Political Punch

Christ set his church upon the foundation on Prophets and apostles. Eph. 2:20 how many of your churches have that?? ya go read your bible and go learn something

I want to respond to the commentator who claimed that no Christian religion has ever allowed for discrimination against Blacks and Indians. I am a professor of early American history who is not remotely anti-Christian but most of my university survey class is about why Christians defended the destruction of Indian peoples and the enslavement of African peoples. It is not like Mormons have had a great track record in this regard (actually it is horrendous) but let's get our history correct.

Mormonism teaches that God, men, and angels are all of one species. They believe that their god was once a man on a distant planet and was exalted to godhood through obedience to the Mormon gospel. The Mormon god and his goddess wife produced billions of spirit children who come to tabernacle in physical bodies on earth. The first spirit child was Jesus. Another spirit child was Lucifer, who became the Devil. So, yes, they most certainly do teach that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers, and Romney certainly knows this, but is employing obfuscation regarding this non-Christian doctrine.
Christians believe that God was always God, from everlasting to everlasting, as do Jews and Muslims. Mormonism teaches that Mormons can be exalted to godhood someday by being obedient Mormons and rule over their own planets. I doubt Romney would admit that Mormons are "gods in embryo," as their Prophet, Hinckley, has called them, but this is the sad truth.

Mormonism may be a religion, it certainly is not Christian.

to bystander, you're right, people should investigate a religion before judging. I have family members who converted to Mormonism and I can tell you that they read the Bible, yes, but they themselves say that the Bible is full of mistakes. They have to say that because some of their philosophies go against essential principle Christian concepts. But I still believe that one can run the country well if they are a good leader and follow basic human ethics. Those God has installed in our conscience.

Hey Shawn | Dec 14, 2007 11:33:13 AM

Look up when the book of revelations was actually written. If you believe the Bible was written like a story with revelations being the last chapter in the book, you have a lot more to be concerned about than whether Mornons are Christian.

Maybe some of you need to invesitgate the LDS religion a little better, rather then make assumptions that are simply not true. You are simply bashing his religion because you do not understand it and it is different from your beliefs. You ask why Romney did'nt quote from the Book of Morman- Are you aware that the LDS religion also beleives and studies the Bible? More importantly are you aware of what Romney has accomplished outside of his religion? Has anyone really looked hard at that. I believe he chooses to focus on politics rather then his religion, unfortunately we can't say the same thing for Huckabee, Why is no one concerned with his right wing attitude? I was raised in Utah (No, I am not a Morman), and I have seen Romney in action at the Olympics. I believe he is very capable of doing the job, but unfortunately people are overlooking his capabilities due to his personal beliefs, In my opinion, that makes you all hypocrites.

Beyond Mitt and MIke's little contretemps, the broader issue here involves the media's queer reluctance to ever delve into the founding texts of these religions. We see the same aversion to basic research when Islam is involved. Why? After all, the allusion is either accurate or it is not. The discussion above suggests that it is accurate. Perhaps the journalists are simple too embarrassed to acknowledge the kinds of beliefs that the future "most powerful man in the world" might be keeping under his hat. My own reading of the the Book of Moroni and of all the contrived claptrap that goes with it (golden plates, transatlantic visitations etc.), is that no grown and educated adult could ever willingly associate himself with any of it. In terms of content, it sits a notch or two above the Koran; in terms of style, just below L Ron Hubbard's Dianetics.

satan-christ-brothers
Mormons believe that God the Father is the father of all intelligent beings
be it angels, devils or humans, including satan and christ. So like it or not, we are all brothers and sisters
in that sense.

We grow up believing a certain way because our families and/or our countries do, but does anyone even bother to look into the history of mythology or the transition from pagan polytheism into monotheism. I mean really look into the common origins of all people and all faiths. Not to do so, is to take the whole concept of gods and religion completely out of context, isn’t it ? There were so many ancient ideas, philosophies and theologies (from India to Persia to Egypt to Greece) which came together around the time of Alexander the Great. Isn’t it completely obvious to anyone with even just a little bit of common sense what really happened ? (The hellenization of Judaism is documented, so why not Christianity and then Islam ?) You always hear about how one faith or god is better than another or one way or god is more “right” than another. What about the common threads in ALL myths and religions and what they mean to ALL people. To claim moral superiority is nothing more than cultural and geographical bias. To accept one doctrine which obviously has origin in others and to dismiss the others as nonsense, is in itself NONSENSE. It is impossible to label one work, faith or book as the undisputed truth or infallible word of god without admitting your own biases. The diversity of the world and all that live in it is OUR COLLECTIVE STRENGTH. If the Universe is INFINITE, why does man insist on giving it FINITE LIMITS ??? Because, not only is it easier for people to understand that way but it is also easier to control people that way as well. We believe because we’ve been conditioned to believe for 2000 years. Think outside the box: DON’T BE A SHEEP !!!

