How is the LDS a cult?

[LivingWaters7]

And won’t take no for an answer in many cases.

And in many cases they do take “no” for an answer. As already mentioned, there are people that do things for the wrong reasons, or the wrong way, in all faiths (and non-faiths). I am quite sure that there are many Latter-day Saints, in their sincere belief that we are members of the only true Church, that are quite persistent in helping those struggling with their faith (or leaving it) to remain in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have also personally interacted with Catholics that acted similarly, and have even read similar posts on other sections of this very forum (with frequent reference to one being in danger of Hell).

Why does it have to be a critic? There are many people out there who could give two hoots about mormonism, or any religion for that matter, and they talk about being love bombed by mormons. All in an effort to get more members. But if it doesn’t pan out, that’s the last time you’ll see a smile on the mormons face.

Which of course is not true as a general principle, though it does allow for those who would act like that (again this is found in other faiths, since we are all human). When I became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was not “love-bombed” (having read about this alleged practice prior to inquiring about conversion), and I have discussed this with other converts in my congregation, and we all agree that this did not happen to us, and everyone acts the same way towards us as they did when we converted, and they act the same way towards those raised in the faith. And within that, we all strive to love our neighbor as ourselves, and follow the example of Jesus Christ in how we act with our friends, families, strangers, etc. We desire all to come unto Christ through the fulness of His Gospel, and we seek to be good neighbors and disciples of Christ, and therefore we have no problem fellowshipping with those inquiring into the Church, helping them (and people in general) with anything they need, etc.

It goes on everywhere, not just in churches, but if you actually read what I was responding to in Tarboy’s post, you would see his comment was specifically directed at Catholics.

And I clearly stated that I have personally experienced this (and heard many stories from many ex-Catholics) in the Catholic Church.

How long have you been mormon?

A long time, and read extensively on both sides (pro and critical, and “anti”) for years prior, including the articles on this website.

People are guilted into all sorts of things, all the time. Callings, when they are already swamped with life, and trying to take care of their families. Adequate tithing, “volunteering” to clean the chapels, and the list goes on, and on. Read around,

I don’t need to “read around”, since I’ve quite literally read it all (and what I haven’t read is merely repeating what I already have), and I am an actual member of the Church. And yes, it is all volunteering, not “volunteering”. No one forces you to do anything. I personally have yet to clean the church (and I even signed up one time and didn’t show up). The Church can really be as much or as little a part of your life as one desires. And if one simply does not have enough time for their calling, they are frequently released (something that has happened multiple times amongst my friends).

I’m sure you know better than this. I have witnessed it first hand when my cousin and her family resigned, and from more than one member of their ward too. It may not be a “doctrine”, but it sure is an accepted practice.

Which still does not address the point. I will just post what I already stated: “However, it is obvious that when someone believes that their Church is the “one true Church”, if someone leaves it, many times the family members are disappointed that they have left “the Truth”, and then “shun” them for that (which is not the same as saying that “the Church” practices shunning). Many churches claim that if someone leaves that faith, the person is in danger of going to Hell. This is not something unique to the Church, but is found in the faithful of various other churches, including the Catholic Church. Latter-day Saints always hope and pray that those that leave the Church of Jesus Christ will come back and partake of the blessings found their again. Also, interestingly, a form of shunning was previously performed by the Catholic Church, with the designation of vitandi vs tolerati.”

I find the issue of the “vitandi” historically in the Catholic Church quite interesting in this discussion of shunning.

Mormon baptisms may have to be redone after someone leaves, but a valid Christian baptism does not. That is the BIG difference.

That is of course the Catholic belief, which is not shared by all traditional Christians. Various Protestant churches that hold to “believers baptism” will baptize someone that received an infant baptism. Even some Eastern Orthodox churches will baptize converts, including Catholic ones (and those that don’t operate on the principle of ekonomia, saying that the Orthodox chrismation would “make up” for any deficiencies in the non-Orthodox sacraments).

Notice the word “valid”.

See above.

As Rebecca pointed out, that is not always the case. Again, my cousin who resigned has had a completely different experience. Speaking of other commandments, how about these bishops that call in young children for their temple recommend interview, and are literally drilled about their masturbation habits? Again, I’m my cousin will have a totally different view than you. It is bad enough they ask adults these questions, but to drill kids on it is repugnant.

