The Mormon Discussion Thread

Welcome to the Laser Party. We are made of sex.

You, on the other hand, are the embodiment sadness and are typified by your longing to matter. This amuses us. Fret not, however, for you can easily overcome this condition. In order to become the human concept of Joy, as we have done, you can do one of two things. The first is to undertake a journey to Ancient Ademadegon and return with the the 3 heads of the Awesomegret which roosts in the Crystal Caverns of Caramel Colors. Or, two, register on this site. They are basically the same thing, really.

Click here for option two. <- Registration

If you're already good at winning then log in below:

Pages:
1
2
3

The Mormon Discussion Thread; Flaming and bickering
Topic Started: Feb 23 2010, 07:10 PM (636 Views)
Palmer	Mar 1 2010, 01:38 PM Post #51
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	Found this in an article: Quote: Only 12% of all Mormons live in Utah. Most Mormons do not live in the United States. Aside from the United States, other regions with significant Mormon populations include Mexico and Asia (1 million members each), South America (3 million members), and Central America and Europe (about half a million each). The rapid growth the Church has been experiencing in Africa, where there are already a quarter of a million members, is particularly exciting. The Church has established itself pretty well in Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, and I just recently had a friend leave for Hong Kong on his mission.



DA_KLOWN	Mar 1 2010, 02:10 PM Post #52
Gotta catch 'em all. Yep. Posts: 2,481 Group: Members Member #147 Joined: August 26, 2006	Japan? Mormon manga? I wish to see this happenstance occur.
	My Shelf. Of books.


Palmer	Mar 1 2010, 04:17 PM Post #53
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	DA_KLOWN Mar 1 2010, 02:10 PM Japan? Mormon manga? I wish to see this happenstance occur. Indeed. I have a friend in the Missionary Training Center learning Japanese right now. He just went in a couple of weeks ago. He is a ginger though, so he has no soul and he's going to stick out big time in Tokyo. He is stoked though.



Palmer	Mar 4 2010, 02:22 PM Post #54
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	GOT MY MISSION CALL. San Jose, Costa Rica. Speaking Spanish and leaving June 16th.



DarkSteele	Mar 4 2010, 03:13 PM Post #55
My chest hair makes a bird. Posts: 14,629 Group: Super-Mod Member #9 Joined: August 4, 2004	Palmer Mar 1 2010, 04:17 PM He is a ginger though, so he has no soul and he's going to stick out big time in Tokyo. He is stoked though. They love red hair there, he should get loads of converts. Also, ask Fed about Costa Rica. He is there now. I guess the rantshack is taking over the country- you can head the religious wing.
	The fabulous Rantshack store / / / / /


Palmer	Mar 4 2010, 06:58 PM Post #56
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	Cool, Fed can be in my bike gang. Also, the "Mission President" I'm serving under is my old room mate's parents. Go figure.



Palmer	Mar 29 2010, 06:27 PM Post #57
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	This is to answer one of Klown's comments, but in a Mormon specific answer. DaKlown On top of that, he made two people, trusted them to follow his rules, and kicked them out when they didn't. If he was perfect, why not make two perfect people? And on top of that, if he's omniscient, did he know this would happen? Was this planned? Did he "program" them that way? Why start building a world of people when he knew he would have to flood it and start over? Why give humanity his only son, who would die for all of our sins, because the very people God was trying to absolve killed him? Okay, this is lengthy, but bare with me. We existed before we came to this world. God had created us as spirits. This is a doctrine unique to Mormonism. We learn much more about this from scriptures in the Book of Mormon. However, even in the Old Testament God tells Jeremiah (1:5), "Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee." Here we find God telling Jeremiah that he knew him before he was even born. We saw His glory and wanted to be like him, but we didn't have bodies like he did. (We believe both the Father and the Son have bodies of flesh and bone). So, Heavenly Father had Christ create the Earth where we could come, be born, and have that body. While here, we would be tested to see if we could find happiness with God and withstand the woes of the world. To do this, we couldn't remember our life before this or else faith would not be necessary. Two of his children, Adam and Eve, were chosen to come down first. The Garden of Eden was a paradisical place, and Adam and Eve lived in God's presence and lived in innocence. Then God introduced agency (freewill) to them. They could still live with God and live forever, but God told them not to eat the forbidden fruit. As long as they did it, they kept the paradise they were in. But they could not have children, they could learn, they could know happiness because they not know sorrow and pain. Satan tempted them to eat this fruit, and as we know, they did. This was part of God's plan. He expected them to do this, and they were thus removed from the Garden of Eden and became mortal. As the Book of Mormon states, "Behold, the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited; and he hath created his children that they should possess it." It was never meant that Adam and Eve were supposed to live by themselves in the Garden forever. By becoming mortal they began to have children and have a family, and thus mankind began. This way, all of us who didn't have bodies now began to get those bodies. And here we are, trying to be good people and live within the commandments that God gave us. Edit: Also! We believe that God still talks to man today. So it's not like "here's the commandments, GO GO GO". We still have a prophet, and apostles. They have the responsibility of delivering God's will to the church. And we are not expected to take them at their word, we are encouraged to pray and learn if what they say is true. As Moroni, a prophet from the Book of Mormon says as he is ending the book, "I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. " Edited by Palmer, Mar 29 2010, 06:34 PM.



