CuriousChristian

Thanks a-train, that was a very helpful post. While my church practices baptism, I think that there is a little bit of a difference in the specific roles which the Holy Spirit plays within the two beliefs. (Sorry..I'm just trying to make sense of this, and writing it seems to help me out). In what I have learned about my own faith, it too believes that the holy spirit comes after bapism and is here to be God's literal presence and companionship within our lives. Where (I think) I see it differing - where the Restored belief comes into play - is in the laying on of hands by those granted authority. To everyone, I really want to thank you for all of the kindness and willingness to answer my persistant questions. I have, in the last few days alone, learned so much about this faith that I knew very little of before. I look forward to any more answers people can provide. :) -Curious Christian

mom_of_jcchlsm- I look forward to your response, and I thank you in advance for your time and input. I am not at all trying to stir up trouble, just trying to learn, grow and understand. And, I hope that I am coming off as wholly respectful and kind. Dale- Those are some interesting tidbits regarding Jewish tradition and the possibility of Jesus being married. I'll have to look into those further (although, the topic, even though interesting to discuss, is not the main focus for me at the moment.) Just out of curiosity, do you happen to know where I may find sources that support what you said? I'm rather poorly versed in ancient Hebrew tradition, so it is hard for me to know whether or not to agree. There is, however, Paul to consider. Paul was a Pharisee, either a member of, or closely connected with the Sanhedrin. We know from his epistolary texts that he was not married. As far as the Evangelical versus Mormonism is concerned, I agree whole heartedly. I tend not to label myself as Evangelical for quite a few reasons...intolerance being one of them. Though I think, just as in any other movement, the extreme voices tend to be heard over the "silent majorities," and I know that not all or even most Evangelicals are intolerant or in any battle against Mormonism. Again, my purpose in asking questions is not at all to debate the validity of the beliefs of Mormons, but rather, to come to learn and understand what exactly those beliefs are so I can get a more accurate picture of a religion and those who follow it. And, as my first post suggested, I really wish to fully learn and understand because I have grown weary with the dissension. -Curious Christian

Xhenli- Thank you very much for your answers. I will continue to search and learn what I can. Unfortunately, with school in full session and loads of extracurriculars to add to my already busy schedual, it is hard to make time to read and understand my own faith, not to mention that of others. I really enjoyed many of the things you brought up, and definately found (at least tentatively) many of the answers I am looking for. One particular thing that I had not heard about before was the idea that corporeal death is not the final, irreversable moment of judgement. And, I should have anticipated that many of the questions were ones that naturally yielded ambiguous answers. I know that ther are so many things within my faith that I do not yet comprehend or have total grasp of, so of course there will be those things as well in Mormonism. And as far as the "fight" by mainstream Christianity discrediting Mormonism as non-christian, I wish it were not so. And, if it were up to me to be able to apologize for it, I would. It pains me to see the dissention, whether it be between Protestants and Mormons, Catholics and Anglicans, or Baptists and Methodists. I am only one soul, and I hold ideas and beliefs that differ very much from the mainstream...so it is hard to have a loud voice amidst all the chaos. Again, I really thank you for all of your time and input. And Happy Easter to you too! -Curious Christian

Hello! I just joined, and I had a few questions that I would love answers to. Let me preface by explaining my situation. I am a young college-bound Christian (a 'non-denominational protestant' specifically) who has grown tired of the dissention between the different sects of Christianity. Up until very recently, I had not thought to include the Mormon church as one of thse sects -- particular members of the church that I attend had told me things about Mormonism that I now believe gave me an untrue and unfair idea of what Mormonism really is.. And so, while I am quite firm on my own beliefs, and therefore not particularly interested in conversion, I wish to learn as much as I can about traditional Mormon doctrine so that I may be rid of ignorance and intolerance, and so that I may fully understand and respect those who I know fully deserve it. My questions are the following (and I apologize if they are blunt, but I think it necessarry for my situation). I. Mormonism Doctrine as it compares to 'Traditional Chrisitan Doctrine". (Namely...what exactly do each see Jesus as?) a.) In Mormon tradition, is Jesus 'a part of God?' In other words, while I understand that Mormonism does not agree with the Trinity doctrine (which, to be honest, I do not know if I fully agree with myself), does it beleive that Jesus is one with God? Or, are Jesus and God two separate, distinct entities? (Or is there another way of looking at it that I haven't mentioned?) If so, if Jesus at all equal to God, or is he lesser? b.)Traditional Protestantism holds the belief that one must hold a 'personal relationship' with Christ. I know this is a rather ambiguous concept, but nevertheless is is wideley held and preached in protestant churches. When I was searching this site, I did not see any reference to personal relationships, and was wondering what was the Mormon church's ideas about such relationships? Are they necessary? Are they possible? c.) Was Jesus ever married? And, not to bring the discussion to the Da Vinci, code, but if he was, was it to Mary Magdalene? II. Regarding 'Salvation' a). Does Mormonism hold that only Mormons are able to be saved? Are the writings and revelations of Smith crucial to one's salvation, or does Mormonism more identify with the " If you Believe in Christ, do your best to adhere to his teachings, you are saved." B). (Forgive my ignorance on this question, I am in no way trying to be disrespectful) What is it to be saved? I have heard of the belief that, in Mormonism, when one dies (assuming one is saved), one will inheret a planet. I vaguely remember hearing of farming, but if I remember correctly, this is where the idea that families will remain together for eternity. So, is this an accurate description of what Mormons beleive heaven is? Or, let me phrase it in a more direct manner: What is heaven? I would appreciate as many details as possible. c).Does Mormonism have any similarities to traditional protestantism in what it believes about Heaven? Or is this part of what Smith clarifies in the Restoration? d.) (this sort of goes along with question a. ) Is church membership a requirement for salvation? Does excommunication imply that one is no longer saved? (and...if whoever reads this knows, is this what catholics believe to be true as well?) III. Miscellaneous a.) I have heard rumors of what happens in the ceremonies for a temple reccommend mormon. Can you give me any insight into any of these ceremonies, the purposes of them, or any other information? This does not really apply to my overall quest, but rather is just a matter I am curious of. b.) I heard, and again please excuse me if I am way off or sound blatantly ignorant, that in Mormonism, one of the lesser known doctrines even among many devout Mormons) is that God (or Jehova) is from the planet Kolob. Is this a widely held beleif? Is this a correct statement? c) Finally, I know that the Mormon community is fighting more and more to be recognized as a Christian sect. Doctrinal differences aside, does the Mormon church believe that Mormons, catholics, and protestants are all brothers and sisters in Christ? Is this a move to gain more acceptance from the rest of the CHristian community? Do Mormons WANT to be accepted by the rest of the Christian Community? And finally, do Mormons accept other non-mormons who are members of the rest of the christian community? I know this was a lot, and I thank you so much for taking the time to read and (hopefully) answer my queries. I am sure that I will have many more questions in the future, but I hope and pray that these answers will shed much light onto a subject that has been very dark to me. Feel free to e-mail me any responses you do not wish to post. Sincerely, CuriousChristian [email protected]