Latter-day Saints are against the practice of masturbation. Bishops, as ordained leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ, are called to guide us in our journey in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and guide us in following the Lord’s commandments, in concert with continuous repentance and reliance on the atonement of Jesus Christ. If someone has an issue with a specific commandment, including masturbation (which we are commandment not to do), the bishop can guide that person in repentance (which includes forsaking).

Again, you have to pay to go to a temple. We don’t have to pay to go to any Catholic, Church, Chapel, Cathedral, Basilica, or even the Vatican. Anyone is allowed to attend any and all services and Mass. Mormons exclude families from their temple ceremonies, like temple weddings.

Again, you and other critics always seem to be focused on money. Tithing is one of many commandments that we are called to follow. To enter the temple, one should have belief and faith in God, in the atonement of Jesus Christ, in the restoration of the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, sustain our leaders, follow the Law of Chastity, Tithing, the Word of Wisdom, etc. If someone does not have any income, such as if they are a student, unemployed, etc., they can still enter the temple, since they have no income to tithe.

There is no comparison with entering a building, and attending a Mass, and receiving the Eucharist, and Rebecca pointed that out.

See my response to Rebecca. And it is not just entering any old building, like if I was going to the supermarket, but, in our belief, a very sacred space, where the actual presence of God dwells, which we encounter. Again, I quite clearly stated that there is a similarity in some instances, which clearly implies differences.

Control being the primary one.

Actually no. Safety is a very important one. And of course the disciples were sent out by twos in the New Testament. I assume you would not say it was because of “control”.

Unfortunately, you aren’t in the Lord’s Church. Mormonism in no way relates to mainstream Christianity. Mormons created their own version of the godhead, they created their own scriptures, and are constantly providing their own definition of words that are contrary to what is commonly understood.

Unfortunately, I could say the same about you, since you hold the same belief about yourself. However you are entitled to your opinions and beliefs, and I am entitled to my own, where yes, I am a member of the Lord’s Church, and am fully aware that the Latter-day Saint faith is not “mainstream” (or “traditional”) Christianity (nor do I want restored Christianity to be such for obvious reasons).

Study of scriptures is extremely important, understanding them correctly is even more important. Given that there are 13 million mormons, I can almost guarantee that there are 12 million different understandings.

And I can almost guarantee that that is not the case.

 

[LivingWaters7]

I have been to mormon services, and I can tell you, there is little scripture involved. Especially the Bible.

And I have been to Latter-day Saint services as well (of course), and yes, scripture is involved. In Sacrament Meeting, the sermons or “talks” given almost always include references to our scriptures. The prayer to bless the Communion is taken from our scriptures. We have Sunday School where we study the scriptures (this year we are studying the Book of Mormon. Last year we studied the New Testament, and the year before we studied the Old Testament). We also have classes during the week where members of the Church can study the doctrines of the Gospel as well as the scriptures. Indeed, a quick look at the class listing for those courses in my area lists names such as “New Testament: Parables of Jesus”, “The Scriptural Revelation of the Nature of Christ”, and “The Book of Mormon”. And that’s just for the summer. We are also encouraged to study the scriptures daily. So in my experience (and that of many other Latter-day Saints), scriptures and scripture study, including the Bible, is very much a part of our lives, in Sacrament Meeting, in Sunday School, in our personal study, in weekly classes, etc. Interestingly, I have heard this accusation against Catholics (about “very little scripture”) many times.

While no one is “disciplined” for non faith promoting works, it is definitely frowned upon, and people are told about it. That is where the internet is making such a big dent in mormon membership.

Again, see what I wrote. Also, the works of critics and “antis” on the internet against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is really no different than that against the Catholic Church and all the ministries, books, articles, videos, etc. about what Catholics “really” believe, or their “real history”, etc. Some will be persuaded by such things to leave, others won’t.

 

[zippity]

Thank you TexanKnight for your posts. So many on this thread with good posts. I once was Mormon and little did I know that the god I worshiped was not the Christian God. I left Mormonism basically because the god of Mormonism lies - using their own scriptures. The main reason. So many discrepancies. Mormons use Christian words and mean something other than what Christianity means. Any religion who claims to be Christian and says the words but mean something entirely different than what Christianity means (Nicene Creed) is not Christian but something other. Joseph Smith created Mormonism.

And yes, I have lost my brother’s because I left and became, O dreaded religion, a Catholic. I thank God for my Catholic faith.

Anyhow’s. good thread. God bless.

