What about letting AIDs spread in Africa because of the ludicrously outdated opposition to contraception? What about the wacky practice of metaphorically drinking blood like a vampire and being a symbolic cannibal…yes Im talking about the communion.

What makes this growing influence even more troubling to traditional Christianity is Mormons tell people they don’t have to rely on some priest or pastor to interpret scripture or provide the last word on doctrine. Mormons say everyone can find out for themselves whether what they preach is right or not by humbly reading the Book of Mormon and approaching God for a confirmation of whether it is as they say, the restoration of Christ’s original church and His original doctrines. Given there is considerable difference between the old traditional doctrines and LDS doctrine, there isn’t much negotiating room or even a place for traditional Christian beliefs such as the Nicene and other related creeds. They even offer New Testament passages as proofs and then say to put everything to the test by asking for Holy Spirit confirmation - even the doctrine the LDS Church teaches.

The interesting thing about how this whole affair has evolved is how the traditional Christians have responded. Rather than acknowledging the effectiveness of recommending people humbly approach God in prayer and fasting as to whether what the traditionalists say is true, they have demonized Mormons and attacked them as an enemy. They have placed the correctness of the Nicene Creed and others as the bedrock of their doctrine and understanding to the point where there is no wiggle room for discussion. If the NC is not correct then much of their religious doctrine is not correct. The traditional Christians have used individual differences between the two doctrines as proof of Mormon heresy. But it is almost always through the lens of the Nicene and other traditional creeds and relies on mankind’s understanding and traditions. But to Mormons, the discussion ought to be whether God has in fact opened the canon and restored prophets and apostles to lead His restored Church. They offer direct access to God as their proof. Their detractors offer tradition and the understanding of men as their proof. Or so it seems to me.

I have seen a plethora of misconceptions listed on this blog. Please, please, please, do not assume what the LDS church believes or practices just because of what you see in one article or hear from a few different people.

If you want to form an opinion about and discuss the beliefs of the LDS church, please make sure that you first actually understand what the LDS church teaches and practices. Talk to an active member of the LDS church. Visit http://www.mormon.org. Whatever you do, please do not form assumptions based on random comments posted on some message board.

I’m not sure who in the church has ever “ducked” any questions like this, but here is an answer from a member of the LDS church.

God expects us to do all we can with all we have, and whatever we are unable to do before Christ returns will be made possible during the millenium when he reigns on the earth before the last and final judgement day.

You are right about one thing - a loving God will not allow one to be eternally damned just because his records don’t exist. Christ said: “I know my sheep, and am known of mine.” He will provide the way for that work to be done.

The only inconsistencies you find in the LDS church are those you manufacture in your own mind by refusing to look at the things you were (or at least ought to have been taught) in your LDS upbringing.

Why do you assume that we believe we are forcing ayone into anything? We only believe that we are offering people a choice to accept an ordinance necessary for their salvation.

They can choose whether they accept it or not.

On a very simple level, baptism for those who have passed on is no different than if I were to offer a drink of lemonade, even though you usually drink sasparilla. All that has happened is I have offered you a drink that is different than what you have known. What is offensive about that? If you don’t want it, you don’t have to drink it. The only one who is out anything by the offer is me, and that was my choice to put forth the effort.

The LDS church is NOT trying to force anyone into anything - living or dead. We merely want to give our ancestors the opportunity to accept something that is necessary for them, but they can no longer do for themselves because they have passed away. It is an OFFER, and not even intended to be coercive in the least.

Um, no. They don’t. They keep any history they have in a climate controlled vault and they make all the information as accessible to all as possible.

And if they take any originals, it would only be with permission of the Catholic Church - and access by the Catholic church to those originals would NEVER be restricted.

Um, NO. I, as a member of the LDS church could frankly care less. Please do not create assumptions based on your personal values and apply them to me.