Into the Future

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  • Posted By: Coupe0024 @ 01/28/2008 5:24:06 PM

    i'm also fascinated by Christian sects that complain of mormon intolerance and bigotry but spend millions of dollars anually producing anti-mormon books, movies and propaganda in an effort to tear down the faith of faithful members. i miss the part of the bible where it says that you should persecute those who do not agree with you. Meanwhie we mormons just focus on promoting the faith of others and trying to bring our religion to people all around the world, and give them the choice to accept it or not. i deeply believe that the bible is true and have probably read it more than you, and i am only 23, but hey what do i know. Why don't you focus on your own religion and let me focus on mine. This is America after all.

    • Posted By: AH1986 @ 01/29/2008 4:15:14 PM

      Did you go on a mission? If so, then where to?

  • Posted By: D Mac @ 01/29/2008 4:14:22 PM

    I thought this was a great article. I am just disappointed as some of the comments here. Some people are not aware that the original manuscripts of the Bible do not exist either. Others may not recognize that "God will surely do nothing save He revealeth His secrets to His Servants the prophets" (Amos 3:7). Others suggest that Mormons are perverts but they cannot explain why an angel would tell Hagar to return to a polygamous relationship. Others might claim we are not Christians, even though we believe in God, his Son and the Holy Ghost (see also Acts 7:56 for a discusion of their separate nature). Others may state we don't believe in the Bible, eventhough it is one of our standard works. Others at times suggest we claim all other church are wrong (when they say the same about us as witnessed in these e-mails and when we really only believe they are incomplete due to the apostasy and restoration discussed in the Bible). All we ask is that people understand and respect beliefs (as we would with them).

  • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 01/28/2008 4:58:30 PM

    Comment: Mormons say they believe in Jesus but the Jesus they serve is not the Biblical Jesus. The Jesus of the Mormon Church is the brother of Lucifer. Jesus is a spirit child of God the Father and a heavenly mother by physical union. (sex) Jesus was born a child and through obedience to the Laws became a God, therefore Jesus has not always been God. Jesus' shed blood on the cross does not atone for all sins, but there are certain sins that the blood of Jesus does not atone for. Jesus after He was crucified and raised to life married three women and had offspring.

    Mormons say they believe in God the Father but He is not the same One from the Bible. Mormons believe that God the Father was once a man who became a God. Mormons believe that God the Father had a father, and his father had a father, an endless progression of Gods. That means God has not always been God, but the Father was at one time not God by nature.

    Mormons say they believe in the Trinity but their definition is different. The Mormon Church teaches that the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Trinity) are three different Gods. Mormons believe the Trinity is one in purpose not in nature.

    Mormons say they are the only true Church. The Mormon Church teaches that they are the only true Church and that all others are the Church of the devil. They may not say this to you but they do teach this.

    Mormons say they believe in the Bible. The Mormon Church teaches that there are 4 holy books. These books are: the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, Doctrines and Covenants, and the Bible. The Bible in the Mormon Church is least looked upon for doctrine and theology. Mormons are taught that the Bible is correct as long as it goes with their theology. If the Bible contradicts what the other 3 books say or their theology, than the Bible is wrong according to the Mormon Church.

    • Posted By: hillplus @ 01/28/2008 8:32:48 PM

      Ahh, It's Holyroller, the Mormon hater! Do you have any hobbies other than spreading misinformation about the Mormon church?

      • Posted By: Twister52 @ 01/29/2008 1:10:03 AM

        "hillplus" - Apparently not. I've read his ilk on many Newsweek blogs. Sounds like you have too. Oh well, won't he be surprised someday. To all good Christians everywhere, let us show our faith in Christ by our actions, for "talk is cheap". The caravan moves on!

  • Posted By: In Carolina @ 01/29/2008 3:40:31 PM

    I'm not really sure about the pope's family, but I guess he has brothers, sisters, nephews and nieces...

  • Posted By: In Carolina @ 01/29/2008 3:35:52 PM

    AH1986, well said.

    This whole Newsweek article was just an explanation of the LDS Church's leadership transition, and who the key players are. Newsweek wrote a fair and accurate news feature, but did not advocate for the Church or criticize the Church. Well done, Newsweek. All you anti-Mormons, what are you so worked up about? The article is about how the LDS church will choose a new leader. It's a news story.