 

[Porknpie]

If Mormonism is true, show me the remains of the great ancient civilizations in North America. Show me the bones, the temples, the horses, the buildings/houses, metal working. the mounds etc. Show me just ONE chariot and a few SWORDs. The grounds of Cumorah hold the remains of one of these battles. The book of Mormon says so but the leaders will not excavate the grounds and show the world the findings. The link below has a list of 25 or so reasons the book of Mormon is wrong on geography alone. What is completely EVIL here is that the church (cult) leadership knows the facts and they are deceving their flock. IF it were true they would excavate the remains, show the world AND convert the world (how silly it is to send missionaries to homes when they can convert the world). **IF I were Mormon, the lack of evidence for ANY civilization would haunt me and cause me to examine everything else. Joseph Smith was a liar and his book was 100% fiction. **

ancientamerica.org/library/media/HTML/enap8lyt/A%20Whole%20Bunch%20of%20Reasons%20Why%20Book%20of%20Mormon%20Geography.htm?n=0

 

[Jerusha]

“Ancient America” is a Mormon-affiliated organization, and John Sorenson is dedicated to the belief that the events in the BoM happened in Meso-America. amazon.com/ancient-American-setting-Book-Mormon/dp/1573451576

 

[nordskoven]

The LDS is a cult in the sense that cult figures have tended to dominate its culture. The Albert Hoffman connection is often overlooked as a developmental nexus although natural predecessors like psilocybin were extant. Harvard’s Timothy Leary provided insightful and scholarly observations and formally consecrated LDS as a “sacrament” in his Tibetan Buddhist subtext. The LDS experience is a subjective one resulting from the personal response to the LDS psychoactive agent and it will, as Timothy Leary notes, tend to induce psychosis in those who have not used it. .sknahT

 

[RebeccaJ]

It is clear that in every religion (and non-religion for that matter), there are people that do things for the wrong reasons. It is not surprising to a Latter-day Saint that there are people that do their home teaching or visiting teaching simply for the numbers and to say that they did it. That is not the purpose nor the spirit behind home and visiting teaching. The actual purpose of these practices is to care for our brothers and sisters in Christ on our spiritual journey. If someone is doing it for the wrong reasons, it is just that, the wrong reasons. This applies for the practices in all faiths.

Doesn’t matter, it’s still a bureaucracy.

bu·reauc·ra·cy
administration characterized by excessive red tape and routine

tech.lds.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?45-Reports-and-Forms/page2&order=desc

My Church, in my belief, is the Lord’s Church, the Church of Jesus Christ. You are entitled to your belief.

You are confusing what you believe with reality.

There is no need to “ask for more money” (or, I assume you mean that the bishop would guide someone in their following of the commandment of tithing) if someone is already following this commandment.

I’m referring to the fact that a mormon bishop will use tithing settlement as the opportunity to ask for more money. Mormons have more monetary obligations than the 10%. Building fund, missionary fund, etc. etc.

Latter-day Saints believe that God asks us to follow His commandments, one of which is tithing (one demonstration of sacrifice in the Lord’s Church).

Latter-day Saints believe that our priesthood leaders guide us on our spiritual journey, and help us in following God’s commandments, including our reliance on Christ’s atonement in repentance.

I hope you can see, in these two statement alone, the practices that define a cult.

Unfortunately this has nothing to do with the actual point. The Latter-day Saint practice on entrance to the House of the Lord is based on the belief that one should be following God’s commandments and have faith in the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is similar to the Catholic practice on the Eucharist (noting that I clearly stated “in some senses”, implying obvious differences between practices) in that those that do not believe in the fulness of the Truth (in the Catholic belief) are not permitted to partake of the Eucharist, and those who are in a state of mortal sin are not permitted to partake of the Eucharist.

CULT is the topic. The practice of scheduled and documented encounters with each other to ensure that individual are attending properly, eating properly and paying properly are cultic practices.

So indeed, the practice does matter.

Anyone is allowed to attend Sacrament Meeting and enter the churches of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We were discussion temples.

Our churches are our temples. The place where God dwells quite literally.

Obviously it is an area of the church. The point is on restriction of access to certain sacred spaces, and the fact that in certain churches (including in the Eastern Catholic churches which are part of the Catholic Church), many people are not allowed in that sacred portion of the church.

No one is interviewed. Take some time to read any thread here on people who are asking about or describing Eucharistic Adoration. They are sitting in a church, or chapel, in the presence of Jesus Christ. Whether they are behind a rood screen, or not.

