Gazelam wrote:
I hear repeatedly here in this mesage board how wrong the Gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is. What I never hear is where these doubters go to worship and find truth. What alternative faith do these people offer once they have torn down our faith?
Please state, if you have left the church or are planning to leave the church, where you go now or are planning to go.
Also please state doctrinal differences and their replacements, with scriptural refrences if possible.
Thank you
Gaz
So, since I took an Ambien CR about an hour ago, I'm feeling somewhat delirious and willing to share.
I consider myself to be a theist.
I also think that if I was God and had created something like earth I would be sooo tempted to go down to my little creation in "person" and, knowing full well that I was the God that they prayed to and worshiped, would live among (amongst?) my creations.
I think that the whole concept of Christ being his own Father is some pretty deep s***. I also think that the idea of "eternity" is something our little minds can't quite wrap themselves around. That doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
Once in a blue moon I'll attend a local Presbyterian church. I've also attended a local Baptist church that a friend is the Pastor of. I left the cult in 2002 and about a year later I was baptised in the Baptist church that my friend runs. Mostly just to wash off the stench of the Mormon baptism I had on July 4, 1976. (I'm not kidding)
I think there is enough "evidence" to confirm the existence of a guy named Jesus who claimed to be the son of God.
Was he? I dunno. Like I said, If I were God, I'd certainly check out my creation in person. Anyone who has watched "Bruce Almighty" could certainly see the appeal of the idea.
I've also often referred to myself as a "Christian Realist". I try to live by the gospel of St. John (Lennon). "Love one another". "All you need is love". Same thing.
Although I "believe in the Bible", I'm also very realistic about the stuff in it. Some of it (okay, maybe a lot) is just horse s***. Noah's ark? That's cute. Not true, but cute nonetheless. Adam and Eve? Not so much. Virgin birth? Actually, I could buy that one. I mean, if I was God, I think I'd make my own birth (and conception) into my little world be somewhat miraculous. Wouldn't you?
Gaz asked us to "...please state doctrinal differences and their replacements".
I'm not going to go there tonight. Suffice it to say, many things I was taught in the cult are just peachy. They are also far from unique in Mormonism. Don't smoke, don't drink? My Baptist minister friend has been saying that for ages. I don't know ANY of my Baptist friends that drink or smoke. Maybe a glass of wine once in a blue moon.
I have no intention of letting my 15 year old daughter date until she's 16. Maybe 21. ;-)
I live the spirit of the "Word of Wisdom" much better than most of the fat bastard "eat-a-giant-pot-roast-every-Sunday-afternoon" Mormons that I know. I'm in pretty good shape for a 38 year old guy. It's called common sense. You don't need a friggin' "revelation" for that.
My main "doctrines" are called "truth" and "karma". I don't steal from people. I think it'll bite me in the ass if I do. Besides, stealing is wrong. I don't do things to others that I wouldn't like them to do to me. All I need is love. If everyone in the world practiced the same beliefs as I do, the world would be a better place. I avoid the "holier than thou" attitude at all costs. I've got no problems with Mormons. But I think Mormonism is deceptive and based on a pack of lies. Take your 10% and donate them to your local soup kitchen instead. It'll do a lot more good. Or, would you rather pay to put Gordon B. Hinckter up in a nice apartment with 24 hour security and limo rides and first class travel around the world? I hope the lying bastard chokes on a chicken bone and dies a painful death. He will if karma has anything to say about it.
I'd be happy (at least for the next hour or so) to answer any direct questions in regards to my religious beliefs that I hold at this point in my life if you have any. I also reserve the right to tell you that "it's none of your damn business" as well.
Nort