Got to say, that I had one or two really good friends in the last ward I was in, but when I left and had my name removed the friends I thought I had wanted nothing to do with me. How can a true friendship be reliant on what you believe in?
I'm glad I left, I don't feel so restricted now by trying to live a life that the LDS "religion" dictates.
not worth my time. screwed many but they could not all live in the same house. dont care about salt lakes or spinoff polygamy. Christians just do it individually not as a cult. end of conversation. might be fun if i were younger. not now. please?
Great video. I can agree that it can be difficult. But while serving my mission, I have met one of my best friends that is technically still Mormon. But he hasn't been to church in forever and is a Agnostic. I have never had a problem with him and never will. I am grateful for him and his knowledge of not only the Mormon church, but pretty much any other religion.
This is CRAZY!!! I'm a convert to the LDS church and I don't know ANYBODY who would put down anyone who left the church or became inactive!!! This is NOT what the LDS church teaches and it does NOT mean the church isn't true! maybe there are some people who are imperfect and would do this, but it is NOT what the church teaches and it's not right. And as I said, I don't know anybody who would ever put you down or shun you or anything if you left or became inactive!!!
@cindybin2001 Cindy, I know you often make comments on my videos and I don't usually reply to you personally. I agree completely with you that this attitude towards ex-members doesn't necessarily mean anything about the truth of the LDS doctrine. However, if you could find something in the church manuals that encourages shunning someone for tearing down your faith, would you be willing to admit that this "shunning" behavior might be encouraged by the church to retain membership?
@iamanexmormon I'm not aware of anything in a church manual about "shunning" someone for tearing down your faith. Maybe there is some advice or guidance to avoid negative people or something like that, I don't know. And what do you mean? Are you saying that if we "shun" people for putting down Mormons, that we can avoid being ex-communicated? I don't understand your point.
@cindybin2001 "There comes a time when it is wise to shun and avoid those who rebel against the light and whose hearts are set on promulgating false and damning doctrines." (taken from "The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles" Course Manual)
"Avoid those who would tear down your faith" (taken from the "Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual" on the subject of apostasy)
Try a google search on the lds website if you want to find more.
@iamanexmormon Okay, so it says that. I'm sure I've read that before, I just didn't remember. But it doesn't mean the church isn't true! It just means it's best to not put yourself in situations that mean someone is going to tear you down and try to make you think that your faith is wrong, etc. That's not good for any situation, religion or otherwise.
@cindybin2001 Criticism is necessary if truth is your goal- finding objective facts and trying to remain neutral is the best thing possible when searching for correct information. This video series helps people to view both sides of the coin and I try to keep things positive/personal in these videos. Getting rid of them would do all truth-seekers everywhere a disservice.
Did God create Man with the ability & intelligence to search the evidence honestly & truthfully and conclude, reasonably & rationally, that “manifestations by the Holy Ghost” and other varieties of religious experience are not really of divine origin? And that God is not as Mormons & Christianity believe him to be? That the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Book of Abraham are not of divine origin or literal history?
why would mormons have to get divorced from all their wives when the drop out? dang! muslims have the same problem. baptists dont have that problem cause they dont divorce their girlfriends; they marry them, lol. why all the hating on mormons? who the hell is jeff ricks? i hope he is nothing like jim jones and the branch davidian. Jesus never taught anything bad. if you kill or hurt others then it is on your hands. dont blame it on Jesus. religion can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
@ledaril exactly...the reason that i don't believe in religion as a notion, is that it can never truly be just belief. people will always use it as a way to bring their opinions to law, and manipulate others, whatever the issue. if god is a benevolent being and created life, then he would want us to live it to the fullest, instead of wasting it in devotion to him. if i were to give someone a gift, then i would want them to use it and enjoy it, instead of spending their time thanking me for it.
@ThePoopykins What does the divorce have to do with anything...I'm sure you know a few divorced practicing and devout Mormons...what exactly is your point?
Of course, there are 11 witnesses to the book of mormon who saw and handled the plates. They never lost their testimony even though many fell out with joseph smith and left the church. On their deathbeds they still held onto their testimonies. Now that is amazing. How can that be explained? They testified to their families about what they saw and handled when they were dying.
Just look at the exmormons here denying the lds church now. But the witnesses never denied their testimony.
@whyme760 This isn't proof of anything...Human beings are very capable of self delusions. I truly don't understand why devout Mormons keep touting the witnesses and their life long testimonies as proof of the BOM veracity...throughout human history people have convinced themselves and gone to their deaths claiming many false things as truth.
We need to look at their lives and read about their experiences. For these witnesses to the book of mormon who saw and handled the plates plus those who witnessed the translation process believed that they witnessed something that can only be done by the power of god. You can go to lds.org and put in the search whitmers and read the first two links. You will be impressed.
Likely a big void leaving all the fun and varied activities of the MORmON Crutch. Hope you won't replace one fairytale and myth with another: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Catholicism, Buddhism, etc.
These videos are an excellent counterpoint to the recent PR barrage of creepy "I'm a Mormon" commercials. In each one of those, a person is seemingly normal and happy but they speak absolutely nothing of their beliefs. If only all religious people were that way.
God’s plan for us is simple to understand, but it takes a lifetime to follow. Following the plan of happiness is easier when we do the simple things, like reading the scriptures, going to church, praying, and serving others. Jesus Christ was the perfect example in following God's plan. It takes faith and works for us to be like Jesus, but it is worth it now and will be in eternity.
just can say : And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife[a] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life., i thikn that you believe in the Church, i know that you know that its TRUTH, just keep on the line, i know you can do it by yourself, i can see that you want to do it, but you don do it because you feel lonely, please ask for HELP !!! BELIEVE HOPE AND ENDURE!!!
If there are any members of the LDS Church that watch this video and have feelings of doubt please look up on youtube or google the talk given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland "Safety for the Soul"
Jeff, you are my hero. You have enhanced my life along with hunrdreds of thousands (maybe millions by now) of others with your efforts. Having grown up in Cache Valley I can relate first hand to your situation. I stand, hat in hand, in awe of your courage and resolve to take a stand and make a positive difference in this world so messed up by religious zealots. Thanks for taking time to make this video.
@SuperDjhart as so i thought it would be hard for one's logic to understand. let me sum this up for ya, yeah? "feel" is key. and facts, will always be facts... make since? well... there is a quote from a movie:
Science only goes so far, then comes God.
we often do relay on our heads, not even realizing it is also our Hearts, (Feeling, witch is non logic) that helps us be guided. yes, the two can Co exist. one can do the research necessary to believe there is no god. then again, were only human.
@SuperDjhart I anticipate an answer somewhere along these lines:
"It's more than *feelings*. It's something I can't describe..."
Which allows someone to distance themselves from reality. The question is, "What extraordinary evidence do you have for your extraordinary claim that the Holy Ghost actually exists, and isn't just your own mind?"
@SuperDjhart sometimes we relay too much on facts, and knowledge to lead us, to make the right choices in life. and forget how to become with what our heart tells us... sometimes we relay on our hearts to leads us... not really having a reason of action.. that's where FAITH, comes in, and KNOWLEDGE, looses it's place. yes, it seams to be silly to do so... but as humans, we don't actually know what we are capable of.. really, we don't know anything... and THAT, is why we have hearts... To fallow.
it's funny.... almost every EX-mormon video i've watched, the person seams to have ZERO humbleness in there expressions.. why? our church teaches good, to love.... why is that a bad thing? how do you not know your being lead by satan? how is having ZERO fath at all good for one's self? our church teaches us how to grow, how to be more humbled, how to serve others. how is that a bad thing?
The gospel wasn't ment to restrain you, to keep you from being someone of great knowledge. it was to help.
In the end it does not matter if you are a mormon, a baptist, a muslim, even an exmormon, etc. In the end, what will matter, is if you choose to be a Saint.
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I was being sarcastic. "How nice for you".. is the polite way people in the south say f*ck off.
He "saved" someone's life? Really?
He performed CPR on someone? Saved them from drowning? Performed an emergency C-section? Ran into a burning building? No.
He put up a web site to which YOU and other miserable exmormons probably belong too and find it neccessary to moderate all answers on this thread. YOU HAVE WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON YOUR HANDS. The Mormons I KNOW are great people. Get over yourself.
@MustangWriter I'm sorry you feel that way. I can tell this conversation is not one of mutual respect. I sincerely hope you find great peace and happiness in your life. Have a good day.
@MustangWriter You 'know' Mormons? Yes, of course you do. You are one. Oh, sure, you pose as a non-Mormon on websites. But God knows the truth about you. And he will not be mocked.
@MustangWriter MILLIONS of nice, honest people can be fooled by ANY group. They don't suspect that they are being conned, because they are not suspicious of other people, that seem sincere. Sincerity does NOT equal reality. Facts are facts. Millions of people from every church have been screwed by "leaders of the church". Pedophiles, rapists, genocidal murders, etc...
@MustangWriter I agree. I think it is cool that his efforts saved someone's life during such a challenging time in their lives.
Some people just like to say "they are all a bunch of anti-mormons!" but never take the time to consider that as a result of leaving the church, we need support from our family and friends but often lose many of those relationships when we leave. These videos (and his website) help to fill that gap when we lose the community of the LDS church, and it helps us move on.
Glad to hear you are 'out.' Now what? Do you point people to Biblical Christianity or to atheism, Hinduism, what? I hope I don't come across as being sarcastic, but I left the church, too. The question is again, what is truth? Where, what or whom do you point people to next? Thanks.
@bdaveshaw Not knowing precisely what Jeff's approach is, my suspicion is that he focuses less on 'finding them another religion' than simply bringing them into a social circle where being a post Mormon is okay. It's more critical to combat the depression inherent in being socially ostracized than shove a holy text in their hand; people can operate fine for extended periods without a religion, but they have trouble when they can't even have a social life.
