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Why are there so many different churches? People flock to other people with similar beliefs and ideals.

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Do all Mormons hate unions? Unions can be useful, but often they forget the needs of individual members.

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Who does the Bible state Melchizedek is? Was He an Angel or man? And did Jesus Christ our eternal High Priest make him obsolete? Melchizedek was a king of Salem (Salem was later renamed Jerusalem) and a high priest. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek. LdS interpret Hebrews 7:3 to mean that the higher priesthood was not limited to a single genealogy (as were the Levitical and Aaronic priesthoods). LdS theology teaches that the higher priesthood used to be named for the Son of God, but was renamed in order to not overuse...

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Why would Mormons who are employed by the government go along with the upcoming false flag attack on both coasts of the United States? Upcoming false flag attack? Sorry, but I've never heard of that. Perhaps you can shed some light on it? Perhaps you could also enlighten us how you came to the conclusion that /any/ Mormon would go along with a false flag attack. Perhaps you should spend less time with conspiracy theorists and more time in the real world?

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What is The Pope's official position on Mormonism? Catholicism does not recognize Mormon baptisms.

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Do you believe in evolution? Yes or no, and why? Evolution is the changing of the genetic composition of a population. It does NOT claim that man evolved from apes, or that apes and man share a common ancestor. Evolution is witnessed on a daily basis. Look at skin tones of people - especially the beautiful offsping of mixed-race couples. As people get more color-blind, we will merge into a single golden race. Mankind has helped crops and...

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MEN: If a women ask you married her? Is that cool? or is that lame and only a man should ask? My fiancee proposed to me, though we both knew we wanted it. I more formally proposed a few weeks later after I bought a ring.

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Is being gay bad? please don't copy and paste Bible verses To be tempted is not a sin. To seek out temptation is sinful. To act on temptation or entertain temptation is sinful.

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Have you ever watched the entire original movie of the "Ten Commandments"? I watch it every year when Passover and Easter roll around.

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Do Mormons regard their religion as Christian? The official name is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ: we believe this is Jesus' Church. We follow his teachings and recognize him as our Lord and Savior. of Latter-day Saints: the Church is composed of "saints" (followers of Jesus) living in the latter days (as opposed to the Meridian of Time). We consider ourselves to be Christian, and every year...

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How can Mormons add, and follow, Joseph Smith's teachings yet call themselves Christian? Same way as mainstream Christianity has added the Creeds to the Bible. Same way that New Testament Christians added the words of Peter, Paul, and the other Apostles, to the Old Testament and teachings of Jesus. Let's face it: only the Four Gospels occured during the lifetime of Jesus. I'll even throw in the first few chapters of Acts for the Pentecost and Jesus' 40-day ministry after the...

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Are there any Mormon here? Can anyone who are in Mormonism tell me what they believe? There are several members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Please see http://www.lds.org and http://www.mormon.org for the Church's official websites. As for condensing all the teachings, doctrine, and canon of a sect into a simple answer, that's a bit difficult. Joseph Smith Jr was asked what separated Mormonism from the rest of Christianity. In response, he wrote the...

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What is the most beautiful thing in Christianity? For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (read all of The Gospel According to St. John, chapter 3)

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Where does the name Sariah origionate? It is derived from Hebrew meaning "princess of the Lord" http://www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Sariah

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What's in your Locomoco? Sticky rice hamburger patty Fried egg, over easy Brown gravy. It's the best I can do on the mainland :(

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What is the deal with chicken fried steak? Is it chicken? Is it steak? Or what? It's more properly called "country-friedsteak". It's generally beef cube-steak that has been breaded then fried. I've had some that were amazing, and others which were awful.

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Did you know a Leviathan can kill an angel? Leviathan is often translated as "giant". How would a leviathan (or anything else) kill something immortal, such as an angel? Do you have scriptural evidence to back up this claim?

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Should Mormons be allowed out of Utah, let alone into the White House? Less than 50% of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints live inside the USA. Only roughly 50% of Utahns belong to the LdS Church. Should a Mormon be allowed in the White House? Vote based on politics and policies, not religion. I wouldn't want Harry Reid in the White House, despite him being LdS.

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How do you know if you are actually seeking for truth instead of just trying to make things fit into what you want to believe? This question applies equally to people wanting to know whether they should join the LdS Church and to people who were born into the Church and want to discover for themselves if it is true. Non-LdS: Does all the negative stuff you've seen on the internet and sources outside the Church influence the sincerity of your study of the Bible and Book of Mormon, and your prayers regarding their...

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is it gay when your girlfriend eats your asshole? Um, I saw this under the "Mormon Relationship" section. From a Mormon perspective, there should be no sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage. From a general perspective, "gay" has taken on the meaning of "homosexual". If you are female and have a female perform sexual acts on you, then it is gay. If you are male and have a male perform sexual acts on you, then it is gay. If you are male...

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Do you have a tattoo of The Madonna, the Mother of Our Lord Jesus Christ who was assumed into heaven without sin? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strongly discourages tattoos. Therefore, my body is ink-free.

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Does reading The Book of Mormon make you feel uncomfortable? I've read The Book of Mormon over a dozen times (ditto for the Bible). These volumes of Scripture do not make me feel unconfortable.

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How many Mormon serial killers does it take to make a dozen? Have you stopped beating your spouse?

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Mormon leader Warren Jeffs has 20 wives, some of whom were as young as 12. Are they all entitled to his Social Security payments? Using the term "Mormon leader" when referring to Warren Jeffs is misleading, much like using the term "American" to describe someone from Canada. Warren Jeffs was (is?) revered as a prophet by members of The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The FLDS Church is one of a handful which broke away from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after polygamy was...

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when evangelizing what exact topics does one talk about? I served a full-time proselytizing mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Before leaving for my assigned field, I spent two months in a Missionary Training Center where I was taught a modicum of the language and how to be an effective teacher. In my day we had six six standard lessons we would give before baptism. If the person had questions or concerns, though, we would...

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What are the golden plates for Mormons? First the standard disclaimer that I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For brevity I will word this answer according to LdS teachings without the qualifier "Mormons believe" or "according to Mormonism". The history contained in the Book of Mormon starts 600 years before the birth of Christ. It begins with the prophet Lehi and his family. One of Lehi's sons was named...

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Is the flaming salamander real? You know the salamander letters were fake.

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Will Jesus eventually come back and hand out new commandments on his iPad tablet computer? Jesus, Creator of the world and Savior of mankind, using an iPad to distribute new commandments? When Jesus comes again, it will be to end Armageddon. He will split the Mount of Olives in twain, giving a place for Israel to escape. Israel will see the marks of the crucifixion and mass convert to Christianity. Jesus will then his forces to overcome the armies of the enemy. Jesus will personally...

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If your son announced he will marry a 4 year old male goat, what would your primary concern be? It's wrong on so many levels I don't know where to begin. There's the issue of it being a goat. I mean, interspecial marriage is wrong, doubly so since the goat can't indicate its desire to enter into the marriage (or even an understanding of the question). There's an issue of it being male, but that plays back fiddle to it not even being human. There's the issue that he could not obtain a...

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Has anyone been through Mormon temple ceremonies and then left the church? Yes. People always have free will, so some will chose to leave the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, even after going through the temple.

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If Mormon, Catholic, Protestant are like the main christian group....... Wikipedia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_denomination ) divides Christianity into 5 families of denominations: 1. Roman Catholic 2. Eastern Orthodox 3. Oriental Orthodox 4. Anglican 5. Protestant It goes on to mention other denominations which do not belong to any of those branches: * Quakers * Restoration Movement (includes Mormonism) * Independant

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What are the differece between Assemblies of God, J witness', Full Gospel and Mormon? And what are they? Like my friend nightcrawler said, research each one. I've been inside a worship service for the Assembleia de Deus (Assembly of God in Brazil) once, and the pastor seemed more intent on lambasting Mormonism (I was an LdS missionary at the time) than preaching the Gospel. Based on this one experience, I'm forced to say I don't know enough about this denomination to accurately compare them to...

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How long did the christian holocaust on the pagans of northern europe last? Religious intolerance runs both ways. In Pagan Rome, one could be thrown into a lion's den or forced into the arena merely for professing a belief in Jesus Christ. This persecution lasted until Constantine "converted" and made Christianity the state religion. The witch hunts in Europe lasted from the 15th through the 17th centuries. Would England and France be considered part of "Northern...

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Swastika building at US Coronado Navy Base... an accident? Why is this in the Mormonism section? Mormons didn't build it or design it. I think it's shaped that way to give more rooms a window.

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Have you every read the original New Testament - before king Constantine changed it? Before Constantine, there was no single New Testament. Every congregation had its own set of manuscripts it felt were inspired. These manuscripts were copied by hand, thus small variations were likely. Under Constantine, the books of the Bible were standardized. I'm not sure how many manuscripts from the New Testament from the first and second centuries have survived.

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What books do Mormons consider as the inspired word of God other than the Bible? Others have listed our 4 volumes of Scripture (Bible, Book of Mormon, D&C, and Pearl of Great Price). There is much speculation and debate about what other books are inspired. "Jesus the Christ" and "The Articles of Faith" were commissioned by the First Presidency and are probably in most members' homes. The US Constitution is officially marked as being inspired by God.

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You acknowledge that the current prophet is a seer and revelator. What has he translated or revealed in the last 100 years? Not every revelation is canonized. New Scripture since 1912: D&C 138 was received in 1918. Official Declaration 2 was canonized in 1978. For a list of candidates for relelation, read the First Presidency Message found in every issue of the Ensign and Liahona (excluding the General Conference issues) and read talks by the First Presidency and the Twelve during General Conference. People...

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Could Solid Snake out-cqc a level 20 elf monk(D&D 3.5)? What does Dungeons and Dragons have to do with Mormonism's view of the afterlife?

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Do you generally attend "sunrise service" on Easter Sunday? Is it special to you? My sect doesn't do a "sunrise service" on Easter. On Easter our worship services are the same time as always. We may do something special like having the choir perform a cantata or the children pur on a program. Of coursethe hymns chosen reflect the joyous ocassion (Christ the Lord (Is Risen Today! He Is Risen!)

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Is this also Easter for Mormons? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints celebrates Easter. In another answer, nightcrawler defends the JW faith by saying that Jesus only commanded his followers to remember his death, not his resurrection. In my mind, I think he needs to hear the LdS perspective. Jesus took upon himself the sins of the world during his Atonement. LdS appreciate the necessity of Jesus' blood...

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Is technology your Saviour? Technology has saved me from tedious and boring tasks, but only Jesus has the power to save me from the effects of sin. Technology is neither good nor evil. Each side leverages it. TV broadcasts General Conference and good wholesome shows; however there are channels dedicated to pornography. The internet is a vast well of knowledge and a tar pit of filth, pirated movies / games / songs, and...

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Is a personal relationship with Christ discouraged as false doctrine by Mormons? LdS believe that baptism and other ordinances do not save if the recipient doesn't have a personal relationship with the Savior.

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In case Jesus would not had been crucified, would he still had saved the human kind? Is the previous question grammatically correct? It would have needed to be a blood sacrifice, but it didn't HAVE to be by crucifixion.

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What Books do the Mormon Church use to get their Doctrines? are some of the Doctrines obtained out side the official books And just made up? Our canon is comprised of four volumes of Scripture: 1. The Holy Bible 2. The Book of Mormon 3. The Doctrine and Covenants (D&C) 4. The Pearl of Great Price

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Should Christians own guns? Why or why not? If it is illegal to own guns, then law-abiding Christians should not own guns. Is it wrong for Christians to own guns (assuming that gun ownership is not against the law)? I don't think so. Guns can be used for hunting, self-defense, and recreation.

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Mormons speak of "our heavenly father". So does this mean " a humanoid, male god", or a creator source energy within all? One interpretation of the commandment to "not take the Lord thy God's name in vain" is to not use his name with such frequency that it loses significance. This is one reason the Jews don't pronounce the tetragram, but use words like "Lord". Likewise, LdS use the term of endearment "Heavenly Father" instead of "God" because it emphasizes God's role as the Father of our spirits.

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The prophet of the Mormon church is allowed and competent to receive "revelations".If you are a woman receiving such and voicing them> Glenn properly explains that everyone (even non-LdS!) may receive revelation and inspiration for people and situations within their sphere of stewardship. However, only the Prophet (being capitalized, this means the President of the Church) may receive revelation for the entire Church, and by extension the world at large.

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Mormons baptize passed on people who were atheists. Is this right? You know how they get the information of people ? Here it is: Where did you get the information that Ancestry.com belongs to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? This is patently false. Please see the Wikipedia article on Ancestry.com ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancestry.com ) which explicit states that Ancestory.com stopped offering free access to its services in LdS Family History Centers precisely "because of the inability to reach a...

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An easy dish I like to make for lunch before the gym is: brown pasta, tuna, and cottage cheese. What spices would be good to add? And why? Add thyme, ground mustard, and celery seeds. Thyme has citrus notes which compliment the tuna. For a kick, add cayenne pepper.

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With the presidential election coming up this year who, for a Christian, is really the best person to vote for? Are you voting for Commander in Chief or Theologian in Chief? As a Christian, I'll judge each candidate according to what I think the country most needs right now. I don't want a candidate who will place more weight on his religious leader's counsel than the laws of the land. JFK did NOT run to the Pope for political answers. I don't want a candidate who resorts to calling other candidates...

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If you could take a shower with anybody in the world, who would it be? My wife! (any other answer and she'd kill me)

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What's your opinion of interracial marriage? I have in-laws which are Asian, Latino, White, and Polynesian. Every marriage has challenges. Evey difference can be a challenge. Race (for me) is a much smaller challenge than culture. If the couple's love is strong enough to overcome these differences, then I say go for it!

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Does Jesus claim to be God? John 10:27-30 "My sheep here my voice,and I know them,and they follow Me:and I give eternal life to them,and First question: why is this in the section dedicated to Mormon views on race? I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The LdS Church teaches a Godhead comprised of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. God is called the Father because he is the father of our spirits. He is the author of the plan of salvation. Under his direction, Jesus created the heavens and the...

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should a 14 year old be engaged to her 17 year old boyfriend? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strongly encourages young people to abstain from dating until they reach 16 years of age. The 14-year-old is too young to make such a decision. In the few places where marriage at 14 is allowed, it requires parental consent. Few teenagers are capable of a romantic relationship lasting 2 years, much less the lifetime commitment marriage is. As...

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Is this still part of Mormon doctrine?"When our father Adam came in the garden of Eden, he came into it with a celestial body, and brought Adam is identified as Michael and the Ancient of Days. That much is official LdS doctrine. It is also LdS doctrine that Adam and Eve "fell" when they partook of the forbidden fruit. Their bodies became mortal. The concept of Adam being our God has never been canonized nor caught on widely within the LdS Church. Nor is it official LdS doctrine that Adam had multiple wives.

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If you seen me burning a BIBLE in public - would you take action ? Let me preface my answer with the disclaimer that I am a Christian. I believe the Bible to contain the words of God, but the book itself is of earthly materials and contains no mystical powers. Only the message contained therein is special. My reaction would be determined in great part by how and where the book is burned. If it is burned in such a place as to threaten structures, I'd notify...

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Is it better to believe in Free Will or to believe in Predestination? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes in fore-ordination, not predestination. Fore-ordination means that certain individuals are ordained to perform a specific mission, but they might lose that mission through their own actions. John the Baptist was foreordained to prepare the way of the Lord, but had he not kept himself worthy, God would have provided another.

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Is this still Mormon Doctrine? ..."Christ was the God,the Father of all things...Behold, I am Jesus Christ. I am the Father and the Son" East Hill hit the nail on the head. Jesus is the Father in the sense that he was the Creator. Jesus is the Son because God is the Father of his spirit (and body). A great reference on this topic is the book "Jesus the Christ" by James E. Talmage. Elder Talmage was commissioned by the First Presidency to write this tome and provided him a special room in the Salt Lake Temple.

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Mormons: Do you respect Scientology? One of our Articles of Faith declares that we respect others' right to worship according to the dictates of their conscience. However, we disagree with doctrines taught in Scientology.

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Part of the Mormon doctrine is Adam was Michael the Archangel. Are humans actually angels in bodies in transition to a higher life form? Angel has two meanings in Mormonism. Glenn correctly stated that the English word for angel is derived from a word meaning messenger, most often a messenger from God. These angels can be humans, spirits, or resurrected person. The other meaning of angel in Mormonism is a resurrected person. Moroni had a physical body when he delivered the golden plates to Joseph.

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When does Jesus finally decide to blow up the Middle East? He doesn't. LdS theology teaches that Jesus will return to the Mount of Olives where he will present himself to the Jews.

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Do you live near a Mormon temple? Yes, there are multiple LdS temples in Happy Valley. I pass four temples on my way to work.

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Has anyone committed suicide by jumping off of a Mormon temple? There is an urban legend of a virgin who jumped from the highest tower of the SLC temple into the Great Salt Lake. This is blatantly false because we don't lock virgins in temples and the SLC temple is 40 miles from the lake. Jumping out the window would result in broken bones if not death. Most LdS temples don't offer easy access to the roof, so it's not a viable option for suicide. Also,...

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Are there rides inside Mormon temples? They look like something out of an amusement park. No, there are not rides in LdS temples. These are houses of worship, not amusement parks.

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Which god is the one mentioned on US coins, that we trust in? It's Shiva the hindu god, right? Why is this in the Mormon subsection of Answerbag? The founders of the US followed the Judo-Christian tradition, so they probably meant the God worshiped by Abraham. However, since we are not a theocracy, it can be a simple declaration that we believe in a Higher Power, letting each citizen decide who or what that means.

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What is Exorcism? What does an Exorcist Do? Exorcism is the removal an an evil or unclean spirit. An exorcist is the one who performs the spiritual cleansing.

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The Catholic Church says it's a mortal sin to engage in homosexual acts. The mortal sin was protecting priests who molested kids. Agree? Can't both be mortal sins?

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LdS: Are all who believe in Jesus Christ as their personal savior members of the church of the Lamb of God as described in 1 Nephi 14:10? The Church of the Lamb and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has some overlap, but neither is a proper subset of the other. Not all LdS belong to the Church of the Lamb. Only those who are truly converted and strive to live the teachings of Jesus and accept him as their personal Savior belong to the Church of the Lamb. According to LdS theology, the Church of Jesus Christ of...

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If the word of GOD is unchanging, how come the LDS MORMONS change & update their doctrine constantly ? God's word is not unchanging. What is appropriate in one circumstance is totally inappropriate in another. For a biblical example, "Thou shalt not kill" is one of the Ten Commandments given by God to Moses, yet that same God commanded the children of Israel to kill all the inhabitants of the promised land. Only God can change his commandments. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is...

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What mission trip opportunities are there for disabled individuals? Would you consider being a witness of Jesus where you live? You don't have to go to the other side of the world to do good.

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I feel that MORMONISM has ruined my entire LIFE ... how can i fix my brain ? First off check your meds. I'm not saying all formers LdS are off their rockers, but your posts here suggest if you aren't on medication you may want to consider it.

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MORMONs - What is a patriachal blessing ? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints calls its congregations "wards". A group of wards forms a "stake". Each stake has a Priesthood holder called to serve as "Patriarch". The Patriarch's duty is to give a patriarchal blessing to LdS within the stake. The patriarchal blessing assigns the member to one of the twelve tribes of Israel. This does not mean the recipient is literally a...

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I can prove Mormonism is a lie - part 3 ( see inside ) "View of the Hebrews" is available for purchase in many LdS bookstores. If you were to read it and compare it to the Book of Mormon, you would find the differences outweigh the one similarity (lost tribe in the Americas).

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I can prove Mormonism is a lie ( see inside ) You never understood Mormonism very well, did you? Where in the Doctrine and Covenants does it state "that as god is we may be"? Give section and verse.

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Why do Mormons think that if a person comes forth with absolute evidence that Joseph Smith is not a prophet of GOD... I guess it comes down to what you consider to be "absolute evidence". Religion is based on FAITH and personal testimony. I can't empirically prove that God exists (though I've had enough personal experiences to know that He does), much less which leaders He has called. Most alleged evidence against Joseph Smith Jr is the same bag of lies parroted for the past 180+ years. So, tell me, what is...

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When did you eat your last Hot Dog Last hotdog I ate was cut up into a big pot of chili.

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Shall we ban the use of contraceptives in the name of the church, or does this seem illogical? My sect (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is not against the use of contraceptives, but believes that abortion is amoral in most cases (obvious exceptions include when rape results in pregnancy). The Church also views all sexual acts outside the bonds of marriage as sinful. As far as the government goes, nothing should be banned based on one sect's doctrine, but the government...

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Mormons: Since you posthumously baptized Hitler into your religion, do you think he accepted and if he did, is? he wearing sacred underwear? 1. We don't believe that everyone accepts proxy ordinances. It is not up to us to judge their souls. We believe everyone will have to pay for any sins they have not repented of. 2. Temple garments are for this life only.

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Why does the Mormon church conduct posthumous proxy baptisms of non-Mormons? How presumptuous! Christians, do you care enough for my eternal soul to perform proxy baptism for me? Or would you be content watching me burn in the infernal flames? LdS do not count proxy baptisms when calculating our Church membership. We keep records of proxy baptisms so we don't baptize the same person multiple times. People are supposed to only submit names / dates / places of their own family, but there...

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Should it be made illegal for religions to knock on your door to sell their religions to you? If you place a "No Soliciting" sign on / near the door, it becomes trespessing for soliciters (including missionaries) to knock on your door to solicit something. They may, however, knock on your door while looking for a different address *IF* they don't try to sell their product to you in the process.

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What does the leadership of the Ladder Day Saints consider its core doctrines that sets it apart from any other Christian denomination? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints canonized a list of thirteen articles of faith Joseph Smith Jr wrote in a letter to the Chicago Democrat outlining our core doctrines. This Wentworth Letter, in fact, was the result of the editor asking Joseph what set Mormonism apart from other Christian sects. Terms to search: 1. Articles of Faith 2. Wentworth Letter

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Have any fiction books been written about Mormonism and feature Mormon characters and/or practices? Another fictional book which features Mormonism is "The Lost Boys" by Orson Scott Card. In general I like thestory (the spirit of a child coming back to identify his killer), but Card neddn't have mentioned temple garments. The garments add absolutely nothing the plotline.

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An LDS member commented, when asked about the changes to 1 Nephi, 11:21 "even the eternal Father." "even the Son of the eternal Father." Since this regards Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shouldn't this be in the Mormon sub-section of Answer Bag? 1. The Book of Mormon was NOT published as a work of fiction. It is considered by the LdS Church and other Mormon sects to be a book of Scripture, written by ancient Prophets. Calling the Book of Mormon a work of fiction is akin to...

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Was the new version of Battlestar Galactica funded by the Mormon church? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did not fund /any/ version of Battle Star Galactica.

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If pregnancy outside of a marriage is a sin, then wouldn't that mean Mary sinned when she was pregnant with Jesus? Sex outside the bonds of marriage is a sin. Sex may or may not result in pregnancy. By your wording, if a non-married couple had "safe sex" which did not result in pregnancy then neither the man nor the worman would have sinned. From a modern standpoint, where does that put artificial insemination or in-vitro fertilization? Mary's conception of Jesus is unique in Christianity in that Mary...

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LDS It has been proven that caffeine is actually good for your health. Why has your god not recanted the Word of Wisdom on hot drinks? I guess you conviently forgot that LdS Apostles and Prophets have repeated declared that caffeine is NOT the reason the Word of Wisdom forbids hot drinks (officially interpreted as coffee and tea). The truth of the matter is that we weren't told what makes coffee and tea so bad. It is up to individual members to decide for themselves whether they will partake of caffeine. I know that one Church...

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You have a choice of joining a religion that allows multiple wifes, would you? And would it be more headaches, or more sex? Perhaps you should learn English a little better before discussing religions. Polygamy is not unique to Mormonism. Jews practiced polygamy. Muslim men may have multiple wives. Other cultures allow polygamy even without a religious context. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially stopped sanctioning new polygamous unions in 1891. Any LdS found practicing polygamy (or being...

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What is a good use for left over Maraschino Cherry juice? Use it in mixed drinks. Use it as part of the cold water in making Jell-O. Use it as the liquid for frostings or glazes.

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What food must absolutely be fresh, or you will not eat it? Fish is better when absolutely fresh, but must be thrown out if it starts to smell fishy or feel slimy. Best (non-sushi) fish I ate was mahimahi fried up in butter less than 2 hours after it was caught. I refuse to eat sashimi ahi when I'm more than 50 miles from the coast.

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Is drinking alcohol a sin? What are it advantages and disadvantages? I think everyone on here will agree that getting drunk is bad. As for consuming any amount alcohol, well opinions on that varies. My sect forbids alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and illicit drugs. Use of any one of these could cause a member to fall out of good standing with the Church. My view is that since I'm LdS I won't drink alcohol (though I cook with it), but I'll fight for your right...

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Have you ever had Turtle Noodle Soup? I'm rarely in a country where turtle is not a protected species, so I've never tried turtle meat.

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What's whip cream made of? Whipped cream is cream which has been whipped (hence the name). Most of the time the cream is sweetened. Also, additives may be used to stabilize it. Whipped topping is hydrogenated fat whipped and processed to give it a creamy taste and texture.

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How do you dress for church? My sect views our chapels as houses of the Lord. Chapels are where we have weekly meetings and are open to the public. We were modest clothes, often the best we own. What this constitutes varies from person to person and locale to locale. In general, men wear dress shirts and ties. In Hawaii and other parts of Polynesia it's common for men to wear lavalava and sandals, but this would be out of...

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Do Mormons like Star Wars, or only Battlestar Galactica? Mormons have varied taste in movies and tv. I personally enjoy Star Wars episodes 4-6, but I've never watched Battlestar Galatica. Oh, I also enjoy Star Trek.

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How do I become part of the Secret Mormon Police Network? Secret Mormon Police Network? LMHO! 1. There is no such thing. 2. If it existed, no one who knew of its existence could say anything.

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Are any Mormons socialists? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not endorse any political party. I'm sure some members agree with some aspects of socialism.

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What do you usually buy in the frozen foods section?) I buy frozen corn, broccoli, and other vegetables when the fresh ones are out of season. I find frozen peas, for example, taste so much better than canned peas.

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Don't you wish AB had an "ignore" feature, so you could list people you didn't wish to interact with, and their questions/answers would never show up on your computer? Who's name would be on your ignore list? There are a few people I I ignore on AB. A plonk file would be a nice feature.

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How do Mormons prove they are Mormons and can go inside a temple? Do they have a secret handshake? Password? Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may obtain a temple recommend after going through a couple interviews with their ecclesiastic leaders. The temple recommend is a small piece of paper certifying that the bearer is in good standing with the Church and worthy of admittance into the temple.

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Christians, are we suppose to bring the unsaved to the Gospel or bring the Gospel to the unsaved? Both. Everyone in the world needs the opportunity to hear the gospel. It is then up to the individual whether to embrace it or continue in their old path. There are still countries where it is against the law for Christians to preach. We need to work with governments to let us in. There are other places where we haven't entered because we don't have enough missionaries.

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Christians, does the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) still apply and still matter today? This is a follow up of my first question. The Great Commission is one reason why my sect has over 50,000 missionaries preaching around the world. In addition to the full-time proselytizing missionaries, we have a saying that every member is a missionary. We are to serve as examples of what having Jesus in our life can do. We are supposed to be prepared to answer questions and explain the gospel. However, this should be done in a...

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"And the angel said unto me,Behold the Lamb of God,yea even the eternal Father." 1830 Book of Mormon pg25. Who changed it? Why? The publisher changed it from the original manuscript to the editor's copy. Check out the 1840 edition.

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Will Mitt Romney wear his magic underwear while being the President? Your maturity is manifest through your use of the term "magic underwear" and your fixation on his undergarments. What difference does it make if the President of the US wears briefs, boxers, temple garments, or goes commando? If Romney's political policies change based on what he's wearing, what does that say of his convictions? It Romney gets elected President, he will continue to be active...

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Christians, how do you pray, what do you say? I need some pointers on how to pray. Speak what you feel in your heart. Speak, ponder, listen. Go to a place where you can bare your soul.

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Does root beer has alcohol in it? Sodas carbonated with yeast have minute traces of alcohol. As yeast feeds, it gives off carbon dioxide and alcohol (ex. the dark liquid found floating in sour dough starters). However, you should note that vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in alcohol (I personally use rum, but bourbon is common, too).

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Mountain Dew? http://naturalsociety.com/pepsi-co-admits-to-mouse-disintigrating-from-mountain-dew/ Modern sodas are acidic. Given enough time, they will dissolve calcium and body tissues. This is one reason why we should brush our teeth after drinking soda or other acidic liquids (such as fruit juice).

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What do the Mormons do with their fast offering collections really? I was always told things growing up in the church and most were lies. Nice strawman. Fast offerings go towards helping those in need. It's used for food, clothing, rent, utilities.

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if god hardened the pharaoh's heart why did he get mad when pharoh didnt let moses' people go? I think that's a mistranslation.

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What are a few dishes or foods that contain raw eggs? Fresh mayo, carbanara, eggnog

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Mormons ? I have houseguests who are mormon. will they be offended if I have a cocktail for dinner tonight ? I know they don't drink. The biggest hint is to make it so you are comfortable as are your guests. Most LdS won't be offended if you have a drink or two as long as you don't try to pressure them to partake. If it is to be festive (eg. to welcome the new year), you may want something festive for them to drink, too. There are non-alcoholic sparkling ciders which have the nick-name of "Mormon wine". Different LdS have...

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There was an answer to a recent question Do Jehovah Witnesses hate Mormons.An answer I would give my life for you. Would you give him Blood? As a Mormon, I'm not sure what I would think if I knew the transfusion was from a Jehovah Witness. I know the JW don't believe in donating or receiving blood based on their interpretation of the Bible. I respect their beliefs and would feel weird if one went against their religion to help me. I would, of course, accept the blood as it was already donated and wouldn't want it to go to waste....

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The Supreme Court, 1961, (Torcaso vs Watkins), recognized eveloution / atheism as a religion? Belief in evolution is not the same thing as atheism. Atheism is the belief that deity does not exist; I'm not sure it would qualify as a religion per se, but non-belief is protected like any religion.

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I saw organic salt at Costco ... anything wrong with that picture? The FDA has a definition of organic which doesn't match science. For the FDA, "organic" has to do with no added hormones, pesticides, etc.

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Can you name three drinks which are green in color? 1. Cashew juice (made from the cashew apple) 2. Kiwi smoothie 3. Grasshopper shake

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Chicken Adobo is considered the Philippine national dish. Can you name any other national dish that you have tried and enjoyed? I enjoyed feijoada from Brazil. It is a black bean stew with sausage and various cuts of pork.

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If I told you I found the original manger which encased the baby Jesus, would you believe me? It'd be hard to swallow.

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Why does the King James version of the Bible remove the divine name of God when the ancient holy scriptures preserved it? One of the Ten Commandments given to Moses was to not take the name of the Lord in vain. The Hebrews would substitute a title-name (like Lord or God) instead of profaning the name of Deity. This tradition was followed by the men who compiled and translated the King James Version.

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What is the difference between icing on a cake and frosting on a cake? I don't think there is a difference.

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Are there any major or minor changes in the Book of Mormon written in 1830 and the current Book of Mormon used in the Mormon Church now? Please note there is no "Mormon Church". The largest sect within the Mormon denomination is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LdS). The second largest sect is The Community of Christ (formerly Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Please note that the versification is different between the current edition of The Book of Mormon as published by these two sects....

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Since abortion is a guaranteed ticket to Heaven for the baby, why are Christians so against it? Would you be so comfortable with the idea of abortion if you you considered what would have happened had your parents considered it?

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Does anyone know how to make silver or gold icing or frosting?I need to know for my cookies! Color the frosting the best you can, then sprinkle on colored sugar for the shimmer.

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How often do you eat raw meats? I almost never eat raw meat; I don't trust my local supply chain that much. In restaurants I order most beef steaks medium rare and pork needs to be medium well. If I trust the source I'll grab ahi sashimi. I'm currently hundreds of miles away from the ocean, so no raw tuna for me.

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Have you tried filipino foods? I LOVE lumpia and chupao. I'm not crazy about that crispy pig skin. Sticky rice is good (especially the coconut version).

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What Would My 69 Year Old Girlfriend Want For Christmas? If you don't know your girlfriend's likes and dislikes, then we can't help you.

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Is there a Linux powered tablet computer? Both Android an iOS are based on BSD. You would have to jail-break an iPad to get to the shell, though.

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Is it appropriate to wear 5 inches high heels and tight skinny jeans to church?! When did the church become a fashion catwalk or the club? My sect teaches that the chapel and the temple are the House of God, so we should wear "Sunday best", however people aren't turned away due to dress unless it's immodest. Having special clothes for church helps make church more special / set apart. What this means varies from place to place and culture to culture. In affluent areas, male members often wear suit coats, white dress shirts, ties,...

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Was the earliest Christianity devoid of denominations of variation in beliefs, were they ONE in belief, in faith? Where you have multiple people, you will get multiple opinions. It is up to church leaders to help the saints arrive at a perfect unity of faith. It took a revelation for Peter to baptize Gentiles that didn't first convert to Judaism. It took the Council of Jerusalem to settle the debate on whether non-Jewish Christians needed to follow the Law of Moses (in particular circumcision). Other...

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If had to only eat one thing for your whole life, knowing the nutritional values and long-term effects, what would you eat? Either pasta or pizza. Both can be made healthy by using whole grain dough and vegetables in the toppings. You get dairy and protein from the cheese.

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Why do some cheeses melt easily while others really don't at all? It has to do with the protein strands. You can see a mock-up in the "For Whom the Cheese Melts" episode of "Good Eats" on Food Network.

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If God asked you to kill your son, would you do it? You have to be triply sure it's really God making the request when it's contrary to his other commandments. Murder is a sin unless God commands it in a specific instance (eg. Abraham sacrificing Isaac, the children of Israel killing the previous inhabitants of the holy land, etc).

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Does your religion involve scrying? Joseph Smith Jr translated the Book of Mormon with the aid of a seer stone. Does that count as scrying? Most of the time when I hear the word scry it's in relation to mirror gazing.

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Christians: did you know "old Nick" aka Santa Claus is a medieval name for satan? (Christmas is False) What is your basis for declaring that Jesus was born 11 Sept 3 BC? I think most scholars would readily admit that Jesus most likely wasn't born near the winter solstice, but I'm not aware of any early writing which record the actual date. Early Christians were persecuted for being different, so they adopted holidays of host cultures and applied Christian symbolism. Christmas is after the...

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How far is Round Table Pizza from your house? I'd have to go to a different state. Is their pizza worth it?

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Jesus started his work when he became 30 years of age and died age 33, why did he wait till he was 30 ? In the Jewish tradition, a man must be at least thirty to become a Rabbi. By not starting his ministry in force until he was "about thirty", it took away the argument that he was but a child.

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Christians: Why do you worship on the same day (Sun-day) as the pagans? (are you not aware they worship the sun) If you say that mainstream Christians are following Pagans for worshiping on Sunday (the reason being it's named for the sun), what should we say about you for worshiping on a day for the god Saturn? Indeed, every day of the week (in English) is named for a planet or Pagan god. My sect teaches that we must pray always. Our every action should bring praise to our Lord. One day a week we gather...

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Do you think the first human/s -in the theory of evolution- eventually came to believe a higher power created all of what is natural.... You showed a bunch of ignorance regarding the theory of evolution. From a biological standpoint, evolution is change in the genetic composition of a population. In and of itself it does not address speciation (the formation of a new species) or the origin of mankind. Most notably, the theory of evolution does not state that man evolved from apes / monkeys. As to the religious beliefs of the...

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What is the purpose, theme and message of the Book of Mormon and who actually wrote it? Is it considered equal to the Bible as for as truth? The purpose of The Book of Mormon is to convince the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ (see title page). The message is that God is the God of the whole earth, and not just one nation. The authorship is disputed. Mormons believe that The Book of Mormon was written by ancient prophets on the American continent. Joseph Smith Jr dictated The Book of Mormon to a series of scribes. Mormons...

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There are many religions all claiming to be true,but i feel the Mormon religion is correct and true..could this be because i grew up mormon? There is no such thing as the Mormon religion. Mormonism is a denomination within Christianity. Mormonism feels familiar to you because you grew up attending Primary. You should apply Moroni's promise. Remember what prophets have been saying the past several decades: every member needs to be a convert.

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Do you keep your mayo in the fridge or cupboard? When I buy prepared mayonnaise, it goes into the fridge once opened. If I make my own mayo, it never sees a cupboard.

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Would The Church Of Jesus Christ And Ladder Day Saints be a good name for a wrestling stable? I don't get a wrestling vibe from your jab at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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Has any one ever had a dream where a spirit came into your room while you were sleeping and informed you of an event before it happened? If I had such an experience, I wouldn't announce it on Answer Bag. I agree that something like this could happen in theory - provided that the recipient had some sort of stewardship of the foretold event (or otherwise affected by it). Since I live thousands of miles away from New York (and don't have family there), I'm not surprised a spirit didn't warn me about 9/11. Also, the recipient must...

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if Jesus said there will not be any prophets after me,doesn't that mean that all them people who say they know when Jesus............ I don't know of any passage wherein Jesus declared there wouldn't be any prophets after him, but he warned of false prophets. As for the date of the Second Coming, Jesus said that no one but the Father knows that information.

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Is caffeine a drug? An illicit substance? Should it be? Caffeine is a drug, but not illicit. I think items with ridiculous amounts of caffeine should be regulated.

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If all the misinformation, hype and lies about the MORMON faith can be explained, vindicated and justified - would you believe ? The wording you used in your question put me off, and I'm a TBM.

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Aren't all fish atheists? If so, why do Christians use them as a religious symbol? Hmm... The Christian fish is drawn using two arcs representing exchange of ideas. In the early days of Christianity, Christians were persecuted, so using a stylized fish identified yourself as a Christian without the authorities knowing. My grandfather was serving a religious mission in Germany when the war broke out. He would whistle church hymns to find a member of the church to help smuggle him...

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What are some ways to thicken a smoothie? I'm open to any suggestions, but I'm more interested in healthy ideas. In Brazil they often add raw oatmeal to their "vitaminas". Adding more fruit pulp would thicken it up some, plus give added nutrition.

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If Mormons commit monogamy, will they go to hell? No. Please check out the FAQ at http://mormon.org/faq/#Polygamy .

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Do Mormans still believe that Adam is our father and our God as stated on June 8th, 1873 by Brigham Young? You may wish to remedy your ignorance. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are often called Mormons (not Mormans) because we accept The Book of Mormon as Scripture. The source most cited for the so-called Adam-God theory is the Journal of Discourses. The JoD is not canonized. It is a collection of what people remember hearing in various conferences (not limited to just...