DA_KLOWN	Mar 29 2010, 07:20 PM Post #58
Gotta catch 'em all. Yep. Posts: 2,481 Group: Members Member #147 Joined: August 26, 2006	But that's my thing: why do you need to go through these prophets and apostles? Why can't you just ask him yourself and get an answer straight from him without any twist or bias put on it (and I'll be blunt, if you don't think prophets and apostles in any religion don't put their own spin and biases into the word of God, you're terribly naive)?
	My Shelf. Of books.


Palmer	Mar 29 2010, 08:11 PM Post #59
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	DA_KLOWN Mar 29 2010, 07:20 PM But that's my thing: why do you need to go through these prophets and apostles? Why can't you just ask him yourself and get an answer straight from him without any twist or bias put on it (and I'll be blunt, if you don't think prophets and apostles in any religion don't put their own spin and biases into the word of God, you're terribly naive)? That exactly why I put that very last quote in. You can ask God for yourself. But then think, would it really be good to have everyone preaching to each other about what God wants them to do? Everything needs order, and Jesus established the hierarchy with the apostles when he was here. The prophet acts in place for Christ on the Earth. Also, I don't feel that prophets or apostles put their own spin on the doctrine of a non-profit religion... Just wouldn't make much sense. Besides, I trust that these men are called by God through inspiration so that they won't do anything like that. God wouldn't tolerate some crook who was delivering his words sideways. DA_KLOWN Every religion has a different answer to my questions. No one can agree. Also, you answered my questions from the point of view from one who already believes, and while I know it's not you're intention, it comes across a subtle recruitment, as opposed to an actual answer. I am going to quote Joseph Smith here. (who organized the LDS church) Quote: 6 For, notwithstanding the great love which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested by the respective clergy, who were active in getting up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling, in order to have everybody converted, as they were pleased to call it, let them join what sect they pleased; yet when the converts began to file off, some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the priests and the converts were more pretended than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling ensued�priest contending against priest, and convert against convert; so that all their good feelings one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about opinions. 7 I was at this time in my fifteenth year. My father�s family was proselyted to the Presbyterian faith, and four of them joined that church, namely, my mother, Lucy; my brothers Hyrum and Samuel Harrison; and my sister Sophronia. 8 During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them; but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion who was right and who was wrong. 9 My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others. 10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it? 11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible. 13 At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to �ask of God,� concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture. Edited by Palmer, Mar 29 2010, 08:33 PM.



AlphaStrikeSteve	Mar 29 2010, 10:28 PM Post #60
Posts: -3,817 Group: Administrator Member #2 Joined: July 19, 2004	I never would've imagined the day when we would have this many blocko'texts on the shack. I am proud and confused.
	_██_ (ಠ_ృ)


DA_KLOWN	Mar 29 2010, 10:33 PM Post #61
Gotta catch 'em all. Yep. Posts: 2,481 Group: Members Member #147 Joined: August 26, 2006	Quote: That exactly why I put that very last quote in. You can ask God for yourself. But then think, would it really be good to have everyone preaching to each other about what God wants them to do? Everything needs order, and Jesus established the hierarchy with the apostles when he was here. The prophet acts in place for Christ on the Earth. No one said you had to go about telling everyone what God told you and expect them to follow it. I mean to have a more personal relationship with him, free of all the hoops. You have a question, you ask God, he answers you, and you say, "Sweet, thanks god, 'preciate it," and move one with your life. Quote: Also, I don't feel that prophets or apostles put their own spin on the doctrine of a non-profit religion... Just wouldn't make much sense. Besides, I trust that these men are called by God through inspiration so that they won't do anything like that. God wouldn't tolerate some crook who was delivering his words sideways. Again, I'll be blunt; a very naive way of thinking, but more power to you to keep thinking so I guess.
	My Shelf. Of books.


