Mormonism is Christianity Restored

[ZelphKinderhooky]

Uh, so the "diversity" in your church's leadership is an indication that your church is true?

So, let's see... that's just NINE "diversity" people in the middle echelons of Mormonism? Just SEVEN "diversity" men in the Seventies? And You DO realize there's about 100 Seventies, right?

Given that your church claims more members outside the US than inside, I'd say that's one big FAIL. C'mon, you should know this, from a purely statistical perspective.

[tattoodfreeek]

Mormonism is Christianity restored??? How can it be restored if it was never lost?

Mormonism is a lie, a lie that good people have been stupid enough to fall for! Do your research and you'll realise that you've been lied to

[teahouse100]

Has the Mormon Church ever offered an apology to Black people? It certainly did teach this... it's very difficult to deny it. It is also in the BoM, and it associates skin colour with wickedness.

You believe in modern prophets.. so how could it ever be right for your "prophets" to exclude blacks from the priesthood up until the 80's (OMG).

[omiolo]

Mormons take centre stage in American politics

Waterloo Record

[ROSESAPPHIREx]

Thank you so much for posting this. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints truly is Christ's restored Church.

[omiolo]

Restored in these the latter days.

[godswordsheal]

Here's something I'd like to see done if it hasn't been already...I'd like to see someone go through the BOM and take out every quote or reference or thought from the Bible...this would be done to find out what exactly Joseph Smith really restored. Certainly it would be something substantial...

[GalenovichPetrov]

If the Gospel required restoration, it was imperfect and insufficient from its inception. I would not term that as "Good News."

[rickgigliotti]

Mormonism is NOT Christianity!!!  Mormonism is a LIE which Joey Smith helped spread. If you want to believe that, you are free to. Just do not call your crazy beliefs Christianity....

[athono]

Brigham Young makes Osama bin Laden look like a cub scout !!

[THELDSLIFE]

@athono - rofl....

[juanisimoss]

Dear "Defending Mormonism" or the person who runs this channel. Thank you very much for doing this. I really appreciate what you do, lately I've been looking at the opposition of the church just to see how my testimony would stand against it. I'm glad there is a channel like yours backing the truth up. :) You're awesome

[THELDSLIFE]

"I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." Ghandi

[DefendingMormonism]

@THELDSLIFE Amen to that!

[theembracedofgod]

@THELDSLIFE

funny... And every Christian would call mormonism a non Christian cult. why is that?

[THELDSLIFE]

@theembracedofgod

I would call Mormonism a "Non-Christian" cult also... for two reasons.

One: Mormonism is fabricated by intellectuals outside of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, some ex-Mormons and other religious agitators...

Mormonism IS in fact a religion unto itself. It is made up of opinions and ideas from the secular world. I would have no argument that those who belong to Mormonism as being part of their own cult as well... the cult of Mormonism.

[theembracedofgod]

@THELDSLIFE

extreme of opinion I have to say. The "intellectuals" you speak of happen to know more facts that got them out of the cult rather than those who remain to deny the facts altogether and say within the cult of mormonism. they are normally called "anti" mormon and this a figure of "mind control" to its members who don't actually look up the information for themselves. kinda like "1984" methodology.

[teahouse100]

@THELDSLIFE He was referring to British colonizing India for monitory motives! Nothing to do with Christian principles. The fact that you are manipulating this to suit an exclusively mormon cause at the expense of "christianity" makes me lose a lot of respect for your religion.

But Mormons believed skin colour was a sign of wickedness until the 80's. Yes, this even applied to people like Martin Luther King Jr as your "prophet" Ezra Benson labeled him a "communist and liar",

...hypocrisy much??

[BrightStaroftheDawn]

I am very surprised that a black person is the elder.

Not long ago, Mormons said black people couldn't get to heaven unless they were slaves.

I may need some clarification on this.....any Mormon out there who would like to clear the air less it be considered TRUE

or shall we sweep this under the rug?

