I’ve noticed a few ads for the LDS church on TV lately. The depict scenes portrayed by actors of biblical events like the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. Sure this forms a component of Mormon beliefs but it’s not the key component. The key components are the absurd beliefs about golden plates, seer stones and ancient Jewish civilizations in North America etc but there’s no mention of these in their ads. I think the reason they do this is a lot like the reason a used car salesman doesn’t mention the clunking noise in the transmission in the car he’s trying to sell you, wouldn’t you agree?
2007-07-31 12:38:37 · 22 answers · asked by Desiree 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Idaho girl: you described a plain ordinary garden variety Christian religion. LDS is not like that at all! The fact that you guys have a new- New Testament is what makes you what you are.
2007-07-31 12:49:59 · update #1
Desiree,
I'm glad you're here because without you I would have thought that the key component of my religion was Jesus Christ and that the name of my church was The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints. Thanks again for the clarification.
2007-07-31 13:34:01 · answer #1 · answered by Christopher B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many mainstream Christians find out about some small piece of our belief system that's different (even strange in their POV) then try to make it seem that that's our main focus.
Jesus Christ's Atonement is the kernel of our religion; everything else is auxiliary. We accept the Old and New Testaments as testimony that Jesus is the Messiah. The express purpose of the Book of Mormon (subtitled Another Testament of Jesus Christ) is convince everyone - both Jew and Gentile - that Jesus is the Christ.
Our tv spots emphasize our similarities to show we aren't the cult many people think we are. We don't kidnap virgins and keep them in the towers of our temples (that particular accusation originated in the 1800s). We aren't fanatics; we're just regular folks trying to live the Lord's will the best we can.
2007-07-31 13:10:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Same reason the Watchtower by the Jehovah's Witnesses leaves out their beliefs that differ from mainstream Christianity.
It is a form of deception used to get people to consider joining a church, specifically LDS or JW, and then slowly adding their own beliefs into it.
2007-07-31 12:46:51 · answer #3 · answered by Holy Holly 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No. Our religion is based on Christ. What you are talking about is how the church was founded, not what our main beliefs are. Since you seem to know so well, better then those of us in the church, what we believe, why don't you tell me the reason they show those scenes on the ads? Could it possibly be that we really DO believe in Christ and what He did for us? Is it possible that our religion is founded on that main belief? Hmmm.. maybe you need to do some more research of your own to find out.
2007-07-31 12:43:30 · answer #4 · answered by odd duck 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints bases its belief system on joining people together in a way of life based on common goals and a common faith. They do not proselytize their religion because it matters to them. It is not an industry to them. Many, many Christian evangelical leaders could learn from their example. It is not as if you are not free to inquire and join. I am sure if you contacted their services, they would be more than happy to help you.
2007-07-31 12:43:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
You missed the last round of advertisements,where one young woman tells a friend about how the Book of Mormon has really helped her in her Christian life.
But, our central focus is JESUS CHRIST; whether in the Book of Mormon, or the Bible, it's all about HIM.
2007-07-31 15:31:18 · answer #6 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A major, yet over-looked problem of the LDS is that they think they are IT. I attended an LDS church once and they dropped the word "authority" a dime a dozen.
2007-07-31 12:46:56 · answer #7 · answered by quillologist 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Everyone is free to worship as they want. The key componant is Christ. What you name is secondary. And what makes your faith less absurd than mine? He is my Lord and Savior, my Redeemer and I love Him. I know that it is through Him that I can gain eternal life.
2007-07-31 13:09:44 · answer #8 · answered by Dublin Ducky 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"The key components are the absurd beliefs..." Absurd according to whom?
The man who founded the "Mormon" church was asked to put on paper what this church teaches. Those 13 statements of faith became what is now known as the Articles of Faith.
1- We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.
2 We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.
3 We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
4 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.
5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.
7 We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.
8 We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
9 We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
10 We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.
12 We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.
13 We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.
It's not till the 8th that we get to the Book of Mormon... There's other things that are more important, bigger issues of doctrine than the Book of Mormon.
Got it?
2007-07-31 13:05:36 · answer #9 · answered by Yoda's Duck 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No one advertises the controversial things about their products. Do Presidential candidates tell about their mistakes on TV? Do beer ads tell about alcoholics? Ads are designed to get you interested in the topic, so you'll look into it, more.
2007-07-31 12:46:21 · answer #10 · answered by embroidery fan 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