Palmer	Mar 29 2010, 10:42 PM Post #62
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	DA_KLOWN Mar 29 2010, 10:33 PM You have a question, you ask God, he answers you, and you say, "Sweet, thanks god, 'preciate it," and move one with your life. Well, what's stopping you? Have you tried asking him? Note: if at any point this becomes to personal, I'm also open to PM's. Or we could just drop it. Yeah, either/or. Edited by Palmer, Mar 29 2010, 10:43 PM.



DarkSteele	Apr 20 2010, 10:16 AM Post #63
My chest hair makes a bird. Posts: 14,629 Group: Super-Mod Member #9 Joined: August 4, 2004	quick get maedddddd
	The fabulous Rantshack store / / / / /


Palmer	Apr 20 2010, 12:08 PM Post #64
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	I'm not sure who the retarded people are they interviewed, but I can guarantee that will not be beneficial to the church.



DA_KLOWN	Apr 20 2010, 01:43 PM Post #65
Gotta catch 'em all. Yep. Posts: 2,481 Group: Members Member #147 Joined: August 26, 2006	Aw, I kinda wanna see it actually. I will say this, the South Park episode that made fun of Mormonism was actually pretty good, in that toward the end, they made it a point to state all the benefits of Mormonism (namely the decent family values, that they help people, and while it doesn't always make sense, they enjoy what they do, etc). I think the play could be more beneficial than you think.
	My Shelf. Of books.


Palmer	Apr 20 2010, 01:53 PM Post #66
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	Even the way you just said "while it doesn't always make sense" just puts the church in a naive light. Sure, it may turn off some of the hostility towards the church, but it's also heaps on piles of "they have no idea what they're doing". PS. It all makes sense when you're not concerned with secular criticism. PSS. That guy that said "The Jews get Fiddler and the Mormons get this" is a complete disgrace. Fiddler respects and reveres Jewish culture, while this is a satirical performance of religion. Edited by Palmer, Apr 20 2010, 03:50 PM.



Palmer	Apr 25 2010, 07:01 PM Post #67
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	So I just heard about an article that is provides some more info on the "Book of Mormon" broadway production. They're working with some guy who's name escapes me, and he said "I tried to read the Book of Mormon. It's hard to get through. I find it to be very much like Lord of the Rings." (paraphrase) I realize you guys know nothing about the Book of Mormon, but for goodness' sake it has absolutely zero parallels to LotR. This shows the average intelligence working with this thing.



AlphaStrikeSteve	Apr 26 2010, 01:17 PM Post #68
Posts: -3,817 Group: Administrator Member #2 Joined: July 19, 2004	I dunno man that part where joseph smith is in that underground bridge fighting the dragon demon and he shouts "YOU.. SHALL.. NOT.." is REALLY reminiscent of LotR
	_██_ (ಠ_ృ)


Nuklearsamurai	Apr 26 2010, 01:47 PM Post #69
The Winter Master Posts: 682 Group: Members Member #2,595 Joined: December 13, 2009	I can see it too when Joseph Smith is leading his army of believers into the Battle to for final victory against the army of orcs.
	Only in music does 0+0=12


Palmer	Apr 27 2010, 11:25 AM Post #70
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	The only similarity I see is when Joseph Smith throws the gold plates into a volcano to save middle earth. (didn't happen) However, the problem herein lies that Joseph Smith is not in the Book of Mormon. It takes place circa 600 BC to 400 AD.



Nuklearsamurai	Apr 27 2010, 05:54 PM Post #71
The Winter Master Posts: 682 Group: Members Member #2,595 Joined: December 13, 2009	So wait, if the book of mormon is in addition to the New testament, how does it go from circa 600 BC-400 AD? The new testament starts w/ Jesus... @ AD 0
	Only in music does 0+0=12


Palmer	Apr 27 2010, 06:15 PM Post #72
Lvl 8 Admiral Posts: 3,123 Group: Members Member #97 Joined: June 27, 2005	It's not "in addition" to the New Testament in that sense. It's a timeline of a different people, separate from those in the New Testament, because it takes place on the American continent.



1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)


« Previous Topic · Religion or lack there of · Next Topic »

Pages:
1
2
3