Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

11 Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Mormons
Business Insider ^ | 2011

Posted on 06/30/2011 12:33:48 PM PDT by Colofornian

...The church's assets are thought to be worth more than $30 billion.

...The church reportedly receives more than $5 billion in tithes every year.

The church also has substantial real estate and for-profit business investments, managed by Deseret Management Corp. The company is one of the largest owners of farm and ranch land in the U.S. It owns the country's largest nut producer, AgReserves, Inc., the 14th largest radio chain, Bonneville International Corp...

Economic entrepreneurialism is...part of Mormon doctrine — 88 of...112 revelations received by... founder Joseph Smith deal with fiscal matters.

SNIP

The Twilight saga is actually about the Mormon belief in eternal marriage.

The Twilight series, by Mormon author Stephanie Meyers, is an allegory for the Mormon concept of "celestial marriage" - the belief that a couple that is "sealed" in a Mormon temple will stay bound together forever...

Edward and Bella's bond is sealed when Edward bites Bella. As with a Mormon marriage, there's no turning back for Bella, who is transformed into a vampire for eternity.

SNIP

The Mormon church thinks polygamy might be okay in the afterlife.

...(the official Mormon church)...still believes...the divine principle of plural marriage may apply in heaven. In the case of death or divorce, Mormon men can be sealed to another wife and all of their celestial marriages will be honored in eternity.

The LDS...tried to distance itself from...40,000 fundamentalist Mormons who still practice polygamy...

SNIP

Mormons wear special undergarments called a "temple garment"...designed to give "protection against temptation and evil."

Many Mormons believe the underwear provides spiritual protection.

SNIP

Mormons believe that when Jesus returns, he's coming to the U.S.

Mormons believe...all the...Christian churches fell into apostasy...

...Jesus will personally return to reign over a paradisaical Kingdom on earth. His headquarters will be at the...temple in Jackson County, Missouri...

(Excerpt) Read more at businessinsider.com ...


TOPICS: Other Christian; Religion & Culture; Religion & Politics; Theology
KEYWORDS: frinquisition; iamboredibashmormons; iamholierthanthough; lds; mormon; pervertjosephsmith; polygamy; twilight
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 441-460461-480481-500 ... 521-530 next last
To: Former Fetus

Hehehe, go to mormon websites and ask for a bible - that’ll get your address on the radar LOL.


461 posted on 07/03/2011 2:31:53 PM PDT by Godzilla (3-7-77)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 460 | View Replies]

To: Former Fetus; reaganaut

OH, iirc, many (most?) missionaries actually know very little about mormon doctrine outside of their scripted messages. Reaganaut may be able to shed more light on that as she’s been through mtc, but that is my impression.


462 posted on 07/03/2011 2:33:34 PM PDT by Godzilla (3-7-77)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 460 | View Replies]

To: Godzilla

x


463 posted on 07/03/2011 3:14:06 PM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion (A Nation of Sheep Breeds a Government of Wolves!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 462 | View Replies]

To: reaganaut; benhoganfan
Benhoganfan.....would it be possible for you to reply to reaganaut's post?

IMO, Reaganaut made a very well thought out, prudent, intelligent post.

I would think Reaganaut deserves a reply...It would seem..that you would love to debate your mormonism. I'd love to see a good debate.

464 posted on 07/03/2011 3:16:43 PM PDT by Osage Orange (MOLON LABE)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 190 | View Replies]

To: Colofornian; benhoganfan
I'd like a true accounting of LDS, Inc's assets.

I personally think it would be a revelation for church members...

I think it's closer to $50-60 billion..which is $50,000 - 60,000 million..for those that need a math review.

And they give away HOW MUCH A YEAR..Benhoganfan?

You know..I've been duped before, but if you don't think LDS, Inc..is mostly about $$$$..you have some serious thinking to do.

465 posted on 07/03/2011 3:38:52 PM PDT by Osage Orange (MOLON LABE)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Former Fetus

My main gripe is how they demand to know where do I get my information from.
________________________________________

So tell them

Much of the info in here is from the book of mormon or the other moermon writings and doctrines and copied from the LDS official website

:)

Many mormons dont know their own history or the earlier doctrines...

They may deny that Joey Smith had 40+ sexual partners other than his legal wife

and deny polygamy

They may deny the multiple gods

but they will also deny the Trinity and the way the Virgin mary got pregnant

They will speak of “atonement” and that it happened in the Garden of Eden with their mormon jesus sweating and that he was a victim and will deny the Blood shed on the Cross

The church, tghe Bride never needed”restoring” because the church never went anywhere ort was stolen dropped or lost

Jesus is not a careless Bridegroom and He cherishes and honors His Bride. He would never hav3e taken His loving eyes of her. She has remained safe and in His loving embrace for the last 2,000 years and we are not going anywhere until Jesus comes back for us...