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Do Mormons believe in the prexistense of the human soul? http://mormon.org/plan-of-happiness/ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that before our mortal existence we lived with God as his spirit sons and daughters.

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How do churches justify their tax-exempt status, when Jesus made it abundantly clear what his (and God's) attitude about tax was? My sect sect is legally incorporated as a non-profit entity. It has sub-organizations which are incorporated as for-profit. Every organization and suborganization follows the appropriate tax code. Give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's means to follow the law.

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Did Brigham Young rebaptise members of the Mormon church when he became the Prophet? It was common in the 1800s for people to be baptized multiple times. This had nothing with Brigham Young "forming a new church" or him becoming the new Prophet.

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Can you understand when someone is speaking in tongues or is it just jibberish? The Apostle Paul said that speaking in tongues doesn't edify anyone unless there's someone to interpret it.

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Is it still considered polygamy when the people involved do not marry? Any sex outside of marriage is fornication or adultery. Polygamy is when someone has multiple spouses.

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Christian....so many different sects. Catholic, presbyterian, methodist, baptist, evangelical,mormon (?). Which is best? How so? If you ask this of a Christian, they will support their own sect. You need to come to your own conclusion. I'm a Latter-day Saint, and I can't help but notice similarities between your question and the experience of Joseph Smith Jr. In 1820 there was a religious revival in upstate New York. Joseph Smith Jr and his family were caught up in this fervor. One thing bothered Joseph, though,...

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what is the bone in between my legs called? If you wanted to get a giggle for your potty humor, you should know that humans don't have a penis bone. Your legs join your torso via the pelvis bone.

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According to Christianity, will Pastor Fred Phelps go to Heaven? Methinks you asked this question looking for vindication of your own stance. In other words, it's a place for the choir boys to pat themselves on the back. Will Fred Phelps go to heaven? Scripture teaches us that Jesus is the Judge, and that we should not judge, lest we be judged. The Bible condemns all extra-marital sex. It also speaks against homosexuality. Churches have a moral obligation...

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What do you think of pope Benedict's apology for historical violence committed by Christians in the name of God? I would think the Pope would apologize only for acts endorsed by his Church, while merely condemning the other acts. Catholicism certainly isn't the only Christian denomination, and I don't hold Catholicism responsible for the acts of others or for the acts of individual members acting on their own. Unless, of course, the Pope pretends to speak for all Christians everywhere.

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Do Crosses at Catholic University Violate “Human Rights” of Muslims? I'm not a Catholic, but I firmly support their right to practice their religion in their private schools. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The LdS Church has several universities in the USA (most are campuses of Brigham Young University). LdS students pay a lower tuition. All students are required to live by LdS standards - including no coffee, tobacco, or alcohol....

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Whose father has got married with around a dozen women here? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially stopped sanctioning new plural marriages in 1890, so it's extremely unlikely any LdS on AB has / had polygamous parents. My 3rd great grandfather had a dozen wives. When people find out my dad is Mormon, they ask him how many wives he has. My dad always responds he has but one, but he's still young.

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Are there any gay Mormons? Being tempted is not a sin, but acting on a temptation may be. There are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with homosexual attraction. Such members can be in good standing within the Church as long as they follow the Law of Chastity (and other commandments). All inappropriate sexual acts may lead to disfellowship or excommunication. Let's turn this to another...

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What is the relevance of Mormonism in the 21st Century? Mormonism is extremely relevant today. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has over 14 million members world-wide. Two candidates for US President are LdS, as is the Senate Majority Leader (Harry Reid). Religiously speaking, the message first declared by Joseph Smith Jr is still relevant. Does God have a living Prophet today? Is the Bible the end-all be-all when it comes to God's...

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Do you know any famous Mormons? I shook hands with Gordon B. Hinckley. I never met him in person, but Don Knotts was a member of the Church. Mitt Romney is getting a lot of slack for being LdS. Steve Young is famous, The inventor of the modern TV (Philo Farnsworth) was LdS.

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Anyone ever eaten ossa die morti (bones of the dead)?! What's this doing under Mormon eating and drinking customs? Since ossa die morti is just a cookie, I'd imagine Mormons living in Italy would probably eat them as part of their culture. Since I don't live in Italy, have never visited there, nor have have Italian ancestry (at least in recent generations), I have never tried this Italian treat.

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Is there scriptural proof that Michael is Jesus is Michael again? What verses would you use to sustain this doctrine? AFAIK, Jehovah's Witnesses and the Seventh Day Adventists are the only Christian sects which believe that Michael was the precarnate Jesus. LdS identify Michael as the premortal Adam. The Scriptures identify Michael as among the chief princes of heaven, the general of God's army in the fight against Lucifer. I could not find biblical references which equate Michael to Jesus Christ.

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Why are Raw nuts and seeds more expensive than their counterparts? Cooked nuts stay good longer. With this longer shelf life stores can stock more of them with less waste.

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In the bible, did God tell Noah to take two of every type of animal; or two of every type of living creature (not including plants)? Genesis 6:19-20 mentions two "of every living thing of all flesh". Genesis 7:2-3 clarifies that of every clean beast, and every fowl, Noah should take seven.

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When did you last go to a place of worship for any faith? I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Last weekend the Church broadcast its world-wide General Conference (which I watched from home). My congregation meets every Sunday which doesn't have a conference. In addition to the chapels and temples maintained by the Church, we believe our individual homes should welcome the Holy Spirit. We also believe that we should pray...

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What do you think the significance of Christ rising on the "third" day might be? Why not the fourth day? Under the Law of Moses, a person was considered dead only after three days. This was to prevent someone being buried alive. This is also the reason Jesus only raised Lazarus after three days.

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Some cultures eat dog meat, but do any eat cat meat regularly? I like cat meat better than dog meat, though I try not to think of the animal when consuming meat. When I was in elementary school in Hawaii, a manapua man was arrested for stealing neighborhood cats and putting that meat in the manapua. People weren't outraged over eating cat (it's one of three traditional fillings for manapua), but rather were upset he was stealing people's pets.

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What are some foods that inhibit you from having to "go"? Avoid coconut as it is a natural laxative; banana has the opposite effect.

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What is the weirdest thing you've seen done with jell-o? tuna mold: lemon jello mayonnaise flaked canned tuna sliced celery chopped walnuts

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How can church tell its members to give up alcohol, if they are using it in church itself ? Not all sacramental "wine" is alcoholic; some congregations use grape juice. Not all sects teach abstinence when it comes to alcohol - many just preach against getting drunk. Besides, people generally only get a small swallow during the sacrament. I personally belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. LdS believe that what is used as the emblems in the Lord's Supper aren't as...

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Should bananas be eaten in Autumn? Why shouldn't they? The bananas in my backyard had ripe bunches year-long; they weren't seasonal like the mango.

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What are some foods that you think are domestic but considered ethnic by others? I grew up in Hawaii, so most of the food I cook on the mainland is considered ethnic. Chicken katsu, manapua / shupao, lomi, long rice, saimin, malasada.

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Does Paula Deans food sound good or disgusting to you? It's hard to go wrong when you start with a pound of butter ...

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What color is a Red Velvet cake if one opts to not include the red food coloring? Red Velvet cake is a type of chocolate cake with tons of red coloring in it. The acid of the buttermilk will still give the chocolate a reddish hue, but it'll mostly be brown.

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what your favorite food? Whatever I'm in the mood for ;) Chicken is my go-to protein as it's so versatile.

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How come in the "ch" in "Zach" Makes a k or c sound and not the normal "cha" sound. English is a mixture of languages. When we adopt foreign words, we often follow their pronunciation (eg. tortilla doesn't have a traditional English "l" sound). Zach is short for Zacharia which comes from Greek. The "ch" in English comes from the Greek letter chi (same as the "ch" in Christ). Chi is pronounced with the k sound, so Zach ends with a "k" sound. Likewise, the name Charlotte comes...

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If you started reading the book of morman ecasue you wish to convert later in life due to marriege/personal reasons, it that good? First a disclaimer: I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I believe your conversion, if sincere, would be a good thing. Right now call yourself an investigator. An investigator tries to discover the truth. You should find out what Mormonism teaches. You are already reading the Book of Mormon. Now start reading the Bible - especially if you're not very familiar with it....

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Do Mormons celebrate Halloween or does it cost too much to outfit such large families? Halloween is a cultural celebration. In the United States, many LdS enjoy Halloween. In countries where Halloween is less popular, LdS tend not to celebrate it. There is a growing trend to hold a "trunk or treat" function at chapels.

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If you had to pray to god for an answer as to whether the church of jesus christ of latter dat saints is the true church. how would u say it One thing I dislike about the other answers given thus far is that that supplicant already presumes presumes that Mormonism is false (one answerer even calling it a synagogue of Satan), and thus shuts their minds to any answer which may come. Directing potential converts to ask the Lord instead of trying to convince them ourselves is primarily based on two passages. When Joseph Smith Jr was...

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Meat or fish ? I like meat, but eat it rarely. I don't like fish too much, but I know it is healthier. Without any context, this question makes no sense. I personally enjoy either one, as long as it is from a good source.

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Have you ever been frightened by religion? I've been frightened by religionists. I've been frightened by some of the actions individuals have taken against me because of my religious beliefs. I'm frightened of the "convert or die" mentality of certain extremists. In short, I'm frightened (though saddened may be a better word) of some of the things done in the name of religion.

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Mormon Hymn #292 'O My Father' by Eliza R. Snow. - Originally a poem from 1845, When was it first put to music? "O My Father" is often sung to the tune of "My Redeemer". The lyrics of "My Redeemer" were written by Philip P. Bliss in 1876 and set to music by James Mc­Gran­a­han in 1877. I cannot find a date for when "O My Father" was first sung to this tune.

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Red bananas from the Philippines are the best. Why are they so hard to find in USA? Only Cavandish are imported? Red bananas have a higher sugar content, so they wouldn't survive shipping. I had a red banana tree in my garden, but we had to destroy all banana trees because my village got infected with the curly-top virus.

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Do you believe that marriages on earth will be sustained in heaven? Why or why not? I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. the LdS Church is the largest sect within Mormonism. LdS (indeed most Mormon sects) believe that a families which is sealed by the proper authority may remain a family unit in heaven. Others have already cited Mark 12:24-25 to support their belief that marriage is for this lifetime only. In this passage, Jesus is addressing the...

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what is hypothermia Hypo = low Thermos = heat Hypothermia is when your core temperature goes so low that organs start to shut down.

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Is Rachel Ray religious? If so, does she pray before cooking? Rachel Ray is from an Italian family, so I'd guess she's Catholic. Does she pray before cooking? Not on any of her shows.

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What is the taste of water? Explain it. Pure H2O is tasteless, but you can taste trace elements. Water will pick up flavors from the soil, rocks, pipes, etc it touches. Plus, some cities add fluoride and / or chlorine. Water softeners and filters remove some of the stuff in water, so they reduce the water's flavor. The city where I live has water so hard (eg. so much dissolved minerals) that it gives some members of my family...

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HELP! HELP! HELP! How do I get on the cloud server??? Cloud server? I think you posted this in the wrong section. The "cloud" is a fancy way to say in the internet. As such, there is no one specific "cloud server". Amazon has a public cloud. Some companies create "private clouds". The real question is what are you doing / making that needs to be in the cloud?

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Ok, ok. Let's settle this once and for all: Is there a God? Do you believe in evolution? Is the Bible the truth? Is there Big Foot? Please visit http://mormon.org/faq/ for answers to commonly asked questions. Q: Is there a God? A: YES. Please read the FAQ to understand Mormonism's view on God. Q: Do you believe in evolution? A: This answer is my own and not from any official source. Most people do not understand what evolution is and what it is not. Evolution is a change in the genetic composition of a population....

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What did Jesus mean by " My Yoke Is Easy and My Burden Is Light"? I like to purposefully mis-parse that second part. Latin-based languages use "leve" (opposite of heavy) for "light", but I like to parse it as "luz" (opposite of darkness). The burden of being yoked / teamed up with Christ is that we must accept His truth and light. Once we are yoked with Christ, ignorance is not an option.

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I used to see commercials for the Latter Days Saints Church on TV. Now I don't. Did they run out of money? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not run out of money. It is merely changing its PR game plan. The "I am a Mormon" campaign is still going on strong on the internet. It's purpose is to show that most Mormons don't fit into the same stereotype. Mormons come from all racial, economic, and cultural backgrounds. There's a radio campaign which ends with the tagline "give your...

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If I took drugs, barricaded myself in a cabin, and had someone write down my jibberish, could I start a religion? Why is this filed in the Mormon section of Answerbag? Are you suggesting that's how Mormonism was started? The laws of the US are fairly loose when it comes to organizing a religion. Getting high off legal drugs wouldn't prevent you from starting your own religion. The million dollar question is would Deity accept your religion?

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Mormons: Do you ever fear your religion might be wrong? Would you admit it if you did? I've witnessed things which make it extremely unlikely that I'd ever doubt the veracity of Mormonism. I may have questions about some members, though. I may even question some stands the Church might make on political issues.

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Do you get scared walking around a neighborhood that is not predominately settled by people of your own race? My home village doesn't have a predominate race. Roughly 1/3 White, 1/3 Asian, 1/3 Polynesian. People of the same race don't seem to settle in the same part of town, either. Come to think of it, at least half the families in the village have one parent from one race and the other parent from a different race. I was in a minority during high school, with fewer than 25% of the students being of...

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Does anyone REALLY eat frozen pudding? I eat frozen custard a lot. Many icecream recipes begin with a custard base, and custard is a form of pudding. Also, in British English, pudding can refer to /any/ dessert.

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How do I make crunchy banana pudding? (with wafers cookies in them) What we generally call banana pudding is really a kind of trifle. You make pudding, whip up cream, slice banana, and grab a box of Nilla Wafers. You make layers of each of those in a bowl (generally a clear punchbowl so you can see the layers). Alton Brown of Food Network did this on an episode - even giving a recipe for beter Nilla Wafers.

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Why would it be fair to hang an 18 y.o. woman for killing a man on her birthday but not her friend guilty as well who is a day younger? You are making a few false assumptions in your question. 1. Not all killings carry the death penalty. Indeed, not even all murders automatically have the death penalty attached. 2. Not all proponents of capital punishment endorse hanging as the means of carrying out justice. More often than not, today's death penalties are carried out via electric chair or lethal injection. 3. The death...

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Did Jesus or the Apostles change the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday the first day of the week? The Apostles and other disciples met on the first day of the week to commemorate Jesus' resurrection. In his epistle to the Colossians, Paul told the Saints "Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days". Why would others judge the early Christians in respect to holy days or sabbath days if the early Christians...

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True or false--Marriages are made in heaven ? Since this is in the "Sealed Marriages" section under Mormonism of Answer Bag, I will answer from an LdS perspective. LdS believe that the marriage ceremony (and accompanying sealing) must be performed on the earth, though if the couple is sealed and makes it to the Celestial Kingdom, they can continue as husband and wife throughout eternity.

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Do you feel you have to "work" your way to heaven? Is God a just God? YES. God has to dole out a just reward or punishment for every reaction. When we break His law (eg. sin), we must face the just consequence. No unclean thing can enter the kingdom of heaven. Is God a merciful God? YES. Though God can't let mercy rob justice, He provided an intercessory -- Jesus Christ. Jesus agreed to pay the price of our sin. That means that we are indebted...

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What if the mormon religion is wrong about baptism, and you can only get into heaven if you have NOT been baptised, then are the people who have been dead for many years falling from heaven in their hundreds as mormons baptise the dead whilst they have someone standing in for the dead person at the baptism ceremony? If Mormonism were wrong, then proxy baptism wouldn't count meaning all the dead who have been baptized by proxy would be fine - unless you feel that God would punish them for the actions of another. Also, in your scenario, you would have God banning BILLIONS of Catholics who were baptized as infants, as well as the MILLIONS of people who have been baptized into the various Christian...

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Do Mormons receive vaccinations? Nothing in Mormonism prevents us from vaccinations, blood transfusions, or other medical procedures.

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Describe a pound cake? It's called pound cake because the original recipe called for a pound of butter, a pound of flour, a pound of sugar, and a pound of eggs. Pound cake is dense and moist.

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Recipes that use LOTS of muscavado sugar? Use muscavado sugar instead of brown sugar in blondie brownies.

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I need verses or stories scriptures about self-control. Either just about it, or examples of people who had it. Please and Thank you =) In Priesthood we read the story of Joseph who fled when Potipher's wife made advances on him (Gen 39).

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Does belief in God = Christian? The English word Christian comes from a Greek word meaning "belonging to Christ". If your heart belong to Christ (eg. you try to follow Jesus' teachings), then you are Christian.

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Who was the first Jew? The term "Jew" is derived from the name "Judah". The term "Hebrew" is derived from the name Eber (sometimes spelled Heber). Abraham was the father of the Abrahamic religions.

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LDS, do you agree with Warren Jeffs? If not, why? He just did exactly what Joseph Smith did. Married young girls and had sex with them. Joseph Smith Jr never married a prepubescent girl nor had sex with any.

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Is there any software that can help me learn about Mormonism? Maybe an iPhone app? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a "Gospel Library" app for the iPhone which can be downloaded through the iPhone app store. It contains our Scriptures, study manuals, Ensign magazine, hymnal, etc. After you download the app, you can tell the app which items in the library you want on your phone. The "LDS Tools" app is for members only -- it contains addresses and telephone...

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What would be a good use for all the churches in the world? Assuming they were cleared of their current inhabitants. Why would the church buildings need to be "cleared of their current inhabitants"? I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Our chapels are used for worship services on Sunday. In some areas, the LdS Church has offered its chapels to the government as schools -- they already have classrooms and a cultural hall. Our chapels are built strong, so they often are temporary...

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Are there any similarities between Mormonism and a cult? The word "cult" has lost all meaning in the lingua franca. "cult" merely means "a religion with whose beliefs I disagree". If you want to go back to the dictionary definition of "cult", then it applies to all organized religions.

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Why are Mormons obsessed with the family lineage of non-Mormons? LdS believe that in order to enter the Celestial Kingdom, one must receive baptism from one with authority. Given that LdS believe this authority (called the Priesthood) was lost in a great apostasy sometime around the end of the Apostolic Age, that means that LdS feel the need to perform proxy baptisms for everyone who has lived in the last 1700+ years. LdS believe that the deceased can...

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How can Mormons legally keep me out of their temples? Does the term "Private Property" mean anything to you?

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If I opened an atheist bookstore in your area would you come in to browse around and perhaps buy some literature? Atheists believe there aren't any deities, so when I hear the term atheist bookstore I picture a shop which sells books and other literature which combats theistic religions. I see this as being different from a secular bookstore where religion is a non-topic. 76% of people in the USA self-identify as Christian, so it makes business sense to have Christian bookstores. 0.4% of Usians are...

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Do you think a Mormon ever snuck into a Starbucks just to smell the coffee? Back when I was in primary, my teacher would take us across the parking lot over to the temple visitors center, where she would give us coffee candy while we watched Johnny Lingo. I must admit I love the taste and aroma of coffee. I've learned a bit from since I was 9 and now don't even eat coffee candy or coffee ice cream (White Russian was my favorite!). I don't enter Starbucks just for the...

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Can Mormons drink root beer? Nothing in our Word of Wisdom explicitly forbids soft drinks, such as root beer. Some root beers have small amounts of alcohol in them (eg. from the yeast used to carbonate the drink), so members have decide when such a drink has enough alcohol to be against the Word of Wisdom. The yeast imparts a flavor I enjoy, but much of the younger generation doesn't care for it. I personally brew a...

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How should a Latter-day Saint conduct his/herself when discussing religion with those not of their faith? I served my mission back when there were six prepared lessons. One of the first things taught in the MTC was the commitment pattern. The first step is to build a relationship of trust. The second step was to build on common beliefs. The other steps are a bit irrelevant, so I'll skip them. In essence, let the other person know you aren't just interested in him because he's a potential convert....

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Would you be offended if a Mormon Submitted your name to a Mormon Temple Prayer list? I've had non-LdS friends ask for me to put their names on the temple's prayer roll. I've even had Wiccans ask for that during difficult times. The prayer roll is a list of names. People don't write down /why/ that person needs a prayer at that time. Patrons in the temple don't read that list of names.

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Are you allowed to attend a Mormon church if you are not sure if you are a Mormon yet? How could you not be sure if you're Mormon yet? You officially become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during your confirmation, which normally takes place right after your baptism (in some places, the confirmation could be the day after baptism). Our chapel doors are open to all you are respectful. In fact, people must attend at least one Sacrament meeting before...

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what faith are you? I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. IOW, I am a Christian of the Mormon variety.

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Once you have accepted Christ as your savior and you are saved, is repentance necessary after that? Repentance is readjusting our internal moral compass with God's. Even after being born again, we still stumble and fall. Each time we do, our desire to be like Jesus should lead us to repentance.

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I had Homosexual activities and really penance. What is the justament? Disfellowshipping or excommuniating? Im Realy sad and have an Bad min Talk with your bishop. Mormons on Answer Bag can speculate, but every case is unique. The bishop will take into account the seriousness of the activity, your attitude, the sincerity of your repentance thus far, and how you propose not to fall into that situation again. I'd wager that at the minimum you will be asked to not partake the Sacrament or give prayers in public meetings for a...

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What Mormon charities will replace welfare when the Mormon President cuts all "entitlements"? One symbol of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the beehive representing industry. LdS generally don't ask for entitlements other than the freedoms afforded by the law of the land. So, which entitlements do you think the President of the Church would cut?

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Where or how do you find fundamentalist Mormon churches? Which fundamentalist sect or clan do you seek, and why? Since fundamentalists are breaking federal law (polygamy) they generally do not advertise their where-abouts and are leery of outsiders.

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Are you taken aback when you find out someone is Mormon? If that person's public image doesn't seem to mesh with what I understand Mormonism to be, then I'm taken aback. For example, I'd be shocked to find out that a member of a death metal band were LdS because most LdS don't patron that genre of music.

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Mormons, is Pioneer Days the time to have water slides, or is it a time to remember what the pioneers did for us? Can't it be both? Pioneer Day is an official state holiday in Utah, and the US Constitution says that the government cannot promote one religion over another. This is a delicate balancing act in Utah where much of its early history was directly influenced by religion. Even the Church is making a point that converts are pioneers in their own sense. This isn't to downplay the sacrifices of the...

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Mormons, do you make your temple covenants with the Lord, or with someone else? Our temple covenants are made with God the Father.

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What could a person do if they felt like their Patriarchal blessing was not inspired? Could they get another one from a differant Patriarch? It is possible to receive a replacement Patriarchal blessing, but it is involved. Talk with your bishop. Each stake has one designated Patriarch, so receiving a replacement blessing from a different Patriarch is hard. Some Patriarchal blessings are extremely personal, while others seem almost cookie-cutter. Many are worded such that you take a different understanding from them in each phase of...

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What is a LDS man perspective on marrying a previously married Christian women with 3 kids, that would convert to mormonism In political circles, we hear the Tea Party decrying RINOs (Republicans In Name Only). Likewise, TBMs often lament Mormons in name only. Mormonism is not a Sunday-only faith; it is to be lived 24/7/365. Mormons generally do not believe they should convert to a different set of beliefs just to please a spouse (or potential spouse). Therefore, if a Christian from the mainstream is willing to...

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The Bible says the LOVE of money is the root of all evil. So...why do organized religions ask for it so unashamedly? My sect doesn't have an annual drive. Instead it relies on regular donations to the various funds. Tithing (10% of income) goes to the material needs of the Church: constructing and maintaining places of worship, paying utility bills, publishing Scriptures and study guides, etc. Fast offerings go to the sick and needy. One Sunday a month, members are asked to fast two meals and donate the...

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Are those who perceive errors in the Bible, dishonest, misguided, or both? All perceived errors can be adequately explained? The Bible is a collection of writings from men and women who had experiences with God. God is perfect, all-knowing, all-powerful, etc, but man is imperfect. Man writes according to his knowledge and understanding (hence bats are called birds and whales are classified as fish in the Bible). Then other men copied and translated these original documents. The basic message has remained the same,...

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Mormons/LDS members: "Why did Joseph Smith ask "Brother Markam" to get "a pipe and some tobacco" for the Apostle William Richards?" If you can't come up with original challenges, please give credit to the original source. You don't even say which of the seven volumes of The History of the Church has Joseph Smith Jr asking for a pipe and tobacco for Elder Richards. You have even repeated the misspelling of Markham found on several anti-Mormon sites. Plagiarism is a crime. I have a leather bound reprint of the 1980 edition...

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Reading the Bible carefully is the quickest cure for the disease called Christianity, how about you, have you read the Bible carefully? I would inquire how you came to the conclusion that Christianity is a disease. I am a Christian of the Latter-day Saint variety. Most Christians agree that not everything in the Bible is literal. They also agree that some things change over time. When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt they were used to being slaves, so the law given to Moses was strict and appropriate for newly...

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Is it sinful to be a human being in the Christian doctrine? What is the evidence for or against? Being human isn't a sin, but we know that all the sons of earth (save Jesus only) sinned. My sect (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) teaches that "the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of...

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How are the days of God reckoned? It is my understanding that the original Hebrew in the account of the Creation just called them "periods" and not literal 24-hour days. Elsewhere in the Bible it tells us that a thousand years on earth is equal to one day to God.

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Mormons, does your bishop sleep through Sacrament Meeting? What about the other members of the bishopric? Are their eyes open or closed? Seems odd that your chapel would have a podium; most have a pulpit. My grandpa always would say 'tis better to sleep on a pew in Sacrament meeting than sleeping on the couch at home. All the same, what do you hope to accomplish by proving that Mormons are human?

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How do I get to know A missionary more? This is a difficult question. While he is set apart as a full-time missionary it is dangerous for him to get too personal with the ladies. Missionaries are regular young men called to perform an extraordinary labor. While set apart they must keep themselves worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost and keep their minds focused on the work.

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Do you believe in magic? (Not miracles, but pulling something out of nothing kind of magic) It's been said that any technology sufficiently advanced is indistinguishable from magic. All tricks performed by today's magicians are based in science and technology, just done in a way that the audience (hopefully) doesn't understand, thus (to the audience) it is magic. Likewise miracles are occurrences which we cannot explain how or why they happened. Miracles are generally positive...

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Gen 1:26 - And God said, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness"...Who is "us" and "our"? Two possible answers depending on your own beliefs: 1. "Us" and "our" include the different members of the Trinity / Godhead. Other posters cited John 1 to support that Jesus helped God in the Creation. 2. This could be an example of the noble plural. In early modern English, it was common to refer to nobility in the plural ("your highness" instead of "thy highness"). IIRC, most other steps...

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Has an LDS prophet ever spoken against Dungeons and Dragons? I'm not aware of anything from any General Authority which addresses D&D directly, but some local authorities have spoken out against it. An August 2008 Ensign article warns about online role-playing games. I think you can apply the same principle to D&D. http://lds.org/ensign/2009/08/just-a-game?lang=eng&noLang=true&path=/ensign/2009/08/just-a-game The main points of...

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Should polygamy, polyandry and other adult multiple marriage be allowed? Why / Why Not? Define "allowed". I'm not sure what the legal status should be, or even if government should define marriage. Do the benefits to society of stable family life outweigh the conflict of government mandating morality? Should Christian groups accept that what is legal is also moral? NO! Much of what is legal (including smoking and drinking alcohol) go against the moral teachings of the Scriptures...

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Does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teach that Jesus Christ is the First Born Spirit Child of Heavenly Father? Yes. http://lds.org/scriptures/tg/jesus-christ-firstborn?lang=eng http://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-first-born.html (though not specifically LdS, this page has some interesting points). http://jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/testimonies-of-him/articles/the-living-christ-the-testimony-of-the-apostles-of-the-church-of-jesus-christ-of-latter-day-saints (in fact, peruse the entire site...

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I need help understanding this; D&C 132:15-21 In essence, it says that if a couple is married, but not sealed in the temple, then their marriage dissolves when one of them dies. However, if a couple is sealed in the temple and attains the Celestial Kingdom, then their relationship as husband and wife continues throughout eternity.

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who like mango icecream? I do, but only if made with fresh mango! White hayden are my favorite, but raposa aren't bad either. Many of the store-bought mango ice creams I've tried don't capture the taste of fresh mango. The home I grew up in had 3 varieties of mango (white hayden, yellow hayden, and raposa), so I guess I got spoiled ;)

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Mormons, does your bishop sleep through Sacrament Meeting? What about the other members of the bishopric? Are their eyes open or closed? I never noticed members of my bishopric dozing during Sacrament Meeting. Admittedly I'm at the Sacrament table for the first half of the meeting, so I'd have to make an effort to see the bishop.

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Why won't Chrome work on my computer? Um, why was this filed under Mormon views on Jesus? Is something unholy stopping Chrome from working on your computer? As a full-time software developer and part-time tech-support, I dislike your question. Define "won't work". Will it install? Does it crash when you open it? Does it not display web sites the way Internet Explorer does? What doesn't work? Since I can't see your computer...

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I am tire of LDS telling me I am mis understanding and/or taking scripture and twisting it up. So, Mormons, can you explain Moroni 10:23? Since this question is directed at LdS, you should have posted in the Mormonism subsection of Answerbag. Moroni 10:23 says "And Christ truly said unto our fathers: If ye have faith ye can do all things which are expedient unto me." That seems self-explanatory. If you have faith, you can move mountains IF it is the Lord's desire that the mountain be moved. As for Moroni 10:32, you have once...

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Any good dessert recipes for the Fourth of July? Dessert pizza with red raspberries, white chocolate chips, and blue berries.

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does anyone have any crazy/delicious pasta recipes?? anything goes, i just kinda realized i don't have many :P If you want to go crazy, make a dessert pasta like chocolate spaghetti.

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So what is for dessert tonight? I don't have dessert every night; I save it for special occasions. I made smores with my family for the Fourth of July.

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MORMONS: Does it bother you that the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn't exist? It's a trademark not a church. You create a false dichotomy. Apple exists as a corporation and is also a trademark. http://salamandersociety.com/legal/ lists legal documents pertaining to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In an 1940 amendment to the 1923 Articles of Incorporation it explicitly states that either the President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles or Acting President of the Quorum of the...

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How do Jehovah's Witnesses differ from Mormons in their beliefs? I am not a JW, so if I misrepresent their beliefs, I apologize now and ask that the correct beliefs be added as comments. From what I've seen, JWs place a lot of emphasis on the name Jehovah. They dislike how many modern translations of the Bible replace the name Jehovah with titles like "Lord" and "God". JWs equate Jehovah with God the Father. JWs have their own translation of the Bible which...

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I'm an LDs and just passed my mission papers. I'm really desirous to go, but I have broken the Law of Chastity a few months ago. Get it off your chest. Go confess to your bishop. Let him know it was a few months ago and how you've tried repenting of it. Maybe if you're repentant ad humble you will still be able to serve a mission as a single guy. Living a lie prevents you from enjoying the full fellowship of the Holy Ghost, and without the Holy Ghost it's not worth going on a mission. You haven't even submitted your...

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Good desserts to make at home? Is there a dessert that's bad to make a home??? I'm partial to pumpkin cookies studded with chocolate chips.

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Top Ramon is made differently all the time, so how do you like yours?? Top Ramen is a brand of saimin noodle. In Hawaii, we often add cooked meat, shredded carrot and celery, frozen peas, a couple dashes of shoyu (soy sauce), hot sauce, and swirl a raw egg in at the end (like egg drop soup). Sometimes I like to par-cook the noodles (sans flavoring), drain them, and use them in a stir-fry.

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my sourdough starter looks healthy but smells inorganic, almost like acetone or something. any one know what this means? As yeast and other microbes eat your starter, they release alcohol. You should drain off that alcohol every so often because it alters the pH level, which could affect which microbes inhabit the starter. The alcohol I've seen from sourdough starters is extremely dark and strong (too strong to drink).

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In cake making, can I use margerine instead of butter? Butter and margarine can be exchanged, though butter has a better flavor. Other fat substitutes won't work (oil, shortening, lard) because of melting and smoking ponts, not to mention butter's water content.

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wtf does Easter have to do with Jesus everyone just eats chocolate all day long did Jesus eat chocolate as well or something? (i'm serious) Easter is a misnomer. Easter is a Pagan holiday worshiping a Pagan goddess. In most Latin-based languages, the celebration of Jesus' resurrection is called the Christian Passover. In Christianity, the Paschal lamb was a shadow of Jesus' Atonement. Jesus was even crucified during the Jewish Passover celebration. Eggs, bunnies, etc, were borrowed from Pagans. The Church looked the other way...

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Is Adam the fourth male member of the Godhead? There are only three members of the Godhead according to Mormonism: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost.

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Why don't all black Mormons have vitiligo like Joseph Smith said they would? When did Joseph Smith Jr say all Black Mormons would have vitiligo?

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Does anyone believe that God from the bible created Santa and sends him out on Christmas? The modern concept of Santa Claus is a conglomeration of several older ideas, some of Christian origin, others from Pagan traditions. St. Nicholas (Nikolaos of Myra) was a real person who served as Bishop in the fourth century. St. Nicholas was well-known for secretly giving presents. My family teaches children that Santa works for God. At parties, the person representing Santa reminds all...

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LdS: What is the LdS church definition and understanding of the word "doctrine"? I'm not sure there is an LdS-specific definition of doctrine. I use the term "official doctrine" or "official Church doctrine" to indicate the teachings and beliefs of the Church itself, and not beliefs which are held by one or more members. Doctrine includes our Canon, study manuals commissioned and published by the Church (eg. Priesthood and Relief Society manuals, Sunday School manuals,...

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Do you attend more than one church? If so why? By "church" do you mean denomination, sect, or congregation? Most Sundays I attend my home congregation, but when something important is happening with a family member or friend I'll attend their congregation. Most of us belong to the same sect, so the doctrine's the same. Some examples: When my nephew was baptized, I went as a witness. When my niece was presented to the congregation, I was...

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According to the Mormon faith, what happens to a child born out of wedlock after death? It is not the child's fault that it was born out of wedlock. The child will be responsible for its own sins and not those of its parents.

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Are there any scriptures that say that John and the 3 Nephites retained their priesthood authority during the Great apostasy? I thought individuals only lost the Priesthood if they become unworthy. Once the world became too wicked, Priesthood bearers may have lost the charge to go forth and serve among the people. Unfortunately I don't know of any Scripture which directly states this. Peter, James, and John restored the Melchizedek Priesthood (D&C 27:12), so John must have retained the Priesthood through the...

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How many Gods do you believe there are in the Christian religion? Does it depend on which branch of Christianity to you? It depends on how you count ;) The Council of Nicea decided that trinitarianism is orthodox. They said that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost together form one God (three Persons, one God). That is the answer you will get from mainstream Christians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost are three distinct Gods working in perfect harmony in...

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Is the only scientific explanation for Jesus hypothetically rising from the dead Erotic Asphyxiation? My only knowledge of erotic asphyxiation comes from two years I was with the Honolulu Police Department. Based on the photos and scenes I studied, erotic asphyxiation involves loosely wrapping about one's neck so they temporarily pass out while involved in erotic behavior. Sometimes the individual does it wrong and accidentally hangs themselves until they are dead and not just passed out. This...

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JFK was elected when he said he wouldn't confess his politics. Will Romney say no politics in the Temple,No church in his politics. Mitt Romney has no say in what the Church does or does not do. Since The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a protected tax-exempt entity within the USA, the Church is bound by certain conditions. The Church cannot campaign for any specific candidate or political party. The Church's facilities may not be used to campaign for a specific candidate or party. The Church can (and does)...

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Do modern day Christians still believe in the concept of "Original Sin"? I believe that most Christians don't understand the original sin. God gave Adam and Eve two commandments in the Garden of Eden: 1. Multiply and fill the earth 2. Don't eat the forbidden fruit The original sin was eating the forbidden fruit. By doing so, they introduced sin into the world. Sex between a husband and wife is not sinful. A baby is not sinful, though born into (eg. surrounded by)...

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do mormons really belive that black skin is a curse? why is it than that that curse prevents them form sunburns? For this answer, I will present LdS theology as fact (eg. I won't prefix everything with "LdS believe"). I'm LdS. This is the Mormon section of Answerbag. Deal with it. Adam was given the Priesthood. He passed this Priesthood down to his sons. However, by committing murder, Cain disqualified himself and his posterity from holding the Priesthood. This was the curse of Cain. Cain feared that...

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"So, what's wrong with the Mormon Church?" What's wrong with the Mormon Church? For starters, there is no Mormon Church. There are several sects within the Mormon denomination, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints being the largest. The biggest thing that's wrong with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are its members. The Church may be perfect, but its members are human. Individual members may hold beliefs...

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Why is it easy to believe Lincoln and Washington existed but difficult to believe Jesus existed, when all are history? Abraham Lincoln lived in this country in the 1800s. We have photographs of him. We have samples of letters and proclamations written by his own hand. We even have a death mask (not to mention his corpse). We have outside sources verifying his existence. George Washington lived earlier - in the 1700s. Cameras weren't invented yet, but we have paintings which were done of him during his life...

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What denomination does apologetic's prove to be the one true denomination? Apologists from all denominations argue that their denomination is true / has the correct interpretation of Scripture / etc. Proving it, however, is a completely different matter. Religion is a matter of faith. It cannot be empirically and unequivocally proven to be true (though it can sometimes be proven to be false).

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Faithful members of the Mormon church, can you answer a couple questions? It seems you haven't learned how to count. 14 (and part of a fifteenth) question are not "a couple". Couple means two according to the dictionary, but what does the dictionary know? You are operating under the false idea that every LdS doctrine and theology must be spelled out in the Book of Mormon. You are also delusional that all 14 things you listed are LdS doctrine. "Most correct book"...

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Mormons. Do you think Romney is getting a bum steer? Will a Molrmon ever be President, after all the things said by former chrch leaders? I don't see what any of the options (other than the first) has to do with the question. Are you asking which of those options will most likely cause people not to vote for Romney? It is sad in this day of enlightenment that there is still so much information being circulated as truth. East Hill already pointed out that Joseph Smith Jr didn't own slaves (in fact, he was using an anti-slavery...

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Mormons, if praying to the Lord is wrong, why does Pres. Hinckley recommend it? President Hinkley said to "Plead with the Almighty". Unfortunately you are so confused that you think President Hinckley wanted us to pray to Jesus.