@bdaveshaw i find your question interesting... only because as i read your comment, i couldn't help but wonder, why do you need truth? want maybe, but need? does living a life with your own personal opinions, free from religion, free from someone leading you, etc. and just choosing to be a good person keep you from a fulfilled life? if you continue to believe in christ, God, etc. do you need someone to tell you how? i left too. i personally feel free not being told how to think and feel.
Incorrect! The church of the Jedi, though based (I believe) in New Zealand, was made ( unintentionally) in America. No denying it's American made.
Likewise, there are several Christian denominations that were made in the USA, and polytheistic religions that even predate Mormonism. Not to mention the fact that we have both freedom of speech and freedom of religion in America, so we can dis patriotically whatever we damn well please.
Thank you so much. I feel so much better after having visited your website. I felt so alone, and I felt like I couldn't be myself anymore in front of my family. The exit stories have really helped me realize that I can move on. I can tell my family the truth. I can get married and live outside of the church.
IF you are looking into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints be sure to ask a active member not a non member or someone who is having problems at this time in their lives . If you want to know about the Baptist Church go to their site . If you want to learn about us ask us. And ask yourself about the fruit you see from us.
@mollymu1 - say you had a teenage child who was dating a Muslim, Catholic, JW, etc, and was thinking of converting, would you simply encourage them to listen to what the Muslims, Catholics, JW's, etc told them and do no other investigation?
@gallupbird Right on. I think this comment hits the nail on the head.
LDS encourage one sided investigation and then turn around and tell them it is the most important decision they will ever make. It doesn't make sense to do that.
When you go looking for a house to rent, wouldn't you like to speak to the previous renters and get an idea of how they were treated by the land lord? Looking at both sides is only important when truth is your goal.
@iamanexmormon So, why would someone looking to rent a house talk to an angry, hateful, tenant who is anti-landlord?? That makes about as much sense as taking a used car to a mechanic for inspection, when you should be talking to the used car salesman!!
You won't own up to being a truther will you? Are you trying to intimate that the ideas of JOEL (when I wrote his name down last, did voices in your head tell you I was actually writing Cleon?) Skousen are even remotely in line with those of Pres. Monson and Pres. Benson? When was the last time you heard Pres. Monson, or Cleon Skousen for that matter, claim that 9/11 was an inside job? Oh, after your schizophrenic bout during your last UFO sighting. Fair enough.
@bradrdennis It was Cleon Skousen who in the Naked Capitalist exposed Professor Caroll Quigleys book Tragedy and Hope in which Quigley revealed that the Anglo-American International bankers ran the world and were seeking to bring about a new world order. Pres. Monson spoke at Cleon Skousen's funeral and spoke of his love and admiration of Bro. Skousen and his teachings. What's it like being a dummy?
@bradrdennis Hey dummy, are you also going to attack Pres. Ezra Taft Benson? In 1988 he announced at General Conference that a Secret Combination was seeking to overthrow the freedom of America and the entire world. As I said before you are both an apostate and an idiot.
@bradrdennis You appear to be the ignorant fool that I thought you probably were. Joel Skousen is Cleon Skousen's nephew. His world view is based upon the teachings of his uncle from his books The Naked Capitalist and the Naked Communist. It was Pres. Monson who arranged to have these books published. You know nothing you dummy.
@bradrdennis It was actually Pres. Monson who got me into reading Cleon Skousen's writings. You really are a traitorous, spineless snake aren't you? Hiding inside the Lord's church. Pretending to be a saint when in reality you're just an AIN'T!! Sad pathetic loser.
@LukeAir2008 Luke you are a modern-day Danite, and a crusading conspiracy nut job. President Monson doesn't endorse the whacko conspiracy theories of Joel Skousen and Alex Jones (I never said anything about Cleon Skousen, why did you mention him?). I think it is time for you to go hide from black helicopters in your underground bunker. The Islamo-Fascist-Commi-Nazi liberal media is coming, Luke, and they're infiltrating the Mormon church!!!!
@bradrdennis The apostates are applauding you. Why do you think that is? Do you think the Lord is applauding you? Do you want to be numbered with the goats on judgement day. We are not dealing with less actives or the spiritually weak here. These are vehement haters and enemies of the Lord, his Prophet and the restored gospel.
@LukeAir2008 So I checked out LukeAir2008's page. Apparently he is an Alex Jones and Joel Skousen-loving conspiracy theorist. Enough said! I think that, my friend, speaks volumes about you.
@LukeAir2008 Explain the Book of Abraham for me please. Once you're done with that, explain DNA and American Indians to me. Once you're done with that, would you mind explaining the different versions of the "frist vision" to me? Once you have gone that far, can you please explain how 'armor/steel/iron/swords' existed before it actually existed in the americas? Let's move onto polygamy, shall we? Documented fact JS was in an "affair" with Fanny Alger in 1831.
@m3at But wait...Polygamy wasn't revealed until 1842..hmmm..makes you think doesn't it? Let's move onto the fact that some of those wives of JS' were already married and that after JS died, B.Y. decided to "spritually" marry some of JS' wives. Can you explain missionaries someday going on missions to "the moon"? How about sun people? How about Heber C's revelation in regard to B.Y. becoming president along with Heber C becoming vice pres...Did that happen? I don't remember. should I go on?
Dude, don't talk shit about goats. Sheep are morons bred for slaughter. Goats have to be led rather than driven, not to mention possessed of the ability to get up when they fall over.
@LukeAir2008@LukeAir2008 Or they are courageous defenders of integrity, intellectual honesty, and real morals, derived through critical thought and humanism. People who removed the shackles of tribal thinking and rejected inhumane ideas like slavery.....or did you think that Jesus' doctrine wasn't immune to such a horrific practice?
You know how you can spot a cult? By asking a faithful participant what the legitimate reasons for leaving the group are. If he can't name any, it's probably a cult.
Hey @LukeAir2008! Can you name any legitimate reasons for leaving your group?
@bradrdennis It speaks volumes about you that you are happy with the comments of ex Mormons, atheists and enemies of the Church - but you single me out for attack. You say you're a real Mormon. Don't make me laugh. Tell me what ward you're in and i'll out you as an apostate. A spineless, jellyfish apostate..
@LukeAir2008 Your reply really speaks volumes about the true nature of the cult you call The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Normal people will read your reply and shudder.
@LukeAir2008 Whoa! Slow down there. You're one of those inquisition Mormons aren't you. Have you been on a mission Luke? Did you ever reactivate someone by yelling at them for not being faithful enough and calling them prideful? The gospel encourages long-suffering and patience. We are to mourn with those that mourn. I may disagree with Jeff Rick's decision, but it doesn't do me or the church any good to get defensive about it.
@KenM66 Did Abraham give up his salvation when he did as he was commanded and tried to sacrifice up his own son? Is human sacrifice acceptable? Is killing your own son better than being 'sealed' to somebody else's wife even if you never actually live with her. Er....no. Try again, pork chop.
okay so i watched your video correct me if im wrong but "you saved someones life by helping them leave the church" okay that is fine.doesnt the doctrine teach "beware of false prophets and others who claim to know truth" i dont know what you are teaching but for one NEVER call the prophet a liar. is he not appointed by GOD and confirmed by members of the congregation. Sorry if i am unbelieving in your blasphemy ! the LDS church is TRUE i no this with every fiber of my being.
@DaddysAngel2323 A lot of people say things that we disagree with. It doesn't mean that we have to change our viewpoint. But it doesn't do us any good to yell at them. When I went on a mission I found that I never reactivated anyone by condemning them and calling them blasphemous. But I found that I was much more effective when I showed kindness and understanding.
@bradrdennis thanx i got the message loud and clear. and for the most part i am open minded. I have just never really heard the stuff the likes of this. thanx for pointing this out to me :-)
@DaddysAngel2323 Hello! Thanks for watching this video and commenting.
Just to clarify, Jeff (from the video) didn't help someone leave the church, he was only there to support him with his website once he had already made the decision to leave. Leaving can be difficult (can you imagine going from feeling sure of the afterlife and purpose to transitioning into an "unknown"?). Sometimes members ignore the difficulties and often add to them through unnecessary judgments.
@DaddysAngel2323 (PART 2) One other thing I will mention just briefly- if the prophet is never a liar... would you rather use the word "mistaken"? How do you reconcile the "mistakes" prophets have made in the past- most of which are documented and shown to come from church sources (such as Joseph Smith or Wilford Woodruffs diary's or the Journal of Discourses)?
If you would like examples I can private message you (or place them here).
Using the Bible to prove that the Book of Mormon is true, is like using "Pinnochio" to prove that "Cinderella" is true. Both Fantasy. Both Stories. Both Fiction.
@MsFreedom2fly Do you think the disciples on the road to Emmaus were sad because they felt and recognised the Holy Ghost? Luke 24:32 I have felt that same power burning it's witness on my soul that Jesus is the Christ and that he has restored his Church and Gospel to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
@LukeAir2008 when the truth stares you in the face people will always try to deny it. why? I no it is true and i will bare my testimony and let one of you say that its a lie. I was suicidal, my father just committed suicide and i felt it was my fault because the last thing i ever said to him was i hate you and i wish you were dead. i was 12 i didnt understand that he would no i was lying. any ways i moved 5 hrs away and told no one this for i was ashamed i didnt write it down so the only one who
@LukeAir2008 when the truth stares you in the face people will always try to deny it. why? I no it is true and i will bare my testimony and let one of you say that its a lie. I was suicidal, my father just committed suicide and i felt it was my fault because the last thing i ever said to him was i hate you and i wish you were dead. i was 12 i didnt understand that he would no i was lying. any ways i moved 5 hrs away and told no one this for i was ashamed i didnt write it down so the only one who
@LukeAir2008 knew where me Heavenly Father and my father. anyways i had just tried to kill myself. A couple of priesthood holders came to the hospital to give me a blessing. they anointed my head with oil and prayed over me. i thought haha this is a crock. but then i felt peace come thru me. The words they spoke were to me like they could read my heart and mind. afterwards i talked to them and they said they felt prompted to tell me what they did. It had to be from Him. I believe.