Lots of differences

Be well versed in the Bible because some items can sound “christian” if you dont know for sure

Dont carry a big fat Bible A little Gideons will fit in your back jeans pocket They have the New Testament and the Psalms and Proverbs

Be determined you are being lied to intentionally or accidentially and dont assume something is OK because it sounds right...

Make sure any tracs you give out are scriptural and not just cutsie

Beautiful are your feet upon the mountains which bring Good News.

Go with God in the precious Name of Jesus

Have fun

:)


466 posted on 07/03/2011 4:28:20 PM PDT by Tennessee Nana
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 458 | View Replies]

To: Former Fetus

I read somewhere that young missionaries, when confronted by a Bible-believing Christian report to their counselor who explains to them how mistaken the Christian was, and stops them from returning to that Christian’s home. Is that true?
____________________________________________

No I never could get rid of them

I had the Mormons and the JWs once a month for years

I had a blast while I lived in that state

Here in TN not so much

The mormons never have managed to “cover the earth” in our state LOL

A JW told me that she had asked at kingdon hall if I could be her personal slave in their afterlife and had gotten special permission She immediately came and told me I tol,d her she was a few days early She came back on herr usual day also

A few days later when a Mormon warned me that I would end up a slave I told her i was so sorry, I had alreadyu been spoken for

This mormon woman was intelligent abnd well educated but what is it about cult5s that your mind gets sucked out ???

She begged me to go to the JW and asked to be excused and tell her I wanted to go with the Mormnons

The Mormons started coming twice a month

another thing that I have never heard of anywhere else was this

I knew many of my ancestors so the Mormons often invited me to the temple to be dead dunked for them and would try to shame me by saying I didnt love my Christian ancestors and wanted them to go to Hell I told them I was never going to be a mormon but they said it wasnt necessary. Of course it might have been a way to get the names and then to have a bona fide mormon dead dunked all over again for my faMily Plus they would probably have had to “cleanse” the temple after I the apostate had fouled it up with my presence..

Weird ducks eh ???


467 posted on 07/03/2011 4:41:44 PM PDT by Tennessee Nana
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 458 | View Replies]

To: Elsie; reaganaut

Ribs and hamburgers and hot dogs tomorrow guys

LOL


468 posted on 07/03/2011 4:43:30 PM PDT by Tennessee Nana
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 453 | View Replies]

To: Tennessee Nana

I’ve mentioned before, that my 7th great grandfather is listed wrongly on the LDS database at least ten times, and correctly once. I assume all of these represent a baptism by proxy after death. Well, it would have to be, since he died in 1733.

This leads me to a question: if a mistaken assumption is baptized by proxy, and being unaware of the error due to beind deceased, the actual individual in question is unable to set the record straight, what does that do on Kolob? I’d think it would wreak havoc.


469 posted on 07/03/2011 4:50:32 PM PDT by RegulatorCountry
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 467 | View Replies]

To: Former Fetus; Colofornian; Tennessee Nana; Godzilla

Zilla gave you good advice. I have the book “reasoning from the Scriptures with Mormons” and use it as a handy reference, but never when the LDS missionaries are around.

When I was studying to be an LDS missionary, they used a set of 6 discussions with flip charts. They have since gone to using a manual called ‘preach my gospel’ which I have not gotten a copy of yet. I tried to go into an LDS bookstore once to get a copy but there weren’t any. They are completely brainwashed in the MTC (Missionary Training Center) into providing ‘pat answers’ and lying about LDS doctrines to outsiders (which is why I ended up not serving my mission. I couldn’t see if we (LDS) had the truth why we had to lie about certain doctrines.

The Bible (KJV) is your best weapon, followed by the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great price. An LDS hymnal is also a great resource.

THere are several books written by LDS prophets and apostles that are good resources, you can find these cheap online and it is worth, IMO, the $20-$30 to buy all of them and hit them with a highlighter.

The Miracle of Forgiveness - focus on works and salvation. AKA by ex-mos as “Its a miracle you can be forgiven”.

A marvelous work and a wonder - LeGrand Richards

Doctrines of Salvation - Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith

Truth Restored

Most of these books are standard missionary books and when I was LDS, were taken on your mission as well for reference.

LDS.org has conference reports and the current manuals and those are worth mining for info.

If the missionaries come back with ‘that is only their opinion on the above works (avoid Bruce R. McConkie as a citation although it isn’t bad to get a copy of Mormon Doctrine to look things up with) then pound into them “Are these propehts or not?” It puts them in a quandry.