[DefendingMormonism]

@BrightStaroftheDawn Please watch the video on the "MikeBatie" channel about what is what is not considered LDS Christian theology. The Mormon church has NEVER held what you mentioned as doctrine, in theory or in practice! Yes, the priesthood was not always available to all worthy males, but that didn't mean that every member of the church was not able to be saved through the blood of Jesus Christ! Holding the priesthood has NEVER been a requirement for salvation. There are LOTS of black Mormons

[RedSun875]

@DefendingMormonism All one needs to do is type in Brigham Young and slavery on an internet search and read the comments of Brigham young for themselves and see what a misleading liar you are Defending.

[solowookie]

@BrightStaroftheDawn you already know the answers so what is there to talk about? if you have looked into it enough to know a quote by Brigham Young I'm quite convinced you already know our 'official' answers to your statement as well.

[BrightStaroftheDawn]

@solowookie "you already know the answers"

I guess it's true then.

(btw, 5 months waiting for an answer is way too long)

[solowookie]

@BrightStaroftheDawn your right the church is true I'm glad we agree on something.

[BrightStaroftheDawn]

@solowookie

Understood like a real weewahh.

[Nawledge1]

Mormons believe that I'm black because I betrayed God during a great war in heaven and was therefore "cursed". What a crock.

Mormonism = racist doctrine.

[DefendingMormonism]

@Nawledge1 You couldn't be more wrong. Let us, as Latter-day Saints, define who and what we are, and we are NOT racist. To accuse us of racism is hateful and just plain wrong. One thing you must be aware of is what is and is NOT official Mormon doctrine. Using random quotations from 150 years ago which are not part of any authoritative church manual or conference talk or scripture is misrepresenting this beautiful and amazing faith! It's time you changed the way you think about Mormons.

[Bureyeanne]

when are you going to invite me to join your group?

[Fhirinne]

“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God's hands, that I still possess” ~Martin Luther

God bless you my brother for all that you do.

[IarrthoirNaFirinne]

‎"My country is the world, and my religion is to do good." --Thomas Paine

'; *)

[DefendingMormonism]

@IarrthoirNaFirinne Great quotation!

[savedbyjesusblood]

Jude said the gospel was "once delivered unto the saints." It was never needed to be delievered again. The teachings of Mormonism contradict the Bible and the very spirit of prohecy, Jesus Christ himself. He is not the brother of Satan. This is reason enough to know that Mormonism is not of God. Believe on the real Jesus Christ and be saved!!!

[Bureyeanne]

@savedbyjesusblood Three times the Bible says that Lucifer lived in heaven. 1x in the OT and 2x in the NT. It also says several times that the people would turn away from the word of God and thus there would be a need for a restoration in the last days. Let me know if you want a long list of verses to study.

[savedbyjesusblood]

@Bureyeanne People have always wandered from the faith. Cain was the first. The Bible does not say that the faith of the saints would disappear from the world completely. This is doctrine made up by Joseph Smith so he could make up a new church with his own doctrines. The gospel was never lost. The Scriptures themselves can make someone wise to salvation. Therefore there is no need for Joseph to restore what was never, ever lost.

[Bureyeanne]

@savedbyjesusblood Based on your comment I must conclude that you are exclusively a Roman Catholic. For there are really only two possible churches. 1 that the Roman Catholics from a believed direct line of Peter, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints which also claims to be from a direct line of Peter. No other church can make that claim.

[Bureyeanne]

@Bureyeanne The reason I make this point is because this is about the need for the true church to exist. It is true that there have been believers since time of Adam. With what direction? Noah is evidence of an all but 8 person turn from God. The worshiping of a golden calf with Moses, the hundreds of Preists of Baal and the killing of the apostles leaving WHO? to lead and direct the church?

The bible discusses this falling away and restoration of the church in both the new and old testiments

[DefendingMormonism]

@Bureyeanne These could be some good scriptures to share with the audience.

[ChristopherMillz]

As a lifelong Christian, and convert to Mormonism, I am very happy to be a member of Christ's restored church. It has helped me establish a closer relationship with Christ and blessed me with much joy. Wonderful video. :)

[DefendingMormonism]

@ChristopherMillz Thanks!

[MormonsLoveFamilies]

It is good to see the love for God witnessed by LDS leaders and Saints throughout the world.

[DefendingMormonism]

@MormonsLoveFamilies Absolutely.