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MORMONS T/F: A personal testimony must be "nurtured" or you may lose it. I've heard that exact phraseology (nurture your testimony) many times, but it grates on my ears a touch. Technically it's true that if you don't nurture your testimony it dies, much like a muscle which isn't used may atrophy, or a neglected plant may die. My dad is a botanist. As my siblings and I grew up my dad would teach about plants and biology. My dad taught me that plant fertilizer and...

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Mormon priesthood holders, do you actually do your home teaching? Or do you just say you do so that it looks good in the monthly reports? I haven't lied regarding completing my home teaching assignment. Have you lied about completing your visiting teaching?

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If Adam and Eve were white, and they started the chain of people, then where did black people and asians and so on come from? One could just as easily ask "If Adam and Eve were Black, and they started the chain of people, where did Whites, Asians, and the other races come from?" The Bible is silent on the issue of race / skin color when it comes to Adam and Eve. As per the origin of different races, that can easily be explained through simple evolution. As humans spread to fill the earth, some traits were desirable...

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Mormons, please explain when and how Jehovah (Jesus Christ) became a spirit child? I cannot vote because neither of the choices you provided accurately describe LdS theology. Jesus became a spirit child when God the Father created him. Since Jesus is the eldest of God's spirit children, Jesus has always held a special position. Even before the first of God's physical creations, Jesus was chosen and sustained as the Messiah / Christ / Savior. We are talking so long ago that...

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After watching 'Sister Wives', it makes me wonder- Are they not entitled to freedom of religion? Just to reiterate, the family in Sister Wives are members of a splinter group; they do NOT belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The LdS stopped endorsing new polygamous relationships in 1890. All the anti-polygamy laws I'm aware of were instituted in the 1840s or later in order to persecute The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These laws, including the...

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If I don't confess about masturbation or pornography before i serve an LDS mission will i get sent home if i confess in the mission? I don't think the answer is set in stone. Like most other sins, the Church's actions are largely determined by the sinner's attitude. The mission president will decide what to do.

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is god and the bible a load of shit............. Like Meridian I find your crudity to be uncalled for. We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. We believe the Bible to be the word of God insofar as it is translated correctly. http://www.mormon.org

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Mormons did God physically touch his own hand to Jeremiah's mouth? The Church has not issued an official statement on this particular verse whether it be literal or figurative. And this is a catch-22 situation. You can spin either a "yes" or "no" answer into anti-Mormon, so I shall remain quiet.

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Is it more important to be a TBM (True Blue Mormon) or a TBC (True Blue Christian)? Should there even be a difference? Is this question an admission that you aren't a TBM? That you aren't a faithful latter-day saint? As a true blue Christian, I do my darnedest to follow God's commandments and live in such a way as to bring glorify Him. As a true blue Mormon, I practice Christianity through a latter-day saint perspective. Nothing in Mormonism prevents me from being a Christian.

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Did Adam and Eve cover their genitalia after eating from the tree of knowledge ? Genesis 3 recounts the fall of Adam and Eve. Verse 7 indicates that after they had partaken of the forbidden fruit, their eyes were opened and they knew they were naked. Subsequently they sewed aprons out of fig leaves. In verse 21, the Lord replaced those aprons with coats of skin.

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The Book of Mormon says: “The soul could never die.” (Alma 42:9) The Bible says, the soul dies. (Ezekiel 18:4) Which is true? Both are true depending on the meaning of die. Souls which sin die spiritually (meaning from Ezekiel 18:4). Alma 42:9 is talking of the state of the soul before Adam and Eve partook of the forbidden fruit in the Garden. Adam's transgression brought both temporal death (whereby the spirit leaves the body) and spiritual death (the soul is separated from God through sin) into the world. If Adam...

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We celebrate the birth of Jesus every year on Dec. 25th.Why does the date of his Death and Resurrection change from year to year? We are talking about three different calendars (Jewish, Julian, and Gregorian) whose years do not always line up. The Bible does not give a date for Jesus' birthday, but gives clues of shepherds tending flocks. Christians in the first and second century called birthday celebration "Pagan". It wasn't until the 4th century when two dates in the Julian calendar became popular contenders: 25...

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What day of the week do they do the Lds mission selection process? Doing a search on the internet, I found an answer from another QA site which states that every Friday a member of the Twelve goes over proposed mission calls.

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If Christans don't believe in Santa Claus or in the Easter Bunny or in The flying Spaghetti monster then why do they believe in God? Are you asking to get enlightenment or as flame bait? I have seen too much proof of God's existence for me to deny my faith. I have had dreams, seen visions, and witnessed miracles. My parents introduced the Easter Bunny to me as fictional character. They let me know that the adults hide the eggs and goodies. The Flying Spaghetti Monster was made up as an anti-religion. The creator argued...

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Why do they call this Good Friday if today is the day that Christ was hung, and it was so awful? In other Latin-based tongues it's known as Holy Friday. The Good News of the Gospel is that Jesus atoned for our sins through his Sacrifice. When we celebrate Good Friday, it's not that we are happy at how much Jesus suffered in order to save us, but rather that he loves enough to do so.

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Why did Jesus throw the Ten Commandments at the Golden Goat? Moses broke the original tablets when he saw the children of Israel worshiping the golden calf. Moses went back up the mountain and came down with the Ten Commandments.

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Just for statistics, how many different denominations are representing the "christian" community on AB? Like East Hill, I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I would argue that membership in a Church does not automatically qualify a person as Christian. Being Christian (or not) is a personal attribute.

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Does a Mormon who has body piercings have to have them removed in order to be temple worthy? When attending the temple, patrons are asked to remove all jewelry - with an optional exception of one pair of earrings for women. Nothing a patron wears should draw attention to themselves and away from the covenants being made.

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Should Mormon priesthood holders pass the Sacrament if they have ear piercings? The focus should be on Jesus' Atonement. If the earrings draw too much attention away from the covenants made during the Sacrament and disrupt the reverence, then the earrings should go.

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How does the Mormon church view nose rings? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that our bodies are temples and that we should treat them as such. Members are strongly discouraged from receiving new tattoos or body piercings. President Hinckley gave a famous talk at General Conference in which he even strongly encouraged women to have no more than a single piercing in each ear. Body piercings definitely go against...

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Are Mormons allowed to get tattoos? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are strongly discouraged from receiving tattoos. Members with tattoos which are not covered by their clothes are not allowed to serve full-time proselytizing missions.

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Did jesus had the sexual with any woman in his life ? Jesus was not guilty of sexual sin; he remained chaste. Now let me qualify that answer. Sexual relations between husband and wife is not sinful (the first commandment to Adam and Eve was to multiply), and both remain chaste. The Scriptures are silent on Jesus' marital status. There is speculation that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, but there is little evidence to support this...

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If you're a Mormon missionary and you knock on my door, may I serve you brownies or ice cream? LdS missionaries appreciate refreshments. Make sure any refreshment you offer does not go against the Word of Wisdom or any local mission rules. As an example, the Word of Wisdom forbids coffee, tea, alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs (I highly doubt you'd offer tobacco or illicit drugs, but I had to mention them to be thorough). Mocha and Mississippi Mud flavored ice cream contain coffee, so...

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Why Marry the whore went to visit the jesus after his death to look at the tomb? Nowhere in Scripture does it say that Mary Magdalene was a whore. Mary was forgiven of her sins so she felt great gratitude towards the Lord Jesus. Jesus died shortly before a high Sabbath so there wasn't enough time for all the ritual preparation for his death. Mary went to the tomb to finish those preparations.

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Do Mormons glorify and praise the Lord, or do they think all their praises should go to another member of the Godhead? Whom do you refer to as "Lord"? The Scriptures use "Lord" both in reference to God the Father and God the Son. In actuality we praise all members of the Godhead, plus the Prophets, and other praiseworthy individuals. However, we only *worship* God the Father.

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Should a Mormon who doesn't understand that Jesus Christ is the Almighty God be allowed to have a temple recommend? Let's say there are 100 people in a room. 99 of them are wearing red and one blue. What is the easiest way to get them all uniform? Should the 99 change or just the one? You take Mormonism's belief that Jesus is Jehovah and mix it with the JW belief that Jehovah is God the Father. Your beliefs on this issue don't line up with /any/ organized religion of which I'm cognizant. Admit that you have...

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How far would you go to serve Christ? I don't know how to answer this. I physically traveled over 5,000 miles to serve Christ. While overseas I became deathly ill for a season due to the climate and food. I received death threats at least once a month. I even dodged bullets on a few occasions. I paid my own way; I didn't receive money from my Church, my family, or the people I served in the name of Christ. I wasn't imprisoned, and...

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How old do you believe a child needs to be, to be accountable for their actions? At what age should a child begin to be disciplined? Children should be disciplined as soon as they grasp cause and effect, good and bad. For basics this can be as young as a few months. The disciple should be appropriate for the age / understanding of the child and the "crime". Discipline should be a teaching opportunity and not merely punishment. People are accountable for what they understand. A two year old knows that stealing a treat...

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How many times have you been baptized in water? I was only baptized once in a religious context. I have been baptized (covered by water) numerous times while swimming at the beach.

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True or false: Mormons Worship God the Father THROUGH and in the name of God the son Jesus Christ? The basic formula of our prayers is as follows: Father in Heaven, We thank thee for ... We ask thee ... In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. All of our Priesthood ordinances explicitly state they are performed "in the name of Jesus Christ".

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When Jesus comes again, will he recognize your Church as his Church? Salvation is individual. Just because I'm Catholic or Baptist or Methodist or Mormon (or whatever) does not mean that I am automatically saved based on my membership. Christ will recognize me (or not) as part of his church if I'm sincere in my quest to be his disciple.

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Many Christian churches invite musicians to show off during Sunday service(Christian music only)Is it ok if the musicians aren't Christian? I dislike the phrase "show off". Any music in a worship service should serve to worship God and invite the Holy Spirit. It is not the time and place to show off who has the best singing voice or who can play the hardest piece of music. Can a non-believer sing praises to a Creator in whom he doesn't believe, or worship a Savior whom he doesn't recognize? My sect opens our chapels and...

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How did Joseph Smith convince so many people about the Golden plates? Read the testimony of the eight and the testimony of the three. If eleven men of good reputation signed statements declaring they had seen, hefted, and even turned the pages of the golden plates, that was pretty powerful. Add to it that three of these men were shown the plates by an angel. Of course, the Book of Mormon has the best test. After receiving it (reading it), pondering it, and...

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Do Mormons say Christ is our head and our cornerstone, or have they put another member of the Godhead in his place? The Gospel is that Jesus fulfilled his Father's Plan of Salvation. Jesus taught us the way to follow and offered himself as a Sacrifice for sin through his Atonement. Atonement is an interesting word. it can be broken into its key components: at-one-ment. In other words, the Atonement makes the recipient at one with someone else. Sin doesn't separate us from Jesus (even in the flesh Jesus...

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How many members do Mormons say are in the Godhead? Are Mormons worshiping Jesus Christ, then, or someone else? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that there are three members of the Godhead: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. LdS worship God the Father in the name of Christ. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes unto the Father except through him.

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If you had sex with a virgin and gave birth to yourself, is that rape? In rape, one party is coerced. According to the Bible, Mary told the angel "Let it be according to thy word" - doesn't sound like she was coerced. Another point of your question which rubs me the wrong way is to say that Jesus is his own Father. However, Jesus taught "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

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Christians:why do you think homosexuality is a choice? You make a huge assumption in your question. Not all Christians believe that every case of homosexual attraction is a choice. However, it is a choice to act on those urges or not. As a heterosexual male, I have a choice as to give in to my sexual urges (heaven knows I'm attracted to multiple women) or to control those urges and reserve sexual activity to be exclusively with my wife.

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What religion is growing the fastest? Your options make no sense. Seventh Day Adventists, Catholics, and Protestants are Christians. In fact, I believe that SDAs are often classified as Protestants. Are you measuring growth in terms of raw numbers or by percentage?

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Since Mormons know that Jesus is Jehovah, do they also know that he's the Father of Heaven and Earth, the Maker of all things? There is no choice for what TBMs really believe. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that Jesus is Jehovah and the Creator. The Church does NOT teach that he's the Father -- that role belongs to Elohim whom we call our Heavenly Father, God the Father, or our Father in heaven.

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Since the Book of Mormon says that Jesus hears and answers our prayers, why do some Mormons refuse to pray to him? [Alma 9:26] Have you considered that God answers prayers *through* Jesus?

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why shouldn't a guy have as many wives as he can control, i mean support? The wording of your question makes it appear a trolling expedition, but I'll bite. Firstly, I believe that a woman should not be "controlled" by her husband any more than a man should be "controlled" by his wife. They should be equal partners, both entering into the relationship freely, both having a say in what happens in the relationship, etc. Secondly, the laws of the United States...

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Do you think that the answerbag administrators have allowed for a hostile environment to develop here in the way that Mormons are treated? I'm not sure the administrators treat topics on Mormonism any differently than any other non-mainstream denomination (I'm talking JWs here), but I have witnessed offensive questions and answers in the Mormonism section.

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Are the Mormons the only so-called Christian Religion to have a curse to the death (shaking the dust off their shoes) or do others? I never heard it described as "a curse to the death" before. In reality, it's to witness / testify that the individual already had the opportunity to receive the Gospel but rejected it. Dusting our feet (not common, by the way) is not believed to bring immediate retribution or bring early physical death. As East Hill indicated in his answer, the Lord Jesus instituted this with his Apostles, so...

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Are there Mormons in Europe? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has missionaries and / or meeting houses in nearly every country where it is legal.

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Is God caucasian? The word Caucasian is derived from the Caucasus Mountains which divide Asia and Europe. Since God is not an earthling, he is not Caucasian.

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Romans 10:13 - for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." (NIV). What is the name we must call on? It should read that "Not everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Lip service to the Lord is not enough.

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what is the history behind fasting on friday's during lent? First the disclaimer that I am not Catholic, nor does my sect observe Lent. It is my understanding that the forty days of Lent are meant to mirror the forty days Jesus fasted. Abstaining from red meat on Fridays during Lent is somehow tied to Jesus being crucified on Good Friday (I much prefer the Portuguese name of Holy Friday. No matter that Jesus' Atonement made repentance possible, it...

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Are you giving up anything for Lent? If so what? I always decide at the last minute and I need some ideas. I know that Lent is observed by the Catholics, but I didn't know other Christians observed it as well. My sect does not observe Lent thus we don't do wild parties for Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras / Carnival) either. Instead of one long fast we have one Sunday a month where we abstain from food and give the proceeds to the poor and needy. We don't drink, smoke, or anything like that. My biggest...

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Do Mormons think other Christians are going to hell? Latter-day Saints believe that all men with sins (which is to say everyone born into the world save Jesus) will pass through a temporary "spirit prison" where they are purged of any sins for which they had not fully repented of. After fully repenting and accepting the Gospel (including the ordinances thereof), the spirit may leave prison to await the resurrection in paradise. Only Satan, the...

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Who are Mormons? In a broad sense of the word, a Mormon is someone who believes that The Book of Mormon is Scripture. Such a belief means that Mormons also believe Joseph Smith Jr was called to be a Prophet of God. There are over 150 sects within the Mormon denomination. When most people hear the word "Mormon", they think of members of the largest Mormon denomination: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

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is the mormon doctrine false? If everyone agreed on a single set of doctrines, there wouldn't be a need for denominations and sects, would there? And speaking of which, the word "Mormon" can refer to over 100 different sects within the Mormon denomination. Each Mormon sect has different doctrine. As a Latter-day Saint, I believe the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be true, but people of...

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TRUE or FALSE: 'LdS Apologists have done as much to drive people out of the church as 'Anti's' have - maybe more!' Apologists who have posted their own opinions as fact and official doctrine, only to have such opinions disproved, provide much fodder which Anti's use. As an example: some apologist proposes that this ancient civilization or that was the Nephite ) or Lamanite) nation. Further scientific evidenceshows the dating was wrong, so anti's point to the disproved supposition as further proof that the...

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Where did some Mormons get the idea that Jesus isn't God? Your use of the title "God" is ambiguous. It can refer to any member of the Godhead (the Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost), though without qualification it generally refers to the Father. There are enough passages from the Scriptures which distinguish between God the Father and Jesus Christ. As a single example, Acts 5:29-32 says that "the God of our fathers raised up Jesus" but also...

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Does Mormonism teach that Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega, or that he had a beginning and *became* God? I hate you posting questions and then providing your own answers - especially when your answers go against LdS theology. Your question creates a false dichotomy. Jesus is the Apha and Omega, the beginning and the end. However, LdS theology teaches that Jesus is the Son of God. Being the Son of God means that God existed for a time before Jesus. Likewise, LdS believe that Jesus was anointed to...

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Mormons: What do you think about the Jehovah's Witnesses and Seventh-day Adventists outpacing LdS growth? I think that statistics can be manipulated. The Salt Lake Tribune article chose to rank by percentages instead of raw numbers. Jehovah's Witnesses grew by 4.37% for a total of 1,162,686 members. That indicates an increase of 48,682 members. Seventh-day Adventist grew by 4.31% for a total of 1,043,606 members. That means they gained 43,121 members. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

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Which is TRUE modern Mormon culture 'LdS Headquarters Culture' or 'The Rest Of Mormonism'? I don't think there is one true modern Mormon culture. Doctrine, not culture, dictates if it's true or not. I'm sure you've heard that Mormons outside of Utah make fun of the Utah Mormon culture. At the same time, there is very little culture shared by Mormons world-wide (except perhaps the love of food). I visited a small ward in Southern Utah where a certain brother was known to sing a...

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Christians: Should homosexuality be treated any different by the church than any other sexual sin? ie porn, sex out of marriage, lust etc My sect (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) has a single standard: all sexual acts are forbidden outside the bonds of marriage. Reading through the Scriptures, I've come to the conclusion that it is not a sin to be tempted. It is a sin to entertain the temptation or to give in. Thus, homosexual men who do not give into their temptations may hold the Priesthood. It is sinful...

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Who would sign an AB petition to remove none Christian cults from the Christian section? And just WHO is going to decide which groups are Christian and which aren't?

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Should the LdS Church officially sanction the use of Bible translations other than the King James Version of the Bible? I guess I would like a clarification of the word "use" as used in this question. The LdS Church has never condemned studying other translations, but for unity asks that only the KJV and the JST be used in English Church meetings. I served my mission in Brazil, and the Church doesn't have a sanctioned translation in Portuguese. In Sunday School we could have up to a dozen different...

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MORMONS TRUE or FALSE: LdS do not let girls join the Girl Scouts because they don't want them to learn leadership skills and become leaders There are two false premises in the question. Firstly, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does NOT forbid (or even counsel against) girls join the Girl Scouts. Secondly, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not wish to prevent girls from learning leadership skills. This question probably arose because the Church is not an official sponsor of the Girl Scouts, but is...

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What church manuscripts/artifacts were lost in the Herald House Publishing & Bindery Fire in Lamoni, Iowa? I would like to add on Lyn's answer. While Herald Publishing is owned by the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS), the CoC has many artifacts relating to Joseph Smith Jr that are pertinent to all sects within the Latter Day Saint Movement. I was unable to find a list of manuscripts which were in the Herald House when it burned down in 1907.

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Where do Mormons get their special underwear? I assume in Salt Lake City there are sections of department stores, but in other states...? Authorized temple garments are manufactured by Beehive Clothing. They are sold at "Church Distribution Centers" around the world. These distribution centers also sell Scriptures, manuals and study aids, hymnals, etc. There is a separate section for temple clothing. Anyone wishing to purchase temple clothing must show a current temple recommend. Some temples have a small distribution center....

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TRUE OR FALSE: Brigham Young was inspired to leave space for elevators in the Salt Lake Temple design. http://www.holyfetch.com/talk_faves/temple_elevators.html Elevators were already in existence and electricity was known to the Saints, so a revelation was not needed to leave space for two elevators and electrical wires in the Salt Lake Temple.

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How can the Mormon church be Christian if Mormons think they can't pray to Jesus? I thought the definition of Christian was one having belief that Jesus is the Christ and strives to follow his teachings. Never once did Jesus teach that we should pray to him. To the contrary, he taught we should pray to our Father in heaven.

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It seems we worship the created over the CREATOR. With the attention we give to Jesus Christ, Where does GOD stand in Christianity? Jesus is the Creator. He did his Father's bidding from the beginning.

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What are the chances of a lds member that is not a RM getting into BYU Provo? Look at most freshmen at BYU;)

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TRUE OR FALSE: Utah leads in toupee, implant, makeup and Prozac sales because Mormons are obsessed with maintaining a perfect public image. There is a fallacy to promote Utah culture to Mormons and Mormon culture to Utah. Utah is less than 55% LdS, and fewer than 10% of LdS live in Utah. The studies I have seen regarding Prozac (and other anti-depressant drugs) in Utah do not break up the statistics based on religious affiliation. Thus we can't determine if Utah Mormons are equally likely, less likely, or more likely to be on...

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Can I still Turn in my Missionary Paperwork even if I have to have surgery before my Availability Date that I put down? The "availability date" you specify on your mission papers should include recovery time. If you already turned in your papers before finding out the surgery was necessary (as seems this case) contact your bishop to find the proper way of rectifying the date. Also note that you may be called to report to the MTC any week on or after the "availability date" you provided. Arriving in most missions...

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This container of honey says, "Do not give to children under 1 and a half years of age." How is honey harmful to young children? I've always heard that children under 1 shouldn't have honey because of bacteria possibly present in it (as per other answers), but this 1 1/2 year age limit is new to me.

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Christians, what are the chances you will listen to a sermon from a Christian preacher you are told is really good but not from your church I am a Christian of the Latter-day Saint variety. I even served a two year mission in a foreign country. While a missionary I was an official minister for my sect. On my mission, I was invited to address two congregations belonging to a different sect. The Pastors wanted me to explain why I had traveled thousands of miles to their remote city, my relationship with the Lord, etc. I was a guest...

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Are Mormons honest people? It depends on the individual. I'd say that MOST LdS are honest MOST of the time.

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Are LDS allowed to play DS while they do their LSD? My aren't you clever by rearranging "LdS" into "LSD"! Too bad you weren't the first to do it (Frank Delima has a bit where he says he did too much LDS in the 70s). I hate to break it to you, but The Word of Wisdom not only disallows coffee, tea, and tobacco, but it also forbids illicit drugs (including LSD). Go troll elsewhere.

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whos side are you on? Both of you sound to immature to be in a relationship. And why did you post this in the Mormon Relationships section of Answerbag? Both of you are guilty of destruction of personal property. It was his car, so he had every legal right to ask you to leave. Where the allegations of assault come in, I can't see it from your account, but who knows how he would describe it (and we basically have a...

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The more I learn about LDS, the more I realize they are apostate from the original stories Joseph taught. FLDS are true Mormons right? If you are going to make a blanket statement like that you need to back it up with facts. The Fundamentalist Mormons left The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after the LdS stopped sanctioning new polygamous relationships in 1890. Nothing else about the FLDS puts them closer to Joseph Smith Jr's theology than the LdS Church.

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Do Mormons/Latter Day Saints believe that God is an American? No. God is not an earthling to be from this country or that.

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TRUE OR FALSE: The Poelman and Packer redacted Conference Talks prove that LdS Leaders censor and withhold information from the public. If I felt you asked these questions with a sincere desire to learn I'd be more inclined to answer them.

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AGREE? "As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I would bet my entire life savings that Joseph Smith had Narcissistic Personality Disorder." You are misrepresenting Wes Cauthers. Wes Cauthers formally had his name removed from the records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when he was 19, but had lost his faith years prior to that (back when he was a deacon). So, your introduction of Mr. Cauthers should be as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who left Mormonism in his teens. ...

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Do you believe there are modern day prophets? I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As such, I believe that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's prophet today.

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Latter-day Saints: Why don't you accept me as Mormon? I recognize the humor you use, but it is offensive for you to make light of sacred things. Your attitude will be a barrier to any Mormon who might otherwise listen to your message. If I wanted to convert a Muslim over to Christianity I wouldn't make jokes about Mohammad or the Koran. Who is Xenu??? If Christianity is defined as the belief that Jesus is the Christ, then Mormonism should be...

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What age do you think is a good age for a girl to have sex? Since this is in the Mormon section of Answerbag, I'll answer from an LdS perspective. read the booklet "For the Strength of the Youth". Your youth leaders should have copies, plus it's available from the Church's official website ( http://www.lds.org ). In essence, we are to live the Law of Chastity which means no sex outside the bonds of marriage. Even within marriage, only have unprotected...

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Mormons, do you practice polygamy? If not, why? The term "Mormon" is very broad in light of this question. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- the largest sect within the Mormon denomination -- officially stopped solemnizing new polygamous relationships in 1890 after President Woodruff received a revelation ending it. Furthermore, most laws in the U.S. forbidding polygamy have been in place since the 1840s. Given that my sect...

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Mormons: how does the LdS church regard hermaphrodites? I don't know of any official doctrine regarding hermaphrodites and other transgender individuals. You ask if this condition is a punishment for something they may have done in premortality. This reminds me of the Bible story wherein Jesus was asked who had sinned (the parents or the child) that a child was born dumb. Jesus answered that neither had sinned. There are natural laws at work....

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LdS: did ALL spirit sons and daughters accept Heavenly Father's plan in the premortal realm? LdS believe that part of the Revelation received by St. John was a glimpse into pre-mortality. We believe that the war in heaven where a third of the host of heaven followed Lucifer was fought over whether to accept God's Plan of Salvation. Everyone born into mortality chose to accept God's Plan with Jesus acting as Savior. LdS do not pretend to know why some people are born into more affluent...

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Mormons: are marriages that are not sealed in the temple valid or ordained in the eyes of God? Or in the eyes of the LdS church? The following is my own understanding of official Church doctrine. First, just what is meant by marriage in the context of this question? I believe that most marriages between a man and a woman are valid in the eyes of God as long as said marriage was entered into consensually by both parties. I purposefully exclude same-sex and incestuous relationships. However, all marriages not sealed end...

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Why do Mormons try so hard to appear Christian? Why do they claim they are, when their beliefs are 180° away from Christianity? Joe Fraud, you are a fraud in that you bear false witness against your neighbors (Mormons). I believe that is a violation of one of the Ten Commandments. Remove your hate-filled glasses and anti-Mormonism perspective and read the Book of Mormon and the Bible to find out what we Latter-day Saints really believe. http://www.lds.org http://www.mormon.org

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How did Alexander Campbell's theology end up in the Book of Mormon? Many of those campbellite doctrines you cite were either common in America in the 1820s OR could be derived from the Bible itself.

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MORMONS: Why are there so much anecdotal Three Nephites sightings but only a few for John The Beloved? Did you actually read that page you posted ( http://nowscape.com/mormon/3nephites.htm )? It's author claims the Book of Mormon to be as true as the Holy Bible and the Holy Koran (as far as each is translated correctly). Also available on that site is a link to print your own temple recommend, photos showing what it alleges are signs and tokens used in Mormon temples, and clearly made up stuff...

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ExMormons: I'm curious to get a show of hands of how many former members left the LdS Church primarily due to an Internet discussion board. I'm not an Ex-Mormon, so I won't vote in the poll. The internet is relatively young, so it'd be a fairly recent happening. Of all the former LdS I have met in real life, none had left the Church due to an internet discussion board. Some said the rules were too hard to keep. Others left because they didn't agree with the doctrine. Some left because they didn't know they were LdS in the first...

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MORMONS: I agree with Mormon 8:18 - do you? I believe you want to catch LdS with the phrase "from all eternity to all eternity". However, I read that as from before the human mind can comprehend for longer than the human mind can comprehend.

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CHRISTIANS TRUE or FALSE: If I don't tithe I will be cursed. I marked more false than true because I believe God tends to reward more than punish. When we pay tithes, we will receive the blessings associated with it. If we fail to pay tithes we won't receive those blessings. Do you call this a curse or punishment?

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My Mormon beliefs about God’s nature shaped my motivation for serving God and in the end robbed me of the ability to truly serve God Fist the disclaimer that I am an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I answered that I disagree more with the statement than agree with it. I would have marked that I totally disagree with it, but I recognize that people "do the right thing" for a variety of motivations. Some people want to avoid punishment. Others wish to be seen as righteous. Others do it for...

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What is the crusty stuff at the top of a ketchup bottle called? This is in the Mormon section because ... ?

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CHRISTIANS: The film "The Godmakers" should still be supported today despite it's sensationalist tone/style, excesses, and obsolete facts. As I said in the other poll, only support Ed Decker and his ilk if your hate of Mormonism outweighs your love for the truth.

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CHRISTIANS: Ed Decker and his film The Godmakers deserve our support despite their sensationalism/hyperbole/excesses and obsolete facts. The only reason to support Ed Decker is because one's hate for Mormonism is stronger than the love of truth.

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Mormons: Since Joseph Smith Jr. taught the "Song of Solomon" was not an inspired writing, why is it still part of LdS scriptures? The Song of Solomon appears in the LdS Edition of the King James Version. However, it is absent from the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. The LdS Edition of the KJV has all the verbiage of the KJV with LdS study helps (LdS specific chapter headings, footnotes, cross-references, etc).

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Why do some woman allow their boyfriends/husbands to beat them up for no reason at all? First off, I hate that this was posted in the Mormon section of Answerbag; it gives the distinct impression that such behavior is condoned in Mormonism - a blatant lie. It comes down to self esteem and fear. Some women feel they are absolutely worthless and unworthy of any love of affection. The abusive men talk down to them, telling them things like no one else would take them.

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Can someone from the US Sponser and pay for a missionary from another country? and if so how is it done? A young man I baptized in Brazil needed some financial help when he decided to serve his mission. Working with my bishop and his branch president, I put money into the general missionary fund and my friend was able to use that.

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Could "Do not take the name of the Lord in vain" also mean "Do not use the name of the Lord when preaching or to uphold your honor"? I can understand multiple meanings for that phrase. When we are baptized, we take upon ourselves the name of Christ. Therefore, we should not take the name of the Lord in vain (eg. only take upon ourselves the name of Christ if we earnestly wish to follow him). In Hawaiian (like in Hebrew) words have power. If words are over-used or used in vain, they lose this power. The Jews took the...

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What do the "two sticks" of Ezekiel 37:15-23 represent? Ezekial 37 16. Take thee one stick, and write upon it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and write upon it, For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions A footnote in the LdS Edition of the KJV makes note that the Hebrew word rendered "stick" really indicates a wooden writing tablet. Thus, Ezekial was...

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Mormons: Does the LdS church define murder as only the shedding of innocent blood? AFAIK, the Church has not published an official definition of murder. When I read the passages you cite, I think of them as caveats to allow for capital punishment and self defense.

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LdS: How are non-believers going to end up in their degrees of glory if they are supposed to be servants to those who are exalted? You are not reading that passage correctly. There are three degrees of glory in LdS theology. Starting from the lowest they are: Telestial, Terrestrial, and Celestial. The passage you cited talks of those who qualify for the Celestial Kingdom, but are single (only married persons can receive full Exaltation).

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I'm about to go on an LDS mission but I feel unworthy to go. I don't want to hurt my family but I'm becoming suicidal. What should I do? First my background. My family joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1830s. They crossed the plains with the pioneers. However, I grew up in Hawaii instead of Utah. I did serve a full-time mission to Brazil, and will always be grateful for my experiences there. What I post on Answerbag is my own opinion based on my understanding of Scripture and official Church policy....

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Why Are Mormons the Third-Most-Hated Religious Group in America? I'm still not clear as to how the research was done to place Mormonism as the third most hated group. Another reviewer on Amazon actually stated: "This would imply that Mormons are the most accepting, and yet least accepted of the religions in America. " My answer is that many outsiders are under the delusion that LdS actually believe the first three charges (eg. we believe we are better than...

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Why did God require circumcision in the first place? Was it for health? Or to distinguish Jews from Gentiles? Perhaps this would be better asked in the Jewish section of Answerbag. Christians believe that it is circumcision of the heart, and not of the flesh, which matters. Abraham was commanded to circumcise his sons as an outward symbol of the Abrahamic Covenants. Circumcision was so important that it was to be performed on the infant's seventh day - even if that fell on the Sabbath.

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TRUE OR FALSE: The Joseph Smith formula for a revelation was R=(c+d)t The example you gave assumed that the revelation came after Joseph was caught cheating. No LdS will accept that premise.

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What were the LDS documents and cult papers released by wikileaks and where can one still read them? I hadn't heard of that leak before your question. Back in July, WikiLeaks posted the 2006 edition of the Handbook of Instructions. The Handbook of Instructions is a binder composed of several booklets, each of which covers a topic. Some of these booklets are available to lay members of the Church (not even a temple recommend is needed) while other booklets can only be had by bishoprics,...

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I enjoy learning about the Mormon church and from Book of Mormon. Do I have to be a member to attend church and be baptized in the church? Our weekly worship services are open to everyone who is respectful. Membership in the Church is gained through "confirmation" after baptism. Before baptism, a convert must meet with the missionaries and have a baptismal interview. Part of the missionary lessons are the Word of Wisdom and the Law of Chastity. The Word of Wisdom forbids harmful substances like alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, and...

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What do you think about the Mormon's secret network of contacts and business deals? Methinks you have been paying too much attention to conspiracy theorists. It is no secret that each congregation has an employment specialist. This individual is in charge of gathering information about job openings, job fairs, and skill sets which are in demand. The jobs listed are not reserved for "Mormon only" (it's against the law to discriminate based on religion), nor does the company...

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Were he a religious leader today would Joseph Smith, Jr. been arrested, tried and received the same 's sentence as Brian David Mitchell? I don't like the wording of the Guardian article. Under Joseph, an adult man could not COMMAND reluctant teenage girls to marry him, nor did the man exert physical and sexual control over his wife (wives). With so much spin, the truth is hard to recognize. Brian David Mitchell was arrested and convicted of kidnapping and raping Elizabeth Smart. Mitchell will be sentenced in May. Joseph never...

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Should Churches put up Christmas Trees? I say it's up to the individual congregations. My sect includes a "cultural hall" in all of our chapels for sports and social events. This is separate from the room where we partake of the Lord's Supper. Most congregations I've visited have an artificial tree in the cultural hall. Many have "Make A Wish" type decorations (eg. the decoration has the ages, likes, and needs of a family in the...

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Mormons: Do you believe that Joseph Smith Jr.'s 1891 prophecy has been fulfilled? Joseph Smith Jr was promised that if he lived to be 85 years old, he would see the face of the Son of Man (D&C 130). As we all know, Joseph was murdered well before that time, nullifying the implication that the Second Coming would occur in 1890 or 1891.

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T/F: Most LdS have never done a slow, fully engaged, literal read of D&C 132 in it's entirety devoid of modern LdS Church spin and dogma. I voted "false" with the caveat that it only includes adult LdS. Knowing the propensity LdS have of large families, it wouldn't surprise me if half of all LdS were under the age of 21.

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Are keeping the commandments essential to salvation? Keeping the commandments is NOT essential for obtaining salvation. We are all human and make mistakes. If salvation were reserved for the perfect, only Jesus would make it to the Celestial Kingdom. Knowingly choosing to break a commandment, however, distances yourself from God and Salvation. If you love Jesus, keep his commandments. Forgiveness is available after sincere repentance.

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Is authority from God essential to perform ordinances such as baptism or marriage? Since this question is in the Mormonism section of Answerbag, I'll answer from a Mormon perspective. There are two kinds of marriages: those that are only valid in this life, and those which are "sealed" for eternity. Anyone recognized by the government may perform a civil wedding. However, only someone with the proper sealing power and authority can seal a family together for eternity. ...

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LdS where is your evidence for this: "...restoration of priesthood authority...was the only possible way to overcome the Great Apostasy." LdS, like Catholics, place a lot of emphasis on having a Priesthood line of authority back to the Apostles, and from there to Jesus. LdS believe that the Priesthood is conferred by a worthy Priesthood holder placing his hands on the recipient's head and uttering a few words. If the recipient is worthy, the Holy Spirit will confirm the ordination. We know that there were meant to be twelve...

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Biblically speaking members of the LdS Church are not only NOT Christian but not Latter Day Saints as well. So what are they? I find none of those answers acceptable; they all are worded such as to make The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a bad thing. The name of the Church is formulated in a precise fashion. From the book of Third Nephi, we learn that the Lord's Church should bear his name, since it's His Church. Likewise, Paul wrote the Church in the Old World wasn't Paul's Church or John's Church. In...

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Do you consider yourself a practicing Christian? How so? I'm a practicing Christian, which is to say I'm a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. I strive to follow the teachings of Jesus, though I'm not perfect.

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In Christianity, how did the concept of the Trinity originate? The Trinity was defined at the the Ephesine Formula of 431 A.D, though various factions of Christianity held belief in the Trinity a century earlier.

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What are the teachings of The Mormon Bible and other Mormon texts? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has canonized four volumes of Scripture: 1. The Bible (we use the King James Version in English) 2. The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ 3. Doctrine and Covenants 4. The Pearl of Great Price All four volumes are available online at the Church's website: http://scriptures.lds.org

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Should we let Central & West Africa (Cameroon) know the Pope has approved the use of Condoms in preventing Aids & STD?. What the Pope says affects Catholics, and to a lesser extent the rest of Christianity. Catholicism already condemns sex outside of marriage, and since this is so widely ignored in Africa (as evidenced by the outrageous STD numbers), I highly doubt this new proclamation allowing the use of condoms under certain circumstances will have much of an impact.

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According to a Mormon Scholar (see below) the symbols of Christmas point us to Joseph Smith, Jr. founder of Mormonism. Is he right? I know this thread is nearly a year old, but it showed up as a "related question" on a recent thread. Christmas is the mass (missa) of Christ. It is a celebration of Christ's birth, life, and mission. LdS doctrine does not apply the symbolism of Christmas to Joseph Smith Jr.

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Why did Emma Smith - wife of Mormon founder Joseph Smith, Jr. - stay in Nauvoo rather than migrate west with the Mormons Pioneers in 1847? I think the mutual animosity between Emma and Brigham probably was the largest factor. Part of that animosity was a disagreement of what belonged to the Church and what belonged to Joseph's family. At the heart of this quarrel were original documents for the Book of Mormon, the JST, and revelations Joseph had received. A larger part, however, was that Brigham accepted polygamy as a true...

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The Pope says condoms are okay in some situations. Does he mean when priests are with little boys and they don't want to leave evidence? I found the specific situations named to be very curious. My local radio announced that the Pope declared that it's already for male prostitutes to use condoms, but that the Church still condemns condoms as a means of birth control for a married couple. Does this mean the Catholic Church now views prostitution as a valid career path?

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is it okay to suck my teachers toe? I'm confused; what does this have to do with Mormonism?