@crazy456eyes I checked out Matthew Gill and his Book of Jeraneck. I would have laughed if it wasn't so sad and pathetic. It's just a parody of the Book of Mormon and the LDS church. He just takes the church name and inverts it and then replaces the account of Moroni with his translated being knocking on his door with a box of plates. And only ten pounds a copy! My first Book of Mormon was free. He can keep his fake Book of Jeraneck. The Book of Mormon is true!
Good for you Luke - I think the Book of Mormon holds its own; it's a great book, and the LDS church is the only church that is spreading it throughout the world (and this is the reason why I am still in the church).
There is no reason anyone should parody the book of mormon story -- other than to be disrespectful and immature. Putting down a book like that shows a lack of thoughtful reflection and true character--the same qualities that people demand so much from LDS leaders
Chapter 1 - "Lehi prays with all of his heart for his people" - pray for others
Chapter 2 - "my father Lehi, left his house and possessions" - don't become too attached to material things
Chapter 3 - "we will not go down until we accomplish the thing" - Follow-through (following through on commitments, I know, what a terrible concept to be brainwashed with, huh?)
Chapter 4 - ''Laban robbed me and tried to kill me, he's evil and insane, on Hitler's level; I took him out"
@Ingle92Protege Scary? You don't make any sense. Were the disciples on the road to Emmaus 'scary' because they 'knew'. Luke 24:32 Were the Apostles who handled the Saviour's resurrected body 'scary' because they 'knew'. Luke 24:36 Was Paul who witnessed the voice and presence of the Lord on the road to Damascus 'scary' because he 'knew'. Acts 9:3 I know by the same power. Why do you fight against God? Now that really is scary.
@mypeace00 Thank you for apologising for me earlier on but there's no need. You speak out against a witness of the truth but suck up to apostates and traitors. Has the penny dropped yet? Have you ever sung that hymn 'traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain'. So don't worry about me, I'm on the right side. Worry about yourself.
Seek ye first to obtain the word, then declare it. LukeAir2008, you haven't obtained the word -- the word is compassion and charity. Do you remember the story of the good samaritan? The good samaritan wasn't a mormon, was he? But he was on the ''right side'' because he had the courage to look past cultural, ethnic, and religious differences and go help someone in need. That is the CORE of the gospel - I suggest you re-direct your energy and zeal toward that part of the gospel
@mypeace00 I think you might be as lost as these ex-mormons. Maybe you'd be an ex mormon too but just don't have the guts to 'come out'. Culturally tied up maybe? Family, job, callings? Do you lie from the stand about what you don't really know but you were told to mouth the words so you do? Im afraid we live in very different worlds. The church really is true. There aren't different versions of truth. Just the one.
@crazy456eyes I'm not really interested. Ex Mormons are living proof that you can testify of something one day and deny it the next. Your credibility then goes out of the window. How can anyone ever trust what you say again? I knew the Church was true in early 1981. I'll know that until the end of time. I have never denied my testimony and never will.
I notice that ex-Mormons speak not of the joy of childlike belief but the joy from finally acknowledging what they know is true (or false - LOL). The don't quote Scripture, call you an evil person, attack you or ask you to believe in something you know longer believe in.
Accepting the BOM and Mormon doctrine means rejecting a vast panorama of scientific and historical evidence that overwhelmingly contradicts both. It means accepting without question childhood beliefs.
@iamanexmormon You do understand don't you that Satan will not uphold you at the last day. You do understand that your fellow apostates, so vociferous now in their deception and ignorance, will not support you as they themselves cry out in fear and darkness. Return to the Lord while it is still day.
@iamanexmormon Which comment is it that you think I have disregarded? Your misrepresenting Elders Packer and Oaks? You seem to have missed the point? It was you who bore testimony of the gospel. It was you who insisted in recommend interviews that you did have a testimony of the gospel and the restored church. So which is it to be? Were you lying? Or did you know the truth but have been overcome by darkness? It's not a personal attack - It's the truth. Maybe you can't handle the truth?
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@iamanexmormon Or maybe you did know at one time in your life? Maybe you had felt the Spirit and knew it was true. But you have been deceived and allowed the pride and deception of the world to overcome you. Maybe you still know now but are weak and powerless and afraid and have been overcome. I would hate to be in your position.
@LukeAir2008 I don't see why we would have a reason to continue this dialogue when you completely disregard my previous comment and move on to personal attacks. Good day LukeAir2008.
@LukeAir2008 I'd like you to search on youtube a guy named Matthew Gill and his Book of Jeraneck. I want you to go to his channel and see if people are on video testifying they have felt the spirit confirming that Matthew Gill is the only true living prophet today and the Book of Jeraneck is the word of God. Are they being deceived and you aren't? The other way around? Or both being deceived since you have different beliefs?
@MsFreedom2fly the facts are all around you. how can you deny? what was someone not good enough for you? isnt Jesus the one who said "He who is without sin cast the first stone"? or maybe you got your facts wrong.
Book of Jeraneck? Whoa! Hon, you need to do some more research. It's not in the Bible. Jesus, is saying in that scripture that he knew the sins of the stone throwers; as he knows all of ours. He is saying we are all guilty of sin. Which that means me too. God has forgiven me when I accepted Christ. He is the only way the truth and the light no one can go to the father except through Jesus. (John 14:6) I know my sins have separated me from God and Jesus is the one who saved me.
@LukeAir2008 Come on, I am an active LDS person. The church is a voluntary organization for those who want to be a part of it. There is no reason to condemn someone for disassociating with it, especially if they are not directly attacking the LDS church. It is counterproductive to do so. Thanks for sharing your story Jeff Ricks. I am happy for you and your decision.
@iamexmormon I have borne testimony of the restored gospel for thirty years - and I have done that in the full knowledge that the restored gospel is true. Many people all over the world have incredible spiritual experiences which convert them to the Lord and his authorized church. You were too busy pretending to be something you weren't! Tragic really?
@iamanexmormon They encourage people to bear their testimonies. That is to express their knowledge and witness of the restored gospel. It's not an invitation to bear false witness or to deceive. You apparently had no knowledge or understanding. Your subsequent actions have not indicated one who had real spiritual intelligence or knowledge. You flunked the test! : (
@thatonechick2012 Remember, all of these people not that long ago were up on the stand bearing testimonies, out doing missionary work or in the Temple making higher covenants etc. They had been interviewed and had sworn blind that they had testimonies and knew the church was true. So it seems they lied or were of an unstable mind. You can't know something and then unknow it can you? Maybe they just didn't understand?
@LukeAir2008 You make a great point- why would church leaders (Boyd K Packer and Dallin H Oaks) encourage members to say they "know" when they don't? You said it, not me- it is a lie. Simple as that. It is a documented psychological effect that will engineer belief. So you have unwittingly condemned the leadership of your own church, and the ex mormons you address in your message were just following their counsel.
This is a perfect example of something that you can classify as a ''mistake.'' I think it is a mistake for BKPacker and DHOaks to tell people to say they know something before they know it. I totally agree with this point. Brigham Young, Joseph Smith, Bruce R Mckonkie, these guys all said stupid things.
But just because there are mistakes made, it doesn't mean the church doesn't have a good purpose; mistakes can and will be corrected-- the good will continue -so I BELIEVE
@mypeace00 I'm glad you agree that this is a manipulative thing to teach. Now I urge you to speak the truth. Tell the leaders to stop. Stand up to others when they encourage this. Speak about it from the pulpit. Write the brethren. I guarantee you that if you continue to speak the truth, you will be treated as an apostate. What organization that claims truth authority from god would do this to someone who speaks the truth in order to help others?Why would God expect anyone to take Him seriously?
Thanks for replying to my comment. You'd be surprised if I told you the things I've already done--there are a lot of people who already treat me like an apostate. I've decided that there are some really good things about the church, and I've learned a ton-- and when I get persecuted for doing things correctly and compassionately, I just sigh....I currently believe the church is messed up in a lot of ways--because most people are messed up--I believe it can and will be purified
I meant to say - I currently believe the church is messed up in a lot of ways, but that is only because people in general are messed up--I haven't found any other large organization without messed up people -- I believe there is a possibility that Isaiah's dream is true--the same dream Martin Luther King, Jr. quoted from in his speech--that the world will be a better place to live someday.... and at that day ---the church will be purified--the good, compassionate, honest will win
And I sincerly apologize for people like LukeAir, man grow up, you make it really hard sometimes for the rest of us to identify ourselves as mormons-- Right Now -- I apologize people -- I'm sorry for all the wrong the people of my church do-- but I wish you could see it from my perspective, this is the faith of my fathers, and though I'm treated like an apostate, there are things in the church that have helped me significantly in my life--and I hold to these things
I've studied other religions and I think they all have some common elements-- humility, compassion, honesty-- I really don't think it matters whether you grow up in a relgion or not-- these are the things that truly matter-- "Do good'' If you are an ex-mormon who ''feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, administers relief to the sick'' sincerely, honestly, and compassionately----then I will see you in ''heaven'' symbollically or literally, I chose to believe literally--
If the bible is true, then there is no reason to think that the book of mormon isn't true--they pretty much say the same thing, just in a different way, they are written on a similar level of ''believable-ness'' just like other scriptures from other countries... whether or not anything is true, I don't really care-- I just care about doing good while I'm alive-- but the Book of Mormon's existence was instrumental in helping me understand this--and for this reason I still support it
for instance, this is a small sample of what I read in the Book of Mormon:
when ye are in the bservice of your cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to aserve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?