[DefendingMormonism]

"The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done."

-The Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. in 1842

[DrTerminus]

@DefendingMormonism -- "They that be with us are more than they that be with them." 2 King 6:16 The great work of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ goes forth boldly across the face of the earth. It is a great work! It is a marvelous work! It has brought tremendous joy and hope to me and millions of others.

Truly, Joseph Smith was the great prophet of this dispensation of time!

[KillerKaprice]

@DrTerminus Um you all know Joseph Smith isn't real right???

[solowookie]

@KillerKaprice Joseph Smith is very real, and an incredible man.

[omiolo]

Secondly, Eric was an uncommonly good kid. As a youngster growing up in Southern California, he was a natural-born leader with a big heart and a loyal friend to the friendless. He was humble.

As a teenager, Eric had high standards. He didn't drink or use tobacco because he wanted to be a good athlete.

Steve and Debbie Weddle, both Lutheran and long-time Chargers fans, say their son has touched many lives.

[omiolo]

"He has a special calling in life. God will use him," said Debbie, a veteran kindergarten teacher. "I felt guilty. I should have forced him to go to church when he was younger, but Pop Warner football was always on Sundays."

Whenever LDS missionaries came knocking, Debbie Weddle always let them in for a refreshing drink but was never interested in anything more. She never imagined her son would become a Mormon.

[1830LivingLDS]

Silvia H. Allred is almost crying. It is her overwhelming testimony. She is a great woman of faith. A great Latter-Day Saint.

Im not female, but she is a great leader.

[DefendingMormonism]

@1830LivingLDS Couldn't agree with you more. Thanks!

[omiolo]

Faith has defined Pikus-Pace's career as she suffered a compound fracture to her lower right leg in October 2005, just a few months before the 2006 Olympics. She defied the odds and doctors' predictions with her amazing recovery, as she was back on the skeleton track within six weeks of the accident. In the end, it was a rules issue that kept Pikus-Pace from competing in 2006.

[omiolo]

In addition, snowboarder Torah Bright will compete for Australia in the halfpipe, and David Bissett will compete for Canada in the bobsled.

For most of them, faith is an integral part not just of who they are, but of what they are able to accomplish as athletes.

[omiolo]

On faith: Longings for our heavenly home can sometimes be felt by the sensitive soul

[omiolo]

The public square in question is a 20-acre, $1 billion development project called City Creek Center that is being funded by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is located near the churchs temple and the adjacent Temple Square.

This story operates on multiple levels — religious, financial and civic. Johnson gives each its due, quoting church officials and members as well as local business and academic experts.

[omiolo]

Recognizing the need to incorporate fresh vegetables into the diet of LDS Altiplano families, the church introduced a culture-changing technology here in the form of family underground greenhouses. Dozens of earthen greenhouses can now be found outside Altiplano homes, including William's.

[omiolo]

Historically, "the (Altiplano) people are malnourished," said Wade Sperry, an agronomist working as a field operations manager for the welfare department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Such malnourishment, he explained, can cause developmental problems and hinder growth and brain development.

[omiolo]

No surprise, said his mother, Bernita Choque. When William's not at school or outside playing soccer with his many siblings, he's likely eating something. Over the past year, William and his family have been enjoying a more healthy, balanced diet thanks to an LDS Church-sponsored greenhouse project that is bringing spinach, carrots and other vitamin-rich produce to a region where vegetables are typically scarce.

[omiolo]

LDS vegetable program helps Bolivians

Families trained to build greenhouses, grow produce

[omiolo]

@YAAUFA

In the Mormon-influenced areas of Utah and Eastern Idaho, the most popular Fan pages are The Book of Mormon, Glen Beck and the vampire book Twilight, which was authored by a Mormon.

[YAAUFA]

@omiolo

Yes a vampire book authored by a mormon, and was also shown in Utah theaters! I don't think the Passion of the Christ was so widely accepted and most if any theaters. But I do remember the Bishopric reading a letter from President Hunt of the Walnut Creek Stake in California to NOT warn members about the movie "The Passion of the Christ", but to suggest that it is not adequate church media.

[omiolo]

typical ANTImormon, always wanting to make blatant judgement calls on others to somehow make you feel superior!

