n\nIs it vain to want the one you love to love you back? Is that a longing that you would place in the "vanity" category?\n\nHave you ever really loved someone who didn't love you back? Was it a problem with your vanity that made you yearn for their love?\n\nNo. All true love wishes to be reciprocated. Not to fan the flames of ego, but to perfect the love.\n\nHave you ever loved someone truly, and wanted to offer them all sorts of good things, and just knew that if they would give you the chance they would come to know you and would return the love? Have you ever wished to provide them with great things but were unable because they didn't want the love you offered? Was it all about you, or was it all about them? Did you want them to blossom and flourish and grow and thrive as the result of your love?\n\nGod wants us to love him so that we may receive what he has to offer us. Which is greater than what any human love can provide. But if we continually say "no" to him, he cannot give to us what is his to give, because he respects us and loves us enough to let our "no" be a "no."
600492
OK, I'm a Mormon (convert of ten years) and am amazed at the level of ignorance shown here. Here's how it really is:\n\nWe DO NOT believe that God had sex with Mary. (Pernicious falsehood started by anti-Mormons)\n\nWe DO believe "that Jesus is Lord and that He died on the cross and he rose from the dead on the third day". [c.f. "Jesus_is_awesome"]\n\nWe believe that Jesus and satan are spirit brothers ONLY IN THE SENSE that everyone and everything, even satan, are created by God. People created by the same father are brothers.\n\nWe DO believe in salvation by grace, and we DO NOT believe that our good works save us. However, when we confess faith in Jesus Christ we promise to follow him. "If ye love me, keep my commandments". Our works are what show that He is Lord of our lives. If we deliberately fail to live according to his will we cannot really have meant that prayer. (But we know we can repent when we make a mistake.)\n\nI recently asked "What must I do to be saved?" I had 33 answrs, all of which said something along the lines of "Accept Jesus Christ and repent of your sins." I have done that, therefore I am saved and going to heaven. I also happen to be a Mormon.
618651
I love Mormons. Probably because I am one though. Keep up the good fight! \nFor REAL answers concerning the Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints), please visit the following:\n\nhttp://www.mormon.org\nhttp://www.lds.org\nhttp://www.fairlds.org\nhttp://ldsfaq.byu.edu/\n\nThanks, and have a wonderful day!
1006909
Have you ever loved someone the way god loves you????? \n\nAt times. but not regular and not often enough. this is what all Christians are working towards Agape Love.
307636
What is "mouth music"? Is that something you made up? First of all, if you know anything about Christianity, you would know that Mormons are not a real religion. Second, I've never heard of "Church of Jes"! Do you mean Church of Christ. Jesus Christ! His name is Jesus Christ. Are you afraid to type his name. Third, who do you think you are to have to power to change the beliefs of these churches?!?!?!? I think you are the one who needs to change your religion!
361748
Mormon heresy? OK c'mon now trask, y'know you'll full of it! someone, especially Mormon missionaries, listening to you?\nmy advise, avoid the queen of hearts\n(i.e. brainwashing=bad mojo man)
451113
I am a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. Better known as Mormon. We believe in God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost. They are 3 separate beings. We believe that Jesus was sent to suffer for our sins. We also believe that after he died he came to visit the Americas. That is what the Book Of Mormon is all about is Jesus coming to the American continents after he died.If you want a copy of the Book of Mormon I will send you one free of charge. jgeddes01@yahoo.com (just give me your address)  We believe that God and Jesus both speak to Prophets on earth today. True Mormons are not those people down in Utah Practicing polygamy. They are the ones making us look bad.
686253
My Dad is a Mormon, and it's supposed to be a constant reminder thing, kind of like wearing a wedding ring.  Mormons are very worried about what they do pleasing their God, even though they believe in many gods. Don't try to make sense of Mormonism, it will drive you insane.
672258
A friend of mine got married. She is Mormon. I am not. I could not come to the ceremony. THAT was hard for me to accept...why would a church exclude people from its walls? Exclude people from such an important ceremony. It kinda hurt...and that was like 20 yrs ago too.
