LDS, a question for you?

Question

With all the recent crap coming out all the time, ( no DNA, No linguistics, no archeological evidence, no, no,no), don't you get tired of the gloating questions, from no nothing, experts, who only wish to ridicule?
I am not a member anymore, not because of this, but of lack of constitution, to stop smoking, and just a , I guess, rebellious soul.
How do you guys keep your faith, when the enemy assaileth all the time? Isn't it harder to keep going, when the evidence is so overwhelming?
Is it really faith in the gospel, or sheer cussedness, and stubbornness? How much is too much??
Whatever it is, I am proud of you!

Joseph Smith was the prophet that brought forth the gospel in these times. He is not the one worshiped. that is for Christ, and god. You get to the Father, through the Son. The Son is the Light and the way. I do not understand how people misconstrue things that are so simple.

Answer 1

Well the claims of no archaeological evidence are totally false. Not only has a parallel currency system been discovered that is almost the exact same as the one in mentioned in Alma, but central American ruins have been excavated and non LDS scholars have developed drawings of what they likely looked like that fits perfectly the fortification of the cities in the latter chapters of Alma with a wall of dirt built up with timbers along the top and a dry moat around the city. There is also a ton of other archaeological evidence that is consistent with a Hebrew influence in America that I have seen first hand.

Also, the lack of DNA evidence does not disprove the Book of Mormon at all. It makes sense to me. First of all there could have been a ton of other people hear already. We know of at least two other groups besides the Nephites who were here. Secondly, the Nephites also traveled east out of Jerusalem for some time before reaching a land of many waters. As I have read it, it seems probable that they traveled through a good portion of Asia, since they were in the wilderness for 8 years.

This raises the point that the Lamanites skin became dark. It only makes sense that this would happen by natural means-- having children with someone with dark skin. (Please note I am not being racist as I was once accused of being, I am simply stating known genetic facts that when someone with dark skin and someone with light skin have children the children will have dark skin). This tends to support the fact that the Lamanites had children with non Israelite women. The mitochondrial DNA that they use to trace genetic origins is passed through the mothers. Thus this makes total sense, at least to me. After all, the Lamanites are the ones who were not wiped out, and since it is likely there were other people here, I am betting they continued to interact.

That is my logical explanation. Now here is my spiritual explanation that my faith is based on. I have prayed to God about many things and received answers every time. On more than one occasion I have prayed about the truth of the Book of Mormon and received a confirming witness of its truthfulness through the Holy Ghost. This is the basis for my testimony, not biased criticism or scientific research that changes daily. I know that God lives and that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to atone for our sins. It is through Him that we return to God. To help us return to Him, he has given us his word through scriptures and living prophets to guide us through challenges specific to our day.

Answer 2

There are millions who have been to Jerusalem....did each one of these visitors receive a burning testimony of the Divinity of Jesus Christ? Nope. Most snapped some pictures, bought t-shirts, and went home.

If there was a museum with the Golden Plates in it, people would do the same. If you could visit Zerehemla (maybe people are, but know it by a different name), the same would occur.

First of all, you have some flawed logic. The lack of evidence does not mean that it's been proved wrong, but rather that scientifically speaking, it can't be proved either way.

Second of all, there's actually more supporting evidence now than at the time that it was printed. Joseph Smith never mentioned or made reference to any kind of Hebrew poetry in the Book of Mormon (aka Chiasmus). there are a number of them....they're elaborate and exactly how they should be. They've been found in the text in the last 30 or so years.

Now do you suddenly have a burning desire to return to Mormonism??? Didn't think so.

Faith is found in the quiet moments in the scriptures and on your knees when the heart and mind are humble. My guess is that you haven't had many of those for a while. Maybe never.

Answer 3

I hear all of the anti stuff, and it just makes me want to research and learn the truth for myself. That is where faith and knowledge start to work hand in hand. The more I learn, the more faith I have. Also, I usually pray about what I learn too, so I get confirmation of the truth. God will never lead anyone astray. If something is true, the Holy Spirit will tell you. You just have to be open to that inspiration.

I do have to say thank you. You might not be an active member of the church, but you hold ideals that are. Don't get too down on your self. We all have faults. That is what makes us human. God won't stop loving you because of something you struggle with, and neither will the members of the church. If they do, that's just mean!! Thank you for sticking up for us! You really are a true follower of Christ.