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Would you vote for adopting the biblical model of corporal punishment (rather than prison) to curb ecconomic spending? (Deut 25:1-3) I don't think our laws and punishments should be dictated by religious texts. Laws should reflect morality common to humans regardless of religious persuasion. It should (and is) illegal to steal, rob, murder, etc., but civil law should not mandate observing the Sabbath. Likewise, our punishments should reflect our morals as humans. Stoning to death, forty lashes, and crucifixion are beneath...

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TRUE OR FALSE: The 3rd (and last) edition of Bruce R. McConkie's classic book "Mormon Doctrine" accurately reflects current LdS orthodoxy. I have never read _Mormon Doctrine_ because my dad would not allow that book in our home. The 1,067 errors in the first edition and my dad's animosity towards it have prevented me from even having a desire to peruse its pages. I learn Mormon doctrine from the Scriptures, temple ceremonies, church curriculum, and General Conference. I believe the Church should establish a committee to produce...

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What are your thoughts on the TLC show Sister Wives, where one man has multiple wives? I personally haven't watched an episode, but I think the show was a stupid idea. Here is a man clearly breaking the law and declaring that fact on national tv. One of the sister wives already lost her job over it. It's just a matter of time before Utah's Attorney General presses charges.

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Can you get married inside the temple if i am not a Mormon but he is? and can my family come inside to see it???? In order to enter an LdS temple, one must hold a current temple recommend. That is a hard and fast rule - even if it's just a "death do us part" marriage and not a sealing. However, you may be married in an LdS chapel without a temple recommend and have all your family participate in that joyous event. LdS Bishops are recognized as clergy, so they may perform the civil wedding in most states...

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Since the bible allows polygamy, would you vote in favor of it, if it was offered on the ballot? (Exodus 21;10-11 compare Deut 21:15) First a disclaimer. I'm a seventh generation member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My 2nd great grandfathers practiced polygamy as did my 3rd great grandfathers and some of my 4th great grandparents. In 1890, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officially stopped performing new polygamous marriages. My personal opinion is that civil government should stay...

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WHY are most Americans deeply ignorant about religion..? And who are the least ignorant? A research group polled a bunch of people in the USA on religious topics. Atheists scored the highest with Jews and Mormons slightly lower. Why? The questions covered more than just mainstream Christianity. There were questions on Mormonism, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Hinduism, and mainstream Christianity. Most Christians are content where they are at and thus aren't researching other...

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How do you feel about the Mormon Church putting a cross on the door of the upcoming Temple in Rome, Italy? I like East Hill's answer, but the phrase "when in Rome" was too tempting to pass up. I had not seen any artistic renderings of this particular temple. The architectural cross on the door would not have registered in my mind if you hadn't mentioned it. I won't lose any sleep over it.

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why isn't Santa considered a a GOD ? and Santa-ism a religion? seriously think about it . As one who dons the suit, I can attest that Santa is not a god nor does he aspire to be such. Everything about Santa Claus is symbolic of Jesus. The red of his suit represents Jesus' atoning blood. The white of his hair and the trim of his suit is purity. Santa distributes gifts like the Wise Men brought gifts to the Christ Child. Candy canes remind us Jesus is the Good Shepherd. Etc.

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What was the rock that Jesus was to build his church upon? Jesus told Peter that he (Peter) was blessed because no man told him that Jesus is the Christ, but that that knowledge came from God (eg. through revelation), and upon that rock (revelation) Christ would build his church.

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LdS: Which priesthood was present among the Nephites? I'd have to say it was the Melchizedek Priesthood, which priesthood is not (nor ever was) limited to individuals of a specific lineage.

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Is it true that mormons believe that black people are the descendants of Cain, and their black skin is the mark spoken of in the bible? Not entirely true. Not all descendants of Cain have dark skin, nor are all Blacks descendants of Cain. Elijah Abel is an example of a Black man who was not a descendant of Cain. Elijah Abel not only received the Priesthood, he served as a General Authority in the Church. Likewise we have record of Elijah Abel's grandson (also named Elijah Abel) receiving the Priesthood.

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Why are english bulldogs so popular? And this relates to Mormonism how?

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If LDS is the one and only true religion on earth? Restored by God himself? Why would there be different sects to LDS? How / why do sects form within /any/ religion or denomination? 1. Power struggles. In the succession crisis which followed the death of Joseph Smith Jr, no fewer than 13 men claimed to be Joseph's true successor. The largest group of believers followed Brigham Young. 2. Difference of opinion in regards to doctrine, principles, and practices. After The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day...

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When Jesus was born where did the 3 wise men sleep...couldn't three kings get a room at the inn The Gospels indicate that Jesus was almost 2 years old when the Magi arrived, thus your question makes no sense.

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TRUE OR FALSE: The insular and myopic nature of Mormon culture tends to damage it's public image and outside relationships. I'll agree that Mormon culture is somewhat insular, but I (and most Mormons) take offense at being called myopic. Because of the way the Church is set up and the shared Mormon culture, I can travel almost anywhere and readily have a support system. When moving, I can call the bishop of the new ward (a stranger!) and get members of the congregation to help me move in. If the bishop's on the...

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Do polygamists have sex before marriage? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that all sexual acts outside marriage are sinful. Even in the days when the LdS Church practiced polygamy, such relationships could not be consummated before the sealing ceremony. According to my FLDS friend, his sect also requires abstinence before marriage. As to whether every individual of every sect which currently practices polygamy...

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MORMONS TRUE OR FALSE: LdS Worldwide HQ janitors have to be temple recommend holders. Employees of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints need not be LdS. Some classes of employees (including teachers at Church schools) must obtain an ecclesiastic endorsement on a yearly basis. I would imagine (though I'm not 100% certain) that the Church outsources janitorial duties at the Church Office Building in which case, the Church has little say in which individuals actually...

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Help im a christian struggling with porn The first thing which popped into my head was the old joke "I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it!" Porn becomes harmful if it interferes with your life. If you seek out porn at the expense of your family you have a problem. Avoid situations which make it easier to succumb to your temptation. Don't just wander about the internet. Keep the computer in a public place. Avoid...

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What kind of punishments are given to a Mormon that has premarital sex? Extra-marital sex may result in disfellowship or excommunication. Disfellowship means that the individuals may not partake of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, offer public prayers, attend the temple, or hold church callings for a time to be determined by the bishop. Excommunication means membership in the Church is revoked and ordinances received are nullified.

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MORMONS: What is the dictionary definition and etymology of scriptorian? I believe that "scriptorian" is a misspelling of "scripturian" which is a synonym to "scripturist" -- "One who is strongly attached to, or versed in, the Scriptures, or who endeavors to regulate his life by them" ( definition from dictionary.com ).

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When did the current tithing practice officially begin in the Mormon church? When/why did they move away from the one listed in D&C? There are two laws regarding donations to the Church in the D&C. Under the Law of Consecration, everything one owns is donated to the Church and each family receives enough in return to provide for their needs. The Law of Consecration was suspended because people were not honest in what they reported to their bishops. The Law of Tithing is laid forth in D&C 119. All members of the...

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Was Joseph Smith, Jr. sincere but deluded, or a fraud? Your false dichotomy doesn't allow for the opinion that Joseph Smith Jr was truly called of God.

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MORMONS: Do you pray for the destruction of those who leave the LdS Church? We pray that those seeking the truth will find it. We pray the missionaries will be lead to those who need the message. We pray that the sheep who have wandered may find their way back. If God wants to destroy those who leave, that's his choice, but we don't ask it.

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Does the disparity between Boyd K. Packer's Oct 2010 General Conference and the transcript qualify as deception? The transcript as published is marked as being a revision. The changes were made to clarify some points which prompted protests and petitions.

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Can you serve an LDS mission if you are bisexual, but still believe in the sacred institution of marriage? Worthy young men of any sexual orientation can serve an honorable full--time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this particular context, "worthy" includes obeying the law of chastity (no sexual acts outside the bonds of marriage).

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Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a sect or a cult? To clear the matter up? Jehovah's Witnesses is a sect within the Christian religion. To me, cult has lost all meaning in the lingua franca of today. It is used to stir up animosity and perpetuate hate and misunderstanding. Cult is a label for any religious group which one believes is heretical and / or has dangerous practices.

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Is Jehovah in the “Old Testament” the Same as Jesus Christ in the “New Testament” ? Mormonism teaches that Jesus is the Creator, even the Being known as Jehovah in the Old Testament.

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Did Mormon Leader Boyd K. Packer's Oct 2010 General Conference comments about homosexuality deserve the public crys of protest against it? Homosexuality is a hard topic. What stance should the Church of Jesus Christ take? Should the Church change its morals in order to win public acceptance? Would such relative morals offend God? Should the Church continue to condemn homosexual acts and offend society? The Scriptures speak out against homosexual acts, too. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not teach that...

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Have you seen the ads that try to convince you that Mormons are actual humans? These ads are meant to dispel a few stereotypes. Not all Mormons are of Northern European stock. Mormons aren't brain-washed cultists. Mormons are normal people from all walks of life.

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"Who do you say that I am?" Jesus once asked his disciples. Who do you think is Jesus? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints agrees with Simon Peter's answer. We view Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt 16:16). Our first Article of Faith states that "we believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." Likewise our third Article of Faith says "We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be...

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Are you a Christian who believes homosexuality is wrong? Have you seen this Baptist minister? We all have temptations. To be tempted is not a sin, but giving into temptation is sinful. Homosexuality (feeling sexual urges for someone of your own sex) is a temptation, but not a sin. Giving into those urges are the same sin of fornication that a heterosexual commits when giving into sexual urges for someone not his / her spouse. Based on my genetics, I am an alcoholic, though I don't...

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When comparing the average person, who knows more about Christian religions - Christians or Atheists? The published survey ranked atheists/agnostics highest followed by Jews and Mormons. The survey included general questions regarding Christianity, questions on individual sects / denominations (including identifying the denomination of Joseph Smith Jr), and questions on other world religions (such as identifying the holy book used by Islam).

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Why do Mormons have to keep their larder stocked for a year? Please no insulting answers. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches its members to be prepared spiritually, physically, financially, and mentally for any unforeseen disaster which may fall upon us. We are strongly encouraged to live within our means, get as much education as is possible, and prepare for a rainy day. Historically, there have been different levels of preparedness. Each family should have a...

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TRUE OR FALSE '... in Mormonism, nobody has to prove anything for it to be true.' (quote from a Born In the Covenant Mormon) This question seems deceitful to me. We have debated what constitutes official doctrine in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We have also debated that on topics without an official position, individual members may freely speculate (many members even speculate on topics with an official position). That the individual was BIC (born in the covenant) is irrelevant, yet providing that...

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T/F: An "Anti-Mormon" is anyone who lies about the true history and/or doctrine of the LdS Church thus misrepresenting it's nature in fact. I will not vote on that wording because it can be twisted based on what one considers to be "the true history and / or doctrine" of the Church.

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Do you have a testimony of the Book of Laban? I do. The "Book of Laban" is more correctly called "the plates of Laban" or "the brass plates" and roughly corresponds to our Old Testament (or at least as much as was written by 600 BC). I do have a testimony of the Bible, and that includes the Old Testament. You linked to "The Book of Laman", though, so I voted and answered according to your intents. Enough with the "do you have a testimony of"...

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TRUE OR FALSE: The new LdS Church 'I am a Mormon' advertising campaign accurately portrays the Mormon Church and Culture. It is hard for me to answer this question. Firstly, there is no one single Mormon culture. Mormons tend to follow their society's culture except on points where it is in conflict with the teachings and doctrines of the Church. In Brazil, for example, many Mormons don't eat red meat on Good Friday. Secondly, I haven't seen many of the "I'm a Mormon" ads. Thirdly, the Church doesn't dictate every...

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"Although Mormonism taught me the value of keeping the commandments, it failed to teach me how to escape pride." Thoughts? This question demonstrates one fallacy of paying teachers based on student performance. Parents, teachers, and students all play a part in how well a particular student performs. This question puts all the responsibility on the teacher. While serving my mission in Brazil, I met up with a Baptist Pastor named Michael. As you can probably tell from his name, Michael was not from Brazil; instead...

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Im a 22 year old non-LDS and i want to get to know and date a 20 year old mormon girl, how do i go about this to follow LDS rules? Your question is a bit vague. Do you already know the girl, or are you looking for a Mormon girl to date? Before you get involved, know that only LdS in good standing can get married in LdS temples, and that most LdS want a temple marriage. Temple marriages have the potential to last through eternity and not just "until death do us part". If you are looking for fun dates go ahead, but if...

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Whenever passages in the 'Old Testament' containing YHWH are quoted in the 'New Testament' should the YHWH be retained? It is a Jewish tradition to not utter the name YHWH, substituting titles indicating a role or characteristic (Lord, Creator, Almighty, etc). When Jesus and his disciples quoted Hebrew Scripture, they probably followed that tradition most of the time.

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LdS: How would you preach the Gospel to me if Joseph Smith and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, did not exist? Mormonism has so deeply shaped my family's history since the 1830s, that it is nigh impossible to contemplate where I would be (both physically and religiously) if there wasn't a Restoration. A few of my lines have tons of ministers in them, so I probably would still be Christian - most likely of a dispensationalist variety. Without Mormonism, my understanding of the Gospel would be limited...

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What do you feel about premarital sex? My sect teaches that sex outside the bonds of marriage is a sin. I tend to agree with that sentiment. Besides the moral questions, sex can have profound consequences. STDs can be transfered through sexual acts. Unwanted pregnancy may result (abstinence is the only 100% effective method of birth control). It trivializes what should be a great bonding time between spouses. I don't think there...

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If the Mormon Church isn't striving for world domination via a hidden conspiracy then why does that question keep getting quarantined? I seriously doubt there are enough Mormons on the AB staff to hold much sway (much like California's 2% LdS population didn't single-handedly pass the controversial Proposition 8). Surely the General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints don't spend their time poring over questions on this site and reporting ones they don't want in the public.

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Do you think it odd that the LdS Church Handbook of Instructions isn't available to the general public or the general church membership? I was just in the Distribution Center today and I saw that certain sections of the Handbook of Instructions are available for purchase. This must be a recent development as I've never noticed them there before. As I was in a hurry, I didn't check to see if any sections were not available. I still say that posting the content online breaks copyright law, but if any still does this they should...

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If you were suddenly called to be the 'Mormon Pope' (aka "Mope" a la Stephen Colbert) what, if anything, would you change? Any one of three of those options would dissolve Mormonism; it would simply cease to exist. The Restoration is what sets Mormonism apart from the rest of Christianity, and the Prophet Joseph played a major role in that. Declare The Book of Mormon to be a work of fiction from the 19th century would be to denounce Joseph as a Prophet, hence getting rid of any legitimate claim of Mormonism....

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AGREE OR DISAGREE: "I think the fairest and most charitable way to define Mormonism would be to call it the fourth Abrahamic religion." It is a big move for the Southern Baptist Convention to reclassify Mormonism as an abrahamic religion instead of a cult. They certainly feel they are charitable with the change. Hopefully some respect comes with the recognition. No more protesting outside Temple Square during LdS General Conference. No more temple garments dyed red and / or burned. Still, being classified as a fourth...

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The Pope has banned alcohol, barbecues, gazebos, vuvuzelas, candles from his tour but you can bring torches. Does that make sense? I am not a Catholic, but some of this actually makes sense. Drunkenness is not something appropriate around the Pope (I would argue that drunkenness itself is always inappropriate). Fire (including candles) pose an unnecessary risk. Gazebos are hard to secure. Torches (flashlights) are okay because they provide light without any of the risks of candles.

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Is Glenn Beck the new Joseph Smith? Is he really receiving divine revelations from God? Will he unveil his own golden plates tomorrow? Glenn Beck is NOT the new Joseph Smith. Thomas S. Monson is the current Prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Monson does receive revelations from God. At some point the sealed portion of the golden plates will be translated and published, but I'm not sure that will happen in my lifetime.

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EX-MORMONS: What advice woud you give those leaving the church? I'm a TBM and unlikely to leave the Church anytime soon, but I'd like to offer up advise. First and foremost: you are responsible for your own beliefs. If you stay in the Church, do so because you have a personal testimony; don't stay to accommodate friends or family. If you leave, make sure you are doing it for yourself. Second: remember you don't have to become an anti-Mormon when you...

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MORMONS: How important is it to you that the Mormon claims are really true? Joe Fraud, you wrote "Of course, a down side of the employment specialist... If and when you finally decide to come to grips with all the lies of the Mormon church, you loose your job." The reality is that the employment specialist helps members get in touch with companies which are hiring. The hiring company doesn't need to know the religious beliefs of the applicant, nor does the company...

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Do you think Jesus had free will? Without free will, it wouldn't have been a sacrifice, thus it wouldn't have atoned for the sins of mankind.

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LdS: Who are the "good people"? Currently, the world lives a Telestial law; when Jesus returns it will be returned to a Terrestrial law. That means that only people who qualify for the Celestial or Terrestrial Kingdoms will remain. This, in turn, means that it won't be a Mormon-only party. The good people of the earth - regardless of their religious affiliation - will be able to welcome the Lord.

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Did Jesus's life begin at birth or at conception? Jesus is the Creator. He led the children of Israel out of Egypt. He is the Verb of God (I like how the Latin-based languages use "Verb" instead of "Word"). The cells which became Jesus' physical body came into existence at conception. As to when Jesus' spirit entered the body is much harder to define.

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For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons): What is Family Home Evening? Family Home Evening (FHE) is a family-centric program of the Church. Each family sets aside time each week (generally Monday evening) to spend together. FHE typically has hymns, prayers, a lesson, a game or activity, and refreshments. Unlike Sunday School, there is no set curriculum. On occasion, my family would hike to a grassy knoll in the mountains and just enjoy nature, talking about...

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So what is your opinion on the new temple being built in Jerusalem? I wasn't aware that Jews were currently building the new temple. I was under the impression that Muslims still control the temple mount.

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TRUE OR FALSE: Mormonism is striving to dominate the world. I believe it was President Ezra Taft Benson who called on members of the Church to "flood the world with The Book of Mormon". It is our focus to preach the Gospel to every man, woman, and child. Whether the individual accepts or not is up to them; we will respect their wishes either way. It is not our intention to build up a financial empire. We want enough money to remain debt-free (debt is a...

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MORMONS: How important is it to you that the Mormon claims are really true? The principle claims of Mormonism have shaped my family since the 1820s. I have ancestors who sold everything to buy passage on ships to join the Saints in Zion. I have ancestors who were driven from state to state to Mexico. It was Mormonism which brought my family to my beloved Hawaii. It was the promises of Mormonism which sustained me through the two hardest years of my life. If the...

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For members of the LdS Church (Mormons): Do you really believe that God calls living prophets? Why? If I didn't believe in living prophets, I wouldn't be LdS. Joe Fraud makes a fair point that anyone can receive answers to prayers, inspiration, even revelation. But, LdS prophets go beyond that. Like so many things one must understand stewardship. People can receive revelation for those things and people within their stewardship. Parents can receive revelation with regards to their children....

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For members of the LdS Church (Mormons): How do you worship God? Worship is such an abstract concept that I had to contemplate its meaning. To worship is to honor, venerate, adore, or otherwise pay reverence to something worthy. Honor: there is an old saying that we should live our lives in such a manner that people will want to know God because they know us. As believers, we take upon ourselves his name. Our actions and conduct reflect upon him. We are...

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For members of the LdS Church (Mormons): Has your membership in the LdS church been beneficial to you? Please explain why or why not. I'm a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was through the Church I received my first lessons on Christ's Atonement and God's love. I've given and received priesthood blessings with profound results. Besides spiritual benefits, I've benefited from my membership in the Church. I received a scholarship for my completion of early morning seminary. My mission...

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CHRISTIANS T/F: I have to save Atheists from their crazy ideas. As a Christian, I have an obligation to give non-believers the opportunity to choose whether to come to Christ. As a civilized human being, I have an obligation to respect the non-believer's wishes (eg. not force the non-believer to receive or accept the Gospel). Ultimately I do not save anyone, but a person may choose to be saved through Christ.

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MORMONS T/F: Anti-Mormons are psychotic. I don't think you can apply a label such as psychotic to such a diverse group such as anti-Mormons. Some exhibit signs of psychosis by fixating on something they loathe, others by their fascination with others' underwear. Fortunately, though, I think these individuals fall into the minority.

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CHRISTIANS T/F: Mormons are psychotic. I don't think you can apply such a term to a broad group of people. Surely some Mormons are psychotic, but I don't think the label applies to Mormons generally.

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what would u say if i was watching u right at this momment from the bushes? >:D I'd say you have excellent vision because the closest bushes are almost a mile away.

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MORMONS T/F: It's OK to be rude and disrespectful to Mormon Critics if that's what it takes to 'wake them up.' Rudeness towards anti-Mormons is tolerated especially if it reflects rudeness exhibited by the anti-Mormon. I chose those words carefully. Rudeness is not endorsed nor encouraged, but is tolerated in some circumstances. Secondly, not all critics are anti-Mormons. We've already discussed what I think turns a critic into an anti-Mormon. Finally, civility reflects well on those we represent...

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LdS: Is it accurate to say that personal revelation should plumbline against First Presidancy and the Twelve revelation? In order to appreciate the answer, one must understand the LdS concept of stewardship. LdS believe that everyone (including non-members) are entitled to revelation pertaining to things in their stewardship (realm of responsibility). Every individual may receive revelation pertaining to themselves. Parents may receive revelation for their family. Teachers may receive revelation for their class....

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The Bible says a womans hair is not to be shorn (to make short), My hair is at my knees, I'd like it at my butt. Biblically is that wrong? Do you ask seeking the truth, validation for the decision you've already made, or are you making fun of sects whose women don't cut their hair? If you want an honest answer, read 1 Corinthians 11 -- all of it. After talking about women covering their heads with long hair and a veil, verse 16 clearly states that "we have no such custom, neither the churches of God." If you've already made up...

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Which of Latter-day Saint author Jana Riess' explanations for 'Why Are Mormon Church Meetings So Dull?' makes the most sense to you? I think our Sunday services are becoming too formulaic. There are standard lengths for talks and even prayers so that Sacrament Meeting can end on time and the next ward can begin on time. I've seen too many talks which are just a rehash of a talk by a General Authority instead of original research on the assigned topic. And I'm saddened by the need for assigned topics. I would that the body of...

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Mormons, how do you reconcile John 4:24? God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The same verse says that God is spirit and believers must worship God in spirit. Somehow I don't think this means that God is a personage of spirit anymore than 1 John 4:8 (God is love) means that God is literally composed of love (as opposed to love being one of his attributes or characteristics).

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Are there any missionaries on this site that have gone to scary places? What kind of scary do you want? I served a full-time proselytizing mission for my sect, and as a missionary, I went to very scary places. There was one neighborhood (Amarais) where at least two people a day were killed by stray bullets in the gang war going on at the time. Bullets got closer to me than I'll ever admit to my family. I was in another city (Braganca Paulista) infested with mass...

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Does the Mormon church go door to door and along streets often. Do they have a schedule they must keep to every week? Proselytizing missionaries try to find proselytes. This involves finding, teaching, and baptizing people. Full-time missionaries are to do missionary work from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM with the exception of a "preparation day" (time to write letters, do shopping, laundry, and any recreational activities). On a "P Day", missionaries are only expected to work from 4 to 9:30. Additionally, missionaries...

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my recipe calls for both butter and shortening both half a cup, should i just use one cup of butter or will that make my cookies too flat? Butter and shortening behave differently. Butter has better flavor but a lower melting point. Shortening holds its shape longer so the dough can set before it melts away. In pie crusts, shortening makes for a flakier crust, and I'd imagine a similar effect in these cookies. If you're looking for flavor, use butter-flavored shortening which has both advantages.

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If you were making a bisque,what main ingredient would you use ? Bisque is traditionally made with shell fish. The shells are fried up with aromatics, then broth is added to the party and the whole thing (including the shells) are blended until smooth. Cream is added towards the end.

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I am a Catholic and I can't understand: Why is it so appalling that Mormons ask their investigators to pray about the Book of Mormon? Some critics of Mormonism claim that the results of such a prayer is unreliable. People can convince themselves of an answer then their minds create a confirmation of what they want to believe, almost a type of self-hypnosis. As a missionary, some "investigators" (potential converts) thought praying about the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon was akin to asking the Christian God if Zeus is...

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TRUE OR FALSE: Emma Smith never joined the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka "RLDS Church"). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emma_Smith Emma Smith did not unite with any Latter Day Saint organizations during the succession crisis, but sustained her son Joseph Smith III as Prophet in 1860 when he founded what is now known as The Community of Christ. Emma was not rebaptized since the new organization recognized her 1830 baptism as being valid.

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LdS Guard to an evangelizing Christian on Temple Square: "You are not allowed to talk about Jesus on Church property" Thoughts? I doubt the alleged interaction ever happened. All we have is the testimony of an anonymous person as told to another anonymous person. Not very convincing. More likely, if the interaction ever took place, "Allen" was told he was not allowed to proselytize on Temple Square. There's a difference between proselytizing (trying to convert someone) and talking about Jesus. There's also a question...

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Is baptism required for salvation? If none of my selections match your faith, please tell me where I am off. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe that all those who die before reaching the age of accountability are automatically saved. Baptism is required for Exaltation for those who have reached the age of accountability. We perform proxy baptisms for those who died without an opportunity to receive this ordinance while they were alive. It is then up to the...

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LDS how do you deal with the fact that the Jesus of LDS is a product of an incest relation between your god and his spirit daughter Mary? LdS theology does NOT dictate that sex took place between God and Mary in order to produce Jesus' physical body.

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MORMONS and ExMORMONS: Given the following categories, which do you MOST identify with? While I like to hold to the rod, I can't identify myself as a Chapel Mormon. Just because something is said at the weekly worship services does not mean it's the gospel truth. Likewise, I don't categorize all critics as "anti-Mormon" out-of-hand.

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MORMONS AND EX-MORMONS: Is the www.PatriarchalBlessing.net website legitimate or a spoof of LdS Patriarchal Blessings? Mister IT, I think your question is a bit disingenuous; you knew full well it is a spoof, but wanted a way to share the site on Answer Bag.

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LdS: Are you Trinitarian? Depends on how you define "Trinity". According to dictionary.com, the Trinity is "the union of three persons (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost) in one Godhead, or the threefold personality of the one Divine Being." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints certain;y preaches that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three Persons who constitute the one Godhead....

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Do you think it odd that the LdS Church Handbook of Instructions isn't available to the general public or the general church membership? Sorry, this was meant as a comment.

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John Larsen observes that there are FAR more "liberal-and-closeted unbelieving" than "conservative-and-true believing" Mormons. Is he right? I think that's an unfair grouping. Liberal does not mean "unbelieving" any more than being conservative means one is "true believing". Also, by very definition, it's hard to determine who's a closet disbeliever. I am fairly liberal among my Mormon friends, but I can hardly be counted as unbelieving (open or closeted).

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Do you think it odd that the LdS Church Handbook of Instructions isn't available to the general public or the general church membership? You bring up two issues: availability of the handbook for public perusal and copyright protection. The Handbook of Instructions contains _current_ policies and helps for bishoprics, stake presidencies, and mission presidents. Its contents should not be mistaken for doctrine or dogma. However, releasing it to the public (even just selling it in a bookstore) would give the false impression of...

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Should Joseph Smiths First Vision be accepted and believed over all the nearly identical visions of the time that were rejected? Why? I've received a confirmation from the Holy Spirit of Joseph Smith Jr's calling as a Prophet; I haven't received any such confirmation regarding the others.

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The plural of octopus is two octopi. The plural of cactus is two cacti. Does the plural of Jesus happen to be two Jesi? The word "octopus" is derived from Greek, so "octupi" is just plain wrong. Changing -us to -i is for Latin-derived words (alumnus=>alumni, cactus=>cacti) There are two correct plural forms for "octopus": octopoda and octopuses.

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LdS: What does sustaining the prophets entail? What does being under authority actually mean? There are two distinct things called sustaining. Firstly, members vote to sustain people called to positions. This sustaining vote means that you accept the individual was duly called, you promise to accept their stewardship as it relates to that calling, and that you will aid them in fulfilling that calling. If you oppose that person receiving that calling, you can manifest it and share WHY...

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MORMONS: Is it true that no young person who admits to ever having masturbated and/or having premarital sex can go on a LdS Mission? Masturbation is a violation of the Law of Chastity. As such, one needs to repent of it before serving a full-time mission for the Church. In practice, it's closer to "don't ask, don't tell", and different leaders count masturbation with different degrees of gravity. Pre-marital sex is a more serious violation of the Law of Chastity and is grounds for excommunication or disfellowship. If a...

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Do LDS members do LSD? Aren't you clever for switching the abbreviation of a religious organization to form the abbreviation of a drug! Go pat yourself on the back . Seriously, use of illicit drugs is grounds for excommunication from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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LdS: Does the LdS church teach that the Holy Spirit is a god under the godhead or is he the divine presence of Heavenly Father? Yes. The term "Holy Spirit" can refer to the third member of the Godhead *OR* to the divine presence of the Father. The term "Holy Ghost" is used exclusively for the member of the Godhead.

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Mormons, TRUE OR FALSE: the modern LdS Church is 'lacking one of the evidences of the true faith' since it no longer speaks in tongues. The Bible has two kinds of speaking in tongues. One was to speak in a tongue unknown to any man. The other type is for the speaker to talk in a tongue unknown to him, but is understandable by one of the listeners. Both forms require an interpreter to edify. Today in the Church we don't see much of the former type of tongues - it just doesn't seem to follow the level of reverence and decorum we...

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why can't they have a cup of coffee when a chocolate bar has the same amount of caffeine? Who says that caffeine is the reason coffee and tea are forbidden by the Word of Wisdom?

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Christian: is it appropriate to "thank God it's Friday" considering that "Friday" is the "day of Frigge" (Venus, a false Roman god)? The subtext is "Thanks, God, for helping me survive another work week". It has nothing to do with Venus or any other Pagan deities.

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TRUE OR FALSE: Because art comes from 'living on the edge', no artist can ever be truly great if they're Mormon - they'd be excommunicated. John Larsen obviously doesn't know much about what constitutes grounds for excommunication. What type of "art" would result in possible excommunication? Pornography and other erotica. "Art" which violates any covenants made in the temple. That leaves plenty of room for Mormons producing great art without fearing excommunication. John Larsen is showing a victim mentality common among former...

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If HAD to choose, I would far, far, FAR prefer to be a RLDS/Community of Christ Latter Day Saint than a Salt Lake City Mormon. Do you agree? I admit that I'm fairly ignorant about the RLDS, especially after they changed their name to The Community of Christ. I know how the RLDS got started and the initial trouble points they had with Brigham Young (and vice versa). I've also heard they canonized the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible, but now deny the historicity of The Book of Mormon. I've also heard they've opened up the...

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Why are church doors locked? My sect has a lay clergy. Our bishops have day jobs in the community - business men, janitors, mechanics, lawyers, scientists, etc. They do not live in the chapel, they are not supported financially by the Church. As such, our chapels are only open certain hours on certain days. Our chapels are not richly adorned. Very few have original paintings. Our ceilings aren't covered in gold-leaf. We...

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is it OK for a christian to buy luxury cars, Mansions and else??? The LOVE of money is said to be the root of all evil, not money itself. The Bible also cautions that where your treasure is, there also is your heart. Also, no man can serve two masters. What I think all that means is that your ultimate goal and primary focus should be on heaven. If you become obsessed with money, then money becomes your god. If you lie, cheat, and are otherwise dishonest in...

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Christian:Did you realize that Groundhog Day is a form of divination using animals? Should a Christian have any conversation of Grndhog Day? Groundhog Day is just a cultural remnant of our Pagan past. I don't personally know anyone who takes the prediction seriously. Do you also deny your children chocolate bunnies and eggs on Easter (named for a Pagan goddess) because of the Pagan origin of that tradition? Do you decorate a tree for Yule or hand out candy on Samhain (Halloween)?

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As a LDS missionary, how many families do you think you were personally involved with splitting up? I was NOT involved with any divorces. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does NOT counsel convert women to leave their unbelieving husbands unless an abusive relationship exists.

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THIS IS ONLY FOR CHRISTIANS THAT WENT TO COLLEGE In order for a university to be accredited, it must meet certain standards including how many credit-hours of English and science are required for graduation. If you want a religion-only education, go to seminary instead.

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Where can I get a copy or Manuscript Found, by Solomon Spaulding? I saw some for sell at the Deseret Books near Temple Square.

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What are the MINIMUM defining characteristics of "true" Christianity. A true Christian must: 1. Believe that Jesus is the Christ 2. Try to follow the teachings of Jesus

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What are the qualifications/eligibility requirements for being made a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood? There are different requirements to obtaining the Judaic Aaronic Priesthood and the Aaronic Priesthood held by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Under the Law of Moses, the tribe of Levi was made corban. They did not receive an inheritance of land, but were to minister unto all the children of Israel. All males of the tribe of Levi were eligible for the Levitical Priesthood, but...

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LDS: Can the LDS Aaronic priesthood prove (through DNA or historical record) its direct descent from Aaron required, by the Old Testament? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not pretend that the modern Aaronic Priesthood is limited to the direct descendants of Aaron. How the sacrifice of Christ opened up the Aaronic Priesthood to all males (much how the temple veil was rent, allowing all worthy believers into the temple ), except the descendants of Cain,l is beyond my understanding. The modern Aaronic Priesthood...

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Christians: What does the word Elohim mean and who does it refer to? Nivek is correct that the word "Elohim" is plural for "Eloah". It is often translated as God, as in the Creation story (then Elohim said, Let us make man in our own image). Some Christians don't like it because it is tainted with polytheism.

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The producers of 'Proposition 8: The Mormon Proposition' argue that the the barrier between LdS Church and the state was breached. Thoughts? The separation of church and state (a phrase not found in the U.S. Constitution) states the Government is forbidden to exalt any religion or church above any others (eg. no special favors nor undue persecutions). The Government is also forbidden from stopping people from peaceably practicing their religion of choice. The real question is did The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints...

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Christian: are you more comfortable asking someone to "come to church" or to "come to Christ"? Why? It's more comfortable inviting someone to church than to come to Christ, because it's a much smaller commitment. Hopefully at church, the guest will be touched by the Holy Spirit which will ask them to come to Christ.

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What year did God create Adam& Eve? The only way to truly answer this is that the world was created in 1 Anno Mundi, which translates to "the first year of the world". Different traditions place 1 A.M at different years in the Julian calendar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anno_Mundi

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What is the most creative method of making sure mormons no longer knock on your door? The mission of full-time missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to bring souls unto Christ through baptism. It is the mission of lay members to help the converts grow spiritually and stay on the straight and narrow. Missionaries do not want to waste their time with people who will never join the Church. Just politely tell them you are not interested, and they...

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Just who IS the ROCK in scripture? Jesus Christ, the church, or the gospel? Got scripture?...use it please. There's not enough information in the question to give a definitive answer. In Matthew 16:13-20, The Twelve are with Jesus saying how the people think Jesus is this Prophet or that come back. Jesus asks, "But whom say ye that I am?" Simon declares Jesus to be "the Christ, the Son of the living God." And Jesus answered and said unto him, "Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood...

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MORMONS: The most recent DNA research discredits the remaining LdS Apologist arguments. Now what? I cannot endorse any of the choices you offered. The science explained by Southerton should not be possible without the number of genes doubling per generation; some genetic information (half to be precise) from each parent is lost. Different offspring may inherit different parts of the DNA, so that if a couple had a sufficiently large number of offspring, then the parents' DNA could be...

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ExMormon Christians will you be adding your testimony to the new http://exmormonstestify.com website? And please tell us why or why not. Must you promote a hateful site?

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Being a christian does not automatically make you a decent human. Do you agree? It depends on the word "Christian" as used in the question. Being baptized into a Christian sect doesn't change one's demeanor, values, or morals. Thus, being a "Christian" (member of a Christian sect) doesn't mean the person is a decent human. A true Christian - one who is converted to the Gospel - strives to live a goodly life.

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what happened to the original manuscripts of the New Testament? The manuscripts which have become our Bible were written dozens of centuries ago. The originals have perished. Most (if not all) the first copies have also perished through use through the years. Wikipedia has an article listing New Testament papyri, and separate articles for most of them. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_New_Testament_papyri

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I believe Mormonism is based on complete lies. Prove me wrong. Can you tell me a plain and precious truth that has been lost from the bible? There is an old proverb warning about wrestling with pigs - you both get dirty, but the pig at least has fun doing it. There is another proverb saying you shouldn't cast your pearls before swine because they won't recognize their value and will trample them. I have nothing to gain by addressing your accusations. Your heart and eyes are closed, your mind made up. You will continue to attack and...

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ExMormons: What advice would you have for someone who's left the LdS Church, no longer believes, but is still wearing their Temple Garments? If you no longer believe, then dispose of the temple garments. They have no significance to you, and continuing to use them would be mocking true believers.

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TRUE OR FALSE: "Garments are the Mormon burqas - just worn on the inside." Couldn't you think of a more apt comparison? Habits are quite similar to burqas - both are religious clothing worn by women. However, burqa has a negative connotation because of its connection to Islam and the extremist terrorists it fosters. But, comparing LdS temple garments to habits wouldn't be as inflammatory as burqas. In either case, both men and women wear LdS temple garments; they...

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Why do the years run backwards in the OT? Is that counting down to Jesus's dying on the cross? One of the most pivotal moments in Christendom was the birth of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the Christian calendar was split into 2 eras: Before Christ (B.C.). Years before the birth of Christ were retroactively renumbered to be a countdown to this singular event. Anno Domini (A.D.). Anno Domini is Latin for "year of the Lord". 1 A.D. is the year calculated to be when Jesus turned 1. There is...

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Do i have to pay my tithing to the church? or can I donate it to charities in my city? like the homeless or animal shelters. Yes on both counts. In all major interviews (baptism, receiving the priesthood, going through the temple, annual tithing settlement) members are asked if they obey "the law of tithing" which means donating 10% of one's "increase" to the Church. This 10% is in addition to any donations you may make directly to charities (including the Church's fast offerings and humanitarian funds). The Church...

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MORMONS: If Christian scribes removed plain and precious truths from the Bible, why is the Jewish Tanakh the same as the OT? Where in our canon does it say that Christian scribes are the only ones to have removed plain and precious things from the Bible? When asking accusatory questions, make sure the premise of the accusation is correct. And what qualifies as "the same"? There are HUNDREDS of translations available in English alone. And if you're talking "original manuscripts" you have to specify which source...