    When the Pope dies, or religious icons like Billy Graham dies, Mormons won't use that as a chance to criticize their beliefs or advocate for our own. We'll just write in and thank them for their service, pray for their families and their parisheners.

  • Posted By: audiloo @ 01/29/2008 12:28:38 PM

    I love President Hinckley and will miss him.

    I can only be sorry to those who are so insensitive to try to capitalize on a moment of a great loss, spreading their confused doctrines. And that's Christian?

    Yesterday I was touched to receive an email from a fellow Christian, though non-mormon.

    Dear **
    I immediately thought of you this morning when I heard the news that the LDS president had died. My condolences to you on the loss of such an important, highly respected person in your lives.
    Regards, **

    Now THAT is a Christian thing to do. Express sympathy and acknowledge a great man.

    • Posted By: Dan Maloy @ 01/29/2008 3:18:38 PM

      Amen to that! That IS a Christ-like thing to do. God bless you and your kind friend!

  • Posted By: In Carolina @ 01/29/2008 3:11:27 PM

    I appreciate Newsweek printing this most informative and accurate article. We LDS members certainly love and honor President Hinckley and appreciate the tribute to him and the explanation of the orderly transition of Church leadership. We do expect President Monson to be the next prophet and will sustain him with the same reverence as we did President Hinckley. But we praise and worship Jesus Christ, Savior and Redeemer of the World. He is the central figure of our Church and our lives. Whether or not that makes us Christian by the protestant definition, I don't know, but we are followers of Christ.

  • Posted By: jbrowley @ 01/29/2008 3:01:22 PM

    Thanks President Hinckley for your humble leadership. You will be missed.

  • Posted By: jbrowley @ 01/29/2008 2:59:21 PM

    President Hinckley. Thanks for your humble leadership.

  • Posted By: missingink @ 01/29/2008 2:36:40 PM

    Thank you Newsweek for a balanced and accurate portrayal of LDS Church leadership in transition. My prayers are with President Hinckley's family and President Monson and his family at this difficult time. For those who have taken the time to write hateful things about the LDS Church and its leaders, my prayers are truly with you, too. "Love your enemies. Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you and pray for them that despitefully use you." No church or individual gets to decide who is "Christian". That's a distinction that belongs to individuals in a constant effort to follow Christ's teachings as they understand it, and only Christ can judge who has achieved that.

  • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 01/28/2008 10:26:01 PM

    BRIGHAM YOUNG had 57 wives, countless children, was a mass murderer, and still found time to be a profit and take care of the faithful.. God does work miracles in the cult of mormon.

    • Posted By: AH1986 @ 01/29/2008 2:01:22 PM

      I have only one thing to say to you holy roller......give me your references and Ill give you mine. Put your money where your mouth is and we'll see if you can still spew forth your blatent hate.

    • Posted By: happydad333 @ 01/29/2008 10:05:27 AM

      What do you or have you done in your life to help people...Is this your great work ...spewing hate. Have some respect.

  • Posted By: rybo74 @ 01/28/2008 11:17:00 PM

    It's sad to see how many individuals invest the majority of their time and money in a cult (not a religion) founded by a 13 year old boy. Absolutely amazing! I wonder what you might accomplish in life if your time was invested elsewhere??? Oh well, that third level of heaven will be an amazing pay off...lol

    • Posted By: AH1986 @ 01/29/2008 1:58:11 PM

      Well I should hope its better than anything less, seeing that that constitutes remaining in the same state and frame of mind FOREVER........I don't know about you, but Hell isn't fire and brimstone. It's not being able to progress and learn, and that my friend is why I try my hardest to keep the commandments of God and live a good and fulfilling life. I hope for these things , I believe in these things, and I KNOW that because I try to adhere to these principles I am a happier person.

    • Posted By: hoopes_az @ 01/29/2008 10:02:28 AM

      That's a good question. Why don't we use you as an example. Tell us of all of your marvelous accomplishments as you are not "wasting" your time believing? You seem to have it all figured out, enlighten us.