I would that ye should bimpart of your substance to the cpoor, every man according to that which he hath, such as dfeeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief
I just wanted to say LukeAir - I respect your energy and passion for what you're saying -- but not everyone is like you -- you come across as someone who hasn't considered very many points of view other than your own
@mypeace00 The problem is that the doctrines don't add up to what the church claims to be, and people in the church tell you different stories about why things were done a certain way. Let's start with polygamy... what was the purpose of it? I was told three things. 1. Women were in a society where they were treated poorly if not married. 2. It was necessary at a time to replenish the Earth. 3. It was necessary for purposes of sealing in order for them to receive salvation......
@mypeace00 All three of these are FALSE! Why? Reason 1. Joseph Smith had wives that were already married according to church family history. 2. None of Joseph Smith's other wives had children through him LDS members claim. 3. If he taught people could be sealed by proxy, then why did he have to marry them on earth? Also, if his wives were already sealed to him, why did they need to get married to Brigham Young after becoming widowed. Face it, Joseph Smith was a manipulating LYING PEDO!
Ya, he probably was a lying s.o.b. --just like the rest of the human race! I've tried to do good things in my life and bring about change in the world, and sometimes I succeed, but a lot of times I make mistakes -- I can't hold joseph smith's mistakes against him, because overall, his work on the earth has made my life better - so I give him credit - it's too bad people claim that he was a perfect man, no, he was just a relatively good man - he died for his cause, so did his brother
@mypeace00 You are completely missing the point. The point isn't that he made mistakes, the point is that he completely violated his own doctrines by using his position to get sex from younger women.
So? I used my position as missionary to get... uh nevermind...
What I'm saying is that I am not going to pretend to know whether joseph smith was ''righteous or not,'' I KNOW that I can not decide that for HIM -- it was too long ago and there are different schools of thought that could point both ways. It's impossible for me to know that.
So... what I can do is read the book of mormon and decide if it helps me become a better person or not - and if it does - then I support the book
Just because it makes you a better person doesn't mean it is true. I get those heart warming feelings when watching movies entirely based on fiction and sometimes like to use examples from it on how to improve my life. The Book of Mormon was completely made up and anyone who does enough research will realize that. Just do a google search of "View of the Hebrews and the Book of Mormon" and you'll see a whole bunch of similarities.
@KenM66 ummmm no Joseph Smith was a good man so he might have had faults not the ones you are charging him with. but over all he was a great man and think about all the good the church stands for. and ummm brigham young probably married his wives probably the same reason that people have done it before. to help them while they are still here. for some one who did their "research" you sure are lacking. Maybe you need to start over!?!
@DaddysAngel2323 Wow you are diluted. The church has really brainwashed you. He had sex with other people's wives which is polyandry and adultery. According to his doctrines he gave up his salvation when he did this. He was so fucked up it isn't even funny.
@KenM66 okay even if the things u are saying are true. he might have given up his salvation but not our own. he was not Jesus Christ. Through him we are not returning back to the Lord. Every one of us sin. some of ours is worse then others. have you ever been tested and put thru a trial that is equal to your goodness. I say yeah we all have. yours could have been stealing out of a cookie jar for all i care. but we all fail sometimes. so how could you think he'd be without sin.
@KenM66 anyways. I am not diluted! I dont let other peoples sins mess me up I have my own to worry about. I read the scriptures and am amazed at the comfort they bring me. No other church that i have been to has ever touched and effected my life the way this TRUE church has, and continues to. But it's okay if you want to fall away but warn people of the blasphemy before you start preaching so others can be aware of the lies that slip of your tongue like a swarm of angry bees.
@DaddysAngel2323 It's great that the Mormon Church has worked out for you. I also feel the same way about the religion I am currently in. Why would I need the Mormon Church in my life when I am very happy with the church I have right now?
@koloblicioius Im happy that you r happy in another church All that I am saying is dont go bashing in one church or another you dont have to believe the same thing i do I never said that you need the mormon church, I just dont think people should say we are wrong i personally believe in the chuch I didnt come to this decision blindly I met with leaders of other churches and found that this one speaks to me. While i may not believe in the other churches you will never find me talking them down
The info on Joseph Smith and Brigham Young is well documented. It's not some anti-Mormon plot. In fact, two of the women Smith married were actually girls... age 14. Do you think it's right for a 38 year old man to have sex with a 14 year old?
Or, for example, the Book of Mormon. It's got tons of errors called anachronisms... things that don't belong in that place & time, yet Smith put them in. Like elephants, horses, steel... they never existed back then.
@ScienceReasonBelief okay. . . have you ever done research an America? Women of 14 and sometimes younger were married of to older men who were already established inthe community. I do not endorse it but it is a fact. Okay things dont add up scientifically but ummm it is called belief because you believe in things that yoiu can see. show me where science proves there is a God. . . ? there isn't one shred other then books written by man. but i believe because of the proof of him in my life.
It's a fact, but you have the fact wrong. The only time 14 year olds got married to men who were nearly 40 was in radical fundamentalist sects like the Mormons. Per the Census and an examination of marriage records from that era, it did NOT happen in normal, mainstream society (the Mormons were not mainstream by any stretch of the imagination. What Smith did was wrong.
Did you also know that he did it behind Emma's back, because Emma hated polygamy!
Got to say, that I had one or two really good friends in the last ward I was in, but when I left and had my name removed the friends I thought I had wanted nothing to do with me. How can a true friendship be reliant on what you believe in?
I'm glad I left, I don't feel so restricted now by trying to live a life that the LDS "religion" dictates.
tattoodfreeek 2 weeks ago
Thank you Jeff for supporting those who have decided to leave.
atdd22 3 weeks ago
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zieben64 1 month ago
not worth my time. screwed many but they could not all live in the same house. dont care about salt lakes or spinoff polygamy. Christians just do it individually not as a cult. end of conversation. might be fun if i were younger. not now. please?
ledaril 1 month ago
Great video. I can agree that it can be difficult. But while serving my mission, I have met one of my best friends that is technically still Mormon. But he hasn't been to church in forever and is a Agnostic. I have never had a problem with him and never will. I am grateful for him and his knowledge of not only the Mormon church, but pretty much any other religion.
travis2209 1 month ago
There is no true church on earth and Lds deny all truth presented, good and bad, just to protect what they love.(The church)
TheSoulamore 1 month ago
This is CRAZY!!! I'm a convert to the LDS church and I don't know ANYBODY who would put down anyone who left the church or became inactive!!! This is NOT what the LDS church teaches and it does NOT mean the church isn't true! maybe there are some people who are imperfect and would do this, but it is NOT what the church teaches and it's not right. And as I said, I don't know anybody who would ever put you down or shun you or anything if you left or became inactive!!!
cindybin2001 1 month ago
@cindybin2001 Cindy, I know you often make comments on my videos and I don't usually reply to you personally. I agree completely with you that this attitude towards ex-members doesn't necessarily mean anything about the truth of the LDS doctrine. However, if you could find something in the church manuals that encourages shunning someone for tearing down your faith, would you be willing to admit that this "shunning" behavior might be encouraged by the church to retain membership?
iamanexmormon 1 month ago 2
@iamanexmormon I'm not aware of anything in a church manual about "shunning" someone for tearing down your faith. Maybe there is some advice or guidance to avoid negative people or something like that, I don't know. And what do you mean? Are you saying that if we "shun" people for putting down Mormons, that we can avoid being ex-communicated? I don't understand your point.
cindybin2001 1 month ago
@cindybin2001 "There comes a time when it is wise to shun and avoid those who rebel against the light and whose hearts are set on promulgating false and damning doctrines." (taken from "The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles" Course Manual)
"Avoid those who would tear down your faith" (taken from the "Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Gospel Doctrine Teacher’s Manual" on the subject of apostasy)
Try a google search on the lds website if you want to find more.
iamanexmormon 1 month ago
@iamanexmormon Okay, so it says that. I'm sure I've read that before, I just didn't remember. But it doesn't mean the church isn't true! It just means it's best to not put yourself in situations that mean someone is going to tear you down and try to make you think that your faith is wrong, etc. That's not good for any situation, religion or otherwise.
cindybin2001 1 month ago
@cindybin2001 Criticism is necessary if truth is your goal- finding objective facts and trying to remain neutral is the best thing possible when searching for correct information. This video series helps people to view both sides of the coin and I try to keep things positive/personal in these videos. Getting rid of them would do all truth-seekers everywhere a disservice.
iamanexmormon 1 month ago 6
@iamanexmormon wow
sleep1 1 month ago in playlist More videos from iamanexmormon
@cindybin2001 you are to blind
MegaLollus 1 month ago
@cindybin2001 Mormons practice shunning!
bigpecker251 2 weeks ago
@cindybin2001 mormon cult!
TheSteeletube 5 days ago
I find it so telling that so many people are making the same statements, "I'm less judgmental. I'm more respectful of others. I'm happier."
IsobelDeBrujah 1 month ago
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Did God create Man with the ability & intelligence to search the evidence honestly & truthfully and conclude, reasonably & rationally, that “manifestations by the Holy Ghost” and other varieties of religious experience are not really of divine origin? And that God is not as Mormons & Christianity believe him to be? That the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Book of Abraham are not of divine origin or literal history?
Prominent Mormon FAIRblog contributor answers "yes"
tinyurl dot com/6n4vfur
Shelama 2 months ago
why would mormons have to get divorced from all their wives when the drop out? dang! muslims have the same problem. baptists dont have that problem cause they dont divorce their girlfriends; they marry them, lol. why all the hating on mormons? who the hell is jeff ricks? i hope he is nothing like jim jones and the branch davidian. Jesus never taught anything bad. if you kill or hurt others then it is on your hands. dont blame it on Jesus. religion can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
ledaril 2 months ago
@ledaril exactly...the reason that i don't believe in religion as a notion, is that it can never truly be just belief. people will always use it as a way to bring their opinions to law, and manipulate others, whatever the issue. if god is a benevolent being and created life, then he would want us to live it to the fullest, instead of wasting it in devotion to him. if i were to give someone a gift, then i would want them to use it and enjoy it, instead of spending their time thanking me for it.