Anyone entering your celestial room without a barcode? Didn’t think so.

 

[pgnat1]

carm.org/is-mormonism-cult

Yes they are.

 

[BListon]

carm.org/is-mormonism-cult

Yes they are.

With all due respect… you are using CARM.org.They don’t exactly speak of Catholicism on a positive note either.

 

[TexanKnight]

And I have been to Latter-day Saint services as well (of course), and yes, scripture is involved. In Sacrament Meeting, the sermons or “talks” given almost always include references to our scriptures. The prayer to bless the Communion is taken from our scriptures. We have Sunday School where we study the scriptures (this year we are studying the Book of Mormon. Last year we studied the New Testament, and the year before we studied the Old Testament). We also have classes during the week where members of the Church can study the doctrines of the Gospel as well as the scriptures. Indeed, a quick look at the class listing for those courses in my area lists names such as “New Testament: Parables of Jesus”, “The Scriptural Revelation of the Nature of Christ”, and “The Book of Mormon”. And that’s just for the summer. We are also encouraged to study the scriptures daily. So in my experience (and that of many other Latter-day Saints), scriptures and scripture study, including the Bible, is very much a part of our lives, in Sacrament Meeting, in Sunday School, in our personal study, in weekly classes, etc. Interestingly, I have heard this accusation against Catholics (about “very little scripture”) many times.

While I will agree that there is quite a bit of Scripture in an LDS Meeting, most of it tended to be BoM and D&C. And on that topic, in my years as LDS, I NEVER heard a New Testament or Old Testament Challenge from the LDS Leaders…but I heard MANY challenges to read the Book of Mormon…

Again, see what I wrote. Also, the works of critics and “antis” on the internet against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is really no different than that against the Catholic Church and all the ministries, books, articles, videos, etc. about what Catholics “really” believe, or their “real history”, etc. Some will be persuaded by such things to leave, others won’t.

The problem is…most of the anti-Catholic book I have read are correct in saying what we believe…they just find fault with it…like Honoring Mary…how we treat the Saints, etc.

“Anti-LDS” proclaim what LDS have claimed as doctrine and teachings that y’all deny now…

 

[TexanKnight]

Thank you TexanKnight for your posts. So many on this thread with good posts. I once was Mormon and little did I know that the god I worshiped was not the Christian God. I left Mormonism basically because the god of Mormonism lies - using their own scriptures. The main reason. So many discrepancies. Mormons use Christian words and mean something other than what Christianity means. Any religion who claims to be Christian and says the words but mean something entirely different than what Christianity means (Nicene Creed) is not Christian but something other. Joseph Smith created Mormonism.

And yes, I have lost my brother’s because I left and became, O dreaded religion, a Catholic. I thank God for my Catholic faith.

Anyhow’s. good thread. God bless.

Thank you for your kind words. I loved being LDS…so much good…but I can;t follow false prophets, now matter how sheeply they look…they are wolves underneath…just as Christ warned…

 

[pgnat1]

With all due respect… you are using CARM.org.They don’t exactly speak of Catholicism on a positive note either.

Well aware of that BListon. It was the only moderate website that I could find which gave reasons for Mormonism being a cult.

In other words, I was just trying to answer the question as fast and simple as I could with limited sources

 

[Jerusha]

Well aware of that BListon. It was the only moderate website that I could find which gave reasons for Mormonism being a cult.

In other words, I was just trying to answer the question as fast and simple as I could with limited sources

I have never gone there, and I prefer not to. From the reports I have seen, they preach religious bigotry as bad as Mormonism’s teachings. I am not a religious bigot, and laugh at the errors of other religions. It is those religions whose teachings are malignant that I am most critical of. Judge them by their fruits.

 

[twopekinguys]

Originally Posted by LivingWaters7 View Post
And I have been to Latter-day Saint services as well (of course), and yes, scripture is involved. In Sacrament Meeting, the sermons or “talks” given almost always include references to our scriptures. The prayer to bless the Communion is taken from our scriptures. We have Sunday School where we study the scriptures (this year we are studying the Book of Mormon. Last year we studied the New Testament, and the year before we studied the Old Testament). We also have classes during the week where members of the Church can study the doctrines of the Gospel as well as the scriptures. Indeed, a quick look at the class listing for those courses in my area lists names such as “New Testament: Parables of Jesus”, “The Scriptural Revelation of the Nature of Christ”, and “The Book of Mormon”. And that’s just for the summer. We are also encouraged to study the scriptures daily. So in my experience (and that of many other Latter-day Saints), scriptures and scripture study, including the Bible, is very much a part of our lives, in Sacrament Meeting, in Sunday School, in our personal study, in weekly classes, etc. Interestingly, I have heard this accusation against Catholics (about “very little scripture”) many times.