Fundamentals of following the prophet (Ezra Taft Benson) is also a great source as to why they need to accept what is taught in books and conference talks by their leaders.

When they respond with Bible verse, grab your bible and show them the full context. All LDS proof texts are taken out of context. The more you know your Bible, the more likely you are to reach them.

One thing I do, to prevent them from all of a sudden havign to leave is when the show up, I invite them over for dinner later on in the week. LDS missionaries are extremely underfed and they will set aside a whole evening (until about 8:30) for you and are usually too polite to leave if you have fed them. Captive audience and take the time during dinner to ‘build common ground’ (ask them about where they grew up, how long they’ve been on their mission, familes, etc). This is what they are trained to do and it throws their techniques back at them and catches them off guard and makes them much more willing to listen.

Never let them pray. If they bring up prayer, pray yourself or have your spouse do it. Usually expect 3 attempts at prayer (before eating, before discussion and at the end). We explain to them that in our house, we are the only ones who lead prayer and that works well.

I have never heard LDS.org got hacked and that is really funny.

The usually file a report based on ANY contact (mormons missions are paperwork intensive) but it is more likely the decision of the”senior companion” (the one who has been out longer).

Know what an LDS testimony is, and how is sounds “I know the church is true...blah blah blah” and counter it with your own. When backed into a corner, ALL missionaries will resort to this ‘testimony’. You can find examples online.

UTLM.org and Mormon Missions Midwest Outreach are great resources but don’t let them know you are using them. Read the info for general idea and the primary (original) sources they cite. If you don’t remember the acutal source, tell them you will have to look it up again and get back to you (again this is what they do when they don’t know the answer).

Know Christian history, and MOrmon history. This helps when the topic gets to the ‘great apostasy’ and persecution against the Mormons.

Don’t be surprised that with a bit of studying you know LDS doctrine better than they do. They are taught to focus only on certain things with the idea of getting you to convert.

Again, the Word of God is your best weapon, and make it all about Jesus and what He did. I have issued a challenge several times on here (no one has taken me up on it) that using the Bible alone (a basic knowledge of greek and hebrew helps) I can prove all unique LDS doctrines false, and I can.

Know the LDS ‘proof’ texts and how to counter them, in that way “Reasoning” is a very good source. there is also “Answering Mormons verse by verse” by a good friend John Farkas.

Hope this helps and if you have specific questions, feel free to freepmail me.

R


470 posted on 07/03/2011 5:05:32 PM PDT by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian - "I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 458 | View Replies]

To: Godzilla; Former Fetus

Probably one of the most important points is to establish definitions of words and phrases used.

- - - - - -
This cannot be stressed enough. UTLM.org has a great chart comparison. They will use the same words (God, saved, salvation, heaven, grace) and mean something COMPLETELY different.

Know what they mean and define everything you say. Instead of heaven say ‘Celestial kingdom’, instead of saved say ‘exalted’.


471 posted on 07/03/2011 5:08:26 PM PDT by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian - "I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 459 | View Replies]

To: Osage Orange

TYVM, sir. But I suspect it was a ‘hit and run’ poster, possibly a retread (my money is on PD).


472 posted on 07/03/2011 5:09:40 PM PDT by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian - "I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 464 | View Replies]

To: Tennessee Nana; Elsie

Sounds good. I’m still on soft foods, so none for me. :(


473 posted on 07/03/2011 5:11:34 PM PDT by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian - "I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 468 | View Replies]

To: reaganaut

x


474 posted on 07/03/2011 5:18:26 PM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion (A Nation of Sheep Breeds a Government of Wolves!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 473 | View Replies]

To: reaganaut
Sounds good. I’m still on soft foods, so none for me. :(

The price of being an over achiever :0

475 posted on 07/03/2011 5:39:03 PM PDT by Godzilla (3-7-77)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 473 | View Replies]

To: Godzilla

lol.


476 posted on 07/03/2011 6:03:45 PM PDT by reaganaut (Ex-Mormon, now Christian - "I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 475 | View Replies]

To: benhoganfan

477 posted on 07/03/2011 6:19:58 PM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion (A Nation of Sheep Breeds a Government of Wolves!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 313 | View Replies]

To: reaganaut

Oh I was commenting on warm/hot weather and meat for the mormons

Tomorrow is July 4th

BBQ Day etc

surely those “patriotic Americans will not hesitate to celebrate

:)


478 posted on 07/03/2011 6:39:53 PM PDT by Tennessee Nana
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 473 | View Replies]

Comment #479 Removed by Moderator

To: reaganaut; Tennessee Nana; Godzilla
THANKS!
480 posted on 07/03/2011 6:50:29 PM PDT by Former Fetus
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 471 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-20 ... 441-460461-480481-500 ... 521-530 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson