I'm sorry. I was thinking in circles when I wrote the post you're responding to here, still bristling from Nehor's conduct and your "shameful" remark.
No problem.
My "shameful" comment was a bit strong. Sorry.
Having said that, yes, I know that performing vicarious baptism isn't a requirement for exaltation. I think you understand the reasoning behind the second remark that you replied to. At least I think so.
Yes
Jason, quite frankly, I think I've earned a right to be cynical regarding so many things about LDS doctrine and ordinances.
Well you are welcome to be cynical about whatever you wish. In some cases I may agree and in others I do not. This is one I do not think deserves cynicism.
Who did Jesus baptize, Jason? The living or the dead? Your church cherry picked one line of scripture and built an entire doctrine around it.
You are welcome to view it that way. Mormons think that it was revealed to Joseph Smith to restore an ancient Christian practice. Clearly there is only one verse in the Bible that alludes to this-1Cor 15:29 so it is clear that Mormons don't base the practice on the Bible alone.
You say in another post that your church doesn't only use the Bible as scripture. How well I know. I don't see anywhere in the Bible where Christ or anyone, alluded to additional scriptures.
I think you need to re thing that. First, the New Testament itself was new scripture to those who received the gospels, Acts, Revelation and the Epistles.
I do see however, several cautions regarding the preaching of "another" Gospel and Rigdon gave you exactly what the Bible warns against. Another Gospel. I know you haven't seen proof of that yet, but there is no question in my mind that you will.
Another gospel is all a matter of perspectve. Some EVs think Catholics have another Gospel and some vis versa. Mormons think you all have an incorrect gospel and you think the Mormons do. Based on my own study of early Christianity I do not think there was ever one "correct" gospel at all.
While the LDS church and it's members feel they are performing a unique service to others in performing vicarious baptism, that unique service is seen as an affront to those of other faiths and to those with no faith at all who do not want the names of their loved ones on any sort of LDS affiliated records or rolls.
Some see it that way sure. I understand that. Mormons take affront to being called non Christian and being told that they are going to Hell because they have the wrong theological Jesus.
Your Articles of Faith imply that people are free to worship what they will and yet, while the practice of vicarious baptism upholds that freedom in this life, it reaches through into the eternities to disrespect the choices that people made while living on this earth. The very choices and freedom that the Articles of Faith claim for all.
I think you distort the practice. Mormons do it because they want to give the chance for those they think are being preached to in the next life to accept baptism. It does not automatically make anyone LDS at all. There is no limit what so ever on anyones choice or agency. And keep in mind that most of the deceased never ever had a chance to hear the LDS gospel.