Madonna (that Kabbalahist herself) would agree: In the Kabbalah, there is a so-called "Tree of Life" (really the family of God). The 'first world' is the world of the Supernals, consisting of three 'sephiroth'(this is of course, the Triune God of Christianity, but Jews would never admit it, even though THEY 'invented' the Kabballah). Hidden beneath this world is a sephiroth called "Da'at" (from which the word 'death' can be derived). As Da'at was once in the world of the Supernals, so too was the Devil the first 'begotten son' (in effect, the 'brother' of Jesus in the spiritual world, NOT the physical world, in which Jesus had FOUR brothers). Da'at, AKA Lucifer, AKA the Devil, etc. refused to perform the Will of his Father ('God the Father'); doing so brought sin and death into this universe, etc., etc.

As for Mormonism, what is wrong with their religion is that they insist on having "another Testament of Jesus Christ"; the Book of Revelation clearly states that the Bible is a closed book after the final chapter of Revelation to which nothing can be added or subtracted (see Rev 22:18), thus their religion ipso facto is wrong. End of story.

Note, the name of the church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is NOT the Church of Latter Day Saints. You will not take Christ away from us!

Nadaspin,
There are religions that do not require a person who belongs to "suspend all reason and logic and disregard all that mankind has learned in the last 3,500 years" It isn't the religion, it is the extremists within religions that demand an " only my belief ".

Unitarian Universilists are known for having diverse beliefs and open discussions- fundamentalists often discount it as a religion, as is happening with Mormons. Extremists define religion as you did.

Reason and logic are present and healthy in many faiths.

The concept of a Saviour born of a Virgin to redeem humanity is hardly a concept unique to Christianity. Do Christians even bother to check into the other "MYTHS" which predate Christianity ? How is it that Christianity is "REAL" and ALL OF THE OTHERS ARE SILLY STORIES ? It's 2007 and it's time to stop thinking like they did 2000 - 3000 - 4000 (PLUS) years ago when all of these silly fables were invented. It's really PATHETIC !!!

"I'd rather have someone leading us that has faith, vs. someone that does not." ... I gotta disagree. I want someone in the White House that makes decisions based on logic and reasoning. We need someone who can change his/her view as new information is received. Huckabee basis his decisions on the faith that a mythical being will guide his judgment. It is the same irrational principal that all religions use to push their agenda and ascend to power because putting it in god's hands allows for little challenge or critical thinking. And if it's all in god's hands, no one gets held responsible when the decision turns out to be a bad decision. This is precisely how the Huckster released over a thousand criminals, despite being confronted with evidence that those criminals posed a danger to the public. Bush believed in his infallibility as if he were the instrument of his god. We know how intelligent that was.

"God has never condoned ignorant attacks on other religions" .... I have to ask what drugs you are on. Religion is a belief system that requires that a person suspend all reason and logic and disregard all that mankind has learned in the last 3,500 years. The scriptures were written by flat-earthers. These were people whose bicameral left and right brains thought that the 'voices' in their heads were the gods speaking to them. Your statement about what these mythical gods "condoned" is sheer lunacy. The next time you speak about god, substitute the name "Zeus." You will quickly see how irrational your statement is.