While I will agree that there is quite a bit of Scripture in an LDS Meeting, most of it tended to be BoM and D&C. And on that topic, in my years as LDS, I NEVER heard a New Testament or Old Testament Challenge from the LDS Leaders…but I heard MANY challenges to read the Book of Mormon…

Bingo. Rarely if ever readings or teachings from the Bible. The one and only true Scripture.

 

[pgnat1]

I have never gone there, and I prefer not to. From the reports I have seen, they preach religious bigotry as bad as Mormonism’s teachings. I am not a religious bigot, and laugh at the errors of other religions. It is those religions whose teachings are malignant that I am most critical of. Judge them by their fruits.

Thanks for the recommendation Jerusha. I wasn’t aware of all the things you listed. I thought they might have some anti-Catholic stuff concerning our doctrines but what you said is not good whatsoever. I will avoid it, but that was the first time I even used it so…

 

[twopekinguys]

And in many cases they do take “no” for an answer. As already mentioned, there are people that do things for the wrong reasons, or the wrong way, in all faiths (and non-faiths). I am quite sure that there are many Latter-day Saints, in their sincere belief that we are members of the only true Church, that are quite persistent in helping those struggling with their faith (or leaving it) to remain in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have also personally interacted with Catholics that acted similarly, and have even read similar posts on other sections of this very forum (with frequent reference to one being in danger of Hell).

Let’s not forget the persistence in baptizing Haulocaust victims. Not much taking no for an answer there would you say?

Now, do you want to talk about those that weren’t so easily duped, and didn’t join? For example, I was stationed at Hill AFB in Utah, near Ogden, and can’t tell you how much I was “Love Bombed”. Then once they found out I wasn’t taking the bait, the whole thing changed. It happened to me, and many of the other men and women I was stationed with. You can pretend it doesn’t happen, but trust me, it does.

And I clearly stated that I have personally experienced this (and heard many stories from many ex-Catholics) in the Catholic Church.
LOL, I bet if we talk percentages, the mormon church is much worse. If you were Catholic, and I honestly have to question that, most good Catholics high tail it out of Mass as quick as they can, and don’t stick around to gossip. Based on personal (family experience), the grape vine works quicker than Western Union as far as gossip goes. Talk to some of the former mormons on here about how quick news spreads in a mormon ward. Find out how many people in a ward find out about someone getting ex’d or disciplined before the person is even notified.
LivingWaters7;9519940:

A long time, and read extensively on both sides (pro and critical, and “anti”) for years prior, including the articles on this website.

I don’t need to “read around”, since I’ve quite literally read it all (and what I haven’t read is merely repeating what I already have), and I am an actual member of the Church. And yes, it is all volunteering, not “volunteering”. No one forces you to do anything. I personally have yet to clean the church (and I even signed up one time and didn’t show up). The Church can really be as much or as little a part of your life as one desires. And if one simply does not have enough time for their calling, they are frequently released (something that has happened multiple times amongst my friends).
till does not address the point. I will just post what I already stated: “However, it is obvious that when someone believes that their Church is the “one true Church”, if someone leaves it, many times the family members are disappointed that they have left “the Truth”, and then “shun” them for that (which is not the same as saying that “the Church” practices shunning). Many churches claim that if someone leaves that faith, the person is in danger of going to Hell. This is not something unique to the Church, but is found in the faithful of various other churches, including the Catholic Church. Latter-day Saints always hope and pray that those that leave the Church of Jesus Christ will come back and partake of the blessings found their again. Also, interestingly, a form of shunning was previously performed by the Catholic Church, with the designation of vitandi vs tolerati.”

Ah, conflicting statements. Not uncommon. Selective reading is quite common.

I find the issue of the “vitandi” historically in the Catholic Church quite interesting in this discussion of shunning.

But you’re not getting the whole context now are you. Again, not uncommon. You realize of course, that it isn’t part of Canon Law right?