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If the Book of Mormon can withstand examination/attack why doesn't the GA encourage Mormons to study the criticism & decide for themselves? It's actually a combination of some of the reasons / possibilities you listed. Many LdS are born into the Church and live on "borrowed faith" which would be shaken just by hearing some of the accusations, let alone trying to discern which points merit investigating and which are outright false. Many critics of the Church use educated speech and state opinions as fact. They cite sources many...

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Is there anywhere I can get a free quad or triple combination of lds scriptures, I already tried my local ward..... Quads only come with leather covers. They range from $35 for bonded leather up to $66 for genuine leather. That's a bit much to give away as a free gift. Triple Combinations are cheaper. $5 for an economy copy, $7 for a hard-cover, $20-40 for leather cover (depends on leather quality, text size, indexing, and other factors). http://www.ldscatalog.com Oh, you never mentioned your...

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How historically accurate do you think Gerald N. Lund's "The Work and the Glory" series is? I've read the series and enjoyed them. Of course most characters are fictional, and one such fictional family (the Steeds) is written to be in the thick of it all. If you go through period diaries, you will find stories similar to what the Steeds experienced (only some members converting to Mormonism, having to deal with the bank's collapse in Kirtland, etc).

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Can a mormon woman married to a Christian who is active in anti-mormon ministry get a temple recommend? I hate the implication that Mormons are not Christians. Why would a temple-worthy, active Latter-day Saint marry an anti-Mormon? Or better yet, why would an anti-Mormon marry an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? It makes no sense. In order to obtain a temple recommend, the candidate must have an interview with a member of the bishopric, then another interview...

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How is the official name of a Pope chosen? I believe that once a man is elected Pope, he choses his own papal name.

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Does R.L. Gardner's choice of death by firing squad prove that the LdS doctrine of Blood Atonement is still Mormon doctrine? It's been asked before what constitutes LdS doctrine. How prevalent must a belief be before it's considered "doctrine"? The title of "doctrine" is reserved for official teachings of the Church; it does not include urban legends (such as "Big Foot" really being Cain) or even widely-held opinions (caffeine is against the Word of Wisdom). We've also discussed "blood atonement", though the article...

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MORMONS: Why does the Book of Mormon declare that there is only one God yet the Doctrine and Covenants teaches there are many gods? There is only one God, but many gods. One God who is our Father in heaven whom we worship in the name of Jesus. Many gods - individuals who have progressed to godhood but have no bearing on us or our Salvation.

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Mormons, can you honestly answer, correctly, all questions to receive your "Temple Recommend"? I find your wording offensive. I also find that you have already come to your own conclusions and no answer will sway your mind. LdS temples are not Joseph's houses. They are the house of the Lord. Therein we learn about and worship God; they are not dedicate to Joseph Smith Jr or the worship thereof. You are not set apart as a judge in Israel and we do not fall under your stewardship....

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MORMONS: Why does D&C128:5;17-18 contradict the rest of LdS Scripture regarding baptism as a requirement for salvation? This is a typical strategy of an anti-Mormon (which is unlike you, Mister IT). You twist the Scriptures to fit your preconceived notions. D&C 128 states that baptism for the dead was institutionalized to afford this sacrament to those who died without the opportunity of receiving it in this life. Baptism is required for Salvation by those who reach the age of accountability. Luke 23 contains...

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T/F: "When you reject someone's baptism...and insist on proselyting them into your church, you are rejecting their Christianity." Baptism is an outward sign of an inner conversion (being born again) to the Gospel. It is also a sacrament and covenant to strive to live according to Jesus' teachings. Finally, it is often the means by which an individual becomes an official member of a specific sect. Most Christian sects do not recognize baptisms performed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (even though they...

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who do you think is the most influential person? celeb or not Probably the founder of one of the largest religions. Between 29% and 32% of the world's population is Christian. Between 19% and 21% are Muslim. Between 7% and 21% are Buddhist. More than half the world's population belongs to one of the Abrahamic religions, so I'll have to nominate the Patriarch Abraham as the most influential person (excluding Father Adam, of whom there is no external...

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Wilford Woodruff diary: "...forced abstainance was not making us free but we should be under bondage with a yoak upon our necks." Thoughts? I am not familiar with that source and refuse to go to an anti-Mormon site to learn more. Therefore, my answer is based on the paragraph you quoted. The revelation which was to become D&C 89 was received in 1833 not by way of commandment, but as a word of wisdom. There was some dispute regarding coffee and tea, since the revelation just mentions "hot drinks". In September 1851, Brigham Young...

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are Mormon wives allowed to work?my boyfriends mom doesnt and shes mormon i was wondering if shes allowed to in case me and him get serious. Each family's situation is different, so there is no hard and fast rule. Generally, the Church strongly encourages a parent to be home with the kids (especially younger ones). My own mother gave piano lessons from our home. That way she was available if needed, but was able to supplement my dad's income. One of my sisters-in-law works as a cafeteria worker so she is done with work when her...

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Do you consider yourself to be Calvinist, Arminian, Amyraldian, or other? I'm not interested in answers by non-believers. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is the largest sect within the Mormon denomination.

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MORMONS: Why are members of the LdS Church counseled to stay away from critics? (from a Mormon friend who is still a member) You need to distinguish between anti-Mormons and critics of the Church. I agree that Mormons should avoid anti-Mormon materials. Truths, half-truths, and lies are blended so well that it takes real effort to discern the truth. Many sources cited are not readily available except from anti-Mormon sources, so it is near impossible to verify they haven't been tampered with or taken out of...

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TRUE OR FALSE: Bruce R. McConkie's classic book "Mormon Doctrine" was taken out of print by the LdS Church due to low sales. First it should be noted that Deseret Book used to publish _Mormon Doctrine_; it was not directly published by the Church. It is the same distinction as articles being printed in the Church-owned newspaper Deseret News not being published directly by the Church. Secondly, the first edition of _Mormon Doctrine_ contained over a thousand doctrinal errors (as found by the First Presidency and...

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Even faithful LdS Therapists acknowledge the validated benefits of masturbation. So why does the LdS Church still dogmatically condemn it? Mister_IT - my computer is still without sound (Ubuntu doesn't recognize the onboard sound card), so I cannot listen to the podcast. The Law of Chastity forbids all sexual acts outside the bonds of marriage. This means that singles are expected to control their sexual appetites (including abstaining from masturbation). However, married couples can enjoy mutual masturbation as they see fit....

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Richie T the 'Fresh Faced Mormon Producer' was disfellowshipped from the LdS Church for doing 'The Provo Push' ONCE. Was this fair & just? Even being a life-long member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and having deep Utah roots (my ancestors walked to Deseret), I had never heard of "The Provo Push". I am also interested in the source for the claim that such behavior is rampant among LdS in Provo. The Church condemns all sexual activity except that between husband and wife. This includes viewing pornography,...

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TRUE or FALSE: The Word of Wisdom is REALLY nothing more than a "marker" for "who's in" and "who's out" of the sociological group "Mormon". "The Word of Wisdom" has multiple meanings. It can refer to D&C 89 verbatim which is only a "word of wisdom" (eg. not a commandment per se, just good advice with promises if you follow it), portions of D&C89 and official interpretation which were turned into commandments (you must follow these in order to receive the Sacraments), or what the common Mormons believes the Word of Mormon is (goes...

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Do Mormons have to watch reruns of Battlestar Galactica? Just because the creator of a work is LdS, or a presentation has LdS actors, or a sports team has an LdS player (or coach), does mean they automatically get my support. I haven't seen a full episode of Battlestar Galactica. I am not caught up in the Twilight books or movies. I don't enjoy the music the Osmonds produced (The Next Generation is even worse). I don't listen to The Mormon...

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How many times has the Bible been modified? Why ? It depends. The Bible per se didn't exist until the fourth century. Prior to that each congregation could choose which books to include in their canon. So, do you include changes to individual books within our current Bible prior to their being a single Bible? What constitutes a change? The Bible has been translated thousands of times into different languages. Sometimes different translators...

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Is it a good idea to have a weekday Sunday School program? I don't think a weekday Bible class should be compulsory, but can provide spiritual strength to those who actively participate.

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What criteria must be met in order for an individual and/or group to legitimately be called by, or use the name/label/title 'Mormon'? I probably use a more inclusive definition than most. A Christian is someone who believes Jesus is the Christ and tries to live accordingly. A "Mormon" is a Christian who also accepts the Book of Mormon as divine Scripture and tries to live accordingly.

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TRUE OR FALSE: The onus is on the Mormon Church to support the claims of the realities of Mormonism. Do you realize what a tall order that is? To empirically prove that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the one and only true Church means to disprove every other church. If we even attempt that, we will make too many enemies and lose the moral high road (we currently don't target specific sects when we talk of the Great Apostasy). We would also undermine any good that other...

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Christians Jesus said to go into all the world and preach the Gospel but... I spent two years preaching the Lord Jesus in Brazil. I was called every name imaginable, had things thrown at me, and was threatened with a gun. On the other hand, I helped over 50 people develop a personal relationship with the Christ. I saw people turn their lives around - giving up vices, learning to be better parents, etc. I even baptized a few dozen individuals. You must look at both...

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MORMONS: Mormonism compared to mainstream Christianity is analogous to . . . I chose the difference between black & white vs color tv, though the difference between DVD & Blu-ray might be more accurate. Mainstream Christianity has many good and true doctrines. The mainstream sects help people live good lives. However, through additional Scripture, a living Prophet, and the Priesthood, Mormonism offers a fuller, clearer perspective (for those adherents seeking truth and...

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I donated 20+ thousand dollars to a church I was apart of when I was 18. Can they accept it? In the United States of America, 18 is considered an adult. An 18-year old can enter into legally binding contracts. That seems like a huge sum for someone who is 18. I hadn't even earned $20k by the time I reached adulthood. Did you decide on that figure or was it passed down by the leader? Once you make a gift, you lose control over how it is used and you can't demand that it be returned....

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Do you support the Request for Financial Transparency in the LDS Church Petition? The Church has multiple sources of income. The Church also has multiple sub-entities - some for-profit, others non-profit. I feel that some aspects should be disclosed - especially the funds coming from tithing / fast-offerings and those spent in the non-profit endeavors. Money from individuals towards specific projects can be excluded (such as the private donations to construct new buildings...

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Mormon Scholars have identified over 400 splinter groups over Mormonism's 180-yr history. If the LdS Church is true why all the schisming? I was unaware that there were that many Mormon splinter groups; I thought it was closer to 200. Oh well, c'est la vie. Does the fact that Protestantism split from Catholicism make Catholicism any more (or any less) valid? All it means is that some people disagreed with the Catholic Church over *something* and started their own groups. Likewise, when certain individuals believed that The Church...

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LDS: What is your position on birth control? Thank you The official answer is that birth control is okay in prevention, but if your preventative methods fail, don't get an abortion. Personally, looking over some of the comments on Answer Bag, I wish birth control was more popular a generation ago...

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TRUE OR FALSE: "Character assassination is a True Believing Mormon's only defense against the truth." That's a loaded question. It strongly implies that the truth is something avoided (maybe even hated or feared) by Mormons. Jesus taught the truth shall set you free (John 8:32). Joseph Smith Jr taught that "The glory of God is intelligence, or in other words, light and truth" (D&C 93:36). Does it sound like Mormons shun the truth or hide from it? Character assassination does not change the...

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Christians only: what's the difference between astronomy and astrology? Which is prohibited by Scripture? Astrology is studying the sky to predict the future. Horoscopes are often based on astrology. Astronomy is the scientific study of stars, planets, and other heavenly bodies. Astrology is forbidden by Scripture, as is palmistry and other forms of soothsaying.

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POLL: The South Park episode, "All About The Mormons" was . . . South Park is known to be irreverent towards EVERYTHING. Why should Mormonism be any different? What is offensive to me, as a TBM, is other people's reaction to the Mormon-related episodes. South Park is a parody, yet people think we actually believe the stuff portrayed therein. Anti-Mormons taunted us with the chorus of "dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb" believing they were quite clever. People...

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Mormon couples worldwide should be able to have a public, civil marriage w/out ANY Temple Sealing penalties/restrictions after that. Agreed? In The United States of America, "sealers" for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have authority to perform weddings recognized by the civil government. This generally is not the case in other countries, so couples must first be civilly married, then be sealed within the temple. The "penalty" which this petition wishes to abolish is a 1 year waiting period after the civil marriage...

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How much, and what, does the pope have power over? The Pope is the world-wide leader of The Roman Catholic Church. He is also the political leader of Vatican City -- the world's smallest country.

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a fact to all christians mohamed is the false prophet and the holy number of the quran is 666 as every muslim know`s it !?!? Since this question deals with Islam, it should be in that subsection of Answerbag and not the Christian. Secondly, how do you derive 666 from the Quran? Thirdly, what makes you think that Mohammad is the anti-Christ spoken of in the Revelation of St. John?

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In your opinion, which of these expert's selections for "the crowning jewel of Mormonism" is the best one? All of the above EXCEPT polygamy.

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Mormons, when asked "Are you saved?" and your reply is "Yes, I am saved". What does that mean to you? What does it mean "I am saved"? When a mainstream Christian asks if I'm saved, I answer him according to my understanding of what "saved" means to him. In other words, I'll answer that I've found Jesus and have been born again (a desire to avoid sin and follow Jesus' commandments).

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Which historian\\\'s case for the Mormon motivation for the Mountain Meadows Massacre murders is correct? 1. Brigham Young did N0T order the massacre. Unfortunately his messenger arrived too late. 2. The purpose of the attack was not to plunder the caravan, but in an attempt to hide their deeds, local members plundered the caravan's goods. 3. There was more of an environment of violence than a culture. The US Army was marching against Utah. The Mormons didn't want to leave yet another home (after...

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Who on earth has done the most to discern, determine and drive the modern LdS Church's Theology and Doctrine? I'll write out my opinion first, then see which answer most closely fits ;) All new doctrine and policies must come from the General Authorities - specifically the Prophet (meaning the President of the Church). That part is a given. Also, all new doctrine must be voted on by the membership of the Church (eg. by common consent). This is also a given. So, I think the real question is what...

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I dont know what to do. Should I wear my bra over or under my lds garments? I feel weird wearing it over. But i dont want to feel guilty. You are feeling false guilt. If you know anything about the Gospel, you know God takes into account our desires and intents. If you have not been instructed about over or under, then do what you think is best. While going through temple prep with my bishop, he never mentioned whether regular underwear should go over or under the temple garments. As a guy growing up the tropics, the temple...

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Why is Jesus called “the Amen”? As I understand it, "amen" means "let it be done". God did / does all his work (the Creation, the Atonement, etc) through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the verb, the doer.

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CHRISTIANS: Do you agree with Mary, Mother of Christ, having being sealed to the Mormon god in Celestial Marriage via proxy baptism in 2009? As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am shocked. Firstly, I am shocked because as I understand it, ordinances for everyone born before the year 1500 have to be screened first to avoid duplication and to verify information. A record with the name "Mary, Mother of Jesus" from the first century A.D. should have raised red flags. Secondly, Mary lived during the time...

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Do you agree with the Reformed LDS Church/Community of Christ's revelation/policy change that new members no longer must be rebaptized? It all depends on what baptism means. In my view, baptism serves two purposes. It's an outward sign of an inner rebirth - a desire to follow Jesus and sin no more. Furthermore, if performed by one with proper authority and the recipient is truly repentant it washes away sins. Nothing can take away the fact that a person has accepted Jesus. One doesn't need to re-accept Jesus just because the...

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Christians: Does it bother you when someone claiming to be a Christian spells God,G-d or fails to capitalize Jesus and God? I can understand /why/ some people omit the "o" in God, but I don't agree with it. If you wish to reverence Deity by not using his name in vain, then use one of his other titles (Lord, Almighty, Heavenly Father, Creator, etc). As for lack of capitalization, I'm afraid it's a product of the texting generation. Text-speak in general in forums bother me. This isn't Twitter where you're limited to...

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'...it never ceases to amaze me how gullible some of our Church members are...' Harold B. Lee (11th President of the LdS Church) Thoughts? The quote in full context is accurate and truthful. The attention-grabbing snippet used as the title is misleading. So many Mormons believe everyone else is as honest as they themselves are. This is why so many scams are rampant in areas with large Mormon populations. If the Elders Quorum President is involved then it must be God's one true way to financial freedom! Hmm, this door-to-door loan...

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Christians: what event inaugurated the new testament? When does the Bible say that the old testament ended and the new began? A testament is a covenant or legal agreement. The Old Testament required blood sacrifice and was very exacting. The New Testament is between us and Jesus, and took effect with his Atonement. We are now to sacrifice a broken heart and contrite spirit. The New Testament section of the Bible begins with the annunciation of the coming of the Messiah.

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Christians only: Can you name any five writers of books (or of chapters within a book like Psalms) in the Bible? Please list their books. Moses is credited with writing the first five books of the Old Testament. Some also suspect he wrote the book of Job. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John the Beloved each have a gospel named for them in the New Testament. Additionally, Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles; John wrote some general epistles and the Revelation of St. John. St. Paul is the most prolific author in the New Testament....

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Do you think passover is important to keep? Why or Why not? please explain through scriptures only. It's nearly impossible to answer this question if limited to just the Scriptures. The Children of Israel were commanded to commemorate the Passover to remind them on their reliance on the Lord. However, the New Testament states that Gentiles (non-Jews) are not bound by the Law of Moses (this was decided with the issue of circumcision). Is observance of the Jewish Passover part of the Law of...

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mac and cheese is my favorite food.do you have another recipie which would make my favorite food taste better? Experiment with other smooth-melting cheeses. Stir in small cubes of cheese just before baking so you have nuggets of melted cheese. Add vegetables and / or protein. Add a little tomato paste and splash of vinegar for a new twist.

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Is walking into cirilla's (a sex shop) and buying a vibrator, a sin? Is having and using a vibrator a sin? Sex should be limited to being just between husband and wife. If neither partner is coerced, then I ask why not?

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I'm Baptist (18yrs) & met a Mormon serving his Mission (20yrs) who is currently pursuing me romantically. Is this against Mormon rule? Missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are forbidden from dating or pursuing romantic interests for the duration of their service (2 years for young men, 18 months for ladies). This is clearly spelled out in their Missionary Handbook. Also, missionaries are to be with their "companion" (assigned preaching partner) except for a few situations (bathing, using the...

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Do mainstream Mormons really know there own Doctrine and History? Or do they just accept what ever the current President says? You quoted my answer in the question, so I'm obviously going to agree with myself ;) I thank you for providing a positive choice for this poll which offers opposition to your presumptions. There are multiple ways to understand your phrase of "mainstream Mormons". Firstly, it may refer to the Mormon sect most like mainstream Christianity -- The Community of Christ (formerly The Reorganized...

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Are there any religions that believe that your next life is decided by your sins and virtues in this life? This is asked in the Christian section, so I'll state that no Christian denomination I know of believes in reincarnation (eg. multiple mortal existences), so the simple answer to your question is no. Delving deeper, all Christian denominations I know of talk of either a reward or punishment in the next life based on this life. The criteria for escaping hell varies from denomination to...

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Are Mormon men and women now being encouraging to finish their college degree and court for at least 12-months prior to getting engaged? I have not heard anything specific on this topic. The Church has always encouraged getting as good an education as is afforded you. However, I've never heard encouragement from official sources saying we should complete our education before beginning courtship in earnest. When I was a student (admittedly a decade ago) the Church was strongly encouraging courtship and marriage among college...

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Some LDs writers have said that a settlement in southern Arabia named NHM is the Nahom of the Book of Mormon. Is it? I am extremely hesitant to believe any claims that a particular Book of Mormon site has been identified. As a TBM I believe the Book of Mormon to be true, BUT any time an LdS writer associates an archaeological site as being connected to the Book of Mormon, if that claim is disproved many critics take it as evidence against the Book of Mormon itself. As such, I will only lend credence if the...

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Did Jesus kill Mohammed, as one Green Beret iterpreter claimed? Mohammed lived hundreds of years after Jesus. Jesus didn't kill Mohammed.

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As mainstream Christians are we like Pharisees be going beyond God's Word requiring everyone to accept the Trinity for salvation? Christianity should be defined by belief that Jesus is the Christ - that he Atoned for our sins. Anything beyond that is fine as a requirement for membership in a given sect, but should not be applied to all Christendom.

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TRUE or FALSE: "Mormons are taught to shun people who do not share their beliefs, including other family members" I would have chosen 100% false, but the question is about all Mormons and not limited to just LdS. The accusations raised against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the ex-Mormon site (and cited in the question) simply are not true. They are so far removed from the truth I don't know where to begin exposing them. In the LdS Church we have multiple spheres of stewardship and...

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Why don't Mormons answer questions about the faith, with truthful answers? You presume too much. You assume that all answers given by TBMs on Answer Bag are not truthful. You assume you know our doctrine better than we LdS do. The fact is that TBMs do answer truthfully and honestly here - even if you don't like the answer. You lose argument after argument and declare yourself the winner. You say that Joseph Smith lied and is a fraud, but those labels better apply to...

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MORMONS: Why is the order of creation in the Temple Endowment ceremony unlike that depicted in LDS Standard Works? The Bible contradicts itself on the order of Creation, too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genesis_creation_myth Genesis 1:1 - 2:3 Day 1: World is organized; Light separated from darkness Day 2: Heaven and earth separated Day 3: Water separated from the land; plant-life is created Day 4: Lights appear in the heavens Day 5: Aquatic life and birds created Day 6: Land animals created; Man created...

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Is it possible to be critical of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon (pointing out historical inaccuracies), without being an Anti-Mormon? The definition of anti-Mormon is asked here almost as much as the definition of Christian. Also open to interpretation is the word critical. What sets Mormonism apart from other Christian denominations is the acceptance of Joseph Smith Jr as a true prophet, and the status of the Book of Mormon as Scripture. To attack either is an attack on Mormonism. This is not to deny the fallibility and...

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MORMONS: How could Peter have given a handshake to Adam, since Peter did not yet have a body at the time of Adam? Mister IT, you know that the Endowment ceremony is considered sacred to Latter-day Saints. You know it is only realized in authorized temples where only members in good standing are permitted. You also know that recipients covenant not to disclose the specifics of temple ceremonies. Yet you post a transcript of a dialog allegedly from said Endowment ceremony. You make vulgar (common-place,...

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When you were at the Mormon church, were there members who turned out to have anger issues and hard to get along with? If you have any group of significant size, there will be members with anger management issues. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often erroneously called the Mormon church) has over 13 million members world-wide (exact number will be announced at General Conference tomorrow). D&C 1:30 calls this the only "church upon the face of the whole earth, with which I, the Lord, am well...

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Is Jesus the same as Jehovah? My sect (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) believes that Jesus is Jehovah. Yet we still believe that Jesus is the Son of God, to whom we've applied the title-name of Elohim. Jesus (Jehovah) created this world under the direction of his Father (Elohim). The Bible tells us not to take the name of the Lord in vain, so we generally follow the Jewish tradition of substituting other...

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LDS Who came first, God or man? This is an easy one for you. There is no reason to have God and the LDS God as separate answers, since they are one and the same. All you care about is spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) about Mormonism. You perpetuate lies and half-truths to destroy the sect you feel wronged you. As to your question, you asked it of LDS, so I'll answer from an LdS perspective. God is our Heavenly Father. His eldest spirit...

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"Labeling someone an 'Anti-Mormon' when they in fact love Mormons borders on bearing false witness." (Ron Rhodes) Thoughts? I have encountered very few anti-Mormons who I think love Mormons in general (several anti-Mormons may show love towards their Mormon relatives). Or I should say they didn't leave enough evidence of their "love" in order to convict them of loving Mormons. For better or for worse, "anti-Mormon" means "anti-Mormonism", so labeling someone who fights against Mormonism as "anti-Mormon" is...

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MORMONS: Since the Reformation WAS in fact a Restoration why was Joseph Smith's LDS Restoration needed? A Joseph Smith style Restoration was needed because the Reformation was using dead manuscripts in lieu of living revelation. Also, how was the Priesthood to be restored, if not through an angelic messenger?

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I thinking about trading in my Choose The Right (CTR) ring for a What Would Zelph Do (WWZD) ring? Should I? Why look to a man when deciding what's right and wrong? Choose the right by following the Holy Spirit.

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MORMONS: The new documentary "The Bible v. Joseph Smith" is garnering a lot of buzz. Please tell us what you thought of your free copy. More of the standard anti-Mormon stuff...

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Why is it that of the MANY who claimed to be the Christ [Anointed One], Jesus, is the ONLY One who has endured the centuries? The Emperor Constantine made Christianity the state sponsored religion, so being Christian had political advantages. Then, in the Dark Ages, the Christian Church persecuted non-believers, Witch hunts, the Inquisition, etc.

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Should a license be required to become Christian? The civil government cannot regulate such matters. Individual sects and denominations don't have that authority either. At most, a religious organization (congregation or sect) can set up its list of requirements for membership. Being Christian has more to do with being born again than having membership in any religious organization.

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True or False? "Mormons are under a significant amount of stress because of all the commandments {and duties} they need to uphold." There is a grain of truth to that assessment. Jesus commanded his followers to "be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in Heaven is perfect." Mormons believe that neither God nor Jesus command the impossible. Ergo perfection should be possible. Some Mormons feel an undue stress whenever they fall short of perfection. They feel the Atonement of Christ applies to others, but fear they have...

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Would this dress be okay to wear to a bar/ bat mitzvah if i cover my shouders? its for my friends bar mitvah. if this isnt okay, any suggetions? Um, you're asking about a bar mitzvah in a Catholic forum? I thought was a Jewish coming of age ceremony. Wear something you'd be comfortable wearing to your church services. The dress at the link would probably be well-received. If you're not sure, ask your Jewish friend, as it's her party.

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MORMONS: How (or is) is a testimony of The Restoration different than a testimony of Joseph Smith and the LdS Church? When talking with Mormons about THE Restoration, we associate it with Joseph Smith's First Vision, the translation and publication of The Book of Mormon, Joseph receiving the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods, the founding of The Church of Jesus Christ (later renamed The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and the introduction of the temple ceremonies. These are inseparably...

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"A block of solid gold the size of the golden plates would weigh about 200 pounds" (New Era Feb 2006, pp.34–37) How did Smith lift them? The New Era is published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is geared towards youth of the Church (ages 12-18). However, like the other Church magazines, the content is not first approved by a General Authority. Each magazine has a staff and editors to weed out errors, but most articles don't hold much doctrinal weight. In this particular article, youth were making replicas...

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Mormons, Does reconciliation even EXIST in your faith? If so, then why does Andie and Doug act like they've not even heard of it? So, because you found one example of two Mormons acting in a non-Christian manner you assume (assume = ass + u + me) that Mormonism is not Christian? What is the Atonement (atonement = at+one+ment) if not reconciliation between sinner and God?

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"The longer I was in Mormonism the more I was consumed with things other than God. Since I've left I've never been closer to Him." Thoughts? So, just because a minority of people lose God while Mormon and find Him after leaving, this disproves that Mormonism is Christian? There seems to be a disconnect in there somewhere.

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How does this Babylon the Great sit on these seven mountains as mentioned at Revelation 17 to 18? What does it all mean? Babylon is often used as an allegory of worldliness. Someone else has already mentioned that Rome is known as the city of seven hills.

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i have a question for christians but opinions welcome We all fall short of perfection, so we're all going to hell. However, because of Jesus' Atonement we can free ourselves from the eternal effects of sin should we truly repent and accept Jesus' yoke. As to if this or that is a sin, ask yourself if you believe that it's against the Almighty's desire. Would God approve of such? Be honest with yourself in these two questions.

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MORMONS: What do you think of the Church's recent movement toward reconciliation with the Catholic Church? I am not aware of any recent reconciliatory movement between these two sects. Catholicism still doesn't recognize baptisms performed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Mormonism will never recognize the Catholic Church's priesthood. Sure, the sects are friendly (the LdS Church even uses the Catholic Church's charities to distribute some donations), and LdS General...

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Is Vatican's accounts published? Why would the Vatican's accounts need to be published? Vatican City is a sovereign country. At best you could require the Catholic Church (and all religious organizations) to submit their accounts to the government of each country it desires tax-exempt status.

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When the bible contradicts secular law, which suggested course of action should be taken? Jesus once said render unto Cesar that which is Cesar's, and unto God that which is God's. Let civil authorities enforce civil laws. Let ecclesiastic authorities enforce religious laws over their adherents. Let ecclesiastic leaders be subject to civil laws. If I break a law of the land, I will be punished by civil authorities. Civil authorities cannot revoke my membership in the Church. If I...

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Which was the only Indus valley site to witness all three stages of development? What does this question have to do with Mormonism? I believe you're looking for an answer of Mehrgarh.

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What is the meaning of talking in Tongues? What benefit does it do for the body? There are two classifications of "speaking in tongues". One is prevalent in Pentecostal-type churches -- someone speaks in an unknown tongue which no one understands. Another can be found on the actual day of Pentecost. At Pentecost, foreigners were floored that Galileans were speaking in their tongues (eg. the Galileans were speaking foreign languages they didn't know, but which the foreigners...

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Do Protestants observe Lent? My sect (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) doesn't observe Lent, but in places where it is prevalent we offer camps for the youth to get them away from Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras / Carnival). In Brazil (where I served my mission) many people - both Catholic and not - follow Lent as its part of their cultural heritage.

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True or False: LDS Apologists are not real scholars. It depends on how broad a definition of apologist you use, and what you consider a "real scholar". To answer Joe Fraud, any apologist will use spin to promote his / her cause. Most recently it was discovered that most "peer reviewed" studies claiming global warming were not peer reviewed, and the modern climate was compared to the "Little Ice Age". Am I an apologist for defending Mormonism...

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"The differences between Christian denominations fade to nearly nothing when you compare them to Mormonism" Thoughts? It means that Mormonism is the most unique of the Christian denominations. That is to say that while most traits of Mormonism (including a restoration and exclusive worship services) can individually be found in other denominations, it's hard to find more than one or two in any given denomination.

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LDS:The doctrinal content of the Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint & Masoretic Text is consistent. Where's the corruption of the Great Apostasy? The Masoretic Text dates to 200 BC. The Dead Sea Scrolls date between 170 BC and 70 AD. The Septuagint was completed circa 170 BC. Do you note how close these sources are dated? Have you considered that some passages might have been corrupted prior to the 3rd century BC and these changes have persisted?

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If Israel is a holy land, why hasn't the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints built even a single temple there yet? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints builds temples where it has large numbers of members, There are not many LdS in Israel, excluding BYU Jerusalem. It is against Israel's laws for us to proselytize, so our numbers are not likely to grow there. Also, we need government approval in order to construct religious buildings.

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Cultural Mormonism appears to be a growing and expanding movement within the LdS Church. Why? Mormons tend to have large families. Mormons tend to congregate to areas which have other Mormons. In such places (such as "Happy Valley"), being Mormon is a cultural thing. Youths aren't forced to make the life-altering decision on which life path to follow - it's very easy to mindlessly go through the motions. Too many never develop their own testimonies.

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Why do Mormons not drink alcohol when God allows you to? Thanks. Psalms 104:15  The Doctrine and Covenants is a volume of revelations received by modern Prophets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Section 89 is known as the Word of Wisdom. The Word of Wisdom was "adapted to the capacity of the weak, and the weakest of all saints, who are or can be called saints." The Word of Wisdom forbids the common vices of alcohol, tobacco, and "hot drinks" (meaning...

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Can you give one example of Christian terrorism? Just one terrorist act committed in the name of Christianity. Lots of bad things have been done by people claiming to be Christian, or that their act was done in the name of Christianity. The Crusades, The Inquisition, the religious intolerance which drove the Pilgrims to the New World, the atrocities committed by the IRA, Hitler's genocide of the Jews, etc.

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What's your favorite Mormon joke? How do you know it's a Mormon wedding? The bride isn't pregnant, but her mother is!

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If a petition were started to discipline LdS Apostle Boyd K. Packer due to his long history of ecclesiastical abuse would you sign it? Despite its pro-Mormon sounding title, people need to know its true character. The express purpose of Mormon Alliance is to "identify and document ecclesiastical/spiritual abuse in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church)". Reading through the seven points used to define ecclesiastical and spiritual abuse, it all seems very ambiguous and almost always defined by...

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Did Joseph Smith commit adultery? Classic(R)ock addressed one aspect - Joseph Smith Jr was /sealed/ to many women whom he did not treat as temporal marriages. Instead, I ask what is adultery? Was Jacob (aka Israel) an adulterer for having children with two wives (plus concubines)? No, adultery is performing sexual acts with someone who is not one's spouse. One of the reasons for polygamy was to raise righteous seed unto the...

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"I don't appreciate you calling us a cult." Do you believe this is offensive, calling Mormonism a cult? Firstly, the text-book definition of cult (/any/ organized religion or religious organization) is not widespread. Most people use cult in a derogatory manner, using it on the likes of the Branch Davidians. Cultists (people who belong to a cult) are thought of as being isolationist, paranoid, engaged in mind control, and often have suicide pacts (don't drink the Kool-Aid!). Mormonism is not like...

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I believe that marriage is for life, my wife has abandoned our vowels but I don't believe in that, does anyone know of a support group?help OK, two people have pointed out the vowel vs vow typo (one quite humorously). If your wife has abandoned your wedding vows (I'm assuming you mean the one about forsaking all others), then I'm not sure you have much of a marriage to salvage. You may want to try marriage counseling or a couple's retreat, but the union isn't going to last unless both parties want it.

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how many lashes wash jesus given before being crusafied None of the four canonized gospels give a count; the closest is a phrase repeated multiple times of Pilate scourging Jesus. The Law of Moses had 40 lashes as the maximum (Deut 25:3), so it was tradition to deal out "40 lashes save 1" just to make sure the punisher *accidentally* surpassed what was allowed by law. This is evidenced by Paul telling the Corinthians that five times he received...

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Is President Barak Hussein Muhommad Obama a naturally born citizen in the United States of America with proof beyond the shadow of doubt? Barak Obama is already the President of the USA. His eligibility should have been verified at the same time McCain proved his status as being a "natural-born citizen". Challenging it now does nothing but further divide the nation. I highly doubt that Obama was born in Hawaii, but he was there by the age of 2. Birth certificates from Hawaii at the time only included the date / time of the birth...

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Is watching a church service on the internet blasphemy since there is so much pornography on the internet? Using your own logic, maybe I shouldn't read the Bible (a book) since there is so much smut in books. The internet is just a medium and technology, like movies, books, and radio. These are neither good nor evil per se, but individual content can be uplifting, neutral, or degrading.

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Joseph Smith did not adhere to the Word of Wisdom, do you? I see LDS who drink HOT chocolate (hot drink) and Pepsi (caffinated drink)??? How many times are you going to ask this same question??? Caffeine is officially not part of the Word of Wisdom. Multiple First Presidencies have made official statements that the Church has no official stance on caffeine.

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Is the Book of Mormon the Most accurate book on earth? Joseph Smith Jr told the brethren that the Book of Mormon is the most CORRECT book on earth. Correct and accurate have quite a bit of overlap, but they are not identical. The Bible is held as the infallible Word of God by mainstream Christianity, but there are literally tens of thousands of existent Christian sects. You use the fact that over 100 sects have used the Book of Mormon (fewer than...

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LDS, can you explain how Jesus and Heavenly Father are separate beings, one in purpose and reconcile MOSIAH 15? Obviously you don't understand Mormonism and our terminology. "God" can be used to refer to /any/ member of the Godhead (the Father, the Son, or the Holy Ghost). You must look at the context to determine who "God" in that passage is. LdS believe that Jesus is Jehovah. Jesus created the world under the direction of the Father. Jesus led the children of Israel to the Promised Land when they left...

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CHRISTIANS: Was the spirit of Joseph Smith (founder of Mormonism) the spirit of Antichrist spoken of in the Bible? Based on 1 John 4:2-3, I would contend that Joseph Smith Jr is not an anti-Christ, nor has the spirit of the anti-Christ. Joseph Smith Jr both confessed (KJV) and acknowledged (NIV) that Jesus is from God. As for the Amplified Translation, Joseph taught that Jesus was the Jehovah of the Old Testament; that God created all things through Jesus. I appreciate the distinction between an...

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Was Jesus a virgin when he died? Scripture tells us Jesus lived a sinless life. Scripture tells us fornication and adultery are sins. Sex within the bonds of marriage is not a sin. The Bible doesn't give sufficient evidence to determine with 85% certainty whether Jesus was married. Mary's role at the marriage feast in Canaan (where Jesus turned water into wine) suggests that it was Jesus' own marriage. Jewish tradition...

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How would god have been able to make us in his own image when the bible tells us that he is without form Hebrews 1 says that Jesus is in the express image of his Father's person. Jesus has form, so if we accept Paul's testimony to the Hebrews, so does God.

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True or False "...the existence of evil negates...God's total sovereignty plus total goodness: If He's really in charge, He's a sadist." I think evil is more the absence of good than something of itself, the same way dark is the absence of light and cold is the absence of heat. God is total goodness. He does not falter or move. The evil we see in the world is the result of man moving away from God. Like a good parent, God lets his children stumble from their own choices, but is ready with open arms once the child is ready to...

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Fellow Christians, would you marry a woman who has had an abortion but repents? There's issue of whether she was fornicating, got raped, or was pregnant through her former husband. If, in the early stages of our courtship, I found out she had broken the law of chastity it would put our relationship to the test. OTOH, a would want to know if a woman is a single mom before investing much effort in the relationship, because such situations follow a whole different set of...

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my daughters church ,teach the trinity.i was taught /the father the son /the holy spirit are seperate.which sciptures can i show her , Is your purpose to prove your stance, or to share the truth? Do you understand her concept of the Trinity? There are scripture passages which emphasize the unity of Jesus and the Father, and there are other passages which indicate their uniqueness and individuality. Finally, there is little doubt that Jehovah of the Old Testament is Jesus of the New Testament, which adds confusion to the...

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Should I go to church even if my parents say I can't go? Like others, I would encourage you to follow your parents' rules as long as you are a minor or still living at home. Once you are an adult and out from under your parents' roof, still consider your parents' advice, but keep in mind we're talking YOUR eternal salvation, so you make the final decision.

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What projects has your church taken on to help others? I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In addition to proselytizing missionaries, the Church sends out missionaries to aid in non-religious ways: 1. Education missionaries 2. Labor missionaries 3. Humanitarian missionaries (includes teaching sanitation) The Church has a huge welfare program. Individual members donate time, goods, and money which are distributed through...

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MORMONS: How could the Book of Mormon Jaredites and Nephites have glass items when the first glass-making came 2000 years later? 2 Nephi 13 is quoting Isaiah 3. In it, the Lord says he will chasten the daughters of Zion because of their pride. Nowhere does it say that glass did not exist previously, just that the daughters of Zion were vain because of their many accessories, including some made of glass. Ether was compiled by Moroni (lived abt 400 A.D) from the plates of Ether. The first few chapters include the story...