What a blog! Can we get along? I think we can. Round and round we go though. There's no proof people. Faith is faith. Personally, I'd rather have someone leading us that has faith, vs. someone that does not. Whether Romney, Huckabee, a woman, a minority, a mormon, whatever. I've read all sorts of funny stuff on this blog today that make me realize how very little progress we've made as a nation. What do the evangelicals propose? Burn all the Mormons at the stake? What do the Mormons propose? Baptize all non-Mormons? I'm a mormon, and my co-worker/good friend is an evangelical. We've had some great conversations. We've determined that we have so much more in common than not, and have determined that we'll always agree to disagree on various doctrinal points. But that shouldn't stop us from being good friends. We're friends. Do we have secret plans to convert one another? NO WAY! He's a great guy. I'm a good guy. We both love our country, love our families, and love our communities. We've got to stop tearing each other down. I've watched our country tear apart under "W's" administration. Let's find a leader this time that will bring us together. We're sounding no better than the Sunis and Kurds. Should we go on for another 200 years looking for differences, or similarities? What's to fear from a Mormon president? There's no sinister plot folks. Mormon people are good people. They try hard to live a religion that is damn near impossible to live. It's a tough road, but we try and live good lives. Does that make us better than others? NO WAY! Just live life the best you can. There are so many good teachings in every faith. The Lord told us to love one another. I think we're really disappointing Him.

okay, first of all you people who complain of being "attacked".....grow up. A criticism or questioning of religious practices is NOT an "attack". To claim so is an attempt to characterize yourself as a victim. If you are confident in your belief you would not be defensive. All religions should be scrutinized, else how does one discover the truth?
Secondly, the issue of the article is the substance of Huckabee's question. Bondo, about half way down these comments quoted some supposedly Mormon scripture. IF it is accurate it is the ONLY information in the media/new media that truly answers this issue. By my reading, that scripture indicates a belief of the Mormons that Jesus and Satan are in fact brothers. I'll look those passages up myself and do further research so I can satisfy myself of the correct answer. As to what that means in regard to the race.....not much on the substance in my opinion. But if Romney or the Mormon church was disenginiuos in their response that tells me something as well.

To those who like to spend their time tearing down Mormon beliefs: You're a small fringe minority. The majority of people in this country aren't ignorant like you where they have to resort to a pointless practice of religious bigotry. You may as well give it up. You would have an easier time holding out your arm to stop a Mack Truck going 80 miles p/hr. Have an open mind. You just might learn something.

The Church of Jesus Christs of Latter Day(Mormon)is helping many citizens of the world as it follows the teaching of Jesus Christ as he commanded us to do.We cannot only speak of him but also do as he teaches us everything we need to do to gain eternal life.When a well known lawyer by the name of Nicodemus ask the Savior how he would gain eternal life,the Lord answered 3"Jesus answered and said unto him,Verily,verily,I say unto thee,Except a man be born again,he cannot see the kingdom of God.4 Nicodemus saith unto him,How can a man be born when he is old?can he enter the second time into his mother's womb,and be born again?5 Jesus answered,Verily,verily,I say unto thee,Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit,he cannot enter into the kingddom of God.6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh;and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit."As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints I am proud of my church and my life and the lives of our families are blessed by believing in him and his restored gospel through the prophet Joseph Smith in whom the Lord reveal his will into the world.

just a seeker of truth and the world is fresh out. it's amazing there are just too many similarities between mythology and religion. call it a hobby in between brews and tokes: but i just don't think it's a coincidence (i think judaism, christianity and islam were copied from pre-existing mythology). THE GOOD TIMES start at 6pm and go until midnight or so: NO WORRIES ! (thanks for your concern)

Skeptic: If you don't care what happens after you die AND you don't beleive in any religion, WHY DO YOU CARE what Christians say or if they say or don't say "I believe" or "in my opinion".

If I were a true athiest, I wouldn't care what anyone said. I woudn't read blogs that have to do with religion. I wouldn't waste my time commenting on them. I'd just be off having as much fun as possible because this life is all we got right? Can you help me out with this?

i just wish christians would preface their statements with IN MY OPINION or I BELIEVE. that's all. and realize that there is no way to prove this issue either way (I REALLY DON'T CARE WHAT HAPPENS AFTER I DIE. I BELIEVE IT IS IRRELEVANT !)there are a lot of religions and myths which may or may not contain bits or pieces of truth. no one can say for sure or has any right to assume moral (or any) superiority over any other individual or group. (YOU SEE THAT A LOT WITH RELIGIONS ?)

Scott
I do too hope for us both to make it.
I don’t have all the answers either, but I invite you to research our church.
I do believe it has the correct ordinances to make it there.

Good luck, God bless.

