The Truth About Mormonism

townhall.com ^ | April 15, 2012 | Stephen Smoot

[Kaslin]

“Being a Mormon isn't an easy path.”

Heather Beeseck, a sophomore secondary education major at Potomac State College, would know. She has been involved with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for two years and was baptized into the faith on August 6, 2011.

The Church, according to the National Review, is the fourth largest religious organization in the United States. Its numbers expand at 2.5 percent higher rates than the Roman Catholic Church and may soon pass the United Methodist Church in size.

Matt Slick of the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry published estimates that 800 people per day joined the faith. Just under 12 million worship in it worldwide.

Despite their growing strength of numbers, Mormons face a unique challenge of perception. Media coverage is usually the first time that non Mormons are exposed to the faith. As Beeseck explains, “Many people have never met a Latter-Day Saint. Five years ago, I hadn't. The media is all some people ever know about the church, and even once those individuals meet a Mormon, they don't always revise their opinions.”

This can be problematic, as when Lawrence O’Donnell of MSNBC claims that Mormonism was “invented” to excuse “Joseph Smith’s infidelity.” Or when the Huffington Post’s Andrea Stone implies that Mitt Romney has some power to change Church doctrine.

Tom O’Neill, vice chair of the West Virginia Republican Party, has been a Church member for 20 years and active in it for almost a quarter century. He does not see most media coverage as overtly malicious, but says that negative stories “are more often than not the products of misunderstanding.”

Beeseck agrees and states that “for or the most part, the media tries to get its facts right, or at least be believable for their audience.” She then warns that, “when they do get it wrong, the average person believes them.”

Misconceptions stem from salacious accusations about the faith, especially coverage of renegade polygamist cults. Covering these stories without mentioning that the Church does not condone polygamy leaves a false impression in the public mind. For example, Mike Taibbi narrated a segment on NBC’s Rock Center that highlighted an ancestor of Romney’s from the 1800s who fled to Mexico to escape prosecution for polygamy. For some reason, NBC considered this a relevant story to run on the eve of the New Hampshire primary.

Media coverage also tends to describe Mormons as systematically oppressing minorities, homosexuals, and women. They also imply that there are mysterious “secretive rituals.” Some outlets on the fringe of, or outside, the mainstream media do blatantly attack Mormonism. As National Review deputy editor Kevin Williamson writes “there are few if any websites dedicated to ‘unmasking’ the Presbyterian Church U.S.A., but there are dozens dedicated to Mormons.”

The Stone story, featured in the Huffington Post last February, took the Church to task over posthumous proxy baptism of Jewish victims of the Holocaust. O’Neill explains (which is necessary, because Stone does not) that the baptisms are not conversions and that recipients are not considered members of the Church. “The practice is based on a biblical understanding that baptism is a rite essential for salvation, together with the Church’s belief in the inviolate ability of a person to choose for themselves whether or not to accept and ratify, in the hereafter, the baptism performed on their behalf.” Stone did quote a Church spokesman as saying that the practice did not have official sanction.

The story also describes how Mitt Romney refused to respond to calls that he try to force the Church to halt the practice, which is akin to demanding that John F. Kennedy over a half century ago convince the Pope to allow clerical marriage.

One of the largest misconceptions is that Mormons are a single unit of voters that will automatically line up behind one of their own. Media types generally, and falsely, assume that groupthink predominates (or should predominate) over individual choices. Traditional teachings of Mormonism frown upon unthinking acceptance of a political leader. One verse from the Mormon Book of Mosiah states, “Now I say unto you, that because all men are not just it is not expedient that ye should have a king or kings to rule over you”

Beeseck speculates that many Mormons, because of the importance of free agency to their faith, may tend to support Ron Paul. She also says that fear of ramped up intolerance might drive some believers away from voting for Romney. The media often demonstrates a fatal analytical flaw in their analysis of religion, race, and gender in politics. They assume that all members of a group will, or should, vote as s single collective bloc, regardless of individual beliefs. These assumptions also reveal the most important misconception held by political types, that everyone is as obsessed with politics as they are.

The blogger “Ablayn” on MormonPerspectives.com states that even sympathetic coverage misses the mark. “In an attempt to seem evenhanded, they never reach understanding. They never talk about what Mormonism means to the heart of the believer.”