182DaMan 2 months ago
@ledaril Mormons don't practice polygamy. And Mormons do NOT have to divorce anybody if they leave the church!
cindybin2001 1 month ago
@ThePoopykins What does the divorce have to do with anything...I'm sure you know a few divorced practicing and devout Mormons...what exactly is your point?
goodgirlkay 2 months ago
Of course, there are 11 witnesses to the book of mormon who saw and handled the plates. They never lost their testimony even though many fell out with joseph smith and left the church. On their deathbeds they still held onto their testimonies. Now that is amazing. How can that be explained? They testified to their families about what they saw and handled when they were dying.
Just look at the exmormons here denying the lds church now. But the witnesses never denied their testimony.
whyme760 2 months ago
@whyme760 This isn't proof of anything...Human beings are very capable of self delusions. I truly don't understand why devout Mormons keep touting the witnesses and their life long testimonies as proof of the BOM veracity...throughout human history people have convinced themselves and gone to their deaths claiming many false things as truth.
goodgirlkay 2 months ago
@goodgirlkay
We need to look at their lives and read about their experiences. For these witnesses to the book of mormon who saw and handled the plates plus those who witnessed the translation process believed that they witnessed something that can only be done by the power of god. You can go to lds.org and put in the search whitmers and read the first two links. You will be impressed.
whyme760 2 months ago
"post mormon" - i like it
bedsheetsblue 3 months ago
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Bravo, Jeff!
Likely a big void leaving all the fun and varied activities of the MORmON Crutch. Hope you won't replace one fairytale and myth with another: Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Catholicism, Buddhism, etc.
robertgift 4 months ago
Jeff Ricks! I'm a postmormon too. Thanks for being awesome.
stinersthewinner 4 months ago
@counterculturelives
I invite people to ask me about my former landlord - he's great!
stinersthewinner 4 months ago
These videos are an excellent counterpoint to the recent PR barrage of creepy "I'm a Mormon" commercials. In each one of those, a person is seemingly normal and happy but they speak absolutely nothing of their beliefs. If only all religious people were that way.
TigerNightmare 4 months ago
I bet Jeff would love a deep tissue massage from Bruce
GohModley 4 months ago
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God’s plan for us is simple to understand, but it takes a lifetime to follow. Following the plan of happiness is easier when we do the simple things, like reading the scriptures, going to church, praying, and serving others. Jesus Christ was the perfect example in following God's plan. It takes faith and works for us to be like Jesus, but it is worth it now and will be in eternity.
gemmalizbeth1 4 months ago
I feel so sorry for Jeff. If only he'd purchased "Reformed Egyptian for Dummies!!", he would never have lost his testimony.
Jeff!! it's not too late to order!!
CounterCultureLives 5 months ago
@CounterCultureLives He didn't "lose" his testimony. He's relating his testimony in this video. How delusional can you get?
ndrthrdr1 4 months ago
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CounterCultureLives 5 months ago
just can say : And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife[a] or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life., i thikn that you believe in the Church, i know that you know that its TRUTH, just keep on the line, i know you can do it by yourself, i can see that you want to do it, but you don do it because you feel lonely, please ask for HELP !!! BELIEVE HOPE AND ENDURE!!!
Noe05162 5 months ago
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Noe05162 5 months ago
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If there are any members of the LDS Church that watch this video and have feelings of doubt please look up on youtube or google the talk given by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland "Safety for the Soul"
dkp121890 6 months ago
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Hope you find the Jesus of Scripture and can know the depth of His love for you. He can easily be found by reading John, Acts and Romans.
Life is not about a denomination or religion. Life is about Jesus, the Author of life.
JoyUVLord 7 months ago
Jeff, you are my hero. You have enhanced my life along with hunrdreds of thousands (maybe millions by now) of others with your efforts. Having grown up in Cache Valley I can relate first hand to your situation. I stand, hat in hand, in awe of your courage and resolve to take a stand and make a positive difference in this world so messed up by religious zealots. Thanks for taking time to make this video.
lclamborn58 7 months ago
@SuperDjhart as so i thought it would be hard for one's logic to understand. let me sum this up for ya, yeah? "feel" is key. and facts, will always be facts... make since? well... there is a quote from a movie:
Science only goes so far, then comes God.
we often do relay on our heads, not even realizing it is also our Hearts, (Feeling, witch is non logic) that helps us be guided. yes, the two can Co exist. one can do the research necessary to believe there is no god. then again, were only human.
jzarow99 7 months ago
@SuperDjhart I anticipate an answer somewhere along these lines:
"It's more than *feelings*. It's something I can't describe..."
Which allows someone to distance themselves from reality. The question is, "What extraordinary evidence do you have for your extraordinary claim that the Holy Ghost actually exists, and isn't just your own mind?"
iamanexmormon 7 months ago
@SuperDjhart sometimes we relay too much on facts, and knowledge to lead us, to make the right choices in life. and forget how to become with what our heart tells us... sometimes we relay on our hearts to leads us... not really having a reason of action.. that's where FAITH, comes in, and KNOWLEDGE, looses it's place. yes, it seams to be silly to do so... but as humans, we don't actually know what we are capable of.. really, we don't know anything... and THAT, is why we have hearts... To fallow.
jzarow99 7 months ago
it's funny.... almost every EX-mormon video i've watched, the person seams to have ZERO humbleness in there expressions.. why? our church teaches good, to love.... why is that a bad thing? how do you not know your being lead by satan? how is having ZERO fath at all good for one's self? our church teaches us how to grow, how to be more humbled, how to serve others. how is that a bad thing?
The gospel wasn't ment to restrain you, to keep you from being someone of great knowledge. it was to help.
jzarow99 7 months ago
The guy he helped would have been better off dead.
ransom900 8 months ago
In the end it does not matter if you are a mormon, a baptist, a muslim, even an exmormon, etc. In the end, what will matter, is if you choose to be a Saint.
1nephi13v37 8 months ago
@1nephi13v37
Actually, in the end it doesn't matter if you're a Saint, either.
ZelphKinderhook 8 months ago
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"Truth does not demand belief."
vegan2001 8 months ago
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I was being sarcastic. "How nice for you".. is the polite way people in the south say f*ck off.
He "saved" someone's life? Really?
He performed CPR on someone? Saved them from drowning? Performed an emergency C-section? Ran into a burning building? No.
He put up a web site to which YOU and other miserable exmormons probably belong too and find it neccessary to moderate all answers on this thread. YOU HAVE WAY TOO MUCH TIME ON YOUR HANDS. The Mormons I KNOW are great people. Get over yourself.
MustangWriter 8 months ago
@MustangWriter I'm sorry you feel that way. I can tell this conversation is not one of mutual respect. I sincerely hope you find great peace and happiness in your life. Have a good day.
iamanexmormon 8 months ago 15
@iamanexmormon Mustangwriter is a Mormon.
Mattexmo 7 months ago
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@MustangWriter You 'know' Mormons? Yes, of course you do. You are one. Oh, sure, you pose as a non-Mormon on websites. But God knows the truth about you. And he will not be mocked.
Mattexmo 7 months ago
@MustangWriter MILLIONS of nice, honest people can be fooled by ANY group. They don't suspect that they are being conned, because they are not suspicious of other people, that seem sincere. Sincerity does NOT equal reality. Facts are facts. Millions of people from every church have been screwed by "leaders of the church". Pedophiles, rapists, genocidal murders, etc...
ELECTECHNUT 7 months ago 2
@MustangWriter You sound pretty silly and a little off. I think you really need to find a friend to talk/vent to.
darnokish 4 months ago
@MustangWriter helping people leave the LDS is a laudable pursuit.. evidently he has saved more than one life..
daNDayati 3 months ago in playlist More videos from iamanexmormon 2
@MustangWriter I bet ex-Mormons have no problem associating with Mormons. Why can't it work the other way around?
tttar 1 month ago
How nice for you Jeff.
MustangWriter 8 months ago
@MustangWriter I agree. I think it is cool that his efforts saved someone's life during such a challenging time in their lives.
Some people just like to say "they are all a bunch of anti-mormons!" but never take the time to consider that as a result of leaving the church, we need support from our family and friends but often lose many of those relationships when we leave. These videos (and his website) help to fill that gap when we lose the community of the LDS church, and it helps us move on.
iamanexmormon 8 months ago 3
Hi Jeff,
Glad to hear you are 'out.' Now what? Do you point people to Biblical Christianity or to atheism, Hinduism, what? I hope I don't come across as being sarcastic, but I left the church, too. The question is again, what is truth? Where, what or whom do you point people to next? Thanks.
bdaveshaw 8 months ago
@bdaveshaw Not knowing precisely what Jeff's approach is, my suspicion is that he focuses less on 'finding them another religion' than simply bringing them into a social circle where being a post Mormon is okay. It's more critical to combat the depression inherent in being socially ostracized than shove a holy text in their hand; people can operate fine for extended periods without a religion, but they have trouble when they can't even have a social life.
caffeinedelusions 8 months ago
@bdaveshaw i find your question interesting... only because as i read your comment, i couldn't help but wonder, why do you need truth? want maybe, but need? does living a life with your own personal opinions, free from religion, free from someone leading you, etc. and just choosing to be a good person keep you from a fulfilled life? if you continue to believe in christ, God, etc. do you need someone to tell you how? i left too. i personally feel free not being told how to think and feel.
tamasandy 8 months ago
Mormonism.....the only religion MADE IN AMERICA. To dis it, is Un-American.
owensaudit 9 months ago
@owensaudit
Incorrect! The church of the Jedi, though based (I believe) in New Zealand, was made ( unintentionally) in America. No denying it's American made.