When I was young and inexperienced with the world, my Mom taught me an important lesson. At the dinner table I was bad mouthing a kid I knew and his family. My Mom got in my face and said "Look Son, you can never be tall by cutting off the heads of others." Some of you should call up your Mom and try to explain to her why you hate the Mormons or people of faith. Hopefully she will give you similar advice.

Skeptic: Don't confuse the issue...it's my opinion that it's fact. In other words, I have faith that the Bible is true. God requires and element of faith for salvation. First of all he gave us free will because he loves us so much that he would never force anyone to love him back.

Secondly, if he just showed up and started throwing lightning bolts all over the place, of course everyone is going to beleive in him out of fear. You'd be dumb not to. But he doesn't want that. He wants people to come to him out of love and a genuine need. I hope you will find him.

Sean: Honestly, I hope we both make it to Heaven one day. I recognize that I don't have all the answers and that God makes the final call where we end up. But until that time, I'm sticking to my guns and I'm sure you'll do the same.

I like your style Scott

We believe in continuing revelation and continuing prophets; hence Joseph Smith Jr. We revear him as a prophet like in the Bible.
If God is the same and doesn’t change, he will reveal more of his word and call more Prophets.

I can’t and won’t convince you about Joseph Smith. The spirit of God can confirm that to you through prayer if you choose to find out.

Please consider these Bible verses:

Amos 3: 7 Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

SO WHAT, doesn't Huckabee believe the Earth is 6,000 years old?

Scott: THANKS, you are the first christian on any board to admit that faith is an opinion and not a verifiable fact !

Sean: I guess I would have to beleive that Joe Smith was a real prophet from God, which I don't.

15"Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. (Matthew 7:15)

My personal favorite:

1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2Many will follow their shameful ways and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with stories they have made up. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping. (2 Peter 2:1-3)

Skeptic: Yep, it's my opinion. That's where faith comes into play. By all means, don't beleive. That's YOUR opinion.

Bram: Stop posting the same damn thing every hour or so. Don't you have any other original thoughts in that pea brain of yours???

i dont do LSD and i dont believe god or an afterlife can be reasonably proven in the HERE and NOW (which in essence is all their really is !). i dont believe we should blame an invisible being which may not exist for everything that is wrong with the world or expect him to show up and fix it. i believe WE THE PEOPLE should take responsibility and accountability to each other and work together to make the world a better place instead of believing that the BOOGIE MAN will come and destroy it and us. i dont care who your god is, we're all on this rock together and what happens next is up to US !

I am LDS (Mormon) and the reason we don't argue about religion is because there is no purpose to it. Jesus never argued with people about their beliefs. Everyone can believe what they may, Mitt Romney has good morals and values as an individutal. We are Christians and just because it's different doesn't mean it's a bad thing.

People starving world wide.
Even Mother Theresa was wondering if there is a Heaven seeing all the misery world wide

Death of 6 million Jews. Which God allows that? The Mormons and Christian God or son of God called called Jesus Christ or the Devil

Frankly, I would rather believe in the Biblical story of Jonah in the whale for seven days. That at least is funny

Posted by: Bram Cohen | Dec 13, 2007 11:03:44 AM

Why blame God? You blame God when he doesn't stop mankind's evil the way YOU think he should....but I'll bet you don't submit to God and do what God asks you to do. Always blaming God for evil and never looking at man's unwillingness to submit to God. If mankind wishes to transgress God's laws, then mankind will suffer the consequences until Christ returns.

AHEM: christians had no problem supporting slavery here in the USA and RIGHT FROM THE PULPIT for hundreds of years ! (i guess that's not dicrimination ?)

Posted by: skeptic | Dec 13, 2007 12:17:39 PM

AHEM: and Muslims have no problem with it today in Northern Africa but you don't hear the UN doing anything to denounce it.

Hey, if Christians are going to vote for Romney then they should know how his mind works. Face it, one's faith has an influence on how they view the world. If someone was a Muslim and running for President, I'd question how they would handle problems in the Middle East. It IS important what our President believes and it IS important that Christians know that Mormonism is NOT Main-stream Christianity, although Romney tried his best to make it sound like it was.

RE: FACT: (i.e. LOOK IT UP !): early christian church fathers (read pope) determined that the birth of christ should be celebrated on december 25 to coincide with pagans celebrating solstice celebrations (mostly MITHRAS, but many pagan pantheons had solstice celebrations)...so like the bible, christmas is a tradition that is celebrated as FACT, but really ISN'T...(let's just bury our heads in the sand, SHALL WE ???)...MERRY MITHRAS TO YOU....

