Mohammad

Interesting. This is quite similar to what millions experience from reading the Qur'an. Once they have that experience from Allah they know that the Prophet was the true Messenger of Allah and the seal of the prophets. Many others turn to Islam because it makes logical sense, but there are many who revert because of a special experience from reading the Qur'an. Salaam.

I'm just trying to understand how certain offices like Stake President fit in. I think in general you have given me some good answers. But like I said before, it seems like what you are saying is the New Testament church is used as a framework or blueprint (maybe I'm not using the right word) or model maybe? You have to realize that I have studied christianity somewhat but probably am not as knowledgeable as you, I'm sure, but some churches tend to follow the New Testament structure (or claim to) and some don't even try. Mormonism, I understand is one that says that it follows the New Testament organizational model. But there are a lot of things in Mormonism that I don't see in the the New Testament church. Stake president, authorities, first presidency, etc., I don't think are mentioned. On the other hand, I do see seventies, elders, bishops, and deacons.

So I guess what you all are saying is it isn't the same as the original New Testament organization but the organization that existed before is used as a model with some innovations thrown in? I think that is what you all are saying.

I have been told that Mormons believe that their church is the restored New Testament church or something like that. I was wondering then, where some of these offices listed in your church are found in the Bible. Stake President for example, where is that one? General authority? I hear a lot about Stake Presidents, but I can't find it in the bible. And deacons are in the New Testament, but they weren't 12 year old boys. That one certainly appears odd to me. In the bible, a deacon was not part of the Aaronic priesthood. And frankly, I can't even find the Melchizedek priesthood anywhere in the bible other than a reference (book of Hebrews) to Jesus being a type of priest after King Melchizedek in the Hebrew Bible. This one also really confuses me. So, I guess what I was wondering was whether your church really believes it is a restored New Testament church or if you aren't really that serious about it? Thanks!

Sorry for being a little dense about Mormonism but what exactly is the law of consecration? Is like having all things in common?

It is my understanding that the Mormon church still follows the law of tithing. I was wondering how that is justified since tithing was part of the law of Moses and I thought Christianity was based on the law of Moses being no longer in force. In the bible it went to support the Levites. Do Mormons still follow the law of Moses?

I've been reading all of the responses to the question. It doesn't seem to me that anyone really knows the answer. Apparently the leaders of your church are paid but no one knows how much. Why isn't this information published anywhere? If the mormon church is tax-exempt there should be some way to determine the answer to the question. I always thought that the government required some kind of accounting for tax-exempt institutions to avoid abuses. It shouldn't be that hard to find the answer. This is puzzling to me.

I believe that the traditional viewpoint (handed down from Jewish scholars)has been that it is referring to the time around the Tower of Babel when the people of the earth were "divided" and separated due to the confusion of tongues. The Hebrew word "palag" means divided as I recall. If the continents were somehow divided during the time of Peleg, that would have been quite the cataclysmic event.

On the other hand, studies are now showing that tea, especially green tea is good for your health. There are also studies out showing that coffee helps to prevent parkinsons, and other diseases. Studies are now showing that coffee and tea are preferable to drinking soda drinks from a health standpoint.

I think there is a enough water there for a court of law to rule in you favor Vanhin.

FYI I thought I might add that from the Islamic viewpoint, the Quran does not explicitly state that the flood covered the whole planet. See Sura 11 and Sura 71. The Kabalist noted earlier that the Hebrew word for earth can also be interpreted to mean the land. Many Islamic scholars also argue that the flood was local. So at least from the Jewish and Islamic traditions, the flood does not have to be considered a world-wide phenomenon. On the other hand, it seems that both the LDS and evangelical traditions interpret it or consider it to be a world wide baptism of the entire earth.

Hi. I'm new here. I don't know if I am welcome but I am curious about your beliefs. Hope I learn a lot. Thanks.