i'm mormom, and lately i've been hearing a lot of untrue things about my church, such as in our temples we make sacrifices and perform rituals such as blood sacrifices. and i dont know how to make people believe that we are a true church of god. there is no hard evidence to prove it. all i have is faith. and it sort of makes me wonder how am i supposed to know?
2007-01-22 20:46:39 · 28 answers · asked by tiffers 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
i just want to get this straight. we dont have
1. secret handshakes
2. idols
3. we dont make people take blood oaths
4. we dont threaten their lives if they leave the church
5. WE"RE NOT A CULT
i dont know why so many people believe all those things, nothing like that takes place. and referring to the "sacred" garments we wear under our clothing, for one you really only have to wear it to the temple and its really only for adults. it has to do with modesty. and being pure.
2007-01-22 20:54:41 · update #1
Hi Tiffers.
I was raised as a mormon from the age of 5 - when my parents were converted.
I rebelled against it big time at 16, then continued to wander in and out of mormonism for many years - always wondering about the veracity of it.
Then, 3 years ago, I got very fed-up of this 'always wondering' if it was true or not and prayed sincerely that He would reveal the truth to me.
The very next day, I discovered a site online that answered all my questions.
It is a site run by Jerald and Sandra Tanner (both raised of 5th or 6th generation mormon families) called the Utah Lighthouse Ministry; they have done a lot of research and found a great deal of truth.
I cannot recommend the site highly enough. Here is a link if you wish to check it out:
http://www.utlm.org/
I pray that you will be blessed with a knowledge of the truth.
In His love, Pete.
ps: Please feel free to email me if you have any questions.
2007-01-22 21:10:33 · answer #1 · answered by Pete J 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are old enough to be taking Seminary, I would make sure to ask your Seminary teacher (or parents, or teachers, or bishop) any question you have because there are so many people on this website who read anti-Mormon stuff and post answers to every question that comes up about the Church, that it is difficult to get a straight answer here. As far as hard evidence goes, it would be helpful to start studying Church history and pioneer history, as well as archaeology. There is a great site called farmsresearch that comes through Brigham Young University. Also, the more you learn about Jewish history the more you will see amazing things in the Book of Mormon and Bible which go together. I enjoyed reading W. Cleon Skousen's 4 volume commentary on the Book of Mormon called "Treasures from the Book of Mormon" since it slows down and analyzes verse by verse with a lot of commentary in-between. Skousen was an awesome Church scholar who spent about 70 years studying the scriptures and traveling to places like Jerusalem many times over. His series is aimed at teenagers and young adults, and it's illustrated as well. My dad used to work for him, and I've been reading his books since age 14/15, so more than 20 years now. Have a happy day, and I send you a gummy bear.
2007-01-29 12:08:40 · answer #2 · answered by Cookie777 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean about people saying stuff about the temple. You must have answered the same question I did about the most troubling part of mormonism. Yes, they said some really bad things in there. I don't know if you read my answer, if not, you should. It really offended me. All I know is that you have to have faith that what you believe is true, and that you know more about what we believe then others do. We can try all we want to tell them what we really believe, but to most people, it won't matter. They will believe anything to make themselves seem better, or smarter, or truthful. All we can do is trust that what you know to be right is what God wants of you. Read your scriptures, pray, ask for more faith, and more understanding in what you believe. As far as garments go, wear them all the time, as they told you to do in the temple, and just know that God won't love you less for your doubts. Don't listen to stupid peopel who think they know everything, when they really don't. You know more about what this life and the next hold then most will ever wish. Just know that you are a child of God and he loves you!!!!
2007-01-30 15:56:40 · answer #3 · answered by odd duck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mormons do have idols, every formalized religion does (and some not so formalized). You can't make people believe they are a true church of god because they are not (of course since you didn't capitalize god, it could be the way you put it).
What degree are you or level of participation? You wouldn't know anything about the secret rites and rituals until you've reached the higher degrees/levels of the religion. You would just get misinterpretations of the faith until you were deemed worthy by your elders who really know what's going on. That's why they're called mystery religions silly.
2007-01-30 11:17:25 · answer #4 · answered by lil_snipe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is sad that people spend so much time attacking others instead of living the way they believe that they should. Just look at the answers posted her - with one exception, no one answered you, they attacked you and the faith that you can testify is true.
Do not let them hurt you. Believe me, there are worse things said about LDS than you listed. There are publishing companies that exist just to attack the Prophets and the church. Pray for them, and become a missionary. You will learn in training much about how to approach people - and also what horrible things others will say to you. Don't take it personally - it is evil within them.
2007-01-28 05:52:41 · answer #5 · answered by mourning my dad 3 · 4⤊ 0⤋
You question contradicts itself, you say all you have is faith but it sort of makes you wonder how you are supposed to know?? You need to gain a testimony. People say silly things because they don't have a clue. I had someone tell me that you have to go on a mission for seven years before you could become a member, and then someone said that before we got married in the Temple we had to sleep with the Bishop!! Like I said get that testimony, without it you have no foundation, get on your knees and pray sweetheart, these are tough times. And as for the garments, you are to wear them always, you get them when you take out your endowments and you wear them for protection, and you have to wear modest clothing to wear them so yes you have to be modest.
2007-01-28 14:20:14 · answer #6 · answered by Deberellah 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For sure if the Mormon church is false they will have something to cover up or hide from you. Investigate the church, their beliefs and their practices. We all need education. The best thing you can do is to let God direct you. Ask God to open the Scriptures to you and to reveal His Son. Seek and ye shall find. Those who are sincerely seeking the truth will be guided into all truth. Count on it.
2007-01-29 02:24:49 · answer #7 · answered by Michael 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's too bad for the secret handshake and blood bath, it's dramatic and appealing in a Hollywood sense. Well if there still is the secret underwear than that's fine.
Yes Mormonism is a cult, just accept it.
2007-01-30 17:44:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep reading the BoM, praying, all the "Sunday School Answers"... Ask for increased faith. He'll help...
If you want, we can IM... I served my mission in WI. Heard some doosies there!!
A testimony is a precious thing- don't let others' BS get you down.
Best of luck, dear!
2007-01-30 15:42:20 · answer #9 · answered by Yoda's Duck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to get people to understand is to get them to see how you line up with the Word of God. In looking at the definition of a cult...it is a religious grouping that does not follow the Word.
That is where you challenge lies. Prove it to us!
2007-01-30 19:13:29 · answer #10 · answered by insane2mad 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