The real question is: how would you feel if a Scientologist was running? Would you have an aversion to him/her because of religious beliefs that you find odd? If not, then this debate is moot. If so, then each individual needs to explore the depths of their own aversion, and see just what the limits are. After all, one's religious beliefs, if deeply held, influence and color all great decisions. If the limits of your antipathy stop at core beliefs, then all is well; if not, you have to decide just how ancillary the doctrine must be before you won't vote for the person. I mean, really, isn't transubstantiation a bit hard for some people to swallow?

Scott: "I am a Christian. The Bible is the complete and perfect word of God." that is an OPINION and a SUBJECTIVE CHOICE, not verifiable truth or fact. (P.S. scholars have proven that the writer of revelations was talking aabout NERO CAESAR = 666)

Scott
I'm glad your a Christian.
How can one believe the Book of Mormon to be scripture when the Bible says we shouldn't add to the Bible (Revelation 22:18-19)?
The phrases "the prophecy of this book," "the book of this prophecy,"
and "this book" refer only to the book of Revelation. At the time
John recorded those words, the Bible did not exist; there were only separate scrolls
for each book. The first bound Bibles do not appear until the fourth century A.D.
Some of the earliest Bible manuscripts do not end with the book of Revelation
and, in fact, some of them don't even include that book and omit other New
Testament books as well.

Moreover, similar warnings are found in earlier Bible books. For example, in
Deuteronomy 4:2, we read, "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command
you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments
of the Lord your God which I command you" (see also Deuteronomy 12:12).
While mortals are forbidden to add to the divine word, the Lord himself is not
bound by such restrictions. God's word is revealed through prophets, and
it is through prophets that he has always added to his own word. Thus, we read
that, when the king had burned the words written by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 36:1-4,
23), the Lord commanded him to restore these words (Jeremiah 36:27-28). "Then
took Jeremiah another roll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah;
who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book which
Jehoiakim king of Judah had burned in the fire: and there were added besides
unto them many like words" (Jeremiah 36:32).

AHEM: christians had no problem supporting slavery here in the USA and RIGHT FROM THE PULPIT for hundreds of years ! (i guess that's not dicrimination ?)

If Mormons are Christians, why did they discriminate against Blacks and Indians in their churches untill the 1960`s?

After reading many of the comments above, it is clear that Romney and the Mormon "prophets" are afraid to tell us what the Mormons really believe. However, even they cannot deny that it was not untill the late 1960`s that the Mormons supposedly stopped discriminating against Blacks and Indians. No Christian religion ever allowed such discrimination.

hohum: myths: gods, gods becoming men, gods saving the world, gods born of virgins, gods dying and being resurrected, gods performing miracles. maybe these gods were aliens and they mated with humans. just because people believe any of this nonsense DOES NOT make it an absolute truth.

Sean,

I am a Christian. The Bible is the complete and perfect word of God. The last four verses of the Bible in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 22:

18I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

20He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon."
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

21The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.

Don't add to the Word. Merry Christmas.

Scott
I really can’t figure out who you are? An apostate, an atheist, or just a “Christian” trying to help a wayward Mormon in your opinion “convert to Christ”… In any regard it doesn’t matter. I love you as my brother.

Whatever viewpoint or religion you represent; I forgive you for your attacks on my faith and hope my comments were not offensive towards you. If they were I am sorry.
I tend to get defensive more than not.

My last words to you are – don’t limit God’s word to just one book= the Bible. Please. He makes ALL of his words know to mankind in his own way, so don’t disregard or discredit more of his word.
God Bless and Merry Christmas

Sean, I don't need to attack anymore. You've proven my point for me. I encourage you to stick to the Bible and to the Truth.

Are Jesus and the Devil Brothers? I'm glad Romney didn't take the bait. Twisted questions are designed to shock the ignorant. Innocent question? No. Twisted question designed to attack a religion? Yes. Huckabee needs to back of his religious bigotry if he wants America's support. Kennedy tried doing that years back when Romney ran for the Senate. As a result, Kennedy almost lost the election. If it wern't for liberalism, Romney probably would have won.

