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I suffer from periodic migraines as well. Had my first one 12 years ago, but I've been seeing a neurologist for 2+ years about it, had CT and MRI scans, done a lot of reading, etc. It seems, unlike many migraine sufferers, my triggers aren't nearly as predictable as others. For me, it may be after a period of significant stress, or when my blood sugar is low, or for no apparent reason. However, if I get to my Relpax, followed immediately by two Aleve, as soon as the "flashing lights" start in my eyes, I usually don't experience the otherwise excruciating pain. However, I'll still have all the after effects - mini migraines, fatigue, sensitivity to loud noises, etc. - for about the next 24 hours. Sometimes I'll only have one per month, and other times I'll have a whole string of them - had 8 in the last 4.5 weeks, actually. I've kind of just resigned myself to the fact that I get them...there just really isn't much I can do about it other than manage the pain when they happen and I'm fortunate that Relpax is very effective for me.

Ben - I happen to be something of an Acura TL enthusiast. See mine here: Santa Stopped by a Little Early - AcuraZine Community

Agreed...very disappointing. But wait...I'm brainwashed and delusional...so what do I know? Hey superdad - anytime you want to compare credentials, I'll be all over it.

Not bad...but it should be "Holy", not "Wholly" in the places you have the word. Can you elaborate on this statement - "They are not as strict as standard Christians but hold the same truths" - please? Depending on what you mean, it may not be factually correct.

Meh...I think Vort's response is adequate.

Not really...no. Uhh...now we're getting into property rights? That seems far afield. Sorry...can't get my head around the irrational line of thinking that would cause someone to feel offended at my existence. Your existence (as an atheist) doesn't offend me...why should it?

Bold emphasis mine, followed by a BINGO!

How can this be logical? Offense at the very existence of another person and/or their belief system is not, in an of itself logical. It's the essence of bigotry. On the other hand I, as a Mormon, do not believe I have any "natural" enemies...the existence of a Baptist facility in my hometown does not offend or reduce me in any way. Succinctly, life is not a zero-sum-game and to behave as if it is simply creates neuroses and blind jealousy. Is this your opinion, or are you making a claim of fact based on empirical data? I suppose you can argue in favor of the logic of the acts which follow (i.e. the attacks), but the fact that they are based on an irrational line of thinking (i.e. "their" very existence offends me) should give you pause...I'm assuming you are a rationalist given your professed atheism.

Have we not covered most of them? Interpretation of the Trinity, after-life, origins of our souls, purpose of mankind, etc.

IMO, there are enough fundamental theological differences to justify an alteration of approach away from the tearing down.

Superficially it may appear logical.

Are you suggesting that the "God Makers" was not widely distributed, shown, and used to scare numerous flocks away from their evil Mormon neighbors throughout much of the 80's? I remember, as a child, having my best friend's Mom tell me how "devilish" my beliefs were as a result of the "God Makers" and other similar works (e.g. "The Mormon Mirage). If it's not Ed Decker, it's someone else - Richard Abanes, Michael Quinn, et. al. Go to your local "Christian" book store and see how many books about the Mormons you find (and you'll not find an objective analysis amongst them). Then, if you have one nearby, go to your local Deseret Book and see if you can find a single book, DVD, video, etc. warning Mormons about the "evils" of Pentecostalism, or Catholicism, etc. Should be an eye-opening experiment.

I think the issue has been addressed already by other posters, but I'll try this - when I was a missionary in TN and KY, I surely was evangelizing to many Christians of various sects. However, do you know what I carried in my bag for teaching materials? A Bible, a Book of Mormon, and lessons about my faith. Nowhere in that bag of mine would you find an anti-Pentecostal tract, or an anti-Church of God tract, etc. I didn't go into people's homes with the intention of tearing down their existing faith; but of building upon it. However, I've not met one evangelical who attempted to "witness" to me who, upon discovering my Mormon faith, didn't immediately launch into an attack (of some kind) on my current belief system before they told me a thing about theirs. In sum, it is largely a matter of approach - one attempts to build on an existing faith structure; the other seeks to tear down the existing one and supplant it. Is the message of modern-day evangelical Christianity (so-called "mainstream") so weak that an entire of cottage industry of Anti-Mormonism must be built up to defend it? It hardly seems reasonable, in my opinion.