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Do you worship Jehovah or Yeshua? I worship God the Father through Jesus.

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Who are the 12 apostles? Since the question uses the present tense "are" instead of the past tense "were", I'll give a different answer than the professionally-researched one. Various sects within the Mormon denomination currently have a quorum or governing body of Twelve Apostles. In June 1829, Joseph Smith Jr commissioned Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer to search out twelve worthy men to serve as Apostles (D&C...

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Does your church need a financial miracle? I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church tithes its members to meet its financial obligations and to care for the poor and needy. Fiscal responsibility is a huge priority because tithing money is considered sacred. The LdS Church only constructs new chapels and temples if it has cash on hand to complete the project and support the facility for at least a few...

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MORMONS: Does Thomas S. Monson speak for you? I read this question in the same mind set as the question regarding Pat Robertson, eg does Thomas S. Monson reflect my own beliefs, thoughts, and opinions *OR* is what Thomas S. Monson says canonical / dogma / official doctrine. First off, Thomas S. Monson is the Senior Apostle and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This makes him an official spokesperson for the...

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If God created everything but God did not create evil then where did it come from? Darkness doesn't exist, but is the absence of light. Coldness does not exist, except as the absence of heat. Evil is naught but the absence of goodness. As such, God created light, heat, and goodness; God did not create darkness, cold, or evil.

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What are reasons to debate that the entire bible was written by men and is not the 'inspired word of God'? Your question presents a false dichotomy. My sect believes that our current Bible (except the Song of Solomon) was inspired by God, but man recorded it in an imperfect human tongue (all human tongues are imperfect). Sometimes the prophet wrote it in the best way he knew, despite it being scientifically inaccurate sometimes (classifying bats as birds and whales as fishes for example). And...

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CHRISTIANS: Does Pat Robertson speak for you? I've never listened to Pat Robertson, but based on his sayings which hit the news I'd have to say he does not speak for me. Seems like any disaster which makes international news (9/11, the tsunami, the earthquake in Haiti, etc) are all a result of that people making God angry.

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Why do they say in church it is wrong to be gay/lesbian all the time but never that it is wrong to be a pedophile or rapist? My sect takes the position that being tempted isn't a sin, but what you do about the temptation may be. For the topic at hand, it means being gay (having homosexual feelings) is not a sin, but homosexual acts are (same as heterosexuals keeping their urges in check until marriage).

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Why do they say in church it is wrong to be gay/lesbian all the time but never that it is wrong to be a pedophile or rapist? Define "all the time" and "never". My sect simply teaches "the law of chastity" which simply means no sex (or sexual acts) outside the bonds of marriage. We don't distinguish between gay fornicators and heterosexual fornicators. Adultery is worse, because the offender is cheating on his / her spouse. As for rape, that's even worse because it's not consensual. And don't get me started on...

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Christian: what is your favorite hymn? More Holiness Give Me

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Is it wrong to take communion if your not really a christian, even if you think about God when you take it? As a non-believer, the emblems used in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper have no special meaning to you - it's just food-stuff. However, believers may be offended or feel you mock their faith if you knowingly partake the emblems without believing in the efficacy.

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I would like to know how many people consider the religious right a threat to tolerance within our society and to world peace? I belong to an extremely conservative Christian sect. Yet my sect refuses to join the Christian Coalition because we cannot agree with their political agenda. Mainstream Christianity even shows intolerance towards sects it doesn't consider Christian enough. They protest at our religious functions, physically restraining people wanting to participate, shouting obscenities, and desecrating...

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LDS: Who was the first God? Who designed the progression process? When will the process cease? Are you a God yet? Q. Who was the first God? A, We don't know. Our only God is our Heavenly Father (Elohim). We don't concern ourselves with previous eternal rounds. Q. Who designed the progression process? A. We don't know. Our Heavenly Father presented it to us. Q. When will the process cease? A. We call it "one eternal round" because the human mind cannot comprehend the time spans involved. Q. [Am...

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Why does the bible contain so much anti-scientific nonsense? Scripture is not anti-science. To be anti-science is to preach that science is bad. Wasn't one of the original Twelve a physician? Weren't the Magi astronomers?

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Bible study is a form of brain-washing. Do you agree? Bible study CAN be a form of brain-washing, but not all Bible study is. Is the pupil allowed to form their own opinions? Are questions allowed? Is Scripture studied at the exclusion of non-religious texts? Is the pupil taking this course on a voluntary basis?

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How do we explain the fact that Jesus has never appeared to you? What makes you think he hasn't appeared to me?

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Some restaurants in Montreal have put seal meat on the menu. For other than religious reasons, or if you from the vegetarian family, is there any type of meat that you wouldn't eat? Why? http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/dining/01seal.html?hp I wouldn't knowingly eat the meat of an endangered animal, except in survival situations. I may have eaten whale meat unknowingly. I had been in a certain country for several months when the story broke of some butchers selling ground whale as ground beef. I won't knowingly eat human. I avoid most seafood unless I'm relatively close to the sea. I avoid most organ meat. It is hard...

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true or false: after the accession of christ temple worship was no longer preformed by the apostles. Acts 2:46 says that th Apostles went to the temple on a daily basis. In Rev 7:15, the Apostle John foresees that believers will serve the Lord day and nigt in the temple.

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(Christians only, please.) Can Christians treat legitimate spiritual practices in a superstitious manner? Please elaborate. How many Christians view Wicca and other Pagan religions as mere superstitions? As a Christian, I feel Paganism is false, but it is certainly legitimate.

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MORMONS: Of the five (5) types of Mormons identified by well known, practicing LdS Salt Lake City columnist Robert Kirby which one are you? I know the characteristics were a lampoon, but none really fit me enough to self-identify as such. I'm liberal in that I take what's taught at Church with a grain of salt. I recognize that all mankind (including GAs) are fallible and subject to their own opinions. I like to think of myself as an intellectual, rather than following with blind faith. I'm conservative in that I was born in...

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If a LdS Church General Authority actually came to this Forum to address our questions, what would you ask him? I see General Authorities on a regular basis (I've even dated the granddaughter of one of the Seventy), so I'm pretty set. However, should a GA visit Answer Bag, I would like to see them address what constitutes official doctrine and to enlighten us on some of the unknowns of the Church's finances.

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TRUE OR FALSE: The 1830s LdS Church in Missouri was persecuted due to it's Abolitionist sentiments. Slavery was _one_ issue that caused tensions between Mormons and their neighbors in Missouri. Mormons voted as a group, and tons of Mormons were pouring into the state. Earlier residents feared a group holding so much political clout. As for the activities of the Danites, it's impossible at this point to determine who threw the first punch. Both Danites and Missourians stole livestock and...

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TRUE OR FALSE: Joseph Smith's and Sidney Rigdon's tarring in 1832 was done by an "anti-Mormon mob". I've heard more of that story which strongly implicated that at least some members of the mob were present in the congregation the next day.

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Since Mormons insist the Church must be led by a Living Prophet why do they reject the Pope? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not recognize the Catholic Pope as a living Prophet because we do not recognize the Priesthood of the Church he represents. We believe the authority to ordain other Apostles was lost with the end of the Apostolic Age. This is not to say the Pope is not a good man, nor that he is not doing good; we just don't see him as Peter's successor.

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Since Mormons insist the Church must be led by a Living Prophet why do they reject the Pope? Share your answer...

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Do Mormons pray to God through Jesus? YES! The basic structure of our prayers are: Our Father in Heaven, We thank thee for ... We ask thee for ... In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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MORMONS True or False: Only Mormon apostates will go to hell. This question is a double-entendre. "Hell" is derived from the Hebrew "Sheol" (I think I spelled that correctly) which simply means "abode of the dead", in other words where the dead await the resurrection. "Hell" can also be thought of as "spirit prison" through which all humans will pass to be purged of any sins they did not repent of during their mortal existence. Finally, "Hell"...

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MORMONS The Godhead consists of 3 persons, each of which is a god in his own right & is separate from the others in every way except purpose The falsity comes from a misunderstanding of the nature of the unity of the Godhead. Moses 7:18 And the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and one mind Elsewhere I've cited from the New Testament the Lord's command to his disciples to be one, even as he and the Father are one. This unity goes beyond just having the same goals and purpose. Jesus bent his will so...

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MORMONS: God (the Father) has a physical body of flesh and bones. That's taken word for word out of our Scriptures.

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MORMONS: Can I be baptized into the LdS Church if I'm still drinking coffee, caffeinated Cola/Tea/Cocoa, And/Or alcohol? It depends on the "and/or" In order to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one must obey the Word of Wisdom, namely: 1. No alcohol 2. No coffee 3. No tea 4. No tobacco 5. No illicit drugs The Word of Wisdom does not address soft drinks or cocoa. In fact, hot cocoa is often served at camp-outs and after service projects.

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MORMONS: There was a council in pre-existent heaven where Jesus & Satan, both God's sons, gave advice on how to bring humans back to heaven. Why is the world so fascinated with our belief that God is the Father of Jesus' spirit and Satan's spirit? We also believe that God is the Father of the spirits of all us mortals. I would say the statement is about 70% true. God proposed a plan whereby his spirit children would pass through mortality, and those who prove faithful would return to heaven. Satan proposed an alternate plan...

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MORMONS: Who speaks for you and/or the LdS Church? Doctrine is a little hard to explain because we have so many sources and levels. Our Cannon (aka Scriptures) form the bedrock of our doctrine. This is supplemented by official declarations made by the First Presidency and / or the Twelve, both past and present. Newer declarations generally take precedence over older ones. Only the current President may announce proposed new doctrine. ...

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Why does modern LdS Theology deny the Trinity when the Book of Mormon supports it? I think it boils down to what is understood by the terms "Trinity" and "Godhead". The Trinity is one God composed of three Persons (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost / Holy Spirit). The Godhead is a council of three Gods (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost / Holy Spirit) working in perfect unity. LdS do NOT believe that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are literally...

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MORMONS: Are you an "Internet" or "Chapel" Mormon? What about (generally speaking of course) the rest of your ward? I don't think your poll will accurately show how many LdS are "internet Mormons" vs "chapel Mormons". Myself and most of the other Mormons I've seen on Answer Bag are of the "internet" variety, but the vast majority of Mormons I know offline (85-90%) are "chapel Mormons" or at least lean that way.

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MORMONS: How do you reconcile LdS Dispensationalism with Malachi 3:6 which says "I the Lord do not change" The Lord doesn't change, but man does. When man decides he doesn't want to listen to the Lord's anointed (the Prophets), the Lord stops sending Prophets. When man is ready for the message, the Lord sends messengers again.

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TRUE OR FALSE: Mormonism is the and restored form of biblical Judaism that was corrupted due to apostasy. I would say the statement is 95% false. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes teachings and doctrines from the primitive Christian Church, then reintroduces concepts from ancient Juadaism. However, Jesus' Atonement fulfilled the Law of Moses, and ended sacrifice through the shedding of animal blood. Instead, Mormonism reintroduces some of the mysticism, castes of priests, and...

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Scientist, doctors and researchers: Do you have religious beliefs? What is your occupation and belief? (even if it is none) My father is a published biologist and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am a software engineer, and I also belong to The Church of Jesus Christ.

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Wasn't Jesus just a prophet, just like modern-day prophets who did their share of helping people and to inspire? He wasn't the SON, rite? Mormonism accepts Jesus as the Son of God. Jesus is the Creator under the direction of his Father. Jesus is our Savior and Mediator unto God.

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W. Parrish a former private secretary to Joseph Smith, on Smith & Rigdon: "...they lie by revelation, swindle by revelation..." Thoughts? Warren Parrish was excommunicated from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was implicated in the collapse of the Kirtland bank. He didn't take well to being called a thief, so he became a vocal adversary to the Church. I think this letter is part of Parish convincing himself that he was hoodwinked into following the Church for so long.

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During the Apocalypse, would the Virgin Islands [US or British] be a safe place to be? [zombies, radiation, global warming, God,etc.] There is no running away from God - just ask Jonah. Radiation? Is there anything in the Virgin Islands worth attacking with nuclear weapons? I doubt it. However, if all nuclear weapons from all countries were detonated, it would cause a nuclear winter which would affect the entire planet. Global warming? With the ocean levels expected to rise, I would stay away from low lying ground. ...

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Was the white top hat that Joseph Smith, Jr. used for skrying and the translation of the Book of Mormon felt, straw, or something else? Are those Michael Quinn sources pre- or post- excommunication? Are we to trust the decidedly anti-Mormon site "Concerned Christians" as gospel truth? Are you aware of the animosity between Joseph Smith Jr and his father-in-law Isaac Hale? As to the material of Joseph's hat, it is of no consequence.

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How important is the "word of wisdom" to Mormons? I believe it is just a smoke screen technique. I didn't see an answer I like, so here goes. The "Word of Wisdom" can be understood to be any of two related sets of rules: 1. Section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants. This section is a "word of wisdom" in that you'll be blessed for following it, but non-observance does not affect your standing within the Church. It is expressly NOT a commandment; members choose their level of...

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Can you make a meal with only four ingredients? potato, sausage, onion, sage -- make a potato skillet.

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What is the best way to cook Panda meat? Unfortunately, pandas are rare and protected. Therefore you will never taste stir-fried panda.

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is it true that england and america are the lost tribes of israel ephraim and menasah England is a country comprised of people from many different races, so we can't say anything definitive about the ancestry of all its peoples. Likewise, America is a melting pot with hundreds of native tribes and newcomers from around the globe. How would one scientifically prove that an individual is a descendent of Joseph (Ephraim and Menasah were sons of Joseph)? We have no definitive DNA...

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When Jesus returns and orders that all Christians unite under the original Church (Catholic) would you hesitate? The Catholic Church wasn't organized per se until the Emperor Constantine made it the state religion in the 4th century. Having said that, when Jesus returns I'd do anything he may order. Shoot, I try to follow his commands right now. If Jesus orders Christians to unite in one of the Baptist Churches, would you follow him?

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is eating pork a sin? Sin is defined by your religion. Muslims and Jews consider pigs unclean, so it is a sin for them to eat pork, I'm not aware of any Christian sect which considers eating pork a sin.

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What is the strangest thing you've ever eaten? I've had many foods which most Usians would call unusual. Snake, ostriche, cat, dog, horse, whale, raw opihi, shark fin soup, sausage made from meal worms, fire roasted grasshopper, chocolate covered centipede, a drink made from crushed ants (tastes like lemonade), a salad of hybiscus leaves, bird nest soup, tons of organ meat (tripe, brains, tongue, liver, heart, etc). Noni, jackfruit, and a...

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Should church recruitment target children as young as two? I've actually found the opposite to be true a good portion of the time. any of my friends were born into the same sect that I follow. Their parents strongly "encouraged" them being active (baptism at the properage, forced into the lay Priesthood when the time was right, forced religious mission at 19, etc). Once my friends got on their own, they didn't know what to do with their freedom, so...

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Christian: which are you most likely to be caught doing? (Be honest.) "something you ought not" is too broad a classification. I ought not have a second scoop of ice cream for dessert. I ought not be worried about my future financial security. I ought not wear my team's colors to work when I know it could cause animosity with fans of another team. I ought not listen to derogtatory music (I try not to), watch movies or tv which may desensitize me or blur the line...

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Should church recruitment target children as young as two? Yes, make church appealling to children as well as adults, but be reasonable about it. There must be a certain age limit. Two year olds don't understand enough about religion to make an informed decision. Besides, what sins could such a little one need to repent of? With my own sect, we need parental consent in order to teach anyone under 18 years of age, even more so when / if the youth...

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what is 7 up soda made of and how do you make it? 7 Up is a lemon-lime flavored soda. Like most sodas, its recipe is tightly guarded.

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LDS claims to be the "one true church", the only true "Christian church". Why do you need a prophet? Why can you not talk to God personally? None of the above. Having a prophet on the earth does NOT exclude or prevent personal revelation. Moses said he wished everyone was a prophet. There were many prophets during the days of Jeremiah. Having a single world-wide spokesman reduces confusion.

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CHRISTIANS: When you hear these words what's your first impression of who it's describing, "Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah" Moderators, delete this answer, as it was meant as a comment.

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CHRISTIANS: When you hear these words what's your first impression of who it's describing, "Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah" Now that a few mainstream Christians have answered, it's time to reveal the source. William W. Phelps converted to Mormonism, had a fight with Joseph Smith and fell away, then later rejoined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. W. W. Phelps wrote many hymns after returning, several of which are included in the current LdS hymnal. One such example is "Praise to the Man" (hymn 27):...

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CHRISTIANS: When you hear these words from a hymn what's your first impression of who's being praised, "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" We thank thee, O God, for a prophet To guide us in these latter days. We thank thee for sending the gospel To lighten our minds with its rays. We thank thee for every blessing Bestowed by thy bounteous hand. We feel it a pleasure to serve thee And love to obey thy command. -- This hymn praises God for all the blessings we, as latter-day saints, enjoy. Yes, that includes having a...

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Was anyone given notice of AnswerBag's "upgrade" in advance? It sure surprised me! It caught me off-guard. I liked being able to give partial credit instead of just "like" or "dislike".

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If you have ever made those Brazilian deserts-feijoada's-how long do you have to cook it on the stove in low heat till you can pour it on a plate to cool? I just made some, cooked it for a long time, then poured it on a plate and it still runny. If you understand português: http://br.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091111095940AA4ED7H If not: Cook 1 KG (2.2 lb) black beans until nice and soft. Blend with 2 liters milk, 2 C sugar, and cinnamon to taste. Return to the hot pan and cook (stirring constantly) until the mixture thickens. Turn off the stove and continue to stir 5 more minutes. Spread in a form, let it cool to...

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What does a la carte mean? "A la carte" -- by the plate. It means you order each dish separately.

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What secret ingredient do you add to your egg nog? My egg nog is of the non-alcoholic variety. However, I make a few special vanillas by putting the beans in rum, bourbon, and other alcohols for several months. These special vanillas are only used for special occasions, like making homemade egg nog on Christmas Eve.

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Do you have a traditional Christmas dessert? If yes, what is it? My family eats a cherry-peppermint Jell-O mold with our dinner (others might call it dessert, but to us it's a salad!). We also make simple short-bread cookies rolled into balls, then tossed in powdered sugar.

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What is the perfect christmas gift for a geek that isnt tooo exspensive.... Just about anything from http://www.thinkgeek.com ! Don't forget the binary wrapping paper, too.

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Cheese - sharp or mild? Depends on the application. For sandwiches, I normally use mild or medium - unless it's grilled. For cooking, I like extra sharp cheese (some of my Cheddar has aged over a year).

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If you have ever made those Brazilian deserts-feijoada's-how long do you have to cook it on the stove in low heat till you can pour it on a plate to cool? I just made some, cooked it for a long time, then poured it on a plate and it still runny. I spent two years in the state of Sao Paulo and never heard of dessert feijoada. The word "feijoada" comes from "feijao" (bean), so does the dessert feijoada also have beans? In the feijoada I ate, some of the beans were mashed to thicken the broth ("caldo").

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What 3 things do you dislike the MOST about Islam? 1. The fanatics' "convert or be killed" attitude 2. The fanatics' treatment of women like cattle 3. Not allowing Jews to build a temple on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem (the mount is big enough for both a Judaic temple and the Dome of the Rocks)

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CHRISTIANS: Jesus is the literal son of God both in his spirit body and in his earthly body. Scripture calls Jesus the Son of God, and the Only Begotten of the Father. The Bible also calls believers the sons of God, so there must be something unique and special about Jesus' relationship to God.

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Can you name a famous person or celebrity who is a Christian? Glenn Beck, Gladys Knight, David Archeleta, Don Knotts, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Osmonds, Mel Gibson

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Is there anything for a Christian to fear about atheism? No, as long as individuals are free to worship if they so choose. Atheists' right to live free from religion stops if it infringes on my right to live my religion (and vice verse)

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What is your favorite hymn or worship song? "I Am a Child of God". It talks of God's love for his children

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CHRISTIANS True or False: 'The earthly leadership of the church MUST consist of a president and two counselors as well as twelve apostles' And please start your answer with a very clear and distinct "True" or "False" before you explain it. FALSE. Ephesians 2:19-22 says that the Church is built upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles, Christ being the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 4:11-16 lists some offices present in the ancient Church (prophets, apostles, evangelist, pastors, teachers) and their purpose (the perfecting of the Saints unto a perfect unity of the faith). Neither passage dictates how many Prophets...

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MORMONS True or False: "If a man is ordained in the Melchizedek priesthood, he is called of God to that office and must be heeded." And please explain your answer. Mostly FALSE. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we ascribe to a system of stewardship. If a certain person is a steward over me (such as a parent, bishop, or quorum president), I should give heed to their counsel (not the same thing as blind obedience). If someone else gives me counsel (even if he does hold the Melchizedek Priesthood), I voluntarily heed (or not) the counsel...

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MORMONS True or False: '1 Nephi 13:24-28 tells us that the Bible we use today is unreliable because so much was taken out of it by Gentile scribes when the Christian Church apostatized' Please start with "True" or "False" before you explain your answer. FALSE. I know Answerbag severely limits the number of characters you can use in a question, but as it stands, I say you went too far. I would say that changes would make it more unreliable than missing passages. What has survived is fairly reliable.The missing passages would introduce additional doctrine, not necessarily contradict existing doctrine.

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Is it true that short people got no reason to live? Short in what sense of the word ;) Height doesn't dictate whether one has a reason to live or not. We can all influence the world.

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Do Mormons eat any special foods at Easter? Other than the Word of Wisdom, there is no standard restriction on what we can eat when (Jews can't have fermented products during Passover, Catholics don't eat red meat on Good Friday, etc). For Easter, we generally eat according to our cultural heritage (culture, not religion). My family does the egg hunt on Saturday, and Sunday focuses on family and the religious aspects of...

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A time honored Mormon analogy likens going outside the LdS Church for information about it to asking a Chevy dealer for information on a Ford. Therefore, the BEST source information is CLEARLY the Ford dealer. Do you agree or disagree with this analogy? I haven't heard the analogy put quite that way. I generally hear it using other sects and denominations (What would your Baptist Pastor say if you told him you were interested in the Catholic Church?). It is better to go to the source than a competitor. The point in your analogy is that both sides are biased. Any information from the Chevy dealer must be taken with a grain of salt. If...

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What constitutes an "Anti-Mormon" or "Mormon-Hater"? What, really, is the criteria for labeling some as either? We've covered this ground before. An anti-Mormon is on a jihad to destroy Mormonism, just like extreme Muslims seek the destruction of Judaism. Antis generally focus on attacking one thing instead of building up or promoting another. Since you asked the question, let's examine why YOU've been labeled an anti-Mormon. You chose a handle (nickname) which would start a flame...

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When do you think the LDS Church will again allow polygamy, as doctrinally the LDS theology states it is essential for our salvation? LdS doctrine does not state that polygamy is essential for our salvation, so your question is based on a false premise. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wll not reinstate polygamy until a revelation is received dictating it. My personal belief is that we won't practice polygamy again until the Second Coming of Jesus.

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There is this Mormon girl I like in school and she is 15 almost 16 and I am a catholic boy whose 15 but in the same grade as her could she turn me down because of her age and my religion and what do u think r the chances of her going out with me Mormons are strongly encouraged not to date until they are 16 years old. Mormons are also strongly encouraged to date within the faith. How strictly these guidelines are followed depends on the Mormon and their family. All relationships face challenges. If Catholicism is a big part of your life, and Mormonism is a big part of hers, you will both need to work to keep the relationship alive...

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Scott Carrier lives in the same SLC neighborhood as Elizabeth Smart. Starting @ 43:30 into the linked American Life episode below he verifies the rumors that polygamy is quietly practiced in Utah by Mormons. Why doesn't Utah aggressively prosecute this? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has intimate knowledge of what it's like being persecuted for one's beliefs, including having past leaders imprisoned for practicing polygamy. As such, the Utah Attorney General's office generally looks the other way when it comes to polygamy, provided it is consensual and no other laws are violated. If there is spousal or child...

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Non-LdS Christians: The Mormon Hymnal contains songs praising their founder ("Praise To The Man") and their current leader ('We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet") does your church hymnal contains songs to someone other than God? If so, who? I would imagine that the hymnal used by The Church of England includes "God Save the King"

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Mormons, what other religions besides yours, are Christian? I don't think you asked the question you wanted. Christianity is a religion. Mormonism is a denomination within the Christian religion. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a sect within the Mormon denomination. As it stands, Christianity is the only Christian religion. I believe you want a Mormon to list either other denominations or sects which we consider...

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What is the bible that has the accurate translation into english , word for word? I don't want a word-for-word translation. Sentence structure is different in different languages. Often there are multiple words in English for the same word in Greek, Hebrew, or any other language (and vice versa). And then we have idioms which make no sense without the cultural and lingual background. As to which existing translation in English is the best, I consult a few different...

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Why do Mormon's ask poeple to pray about the B of M to see if it's true, they don't ask people to pray about the Bible? Mormon's use James 1:5 for this. James was written to Christains not those questioning faith, the Bible says test a Joseph Smith Jr applied James 1:5 when he was confused as to which sect to join - he needed wisdom. Today, LdS missionaries use James 1:5 as a segue to Moroni 10:3-5. Both passages say the source of truth and wisdom is God.

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Do Mormons actually have the Priesthood? It is a matter of faith. As an elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I'm going to affirm that we have the Priesthood. The story of Simon Magus (Simon the Magician) teaches us that the Priesthood is neither bought nor sold, so paying to a attend a Seminary doesn't buy you the Priesthood. The example of the Apostles shows that the Priesthood was conferred by...

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Do the mormons really believe they are the Saints of the last days, as spoken of in Daniel? Is that why they have been called latter day saints? Anyone else been told this? After reading Anonymous' answer, his real intentions show. By acknowledging that we believe we are saints living in the last days, then we believe the description in the book of Daniel ("ALL THEIR LAWLESS DEEDS WILL BE FORGIVEN") applies to us. Unfortunately for Anonymous, we have never identified ourselves with that particular passage.

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Did Jesus die on the Cross? or in Kashmir of old age? Josephus wrote of a Jesus, leader of a religious movement, who was crucified by the Romans. What evidence is there that Jesus ever went to Kashmir?

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Do YOU have a "Secret" ingrediant for your homemade Chili ? Would you care to share ? Mine is I use V-8 juice instead of Tomatoe ... Two of my secret ingredients are chocolate and vinegar.

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I put whole eggs into the thumbprint cookie recipe rather than just the egg yolks. Do I need to start over or is there a way to fix this? Egg white is made of protein which will provides structure. Add an extra yolk to offset this.

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Who would go to heaven: an atheist who accomplishes great good, or the Christian who commits terrible crimes? First point: not everyone who cries "Lord, Lord" are true Christians. A true Christian would do his (or her) best to obey the commandments and live a life which glorifies God. A so-called Christian who commits terrible crimes is not worthy of the title. Second point: an atheist lacks the faith to enter the abode of God. Neither will enter the Celestial Kingdom.

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Why did the mormon general conference of 1987(88) say the forces were gathering for a battle between God and Lucifer and not Christ and Satan? Is this the same as the army of the Lamb and army of the beast? There are 2 General Conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints per year (one in April, the other in October). Can you remember which of these 4 conferences it was so we could look for a context? 1. Jesus is subordinate to God. Everything Jesus did was (and is) according to the Father's will. 2. Mormonism teaches that Lucifer and Satan are one and the same.

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Is it true mormon "prophesy" says the United States will eventually be the mormon kingdom of Zion and that Joseph Smith said it "Will be that- or the sword"? Does it mean they will kill anyone who doesn't Join them? Twisted, taken out of context, and changed so much I hardly recognize the grain of truth. There is a prophecy which states that the U.S. Constitution will hang by a thread, and that it will be the elders of the Church who shall save it. The Church has never endorsed or condoned a "convert or die" mentality.

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What do you put in your savoury tart? chicken, sun dried tomatoes, and fresh basil.

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What kind of things would taste good in a creamy, cheesy, potato soup? Any vegetable or herb suggestions? nutmeg, rosemary, thyme, dill. leeks, celery, carrots, corn, celery root. Might I also suggest stirring in some sour cream after removing from heat - just before serving?

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What is your favorite recipe including alcohol as a ingredient? Beef stroganoff. I use both Sherry and Chardonnay in mine. I also make my own vanilla by soaking the beans in rum for several months.

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Recently tried baking a key lime pie. What makes restaurant pies green? Mine came out almost white. Had to use regular limes as key limes are not available in my area. The yellow color of lemon pies actually comes from the egg yolks and not the lemon juice or zest. Likewise, lime juice isn't a strong green like we imagine. If it bothers you, put a few drops of food coloring in the filling.

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What is a good simple dinner i can cook while my mom is out of town for a week? and it has to be cheap! lol 1. Cook up pasta. toss with a cream sauce and vegetables (meat eaters can toss in bite-sized pieces of cooked chicken, ham, or other meat). 2. Casserole of rice, cheese, vegetables, and canned cream of broccoli soup. I add a can of albacore tuna in this. 3. Soup or stew.

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How do you keep the top of a home baked Cheese cake from cracking? Someone else already posted the importance of using a water bath. You should also run your knife around your spring form while the cheese cake is still hot to separate the filling from the form. As the dessert cools, it contracts, sometimes creating cracks.

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Do recipes in this day and time really need to say kill and pluck turkey first before baking ? (I cannot believe someone really could be that clueless.) When I cook chicken on a camp out, I leave the feathers on. I cover the whole thing with a nice thick layer of mud and put in in the fire. When it's done baking, the feathers come off with the mud. Oh, the mud is used to regulate temperature, and the feathers separate the meat from the mud.

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What is the Word of Wisdom? The Word of Wisdom is a subset of section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants. The Word of Wisdom prohibits alcohol, coffee, tea, tobacco, and illicit drugs. The full version of section 89 also advises limiting the consumption of meat, and eating healthy stuff (grains, fruits, and vegetables).

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Christ spoke of His church in the future tense: "upon this rock I will build my church" (Matt 16:18) referring to Pentecost (Acts 2:47) approx. 33BC. But the Book of Mormon claims the Christian church was established approx. 147BC (Mosiah 18:17). Why? The word "church" has multiple meanings. It can mean religion (The Christian Church), denomination (The Catholic Church), sect (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), or house of worship (Church of the Nativity). In Mosiah 18:17, a congregation of people who believed in the (then-future) Christ was established in the Americas.

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LDS says that many precious parts of God's scriptures were discarded. Why would Constantine remove scripture that would give him many wives, a priesthood stature, control over his family and the ability to become a god? Your question assumes that the Scriptures were still intact when Constantine made Christianity the state religion.

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Some countries are thinking about banning Muslim veils. Does this mean statues and paintings of Mary (Jesus' mommy) will have to be adapted too? In banks, we are asked to remove anything that might hide our identity (such as sun glasses and hats). This is for our own protection, and to aid in capturing bank robbers. Veils, such as those worn by Muslims, conceal their identity much more than shades or a hat. The laws in question only applies to living people and not works of art (can you imagine a painting planting a bomb or robbing a...

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What to Santa, mistletoe, Yule Logs, and Christmas trees have to do with the birth of Christ? Most Christmas symbols were borrowed from Pagans and given new Christian meanings. Santa: * red suit represents the atoning blood of Jesus * white trim and white hair: purity * gifts: the gifts the Wise Men gave the holy child Mistletoe: the leaf shape reminds us of the crown of thorns Jesus wore Christmas tree: * evergreen represents eternal life, made possible through Jesus *...

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Please validate that this is accurate & true (by citing official sources if possible): "...the Mormon Church teaches that each person has a spirit body that is the same size and shape as the physical body." (Latayne Scott, "After Mormonism What?"; p. 82) As a counter-example, we believe that those with deformities will have perfect bodies in the resurrection. In such cases, does the spirit resemble the mortal body or the resurrected body? Much of our physical appearance (especially our size and shape) are determined by physical factors: how much we exercise, our nutritional intake (both malnourished and too high of a caloric intake), the...

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Please validate that this is accurate & true (by citing official LdS Church sources if possible): "Every person who ever walked this earth in his physical body...continues to walk it in his, or her, spirit body according to Mormon Doctrine." Latayne Scott President Brigham Young declared: "When you lay down this tabernacle, where are you going? Into the spiritual world…Where is the spirit world? It is right here. Do the good and evil spirits go together? Yes they do…. Do they go beyond the boundaries of the organized earth? No, they do not…. Can you see it with your natural eyes? No. Can you see spirits in this room?...

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What do Jehovah's Witnesses mean when they say "We are not of this world." I'm not a JW, but have an answer from my sect's view. "We are in the world, but not of it" means that we live in modern society (we don't isolate ourselves in communes), but we are not worldly (we keep ourselves unspotted from the ills such as covetness, lewdness, greed, etc).

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Mormons: How many times have you read the Bible all the way through? (that is, cover to cover, Genesis 1:1 through The Book of Revelation 22:21) I have NEVER read the Bible cover to cover. I HAVE read every verse of the Bible at least once at one time or another. I follow a topic-centric study plan. I have read most of the Bible approximately 6 times, but I've read certain passages more than a dozen times.

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Have you ever eaten a Choco Taco before? What's a choco taco? I've spread Nutella on tortilla shells and heated them.

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How will i know if the the meat used for bacon or other processed meat is from "a double dead meat/animal"?. . For those unfamiliar with the term, double dead meat is meat harvested from an animal that died from diseases. Hot meat is meat from animals illegally slaughtered (eg. didn't meet the sanitation standards). Both should be avoided. The best way to certify your bacon is from fresh meat is to shop at good markets.

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Would craisins be good in a sweet potato casserole, or are they too tart to compliment the main flavor? Flavor-wise they'd be ok (especially if you use an orange-juice glaze for the sweet potatoes), but I'm not sure about texture.

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How do make sweet carrotts like in japanese restuaraunt.... Steam or boil your carrots until they are tender; drain. Throw them in a pan with a little butter and sugar. Stir frequently to create a glaze.

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Marshmallows or not on top of the sweet potatoes? For Thanksgiving, with; the rest of the year, without.

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Does cornstarch make a better gravy than flour It comes down to personal taste. I don't like the flavor of raw flour, so I make a roux to thicken the drippings into a gravy. Cornstarch doesn't have as much of a flavor, but, as someone else noted, isn't the best for left-overs (it doesn't melt again).

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Can you think of a non-food item that you use in cooking something? (For example, string used to truss a chicken.) We wrap our kalua pig in banana leaves, ti leaves, and chicken wire, then cover the whole with a tarp and dirt.

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Why do Mormons like Green Jello with carrot strips in it? The Jell-O Belt is comprised of Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. Utahns eat more Jell-O per capita than any other state within the USA. Because of this, people assume (assume = ass+u+me) that Jell-O is part of the Mormon culture. I don't enjoy lime Jell-O with shredded carrots. Shredded carrots are good in orange Jell-O (especially with canned Mandarin oranges). Canned pears are good in lime...

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How does the LDS Church explain DNA evidence that contradicts the Book of Mormon account? This topic has been broached a number of times. In essence, today's DNA tests prove that American Indians have Asian ancestors. Given the limitations of the science, it does not negate the possibility of other ancestors whose DNA is no longer present. How can this be? We can only test 2 ancestors per generation: the all-male line, and the all-female line.

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Why is there so many people!? If you didn't have THE discussion with your parents, I'm not sure I'm the one to explain it to you ,,,

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Do you have a crumb type pie topping recipe that will go good on an apple cranberry pie? Something like a streusel. I messed up my top crust. 3/4 tsp cinnamon 1/3 C brown sugar 3/4 C flour 6 Tbs HARD butter Mix cinnamon, sugar, and flour together. Cut in butter with pastry cutter.

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What is your favorite kind of apples to use in a homemade apple pie? I use a variety of apples. Some add texture, others bring sweetness, and others have a strong apple flavor. The last pie I baked had Granny Smith, Fuji, and golden delicious.

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What is an example of something you need to cook/bake for 45 mins. or more? Most tough cuts of meat cooked "low and slow". Many soups and stews simmer for at least an hour. My chicken and rice casserole bakes for an hour.

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I'm a divorcee and I've taken a vow of chastity until marriage (or at least definite commitment). Is this a normal or even healthy thing? sidenote: Certainly it has helped with my emotional state, but men are men. The Jews brought unto Jesus a woman who was caught in adultery, and asked Jesus if they should follow the Law of Moses by stoning her to death. Jesus told the crowd that only he without sin should cast the first stone. The crowd dispersed, leaving Jesus and the adulteress. Jesus told her to go her way and SIN NO MORE. So, Jesus thought adultery was a sin. As far as your vow as chastity...

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Why do Evangelical Christians sometimes attack and/or refuse to vote for Mormons (members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)? Many Christians won't vote for LdS candidates because their Pastors make statements like "no true Christian would ever vote for a Mormon." Other voters have fears which surrounded JFK's campaign as a Catholic. Would JFK (or Mitt Romney) be a shadow for the leader of the Church? Would the candidate force the mandates of the Church onto all citizens (eg. outlawing elective...

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I am doing a persuasive essay for my English class, and was wondering if someone might direct me to sites that offer support as Christianity being the most detrimental thing to happen to religion/humanity in general. Such a question here is likely to start a holy war. You want us Christians to explain how our chosen religion has been more detrimental than any other?

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As a Mormon, do you believe the three kingdoms of glory are on seperate planets from each other or all are all on the same planet? And are there literal divides between these kingdoms or can people intermingle? An interesting question, to be sure. I've heard it taught that this planet we call Earth will be transformed into (part of?) the Celestial Kingdom. I have to assume, then, that the other kingdoms of glory will be on other planets.

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Where do 'feminist' Mormons get their authority from to say that women once held the priesthood in the LDS Church? Today in the Church we have the Aaronic Priesthood and the Melchizedek Priesthood. We also have knowledge of the Levitical Priesthood from the Bible. These three Priesthoods were and are limited to males. There is also a lesser known Priesthood - the Patriarchal Priesthood - which is shared between husband and wife.

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Stuffed _________. What kind of food would that be, need I dare to ask? Cored apples stuffed with crushed walnuts, mint, and cranberries swimming in a butter sauce.

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When making a X-mas Gingerbread house, what do you use to hold it together? Most gingerbread houses I make are for decoration, not eating. I use a home-made royal icing (a little vanilla or almond extract gets rid of the egg white smell). Most of the time, I glue together cardboard, then thatch is with shredded wheat, or make bricks out of graham crackers, Gingerbread is too hard to get the shapes exact (uneven leavening, etc). I use melted sugar for the windows....