    • Posted By: mlfurm @ 01/28/2008 11:52:00 PM

      It's sad to see your ignorance. I urge you to take the time to research all that the Mormon's have been able to accomplish and you will find yourself hard-pressed to keep up. The amount of wellfare and service rendered by LDS members is unprecedented in any other organization on the planet. Everywhere the LDS Church goes the place is made better by its presence. And I agree, it is absolutely amazing that it all started from the ernest question asked by a 14 year old boy. "By small and simple things..." "A stone cut from the mountain without hands..." "By the weak and simple will I confound the wise." and all that. Thank your for illustrating how only through the power of God could it have grown from one boy to almost 13 million members worldwide in under 200 years. Do your research before you post...

      • Posted By: LaKahe @ 01/29/2008 12:37:47 AM

        Thank you fellow Latter Day Saint! So this is what the scriptures were talking about, that many will praise Joseph's name and many will try to dirty it with such irrelevant comments. My fellow brother or sister, we must stand united against the evil in this world. May the Lord bless you in your daily life and until we meet again....

    • Posted By: LaKahe @ 01/29/2008 12:23:50 AM

      Poor, poor rybo74. It's sad to see someone with very little knowledge, even of themself, to be so quick to pass judgement on something that they definitely don't know anything about. Especially when that 13 year old boy knew MUCH more than you since Heavenly Father spoke directly to him. Tsk, tsk, you poor, unfortunate soul, are you that insecure of yourself? ... Besides, the money and time isn't ours, it all belongs to Him anyway, and that's why we can give it up willingly and it isn't yours and disappears everyday, right? Oh well, I'll pray that one day you'll become a Latter Day Saint. I wonder where your life will end up if you keep this childish behavior up. You'll be in my prayers rybo74. May Heavenly Father bless you and show you the light that the 13 year old boy was priviledged to experience. God Bless and have an absolutely amazing day! =) ...

  • Posted By: chigger228 @ 01/28/2008 11:52:02 PM

    Church members should be cautioned not to be so easily offended by articles such as this one. It is not written from the perspective of one who shares our beliefs, and that should not be the expectation. As a member of the Mormon church who cannot help but take notice of what has been said about us in the news recently, much comes across as inflammatory while much is benign. I thought that this article was fair towards us; not unkind; and left nothing specific for me to complain about.

    • Posted By: AH1986 @ 01/29/2008 1:54:15 PM

      Finally....someone who understands that no matter what the masses say, our faith is still true. Persecution has been MUCH stronger throughout history then what we have to go through now. I don't know about the other LDS member that have posted comments to this site but I've never been tared and feathered. I've never been driven from my home and had my wife raped in front of my eyes. What we have to "deal" with is a shadow of what our predecessors have givien their lives for. So once again thank you for this reminder that we can share our testimonies and beliefs with the world, without bcomeing agressive and hatful in return.

    • Posted By: CharlesW @ 01/29/2008 1:26:02 AM

      Thank you, Newsweek, for a very nice article. I enjoyed reading your comments, and appreciate not only the article itself, but also the video of President Hinckley. He was a beloved prophet. There are many in the church who reverenced him not only as a great leader, but as a godly and loving grandfather-figure. His love was felt by all who heard his voice. Traditionally, when President Hinckley traveled, especially outside of the United States, in parting the members of the church would wave a white handkerchief in the air as a farewell gesture. President Hinckley, I and many others, wave our white handkerchiefs with a poignant and grateful love for you, and a gratitude for all you have done for the Kingdom of the Lord on the earth. Farewell!

  • Posted By: kmcital @ 01/29/2008 11:32:57 AM

    Have some respect people - the article honors a great man who passed away, and the whole LDS church mourns as they bid farewell to a man they admire and revere. Hardly the time to attack the church for its doctrines. I remind those who heard one of President Hinckley's final worldwide addresses to the church: be slow to anger. Be kind and forgiving, be Christ-like. Those who didn't hear it...you may want to check it out: http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-23,00.html

    From it, I quote:
    "A small publication that came to me some years ago carried the following:
    Once a man who had been slandered by a newspaper came to Edward Everett asking what to do about it. Said Everett, ???Do nothing! Half the people who bought the paper never saw the article. Half of those who saw it, did not read it. Half of those who read it, did not understand it. Half of those who understood it, did not believe it. Half of those who believed it are of no account anyway??? (???Sunny Side of the Street,??? Nov. 1989; see also Zig Ziglar, Staying Up, Up, Up in a Down, Down World [2000], 174).