Likewise, there are several Christian denominations that were made in the USA, and polytheistic religions that even predate Mormonism. Not to mention the fact that we have both freedom of speech and freedom of religion in America, so we can dis patriotically whatever we damn well please.
caffeinedelusions 8 months ago
@owensaudit Scientology, Seventh Day Adventists, Branch Davidians...all made in America...all nutty.
rivenrock 8 months ago
@owensaudit Umm...Many, many religions were invented in America...Pick up a good history book!
goodgirlkay 5 months ago
Thank you so much. I feel so much better after having visited your website. I felt so alone, and I felt like I couldn't be myself anymore in front of my family. The exit stories have really helped me realize that I can move on. I can tell my family the truth. I can get married and live outside of the church.
jenifaui 9 months ago
IF you are looking into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints be sure to ask a active member not a non member or someone who is having problems at this time in their lives . If you want to know about the Baptist Church go to their site . If you want to learn about us ask us. And ask yourself about the fruit you see from us.
mollymu1 10 months ago
@mollymu1 - say you had a teenage child who was dating a Muslim, Catholic, JW, etc, and was thinking of converting, would you simply encourage them to listen to what the Muslims, Catholics, JW's, etc told them and do no other investigation?
gallupbird 10 months ago
@gallupbird Right on. I think this comment hits the nail on the head.
LDS encourage one sided investigation and then turn around and tell them it is the most important decision they will ever make. It doesn't make sense to do that.
When you go looking for a house to rent, wouldn't you like to speak to the previous renters and get an idea of how they were treated by the land lord? Looking at both sides is only important when truth is your goal.
iamanexmormon 10 months ago 12
@iamanexmormon So, why would someone looking to rent a house talk to an angry, hateful, tenant who is anti-landlord?? That makes about as much sense as taking a used car to a mechanic for inspection, when you should be talking to the used car salesman!!
CounterCultureLives 4 months ago
You won't own up to being a truther will you? Are you trying to intimate that the ideas of JOEL (when I wrote his name down last, did voices in your head tell you I was actually writing Cleon?) Skousen are even remotely in line with those of Pres. Monson and Pres. Benson? When was the last time you heard Pres. Monson, or Cleon Skousen for that matter, claim that 9/11 was an inside job? Oh, after your schizophrenic bout during your last UFO sighting. Fair enough.
bradrdennis 10 months ago
@bradrdennis ???
83Mathdude 10 months ago
@bradrdennis It was Cleon Skousen who in the Naked Capitalist exposed Professor Caroll Quigleys book Tragedy and Hope in which Quigley revealed that the Anglo-American International bankers ran the world and were seeking to bring about a new world order. Pres. Monson spoke at Cleon Skousen's funeral and spoke of his love and admiration of Bro. Skousen and his teachings. What's it like being a dummy?
LukeAir2008 10 months ago
@bradrdennis Hey dummy, are you also going to attack Pres. Ezra Taft Benson? In 1988 he announced at General Conference that a Secret Combination was seeking to overthrow the freedom of America and the entire world. As I said before you are both an apostate and an idiot.
LukeAir2008 10 months ago
@bradrdennis You appear to be the ignorant fool that I thought you probably were. Joel Skousen is Cleon Skousen's nephew. His world view is based upon the teachings of his uncle from his books The Naked Capitalist and the Naked Communist. It was Pres. Monson who arranged to have these books published. You know nothing you dummy.
LukeAir2008 10 months ago
@BobUnderhill ok you probably worship a goat yes. You ever heard of Jesus Christ? Go and read Matthew 25:32-33 and figure it out goat boy.
LukeAir2008 10 months ago
@LukeAir2008 Spoken like someone who knows the bible only what he learned in Primary. Tell me oh thou scriptorian, whose words are those in Matt 25?
ursowrng 10 months ago
@bradrdennis It was actually Pres. Monson who got me into reading Cleon Skousen's writings. You really are a traitorous, spineless snake aren't you? Hiding inside the Lord's church. Pretending to be a saint when in reality you're just an AIN'T!! Sad pathetic loser.
LukeAir2008 10 months ago
@LukeAir2008 Luke you are a modern-day Danite, and a crusading conspiracy nut job. President Monson doesn't endorse the whacko conspiracy theories of Joel Skousen and Alex Jones (I never said anything about Cleon Skousen, why did you mention him?). I think it is time for you to go hide from black helicopters in your underground bunker. The Islamo-Fascist-Commi-Nazi liberal media is coming, Luke, and they're infiltrating the Mormon church!!!!
bradrdennis 10 months ago
@bradrdennis The apostates are applauding you. Why do you think that is? Do you think the Lord is applauding you? Do you want to be numbered with the goats on judgement day. We are not dealing with less actives or the spiritually weak here. These are vehement haters and enemies of the Lord, his Prophet and the restored gospel.
LukeAir2008 10 months ago
@LukeAir2008 So I checked out LukeAir2008's page. Apparently he is an Alex Jones and Joel Skousen-loving conspiracy theorist. Enough said! I think that, my friend, speaks volumes about you.
bradrdennis 10 months ago
@LukeAir2008 I think that any time a person makes an effort to accept and love someone regardless of who they are, the Lord applauds.
lpokeymanl 10 months ago
@LukeAir2008 Explain the Book of Abraham for me please. Once you're done with that, explain DNA and American Indians to me. Once you're done with that, would you mind explaining the different versions of the "frist vision" to me? Once you have gone that far, can you please explain how 'armor/steel/iron/swords' existed before it actually existed in the americas? Let's move onto polygamy, shall we? Documented fact JS was in an "affair" with Fanny Alger in 1831.
m3at 10 months ago
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m3at 10 months ago
@m3at But wait...Polygamy wasn't revealed until 1842..hmmm..makes you think doesn't it? Let's move onto the fact that some of those wives of JS' were already married and that after JS died, B.Y. decided to "spritually" marry some of JS' wives. Can you explain missionaries someday going on missions to "the moon"? How about sun people? How about Heber C's revelation in regard to B.Y. becoming president along with Heber C becoming vice pres...Did that happen? I don't remember. should I go on?
m3at 10 months ago
@LukeAir2008
Dude, don't talk shit about goats. Sheep are morons bred for slaughter. Goats have to be led rather than driven, not to mention possessed of the ability to get up when they fall over.
BobUnderhill 10 months ago
@LukeAir2008 @LukeAir2008 Or they are courageous defenders of integrity, intellectual honesty, and real morals, derived through critical thought and humanism. People who removed the shackles of tribal thinking and rejected inhumane ideas like slavery.....or did you think that Jesus' doctrine wasn't immune to such a horrific practice?
ursowrng 10 months ago
You know how you can spot a cult? By asking a faithful participant what the legitimate reasons for leaving the group are. If he can't name any, it's probably a cult.
Hey @LukeAir2008! Can you name any legitimate reasons for leaving your group?
bjjolley 10 months ago 2
@bradrdennis It speaks volumes about you that you are happy with the comments of ex Mormons, atheists and enemies of the Church - but you single me out for attack. You say you're a real Mormon. Don't make me laugh. Tell me what ward you're in and i'll out you as an apostate. A spineless, jellyfish apostate..
LukeAir2008 10 months ago
@LukeAir2008 Your reply really speaks volumes about the true nature of the cult you call The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Normal people will read your reply and shudder.
zango010 10 months ago 2
@LukeAir2008 Whoa! Slow down there. You're one of those inquisition Mormons aren't you. Have you been on a mission Luke? Did you ever reactivate someone by yelling at them for not being faithful enough and calling them prideful? The gospel encourages long-suffering and patience. We are to mourn with those that mourn. I may disagree with Jeff Rick's decision, but it doesn't do me or the church any good to get defensive about it.
bradrdennis 10 months ago
@DaddysAngel2323 Nice testimony. You have obviously felt the Spirit and the hand of the Lord in your life. The Church really is true.
LukeAir2008 10 months ago
@KenM66 Did Abraham give up his salvation when he did as he was commanded and tried to sacrifice up his own son? Is human sacrifice acceptable? Is killing your own son better than being 'sealed' to somebody else's wife even if you never actually live with her. Er....no. Try again, pork chop.
LukeAir2008 11 months ago
okay so i watched your video correct me if im wrong but "you saved someones life by helping them leave the church" okay that is fine.doesnt the doctrine teach "beware of false prophets and others who claim to know truth" i dont know what you are teaching but for one NEVER call the prophet a liar. is he not appointed by GOD and confirmed by members of the congregation. Sorry if i am unbelieving in your blasphemy ! the LDS church is TRUE i no this with every fiber of my being.
DaddysAngel2323 11 months ago
@DaddysAngel2323 A lot of people say things that we disagree with. It doesn't mean that we have to change our viewpoint. But it doesn't do us any good to yell at them. When I went on a mission I found that I never reactivated anyone by condemning them and calling them blasphemous. But I found that I was much more effective when I showed kindness and understanding.
bradrdennis 10 months ago 2
@bradrdennis thanx i got the message loud and clear. and for the most part i am open minded. I have just never really heard the stuff the likes of this. thanx for pointing this out to me :-)
DaddysAngel2323 10 months ago
@DaddysAngel2323 Hello! Thanks for watching this video and commenting.
Just to clarify, Jeff (from the video) didn't help someone leave the church, he was only there to support him with his website once he had already made the decision to leave. Leaving can be difficult (can you imagine going from feeling sure of the afterlife and purpose to transitioning into an "unknown"?). Sometimes members ignore the difficulties and often add to them through unnecessary judgments.
iamanexmormon 10 months ago
@DaddysAngel2323 (PART 2) One other thing I will mention just briefly- if the prophet is never a liar... would you rather use the word "mistaken"? How do you reconcile the "mistakes" prophets have made in the past- most of which are documented and shown to come from church sources (such as Joseph Smith or Wilford Woodruffs diary's or the Journal of Discourses)?
If you would like examples I can private message you (or place them here).
iamanexmormon 10 months ago
@DaddysAngel2323
Re: "every fiber of my being"
This is a cliche'
Stop being a parrot for what you've heard others say.