[YAAUFA]

Typical reply when the truth hits the fan.

I guess President Hunt is a Anti-Mormon as so delightfully put it.

[omiolo]

I guess if you continue to SPIN, you will ALWAYS get the conclusion you decided on beforehand!

[mrtkau]

Sorry if there were multiple posts. I'm still figuring out the manner of which Youtube posts comments.

[mdlinks]

How is this a global religion? Because there are members in many countries? There are also Satanists in many countries, and probably a lot more than there are Mormons. Does that mean I should join the Satanistic cult?

[mrtkau]

I think you moved past trying to understand the point being made to a position of attack. This video clip only announces that the teachings of the Church are available to all in the world and have been since the beginning. You should do what you are moved to do through faith and the exploration of finding truth. "Global," means availability to the world.

[mdlinks]

@mrtkau

The church has only been available to those where the Church members or missionaries are present. That is very small part of world.

Church Missionaries number about the same for the past 25 years, just over 50,000.

Adult Members in US is under 1% of population. If the church is so much more available in the US, and Adult Mormons in US are less than 1% how can this Church be known as global when total membership is only just over 13 million. Catholics have over 1 Billion world wide.

[mrtkau]

I'm still not sure what you are getting at? Is it truly to prove that the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints is not global or is there something deeper to your concern? By definition the Church's teachings and organization is universally the same in all of the countries in the World. I'm not sure why you bring up population, except that you are trying to prove something that is not on topic.

[mrtkau]

@mdlinks

I shall also make the effort to be more direct for it might be myself that is a error in my expression. The Church is Global because it is available to the world and it's teachings and organization is "universally" the "same" in all Countries in the world. This is the message of the LDS Church being global.

[omiolo]

His father, William, dean at Brigham Young University's Marriott School of Management when Jeff was getting his master's in management there, died in 1997. To help his mother, son Jeff arranged to split his time between Wharton and the Provo school the following year.

[omiolo]

Then, "I decided to build something here," Dyer said, accepting BYU's offer to direct what his father established in the mid-1970s

[omiolo]

Some Haitian adoptions take many months, even years, but Betz and Andersen hope to streamline the process and, given the circumstances and favorable climate, have Lauren Elizabeth in Texas with her new parents.

Betz is unsure how long he'll be able to stay in Haiti, but he'll take advantage of every precious moment with his little girl.

[omiolo]

When all of the treats were gone and it was time to go, the children surrounded the men. Unable to share a common language with the benefactors, they spoke their thanks in a Haitian song.

With Andersen's help, Betz has started the paperwork for adoption and relocation of Lauren Elizabeth to the United States, working with the original orphanage, another orphanage run in Port-au-Prince by an American woman, and by initiating efforts with the U.S. Embassy.

[THELDSLIFE]

What will the anti-mormon's say next? That the LDS church isn't true because Elder Sitati did not warn us about the Anti-Christ? *shakes head*

[marcopolo8765]

Results never lie. Thank you so much Joseph Smith. For being man enough to be able to talk to God and do what wanted of you.

[DefendingMormonism]

@marcopolo8765 Well said. Thanks!

[UnFundamentalist]

@marcopolo8765 You are right on this. Sometimes I wonder if Im nothing more or less than a product of design. When I say "design" I mean that my own consciousness is nothing short of a miracle. I could never have the understanding of truth that I have without Joseph Smith having had his vision. This is the first time Ive ever felt that the Church is True. First time ever... I must continue my work. You are a guide my friend. You remind me of how I once thought. Thank you!

[TrueSaintsLDS]

The true gospel of Jesus Christ was spread in the 1st century, but the face of it clearly changed and the ordinances and truths lost. The apostacy is biblical, and the authority given to the apostles had to be restored.

The restoration is also biblical. Mormonism is a slang word, to hide the truth. We are the church of JESUS CHRIST.

[freetube1to1]

You bent the truth, this is why yo are known through out as teaching "twistianity", not only only do you have a false prophet, but he knows he is and is leading you to the BBQ,

[TrueSaintsLDS]

poor freetube, your baptism didn't count, and you're upset, because you can't accept the men that christ sent to teach us the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately it is YOU, that will be found going to a BBQ.