As for religious bigotry in this blog, please keep your opinions to yourself. Christianity doesn't need more hypocites. They need people who actually apply the Bible to themselves.

I DON'T DENY IT.

I AM PROUD OF THAT AND OF MY RELIGION.

GO AHEAD , ATTACK IT MORE

SEE IF I OR ANYONE ELSE EVEN CARES

People starving world wide.
Even Mother Theresa was wondering if there is a Heaven seeing all the misery world wide

Death of 6 million Jews. Which God allows that? The Mormons and Christian God or son of God called Jesus Christ or the Devil?

Frankly, I would rather believe in the Biblical story of Jonah in the whale for seven days. That at least is funny

Sean Thomas,

I understand just fine. I don't hear you denying that you beleive you can become a God either.

Scott a cult is a religious movement with numbers under 5,000 people or so.
Look it up. Our CHURCH has 13,000,000 so it is not cult status like you'd like to believe.

When you said "Any church that preaches it's members can become like God is a false church. The Bible says there is only one God. It's called the first commandment."
I refer you to the bible pasage:
"Trust in the Lord and Lean not unto thine own understanding"
Prov 3:5

People starving world wide.
Even Mother Theresa was wondering if there is a Heaven seeing all the misery world wide

Death of 6 million Jews. Which God allows that? The Mormons and Christian God or son of God called called Jesus Christ or the Devil

Frankly, I would rather believe in the Biblical story of Jonah in the whale for seven days. That at least is funny

lots of religions and MYTHS explain "duality" by equating "good and evil" as related. since it's all theory (with ZERO basis in FACT) and iron age metaphor: WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL ?

It is amazing to read--the misconception about the Mormons belief. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the official name of the church. It bears the name "Christ" because he is the head and "chief cornerstone" of the church. The common name "Mormon" as most people know--is just the nickname. There is nothing wrong with being a Mormon?" To me, the word that bears the name "Mormon" means something good. Why? Because it taught me "great and fundamental principles"--to be more "Christlike." To try to live what the Savior Jesus Christ has taught and that's is to "love God withall our heart, might, mind and strenght--and love our nieghbours us ourselves." To love God and our fellowmen were the two highest commandments our Saviour has given us. So why persecute the "Mormons" for living their beliefs. Again the Jesus Christ taught the beautiful when he said, "Ye have heard it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you...For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? (Matt. 5:43-44,46)." So, because someone may claim (he or she) has better beliefs--"why shed such bigotry in your heart?" Jesus taught us not to "judge." He said, "Judge not, that ye be not judge. For what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?(Matt.7:1-3)." Again, there is none other greater principle in life to live--other than living the teachings of Jesus Christ. It doesn't matter what "denominations of religion" we are in. Foremost to this, however, is living the "gospel of Christ" as a way of life. Furthermore, I love this simple and profound thought found in the Book Of Mormon--"Wherefore, ye must press forward with steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life." This alone mean't alot to me and how I live my own life. Have a nice day:)

Amy,

I wasn't "putting it down" -- I was merely explaining where the "devil" question came from -- i.e. why it might have been asked. (And there is plenty of basis for the question; as noted).

All I can say, after reading the posted comments, is instead of tearing down what another religion believes simply because we disagree, maybe we should consider the one fact that should bind all Christians together, and that is charity. Why doesn't each person ask himself what HE is doing to help others...why not ask what YOUR church is doing to help others...as for the Mormons, here's what they did just last year...Any religion that does this much to help should certainly not be the object of ridicule of other "Christian" churches...

Mormon's don't have to quote there own doctrine because you so called "Christians" have done for the most part, a very good job doing it for us. The thing is you don't have any explanation for whom Satan is or where he came from. You can't explain the trinity or where we came from, why we are here and where we are going after this life is over. Your explanations are filled with such big wholes, gaps and half truths are hard to make sense of it all. IT IS YOUR BEHAVIOR TOWARD US THAT WE FIND OFFENCIVE. Don't tell us we are not Christian's stop attacking our doctrine and start building up your own doctrine.... if you have any at all

Mike Huckabee may be feeling the heat of being a front runner and he lack the courage to handle it.It's hard to think he will handle the Presidents' job with that kind of attitude.He should run for a religious office as he seems to quote scriptures to cover up his inexperience as an effective leader.