Some of the problems encountered by Mormons in media perception of their church might originate in how the Church evolved in its dealings with the public and the press. O’Neill describes how violence and legal assaults against the Mormon church in the 19th century created “a culture within the Church of introversion.” Threats of violence drove believers out of Missouri and Illinois before the Civil War. In 1903, the US Senate refused allow Reed Smoot (no known relation to the author) to take his seat for four years because he also served in the Church.

This difficult history means that, although the last half-century has seen strong attempts at outreach, the Mormon church has traditionally been turned inward. This contributes to an unintentional air of mystery seen by the general public.

Possibly some pundits have read the Mormon holy writings, which do contradict typical liberal and left wing ideologies. The writings in some cases portray excessive authority and taxation as leading to a breakdown of civil society. Another verse from Mosiah, for example, reads, “and thus they were supported in their laziness, and in their idolatry . . . by the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people; thus did the people labor exceedingly to support iniquity.”

The media often misses positive Mormon stories, such as former NBA player Shawn Bradley’s involvement in a school for troubled youth. Bishop Daniel Peterson described in the Deseret News how his work often focused on helping “people suffering the consequences of drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness, emotional problems, dysfunctional families, poverty, various chronic limitations, joblessness and despair.” Nearly 50,000 missionaries serve somewhere in the world at any given time.

A news media that deigns to preach fairness, diversity, and tolerance to Christians needs to practice the same when it comes to Christians.

O’Neill emphasizes the similarities between Mormons and other Christians. “We are not out to ‘convert the world,’ but to offer an invitation to those who are looking for something. We’re pretty normal, regular people, and we just want to help make our communities better places.”

Beeseck offered her own personal insight, saying “My faith is my life.”

[LomanBill]

>>after all that’s what we mormons are working towards our own planet.

But what if you’re just vacationing there, like on Kolob — who get’s to be planetary deity then?

[svcw]

mormonism started by Joseph Smith the adulator, pedophile, flim flam man, con artist, thief, liar, destroyer of property, eye on taking over the United States by force.....loon.
As the campaign continues mormonism will be laid bare for what it really is and it is not Christianity.

[svcw]

I don’t know maybe those Quaker like people from the moon could set up cafe’s on every planet so if we were vacationing there would be a good place to have a meal.
Oh, and maybe they could have the exclusive dealership to sell Joseph Smith’s own home brew of beer and wine, like the stuff he sold out of his living room years ago.

[svcw]

When you say “Jesus Christ” is your priest, jesus christ the lds one or the Biblical one - they are not the same.
The lds jesus is not sufficient for salvation, was once a man, was created and is satan’s brother.
The Biblical Jesus is eternal, sufficient for salvation, was not satan’s brother, was fully God and fully man when He gave Himself for us.
Jeff, no one can condemn you to hell, people go there of their own free will.

[greyfoxx39]

I am a High Priest in the LDS Church. It is a lay priesthood and my oath is to Jesus Christ who leads that Priesthood. He is in fact my High Priest, just as He is for the entire earth, and the one I look to for my Salvation through His atonement.

The Priesthood is how the Church is organized, and we believe how it was organized by Christ himself. We believe all the original Apostles and other leaders were called similarly.

It seems that mormons continually demote God, Jesus and now the "original Apostles" down to fit the template of man made mormonism.

Note the command below regarding the oath and actions of your priesthood....He covenants to be faithful, magnify his calling, “give diligent heed to the words of eternal life,” and “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.”

Perhaps given the oath taken to “give diligent heed to the words of eternal life,” and “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.”, you might want to recant the accusations against me in post 23..."You are apparently so wrapped up in your vindictiveness and angest"....."you are apparently so wrapped up in your accusative nature and spirit"

Somehow, your self-promoting "look how wise and good I am" tales of your deeds and testimony ring false as “living by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.”

************************************************

Melchizedek Priesthood

---

Through the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, Church leaders guide the Church and direct the preaching of the gospel throughout the world. In the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood, “the power of godliness is manifest” (D&C 84:20). This greater priesthood was given to Adam and has been on the earth whenever the Lord has revealed His gospel. It was taken from the earth during the Great Apostasy, but it was restored in 1829, when the Apostles Peter, James, and John conferred it upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery.

Additional Information

“There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic” (D&C 107:1). The Melchizedek Priesthood, which is “after the Order of the Son of God” (D&C 107:3), is the greater of these. It “holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church” (D&C 107:8). It also holds “the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church” (D&C 107:18). It is named after a great high priest who lived during the time of the prophet Abraham (see D&C 107:2-4; see also Alma 13:14-19).

The offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood are Apostle, Seventy, patriarch, high priest, and elder. The President of the High Priesthood is the President of the Church (see D&C 107:64-66).

Men in the Church must be worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders in order to receive the temple endowment and be sealed to their families for eternity. They have the authority to administer to the sick and give special blessings to family members and others. With the authorization of presiding priesthood leaders, they can bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost and ordain other worthy men to offices in the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods.

When a man receives the Melchizedek Priesthood, he enters into the oath and covenant of the priesthood. He covenants to be faithful, magnify his calling, “give diligent heed to the words of eternal life,” and “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.” Those who keep this covenant will be sanctified by the Spirit and receive “all that [the] Father hath.” (See D&C 84:33-44.)

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Doctrine and Covenants

Section 84

Revelation given through Joseph Smith the Prophet, at Kirtland, Ohio, 22 and 23 September 1832 (see History of the Church, 1:286–95). During the month of September, elders had begun to return from their missions in the eastern states and to make reports of their labors. It was while they were together in this season of joy that the following communication was received. The Prophet designated it a revelation on priesthood.

33–44, Men gain eternal life through the oath and covenant of the priesthood

33For whoso is ^afaithful unto the obtaining these two ^bpriesthoods of which I have spoken, and the ^cmagnifying their calling, are ^dsanctified by the Spirit unto the ^erenewing of their bodies. 34They become the ^asons of Moses and of Aaron and the ^bseed of ^cAbraham, and the church and kingdom, and the ^delect of God. 35And also all they who receive this priesthood ^areceive me, saith the Lord; 36For he that receiveth my servants ^areceiveth me; 37And he that ^areceiveth me receiveth my Father; 38And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s ^akingdom; therefore ^ball that my Father hath shall be given unto him. 39And this is according to the ^aoath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood. 40Therefore, all those who receive the ^apriesthood, receive this ^boath and covenant of my Father, which he cannot break, neither can it be moved. 41But whoso breaketh this ^acovenant after he hath received it, and altogether turneth therefrom, shall ^bnot have forgiveness of sins in this world nor in the world to come. 42And wo unto all those who come not unto this priesthood which ye have received, which I now confirm upon you who are present this day, by mine own voice out of the heavens; and even I have given the heavenly hosts and mine angels ^acharge concerning you. 43And I now give unto you a commandment to beware concerning yourselves, to give ^adiligent ^bheed to the words of eternal life. 44For you shall ^alive by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.

Melchizedek Priesthood-LDS.org

[svcw]

Since Joseph Smith believed himself to be great than Jesus Christ it makes perfect sense that mormonism would teach its men that they to can be greater than Christ or God, after all they are getting their own planet.

[Lurker]

Buzz off, sister.

[LomanBill]

maybe those Quaker like people from the moon could set up cafe’s on every planet so if we were vacationing there would be a good place to have a meal.

Will they honor James P Lewis’ senior discount card when he vacations there after finishing the sentence for his Mormon Affinity-Fraud Ponzi scheme?

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=James+P+Lewis+”Senior+Discount”+mormon

[bonfire]

What about svcw’s post was untrue?

[LomanBill]

>>Buzz off, sister.

Should she Buzz in Coach or splurge for 1st class to Planet Kolob?

How long does that flight take again?

And while we’re on the subject - is Planck’s constant the same there or will she need to reset her watch to the Kolobian/moon-Quaker “1000 year” scale?

[svcw]

o k ?

[LomanBill]

Maybe that's just Lurker's untactful way of saying it needs to drink more of Brewmeister Jose's non-non-alchoholic beverages... so it can get buzzed again?

And speaking of Buzzzzing:



Evidently Ayn Rand wasn't a fan of the Deseretian hive-state, either.

[Lurker]

I don’t care if Mormons believe they get their own Universes after they die. It neither picks my pocket, nor breaks my leg. I don’t care if they think their underwear is magic, and I don’t care how many wives they have.

I don’t care that Catholics practice ritual faux cannibalism every Sunday.

It’s none of my business and more importantly it’s none of yours how anyone communes with the invisible all seeing, all knowing, all forgiving man in the sky.

So why don’t you and your bigoted bunch of friends go pick on someone because of their skin color or something. You’re not much above that sort in my view anyway.

[LomanBill]

>>It’s none of my business

Well what if America’s Islamists decide your unbelief needs “Atonement” done... “for you”?