[freetube1to1]

Well I wasn't the one who was fooled into relying on someone else's righteousness to baptize me, were you ?,, are we not told we are baptized by the spirit ?,, Where does it tell us we must be baptized by someone who is in Authority ?, You think because Jesus was baptized we should follow ? and who is going to provide this Jewish baptism ?,, just keep paying your money and the shopping malls will soon mount up, and try google Mormon mason, have a nice day

[TrueSaintsLDS]

That's not what tithing is about, shame on you. Why do you rob God?

Read Malachi chap 3:8- 10 is why tithing is paid. and no other reason. He isn't Mormon, He is a prophet, and just because you wanna keep using the tag Mormon doesn't change anything. Mormon was a prophet, and that's it. Please free your mind of your bigotry, as your name implies.

[imtherealthing]

"..are we not told we are baptized by the spirit ?,,"

WHAT?!!..so are you telling me that the "spirit" came down and baptized you personally? ..or are you refering to what many Pentecostals believe that when you confess Christ you recieve baptisim by fire (the HG)? - there is no scripture that supports this false idea. WATER baptisim is the mode the Saviour taught us and the apostles continued AFTER Christ left. ONE LORD (Christ) ONE "BAPTISM" (not the HG - WATER baptism) and ONE "FAITH"!

[freetube1to1]

1 Cor 12:13,,,"by one spirit we are all baptized"- not by "one Authority" !,,Mattt 3:11,"He shall baptize you with the holy Ghost", - not "get someone to do it for him" I really have no idea what the pentecostals believe, so I am not in a position to answer about them, You obxiously have not been baptized by the spirit or you wouldn't be questioning this, but it is understandable, because you have not been taken fron the darkness,1 Pete 2:9, Col 1:13, and John 1:5 is talking about you !.

[imtherealthing]

Of course we say that we RECIEVE the HOLY GHOST after baptism by the laying on of hands by one in athourity. We do NOt deny the Lord sends the HG to us AFTER we are baptized members. Before we are baptized we can feel its influence but it does not stay with us until we get the laying on of hands for the GIFT of the Holy Ghost - we need to stay worthy of its influence otherwise it cannot dwell with us.

[imtherealthing]

Acts 8: 17-19

17 Then LAID THEY THIER HANDS ON THEM, and they received the Holy Ghost.

18 And when Simon saw that through LAYING on of the apostles HANDS the Holy Ghost WAS GIVEN, he offered them money,

19 Saying, GIVE ME ALSO THIS POWER, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.

What is the power he is refering to? The power or authority to do this - he wanted to purchase the power to act in God's name to bestow this "gift" (vs20).

[imtherealthing]

Now you see we have NO CONFLICT with 1 Cor. 12:13 and Matt 3:11 as Latter-Day Saints of the Lord we recognize that is PART of the process - now you are in a delimma - how do you account for the Laying on of hands by someone who has the POWER (authority) to do this? - let me guess...like your kind - you will find a way to EXPLAIN it AWAY - that there is NO need for it - even though it is right there in the bible for all to read how they did it and what the practice was of the early Saints

[imtherealthing]

Acts chapter 8 is a very good read...read it CAREFULY - in verse 12 it says they were BAPTIZED (just like we LDS believe you need to be BEFORE you recieve the GIFT of the HOLY GHOST) and then this verse is very telling: 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

So we see the holy ghost had NOt "fallen" on any of them until they recieved it by the laying on of hands..by who?..the apostles who were ORDAINED to do this.

[imtherealthing]

Acts 2: 38 38 Then Peter asaid unto them, REPENT, and BE BAPTIZED "EVERY ONE Of YOU" in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, AND YE SHALL RECEIVE the GIFT of the Holy Ghost.

So we learn that he COMMANDS us "EVERY ONE OF YOU" to not only repent - but to be BAPTIZED and THEN receive the HOly Ghost - in that order as we LDS teach - we are biblical because we are Christ's church. So tell me again why baptisim is NOT important?

Will you CONTRADICT the Lord's word?