544323
I am not 'Mormon' but have read about and understand your point of view. My unbiased opinion is that if you are targeting a large audience and want to incorporate your beliefs, emphasize your basic belief that through serving others, people can experience joy and be drawn closer to God. This underlying theme will attract the largest group of people and spread a good message, as I believe your goal is. It is, aside from the value of family, the message that most people can relate to and benefit from amongst the LDS doctrines.
538991
well, the whole definition is found in 1 Corinthians 13. but my own definition is...\n\nit's beautiful. nothing like it. it's pure and, although it can't be flawless in this world due to sin, the person is flawless to you. you accept everything about them. even their faults. you forgive them and care for them, even when wronged. love DOES NOT cheat or abuse the other person. i thought i knew love before...but then the people always bruised me, lied to me and cheated on me. so i never have known real love. true love WILL NEVER LIE. \n\nso there ya go...hope that helps. God bless and take care!
110244
Actually Mormons have not stopped polygamy at all.  They simply have hidden it among certain members.  I have studied Mormons and many other religions for decades and know a great deal about them.  More than most Mormons even know.  They publicly denounce polygamy and when recruiting will tell people that ask about it, that no they dont believe it and will refer to Adam having one wife Eve.  However when a Mormon has been in the organization long enough they will say that polygamy is in their belief and they should be like Abraham having many wives.  However they encourage not practicing it to not draw attention by the law.  Yet even today there are those known as the hard core Mormons that live in communes in Utah that do practice polygamy openly.  The church spends a great deal of effort to hide these people as they are considered the "true believers".\n\nYears ago at one of their get togethers there was a Mormon that showed up traveling around.  He had the classic 1800s look of an Omish type person with his beard and no mustache.  I knew I struck pay dirt and went to meet him.  The Mormon bishop and elders knowing who I was tried to distract me but I eventually got to him.  He had no idea who I was and I potrayed myself as a fellow Mormon.  I said all the keywords stating my dad had went through temple marriage ceremonies.  I told him I hope to wear the sacred robe and speak the oaths of secrecy too.  The guy began to speak of how he felt that modern Mormons were gutless and not going to have their own planet like Jehovah.  He then told me about his multiple wives in Utah.  He was overall disgusted that Mormonism had sold out and not practicing what Joseph and Brigham had taught.\n\nSo yes they do believe in this heavily just have a hard time practicing it in the US.  There is a movie that is forbidden for all Mormons to watch but is a tremendous movie called "the godmakers".  It is good expose on them made by former Mormons.  \n\nI have talked with hundreds of Mormons in my time and it has always amazed me about them.  Averagely they are some of the most intelligent and nice people you will ever meet.  I have always just been blown away with the history of that religion and it obvious contradictory beliefs that these good people can stay in it.  It is quite a shame.\n\nI would not worry about these kids preaching out there.  I have never had a problem with anyone of any belief speaking their mind.  No matter how "wrong" I might feel they are, I enjoy hearing people's views.  I like knowing how people came to their life's conclusions.  What draws them to things.
1020718
I am mormon, and most of my relatives on my mothers side are catholic. We get along great, and share quite a bit in common. As with any church, the LDS (mormon) church suggests that you marry within your own faith. It just seems to make things a lot easier for both people involved. \n\nSo does the Mormon church forbid it? No, but the Church encourages its members to marry within the Church. This is sound advice in general, for the more a married couple have in common, the more likely their marriage will be successful. When a couple disagrees on basic core values and beliefs, it can lead to additional stress, conflicts, and disappointment. The issue of how kids are raised can be especially problematic. Naturally, the Church hopes they will be raised LDS. We believe that the Lord wants children to be raised with the truth of the Gospel. \nSome of the greatest blessings of the Gospel are available to married couples who both live the Gospel and are willing to receive sacred covenants made in temples. Temple marriage, for example, offers the potential to be married throughout eternity and to enjoy the blessings of family life in the presence of God. Thus, we hope that all our young people will choose to be married in the temple to a spouse who is committed to Christ and is willing to live life according to the Gospel.
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Love is more than just a feeling. Real love is based on principles. Whether you like the Bible or hate it, there is a great description of agape love(love based on principle). 1 Corinthians Chapter 13 I believe. This love is a way of life.  If you live this way, you will be able to find others that do the same. The rest pretty much just happens. But if you want the love to grow and to last, apply the principles of agape love in your life. I promise, it works.\n\nP.s. Please view my question if you have time