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SamanthaT
Guest
I know I shouldnt laugh, but this was funny to me… Thank you
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RebeccaJ
Guest
It’s beginning were defined by all that defines a cult. Their charismatic leader remains Joseph Smith, though modern Mormonism has pulled itself into mainstream culture.
There are a few practices and teachings that remain cult-like. Secret ceremonies and fear instilled into members regarding leaving are just two.
But I do agree, calling Mormonism a “cult” doesn’t do anything constructive.
There are a few practices and teachings that remain cult-like. Secret ceremonies and fear instilled into members regarding leaving are just two.
But I do agree, calling Mormonism a “cult” doesn’t do anything constructive.
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SaintPatrick333
Guest
Instead of getting caught up on the definitions of the word cult and whether or not it applies to LDS churches, why not instead shift the focus on to the lack of salvific formula to mormon beliefs. If you believe as the mormons do you are not following what Christ taught and instead following the late joseph smith. The mormon belief will not save you from hell. Only belief in Jesus Christ can accomplish that. Christ as the Triune God He is. Not Christ as the mortal man who ascended to godhood and showed the way for all men to become gods (though it is exclusive and you have to be an elder in their church). Their lack of belief in the divinity of Christ and their prideful lust for power/godhood is not only anti-christian, I would claim it is satanic. Are mormons evil people? Of course not. They are severely mislead. The mormon church however, is founded on deception and lies. Joseph Smith was a crack pot and history pretty much rips his entire church/faith to pieces. We should not be encouraging mormons to remain in their system of belief and call them christian just because they use the name Jesus Christ on occasion in their services. We should be showing them the Truth in Christ that is revealed only through His One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.
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JHow
Guest
Your definition, part 2, is incorrect. Have a look here:
merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cult
Mormonism acquires the cult label because is differs from the normative expression of Christianity. If it were considered a non-Christian religion it would not deserve the cult label.
There is nothing sinister in this classification.
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Jesusismyfriend
Guest
Haven’t you seen on the news that the FLDS leader was telling members of the group (married members) that they had to abstain from having sex inside of marriage? Sounds like a cult to me. Telling members to not have sex outside of marriage is a good thing, but for him to try to control the other members sex lives (when they are married in God’s eyes) seems a little iffy to me.
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Jesusismyfriend
Guest
It’s that element of control they use to tell people how to live their lives, and their teachings do not follow those of Christ. Maybe “cult” is not the correct term. But they do teach “false teachings.” I know I want to avoid being involved with them.
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couponfit
Guest
Can you help me out by describing what is a temple ceremony like and how it is cult like.
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Jerusha
Guest
The LDS temple ordinances are sacred [and secret]. We do not need to discuss them here because they will be mortally [embarrassed] offended. Just ask Google, and you will find plenty of information. Richard Packham is an excellent source.
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TexanKnight
Guest
I will tell you.
First, there are several ceremonies that go on in the LDS temple. And remember that in each of these, other than your time, you are doing them for people who have died. So, for example, you go and get your “endowments”. From then on, when you go to the temple, you are going thru the ceremony for someone who is dead.
Baptisms- this, as you might expect, is getting immersed in water. You do it in white and, when you do it for the dead, you may get a whole handful of names and get immersed over and over for all the names of dead people you were assigned.
Marriage- This is actually called sealing. It is kinda cool. You kneel across an altar from your spouse. Behind each of you is a mirror. Because of that, when you look into the mirror behind your spouse, it reflects the mirror behind you and back and forth indefinitely. It looks like forever. No one but Mormons who can go to the temple can actually attend your marriage. When I was sealed in the Guatemala Temple, my mother and family could not attend because they are not LDS. My mother was NOT happy.
Endowments: This is the ceremony most referred to. You are taught about history and given secret signs, handshakes and blood oaths. You then go thru the veil (heaven) after answering questions and giving your secret name. Then, if you are with your spouse, you bring her thru the veil.
Now, bear in mind I have not attended since 1989. Back then, God sent Jesus and Michael to create the earth like they had created all the other worlds before us. Later, Adam is formed and then Eve. Eve falls into temptation and Adam then eats the apple so as to not be separated from her.
Later, the devil gets a Catholic Priest to try to get people away from God. Then you learn a secret handshake and make an oath to let yourself have your throat cut and die if you ever divulge this. Later, after you swear to obey God and your wife swears to obey you, you are taught another secret handshake and also make a blood oath that if you ever divulge, you will allow yourself to be killed by being disemboweled.
There is more, but, later you go to the veil and give your secret name, show secret handshakes and are brought thru the veil. The room you go into is the Celestial Room. It is a gorgeous room where people can sit and contemplate. the ceremony is over.
The temples are absolutely stunning. They are beautiful, beautiful buildings.
I hope this helps.
Be Blessed
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RebeccaJ
Guest
The FLDS are a different group than the Mormon group called “LDS”. The FLDS are most definitely a cult.
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SteveVH
Guest
I just really love the part about the Catholic priest.
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batman1973
Guest
Political correctness a-creepin in here? Mormons are a Non-Christian Cult. They get that label or definition because they teach false, non Christian doctrine. Their lies are clearly documented. Just because they are good people doesn’t mean that their church is true.
And, not to change the subject, but didn’t the Moderator ask us to cool it on the Mormon threads?
And, not to change the subject, but didn’t the Moderator ask us to cool it on the Mormon threads?
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Jerusha
Guest
I only counted four on the first page. That is really good. :yeah_me:
Only when there are seven or eight does it create an impression that this forum is dedicated to Catholic/Mormon discussion.
It is the number that generates a negative impression. The activity level of the individual threads doesn’t matter. Especially for those who do not care to look at content.
And I agree with that.
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RebeccaJ
Guest
Nah,not PC. Words convey meaning. Mormonism is no longer the cult it was. But I think it could be argued it has morphed into a modern cult. Of the type seen in institutions such as Landmark, Nu Skin or Amway. Threats of losing ones family “for eternity” for leaving Mormonism is just another form of materialism. Threats over not being in the highest degree of the highest heaven is just another multi-marketing scheme…gotta get ahead.
Most of society is immersed in this cult…errr…culture.
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Jerusha
Guest
Having to be politically correct when criticizing a culture that tends to be egregiously politically incorrect is a paradox. However, given their persecution complex, it is a necessity. Particularly when they have brainwashed much of the public into thinking that there is nothing wrong with their culture.
Meanwhile, I am working on a re-analysis of what was actually happening in Nauvoo and the area in 1839-1844. It is a real eye-opener.
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batman1973
Guest
Do share what you find. That would be interesting indeed
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Jerusha
Guest
Briefly:
Although some in conference in Quincy wanted to distribute themselves in the area and start a ministry for the poor, they were outvoted. Keeping the fraud alive was more important.
They purchased Commerce, Illinois and changed its name to Nauvoo. People had tried to live there, but it was a swampy pest-hole. They were focused on getting title to Indian land across the river, but what they got was forged quit-claim deeds. They sincerely believed that God was with them, and would protect them from malaria, typhoid, cholera, and other disesaes that came from swampy air and water. When they couldn’t get access to the Indian land (Sac & Fox half-breed) those who had money escaped to communities in the area. Joseph and friends could not admit that they had led their people into such a deathly situation, because by doing so, they would be admitting that they were not prophets. Similarly,they could not take the matter to court, because their own fraud would be exposed.
So healing for the sick and berating those who did not get well for their lack of faith became the option of choice. One woman was feeling sickly and was berated for wanting tea. Boiling the water for tea made it safe. Many died. The poor who could not get out of Nauvoo suffered the most, although the situation did improve when they developed drainage canals.
Men went on missions just to get out of there. Their health got better, although some still suffered from malaria. They, of course, left their wives and children penniless and sick. I suspect some “married” the leaders for economic reasons.
They developed baptism for the dead and baptism for the sick, even though many had already been baptized into the cult, because those who got sick obviously got sick because of their lack of faith and incipient apostasy.
William Law and other rational people were concerned about the situation. Then the polygamy issue broke loose.
I am in the process of collecting sources on the issues.
Although some in conference in Quincy wanted to distribute themselves in the area and start a ministry for the poor, they were outvoted. Keeping the fraud alive was more important.
They purchased Commerce, Illinois and changed its name to Nauvoo. People had tried to live there, but it was a swampy pest-hole. They were focused on getting title to Indian land across the river, but what they got was forged quit-claim deeds. They sincerely believed that God was with them, and would protect them from malaria, typhoid, cholera, and other disesaes that came from swampy air and water. When they couldn’t get access to the Indian land (Sac & Fox half-breed) those who had money escaped to communities in the area. Joseph and friends could not admit that they had led their people into such a deathly situation, because by doing so, they would be admitting that they were not prophets. Similarly,they could not take the matter to court, because their own fraud would be exposed.
So healing for the sick and berating those who did not get well for their lack of faith became the option of choice. One woman was feeling sickly and was berated for wanting tea. Boiling the water for tea made it safe. Many died. The poor who could not get out of Nauvoo suffered the most, although the situation did improve when they developed drainage canals.
Men went on missions just to get out of there. Their health got better, although some still suffered from malaria. They, of course, left their wives and children penniless and sick. I suspect some “married” the leaders for economic reasons.
They developed baptism for the dead and baptism for the sick, even though many had already been baptized into the cult, because those who got sick obviously got sick because of their lack of faith and incipient apostasy.
William Law and other rational people were concerned about the situation. Then the polygamy issue broke loose.
I am in the process of collecting sources on the issues.
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GaryTaylor
Guest
I would go with “man-made” religion specifically Joe Smith made. You enter heaven and see God and Joe Smith…First!
Cult is a bit loosey goosey.
Cult is a bit loosey goosey.
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tarboy
Guest
What’s so wrong with their culture? I personally find it much easier to shoot holes in their theology, than their culture.
Their focus on family, supporting their neighbors, and avoiding sinful behaviour doesn’t contradict anything I was taught as a Catholic.
LOL, boring is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of their culture.
Their focus on family, supporting their neighbors, and avoiding sinful behaviour doesn’t contradict anything I was taught as a Catholic.
LOL, boring is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of their culture.
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Jerusha
Guest
Their culture encourages intergenerational hatred. One of my ancestors probably marched on the Carthage Jail on June 26, 1844. You have to get to know them better, before you make nicey-nicey conclusions. They have to present a nice-nicey facade in order to get converts.
Families break up quite quickly if a member of the family leaves the LDS. The family is valued only when it supports the religion.
That said, many of them are decent people who really aren’t that acquainted with the true history.
Agreed. Some of their theology, such as explanations for the problem of pain, lead to some very unfortunate attitudes.
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