susanoo_mikoto

Hi, I was wondering what the male/female ratio was in the LDS church. I have heard that the other mainline churches in the USA were having issues attracting and maintaining male churchgoers. I think there is even a book out now called Why Men Hate Church. I have noticed that the religious people I have known over the years tended to be women. (Not always, but more often than not) Why that is, I really have no idea. Only thing I could figure was maybe christian churches cater more to women than men. I remember having a discussion with a buddy of mine who had a pastor for a father. (Think it might have been episcopalian. No idea...) Anyway, it seemed like alot of the programs they offered mostly catered to women. Day care, education, etc...And the constant focus on forgiveness, humility, etc. Not trying to say those things are bad, alot of people could use a good dose of humility, but the constant focus on those values I would think would drive alot of the more masculine guys away. I remember reading the whole bible as a kid, and I have to admit, Jesus was a cool guy, but hearing about the warfare in the old testament and all the chaos and mayhem was way cooler to read about. I suggested to my buddy to tell his dad to have a service followed by either a call of duty or halo reach tournament, but he said no go. Anyway, I was curious if the LDS church has the same issue. Thanks!

That sucks.....that really sucks...

I've been there before. That's where I downloaded the Book of Mormon audiobook. Maybe I missed something....

I figured I would be laughed at for this a little. To Vikings and the old Germans, that was an awesome way to go. You would be among the most honored of gods and would defend order against chaos during ragnarok. Like I said, I have always been curious about the whole end of the world concept that the evangelicals I saw as a child believed in. Reason why I brought up Valhalla was that Christians had a very difficult time converting the old pagans of Europe. Many of them thought that Christians were either butchers or sissies. So, the old church made Jesus more masculine. The evangelicals I used to see harassing us in high school would say Jesus and the righteous would come to the earth and slay all the unbelievers. Hmm....sounds just like einherjar in Valhalla aiding the gods in the final war of ragnarok. I've always wondered if this was a holdover from olden times. So, Mormon heaven is different.

Would it be anything like valhalla? I know piracy is not allowed there, but there is plenty of fighting. I was always curious about that aspect of christian heaven. I remember as a kid hearing from the EV's who would harass us as school that jesus would come back and kill the unbelievers. I've wondered ever since if they just ripped off the idea of valhalla from the vikings and germans to make converting them easier.

Glad to see things are working out. Zen is good. I also like Taoism. I'm about to read the Tao of Pooh again.

Nice. Problem is, said pirates and mercenaries lived a long time ago. That would be sweet if I did know them in a previous life. Is the profession of pirate or mercenary allowed in mormon heaven?

Sweet!!

This is going to be a strange one, but o well... I've heard of the families are forever idea, and was curious about meeting relatives after death. My Father can trace his family to the late middle ages in Germany and elsewhere and now he thinks there were a few mercenaries, and pirates in the family. Anyway, I was thinking when I die I would love to meet them and just talk about what life was like and the shenanigans they pulled. According to LDS doctrine, since families are forever, would it be possible to meet said mercenaries and pirates in the next life? I know this sounded kind of weird, but this is a serious question.

If he is, then why is it this world is still in such a miserable state?

It's a long story. As far as buddhism goes, I have mostly sutra's. Actually, Miroku-sama (Maitreya) is not due for a very very long time. Read the lotus sutra, it explains all.

Its more complicated than you think.

Hello, A little about myself. I'm agnostic, but for a while investigated the LDS church. I never believed in god, but in the past few years became interested in the LDS. I say I'm agnostic because I have buddhist and slight pagan leanings. I'm mostly into nichiren buddhism, but thats about it. Anyway, I listened to the whole BOM (audiobook from mormon.org) and even went to an LDS service out of curiosity. Anyway, I'm now at the point that after this year I will only be agnostic, and well, buddhist. Its nothing personal, but since I am getting older, I have found things out for myself, and well, here I am. I will ask more later, but for now I wanted to make an introduction to the board. Thank you.