by Anonymous on November 2nd, 2009

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What is behind the obsessive need for the mormons to document everyone's genealogy?

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by PrairieWind on November 2nd, 2009
The need to Baptise the Dead .
Accurate records must be kept so It will be known what area of the afterlife each member of humanity will be assigned depending on their conformity to doctrine .
This is my opinion after reading some of the information.
This church feels that the past dead of the world have a right to be allowed to convert to this religion and be baptised.
Anyone feel free to say different if this is not accurate.
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- That's very interesting....
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  by Starmaster on November 2nd, 2009
- There can be no such thing as baptism of the dead.
  If Jesus Christ, and only Jesus Christ, was not accepted as the only true and living Son of God during the course of mortal life there is no way it can be done after death.
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  by Anonymous on November 2nd, 2009
- It seems to be the why though.
  Sorry if you don't agree.
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  by PrairieWind on November 2nd, 2009
- If they didnt have the chance on earth, you really think they will be damned for eternity? no.
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  by phantom -x- on November 2nd, 2009
- I hold no opinion on this except to try and present the reason (s) why the Mormons are making the records.
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  by PrairieWind on November 2nd, 2009
- Sorry that was for anonymous, I agree with your answer
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  by phantom -x- on November 2nd, 2009
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by Taciturnu on November 2nd, 2009
I'm not mormon, and I enjoy genealogy. A lot of people in my region do. Think of it as a hobby.
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- My mom was the same. She genealogied (is that a verb?) for many years about as far back as she could. She doesn't anymore because, well, the project got about as complete as it most likely could.
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  by Just Another on November 2nd, 2009
- That's interesting! We've been able to trace back pretty far. Do you know how far back she went?
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  by Taciturnu on November 2nd, 2009
- It's been many, many years since we spoke of this. I believe she got back to the Civil War era. Petty sure of that. Remember her always referencing a kin folk named Levi. That *may* have been the end, but not sure. The other side, I'm second generation American born.
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  by Just Another on November 2nd, 2009
- I do find it to be interesting! My mother's side of the family, we've gone back a couple generations prior to Lady Godiva. I don't know my father's side, but that's a project I'll have to do on my own. :) My family worked together to get as far as we did on my mum's side.
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  by Taciturnu on November 2nd, 2009
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by Big Dan on November 2nd, 2009
Speaking of obsessive...
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- No kidding, eh?
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  by Taciturnu on November 2nd, 2009
- That doesn't answer the question though.
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  by Anonymous on November 2nd, 2009
- Only a fool would answer a loaded question.
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  by Big Dan on November 2nd, 2009
- What's loaded about it? They do seem to have an obsessive need to do it and it's not just for "members only". It's for everyone. Why is that? I guess you just don't know.
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  by Anonymous on November 2nd, 2009
- It means why are you so obsessed with Mormons, Anonymous?
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  by Strawberries on November 6th, 2009
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by BigDaddyBS on November 2nd, 2009
Have you ever done even part of the genealogy of your family? It's as, if not more, addicting as Answerbag is for most people.

Genealogy/Family History is something a LOT of people do. Mormons have taken on the task to be the records keepers of the world.

This article seems to have explained it well: http://hains.net/articles/whygenealogy.html . ;-)
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- Good answer. The link provided does a good job of explaining why members of my church do genealogy, but I think it must be clarified that even though we believe all mankind must have these ordinances made available to them, we do not believe that all mankind will be forced to accept these ordinances. We believe that even those who have passed on still have free agency and may choose to accept or reject any of the temple work done for them in this life.
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  by East Hill on November 6th, 2009
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by Arithon on November 6th, 2009
We believe that certain ordinances have to be performed on Earth such as Baptism. A common misconception is that when we do Baptisms for the dead, we are converting people or making them members of the Church. This is inaccurate.
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By performing this and other ordinances in the Temple for those who have died, this allows them the opportunity to choose to accept the ordinance. They still have the choice to reject it as well. It is not forced on them.
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Geneology helps us find those in our lineage who need the ordinances done so those on Earth can perform it fo them in Proxy.
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by Anonymous on November 6th, 2009
I don't know but it's EXTREMELY INTERESTING that the Apostle Paul said to beware of those who keep endless genealogies. Must have been SOME reason he said that.???
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- Reference?
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  by East Hill on November 6th, 2009
- I'm not 100% but it makes sense that the reason he said that back then is because people would use their Geneology to establish dominance over others as if they are more worthy of power due to their lineage.
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  I seriously doubt he was refering to the modern practice of Geneology. The term had different conotations back then. I'll do some reading to see if I can provide some sources. Good answer though, makes me learn!
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  by Arithon on November 6th, 2009
- Maybe. I'm not trying to be combative with Anonymous. I seriously would like to see his scriptural reference to study it. I don't ever remember reading where Paul condemned endless genealogies. I'll keep looking as well. Thanks!
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  by East Hill on November 6th, 2009
- Yes! I found some info. :) Here is an excerpt with a link to the page:
  “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.” (Titus 3:9.)
  http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=8af9ef960417b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
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  by Arithon on November 6th, 2009
- Thanks. I learned something new today.
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  by East Hill on November 6th, 2009
- The Jews of Jesus' and Paul's generations claimed salvation was automatic to them because they were the seed of Abraham. Paul's admonition to Titus was that being descended from Abraham doesn't save you; salvation is individual.
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  by laie_techie on November 7th, 2009
- Thanks Laie.
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  by East Hill on November 7th, 2009
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by mrrw on November 2nd, 2009
I don't know but I'm sure glad they are doing it.
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by Mike81069 on November 2nd, 2009
They believe everyone descended from Adam and Eve.
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by laie_techie on November 7th, 2009
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 times.
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- Well, I can't say there is any other reason told to the mormon flock. I do believe there are other, more sinister, reasons that have to do with DNA and different forms of consciousness.
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  by Anonymous on November 10th, 2009
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by Mister IT is trying to Liahona outta here on November 7th, 2009
The Mormon doctrine of Baptism for the Dead.