MrLeagueOJustice 10 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@DaddysAngel2323
You know, not you no.
Elementalisk 8 months ago
Using the Bible to prove that the Book of Mormon is true, is like using "Pinnochio" to prove that "Cinderella" is true. Both Fantasy. Both Stories. Both Fiction.
amyleoness 11 months ago
@MsFreedom2fly Do you think the disciples on the road to Emmaus were sad because they felt and recognised the Holy Ghost? Luke 24:32 I have felt that same power burning it's witness on my soul that Jesus is the Christ and that he has restored his Church and Gospel to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith.
LukeAir2008 11 months ago
@LukeAir2008 when the truth stares you in the face people will always try to deny it. why? I no it is true and i will bare my testimony and let one of you say that its a lie. I was suicidal, my father just committed suicide and i felt it was my fault because the last thing i ever said to him was i hate you and i wish you were dead. i was 12 i didnt understand that he would no i was lying. any ways i moved 5 hrs away and told no one this for i was ashamed i didnt write it down so the only one who
DaddysAngel2323 11 months ago
@LukeAir2008 when the truth stares you in the face people will always try to deny it. why? I no it is true and i will bare my testimony and let one of you say that its a lie. I was suicidal, my father just committed suicide and i felt it was my fault because the last thing i ever said to him was i hate you and i wish you were dead. i was 12 i didnt understand that he would no i was lying. any ways i moved 5 hrs away and told no one this for i was ashamed i didnt write it down so the only one who
DaddysAngel2323 11 months ago
@LukeAir2008 knew where me Heavenly Father and my father. anyways i had just tried to kill myself. A couple of priesthood holders came to the hospital to give me a blessing. they anointed my head with oil and prayed over me. i thought haha this is a crock. but then i felt peace come thru me. The words they spoke were to me like they could read my heart and mind. afterwards i talked to them and they said they felt prompted to tell me what they did. It had to be from Him. I believe.
DaddysAngel2323 11 months ago
Jesus is the Creator of all things - God ! Not Satans Brother
waynegm777 11 months ago
@crazy456eyes I checked out Matthew Gill and his Book of Jeraneck. I would have laughed if it wasn't so sad and pathetic. It's just a parody of the Book of Mormon and the LDS church. He just takes the church name and inverts it and then replaces the account of Moroni with his translated being knocking on his door with a box of plates. And only ten pounds a copy! My first Book of Mormon was free. He can keep his fake Book of Jeraneck. The Book of Mormon is true!
LukeAir2008 1 year ago
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mypeace00 11 months ago
@LukeAir2008
Good for you Luke - I think the Book of Mormon holds its own; it's a great book, and the LDS church is the only church that is spreading it throughout the world (and this is the reason why I am still in the church).
There is no reason anyone should parody the book of mormon story -- other than to be disrespectful and immature. Putting down a book like that shows a lack of thoughtful reflection and true character--the same qualities that people demand so much from LDS leaders
mypeace00 11 months ago
@LukeAir2008
Luke, I have a challenge for you --
-read the book of mormon, about 240 chapters
-as you read, pick one ''precept'' from each chapter (precept=a principle of conduct or action)
-highlight that "precept" and write it on a 3x5 card with the reference
-think about how each precept can apply to YOUR life, write it on the back of the card
You have tons of potential, and you're naturally smart --but I think you could benefit from a little more thoughtful reflection, so will you try it?
mypeace00 11 months ago
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mypeace00 11 months ago
@mypeace00
Chapter 1 - "Lehi prays with all of his heart for his people" - pray for others
Chapter 2 - "my father Lehi, left his house and possessions" - don't become too attached to material things
Chapter 3 - "we will not go down until we accomplish the thing" - Follow-through (following through on commitments, I know, what a terrible concept to be brainwashed with, huh?)
Chapter 4 - ''Laban robbed me and tried to kill me, he's evil and insane, on Hitler's level; I took him out"
mypeace00 11 months ago
@Ingle92Protege Scary? You don't make any sense. Were the disciples on the road to Emmaus 'scary' because they 'knew'. Luke 24:32 Were the Apostles who handled the Saviour's resurrected body 'scary' because they 'knew'. Luke 24:36 Was Paul who witnessed the voice and presence of the Lord on the road to Damascus 'scary' because he 'knew'. Acts 9:3 I know by the same power. Why do you fight against God? Now that really is scary.
LukeAir2008 1 year ago
@mypeace00 Thank you for apologising for me earlier on but there's no need. You speak out against a witness of the truth but suck up to apostates and traitors. Has the penny dropped yet? Have you ever sung that hymn 'traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain'. So don't worry about me, I'm on the right side. Worry about yourself.
LukeAir2008 1 year ago
@LukeAir2008
Seek ye first to obtain the word, then declare it. LukeAir2008, you haven't obtained the word -- the word is compassion and charity. Do you remember the story of the good samaritan? The good samaritan wasn't a mormon, was he? But he was on the ''right side'' because he had the courage to look past cultural, ethnic, and religious differences and go help someone in need. That is the CORE of the gospel - I suggest you re-direct your energy and zeal toward that part of the gospel
mypeace00 11 months ago
@mypeace00 I think you might be as lost as these ex-mormons. Maybe you'd be an ex mormon too but just don't have the guts to 'come out'. Culturally tied up maybe? Family, job, callings? Do you lie from the stand about what you don't really know but you were told to mouth the words so you do? Im afraid we live in very different worlds. The church really is true. There aren't different versions of truth. Just the one.
LukeAir2008 1 year ago
@crazy456eyes I'm not really interested. Ex Mormons are living proof that you can testify of something one day and deny it the next. Your credibility then goes out of the window. How can anyone ever trust what you say again? I knew the Church was true in early 1981. I'll know that until the end of time. I have never denied my testimony and never will.
LukeAir2008 1 year ago
I notice that ex-Mormons speak not of the joy of childlike belief but the joy from finally acknowledging what they know is true (or false - LOL). The don't quote Scripture, call you an evil person, attack you or ask you to believe in something you know longer believe in.
Accepting the BOM and Mormon doctrine means rejecting a vast panorama of scientific and historical evidence that overwhelmingly contradicts both. It means accepting without question childhood beliefs.
smb12321 1 year ago
@iamanexmormon You do understand don't you that Satan will not uphold you at the last day. You do understand that your fellow apostates, so vociferous now in their deception and ignorance, will not support you as they themselves cry out in fear and darkness. Return to the Lord while it is still day.
LukeAir2008 1 year ago
@iamanexmormon Which comment is it that you think I have disregarded? Your misrepresenting Elders Packer and Oaks? You seem to have missed the point? It was you who bore testimony of the gospel. It was you who insisted in recommend interviews that you did have a testimony of the gospel and the restored church. So which is it to be? Were you lying? Or did you know the truth but have been overcome by darkness? It's not a personal attack - It's the truth. Maybe you can't handle the truth?
LukeAir2008 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
@iamanexmormon Or maybe you did know at one time in your life? Maybe you had felt the Spirit and knew it was true. But you have been deceived and allowed the pride and deception of the world to overcome you. Maybe you still know now but are weak and powerless and afraid and have been overcome. I would hate to be in your position.
LukeAir2008 1 year ago
@LukeAir2008 I don't see why we would have a reason to continue this dialogue when you completely disregard my previous comment and move on to personal attacks. Good day LukeAir2008.
iamanexmormon 1 year ago 9
@LukeAir2008 I'd like you to search on youtube a guy named Matthew Gill and his Book of Jeraneck. I want you to go to his channel and see if people are on video testifying they have felt the spirit confirming that Matthew Gill is the only true living prophet today and the Book of Jeraneck is the word of God. Are they being deceived and you aren't? The other way around? Or both being deceived since you have different beliefs?
crazy456eyes 1 year ago
@LukeAir2008
Sad that you go by your feelings and not by facts the truth.
MsFreedom2fly 11 months ago
@MsFreedom2fly the facts are all around you. how can you deny? what was someone not good enough for you? isnt Jesus the one who said "He who is without sin cast the first stone"? or maybe you got your facts wrong.
DaddysAngel2323 11 months ago
@DaddysAngel2323
Book of Jeraneck? Whoa! Hon, you need to do some more research. It's not in the Bible. Jesus, is saying in that scripture that he knew the sins of the stone throwers; as he knows all of ours. He is saying we are all guilty of sin. Which that means me too. God has forgiven me when I accepted Christ. He is the only way the truth and the light no one can go to the father except through Jesus. (John 14:6) I know my sins have separated me from God and Jesus is the one who saved me.
MsFreedom2fly 10 months ago
@LukeAir2008 :; WOW. Brainwashing, at it's finest.
amyleoness 11 months ago
@LukeAir2008 Come on, I am an active LDS person. The church is a voluntary organization for those who want to be a part of it. There is no reason to condemn someone for disassociating with it, especially if they are not directly attacking the LDS church. It is counterproductive to do so. Thanks for sharing your story Jeff Ricks. I am happy for you and your decision.
bradrdennis 10 months ago 3
@bradrdennis Very well said sir! Too bad there are more luke's in the church than people with your outlook.
ebwgnome 10 months ago
@iamexmormon I have borne testimony of the restored gospel for thirty years - and I have done that in the full knowledge that the restored gospel is true. Many people all over the world have incredible spiritual experiences which convert them to the Lord and his authorized church. You were too busy pretending to be something you weren't! Tragic really?
LukeAir2008 1 year ago
@iamanexmormon They encourage people to bear their testimonies. That is to express their knowledge and witness of the restored gospel. It's not an invitation to bear false witness or to deceive. You apparently had no knowledge or understanding. Your subsequent actions have not indicated one who had real spiritual intelligence or knowledge. You flunked the test! : (
LukeAir2008 1 year ago
@thatonechick2012 Remember, all of these people not that long ago were up on the stand bearing testimonies, out doing missionary work or in the Temple making higher covenants etc. They had been interviewed and had sworn blind that they had testimonies and knew the church was true. So it seems they lied or were of an unstable mind. You can't know something and then unknow it can you? Maybe they just didn't understand?