[freetube1to1]

You fell into your own trap, the command is to repent, and the reward is to be baptized, also-- "FOR" the remmision of sins, "For" is taken from the Greek word "pas" meaning "because of", so we are baptized because our sins have been forgiven, now if you believe that someone can baptize you because they have seen and judged you as having been forgiven, then they have blasphemed in one of only two ways to do so as the bible teaches, - "claim to have the ability to forgive sin"- Mark 2:7,

[freetube1to1]

I would prefer to cover one subject at a time, so at this time I will pass on talking about the laying on of hands, now you must agree, I have at no point referred to you personally, but you have referred to me as "your kind", I'm not sure what you mean by this,but please do not tar me with a brush you have used on others. and I will afford you with the same respect

[imtherealthing]

"...so at this time I will pass on talking about the laying on of hands"

Of course you will pass on this and all the other stuff I mention below - it requires you to THINK rather than post snippets of anti-mormon objections....anyways.."your kind" refers to those who fight against the Lord's church and persecute HIS prophets as it has been the case from the begining. Plese do answer my questions below as I figure they are RELEVANT to the discussion at hand..thanks.

[imtherealthing]

Well..does one need water baptism and the laying on of hands to recieve the "Gift" of Holy Ghost or not?..answer the question please.

[imtherealthing]

Baptism is as it says..for the REMISSION of SINS - to take away the sins at baptism - that was the original teaching of the early saints - look to the history of early christianity - including the church fathers if you must look to how some baptists and catholics and on and on - think the same - that is your OWN "PRIVATE INTERPRETATION" and we all know in the bible is says no scripture is of private interpretation - prophets can interpret other prophets though - you lack direction

[GlennRoxWyo]

I'm LDS & this isn't the way to respond to these people. Thanx 4 sending me this though.

[GlennRoxWyo]

OF LATTER DAY SAINTS. Thanx again 4 sending this.

[MereMessenger]

The original true gospel of Jesus Christ has already been spread to every nation of the world long before Mormonism was ever created.

[omiolo]

Within days of the Mormon pioneers arrival in the Salt Lake Valley, Joseph Smiths successor, Brigham Young, announced the location for the Salt Lake Temple and construction began shortly thereafter. While the Salt Lake Temple, took 40 years to complete, most temples today are finished within three to five years.

[omiolo]

Construction of temples has been a part of Latter-day Saint history since the earliest days of the Church. Church founder Joseph Smith built temples in Kirtland, Ohio, and Nauvoo, Illinois.

[panikotka]

Jack, I didn't - I don't - bash but I did challenge. I think challenge is fair and anyone who possesses the truth should have no difficulty accepting such a challenge in good heart.

[panikotka]

Happy to continue posting here when my many original posts reappear. Otherwise, I really can't see the point. Perhaps youtube isn't the place to carry on a coherent discussion.

[panikotka]

All my comments have disappeared off this thread. Not sure how that was achieved but clearly you'd all rather talk amongst yourselves. Says a lot.

[DefendingMormonism]

panikotka-

That's odd. I didn't remove them, so I have no idea how they came off. Weird. (just goes you can't be too quick to judge :)

I usually only remove comments if people swear, or are simply crazy anti-Mormon trolls who cut and paste the same thing over and over again.

Feel free to re-post your comments.

[DefendingMormonism]

Other comments disappeared as well, not just your own.

[JackNimble61]

Mine disappeared as well, panikotka, so don't think this is some censorship issue. You took issue with his name, which is neither the title of the video NOR its message. I saw nothing in the video that was not the truth. If you have a problem with something that was said in the video, just state it, and leave the bashing to those too weak-minded to give reasons.

[jedimasterbooboo]

pani, You Tube is having serious comment issues all over the place, and I'm not a Mormon, just so you know. Cheers.

[omiolo]

BTW, what a great video. It makes the world seem very small and welcoming!

[omiolo]

while we share the gospel with the world, we are still a tender branch

Mark 13:28

"Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: "

[omiolo]

The God of the Book of Mormon is not a mystery, but a fully knowable God.

The Book of Mormon challenges its audience to rethink its relationship to the divine, Givens said.