    So many of us make a great fuss of matters of small consequence. We are so easily offended. Happy is the man who can brush aside the offending remarks of another and go on his way."

    I guess I'm not following his advice 100%, Pres Hinckley would not not responded to this board and just brushed it off. Going on with his life of serving and loving others. We will always remember his great example.

  • Posted By: davek317 @ 01/29/2008 11:28:20 AM

    All I need to know is that Mormons are certainly not Christians, because they do not believe in the essential tenets of the Christian faith, as laid forth in the Bible, propounded by the Church Fathers and proclaimed by the infallible Magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church. There was never a Great Apostacy as they claim, and the apostolic succession remains unbroken in Pope Benedict XVI and the bishops united with him. None of historical claims have proven to be true, and they have changed their teachings and revelations when it has been suited them. If you believe in Truth, you know it can't be changed with the winds of contemporary mood and culture.

    • Posted By: AH1986 @ 01/29/2008 1:05:16 PM

      Let me lay out the history for you. On Paul's first visit to Rome he Ordained a certain Bishop Linus, gave unto him the keys and authority to lead the early church in Rome. Paul then left to orgainze other branches of the church thoughout the region, and things were going well. ON Pauls return to Rome roughly a year later he found that Bishop Linus was using his authority for personal gain, had altered the doctrines to conform to his view of what the doctrine meant, and for this Paul EXCOMMUNICATED him and stipped him of all authority. After this Paul ordained a DEACON Linus to take charge in his stead. Paul left and the church was begining to thrive once again in Rome. Shortly thereafter the persecution of chriistian became more and more persistant, and the Apostels and other leaders of the church were being hunted down and martyred. ONe of the Martyrs of the early church was Deacon Linus, the only one with the higher priesthood to lead and recive revelation for the church in rome. Without a prophet and revelator the doctrines began to evolve and become distorted. Much stife occured due to this and Emporor Constantine decided to reunify the christian faith and saught out the supposed authority in Rome. This authortiy was the corrupt and previously excommunicated Bishop Linus, through whom the Roman Catholic Church claim their authority and unbroken chain of succession. There was an apostacy and the only thing I need to prove my point are the thousand of diferent christian faiths present in our current world. All the self proclaimed ministers, and preachers, who ignore the words of the Lord " you have not chosen me but I have chosen you". The thousadn of religions who constantly attack my faith and validity therein, when they should be learning about their own faith and helping their fellow man. I was an LDS missionary and served for 2 years in the heart of Germany. I dont proclaim to know everything , but my time there at the heart of the reformation, gave me the chance to look closley at other religions and their doctrine, and actually research the truths and untruths therein. I welcome all to one on one email conversation to discuss and compare our beliefs in a non confrentational manner because I actually enjoy learning about what others believe and think. Any takers? I;'m all ears......

  • Posted By: sknudson @ 01/29/2008 11:05:54 AM

    All I want to know is where are the 3 Golden Plates that Joseph Smith claimed to find and translate? I have lived in Utah for over 15 years, heard all the teachings, etc. I have many friends that are Mormons. Although most are very kind people, I would not trust most of them as they are the most judge mental people I have ever seen. Something is just not right with them. Personally, unless these so-called Golden Plates are presented, then Joseph Smith was just a crazy guy wondering around in the wood trying to create a cult.

  • Posted By: Safety lady @ 01/29/2008 10:21:10 AM

    President Hinckley will be missed by all. my Mom who was in his ward in Salt Lake told me he was just like one of us. no frills.. it seems sad that a Man as great as he only gets a small mention from the media but an actor or actress who is into drugs and mischief is all you hear about or read about. people shouldn't be afraid of us we are normal people who just believe there is more to this life than disrespect .

  • Posted By: HolyRoller @ 01/29/2008 9:54:08 AM

    Mormon doctrine that sounds Biblical

    Mormons say they believe in Jesus but the Jesus they serve is not the Biblical Jesus. The Jesus of the Mormon Church is the brother of Lucifer. Jesus is a spirit child of God the Father and a heavenly mother by physical union. (sex) Jesus was born a child and through obedience to the Laws became a God, therefore Jesus has not always been God. Jesus' shed blood on the cross does not atone for all sins, but there are certain sins that the blood of Jesus does not atone for. Jesus after He was crucified and raised to life married three women and had offspring.

