bytor2112

Ktfords, No ax to grind here and yes we do teach what exaltation is.......yes, yes, yes, you are correct!!!!! I don't consider you or anyone else to be an Anti for asking questions. Your experiences with some members of the church isn't typical. What was the context of the question? Were you trying to be confrontational? I mean really, the answers that you get to questions in life often depends on how you ask. I am guessing here, but you are not LDS, right? Some people think that a belief in a God that is " a spirit essence that fills the immensity of space; that is three beings in one; that is uncreated, incorporeal, and incomprehensible; that is without body, parts, or passions; that is a spirit nothingness that is everywhere and nowhere in particular present, is as heretical as a non LDS Christian believes the notion of exaltation is. I am sure that if I asked most Christians to describe God or the Trinity they would not describe him this way and might even deny that Christians believe this. Academic debate over theology is invigorating and enlightening when done in a spirit of mutual respect. Have you ever seen the God Makers I and II ? Paid actors and a pack of lies. That is anti- mormon. Not a sincere member of another faith challenging me on my beliefs or trying to persuade me to his or her beliefs.

Ktfords, The great commission is to spread the "good news" of salvation in Christ. I do not consider members of other Christian denominations to be Anti-Mormon. Other Churches have missionaries and members who spread the gospel in neighborhoods all over the world. I live in the Bible belt and we have our fair share of door knocks and TV commercials from other faiths. It doesn't offend me that someone has a different belief system than I do. Baptists, Catholics or whomever when spreading the Gospel as they see are not Anti- Mormon in my book, even if they were to say to me, " You know the Book of Mormon is false and you are being led away to hell". That's their opinion. That doesn't make them Anti-MOrmon any more than it would make me Anti-Baptist. Anti-Mormons are people who have "so-called full time ministries" to the Mormons and base their ministry on rhetoric and falsehoods. They lie and inflame in order to persuade. Why not just tell your own version of the Gospel as you see it and let that be what converts? You are really hung up about Exaltation. I can't imagine a missionary or any member of the Church denying our beliefs, unless perhaps they didn't understand the context of your question or the fact that you were probably very confrontational. Here is a quote from a late Apostle concerning Salvation, Exaltation and becoming a god, not an equal with God, but becoming like him. Oh yeah, one more thing...we are Christian. Salvation is eternal life. It is an inheritance in the highest heaven of the celestial world, the only place the family unit continues. It consists of the continuation of the family unit forever in glorious exaltation in the kingdom of God. It consists of the fullness of glory of the Father and of a continuation of the seeds forever and ever. It is not a lower or lesser state than that reserved for those who become as God is. It is godhood.- Elder Bruce R. McConkie

Sister, It sounds like your husband needs a reality check.......maybe he is suffering from depression. I wish you well, not an easy decision. Don't rush into anything, these are eternal choices......... Welcome to the site !!

Hey Fent and Mike_UK, I totally agree and I think that most people who leave the church just kind of drift away over time and become inactive, rather than having their names removed. And some end up finding their way back......like I did.....after 21 years. The Anti's to me are the ones who actively seek to turn people away from the church. I am not referring to a Pastor or friend who counsels caution to someone that may be planning to join the LDS church. They do so, hopefully, out of a lack of understanding. Anti-s are the ones that seem to have an axe to grind and are willing to do or say whatever will further their agenda.

Does it matter if Joseph consumated the marriages or not? Brigham Young and other Prophets and Apostles certainly did and had children. Why not Joseph? A secondary thought.....I read an exerpt from..I think Rough Stone Rolling...that Joseph's life was threatended by an Angel with a sword if he did not enter into plural marriage. Is this correct?

Stultifying????

Kindling.....good fires always start with some good kindling.....

You should have unstrapped your heater and went all gangsta on them..............er maybe not

My family and I are traveling to Salt Lake for conference in October. I am hoping that the protest's will be minimal. I am preparing my kids for the worse, either way I know Conference is going to be an incredible experience.

If you feel like your situation is going to change soon, you can always catch up......that is still being a full tithe payer. Or maybe pay some toward tithing and make it up before tithing settlement. If you think that would be even more of a burden, then definitely speak to your Bishop.

I guess if I speak Chinese my thee's and thou's might sound a bit differently. I say thee and thou, but I mostly believe it is to remind people to be respectful and reverent.

Traveler, I like the way you think.....

Hordak, I don't think polygamy is far fetched at all. My wife is about as true believing as one can be. That being said, we have only been involved in Church for 3 years and 4 months. Her "struggle" if you will occurred early on, the Joseph Smith dedication really inspired her. Yes, she has a strong testimony of the scriptures and all aspects of the faith....as do I. I am sure you are not implying that I am an Anti??!!! That wouldn't be very nice..............I use logic as well.... but mostly I have Faith and rely on the Holy Spirit.

I waded to about waist deep in that pool at one time as well.......I thought religion was to rigid and structured to be able to explain the mysteries of the universe. Boy, was I wrong. I was just to spiritually deaf to understand what the Lord was explaining.

My wife really struggled with Joseph Smith and polygamy for a while. Last year, we had a musical presentation at the Church with the Stake choir dressed in 19th century era clothes and sang some wonderful songs. My wife and I were overwhelmed by the Spirit that was present. My testimony of the Prophet was strengthened and hers is now very strong. Joseph was an amazing man and I look forward to meeting him.I enjoy reading about him and marvel at all he accomplished. I was wondering if anyone else has struggled with him and what happened that increased your testimony of the Prophet.

My friend is a Baptist and has switched churches several times the past couple of years....all Baptist churches. I asked him why he was changing and he said that it was because he disagreed with the Preachers views????? They can't agree on what is true... except that what we believe isn't true. I think the fact that we declare absolutes when it comes to doctrine...like the Catholics, and claim authority to do so, throw non LDS Christians off. Because the majority of Christendom has no real, carved in stone absolutes.

So... are you interested in sharing what draws you back or maybe what pushes you away?

Interesting that Bruce R refers to the different bodies we are resurected to. It is my understanding that we won't be judged until after the Mileniem and that people can still repent during this time and recieve their exaltation.

Again..... just my opinion. But I have read many accounts regarding why people leave the church and it tends to be over some historical issue that they can't reconcile and it hurts their testimony..... if indeed they had one. I know that some people had only "borrowed" testimonies or very fragile testimonies at best. The adversaries greatest asset in his struggle to lead people away is anything that can plant a seed of doubt........ like so much of the anti information does. Maye that is not your story and I am sure others have different reasons as well. But... this is just my opinion.

Not Anti-mormon........ just a typical lack of understanding of LDS doctrine.

Well, my point was just to reiterate why I believe that some leave the church. You initially questioned my assertion that the War in heaven continues. You later conceded the point, and now you don't understand the point of the post. So here it tis....... I think that you have been decieved and that is why you have left the church. I am sure you disagree and that's ok, its just my opinion and mean no disrespect. Just trying to clarify my post.

Other than the scripture in Corinthians are there any historical evidences of Baptisms for the dead being practiced?

OtterPop, My original point was that I think because this war is still going on..... many will be decieved and led astray........

There is another thread about this called "Progression between Kingdoms". Lots of good posts.....