[jirving11]

Absolutely awesome video! In response to panikotka, I respect your thought and question. Yes, there have been those who have left the church and those who have started their own churches. However, they will never have the fullness of the gospel as the Lord has restored it in these days. I question as to why an individual would settle for less. You may say that they are happy as they are and they are not settling. Watching videos like this shows me the happiness they choose not to have.

[DefendingMormonism]

jirving11-

No matter what content is on a video, if there is someone who for whatever reason doesn't like Mormonism, they will find something to criticize.

Agency is the greatest gift, and the greatest cause of sorrow when people choose not to seek after and follow truth.

[JackNimble61]

panikotka doesn't realize that he/she fulfills prophecy.

[DefendingMormonism]

That's what makes YouTube so fascinating. Watching scripture come true right before our eyes...

[panikotka]

Unity of doctrine within a church is no big deal if questioning is not encouraged and if discipline is imposed from above. Some other churches allow more variety of interpretation - witness the divisions presently in the Anglican communion. Free and open theological debate or rigid imposition of a single doctrine - can't have both.

So what happens to Mormons who don't agree with the leadership?

They leave the church or they set up new Mormon churches - and there are plenty of those.

[DefendingMormonism]

paninkotka-

Luckily I'm not daft enough to mistake a critic for a sincere seeker of truth.

The LDS Church is to the world of modern, man-made, oh I mean "mainstream" Christianity - as Jesus Christ was to the religious establishment of his day.

All of his unique doctrines were detested by those following the popular religion of the day.

Afraid? That's funny. You're just one of scores of people who attack my religion on a daily basis.

I have yet to be scared of any info that has come my way.

[DefendingMormonism]

I would argue that Joseph Smith started a fine tradition within Mormonism of free thinking. After all, he preached on the nature of God completely obliterating the contemporary theologies of the day.

He brought back the ancient divine practice of polygamy.

He translated a third testament of Jesus Christ.

Mormons accept all truth my friend. Most Christians today, probably yourself included, continue to restrict the amount of truth you will accept.

Free and open? We're on top.

[JackNimble61]

I've never cared for the term polygamy when refering to the church's doctrines about it. The term "celestial marriage" fits better. I've always thought the term "polygamy" did not do the practice its true justice, and to me, has a worldly or secular idea attached to it. It doesn't represent the actual sacred nature of it.

[THELDSLIFE]

@JackNimble61 - they have hijacked the word Polygamy; it has political clout and correctness as it is mostly used to discuss the most controversial aspects of the Lord's doctrine. Plural marriage has been a practiced commandment by peoples who were of the covenant for centuries before Moses, during his days, after his days and up until the days of Christ... utilized and decommissioned in accordance to the Lord's direction as a living practice... but celestial families and wives will ever exist.

[panikotka]

And I'm well aware that Brandon Flowers is Mormon. I love The Killers and wish him well but I'm not daft enough to mistake a great musician for a theologian.

[panikotka]

LOL DM, my comment is NOT a taunt but it IS a challenge to you. The heart of your faith is completely at odds with mainstream Christianity and yet you wouldn't know it from the anodyne messages posted here. I just wonder what you are afraid of? What's wrong with showing preachers talking about doctrines unique to Mormonism? Superficially you share creeds with mainstream Christians but the context of those creeds within your faith and the purpose of your faith is entirely different.

[DefendingMormonism]

panikotka-

As for your assertion that I am not willing to talk about Mormonism's unique doctrines, you have obviously not read any of my hundreds of comments on YouTube videos.

And you have clearly not watched all of my other videos.

Please do so. The "challenge" that you have posed is clearly a feeble attempt to find something to criticize about this particular video, which I am used to by your kind.

[panikotka]

How does this video defend Mormonism? None of the contributors mention any of the creeds unique to the Mormon Church. Cowardly or dishonest? Come on! If you want to defend Mormonism let's hear the stuff you don't hear in every other church.

[DefendingMormonism]

panikotka-

Thank you for the taunting. It's very flattering.

And thank you for pointing out one of the purposes of this video - to show some of the creeds that we have in common with other Christians.

However, you obviously missed some of the subtleties.

e.g. All of these Latter-day Saint leaders are unified in their doctrines, regardless of their nationality and culture. This stands in stark contrast to many other Christian denominations who lack this unity internationally.