I am shocked at how quick people are to look for a so called flaw in a religion. Don't any of you realize that every religion is a little bit different and each one claim that they are right and that the others are mis-guided? This is not a new concept.

Why is everyone all of a sudden surprised that Mormons have some different beliefs/perspectives than other Christian and Protestants?

People are acting like this in news. Don't you know that the Church next to yours preaches different perspectives than yours?

Does everyone expect Mormons to believe like they do? The Mormon church does way more good in the world then people give them credit for and people still seem to find reasons to argue about differences. Its really sad because there are people in the media and in the world who just laugh at all of this contention and think that this is why ALL religion is bad.

If you Catholic, good for you! If your Baptist, good for you! If you Pentecostal, good for you!

All I ask is if you claim to be a Christian, act like one.

To: PHILM

Spin(according to Phil): I urge people who want to know what Mormons really believe, without relying on how a TV Talking Head spins it, to read the entire article. I find it disturbing that, according to Mormon writings, I can't get into Heaven unless Joseph Smith says it's okay.

The Truth: We don't worship Joseph Smith
and we don't "need his approval" for Heaven.

Spin(according to Phil): Jesus did not marry.

The Truth: Where does the bible say that? (It doesn't)

The journal of discourses and history of the church are not official scriptures of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
http://scriptures.lds.org/

"Now therefore be ye not mockers"
Isaiah 28:22

"Trust in the Lord and Lean not unto thine own understanding"
Prov 3:5

Wow! I never realized how wacky my beliefs were, until the "evangelicals" told me what I believe as a "Mormon." I'm surprised that all my years of Sunday School, seminary, institute, and missionary service left me so blind to the doctrines of the Church I was born into. I guess the sacrifices my ancestors made to leave secure lives in Massachusetts, Maine, England, Wales, Denmark, and the children and spouses they buried in Missouri, Illinois, and on the plains were for naught.

What does Mitt Romney believe as a faithful Mormon?

As a non-partisan viewer of these comments, I'm amazed the the LDS defender's don't quote their own scriptures and history when they get offended. I'm starting to sense that they really don't believe their own doctrine but will blindly fight tooth and nail for their church. I don't get it.

Mr Charlton, it seems that bondo was just quoting the prophets of the LDS church, not attacking. If you read what bondo wrote and agree with what the LDS church doctrine is, then it won't be offensive but if you disagree, then it may be offensive (sound familiar). I believe he was just paraphrasing and quoting the LDS church's beliefs based on their own prophets, including Joseph Smith. Myself, I have no problem voting for Romney even though I strongly disagree with his church's doctrine, as long as his 'platform' coincides with what I believe is best.

Mr Bondo,

Where are you coming up with these doctrines? As many words as you put on this blog, you really are clueless, aren't you. It's rather presumptious to assume that you know more about our religion than we do. Attacking a religion is not only ignorant, but a reflection of how seriously you apply the Bible in your life. God has never condoned ignorant attacks on other religions and he does not condone them now; regardless of the religion. It's amazing that people like you can committ acts of hypocrisy and still use the word "saved" in the same breath. If you want to be good "saved" Christians, it would be advisable to behave that way.

Nope, Boba, no confusion. Start a conversation with any "jack Mormon" who hasn't attended church in years, and they will become the most "convicted" people you've ever met, spouting their "beliefs" just as if they have been going to church every Sunday and just finished a mission. I advise anyone, of any religion, or any political leaning or party member, to research the people running, their voting histories, and their personal beliefs. What people do, say, or teach has EVERYTHING to do with what kind of a leader they will be. There is no way to separate a person from their morals, their convictions, and their political party. Just as god is 3 in one, father, son and holy spirit, so is a political candidate: spiritual, carnal and democrat or republican. We are fooling ourselves if we think that a leader will compartmentalize their personal beliefs, their religious beliefs and their responsibilities as a leader. Just as those we elect now vote on their convictions and not the convictions of the constituants that elected them. Once they are in office, their personal beliefs and convictions mean everything. We have the responsibility to research and know those beliefs and if they are capable of putting aside their personal convictions to vote the way the people they represent would have them vote WELL before we elect them to office. That being said, I know I won't vote for a man who uses the religious "babble" of the bible instead of his own religious beliefs and doctrine to answer a question. It's circular talk in the worst form, and I deserve more as an American, and as a voter. I'd rather have him be an Islamic Extremist with some conviction and some guts to stand up and spout what he believes and what has been taught than hide behind the beliefs and words of another. It's total bologna.