That is of course the Catholic belief, which is not shared by all traditional Christians. Various Protestant churches that hold to “believers baptism” will baptize someone that received an infant baptism. Even some Eastern Orthodox churches will baptize converts, including Catholic ones (and those that don’t operate on the principle of ekonomia, saying that the Orthodox chrismation would “make up” for any deficiencies in the non-Orthodox sacraments).

Nowhere did I say all. Please reread. Most of the protestant churches you refer to are far from mainstream. Again, read what was said. I also said “valid”.

See above.

Trying to avoid the real issue I see.

Latter-day Saints are against the practice of masturbation. Bishops, as ordained leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ, are called to guide us in our journey in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and guide us in following the Lord’s commandments, in concert with continuous repentance and reliance on the atonement of Jesus Christ. If someone has an issue with a specific commandment, including masturbation (which we are commandment not to do), the bishop can guide that person in repentance (which includes forsaking).

Guide is one thing, interrogating is another. Many, many have spoken about the inappropriateness of the questioning along these lines. Keep in mind, masturbation is only one issue where they have crossed that line. Again, I am speaking from a family member’s experience, as well as many posters here.

Let’s look at how many times mormon bishops have told a spouse to leave a marriage because the other spouse stopped believing. Let’s talk about how many times mormon bishops have laid all the blame at the feet of the female spouse. Let’s talk about tithing settlement, and bishops asking for tax records. By the way, the last I knew, there 10 commandments, and none of them mentioned tithing.

Again, you and other critics always seem to be focused on money. Tithing is one of many commandments that we are called to follow. To enter the temple, one should have belief and faith in God, in the atonement of Jesus Christ, in the restoration of the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, sustain our leaders, follow the Law of Chastity, Tithing, the Word of Wisdom, etc. If someone does not have any income, such as if they are a student, unemployed, etc., they can still enter the temple, since they have no income to tithe. See my response to Rebecca. And it is not just entering any old building, like if I was going to the supermarket, but, in our belief, a very sacred space, where the actual presence of God dwells, which we encounter. Again, I quite clearly stated that there is a similarity in some instances, which clearly implies differences.

Again, what you are failing to see is that Cults use money as a control tool.
So, how many poor people have you seen enter the temple? I mean really.
One big difference between being in a mormon temple, and a Catholic Church, is we don’t limit your hanging around to 15 minutes.

Another big difference between the two is God is present in EVERY single Catholic Church, Chapel, Cathedral, etc. that has a tabernacle.

We don’t need recommends to be in presence of God himself. We don’t need special underwear, clothes, or buildings, reserved for a few. He is there for any and everyone
Catholic, and non Catholic alike.

And yes, every Catholic Church that has a Tabernacle is a very Sacred place (not secret), are you seeing the difference yet?

Actually no. Safety is a very important one. And of course the disciples were sent out by twos in the New Testament. I assume you would not say it was because of “control”.

Of course it is because of control. Please don’t compare mormon missionaries to the Apostles. There is no comparison. Safety for anyone is of course a concern, but that isn’t the primary reason behind mormon missionary pairs, and you know it. It is to keep an eye on one another, to make sure they conform. That is the primary reason. So, yes, it is still about control.

[/QUOTE]

 

[twopekinguys]

Unfortunately, I could say the same about you, since you hold the same belief about your self. However you are entitled to your opinions and beliefs, and I am entitled to my own, where yes, I am a member of the Lord’s Church, and am fully aware that the Latter-day Saint faith is not “mainstream” (or “traditional”) Christianity (nor do I want restored Christianity to be such for obvious reasons).

Ah, but the big difference is, we have God, and history on our side. What I find interesting about your statement is how you don’t want to be considered “mainstream”, which is obviously different than what your church hierarchy is trying to do. At one point in mormon history, they didn’t want to be considered Christian, now that is all we hear.

And I can almost guarantee that that is not the case.

Well, from all of the varied views I have seen expressed by mormon posters here, I would have to disagree with you. Some say yes to Adam/God, others say no. Some say one thing is considered doctrine, and other says it isn’t. Your argument doesn’t really hold up.

I just hope that you pray for truth. We all pray that someday mormons will see the truth. The internet has been a big help with that.