Here are a few places to start: Ed Decker - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Ed Decker - Career anti-Mormon critic Decker's Complete Handbook on Mormonism - Daniel C. Peterson - FARMS Review - Volume 7 - Issue 2 FAIR Topical Guide: Decker, Ed The God Makers - FAIRMormon Quote mining, selective quotation, and distortion - FAIRMormon They Lie In Wait to Deceive The Truth About "The God Makers," Table of Contents The Truth About "The God Makers," Appendix A Happy reading! Pay special attention to the last link which provides you with the Anti-Defamation League's response to Mr. Decker's "work".

Apparently, you aren't all that familiar with Ed Decker then?

Clearly, it's the interpretation of God's cause (unless you think we are unified in the Faith...which would be interesting). Regardless of the wording I chose, however, you didn't address the "cheap polemics" comment I made...are you saying that the "ends justify the means"? Even if it means employing dishonesty and scare tactics?

scoreboard!

Would it totally put you over the edge if I told you I'm a Broncos fan too?

83 and Sunny today in Phoenix! WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!!!! It may get hot in the Summer, but you NEVER have to shovel sunshine my friends.

No...the difference is not engaging in cheap polemics to further one's own cause. Surely you can see the difference.

I guess that depends on what you believe now doesn't it? I know of at least one person who claims to have had some conversations with Deity - Joseph Smith—History 1 Don't know...I'm not their judge...and I'm thankful for that. That's okay...I'd just assume we not be confused with certain doomsday cults. I'm not sure I follow what you mean; care to provide a link? We do believe that polygamy has been commanded at various times. Currently, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are excommunicated if they attempt to live polygamy. Such has been the case since the late 19th century (Official Declaration 1). Resource for more information: FAIR Topical Guide: Polygamy I know...I've read the other thread. I think you've received some pretty good answers so far. If you want more information, you can also go here: FAIR Topical Guide: Apostasy and Restoration I'm not sure I follow...who made what "call"? I suppose it depends on "who" we're talking about.

That's fine...but for the record, I'd prefer not to be quoted by name...it's simply a matter of editorial control...sorry. Rejecting a sure and complete knowledge. My short interpretation - unless you've been sitting around talking to God face to face and then rejected Him, you likely aren't eligible for "hell". Not likely. We do believe that if we are partakers of the Atonement of Christ, accept his ordinances, and make every effort to be obedient, then, yes, He will fulfill His promises and make us like Him. "Aliens" like beings from other planets who have visited Earth? No. You mean like, humans inhabiting other worlds much like this one? Yes. I understand...I served my mission in TN and KY.

Don't know for sure on God's origins. The couplet from which this stems is: "As man now is, God once was. As God now is, man may become." However, there has been little or no clarification on whether this is truly doctrinal, or whether it is just speculation. We do believe in the literal fulfillment of the Biblical promise that we will be joint-heirs with Christ in God's Kingdom. For more on the concept of deification, see here: FAIR Topical Guide: Deification Yes, we believe in a broader version of the afterlife than the traditional "heaven or hell"...in fact, we believe that there are very few who will have lived on this Earth who will ever be condemned to anything that actually resembles (even loosely) the "traditional" hell as a place of suffering. For more, see here: FAIR Topical Guide: Kingdoms of Glory

First and foremost, and the principal reason IMO that the aforementioned sects tend to dislike us and attempt to exclude us from the "Christianity Club", would be that we don't accept the Creedal (i.e. Nicene) interpretation of the Godhead - i.e the Trinity. In a nutshell the Creedal Christians see God as a single Being with three roles to play (not modalism, mind you); whereas we believe in a Godhead comprised of three separate and distinct Beings who operate in a united purpose - namely, to bring us back to the presence of God the Eternal Father. Edited to correct - "desperate" should have been "separate".

I wish there were a simple answer... ---Some of it is doctrinal; ---Some of it is cultural; ---Some of it we brought on ourselves...most of it we didn't; ---Some of it is economic; ---Some of it is political; ---and some of it is just fear born of ignorance and misunderstanding. Ultimately, the human being seems prone to territorial-ism and fear of the unknown...for whatever reason (choose from the list above), we are an easy target in this area.