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Can you make shortbread with margarine? According to a cookbook I have, you could use axle grease, but it wouldn't taste as good. Butter and margarine have similar water content, so it should work out fine. Butter-flavored shortening would taste good, but you would have a different texture.

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Why do christiyans pray to "IDOLS"? Not all Christians pray to idols. I keep art (both religious and secular) in my home to beautify it. The representations of Jesus keep him in my heart and mind, like photos of family members help keep them in my heart despite them living far away.

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In Jesus day, Gehenna was a garbage dump kept burning with sulfur that he used in some of his parables. Do any Churches teach the laity this or do the clergy keep it too themselves? It's in my sect's Bible dictionary and often brought up when discussing passages dealing with hell or damnation.

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Mormons: how do you respond when someone asks you "have you been saved"? It depends on the context. Most of the time I will answer a similar question, indicating my understanding of their word "saved". As an example, "I've accepted Jesus as my Savior".

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On 8/16/85 LdS Apostle Dallin Oaks pontificated that the White Salamander in Martin Harris's damaging letter was "a good approximation...of the Angel Moroni" But this 1830 letter was a fraudulent forgery. Why didn't the divinely inspired Oaks see this? There's something funny about revelation: most of the time you have to ask for it. It is my belief that in the rush to put out the public relations fire the Mark Hoffman forgeries were sure to cause, many of the Brethren were so busy searching for plausible explanations (including trying to explain that salamander had an ancient meaning of messenger) that they neglected to seek divine...

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Why do Christian women wear their ovaries on the outside? I don't get it, unless the question used "ovaries" symbolically (eg, why do Christian women show their femininity in public?).

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Are the abreviations BC and AD related to time based on Christian Tradition? The meanings of those abbreviations is clear. What's not so clear is if 1 AD truly marks the birth year (according to the Julian Calendar) of the Lord Jesus. For a full discussion, see the Wikipedia article on the Julian Calendar.

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What languages do you speak? English, Pidgin, Portuguese, and Spanish.

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Fried rice & __________? SPAM!

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Peanut butter ice-cream, does it exist? Reese's makes a peanut butter ice cream with mini peanut butter cups in it.

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I PUT BAKING SODA AND A PINCH OF BAKING POWDER TO MY CH CHIP COOKIES.. DID THIS CAUSE THEM TO GO FLAT? Baking soda reacts with acids to help baked goods rise (ever put baking soda in vinegar and watch the reaction?). Baking powder is baking soda plus something to lower the pH (make the batter more acidic). There are three scenarios as to why your cookies didn't rise: 1. Not enough leavening 2. Too much leavening 3. Wrong pH level for the ratio of soda to powder

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The 12 Apostles of the LDS Church have been called as "Special Witnesses" of Jesus Christ. Does this mean they have been given a "special witness" of Christ such as an appearance by Him? Yes. Some /hint/ at it by emphasizing the word witness, while others have shared stories of the Savior appearing to them in one of the temples.

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How do I get my mashed potatoes to not come out so starchy and airy? I want them creamy and thick. As for the starch level, try a different variety of potato. Russet is good for baked. Eax potatoes are good boiled or in soups / stews. Another hint: if you play with the potato too much, it becomes gummy -- definitely not good eats.

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Do you no any quick tasty food easy recipes !!!for me to cook for my boyfriend by the way im no gordan ramsey Season 2 porkchops. Coat ith an egg and buttermilk bath. Dredge in seasoned flour. Dip in the egg wash again, and then dredge in panko (Japanese bread crumbs). Fry in a blend of butter and peanut oil. Serve with steamed vegetables and garlic mashed potatoes. You may experiment with an Asian-Hawaiian dipping sauce: Combine equal parts (by volume) of apple cider vinegar and sugar in a small...

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I am making Pillsbury crescent rolls. I usually put in ham and cheese or chocolate chips (both delicious!). What would you fill them with? For a pastry, I'd add either lemon curd or a cream cheese filling. For savory, grated hard cheese, herbs, and a hint of garlic butter.

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Could someone here tell me a very basic recipe for plain cheesecake please? Easy no-bake cheesecake 1 block cream cheese 1/8 C sugar 1 Tbsp lemon juice 2 tsp vanilla 1 tub whipped topping 8" graham cracker crust Cream cheese and sugar together. Stir in flavorings. Fold in whipped topping. Spread into crust and refrigerate a couple hours before serving. You can use flavored whipped topping (chocolate, strawberry, French vanilla).

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How come the pope dresses up like St. Nicholas? He has everything but the beard and mustache. The clothes, the hat, the "cane", the slippers...? St. Nicholas was a Catholic bishop; the Pope is the Catholic bishop of Rome. It makes sense their outfits should be similar. It was Protestants who developed Santa Claus with the suit American children know and love.

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Was Jesus an Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, or Pisces? Please include detailed citations defending your position. I would also appreciate the interpretation of Muslims. Thank you! Our modern dates for the Zodiac are based on the Gregorian calendar. I'm not sure if anyone has translated the Zodiac into either the Roman or Hebrew calendars, the years of which don't line up with the Gregorian calendar (or the Julian for that matter). When calculating anniversaries of Jesus' birth, do you use the Hebrew calendar (Jesus was likely born in the month of...

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John Taylors 1882 revelation was included in several foreign-language editions of the Doctrine and Covenants but omitted from English versions. Does anyone know of any foreign language version that included it? I know of the Swedish version. It was never published in the English D&C because it was never canonized. Missionaries in foreign lands often established their own printing presses without the direct mandate from The Brethren. The question then becomes, why wasn't this revelation canonized? I've read the source on a website, and it doesn't add much in terms of doctrine. Fill the vacancies in the Quorum...

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Am I supposed to believe that when Mormons had polygamous marriages there were no lesbian orgies going on? It is impossible to guarantee that there was zero lesbian sex going on. While the Church calls such acts "sin" and excommunicates those that are discovered, some individual members may have done it without the Church's knowledge. I think a 3-way involving the man would have been more likely than a man watch his wives "go at it".

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Are the accepted creeds (Nicean Creed, Athenasian creed, Apostles Creed) considered scripture equal to the Bible in Protestant Christianity? Why or why not? I would imagine that the Creeds standardized the interpretation of Scripture, more than being Scripture themselves. I haven't seen a Bible in a Protestant bookstore which includes the Creeds.

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When will Chrisitans realize that Islam is the only true religion? What makes Islam a more true religion than Christianity? Is it any wonder that Islam has a bad reputation, what with the suicide bombers and comments like yours? Islam can be a peaceful religion. It's just when extremists take the convert or die mentality that propagates the hate and misunderstanding.

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Is there anyone else out there who believes "the biggest lie" in the world may be that there are only 10 million or so mormons on the planet? There are over 13 million members of record of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Just how padded the number is depends on who you ask and who they think should be included / excluded. If the Church isn't notified of someone's death, they keep the record until the individual would turn 107. Also, some people leave the Church without going through the official name...

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Why don't all Christian denominations use the same Bible? I'll address translations instead of whether or not to include the Apocrypha. As a polyglot, I can tell you there are multiple ways to translate the same word or phrase, all of which are correct, but may alter the meaning. Each translator of the Bible has chosen words which match their own religious views, while still compliant with their source texts. As an example, some translators...

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What is behind the obsessive need for the mormons to document everyone's genealogy? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes that certain sacraments (such as baptism) are necessary to enter the highest heaven (Celestial Kingdom). These sacraments are earth-bound (they cannot be performed in heaven). Each Latter-day Saint is responsible for their own genealogy. The Church records the work which is done so that we don't baptize the same person five or six...

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What age do you consider old? 25 years older than I am ;) As I age, my perception of an age being "old" moves.

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What historical record/evidence do we have of the oath of vengeance that was in the LdS Temple Endowment Ceremony up to 1927? And please provide citations with your answer so we can confirm/validate the evidence you present in your answer. Thanks. As you are aware, the Endowment ceremony has always contained a covenant not to reveal portions of it outside the temple. However, generalities can be shared. As an example, I cannot reveal my new name, but I can say that we receive a new name in the temple. With such an oath of silence in place, it is hard to find sources which TBMs (True Blue Mormons) will acknowledge. The Reed Smoot...

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Mormons: Is the glory of God intelligence? Why or why not? (and if you're not Mormon the equivalent question for you can be found here http://www.answerbag.com/ask/1791143) D&C 93:36 The glory of God is intelligence, or, in other words, light and truth. It's in our Scriptures, so it must be true.

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Do Smart Mormons Make Mormonism True? No more than smart Muslims (such as those who developed algebra) make Islam true.

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LDS Bishops hold annual "Tithe Settlement" meetings with Ward members to ensure that they're paying their full tithe. Is the "full tithe" based on gross or net income? And please cite official LDS Church sources not just personal opinion or conjecture. Tithing Settlement is a time to reconcile that the ward's records of your donations match your own. The bishop asks each member to declare their own tithing status in most cases (if an individual fails to show up, the bishop must declare it himself; also, there is a rare "exempt" status). The bishop does NOT ask if tithing was on gross or net. Within a few weeks, the member...

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Why do Mormons challenge/encourage those investigating the LdS Church to read the Book of Mormon when the vast majority of core LDS Theology is in the Pearl of Great Price and Doctrines & Covenants? I served a mission when there were 6 standard lessons, so I'll answer from that perspective. The lessons were designed to be informative without causing information overload. In the first lesson, the investigator is introduced to the existence of modern prophets (though only Joseph Smith by name) and extra-biblical Scripture (though only The Book of Mormon by name). That's a lot to...

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What church do you go to, if you go to one, what denomination are you? I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I attend the "ward" (congregation) defined by my house address.

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Is anybody interested in owning a copy of a authentic Gutenberg Bible facsimile? An authentic facsimile? ROTFLMHO. A standard photo copy is an authentic facsimile. A better question would be if anyone would be interested in owning a facsimile of an authenticated Gutenberg Bible. I would love one, but I'm not going to shell out hundreds of dollars on it.

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Why do many Mormons vehemently deny and/or evade the historical reality of the oath of vengeance that was in the Temple Endowment Ceremony from 1836 (approx) to 1927 (confirmed)? (NOTE: the Reference URL is to a Mormon Friendly validating source) There seems to be some confusion about which oath is being discussed. There is an oath of vengeance added by Brigham Young which included praying to God to avenge the murder of Joseph (and the other martyrs). This oath was not added until after 1844, and was removed in 1927. There was a second oath (a remnant of which still exists in the Endowment Ceremony) called the blood oath. The...

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Can i still be a mormon even though i'm an alcoholic and a homosexual who also tends to use viagra? Firstly, nothing in Mormon theology prohibits the use of Viagra or related products. This is a non-issue. Alcoholic means that you're addicted to alcohol. There's nothing wrong with being tempted, but you must learn to control your urges. The Word of Wisdom prohibits drinking alcohol, and you must live the Word of Wisdom to be baptized and remain in good standing within the Church....

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ANTI Mormon, I am so tired of this ignorant phrase. It appears to me that if any one is Pro Mormon, they are by definition, anti-everything else. Do you agree or dis agree? In the last presidential election, were you: 1. pro-Obama 2. anti-Obama 3. pro-McCain 4. anti-McCain Four possibilities, but only two ways to vote (unless you voted for a third party candidate). PRO- and ANTI- define where the main focus lies. If I was pro-Obama, I wouldn't care about McCain or the other candidates; I'd build up Obama. If I were anti-McCain, I wouldn't...

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If the end (16:9-20) of the Gospel of Mark wasn't included in ancient manuscripts (Link), then why doesn't the JST adress this? I'm unable to pull up that link, so I'll go off the question itself. Joseph Smith Jr never stopped tinkering with the Inspired Version. Looking at the chapter in question, Joseph merely corrected punctuation and grammar. He might have revisited the passage had he not died first.

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Where in the Bible (including apocryphal books) does it say that some children are sent to Hell? This theology arose from several passages which strongly indicate that one must be baptized in order to enter heaven. Glenn cites some words Mormon wrote to his son Moroni (from The Book of Mormon) regarding the baptism of little children. I think it nicely sums up why I don't believe unbaptized children will end up in hell. Jesus says that we must become as little children:...

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This week, at my church, it was discovered that two of the pastors, one male and one female, had an affair. what would you do if you were the church, do you forgive them? or condemn them? Both would lose their position as pastors, and be subject to the standard disciplinary actions. Then they would be treated as any other sinner seeking perfection.

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Heb 1:1&2 (JST) "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son..." Doesn't this passage specifically state the need for a "Living Prophet" is over? Otter is correct; that's the same exact wording as the King James Version. The only reason to mark it as Joseph Smith Translation is to make it appear that Joseph approved of that wording. The only problem with that logic is that it could have been that Joseph hadn't addressed that passage yet (he was still revising the Inspired Version up until his death). I believe this passage...

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What was the debate about 'authority' and who should be the next prophet after Joseph Smith died - and what happened in between his death and the appointment of Brigham Young? Wikipedia has an article on the Succession crisis of 1844 ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Succession_crisis ). Joseph's brother Hyrum was Assistant President of the Church, so he would have succeeded Joseph if he hadn't also been murdered in Carthage. The main candidates were: * Sidney Rigdon, member of the First Presidency. Rigdon wanted to be "Guardian of the...

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If Lehi left Jerusalem in 600 BC why was it only in the first year of Zedekiah's reign that Lehi started prohesying? Shouldn't he already have left 3 years previously as Zedekiah's reign started in 597 BC? Our current BC / AD eras are based on an guestimation of the year of Jesus' birth. it would be more correct to speak in terms of the Common Era. Lehi left Jerusalem 600 years before the birth of Christ. Note that as a Israelite, Lehi probably followed the Jewish calendar in determining the passing of years (the Jewish year is shorter than Gregorian years). It is estimated (using the...

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Recently, I have been attending a Chruch that requires members to pay tithes of 10% of everything you earn. Do you agree with this practice? Jesus fulfilled the Law of Moses. However, tithing dates back to Abraham (if not earlier). Tithing is still in effect. Tithing means "one-tenth", so tithing should be 10%. Tithing should be given freely, without anyone but the individual, the priest, and the Lord knowing if it was given, and how much. It would also be of interest in how tithing is spent. In my sect, tithing...

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Are there any mainstream Mormons that practice polygamy? If there is any evidence that would be great. I believe this was already asked, and the same answers are appearing here. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints excommunicates any member who is caught in a polygamous or adulterous relationship. This is not ot say that zero members break Church rules, but do so at their own risk. Thy are liars (regular interviews ask if they are living in harmony with Church teachings). If...

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Is there any evidence that Joseph Smith had sexual intercourse with his polygamous wives? (and PLEASE provide supportable evidence that can be cross checked not just your opinions or the opinions of others - thanks. However, snarky jokes are always fun!) DNA testing was done to determine if Joseph was indeed the father of some of the children of his polygamous wives who were married to other men at the time. Every test has come back negative (see the wives of Joseph website). As to his other wives - those with only Joseph as a husband - I don't know. I would imagine at least some sex took place, but I haven't heard of any children...

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Why do Mormon missionaries start there conversations by immediately lying to the perspective convert? * "We are not here to convert you" I never used that particular line because it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Oft times I'd invite people to learn more about the Church and our doctrine.

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Is it true that all the mormon converts, up to just a few years ago, had to swear to avenge the blood of Joseph Smith against the U.S. Government? Or is this just an "old wives tale"? This is a distortion based on a truth. Have you ever played the game "telephone" and seen how a message gets corrupted with each telling? The basis is that Brigham Young altered the Endowment ceremony to include an oath to avenge the murder of Joseph Smith Jr. This oath was to last for three generations. In 1927 it was removed from the Endowment ceremony. This oath was never a...

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Is the idea of Purgatory only an invention of the Catholic Church? How about mortal and venial sins? I'll address my own sect's thoughts on this. I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe that everyone gets purged of their sins before they are sent to their final destination (either a kingdom of glory or outer darkness). The individual pays for any sin for which he did not repent in mortality. I've heard of the Catholic mortal sins (also...

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Jesus the Messiah was a Jehovah Witness, as He was a witness to Jehovah. true or false? I would not word it that way. Today "Jehovah Witness" refers to members of a specific sect. As that sect did not exist during Jesus' lifetime, Jesus was not a JW. Jesus was a true and faithful witness for God.

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L. Dwayne Samuelson's article, "Lehi in the Pacific" appears to offer compelling new Linguistic evidence for the Book of Mormon. For example, Bora Bora, could mean "clean, pure, well/cistern" in Ancient Hebrew. Does this change your opinion of this work? I am embarrassed by those suppositions. When comparing similarities in languages looking for cognates, one must be careful of false cognate (words which appear to share an origin, but have different meanings. As an example, the Portuguese word "taco" means a roof tile, and not the tasty Mexican food. The Japanese "tako" means octopus. Since I am from Hawaii, I will tackle...

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A question for Mormons Only: Do you believe that questions addressed specifically and exclusively to any group should never be answered by anyone not a member of that group? I think that if the responder does not fall into the desired demographic, they should point out that fact. As an example, if Mister_IT (a Calvinist) answers a question addressed to Mormons it would be disingenuous to not mention his religious persuasion. People new to Answer Bag, or aren't familiar with him, may mistake his answer as representative of Mormon point of view. Mister_IT is...

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What was the mark God put/set on Cain for his protection (Gen.4:15)? Read the Wikipedia article on "The Curse of Cain" for some food for thought.

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Do you remember the last nation wide Christian Revival? I believe the Second Great Awakening (about 1800-1850) was the last major nation-wide Christian revival. I wasn't alive at the time, but my 3rd great grandparents took part.

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Is Matthew: 7:13-14 (narrow gate) is an analogy for seeking a virgin for marriage (sex) than a prostitute (broad ... is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it")? It means Jesus is the gate to the path which leads to heaven. Every other gate has a different destination. It's saying it's easier to take a carnal path to damnation that the strait path to Salvation.

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Tomorrow is Reformation Sunday. Does your Church celebrate this day? Will you sing Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress is our God"? My sect does not celebrate Reformation Sunday. To be honest, I hadn't even heard of that holiday until reading this thread. We believe that Martin Luther was inspired and helped cultivate the atmosphere of religious freedom we enjoy.

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I've noticed a new trend of some Mormons who longer believe that the LdS Church is the ONLY true Church - thus they take a softer, more inclusive stance toward other Churches and faiths. Are you one of these LdS and if so what led you to this conclusion? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes it is the only sect with the authority to perform the ordinances necessary for the Celestial Kingdom. The LdS Church also believes it has MORE truth than any other sect in terms of Eternity and Salvation. At the same time, the LdS Church recognizes that other sects also have good teachings, good morals, and encourage their members to...

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Did you know Glenn Beck is a Mormom? Are most Mormons like Glenn Beck? Glenn Beck is a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Harry Reid and Mitt Romney are also members of the LdS Church. Gladys Knight is a convert. From this small sampling of LdS who are prominent outside the Church, it is easy to conclude that not all LdS are the same. They all have different political views, personalities, and personal opinions.

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Is it against the Christian religion to buy and use sex toys with your life partner? Would God disapprove of this? If you change "life partner" to "spouse", then The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wouldn't take issue. Sexual acts are a means (but not the only means) of strengthening the bonds between husband and wife. Both spouses must feel comfortable and not coerced in these activities.

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Mormons: If the fall was a positive thing rather than a negative thing then why did God place Adam & Eve under a curse for disobeying His command to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? He didn't. God cursed the earth for Adam's and Eve's sake.

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What is the origin of the myth of the doctrine of Mary being the “mother” of God? The Bible names Mary as the mother of Jesus. Mainstream Christianity (including Catholicism) identifies Jesus as God, making the leap from "mother of Jesus" to "mother of God" rather small.

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Mormons: If the fall was such a blessing, then when Adam & Eve heard God walking in the Garden, why did they suddenly feel guilty and afraid, and try to hide from Him? Why didn't they run up to God and rejoice in starting "the plan" with Him instead? According to Mormon theology, we pass through a veil of forgetfulness when we are born. Likewise Adam and Eve lost their memories from the pre-existence when they gained physical bodies. This is why they didn't recognize Satan as the fallen angel. Without a recollection of their former life, Adam and Eve would not immediately recognize that partaking of the forbidden fruit was necessary in...

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Were Jonathan and David having a homosexual relationship as some contend? The Bible makes it very clear they were close friends. However, there is no clear indication of it being a sexual relationship.

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I have a test on the Gospels tomorrow for my New Testament class. Do you have any nifty facts about the Gospels you'd like to share to help me on my test? (keep in mind that my class approaches the Bible as literature). The Acts of the Apostles is the second part of The Gospel According to Luke.

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Tenth Mormon President Joseph Fielding Smith described the RLDS Church, of which Emma Smith was a founding member, as a cult (Doctrines of Salvation 1:284). Does the LdS Church still consider the RLDS/Community of Christ a cult today? "Doctrines of Salvation" was published in 1954 when Joseph Fielding Smith was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, not President of the Church. As such, it is on par with other books written by other Apostles. It is not doctrinally binding, but offers great insight. Only the President of the Church may introduce new doctrine. The Apostles act as official representatives...

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How many points are my ratings worth? On your profile page it says the maximum number of positive and negative points you can assign any given question and answer. You don't have to award all those points. For example, if I can award up to 4 points but I feel a certain answer only partially addresses the question, then I can award 1, 2, or 3 points.

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What is the LDS view on POLYANDRY? Polyandry has never been part of Mormon theology. It is true that in the early days of the Church, some women were sealed to priesthood leaders instead of their actual husbands. This was not true polyandry since the woman never acted in the role of wife with the priesthood leader. LdS have always believed that all polygamy is an abomination unless commanded / sanctioned by God.

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How many different churches do you attend and are they the same denominations or are they different? I exclusively attend worship services for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints UNLESS it is a special occasion for a friend (eg. they are getting baptized or receiving recognition). As to how many congregations I attend, I mostly attend my assigned congregation, but will visit others on special occasions. I went to my dad's congregation when he was set apart as bishop. I...

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What kind of things does the Book of Mormon talk about? I'm curious as a Christian Like Mister_IT, I suggest you read it for yourself. However, I would advise against the 1830 edition as your only exposure because it contained errors corrected by Joseph Smith Jr for the second printing. The more modern editions have footnote references (including links to Bible passages).

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Does anyone else think it's disgusting and very scary that Khristian Oliver, 32, is set to be killed on 5 November after jurors used Biblical passages supporting the death penalty to help them decide whether he should live or die? That link doesn't provide sufficient information to condemn the jurors. Khristian Oliver was guilty of the murder, so he must answer to the law. During a jury trial, both prosecution and defense can ask questions of the potential jurors and excuse those that are perceived as prejudiced. Was the jury debating between life without parole and the death penalty? In such a situation, it...

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For those mormons that know about the critics very reasonable claims ablout the Book of Abraham- How can you know the arguments/evidence and still believe it to be scripture? I'm not attacking- I just have doubts. I'm not the typical Mormon on this topic, so this answer reflects my own opinions. I don't think Joseph Smith Jr translated in the sense of the word as we use it today. Look at the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Joseph didn't consult any ancient texts; he made an inspired revision of the King James Version, adding a few new passages he received through revelation. ...

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"...if the devoted Mormon actually considers all of the facts at his disposal, he or she may feel some pain and, if honest with him or herself, will reluctantly acknowledge that the Mormon church is not at all focused on Jesus." Thoughts? I don't know what kind of answer one can offer. If I call the author of that quote a liar, he would just accuse me of not being honest with myself. If I actually believed that quote, I would have to leave Mormonism or lie to myself. Neither option is attractive.

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Elder Anderson: "Some listening today may need 'a mighty change [of] heart' to confront serious sins. The help of a priesthood leader might be necessary." How do you know if help of a priesthood leader is necessary or not? There is a standard set of sins which always require intervention from priesthood leaders. These sins are grave enough they could affect one's membership in the Church. Additionally, members should feel free to seek advice and help from priesthood leaders in over-coming any sin they can't lick on their own.

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Mormons: How many non-LdS Church services have you attended? How many non-LdS family members do you have? How many non-LdS friends do you have? Do you like non-LdS people and culture? And do you feel at ease with non-LdS people and culture? So many questions! 1. I've attended about a dozen church services for other faiths. Baptist, Assembly of God, Congregationalist, and one Protestant sect whose name escapes me. 2. My ancestors converted to the Church in the 1830s and 1840s, so the vast majority of my close cousins are LdS. My grandfather was inactive for a long time before I was born, but he returned to full activity...

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Albania is pressuring India to hand over the body of Mother Theresa. What are your thoughts? What does it matter where her earthly remains lay? Her spirit is enjoying the rest earned by those of such noble character, love, and compassion.

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Why does the LDS church excommunicate polygamist today when they accept that many of their prophets and leaders practiced polygamy in the past? Why excommunicate someone today but not denounce and excommunicate past polygamists? When a new law it introduced, you can't punish someone for breaking that law before it was made a law. As an example, let's say that congress passes a law outlawing incandescent light bulbs that goes into effect 1 Jan 2010. I cannot be prosecuted for having incandescent bulbs in my home right now. The Manifesto of 1890 forbade new polygamous relationships, but grandfathered all...

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This question is for current LDS; what's the deal with Kolob. Is the idea of Kolob as God's home planet a current teaching? (this is NOT meant to poke fun, sorry) Kolob comes from the Book of Abraham (found within the Pearl of Great Price). In the third chapters, Abraham is shon the cosmos through the Urim and Thummim. Abraham was told that Kolob is a great star near the abode of God. "If You Could Hie to Kolob" is still in our hymnal. Kolob is still doctrinal. However, it's not mentioned much in our church meetings.

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Why do baking recipes (like cakes or banana bread) that use vanilla extract usually tell you to stir it in last? I don't know; I normally mix it with the other wet ingredients.

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Do you keep mayonaise and salad cream in the fridge or in the press? For store bought, I keep unopened jars in the pantry, but they must be refrigerated after opening or they could give you food poisoning. Homemade mayonnaise is most definitely refrigerated right away.

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Mormon films like 'Emma Smith: My Story' and 'Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration' led Mormon Researcher Bill McKeever to say, "...it is impossible to tell the Mormon story in a positive light without leaving out a lot of information." Why is this? "The Mormon story" is long and complicated, much too much so to share in a single sitting. It becomes more complicated when you consider the multiple sects within the Mormon denomination, and not all of them agree on all points of history. Such was the case of "Emma: My Story". It was a joint production by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, The Community...

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What is the purpose of Baptism? Since this is in the Mormon section, I'll answer from a Mormon perspective. Our Fourth Article of Faith declares: We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost. We obviously believe that we...

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Im a so. baptist who recently moved to Utah and was wondering more about the LDS church It all depends on how much time you have and what your interest in Mormonism is. If you have the time, visit Temple Square in Salt Lake City. It's easy to find, as most streets in Salt Lake County are numbered from it (500 East is 5 blocks east; 200 North is 2 blocks north, where 8 blocks is 1 mile). Temple Square has two visitors centers, the Assembly Hall, and the Tabernacle (not to...

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Do you make pies from scratch or use frozen pie crusts? Hawaii is so humid that none of my pastry crust recipes turn out :( I use store-bought pastry crusts and homemade filling. I make homemade shortbread crusts and crumb crusts, though.

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Have you really messed up on a recipe? What happened? One of my cousins accidentally used a tablespoon (instead of teaspoon) to measure salt in pancakes; not even the pigs would touch them!

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Take a look at this recipe (see link). What is wrong with it? I think you keep the cooked scones warm in the preheated oven, but that's not mentioned in the recipe.

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In 1966 Marion G. Romney asked, "Is Socialism the United Order?" He concluded that the answer was, "No!" However, the concepts and history that he cites in his address clearly said, "Yes!" to me. What do you think: Is the United Order Socialism? From what I understand of socialism and the United Order, I'd have to say they are very similar, but not identical. The United Order is voluntary. Any member of the Church may choose not to participate, and he will remain in good standing with the Church. Socialism is mandated. Also remember that Socialism was a dirty word in 1966 ;)

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Why did Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins (the authors of the "Left Behind" series) say on the news on that show that only 142 million people disappeared? I thought there were over 1 billion Catholics alone, and more Christians than that. The 1+ billion Catholics are Christian. Belonging to a Christian sect doesn't guarantee you are saved. Salvation is personal.

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If fundamental LdS Church doctrine states that, "God and Christ never turns their back on us, but it's us that turn our back on them" then why does the LdS Church excommunicate loyal dissenters and other forms of Loyal Opposition? The quote in the question is taken out of context. Granted, I know about the length limitation on the question, but still ... The full intent and meaning of the quote is that when someone finds himself far from the Lord, it is the man (and not the Lord) who moved. The "we" in the quote is the general collective "we" and not an admission that the Church has turned its back...

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Do you think the next Pope really might be black? I would hope that race is not a consideration. A Pope should be elected based on a righteous life, high moral standards, and inspiration from the Holy Spirit. I was disappointed in the last presidential race when so many voted for Obama based on race and called people who voted differently "racists".

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Does Obama's Nobel Peace Prize prove he is the antichrist? Obama did not campaign for this prize (he was nominated within 2 weeks of taking office), and did nothing up to that point worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. I believe he was nominated by the promise of his tenure of President of one of the most powerful nations on earth. Any criticism of this award should be directed at the Nobel committee and not Obama. At least Obama has publicly...

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If you consider yourself a religious person, do you think that there are many paths to God, salvation or heaven, or do you think that your belief is the one true way? When Alice was in Wonderland, she found herself lost. When the Cheshire Cat appeared, Alice asked him which path to take. The cat inquired Alice's desired destination. Alice couldn't answer, so the cat told her that if the destination doesn't matter, neither does the path chosen. I believe most religions strive for the same thing. They teach many of the same truths. It is...

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LDS Apologist: "Prophets are not suddenly divine. They are subject to their own bias, mistakes, misconceptions, and world-views..." Mormon.org: "...follow the prophets, and you can enjoy the assurance of being in harmony with God’s will." Which is true? The President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the man who has held the office of Apostle the longest. He is groomed for that position through years of observing his senior Apostles. By the time he is sustained as President he has learned and grown much. The LdS belief is that if you do something wrong based on what the Prophet said, the culpability lies with the Prophet.

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If someone commits a serious sin - is it better for them to commit suicice as an act and expression of repentance than continue to live? I assume you are talking of blood atonement. Murder cannot be fully repented of in this life. Under blood atonement, the murderer could choose capital punishment, enabling him to repent that much sooner. The act itself is not part of the repentance process. Blood atonement has not been practiced in a very long time by the LdS Church, but it is one of the underlying reasons Utah supports...

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How could Joseph Smith (in History of the Church Vol 6, p. 474) cite Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 that "there are gods many and lords many" to justify his claim that there are countless gods when within context it says the exact opposite? Paul (and Joseph) said there are many gods and lords, but only one God and one Lord to us. The other gods and lords are not worshiped. The only ones we know are in the Godhead: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

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What are the origins of your denomination? Where did your church start? (Answer only about your own denomination please) In the Spring of 1820, there was a religious revival in upstate New York. Joseph Smith Jr (then 14) couldn't figure out which sect to join, so he went into some woods near his house (today known as the Sacred Grove) to ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). Joseph recorded that he saw the Father and the Son descend from the sky in a bright pillar. Joseph was told not to join any sect at that...

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When a recipe (which I don't ever follow any, but my friend wants to know) calls for bourbon or any other alcohol, is there a substitution? For me, I would just leave it out altogether, but she doesn't want to compromise. I don't drink, either, but I use alcohol in my cooking. Most of the alcohol evaporates within 15 minutes of cooking. Alcohol adds flavor and acidity. Apple juice or grade juice (especially from white grapes) can approximate the flavors in some dishes. If the acidity is important, add fresh lemon juice or vinegar to perk it up. Stocks (chicken, beef, vegetable, etc) can be used for...

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My mom used to make ice cream out of freshly fallen snow. How do I make this? I've heard of just mixing sweetened condensed milk with clean snow. Be careful of any pollutants / contaminants. Yellow and brown snow are already well known;) "Watermelon snow" is a microbe which gives snow a pink tint and a sweet flavor, but may upset some people's GI track. I remember using snow from our trampoline in lieu of ice to freeze our ice cream.

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Does the table salt (sodium chloride) that we use for flavoring come from salt mines, or does it come from the sea? How about the salt that we use to de-ice our driveways and the roads in winter? How about the salt that we use to soften our well water? Some table salt comes from the Great Salt Lake in Utah. A portion of water is guided into an evaporation bed. Different minerals settle to the floor at different temperatures, so the same water goes through multiple evaporation beds. The resulting salt is cleansed, processed, and packaged.

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Does salt have anything to do with weight loss? If so, can you tell me why? Salt is hydroscopic. You will retain water.

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I'm making Mahi-mahi with a sesame/teriyaki marinade for dinner. Anyone have an idea for side dishes? A Hawaiian style potato salad (include chopped hard-boiled egg), sticky rice, and an Asian inspired stir-fried vegetable dish (the vegies should be julienned) or a carrot slaw. Dessert is guava chiffon cake: use guava nectar instead of water in a yellow cake mix. Cover the cake with whipped cream with raised edges. Thicken some guava nectar with corn starch. Once cool (but not set) pour over...

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Why do ministers sometimes use the term "Christ Jesus" instead of "Jesus Christ"? Christ Jesus emphasizes the title "Christ", while Jesus Christ emphasizes the person "Jesus".

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Isaiah 16:11 "Wherefore my bowels shall sound like an harp for Moab." Why is farting mentioned in the Bible? It sounds like a harp when you pass gas?

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Are you trying to be like Jesus? Are you following in his ways? Are you trying to love as he did in all that you do and say? Do you read Alma 5 and do an honest evaluation of your standing with God?

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Who would like to join me in Wishing Jesus a Happy Birthday today Sept 29th? Which is the best geuss as to Jesus' actual day of Birth. You are correct in saying that Jesus was not born on December 25. However, That chronology used on that site uses a simplified calendar which ignores the differences between the Jewish, Julian, and Gregorian calendars. When stating that human gestation takes 9 months, we are using an "average" 28 day month. This means if fertilization took place on 25 Dec, the birth would be on 2...

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Do you think this "Remy Ma" album cover is blasphemous? [Information about her is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remy_Ma] I consider it blasphemous, but it falls under free speech. The shock value will generate tons of publicity, which she hopes translates into money. You won't find that album in my home.

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Why do so many Christian denominations still practice cannibalism today? Why aren't we shutting these churches down? I assume you make a reference to the Lord's Supper? I'm sorry, but that's not cannibalism.

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Do you consider your Christianity a religion or a relationship? The word Christianity means the state or quality of being Christian. Christianism is the set of beliefs held by Christians. Since you asked about my Christianity, I'll say it is my desire to be like Christ and follow his teachings; it is the quality of my relationship with the Lord.

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Christians: Exit Cult Counselor Steven Hassan, based on first hand experience, feels that using the Bible to reason with those in Bible based Mind Control Cults is ineffective. Rather he recommends using evidence external to the Bible. Thoughts? I find this question offensive, especially since you've labeled my sect as a "Mind Control Cult." All Christian sects employ at least some of that list of "Mind Control" techniques you've provided. Now to attack this specific question. People understand the Bible differently. If you try to use the Bible to disprove someone's beliefs, they will often...

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Are Mormons polytheistic, monotheistic, or what? Why don't I explain our beliefs in this area and see what fits ;) We worship God the Father, and Him alone. We also believe in and venerate His Son Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Godhead. LdS theology allows for the existence of other deities (such as a heavenly mother, or our God's heavenly father), but we do not concern ourselves with them. We...

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Doesn't the recent theft of DVD documentaries comparing Mormonism and Christianity distributed in Gilbert, AZ negate the common LdS refrain: "We do not try to force our beliefs on anyone. We also don't go around attacking the beliefs of other religions." I am not sure if the missionaries' activities would count as theft. Concerned Christians relinquished ownership of the DVDs the moment they left them on the porches. The DVDs were not the property of the residents until they solicited them or received them. The missionaries' actions were akin to removing those menus restaurants plaster the streets with. It is up to individual...

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"Faithful history" is a form of Mormon censorship...facts that strongly suggest Smith and other Mormon leaders are not trustworthy are airbrushed out of Mormon consciousness.' Bob McCue, former Mormon Bishop. If the LdS Church is TRUE why does it do this? For those who don't follow the link, Bob McCue is a former Mormon who served as Bishop for 5 years before leaving the Church. I want to clarify this point because as used, former could refer to Bishop (eg. he was released as Bishop but continued being faithful in the Church) or Mormon (he left Mormonism). The accusation raised by Bob McCue goes too far, and your conclusion is based on...

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We're travelling away soon (by car) and I want to take snacks for the trip plus food to eat there (it's an isolated area, not near shops). I have a chilly bin. Any ideas for healthy, tasty food and drinks? First off, I suggest you divide your food into different coolers. Each cooler should either have food to munch on during the road trip or food you plan to eat at your lodging. I recommend this so that your long-term storage doesn't loose as much cold from frequently opening the cooler during transit. Carrot and celery sticks are a good stand-by for traveling snacks. I also like...

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What is it, that the mormons call "Lamb's blood? I've only heard the phrase "blood of the Lamb" in reference to Jesus' blood.

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Can you be saved by anything you do or is it solely by God's Grace Without grace, nothing you do matters in terms of your salvation.

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Do Mormons allow children to take part in Halloween celebrations? It is more a question of culture than religion. In the Philippines, members celebrate a traditional Day of the Dead with a picnic in the cemetery. Most congregations within the US have Halloween-themed activities: dances, trunk or treat, movie night, etc. One rule is the person can't wear a mask (make-up and wigs are fine).

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Are there different kinds of Mormons? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be divided in a myriad of ways. Here are some categories I think will stir up conversation. Chapel Mormons Internet Mormons Cultural Mormons

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Why isnt Christianity an ism, like Judaism? "Christianity" actually is derived from "the state (or condition) of being Christian". "Christology" is the study of Christ. The Latin-based languages use a term similar to "Cristianismo" (Christianism), where "ism" means "system of principles and doctrine".

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Did Jesus know how to read? Jesus used the phrase "it is written". He read and expounded on the Old Testament in the synagogue. He wrote the sins of others in the mud when they wanted to stone the woman caught in adultery.

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Is it true that Brigham Young believed that it was acceptable to kill people to atone for their sins? Not in so many words, no. Blood Atonement taught that if someone was found of a particularly heinous sin (such as murder), the sinner could elect capital punishment in order to enter purgatory earlier. The belief was that one cannot fully repent of murder in this life; there will be more purging after death. Many outside the Church have twisted Blood Atonement to make it sound like...

