Kwaku on the Offensive Against Radio Free Mormon!

[dastardly stem]

It is interesting to me that Kwaku and Co. felt Kwaku’s appearance on Mormonism Live required a response.

Five months later.

The overwhelming audience reaction is that everyone on the show was civil and, if anything, Kwaku got off easy.

Apparently they felt Bill Reel’s question to Kwaku about treating with respect those who have left the church was a bridge too far.

I remember Kwaku on Mormonism Live and their sticking up for Kwaku on this Midnight show confused me. And yeah...that it was so much later is kind hilarious. Did they hear from their audience about it too much and had enough?

[ceeboo]

Hey Mike

All religions first and foremost enhance the believers ability to cope with death and dying.

I don't think so. Furthermore, In some cases, "religions" can place enormous stress, pressure and never-ending and exhausting "to do lists" upon people over the realities of death and dying.

Uncertainty of a life after death will produce anxiety and fear in the vast majority of people and religion/faith/spirituality help ease a persons fear of nothingness.

I think you might have this bass ackwards: In my opinion, it is religion/faith/spirituality that is often the cause of anxiety and fear - and it is those who don't believe in a life after death who quite frequently don't have this anxiety and fear - because quite frankly, what is there to fear about "nothingness?" - Answer: Nothing.

Religion also provides social support from within a faith based community that a lot of people wouldn't benefit from outside of religion.

Yes, at times there is social support from within - at other times there is the exact opposite of support from within.

....... disregarding the mental benefits the vast majority of Mormons receive from adhering to sound everyday principals.

I think this is debatable (at the very least) - Often, religions (Mormonism most certainly included) are the very reason why those who are in them find themselves in bondage and trapped in this relentless and awful form of slavery. In addition, in many situations, the very thing that can set individual people free from these destructive handcuffs is when they find their way out of these religious organizations.

Just my take.

[MG 2.0]

Often, religions (Mormonism most certainly included) are the very reason why those who are in them find themselves in bondage and trapped in this relentless and awful form of slavery. In addition, in many situations, the very thing that can set individual people free from these destructive handcuffs is when they find their way out of these religious organizations.

Sounds like you’ve had a negative experience with organized religion. Granted, after watching the Scientology documentary hosted by Leah Rimini, I was blown away with the cult like practices and control this religion has on its adherents. Religion can be destructive, no doubt about it.

I respectfully disagree with your characterization of the CofJCofLDS. To say that the Gospel of Jesus Christ puts a person in bondage is inaccurate. Yes, covenants are made with the Lord. Promises are made with God. Baptism and other ordinances act as gates that are entered and passed through as one seeks to obtain salvation and eternal life. Jesus said:

Matthew 7:14
“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

I know we have theological differences ceeboo. But I’m not going to diss your beliefs and say that they are leading you into harmful paths, etc. You are a big boy and can choose the theological path within Christianity that brings you happiness and brings you to Christ. I would expect that you would encourage folks who choose to follow Jesus Christ as members of the church that bears His name to do the same.

Matthew 11
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Members of the LDS church that have testimonies of Christ, His Gospel, and His Church, are willing to take upon themselves the yoke of belief in and following Christ.

Handcuffs? Hardly.

Regards,
MG

[drumdude]

MG, the bondage is not to Christ. The bondage is to the leadership of the corporation of the presiding bishopric.

They are not the same things, at all. But I know why Mormons try to conflate them. So it appears like you’re doing what Jesus wants instead of what 15 rich elderly white men want.

[consiglieri]

Oh, and I have to denounce the Book of Mormon Musical, too.

Must add that to my honey dew list!

[Philo Sofee]

Oh, and I have to denounce the Book of Mormon Musical, too.

Must add that to my honey dew list!

The truly weird thing is that is more historically accurate than the official history of the church, yet it is supposed to be denounced?! Why because a few brainwashed Mormons are offended by the truth? Let them be.

[consiglieri]

Is it possible Midnight Mormons is venting a bit of spleen at Mormonism Live over dismantling the gallows MM had so laboriously constructed for John Dehlin?

Asking for a friend.

[MG 2.0]

MG, the bondage is not to Christ. The bondage is to the leadership of the corporation of the presiding bishopric.

They are not the same things, at all. But I know why Mormons try to conflate them. So it appears like you’re doing what Jesus wants instead of what 15 rich elderly white men want.

I’m just responding to ceeboo and don’t want to derail this thread, but I will comment on your response. Consider living back at the time of Christ and after His crucifixion. The disciples/apostles went out into the world to bring souls to Christ. Not to themselves as His representatives. They weren’t out preaching for vain glory. They were following Christ’s injunction, “ And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Do you think that this injunction/command would be any different today? The calling of modern apostles and prophets is to bring souls to Christ.

Regards,
MG

[The Stig]

MG, the bondage is not to Christ. The bondage is to the leadership of the corporation of the presiding bishopric.

They are not the same things, at all. But I know why Mormons try to conflate them. So it appears like you’re doing what Jesus wants instead of what 15 rich elderly white men want.

I’m just responding to ceeboo and don’t want to derail this thread, but I will comment on your response. Consider living back at the time of Christ and after His crucifixion. The disciples/apostles went out into the world to bring souls to Christ. Not to themselves as His representatives. They weren’t out preaching for vain glory. They were following Christ’s injunction, “ And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Do you think that this injunction/command would be any different today? The calling of modern apostles and prophets is to bring souls to Christ.

Regards,
MG

Actually, it turns out that the calling of modern apostles and prophets is to act as executive-level management of a multi-billion dollar corporation. I'm sure Jesus is gushing with pride.

[consiglieri]

ZING!!!