Two Missionaries

[Surehand]

When I came today from my work home, and waited for the Bus, two American Mormon missionaries stood suddenly beside me. Also they waited for the Bus which, as usual, was late. We got into conversation, and I told both that I am here in the forum because I am interested in American history, and I also wanted to get to know more about the theology of the Mormons, beyond the Internet. We made an appointment for this Friday (four o'clock in the afternoon), and I am tensely on what they have to report, and whether they are ready to come on my (critical) questions. Then I will report to you about that. Oh yes, before I forget it: One of both missionaries has to me during the bus journey (we had partially the same way) a Book of Mormon. Tonight I will read in it. Question: Can I also put here in addition my questions?

[Guest]

When I came today from my work home, and waited for the Bus, two American Mormon missionaries stood suddenly beside me. Also they waited for the Bus which, as usual, was late. We got into conversation, and I told both that I am here in the forum because I am interested in American history, and I also wanted to get to know more about the theology of the Mormons, beyond the Internet. We made an appointment for this Friday (four o'clock in the afternoon), and I am tensely on what they have to report, and whether they are ready to come on my (critical) questions. Then I will report to you about that. Oh yes, before I forget it: One of both missionaries has to me during the bus journey (we had partially the same way) a Book of Mormon. Tonight I will read in it. Question: Can I also put here in addition my questions?

Yes, please ask here.

Just thought I'd mention that those 2 missionaries may not answer a lot of your questions. They have a specific mission and that is to tell you that Jesus is the Christ, He lives, and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the church given the authority to perform His ordinances. Anything beyond this will be a case-by-case basis - with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If they feel that your line of questions leads the discussion away from the Spirit, then they would probably steer the conversation back to their main message. Don't be put off by this. Just ask your questions that did not get answered in this forum.

[Blackmarch]

When I came today from my work home, and waited for the Bus, two American Mormon missionaries stood suddenly beside me. Also they waited for the Bus which, as usual, was late. We got into conversation, and I told both that I am here in the forum because I am interested in American history, and I also wanted to get to know more about the theology of the Mormons, beyond the Internet. We made an appointment for this Friday (four o'clock in the afternoon), and I am tensely on what they have to report, and whether they are ready to come on my (critical) questions. Then I will report to you about that. Oh yes, before I forget it: One of both missionaries has to me during the bus journey (we had partially the same way) a Book of Mormon. Tonight I will read in it. Question: Can I also put here in addition my questions?

certainly

[NeuroTypical]

Question: Can I also put here in addition my questions?

It depends. If you are trying to pick apart and disprove the BoM by asking questions, no, you should not do that here. If you wish to criticize or argue or prove wrong, you might want to consider a forum such as www.mormonapologetics.org

If you genuinely don't understand something, and want clarification about what we believe or why we believe it, then yes, this forum is a good place to ask.

LM

[Surehand]

Besides, I thought of citations in the Book of Mormon, the Bible or somewhere else where something stands what I do not understand. E.G., I asked once a Protestant pastor whether women had nothing to say in the NT really because this had struck me. His answer which surprised myself was that at that time there were women who were even apostles. He called Junia from Roman 16:7 as an evidence and mentioned the magenta trader Lydia who had founded and lead a house church (prototype of a church building).

Similarly I also think to ask the missionaries or here in the forum. It is a matter for me not of disproving something but of understanding therefore, a little better. Can I write in addition the German text, or try to translate him into English?

[rameumptom]

Missionaries are trained in the basics of the Church. They are not experts in difficult questions, per se. We will be glad to help answer some of those questions. However, the final key is after receiving answer and reading the Book of Mormon, turn to the Lord to help you spiritually find the answers you seek.

[john doe]

Holding a session of 'stump the missionaries' does nothing to help you understand the gospel. But I'm guessing you already know that.

[Surehand]

Holding a session of 'stump the missionaries' does nothing to help you understand the gospel. But I'm guessing you already know that.

The only one what I WOULD WANT I is to understand the Mormons better. This concerns the history just as the doctrines. Thus I have started to read in the Book of Mormon yesterday. Under it the testimony of three witnesses, and of the eight witnesses. As a result I have investigated something on the Internet, and have bumped into different statements. Depending on whether the Internet site was for, against, or neutrally to the Mormons. Wiser this search has not made me, probably, however, more distrustfully. I will go on Friday to the discussion with the missionaries with open, but critical mind. I will believe not everything what they tell, but before check it out. Paul said already this in the NT: "Check everything, and keep the best".

Edited October 14, 2010 by Surehand

[Surehand]

Missionaries are trained in the basics of the Church. They are not experts in difficult questions, per se. We will be glad to help answer some of those questions. However, the final key is after receiving answer and reading the Book of Mormon, turn to the Lord to help you spiritually find the answers you seek.

At the moment it is difficult for me to ask a divinity, because at the moment I doubt the existence of God. And this because a lot happens "in the name of God" what is against human rights, civil rights and the healthy human mind. If there is a God, why he does not intervene? Why does he not say the religious leaders that that what they say or / and act does not correspond to the will of God? As it is written, e.g. in the Bible.

[Guest]

There is a German section in the Non-English Forum on this site. I'm not sure how active that section is but it might be a great way for you to have discussions in your native language.

Your questions on the existence of God is definitely the stuff a missionary is for. We learn about our spirituality "line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little there a little" and I suggest you take this learning in such a manner. I think the history of the church is going to make more sense if first you grasp the concept of God and the reason why we are here (the missionaries are probably going to refer to this as the Plan of Salvation). Everything about the Church hinges on that.

Good luck!

[Surehand]

I visit this German section, and I think that they are less active or inactive. But maybe I try it.

[PrinceofLight2000]

I visit this German section, and I think that they are less active or inactive. But maybe I try it.

You just have to find a member who is fluent.

[LDSVALLEY]

At the moment it is difficult for me to ask a divinity, because at the moment I doubt the existence of God. And this because a lot happens "in the name of God" what is against human rights, civil rights and the healthy human mind. If there is a God, why he does not intervene? Why does he not say the religious leaders that that what they say or / and act does not correspond to the will of God? As it is written, e.g. in the Bible.

IN a class room when a student is taking a test sometimes a teacher will look at the answers as they are written. They can see when something is not quite correct but they do not stop the student and correct them in order for them to get the right answer.

We are on Earth to be Tested, to see if we will follow God's plan of salvation or turn from it. In order for this to work God has to allow us our agency to choose for ourselves what we will do or not do every moment of our lives.

If God interfered with that then his entire plan would fail, that is why we have had Hitlers, Rapists, molesters, serial killers etc. God does not create them, we do by the choices we make and that others make.

I am in favor of human and civil rights however as much as some religion has abused those terms I find many special interest groups do today in order to make their cause correct.

I never believed in religion until I listened to two Missionaries, read what they asked and then took it to God. Ive been a LDS for 14 years next week.