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Since the LdS Church rejects William Clayton's 1843 Kinderhook Plates translation entries in Joseph Smith's diary, why don't they also reject James Mulholland's 1838 First Vision (aka the Pearl of Great Price "official version") entry in Smith's diary? The First Vision account was canonized after comparing it with other accounts. The Kinderhook translation was not substantiated by reliable sources.

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Do people who "join" a church understand what a theocracy is? Obedience without question! Theocracy is a form of government controlled by ecclesiastic leaders. It does not /HAVE TO/ be blind obedience. Also, when someone joins a Church, the Church only controls one aspect of that individual's life. The worst the Church could do is excommunicate the member (revoke membership).

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If the official First Vision story was so important, why did it go unpublished until 1842? What makes the 1838 canonized account so much more important than the previous ones? The fact is that it wasn't the first telling of the First Vision. When writing his history, Joseph had to choose one account of this remarkable event; he chose the one from 1838.

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Christians: In a recent interview Latayne Scott stated that a common LdS presupposition is that in order to be TRULY happy and fulfilled one must be a practicing Mormon. Do you feel that this is true? If not, what evidence can you provide to the contrary? I was unaware of the name of Latayne Scott, so I did a quick search and found her site: http://www.latayne.com/ Note that she has published 15 anti-Mormon books, and every one of the sites on her Mormonism Links page is decidedly anti-Mormon. Anyone using her as a reference on Mormonism needs to be aware of her background so they know how much salt to add ;) Having been LdS all my life, I...

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Christians: I'm told that a common presupposition among some Mormons is that the Christian doctrine of unconditional grace leads to a life of sin, immorality, and license (aka chronic violation of God's Law). Are you living such a life? If not, why not? I hate it when "some Mormons" make public statements which do not match the Gospel. Good people will lead good lives whether they believe in unconditional grace or not. Anyone who hides behind unconditional grace as an excuse for chronic sinning is not truly converted.

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What are some popular movies that star a Mormon character? The Other Side of Heaven (released on DVD by Disney) was based on the missionary experiences of John Groberg. Paint Your Wagon includes Jacob Woodling - a Mormon polygamist who is forced to sell one of his two wives.

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Westboro Baptist Church is coming to Great Neck NY to protest temples during the Jewish Holiday. Here is their agenda. They hate, Gays, Jews & America. This is their website. What are your thoughts? http://www.godhatesfags.com/ I can understand speaking against homosexuality from a moral stand-point. I can't condone disrupting the worship services of other faiths, be it picketing Temple Square during the LdS General Conference, disrupting worship at Jewish synagogues, or playing the tourist (speaking loudly, taking photos) during Catholic Mass at a historic cathedral.

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Are Mormons allowed to drink alcohol? According to D&C 89, we are to abstain from alcohol except for the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and in that case it should be of our own making. Another section informs us the actual emblems used in the Sacrament don't matter as long as it's done in remembrance of Jesus' Atonement. It is now most common to use water. As others have said, the Church is made up of...

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Was Joseph Smith arrested for "money digging"? YES. Joseph hired himself out for farm work, and one boss employed Joseph in money digging, too. That man's family brought charges against Joseph, but the man refused to testify, so Joseph was freed after the trial. I'd have to do some digging myself to come up with the man's name.

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Doesn't the recent theft of DVD documentaries comparing Mormonism and Christianity distributed in Gilbert, AZ negate the common LdS refrain: "We do not try to force our beliefs on anyone. We also don't go around attacking the beliefs of other religions." There is no mention of this allegedly theft in any secular newspaper. The Arizona Republic covers the distribution of the anti-mormon DVD, but nada about Mormons gathering them up. The DVD in question is decidedly anti-mormon and attacks us. It does not promote an alternative. Removing that DVD from the front door does not attack others' religious beliefs, nor does it force anyone into...

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What constitutes a sin? Is it the same for everyone? To sin is to knowingly act contrary to God's will. You are only judged according to what you know.

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Where are all the black Mormon missionaries? All but two of my companions were Black. There are Black missionaries in Hawaii. I've seen Black missionaries serving at Temple Square.

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Why is the LDS church pushing vampire pedophilia books on my children? I assure you the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not condone pedophilia. Nor does the LdS Church publish vampire books. I can only assume you are talking about the Twilight series, whose author *IS* LdS. She is acting as an individual in this basis and not in any official role within the LdS Church. I personally haven't read any of the books (I'm not part of the...

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What are the doctrines of the RLDS? The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints was founded by Joseph Smith III after the death of James Strang (Joseph III was too young to lead the church when Joseph Jr was murdered; Emma and her children followed James Strang). Because of their common history, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (now...

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Is it true that Mormons believe that if a person is not married by the age of 25, he or she is a menace to society? In 1963, BYU President Ernest L. Wilkinson said: "As to the single men, I need merely to repeat the admonition attributed to Brigham Young, "Every man not married and over twenty-five is a menace to the community." I asked Dr. Lyman Tyler yesterday if he would document this for me, but he said he had been trying to document it for years; he had given up, so you will have...

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If Jesus Christ showed up on your doorstep, and you invited Him in, what would you offer him to eat or drink? I'd offer him whatever I had on hand. Not much of what I eat resembles the foods he had all those centuries ago, so I'm not sure how to best please his palate. More important than food, however, would be the conversation. Perhaps a fruit and cheese tray while sitting in the living room (very informal) feasting on his words.

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Mormons: How do you reconcile the 11th article of faith with your Missionary efforts? Our missionary efforts are to give others the opportunity to accept or reject the Gospel. Missionaries are instructed not to be overbearing (an instruction found both in the Missionary Handbook and the Missionary Study Guide). We are not to desecrate places holy to other faiths.

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If Adam and Eve were light skinned, blond hair, blue eyed, how do we have all of the different colored people? Call for reference. While the Bible does hint at Adam and Eve having "light" skin, that "light" skin may have been as dark as modern day people in the Middle East. Hair and eye color are not even hinted at in the Bible. Their son Cain was cursed with a mark upon his skin (see the Wikipedia article on the Curse of Cain), and many have interpreted this as receiving a...

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Is the living prophet is more vital to LDS church members than the Bible or Book of Mormon? In at least one respect, YES. A living Prophet is needed so that the Church can retain the Priesthood. LdS believe the Priesthood cannot be obtained by reading the Scriptures alone, but must be received by another Priesthood bearer.

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I am aware that Mormons are not sure whether God has a wife or not, but do Mormons think he does? The Church of Latter-day Saints recognizes the God is married; however, it is not officially stated whether he is a polygamist.

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I want to rap about the LDS church using this beat. Do you have any ideas for the lyrics? Don't. Mormonism doesn't lend itself well to rap. Just look at the "Mormon Rap" flop from several years ago.

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President Kimball once said that he is the liaison between man and God; however, 1 Timothy 2:5 says, "For there is ... ONE mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." Isn't this a bit contradictory? Two different contexts. President Kimball was Prophet, and acted as God's mouthpiece, much like Moses, Elijah, or any of the Prophets of the Bible. Jesus is the Christ, our Redeemer and Savior. Since Jesus paid our debt, he mediates between God and us.

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Blair Dee Hodges: "Mormonism is lived and experienced as much as it is believed. Moreover, various "folk" doctrines tend to spring up from time to time, some becoming generally accepted and others jettisoned along the way." Thoughts? Not quite sure what to add, or how to comment. I think it's a fair assessment. In Mormonism, faith must be exercised and put into action; it must be lived. With such a large sect in so many diverse cultures, it is natural for "folk doctrines" to arise. Most "folk doctrines" either die out or remain local, but a few spread enough to be considered general beliefs.

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How old were you when you got your first bible? I got my own Scriptures when I was 8. They were given to me by my parents at my baptism.

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Which Bible do you use? Nelson ? Schofield ? KJV? NIV ? NKJV ? Or do you even know? I mostly use the KJV in English and Almeida (corregida e fiel) in Portuguese.

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By believing in stuff like 'trans-substantiation' of bread & wine (veg.) into Jesus's 'flesh and blood', aren't all Christians merely 'a brainwashed bunch of ungrateful cannibals'? Most Christian denominations don't believe in trans-substitution (AFAIK, only Catholics do). Most believe that the bread and wine are emblems (symbols) of Jesus' flesh and blood.

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Tetragrammaton literally means having four letters. Are JW's the only ones that think of the four consonants that represent God's name in the Bible when "the Tetragrammaton" is mentioned in connection with Hebrew manuscripts? Mormons believe that the premortal Jesus is the Tetragram mentioned in the Hebrew documents.

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Do you thithe based on your income or just give a set amount every week? "Tithing" literally means "one tenth", so I give 10% of my income as tithing. I donate additional money, as able, to help even more of the poor and needy.

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"do not use the lord's name in vain." Look up the word 'vain' and you'll see it does not mean swearing, but vanity on one's part. Comments? Like most Scripture, there's more than one way to interpret this passage. Scodey correctly points out that this passage is the main reason why the Jews didn't say the name of the Lord aloud, substituting titles (Lord, God). When we confess Christ, we take his name upon us. If we confess Christ, but do things which we know are against his will, we take the Lord's name (upon...

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For Christians; If a tomb was discovered in Israel that was found to contain the bodily remains (skeleton or dried out corpse in bandages) of Jesus Christ, would that strengthen your Christian beliefs or weaken them? Neither. We have zero DNA with which to compare such a corpse / mummy in order to empirically declare them to be the remains of Jesus the Christ.

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Does God actually recognize all Churches as His Church, or is He partial to only one? If so which one? God will reward everyone for the good they do and their faith. A non-believer who cares for the needy will fare better in the afterlife than a non-practicing Christian. Having said that, the highest reward of heaven is reserved for true believers who have received sacraments realized by one holding authority. As another poster pointed out, our God is not a god of confusion; a house...

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What is the "four-letter word"? I believe you're looking for the Tetragram - the four consonants (in Hebrew, the vowels are rarely written) used to refer to the Lord. That name is so sacred Jews consider it blasphemous to say it aloud, so they substitute phrases like God and Lord.

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What are two things that can stabilize an egg white foam? what are two things that can destabilize the foam? Cream of Tartar and sugar are both used in stabilizing egg white foam. Any type of fat will make it so the whites won't foam.

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I am making Barefoot Contessa's Coconut Cupcakes. She uses butermilk and I would like to use coconut milk. How do I substitute the coconut milk for the buttermilk? Buttermilk normally is used because of its tangy flavor and low pH. A standard substitution using regular cow milk is to add enough milk to 1 Tbsp of vinegar to end up with 1 C total. Coconut milk has about the same pH as cow milk, so I'd first try the standard substitution, maybe using a tropical vinegar instead of distilled.

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What dishes are unique to your area (state, city, etc) that other people may have not even heard of? Care to share some recipes? Hawaii has many dishes which are slowly making their way to the mainland. Lomi lomi salmon: diced raw fish in a salsa of finely diced tomato, onion, green onion, and parsley. Some acid (lemon juice or vinegar) is normally added to kill any nasties. Similar to ceviche in Mexico. Lau lau: steamed taro leaves; generally there is meat in the middle. Poi: taro root that's baked, mashed...

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Why is Merengue Pie, Lemon: why not raspberry, pineapple, apple? Meringue is the sweetened egg white fluff on top of the filling. You can put it on just about any cooked pie. Lemon traditionally has meringue because lemon filling is so strong it needs something to mellow it out a bit.

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Are your spices organized? Yes. I keep all my whole spices together, then all my dried herbs, then I sort the rest as to the spice's main use.

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LdS Scholar: "You would think that the biggest, most impressive founding event of the LDS church [The First Vision] would be the one thing that is very clear and straightforward." Yet it isn't - the historical record is complex and contradictory. Why? The First Vision was told to different audiences at different times. With each telling, Joseph catered the story to his audience. The version which was canonized is the most complete, containing the most of the details found in the other accounts.

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Does anyone out there know of any mormons who got away with murder because of their political connections? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not condone murder. Murder is grounds for excommunication and the accused is turned over to the police. * murder is not the same thing as killing someone in self defense, or killing someone as part of a soldier's duty in war.

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I talked with a mormon woman once and asked her how the church could let one of their members run a criminal organization in the area I live. She said "WE ARE TAUGHT WE ARE SUPPOSED TO SUPPORT EACH OTHER". I said Ya- but this guy is dealing drugs etc. Call for Reference. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints doesn't condone illicit drug use (against our Word of Wisdom), much less distributing. We are taught to obey and sustain the law of the land, as per our Articles of Faith.

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"Why do Mormons think that any history written by someone who doesn't belong to their religion is not trustworthy?" (Eric Johnson, Mormon Studies Scholar & Researcher) That statement paints with too broad a stroke, though there is a grain of truth to it. Everyone has biases, and it is impossible to be perfectly impartial, so authors bring their prejudices with them. Some authors, like the Tanners, are decidedly anti-Mormon; they have the destruction of Mormonism as their main objective. Other authors treat us with respect, even if they don't agree...

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Does the Mormon church count as members �those members who have long exited LDS?" There are three ways to exit the LdS Church: 1. Ask your name to be removed 2. Be excommunicated 3. Die (a "lost" member is considered dead after their 120th birthday) If none of the above pertain to you, you are still counted as a member. There is no easy way to take attendance during Sacrament Meeting; our clerks just count how many people are present. Not everyone stays...

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"It appears that within a year of conversion, 75% of foreign converts are not regular [LdS] church attenders, and that 50% of U.S. [Mormon] converts are non-attenders." (Mormon America, p. 386) Thoughts? Which years are included in this statistic? The Arrastao years of Brazil (10% retention) are likely to skew the numbers outside the USA. What's the minimum frequency to be considered a "regular church attender"? Twice a month? Every other week? Once a month? The LdS Church defines active as attending at least one Sacrament Meeting per month.

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Why does Jesus allows the Philippines to go through trials and tribulations? The country is the most devoted Catholic country in the world. Job was a righteous man, but look at what the Lord let him go through. Jesus is the Son of God, the only sinless person to walk this earth; look at what he suffered. Being righteous or devout doesn't mean you won't go through trials and tribulations. Our only promise is that we won't be tempted above that which we can bear.

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How long after starting RCIA classes does one get baptized? I'm not Catholic, but I say it should not be until you are converted. The RCIA course helps you understand Catholicism. As you study, pray about the material. Really study to determine if you want to join. Join for yourself and not just to please a bf/gf or family member.

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Ok im confused about "Our lady of Gaudalupe" i read the story and understand what happened, but not sure if i understand if its two different people. is our lady of gaudalupe the virgin mary or what. lol im confused Our Lady of Guadalupe is the Virgin Mary.

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"Study after study demonstrates a vast discrepancy between official LDS membership claims and participating or self-identified membership." (LdS Scholar, David G. Stewart quoted in 'Mormon America', p. 386) Thoughts? The official numbers are off, and everyone knows it; we just can't agree with what the correct numbers are. The official numbers include "lost" members, whose names only are removed after they officially have their names removed, are confirmed dead, or 120 years have passed from their birth date. Additionally, one must ask what qualifies as "being active". The...

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"...Brazil, which ranks third among nations in Mormon population...in 1988 only 15-20% of those on the membership rolls were active, another 30-40% were nominally active and some 40-55% had little to no contact with the [LdS Church]." (p. 383) Thoughts? From about 1985 to approximately 1996 Brazil was experiencing what is known as the "Grande Arrastao". I hate to admit it, but I witnessed it first-hand. The verb "arrastar" means "to drag", and "arrastao" can mean "the big dragging" or "the drag net". "Grande" in front of a noun means "great" ("A Grande...

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If an LDS member aspires to go on a mission, but is poor, and cannot afford the $400/month himself to serve on it, will the church foot the whole bill instead? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has no money but what it receives in donations. There are different funds to help missionaries. The "ward missionary fund" is used to help missionaries serving from that particular ward. The "general missionary fund" is sent to Church Headquarters to help missionaries regardless of their home ward. Members may donate to...

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Is God a false prophet because he told Adam and Eve that if the ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil "In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." But after eating it they lived nearly a thousand years! One day in God's time is 1000 years in earth's time (2 Peter 3:8,10). None of the patriarchs lived for 1000 years.

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In The King Follett discourse Joseph Smith said, "In the beginning, the head of the Gods called a council of the Gods . . ." Who is this "head of the Gods" Joseph Smith didn't correlate this deity with any specific God in his discourse. Thanks. Elohim - our Father.

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Why did Joseph Smith in the King Follett Discourse claim that Gen 1:1 properly translated should read, "The head one of the Gods brought forth the Gods" when the best manuscripts don't support this? And why isn't Gen 1:1 in the JST translated this way? One could use this to indicate that Joseph hadn't finished the Inspired Version ;) I don't have a copy of the King Follett Discourse handy, but did Joseph say that's how the creation story should start, the way the Bible should start, or did he specifically mention Genesis 1:1 (corresponds to JST Genesis 1:3)? Likewise, the JST didn't alter Malachi to match...

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Why must LdS Missionaries wear the required uniform of white shirts and dark suits that marks them as outsiders in cultures where that is not the norm? Wouldn't they be more effective if their dress were more culturally relevant, contextual, and aligned? This uniform various slightly from clime to clime and culture to culture. Most everywhere, elders are required to wear white dress shirts and "conservative" ties (definition of conservative varies greatly; in my mission, it was conservative if it didn't portray pornography). Additionally, missionaries wear name tags which include the name of the Church translated into the...

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Why in King Follett J. Smith did say, "The mind or the intelligence which man possesses is coequal with God himself." which seems - as I understand it - to be at the very least EXTREMELY arrogant and perhaps even blasphemous? Where in the Bible is this? Many things which Joseph Smith Jr taught are extra-biblical (not found in the Bible). Others are merely hinted at. As the eternal ovoid pointed out, the sentence in question really means that man's spirit existed before the creation of the Earth (though created by God, so not as old as the Father) and will continue to exist forever (co-eternal with the Father). Jeremiah 1:5 says the...

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We (the Latter-day Saints) do all that other Christians say we must do to be saved. Yet some claim we will be condemned because we believe God requires more than that of us. That makes no sense. How can more than enough be insufficient? They condemn us because they feel it is to a different Jesus when we accept our Lord and Savior.

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Is the Mormon church and the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints the same thing? "Mormon" can refer to any of the 100+ sects which accept the Book of Mormon as Scripture. However, in common usage it is mostly limited to the largest of these sects: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. http://www.mormon.org http://www.lds.org

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Need a good menu from all you cooks out there - need something with little fuss for a honey baked ham as center of the meal. What would you serve with it and how do you prepare your dish? Honey baked ham takes my thoughts to the holidays. Make a slaw using red and green cabbage, julienned apples, julienned carrot, and either raisins or dried cranberries. A green foam Jell-O mold? Whip up par-set lime gelatin with whipped cream. Fold in mini marshmallows, and re-dish into a mold where it set up. Maraschino cherries are in it, too. Warm spiced applesauce (cinnamon,...

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Being a Christian, I am married, I have never cheated on her and never intend to. I still appreciate other women and can have sexual urges but know that I won't act on them. Is the fact that I have urges a sin? or is it not because I can control these? Being tempted is not a sin; giving into the temptation is. When I was serving a mission, there was a certain saying: if you don't look once, you're not a man; if you look twice, you're not a missionary.

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"When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done." Improvement Era message to [Mormon] Ward Teachers circa 1945. "When the [LdS] Prophet speaks the debate is over." LdS Church First Counselor, Eldon Tanner in a 1979 article. Thoughts? Funny you had to go back 30 years to find such statements. Our God does not give us specifics about everything. We are expected to use our heads to think and engage in good works on our own. We are free to speculate, formulate hypotheses, etc, until the Church issues an official statement which contradicts our own personal opinion. At that point, we are expected to align our views with the...

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Have you ever been to an authentic pig roast where they buried a whole pig in a pit with hot coals? It is called kalua pig (kalua means cooked or baked). The oven is an imu. The party is a luau. We have luau all the time with kalua pig and hulihuli chicken. Sides of taro, ulu, and haupia. Talk about ono! For an interesting twist, do kalua turkey for Thanksgiving ;)

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As we read the first 7 chapters of 1 Nephi, what can you learn from Lamon & Lemuel? Laman and Lemuel almost always ended up doing the right thing in the end, even if they murmured about it. Yet, they were not favored of the Lord because of this attitude. We can learn that works without faith are dead.

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To Christians ... How can Jesus be God when he explicitly stated in the following passage that they are two different identities!!? ... Jesus said: "Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me." [John 14:1] Today's mainstream Christianity explains the Trinity as three Personages forming one God. Besides, you forgot one very important word in John 14:1: "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me."

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If in the future there exists a magical machine which can clone you from a stem cell for example, would your clone have a soul? Scientifically speaking, a clone is just like an identical twin born at a different time. Why wouldn't a clone have a soul? My biggest argument against cloning higher animals, such as humans, is that there are hundreds of failed "experiments" before we get it right. Oh, not to mention you must destroy the DNA of a fertilized egg (when does a group of cells become human?) in...

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Gordon B. Hinckley: "The traditional Christ of whom they speak is not the Christ of whom I [LdS President and Living Prophet] speak. For the Christ of whom I speak has been revealed in this the Dispensation of the Fullness of Times'" Thoughts? We do believe in the biblical Christ; we just don't believe all the extra stuff about him the various synods and creeds added.

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Christians only: Have you ever read your church's Statement of Faith? Why or why not? Here are the Articles of Faith from my sect: http://scriptures.lds.org/en/a_of_f/1 I think everyone should know their sect's creed(s) and articles of faith. You must verify that you agree with them. If you don't, you need to either find a different sect or learn how to tune your faith to your sect's.

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"Relative to size, no American denominational family, not even the Baptists, has given rise to so many schisms and churchlets as the followers of [Joseph] Smith." (Mormon America, pp. 341&342) Why do you think this is? It all started with the murder of Joseph Smith Jr. Hyrum Smith was next in line for the President of the Church, but Hyrum also died that fateful day. Joseph hadn't left clear instructions for the line of succession after that in any definitive form. At least 6 men put their names up for consideration. Each of the six ended up founded their own sect. Brigham Young got the majority...

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"The LDS scriptures simply do not allow Mormons to view the others [non-LdS groups] as legitimate churches. Separation, then, makes theological sense on both sides." (Mormon America, p. 329) Thoughts? Depends on your definition of legitimate. LdS do believe that other Christian sects teach good values and strive to do good in the world. Other Christian sects are legally established and enjoy the same legal protection as our sect. We even join forces for humanitarian projects. LdS Scripture does warn of a universal apostasy in which many plain and simple things were lost, and during which...

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Chrestians! After 7 days the holy month of Ramadhan will start...is it wrong to ask a chrestian friend to fast with us for one day just to share and give it a try..and i will invite him to the dinner at the sunset with my family.. I remember this question from a previous year. Let your friend know what Ramadhan means and why you fast during this holy month. I think most Christians have heard of this holiday, even if we don't understand what it celebrates. I would find it no more offensive than inviting a Muslim friend to my nephew's priesthood ordination. Such a friend might not agree with the theology, but...

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Do Mormons sing songs/hymns as part of their worship? what kind? One of our Scriptures states that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto God. We publish our own hymnals which include both the sheet music and lyrics. Every so often the selection of hymns is reviewed, new hymns added, and a few others removed. Our current hymnal (published 1985) includes 341 hymns. We include hymns from the hymnals of other Christian sects (obtaining legal permission...

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If I took secret pictures of the inside of an LDS temple, and posted them onto an album on Facebook, what would my fellow LDS friends say in the album's comments? What would they do? Doing so would be breaking the law (trespassing for starters). Also, you would lose all love, friendship, and respect from every LdS you know.

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"It seems clear that support for the Mormon doctrines of a corporeal and limited God, eternal progress, and deification can not be found in Eastern Orthodoxy, the early church fathers, or the... writings of C.S. Lewis." (Mormon America, p. 318) Thoughts? I find the word "limited" offensive when describing my Heavenly Father. I also fail to see the distinction between eternal progress and deification. As for having some doctrines which aren't found in the mainstream (or even agree with the mainstream) I say so what. If we believed exactly the same as everyone else on all points of doctrine, what would be the purpose of creating...

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Why does a muffin top come out crunchy and then go wet/moist? Sugar attracts moisture. Same deal as putting fudge in the fridge.

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When baking cookies, do you prefer to use semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips? I make a triple chocolate chip cookie (milk chocolate dough plus dark and white chips). Is there such a thing as too much chocolate?

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Have you ever had or made Scuppernong pie? Did you like it? I am making one for the first time. Grape pie? I'd imagine it'd be too sweet to eat on its own; maybe add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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“Mormons fear, with some justification, that their theology might be trivialized” (Mormon America, p.301). Thoughts? I think Answer Bag proves the point that theology (from any sect) is trivialized, twisted out of context, and mocked. Look at the questions regarding the Book of Zelph!

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Do Mormons believe that the only people they can be absolutely open with are fellow Mormons? One should be completely open with their spouse and with Deity. Discretion is needed everywhere else. The level and type of discretion depends on how well you know the other person, how you perceive they will react, and the current situation. Why do I need to know that my brother and his wife decided to circumcise their son? Why would I bare my soul by sharing my most spiritual experiences...

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I ask this question in relation to http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/7595711 What religions will deny the presence of family members at a wedding simply because they are not adherents? What religions will split a family? Those are two distinct questions. AFAIK, only the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold marriages in a place where only other adherents can witness. And furthermore, only other LdS with a temple recommend may witness. As to which religions will split families, that opens a whole other can of worms. I know of a few sects which ask parents to disown children who are...

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(Most particularly at University branches,) how often do student members of an LDS church lie to a fellow member who happens to have a form of Autism? First, I do have a close relative with autism. Nothing in this answer is meant to offend autistics or their families. Secondly, autism in the U.S. is still relatively rare. It affects less than 1% of the general population. I am not aware of religion being a significant determinant (eg. Mormons are neither more likely nor less likely to have autism). Thirdly, few autistics attend...

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"As a missionary tool, for public relations reasons, a Bible that the world at least tentatively accepts - such as the King James Version - has advantages." Joseph Smith Translation expert Robert Matthews on why the LdS Church doesn't use it. Thoughts? I'll agree with the premise that using the King James Version of the Bible has advantages, but I'll disagree that that's the reason we haven't canonized the Joseph Smith Translation. I'll quote from a 1967 article by F. Henry Edwards (a member of the First Presidency of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at the time). I found this article in...

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"Unlike modern translations and editions by traditional Christians this current [1979] Mormon edition [of the King James Bible] was published without reference to the best available ancient manuscripts..." (Mormon America, p. 298) Thoughts? If we altered it, we could no longer claim it as the King James Version; it would be a sect-specific translation which no-one else would use. We already receive grief for the (uncanonized) Joseph Smith Translation

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Mormons, what would you say to someone who compared the LDS Temples to Saddam’s palaces? How would you feel? I'll agree with the Otter in asking for more details on how LdS temples can be compared to the palaces built by Saddam. Both classes of building are beautiful from an architectural standpoint.

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Why do Mormons deny the truth of their own history? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does NOT deny the TRUTH of our history; it denies and rebukes the spin and falsities others have spread regarding our past (and present).

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When the LDS Missionaries proselytize around LA, do they ever visit Compton and Watts? I'm not sure if Compton and Watts are regularly visited by LdS missionaries, but if you request a visit ( www.mormon.org ) they will come.

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Including real estate and other assets, approximately how much is the Mormon church worth? The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints owns several other entities, some of which are for profit. They probably add up to more than US$20B. As Otter pointed out, the majority of tithing is not used to increase the Church's holdings, but in maintenance of facilities and running Church programs.

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What type of recipe uses these ingredients? flour egg butter chocolate milk You could make a chocolate custard if you had sugar. Um, maybe try a chocolate pop-over

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Since most people on earth who are married are married "till death do you part" what does your Church teach about when a man and a woman meet in the hereafter, who were married on earth? Will they still love each other the same? Sealings in the LdS temples do NOT contain the phrase "till death do you part". In fact, couples are promised that if they are faithful and keep their covenants with the Lord, their marriage can be eternal. As for how individuals will feel about each other in the hereafter, why would that change just because they shed their mortal shells?

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FLDS Church: Is it a cult? Are young girls really being married to older emn against thier will? Are they getting pregnant at 14 years old? What do you think? I am wary of using the word "cult", but from what I understand, the FLDS Church is a cult. FLDS Church leaders do arrange at least some of the marriages. Teenage boys have been run out of town so Church leaders could have enough wives to qualify for exaltation. The Utah Attorneys General normally turn a blind eye to polygamy, but prosecute child and spousal abuse, identity...

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"One key problem for all Mormons attempting to relate Mayan cites and culture to the Nephites...is the that Mayan civilization is dated 200 years or more after the destruction of the Nephites." (Richard and Joan Ostler, "Mormon America"; p. 274) Thoughts? Firstly, without a definitive geography for the Book of Mormon, we cannot declare any ancient civilization to be Nephite, Lamanite, Mulekite, or Jaredite. Speculation is fun, but one's faith must not depend on the veracity of such speculation. As for the time discrepancy between the Mayans and the Nephites, remember that the Lamanites continued to exist after the destruction of the...

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One of the reasons Mormons believe tattoos to be a sin becouse it defiles your temple(body). Why does it matter if you will be perfected after death? Does a man made thing have power above gods ability to make you perfect? Tattoos have to be grandfathered; many faithful Latter-day Saints received tattoos before President Hinckley's "raising the bar" campaign in 2000. Having a tattoo will not deny one from temple ordinances. Those with tattoos in visible places are not allowed to serve as full-time missionaries. Why does it matter? It's a question of obedience.

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Modesty: What constitutes Modest Dress in your opinion? Immodesty is drawing undue attention to one's self. Modesty is relative to the culture of the individual. In Brazil, nudity is common-place, so a woman going topless is not going to have the same shock value as it would in the U.S. Utah is its own culture where stores specialize in modest clothes: knee length shorts and dresses that are "temple modest" (they would cover...

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Do you think Mormons should be be given limits on how many children they can have? Why single out Mormons? The government shouldn't interfere as long as the parent(s) can provide for all their dependents and are not guilty of abuse or neglect.

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Where can someone in northern Utah sell their art? They are also willing to paint in front of the people buying them. Example: Freedom Festival. Also would take any other ideas that are non-specific to Utah How far south is still considered "northern Utah"? Springville (just south of Provo) is known as Art City and has several festivals during the year. You can also try each city's Founders Day (Strawberry Days in PG, Onion Days in Payson, etc).

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How many percent of churches in Salt Lake City are LDS churches? Salt Lake City is approximately 40% LdS, but I'd guess that roughly 75-80% of the church buildings in SLC belong to the LdS Church.

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Do people forgive in Magna, UT? What would make that particular city any different than the rest of Utah (or the USA for that matter)?

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Whereas Google is the master search engine of the 2000s, what were the master search engines of the 1980s? The internet existed, but the web did not. The internet was limited to fetch, gopher, irc, and usenet. I think archie was a search engine for gopher, but I'd have to look it up (I didn't get connected until 1991).

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What would your opinion be on someone who says he is 24 and a junior in college? I'm assuming you use "college" in the U.S. sense of the word (something that comes after high school) and not the British sense ("high school" to us Yanks). Young men in my sect often serve a 2-year religious mission when they're 19, so a 24-year-old junior isn't all that rare.

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What famous people have you met socially on more than one occasion? My great uncle had his own tv show. My dad is famous in ecology circles. I shook hands with Gordon B. Hinkley (late Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) on a few occasions (including a wedding reception). The Hoff came into our local grill a few times during Bay Watch - Hawaii. I was in a kawa ceremony with the King of Tonga twice.

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"I perceived the world differently as a Mormon. Those who had not lived valiantly in the pre-existence were cursed to be born black, dark or yellow skinned or into Christian, Buddhist, or Muslim homes." ExMormon, Andy Pollard. Thoughts? While similar sentiments were common at one point, they never had any doctrinal basis. Individual members tried to explain the disparity of conditions babies were born into, when such conditions surely couldn't be caused by any sin or wrong-doing in this life. It was supposed that the more valiant in the pre-mortal existence were promised access to the Gospel and the Priesthood.

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Do you think the Jaredites were black? The Jaredite story begins with the Tower of Babel. Babel was an older name for Babylon, and experts have placed Babylon in modern Iraq. My guess would be that the Jaredites were not Black.

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Poll for Christians: How much time each day do you spend in the Word of God? 15 minutes of family Scripture study, 30-45 minutes of personal Scripture study. Some passages are more gripping than others, so an hour can sometimes pass without me noticing the time.

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Christians only: Which historical Christian creed (e.g., Athanasian, Nicene, etc.) or confession (e.g., Belgic, Book of Concord, etc.) should be required reading for ALL Christian denominations? Which do you think best summarizes the Christian faith? Why? I don't see why a denomination would have to accept any of those creeds if it wishes to be considered Christian. Many Christian denominations cry out "sola scriptura" (Scripture Alone), but each creed goes beyond what's in the Bible, in a way limiting the understanding of certain biblical doctrines to a single interpretation. Each denomination should be able to decide...

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What should be, according to you, the priorities of the Christian church? 1. bring its members closer to God, Christ, and Salvation. 2. Help others find Christ. 3. Charitable works. (#3 is often achieved through #1 and #2)

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When i was young, my christian parents would not let me participate in halloween. At school in primary school, they refused to let me learn about buddhism and other religions. They refused to let me watch harry potter. Are you like this? And WHY? My family will take almost any excuse to party, and Halloween offers such an excuse. We avoid the satanic stuff like movies about demonic possessions, putting pagan symbols around our house, etc. And kids in my family know Halloween is just make believe; they know not to use Ouija, etc. I was allowed to learn about other religions and cultures in school. My parents did make sure I knew what...

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Why do some Christians forgo caffeine? Some denominations have dietary laws. Mormons and Seventh Day Adventists are warned about coffee. Some individual members have expanded that to exclude all caffeine, but that is a personal choice. Other Christians choose to avoid caffeine because they don't like what caffeine does to the body, and this choice is not based on religion at all. I'm LdS and drink a 12 oz can of...

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Whats your name? I call myself Iosepa in honor of Joseph F. Smith.

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Does anyone else find it incredulous that those early Biblical virile men (Adam-930, Noah-950, Abraham-175) produced so few children in their long-lives, without any notion of birth-control & with seemingly unlimited supply of [anon.] fertile women? Your question doesn't make much sense. Virility is not tied to longevity. Genesis is called the First Book of Moses, because Moses wrote it. Moses (an Israelite and Hebrew) would have placed more emphasis on the ancestors of his people than on side branches. The others are merely mentioned as "other sons and daughters".

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Does it bother you if a poster gives you a negative rating because of your faith in Jesus Christ? It bothers me when I get downrated for my religious beliefs, especially if no comment is given to indicate how my answer was wrong.

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Why did Thomas S. Monson celebrate the anniversary of an old cathedral belonging to "the church of the devil" on August 15th, 2009? (and yes, Mormons, I am indeed being deliberately polemic and provocative for a reason) I found an article from the Salt Lake Tribune which puts this in better perspective: http://www.sltrib.com/features/ci_12993316 Brigham Young gave Catholics $700 to help build a school in 1867. Since that time, Mormons and Catholics have gotten along fairly well in Utah regardless of a few jabs from both sides.

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Do Mormons believe Joseph Smith sits on the left-hand side of God? I haven't heard anything of the sort from reliable sources.

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Why don't Christians practice the Bible-specified rite of circumcision? The New Testament writers, especially Paul, made it clear that physical circumcision was symbolic of circumcision of the heart (controlling passions, etc). Whether a Christian male is circumcised or not has more to do with his culture and perceived medical reasons than his religion.

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Why did Thomas S. Monson celebrate the anniversary of an old cathedral belonging to "the church of the devil" on August 15th, 2009? (and yes, Mormons, I am indeed being deliberately polemic and provocative for a reason) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has never claimed a monopoly on doing good. By recognizing the long history of the Catholic Church, the LdS Church acknowledges a common goal. Oh, the LdS Church has never identified the Catholic Church as "the church of the devil"

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Why would a Baptist want to convert to Mormonism when in Mormonism salvation is not guaranteed? Membership in /any/ Church does not guarantee Salvation. One must be converted (an inward condition).

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Martin Marty, a Lutheran scholar of American religion, has observed that LDS beginnings are so recent "that there is no place to hide....There is little protection for Mormon sacredness." Thoughts? It makes it sound like we have something to hide, or want to hide our roots.

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The pope declared he'd like to have dinner with an ordinary American tomorrow, and your name was picked out of a hat. Are you up for that? I'm not Catholic, so he's not going to pick me. Having said that, I believe the Pope does a world of good. It would be fascinating to have informal, opinion dialog with the man. I hope the media leaves the lucky family alone and doesn't film the entire meal.

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Is it okay to be a gay Catholic priest if you are celibate, which obviously priests are? Being tempted is not a sin; giving into those temptations is. Having homosexual feelings is not a sin; Focusing on those feelings (fantasizing) or acting on them is. Catholic priests take a vow of celibacy. Since they never marry, it is expected they have no sex (fornication is a sin). What difference does it make if the priest is straight or gay as long as his sexual attractions don't...

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I'm feelin' "saucy" and a little "snarky" to boot . . . so riddle me THIS: The answer is "Joseph Smith, Jr." what's the question? (the embedded video will give you a hint) I think you forgot the video ...

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Is the Mormon cult full of racists? I had to mark down your question for using the word "cult"; that is not the right way to get dialog flowing. Most Mormons are NOT racists.

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The Mormon church supported for Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in California last year, has turned the Utah-based faith into a lightning rod for gay rights activism, including a nationwide "kiss-in". Are they flip-flopping? Your question doesn't make sense. 1. The LdS Church supported Proposition 8 in California which prohibited same-sex marriages. 2. LdS support of Prop 8 turned the LdS Church into a lightning rod for gay rights activism. Our chapels were broken into. Death threats were made. People had to spend the night in the temple because they were scared for their lives to leave. Lots of national...

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How prevalent is interracial marraige in the Mormon community? People tend to marry people they know (hopefully so!). There are still areas which are predominantly one race. In such locations, most marriages are not interracial. I grew up in Hawaii - a racial melting pot. At least half the marriages in my ward were interracial. All of my parents' grandchildren are of mixed race. One of my uncles married a Native American. I have a half-Black...

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Anyone know of a dessert recipe that calls for layering graham crackers with some sort of chocolate/whipped cream concoction? I do remember it has to set overnight. It sounds like an americanized pave (pronounced pa-vay) recipe. Line the bottom of a 9x13 pan with graham crackers which have been moistened in coffee (or hot chocolate or milk). Spread a layer of chocolate custard over the crackers. Add another layer of crackers. Fold in a bunch of whipped cream into chocolate pudding (instant is fine) and spread over the crackers. Add a...

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