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=Mormon+Doctrine+of+Blood+atonement

Ot that you got some fine women and horses the “prophet” would like in his corral?

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&sclient=psy-ab&q=mountain-meadows-massacre

Is it your bidness then?

[Lurker]

If someone tries to take by force or fraud that which is mine, the it’s my business. Not before. And believe me, the last muzzies who tried to atone me aren’t around to tell you what happened to them.

Wassamatter, a Mormon take your best girl once or something?

Like I said, you Mornon bashers are only one step above the skin color bigots, but it’s a mighty small step.

Now it’s Sunday. So go drink wine and call it the blood of a dead guy or something.

[LomanBill]

Like I said, you Mornon bashers are only one step above the skin color bigots

You mean bigots like Thomas Jefferson?

"I HAVE SWORN UPON THE ALTAR OF GOD ETERNAL HOSTILITY TO EVERY FORM OF TYRANNY OVER THE MIND OF MAN"
--Thomas Jefferson

The Mormon history of self-deifying god-man wannabee con-artists is what it is -  A TYRANNY OVER THE MIND OF MAN on par with the Taliban and Islam -- and you can not undo that FACT with your willfully ignorant stupidity.

 

[Lurker]

I mean bigots like you. Did Jefferson consider Catholicsim to be tyranny? How about Protestantism, did he consider that tyranny?

Bill, you are a bigot. A religious bigot, but a bigot just the same. If you believe Mormonism is a con, then don’t become one. Pretty simple. Even you should be able to grasp that, with the aid of a grownup of course.

So go find one and leave the rest of us alone.

[LomanBill]

>>Did Jefferson consider Catholicsim to be tyranny?

"fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such endeavoring to impose them on others, hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part of the world, and through all time"

--The Virginia Act For Establishing Religious Freedom
--Thomas Jefferson, 1786

http://religiousfreedom.lib.virginia.edu/sacred/vaact.html

Describes Mormonism (and Catholicism) to a Tee.

>>Bill, you are a bigot

Nah. I'm just an American who believes, as Jefferson did, that:

"finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them. "

Is the Mormon doctrine of [murder] Blood Atonement an Error?

 

Is the concoction of Planet Kolob, an ERROR?

 

Yep.

 

Buzz off yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

[Jeff Head]

The 15 million in my post was supposed to be 14 million, my bad, but not intentional in the least. Thank you for pointing it out. I do know it is 14 million+, it was announced in the latest conference.

As far as fruit is concerned, I know that there are LDS individuals, sometimes even leaders, who do bad things. This is true in any organization and was also true of the early church. That does not negate the good fruit the church has brought forth as a whole, which, from a staticstical standpoint based on the membership as a whole, is good in deed, particularly in this day and age. Which is something to be rejoiced, not belittled.

As to your survival of Ovarian cancer. God bless you for it. I know in my case that God in Heaven, through His Son Jesus Christ preserved my life, in part to profess His name. I will not shirk from that calling...I am glad you also experienced His grace in this matter, though in truth, I know whatever His will had been would have been for the best.

Survival of such an experience, particularly when so many exercised their faith and prayers on my behlaf is something worth talking about...and I will continue to do so, not promoting myslelf...but praising God in Heaven for it and thanking those who exercised their faith on my and my family’s behalf. Sorry that bores you...but I will keep on doing it whenver I fell constrained by the Spirit to do so.

[MHGinTN]

We have a 'high priest' in LDS inc who is so busy dodging the truth and blindly following the lies of the peepstone conman sexual predator of married women that he hasn't time to actually read what THE BIBLE says about the High Priest Who Is Jesus, alive forever more. But if the poor deluded man would read what Paul, who knew more about Judaism and the 'priesthood' from Adam onward than the lying cnman Smith knew, then the man would find that Paul explains Whom is the ONLY High Priest now in the order of Melchizedek because He is alive forever more so no other high priest in the order of Melchizedek will ever be ordained since Jesus rose from the Grave. But I suspect the man is so entrenched in his cultish beliefs tht he will not study to show himself approved and renounce the cult of Joseph Smith for the eternal Life in Christ Jesus. [Hint Jeff: read the letter to the Hebrews] And you spewed more blasphemy when you repeated the demonic claim that the dead Apostles appeared to Smith and co to ordain them in what ONLY JESUS holds as High Priest. That you would deem yourself in His priesthood is yet another heresy for which you will be held accountable since it is in effect a denial of Who Jesus really is.