    Mormons say they believe in God the Father but He is not the same One from the Bible. Mormons believe that God the Father was once a man who became a God. Mormons believe that God the Father had a father, and his father had a father, an endless progression of Gods. That means God has not always been God, but the Father was at one time not God by nature.

    Mormons say they believe in the Trinity but their definition is different. The Mormon Church teaches that the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Trinity) are three different Gods. Mormons believe the Trinity is one in purpose not in nature.

    Mormons say they are the only true Church. The Mormon Church teaches that they are the only true Church and that all others are the Church of the devil. They may not say this to you but they do teach this.

    Mormons say they believe in the Bible. The Mormon Church teaches that there are 4 holy books. These books are: the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, Doctrines and Covenants, and the Bible. The Bible in the Mormon Church is least looked upon for doctrine and theology. Mormons are taught that the Bible is correct as long as it goes with their theology. If the Bible contradicts what the other 3 books say or their theology, than the Bible is wrong according to the Mormon Church

    • Posted By: happydad333 @ 01/29/2008 10:10:45 AM

      Comment: I grew up in the Mormon Church (Salt Lake City) but I am not currently active. I have a great respect for this church and if I had a religious bone in my body this would be the only church I would be part of. In no way at any time was I told "all others are the church of the devil". I was taught to respect everyone and every church. I have also never been told that the bible is wrong and I was an active member in the church until I was 20. One thing that is over looked about this church is how Christ-like the members act. A Mormon would not think twice to help anyone in need no matter what church they belong to. When I hear what people say about this church I just become sick...If you are not a member you don't know enough to say for a fact what they believe. And being hateful in not very Christ-like.

  • Posted By: Twister52 @ 01/29/2008 1:30:09 AM

    You know what I've never understood is why non-LDS people typically have such a hard time believing that there could actually be a true prophet of God walking among us today....a person who was ACTUALLY spoken to by the Creator of the universe and commanded by Him to carry out His work and message and not just someone who "thinks" they were charged with that responsibility or someone who wished they were. Christians everywhere revere the prophets we all learned about in the Old Testament.....Noah, Jonah, Moses, Jeremiah, Isaiah, etc. If God had prophets to lead and guide His children back then, don't we need prophets in today's crazy world? And, doesn't God love us just as much as God loved His children in the days of Moses, for example? And if we do need a living conduit or oracle to God today and if the Father of us all loves us like He loved mankind anciently, why is it hard to imagine that that kind of person may have been a quiet, humble, hard-working man named Gordon B. Hinckley? Even Moses had a name, right? Latter-day Saints are criticized so often for believing in latter-day prophets, especially for our faith in Joseph Smith as a prophet of God, but what I don't understand is why so many people consciously choose to believe that such a righteous man CANNOT exist today. Why not? James 1:5-6.

    • Posted By: hifi @ 01/29/2008 3:35:50 AM

      My friend, There have to be specific signs and indicators for someone to be termed as a Prophet. There are prophecies for each of them which should have been foretold by someone before that Person. One cannot just 'believe' someone to be a Prophet (just like that, whether elected or appointed). One cannot just try at his manmade efforts towards 'becoming' a prophet; Instead, the sacrificial life, universality of teachings, selfless sufferings, and universal applicability of His principles, justify the mission of the Prophet and contributes towards integrity of His claim.

      • Posted By: hoopes_az @ 01/29/2008 9:58:53 AM

        Well, that is the point isn't it? We believe such signs and foretelling of a prophet have been made to Joseph Smith personally and in the book of Mormon. Signs that others choose not to believe, but signs nonetheless. Prophets today carry on that tradition as the authority for such leadership is conferred to subsequent leaders all conditioned and based upon the authority that was restored to Joseph Smith.

        So, again, you may claim that you just don't believe the signs that were conveyed to Joseph during the restoration, but you cannot say that we don't have Prophets because the Mormons have simply self proclaimed as much. We don't believe someone or some group can self-proclaim prophetic power either.

        Even still, I appreciate the tone of your posts and the respect (even though you disagree) with which you approach those of us in the Mormon faith. You are a rare individual on these boards.

  • Posted By: eddiewhere @ 01/29/2008 7:55:55 AM

    HENRY TAFT BENSON IS THE LINK BETWEEN BUSH AND ROMNEY.

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