Cristine, you seem to have confused your Utah experience with the Mormon experience. You get too many of any religion concentrated in one place and it skews the reality of their convictions. You might try spending time in any town where a strong religion or mindset is dominant and see what kind of disturbing behaviors come up. They are usually not representative of the majority.

Mormonism teaches that Jesus and Lucifer are brothers who competed for the opportunity to become the savior of planet earth. Jesus' plan won approval and Lucifer rebelled and became the tempter and deceiver of planet Earth.
President Spencer W. Kimball wrote" "Long before you were born a program was developed by your creators ... The principal personalities in this great drama were a Father Elohim, perfect in wisdom, judgment, and person, and two sons, Lucifer and Jehovah." (Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, p. 32-33). James Talmage explains who Jehovah is: "Jesus Christ was Jehovah...Jesus Christ, who is the Jehovah of the Old Testament" (Doctrines of Salvation, vol.1, p.11,27).
Milton R. Hunter (one of the LDS General Authorities) explains "The appointment of Jesus to be Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer…this spirit-brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind" (The Gospel Through the Ages, p.15, 1945).
Joseph Smith stated: "The contention in heaven was...Jesus said there would be certain souls that would not be saved; and the Devil said he could save them all, and laid his plans before the grand council, who gave their vote in favour of Jesus Christ. So the Devil rose up in rebellion against God, and was cast down" (Journal of Discourses, vol. 6, p. 8).
"And Satan came among them, saying: I am also a son of God" (Pearl of Great Price, Moses 5:17). See also Mormon Doctrine, pp.192, 546-47, 589-90 and Gospel Principles p.15-16.
Mormonism teaches that Jesus is only one of many saviors who are each responsible for the salvation of the population of other planets like Earth. Mormon men are working with the promise that they, too, will eventually become gods and be given a planet of their own to populate. This will be accomplished by their intercourse with many wives who will bear millions of spirit children to inhabit the bodies of the people on their planet.

I was raised in Utah. Those who were not don't understand, nor can they comprehend, the part that Mormonism plays in the life of a devout Mormon. It's not just a religion to them like so many other Christian sects, it's a lifestyle, much akin to the Islamic religion is to Muslims. Just as the Muslims believe that the old Testament is scripture, they look to the Quran as their holy book. Same with the Mormons. They believe the bible is holy, "in so far as it is translated correctly," and only their church leaders can say which parts are translated correctly. If any part of the bible goes against the book of Mormon, that portion of the bible is thrown out. I've seen bishops black out portions of the bible for teenagers that they believe were not translated correctly. And, their early leaders DID teach that Satan and Jesus were brothers, that Adam was a god, and that temple mormons can still marry multiple times for heavenly purposes, but only have one earthly wife. What scares me about electing a mormon who uses the bible to answer questions when asked about Mormonism is that he doesn't take the time to do true research on his own religion, but follows it blindly, like so many 8 year olds I've personally seen stand up and give "testimony" that Joseph Smith was a prophet of god, when at 8, NO ONE can give testimony based on personal conviction. What scares me about electing a Mormon president who doesn't use his own scripture, the Book of Mormon, to answer questions when asked about his religion is that he'll answer questions and tell people what he thinks they want to hear, use their words and not his own, and pull the wool over people's eyes by not researching a question thoroughly enough and with enough historical accuracy that it can't be proven incorrect. We already have a president who led us into a war based on faulty information that he didn't research himself. Any man who would not know enough about his own religion to answer that "although it is true that the Doctrine of Covenants shows that the belief that Jesus and Satan were brothers was taught by early leaders of the church, we do not teach that or believe that now. All religions have man made errors, but we have an error free God," is just spouting what he's been told to say since a young age, without taking the time to make sure what he's saying is correct. In the case of Mormonism, religion has everything to do with the decision to elect a Mormon president or not. Their religion isn't just what they do on Sunday, it's who they are, all the way down to their temple garments. So, yes, Huckabee was correct. They have taught that in the past. That's the answer that should have been given, not the "dig myself out of a hole" answer that was given. That answer shows forethought and the ability to lie and hide the truth instead of being truthful and honest, and believe me, Mormonism is not about being open,