Servant says...

[_sock puppet]

Count me among those who was flabbergasted that Servant would self-identify as Anglican. She is certainly not like any other Anglican or CoE member I have ever met. She sounds about as Anglican and Kent sounds atheist.

and

[_Megacles]

Are you suggesting that I and the other alleged mockers should switch to mocking Anglicanism and the broader Nicean-based Christianity?

Not at all, Runtu. Mock that which makes you happy!
I believe I also said that I believe many here not only mock Mormonism, but religion in general.

That doesn't bother me in the slightest. My "thing" here is that using the Bible, or any of the creeds, as clubs with which to beat any other religion is simply laughable. The literal or fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible is wrought with inconsistencies, impossibilities, crimes against humanity, sexism, racism, and (especially the Old Testament) is generally a terrible guide to morality.

Just one example: God sends bears to destroy some teenagers who call an older gentlemen "bald head".

So when folks like Servant show up, I have to ask why on earth would you hold to such a fundamentalist view of such a book?

[_Megacles]

by the way Megacles, thanks for slumming down here! I never look in the Celestial so it is nice to make your acquaintance.

You too, MrStakhanovite.

(Where did you get that name?)

[_Runtu]

Not at all, Runtu. Mock that which makes you happy!
I believe I also said that I believe many here not only mock Mormonism, but religion in general.

That doesn't bother me in the slightest. My "thing" here is that using the Bible, or any of the creeds, as clubs with which to beat any other religion is simply laughable. The literal or fundamentalist interpretation of the Bible is wrought with inconsistencies, impossibilities, crimes against humanity, sexism, racism, and (especially the Old Testament) is generally a terrible guide to morality.

Just one example: God sends bears to destroy some teenagers who call an older gentlemen "bald head".

So when folks like Servant show up, I have to ask why on earth would you hold to such a fundamentalist view of such a book?

I think that's why fundamentalist attacks on Mormonism are so ineffective. The same criticisms they level against Mormonism apply equally to them. I admit that I have trouble understanding why people would leave Mormonism and gravitate to Christian fundamentalism, but to each their own, I suppose.

I'm glad you're slumming down here. Stick around, we're not that bad.

[_MrStakhanovite]

You too, MrStakhanovite.

(Where did you get that name?)

I earned it with my back and my own two hands in the Tsentralnaya-Irmino mine in the Donets Basin of Ukraine.



Where did you get your name?

[_Megacles]

That's cool, MrStakhanovite. Mine comes from the name of several ancient Athenians of minor importance. I just liked the name, I guess.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megacles

Runtu, I agree with what you've said.

I hope Servant participates in this thread.

[_Servant]

My goodness, Servant, you have certainly been putting on a show here over the last few weeks. I do not usually post in the Terrestrial forum because I prefer to avoid contention as much as possible, however today I am making an exception.

I want to inform you of a few pressing things, and then perhaps ask you a question. I hope you will participate in this thread.

• You seem to be of the mistaken understanding that members here have a desire to defend Mormon beliefs. From what I have noticed in almost a year of lurking and occasional participation is that most folks here are no longer believing Mormons. In fact, most folks here actively mock Mormonism. There are a few--I can count them on one hand, perhaps--active Mormons here: myself, maklelan, Kevin Sim, and bcspace.
  
• From what I have gathered, a large portion of members here are atheist and are prone to mock religion in general. For example, I believe that many here might ask you 'why are your weird dogmatic beliefs any stranger than Mormon weird dogmatic beliefs'?

And now, if I may ask you a question: in another thread, you said

I am an Anglican. Their beliefs are recorded in the Nicene Creed. You'll find that on the internet.

Why are you an Anglican? Every other traditional Christian church believes that their beliefs are recorded in the Nicene Creed. If that is the case (i.e. one common creed), why is there more than one traditional Christian denomination?

Why are there 150 sects of Mormonism? All Christians agree on core doctrine, but most have denominational traditions. Here's the difference between Christians and Mormons. I can go to Lutheran, or Presbyterian, or Calvary Chapel, on a Sunday and I will hear the same Gospel I believe. I prefer the Anglican tradition which I was raised in - but I still can go to any faithful Church and feel the Holy Spirit's presence. So, what's the problem?

On the other hand, if I was a Mormon, I'd have to "testify" that my church is the only true and living church on the face of the whole earth - and all others are an abomination to God, as Joe claimed to have been told.

Who is right? I'll go with the Christians, since they actually preach the Gospel without all the bizarre changes and additions that the LDS say are "restorations."

[_Servant]

• You seem to be of the mistaken understanding that members here have a desire to defend Mormon beliefs. From what I have noticed in almost a year of lurking and occasional participation is that most folks here are no longer believing Mormons. In fact, most folks here actively mock Mormonism. There are a few--I can count them on one hand, perhaps--active Mormons here: myself, maklelan, Kevin Sim, and bcspace.
  
• From what I have gathered, a large portion of members here are atheist and are prone to mock religion in general. For example, I believe that many here might ask you 'why are your weird dogmatic beliefs any stranger than Mormon weird dogmatic beliefs'?

Are you suggesting that I and the other alleged mockers should switch to mocking Anglicanism and the broader Nicean-based Christianity?

As far as I can see, you all are mockers of just about everything - even Mormonism. Who cares, really? I just expect it.

[_MrStakhanovite]

Is this your Gospel?

[_Runtu]

As far as I can see, you all are mockers of just about everything - even Mormonism. Who cares, really? I just expect it.

I haven't mocked you or Anglicanism, so I'm not sure what your point is.