LukeAir2008 1 year ago
@LukeAir2008 You make a great point- why would church leaders (Boyd K Packer and Dallin H Oaks) encourage members to say they "know" when they don't? You said it, not me- it is a lie. Simple as that. It is a documented psychological effect that will engineer belief. So you have unwittingly condemned the leadership of your own church, and the ex mormons you address in your message were just following their counsel.
iamanexmormon 1 year ago 12
@iamanexmormon
This is a perfect example of something that you can classify as a ''mistake.'' I think it is a mistake for BKPacker and DHOaks to tell people to say they know something before they know it. I totally agree with this point. Brigham Young, Joseph Smith, Bruce R Mckonkie, these guys all said stupid things.
But just because there are mistakes made, it doesn't mean the church doesn't have a good purpose; mistakes can and will be corrected-- the good will continue -so I BELIEVE
mypeace00 1 year ago
@mypeace00 I'm glad you agree that this is a manipulative thing to teach. Now I urge you to speak the truth. Tell the leaders to stop. Stand up to others when they encourage this. Speak about it from the pulpit. Write the brethren. I guarantee you that if you continue to speak the truth, you will be treated as an apostate. What organization that claims truth authority from god would do this to someone who speaks the truth in order to help others?Why would God expect anyone to take Him seriously?
iamanexmormon 1 year ago 8
@iamanexmormon
Thanks for replying to my comment. You'd be surprised if I told you the things I've already done--there are a lot of people who already treat me like an apostate. I've decided that there are some really good things about the church, and I've learned a ton-- and when I get persecuted for doing things correctly and compassionately, I just sigh....I currently believe the church is messed up in a lot of ways--because most people are messed up--I believe it can and will be purified
mypeace00 1 year ago
@mypeace00
I meant to say - I currently believe the church is messed up in a lot of ways, but that is only because people in general are messed up--I haven't found any other large organization without messed up people -- I believe there is a possibility that Isaiah's dream is true--the same dream Martin Luther King, Jr. quoted from in his speech--that the world will be a better place to live someday.... and at that day ---the church will be purified--the good, compassionate, honest will win
mypeace00 1 year ago
@mypeace00
And I sincerly apologize for people like LukeAir, man grow up, you make it really hard sometimes for the rest of us to identify ourselves as mormons-- Right Now -- I apologize people -- I'm sorry for all the wrong the people of my church do-- but I wish you could see it from my perspective, this is the faith of my fathers, and though I'm treated like an apostate, there are things in the church that have helped me significantly in my life--and I hold to these things
mypeace00 1 year ago
@iamanexmormon
I've studied other religions and I think they all have some common elements-- humility, compassion, honesty-- I really don't think it matters whether you grow up in a relgion or not-- these are the things that truly matter-- "Do good'' If you are an ex-mormon who ''feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, administers relief to the sick'' sincerely, honestly, and compassionately----then I will see you in ''heaven'' symbollically or literally, I chose to believe literally--
mypeace00 1 year ago
@mypeace00
If the bible is true, then there is no reason to think that the book of mormon isn't true--they pretty much say the same thing, just in a different way, they are written on a similar level of ''believable-ness'' just like other scriptures from other countries... whether or not anything is true, I don't really care-- I just care about doing good while I'm alive-- but the Book of Mormon's existence was instrumental in helping me understand this--and for this reason I still support it
mypeace00 1 year ago
@mypeace00
for instance, this is a small sample of what I read in the Book of Mormon:
when ye are in the bservice of your cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
if I, whom ye call your king, do labor to aserve you, then ought not ye to labor to serve one another?
I would that ye should bimpart of your substance to the cpoor, every man according to that which he hath, such as dfeeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the sick and administering to their relief
mypeace00 1 year ago
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mypeace00 1 year ago
@mypeace00
I just wanted to say LukeAir - I respect your energy and passion for what you're saying -- but not everyone is like you -- you come across as someone who hasn't considered very many points of view other than your own
mypeace00 1 year ago
@mypeace00 The problem is that the doctrines don't add up to what the church claims to be, and people in the church tell you different stories about why things were done a certain way. Let's start with polygamy... what was the purpose of it? I was told three things. 1. Women were in a society where they were treated poorly if not married. 2. It was necessary at a time to replenish the Earth. 3. It was necessary for purposes of sealing in order for them to receive salvation......
KenM66 11 months ago
@mypeace00 All three of these are FALSE! Why? Reason 1. Joseph Smith had wives that were already married according to church family history. 2. None of Joseph Smith's other wives had children through him LDS members claim. 3. If he taught people could be sealed by proxy, then why did he have to marry them on earth? Also, if his wives were already sealed to him, why did they need to get married to Brigham Young after becoming widowed. Face it, Joseph Smith was a manipulating LYING PEDO!
KenM66 11 months ago
@KenM66
Ya, he probably was a lying s.o.b. --just like the rest of the human race! I've tried to do good things in my life and bring about change in the world, and sometimes I succeed, but a lot of times I make mistakes -- I can't hold joseph smith's mistakes against him, because overall, his work on the earth has made my life better - so I give him credit - it's too bad people claim that he was a perfect man, no, he was just a relatively good man - he died for his cause, so did his brother
mypeace00 11 months ago
@mypeace00 You are completely missing the point. The point isn't that he made mistakes, the point is that he completely violated his own doctrines by using his position to get sex from younger women.
KenM66 11 months ago
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mypeace00 11 months ago
@KenM66
So? I used my position as missionary to get... uh nevermind...
What I'm saying is that I am not going to pretend to know whether joseph smith was ''righteous or not,'' I KNOW that I can not decide that for HIM -- it was too long ago and there are different schools of thought that could point both ways. It's impossible for me to know that.
So... what I can do is read the book of mormon and decide if it helps me become a better person or not - and if it does - then I support the book
mypeace00 11 months ago
@mypeace00
Just because it makes you a better person doesn't mean it is true. I get those heart warming feelings when watching movies entirely based on fiction and sometimes like to use examples from it on how to improve my life. The Book of Mormon was completely made up and anyone who does enough research will realize that. Just do a google search of "View of the Hebrews and the Book of Mormon" and you'll see a whole bunch of similarities.
KenM66 11 months ago
@KenM66 Jesus Christ --"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone!!!"
DaddysAngel2323 11 months ago
@KenM66 ummmm no Joseph Smith was a good man so he might have had faults not the ones you are charging him with. but over all he was a great man and think about all the good the church stands for. and ummm brigham young probably married his wives probably the same reason that people have done it before. to help them while they are still here. for some one who did their "research" you sure are lacking. Maybe you need to start over!?!
DaddysAngel2323 11 months ago
@DaddysAngel2323 Wow you are diluted. The church has really brainwashed you. He had sex with other people's wives which is polyandry and adultery. According to his doctrines he gave up his salvation when he did this. He was so fucked up it isn't even funny.
KenM66 11 months ago
@KenM66 okay even if the things u are saying are true. he might have given up his salvation but not our own. he was not Jesus Christ. Through him we are not returning back to the Lord. Every one of us sin. some of ours is worse then others. have you ever been tested and put thru a trial that is equal to your goodness. I say yeah we all have. yours could have been stealing out of a cookie jar for all i care. but we all fail sometimes. so how could you think he'd be without sin.
DaddysAngel2323 11 months ago
@KenM66 anyways. I am not diluted! I dont let other peoples sins mess me up I have my own to worry about. I read the scriptures and am amazed at the comfort they bring me. No other church that i have been to has ever touched and effected my life the way this TRUE church has, and continues to. But it's okay if you want to fall away but warn people of the blasphemy before you start preaching so others can be aware of the lies that slip of your tongue like a swarm of angry bees.
DaddysAngel2323 11 months ago
@DaddysAngel2323 It's great that the Mormon Church has worked out for you. I also feel the same way about the religion I am currently in. Why would I need the Mormon Church in my life when I am very happy with the church I have right now?
koloblicioius 11 months ago
@koloblicioius Im happy that you r happy in another church All that I am saying is dont go bashing in one church or another you dont have to believe the same thing i do I never said that you need the mormon church, I just dont think people should say we are wrong i personally believe in the chuch I didnt come to this decision blindly I met with leaders of other churches and found that this one speaks to me. While i may not believe in the other churches you will never find me talking them down
DaddysAngel2323 10 months ago
@DaddysAngel2323
The info on Joseph Smith and Brigham Young is well documented. It's not some anti-Mormon plot. In fact, two of the women Smith married were actually girls... age 14. Do you think it's right for a 38 year old man to have sex with a 14 year old?
Or, for example, the Book of Mormon. It's got tons of errors called anachronisms... things that don't belong in that place & time, yet Smith put them in. Like elephants, horses, steel... they never existed back then.
Big issues...
ScienceReasonBelief 11 months ago
@ScienceReasonBelief okay. . . have you ever done research an America? Women of 14 and sometimes younger were married of to older men who were already established inthe community. I do not endorse it but it is a fact. Okay things dont add up scientifically but ummm it is called belief because you believe in things that yoiu can see. show me where science proves there is a God. . . ? there isn't one shred other then books written by man. but i believe because of the proof of him in my life.
DaddysAngel2323 10 months ago
@DaddysAngel2323
It's a fact, but you have the fact wrong. The only time 14 year olds got married to men who were nearly 40 was in radical fundamentalist sects like the Mormons. Per the Census and an examination of marriage records from that era, it did NOT happen in normal, mainstream society (the Mormons were not mainstream by any stretch of the imagination. What Smith did was wrong.
Did you also know that he did it behind Emma's back, because Emma hated polygamy!
ScienceReasonBelief 10 months ago