 

[LivingWaters7]

Doesn’t matter, it’s still a bureaucracy.

bu·reauc·ra·cy
administration characterized by excessive red tape and routine

tech.lds.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?45-Reports-and-Forms/page2&order=desc

Actually it isn’t, and this misses the actual point of doing something simply because one should or one is told to, and doing something because they understand the purpose, benefits, and internalize the spirit of helping one’s neighbor and strengthening our brethren. If someone is doing home or visiting teaching simply for the numbers, to say they did it, etc., then they miss the point, as clearly emphasized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

You are confusing what you believe with reality.

And of course I could say the same about you.

I’m referring to the fact that a mormon bishop will use tithing settlement as the opportunity to ask for more money. Mormons have more monetary obligations than the 10%. Building fund, missionary fund, etc. etc.

No, these are not obligations. Latter-day Saints believe that God has given the commandment on tithing, as He has done in the past. Donating for Humanitarian Aid, Missionary, Temple Construction, and Perpetual Education are up to the discretion of the Latter-day Saint, and we are not “obligated” or commanded to donate to these funds. I have yet to do so, and have never been asked to do so. I’m sure I can ask friends in various wards in various states if they have been “obligated” or asked to donate to these other funds as part of tithing settlement, and the vast majority will say no. I’m sure there are some that have, since, as is the case in these discussions, no matter the religion, there is never a “this has never happened”.

I hope you can see, in these two statement alone, the practices that define a cult.

Absolutely not, these are not cultic practices, and it is interesting that I have read many times of Evangelicals accusing Catholicism of being a cult because of various practices such as the need to confess sins to a priest, the necessity of the priest to perform certain sacraments, such as the Eucharist, the Pope, etc etc. The fact is, Latter-day Saints believe that, in accordance with the Bible, one should follow the commandments God has given. One such commandment, out of many others, is tithing, and that tithing is one demonstration of sacrifice. Latter-day Saints further believe that the Lord’s Church is governed by those ordained to God’s priesthood, and that those in authority in the Church of Jesus Christ, such as bishops, stake presidents, apostles, etc. can help us on our spiritual journey, not only in the reception of sacred ordinances, but in the other parts of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as they are called to do so.

CULT is the topic. The practice of scheduled and documented encounters with each other to ensure that individual are attending properly, eating properly and paying properly are cultic practices.

So indeed, the practice does matter.

If looking out for our brothers and sisters in Christ, checking on their spiritual and temporal well being (“scheduled” I assume you mean when I pick up the phone or email someone and ask if and when they would like to meet to share a spiritual message, or if they need help with anything), is “cultic”, then so be it. We are in this together, and I am grateful that there are those that look out for my spiritual and temporal well being, and will help me (or to use the Biblical word, “strengthen” me) when I need it.

We were discussion temples.

Our churches are our temples. The place where God dwells quite literally.

No one is interviewed. Take some time to read any thread here on people who are asking about or describing Eucharistic Adoration. They are sitting in a church, or chapel, in the presence of Jesus Christ. Whether they are behind a rood screen, or not.

Anyone entering your celestial room without a barcode? Didn’t think so.

There is no need to read a thread on Eucharistic Adoration since I’ve attended many times, including at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. You are side stepping the issue, since I am not talking about Eucharistic Adoration (a Western practice), but the Eastern Catholic and Eastern Orthodox iconostasis, in relation to the issue of restriction of access to a sacred space (and women are especially restricted from the “Holy of Holies” behind the iconostasis). Yes, there are obvious differences (and again, I clearly stated that there is similarity in “some senses”).

 

[LivingWaters7]

carm.org/is-mormonism-cult

Yes they are.

Oh dear. Then I guess I’ll just have to believe that that website is also correct when it claims that Catholicism is not Christian.

 

[LivingWaters7]

Bingo. Rarely if ever readings or teachings from the Bible. The one and only true Scripture.

That of course is not true. As already mentioned, each year we study a different volume of scripture in Sunday School. This year we are studying the Book of Mormon. Last year we studied the New Testament, and the year before we studied the Old Testament. We have classes during the week on various topics, including those surrounding the New Testament and the Old Testament. Speakers in Sacrament Meeting refer to passages and teachings in the Bible, as well as our other scriptures. I could go on (and I really am not sure how much actual experience you have in Latter-day Saint worship services, Sunday School, and other classes), and it is interesting that I see this very same accusation leveled against Catholics by Evangelicals. The Book of Mormon certainly has a special place in the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, however the Bible certainly is not cast aside, but is studied diligently and referred to in our worship services and religious education classes (on Sundays as well as during the week).