http://www.concernedchristians.com/index.php?option=com_fireboard&Itemid=42&func=view&catid=512&id=&id=75389&catid=512
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by edndori on November 7th, 2009
There is ordinance work we need to do for many of our ancestors, who, being dead, cannot do it for themselves.
For that we need to know who they are.
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Are you not the least little bit curious about your ancestors?
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- Sure, probably most people are. However this does not quite explain the specific warning of the Apostle Paul against "those who keep endless genealogies." Or did I read it wrong?
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  by Anonymous on November 7th, 2009
- Paul was talking about the obsession among the Jews with keeping genealogies to prove they were pure descendants of Abraham.
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  The Samaritans were Israelites also, but genealogies were lost (during the Babylonian captivity I think) that made it impossible to prove their lineage. That is why the Jews looked down on them.
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  The Jews kept their genealogies to make themselves important.
  We do genealogical work because our ancestors are important to us.
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  by edndori on November 7th, 2009
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by PrairieWind on November 2nd, 2009
A possible answer:
http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/gi_0199-2945509/Saving-the-dead-Mormon-style.html
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- Thanks, Prairie Wind. I read some of it but I really think there is something "sinister" about it. Paul, in the New Testament says to beware of those who "keep endless genealogies." He was warning against this for a reason he does not state but must have known. That's what I'm trying to find out.
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  by Anonymous on November 2nd, 2009
- Read about half way down
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  by PrairieWind on November 2nd, 2009
- Sorry but that link is now showing only half what it did before.
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  by PrairieWind on November 2nd, 2009
- interesting.
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  by Anonymous on November 2nd, 2009
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by Jacques on November 2nd, 2009
Maybe they plan on burning some churches as soon as they've finished.
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by Anonymous on November 2nd, 2009
It must have something to do with the Apostle Paul's warning to beware of those who "keep endless genealogies." But what, exactly? It seems like it has to be something anti-Christian! Or why would Paul take the time to mention it?
Comments
- Paul was condemning the Jews' belief that being the seed of Abraham was enough to secure them a place in heaven. LdS do not believe that our genetic lineage saves us, but rather receiving and keeping ordinances of the Gospel. We do genealogy in order to extend the blessings of the Gospel to our kindred dead.
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  by laie_techie on November 7th, 2009
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by Anonymous on November 2nd, 2009
I had some relatives who got into mormonism and were very deeply into genealogy.
From what I was told, they believe in baptism of the dead ..... so that everyone gets into heaven.
They mean well, anyway.
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by Blackberry. on November 2nd, 2009
Racial supremacy??
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by Djinn on November 7th, 2009
They are looking for the bloodline of Christ and the original apostils because they use this model as their government and wouldn't it be great if the people the filled these positions where actually related to the originals, or at least that’s the line of thinking. +2
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by ConservativelyLiberal on November 2nd, 2009
Really who cares what some cultists do?
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- Obligatory downrating for calling us a cult.
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  by laie_techie on November 7th, 2009
- But you are a cult.
  .
  1. a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
  2. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.
  3. the object of such devotion.
  4. a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.
  5. Sociology. a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.
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  by ConservativelyLiberal on November 8th, 2009
- You know that the popular definition of cult limits itself to wackos and crazies like the Branch Davidians.
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  by laie_techie on November 8th, 2009
- So you're placing your own meaning to the word and expecting that I'm held accountable to that meaning?
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  by ConservativelyLiberal on November 8th, 2009
- I'm using the de facto meaning, as used by the masses. You must realize the average joe isn't talking about any and all organized religion with the term "cult", but limits to dangerous groups (usually with a suicide pact) which practice mind control.
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  by laie_techie on November 8th, 2009
- Well I agree Mormons don't have suicide pacts.
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  by ConservativelyLiberal on November 8th, 2009
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by Alicia Honey on November 7th, 2009
It's specifically so that everyone can be retroactively inducted into mormanism. Anyone can be retroactively made a morman as long as they have their geneology.
Doesn't sound so peacefull now, huh?
Yup, that's why they do it.
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by Sarah M on November 6th, 2009
I'm not sure why but I'm glad they do.
Genealogy is fun and they have a great search website.
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