Answer 4

You made me feel really bad now! I asked about the faith in Joseph Smith question, because I would love to be able to understand it. You see, lds people, or in the main, are such good, clean living people, so very attractive, especially over family values, yet everything I have ever believed, is contary to what they appear to believe, it is so confusing! All my faith is in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the saviour of mankind, the only way to the Father is through Jesus, He alone, went to that cross on calvary, died for us, so that we may be bought back into relationship with the Father. Surely Joseph Smith, saying the route to the Father is through him, is demeaning what Jesus has done for us? I dont ever want to gloat, or be a no nothing expert, I just want to understand.

Answer 5

It's really just that I've made a choice and regardless of the evidence against it, this is what I choose to believe.

It helps that I also believe in my heart that I am doing the right thing. I also believe that if I'm in the wrong religion, that God is loving and will understand that I did my best and I believe that He will take that into account.

Evidence has been proven against many things in the past and then recanted. It really doesn't matter to me. Joseph Smith was just a man. He made mistakes. Those are going to show. I still believe he was a prophet.

Answer 6

The evidence that determines how I live my life must be based on personal experience, not on all of the outward crap that is constantly flying at me. As long as the Gospel principles work in my life, I continue to follow them despite any negativity from those around me. It's not about proof and gloating from others, but about the things in my life that make me really happy.

Answer 7

My secret to keeping the faith is simple. During my formulative years, I had many lonely times. I was taught correct principles and encouraged to stand alone as a witness at all times and in all things and in all places. One day, I looked at the picture of the Savior as He is descending through the clouds and it struck me that His hands aren't in a show n tell position, but rather, seem to be reaching out to embrace. And I clearly had the impression of how precious it would be when I see my Savior again, to have Him open His arms and pull me in for a bear hug [no one compares to Him] and tell me 'well done'. The trials and travails of this world paled next to that tremendous moment which awaits me.
So, whenever the world closes in, I take a moment, an hour, a day... however long it takes and go find solace in being close to my Savior. In thought, in action, in song... the means vary.
As consequence, my eyes are opened a little more and I see greater evidence of the love of my Savior [and big brother] and the eternal love of my Father in Heaven manifest in my life and the world around me.
I have learned to seek virtue [I now tend to be rather pollyanna-ish, but it works for me]. I've learned that I like being naive to the cruelties and vices of this world. I've learned that to remain faithful & strong, I must carry a piece of Heaven in my soul.
Thanks for asking. Have a beautiful day.

Answer 8

When I was investigating the church I was all concerned about the evidence. I went to a fireside where the speaker was giving dozens of examples confirming the Book of Mormon. I was not impressed. I then realized that the whole point of the restored Gospel is not about proof, it is about faith.

Answer 9

Spunky, yours is a good, sincere question. Just because you're struggling with tobacco use and exhibiting a rebellious nature does not disqualify you from eventually returning to the full fellowship that your ward wants to extend. Your testimony is strong and one that needs built upon.

Yes, I grow tired and frustrated at times over the constant barrages of venemous diatribe thrown against the Church and the beliefs we adhere to, but as someone else has pointed out beforehand, it can also strengthen my testimony because I know this restored Gospel is true and necessary. Archaeologists are working hard in the trenches to bring forth evidence of the Book of Mormon truths, such as the recent find of a 4,000-year-old temple in Peru.

To Latter-day Saints that discovery was expected eventually. To the world of disbelievers of the Book of Mormon they will make their excuses and continue in the same paths as before.

Regardless what has been claimed, our Savior will stand at the gates to either welcome us in or turn us away--depending on our works and faith in mortality.

You say you're proud of us. Spunky, we're proud of you and the courage to come forth and admit your weakness that you will one day overcome. Work on your testimony and the rest will take of itself.

Answer 10

Mormons are highly respected where I live (orange county, ca) so I just have had very few experiences with people that try to tear down my faith. For every piece of socalled evidence that "disproves" my religion, there is another side to that evidence that disputes what they are claiming, so its not really much of a consideration to me.

Religious belief cant be based on facts and evidence. If it were then religion would have been destroyed a long time ago.

When I read some of the answers on here about how we are a cult or brainwashed or how we are going to hell it only strengthens my faith and makes me really glad that I didnt grow up in churches like theirs. It also makes me grateful I grew up in the area of the country I did where religious diversity exists and basic respect for others beliefs is shown.

I got my job because my boss knew I was mormon and even though she wasnt mormon she had such respect for mormon values that she based her final decision on that fact.
I only pity the people that picket our temple openings because it is just so sad they have nothing better to do in the name of God.
These people just show their own ignorance and intolerance when they spend sooo much energy trying to tear others down instead of building their own faith up.