TheJoker

That's all very well and nice. However, people seem to think that because that is the way it happened to them. That is the way it happened with everyone.

People have different opinions. Not a bad thing. I could say the same thing about you. But i haven't. I fail to see the meaning of that? Are you assuming because you are older you must know more? Why because we disagree? You really seem to have a big problem with people not agreeing with you. Sorry to hear that

There is no 'If's' or 'but's' about this. I appreciate any belief. Personally i believe the world would be a much better place is everybody just got along. Regardless on belief. Nobody has the right to degrade anybody's beliefs.

I went to primary. This is only just around 11 years ago for me. And i listened and did as all children did. I think this could be true with many children and converts. Yes he has interviewed them. And half of it is to explain what is going on. And why you will be going under the water. But a child just sees it as something they have to do. Children are not going to go "Well i would like to delay getting baptized because i want to read my scriptures and pray about whether it is true" They accept that they are getting baptized. And probably don't even consider that it is optional. Please don't assume you know what children are thinking. They get baptized. Simply. Because they are told to. They have personally read about it, prayed about it. And decided it is the right thing for them to do. Children don't do that.

I am not underestimating anyone. I am going off personal experience. Funnily enough i didn't know anywhere near as much about what Baptism/repentance really mean when i was 8. My family basically made the decision for me. Yes, funnily enough i don't agree with that. There understanding is simple. "If i do something bad. I tell god i am sorry". That is the mind of an eight year old. They don't understand what eternity means, or consequences of sins when your accountable. And while they still have a very tiny understanding of what quite is going on. The decision should be theirs to make when they reach an age where they can understand exactly what they are committing to.

There is evidence for both sides. Oh and when you say "Christian" like this. Some people find that offensive. I am not going to comment on how ridiculous that argument is. Because some of us do not believe that the LDS church is true. The things you have just mentioned are not in the bible. Which is the main book on Christian belief. Because he is curious. And he never said it was not true. He said he is no longer a member. Stop coming to stupid assumptions. There is very reiable evidence that Joseph Smith's father and brother were teachers in the off season. The Smith's were not a stupid family. Please step off your high horse about other religions. If you want to be respected for your beliefs. Respect other people's beliefs. There is no hope for some people....

But the baptism is done for spiritual reasons. Do they understand what sins mean? Do they know what it really means to have their sins washed away. There is a difference between telling a child something. And a child understanding something. Children have a basic understanding. They believe what they are told to believe. Adults don't act like this. They believe what they come to think they understand. True. But it is a eternal commitment. Sounds a bit important to be decided for you when you are 8. Yes. But they lie because they don't want their parents to tell them off. Not because it is a sin. This is the same when they are 8.

Yes i do too. But adults who do it understand exactly what they are doing. Oh they will learn by this age that they are not appropriate. But not to a real spiritual level.

Yes. However children are different. Not many really serious sins anyway I think you will find that all children will tell lies. Yes but just because they have done it doesn't mean they understand why it is wrong. Children get angry. They don't understand that the whole world does not revolve around them. They fight with each other. And behave selfishly. This is what seperates children from adults. Children are excusable from these things as they simply do not understand.

That's very good for him. However people who have had similar bad experiences would soon turn the opposite way. That's not really the answer to what i asked though. I am talking about people people who do not accept the gospel or believe in something after this life because of things that have happened in their life. That's not someone saying "It's not my fault". But if you had been raised by a rapist or a murderer. You would be less likely to believe this life has a purpose. Yes they can. But this is not always the case. God created us all. He knows the end from the beginning. If this is true then when he created us he knew what role we would play in this life and what we would do. I do not consider that free agency but that is my opinion. It's always easier said than done.

I was told by one of my leaders that the reason lds members are born into it is because they are the ones who need to prove themselves. Anyone have a source on this?

Sort of makes this life pointless then? Nobody forced him to be a evil person. But becoming evil is from life experiences. Nobody is born evil. I am not going to comment on agency. Because i usually end up having massive debates about it But in any case. I am no longer an LDS member. Why is that? I was born into the church. I didn't accept it's teachings because of life experiences, and ultimatly my decision. But if i had been born in Utah it could have been a totally different story. See my point? it's the same with everyone. We are all born in this life the same. Who we become depends on our life.

My bad. I misread. Thanks for the correction i apologize.

If that is true you are part of the less than 1% that is that lucky. Personally i don't go anymore. One problem i had is this: Whether you accept the gospel or not. Is about where you are born and your life experiences. Because where we are born and what we experience. Makes us the people we are today.

I would like a GTA game as a missionary. Think about it. That would rock.

Seriously never been to these before? 99% of Seminary talks are that the person didn't want to do it at the start. But then decided it was alright. You drop a few tears. The LDS Chick will dig you. Done done.

Back when i was active. I used to like doing fun things at mutual. Rather than doing the duty to god stuff. I used to always moan that Seminary should be educational. Mutual should be fun.

When i used to go church i was told that you are sort of at a disadvantage as a member. Being as your supposed to be accountable for what you know you should be doing.

Yes I do see your point but you gained a testimony because of your father. Now you have decided that it is your own testimony. I am guessing now if your father left the church you would still go. That's the difference really. Plus lets face it. Not many ways for an eight year old to sin.

Joseph is the core to the LDS belief. So if you don't believe in what happened to Joseph. You don't believe that their was a restoration. I suggest looking into Joseph Smith's life. Ask your leaders and research into what you think would decide if you believe it or not. In my experience. There is evidence for many conclusions about Joseph Smith.

I actually like it when you LDS members say this. Because imo. I don't think LDS members are Christian. And i don't know why LDS members would want to say they were Christian. My two cents.

According to what you are taught at church. We are all brothers and sisters. So in that sense. Yes. Jesus and Satan are brothers. Same as all of us.

At the end of the day it is your choice what you consider 'right' and 'wrong' to be in your beliefs. When i was a member. I drank coke etc. It's a personal choice. Go by your gut feeling on what you believe.

Why is anything done by anyone? You cannot assume someone will not doing something if they are part of a particular faith. A quote which i think you members will have heard: "The church is perfect. The members are not." So do not assume that someone will not do something just because they are LDS.

My story. I am now an inactive LDS member. Just here to talk about points and make interesting discussions. I am not a flamer. I am the joker.