Dennis Prager and Caller on Mormonism, Values, Theology and Mitt Romney

[awolLDSasap]

Like Muslims, Mormons believe they will someday rule the world. Want some whackyness?? A Utah researcher found that Jesus was sealed to God the father and Mary in an lds temple in December of 2010. Church owned family dot org removed the evidence a short time later. Mormon doctrine teaches the most worthy temple Mormons will become Gods and less worthy people will become their servants. That doesn't sound like heaven. Sounds like Babylon..

[CRL73hippo]

If I understand what the caller is saying then, Christians believe that even the most loyal, righteous people who have ever lived will be God's everlasting inferior, that regardless of how true a Christian you are, God will hold you down and keep you in your place forever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever and ever.

Am I wrong?

[CRL73hippo]

Whenever I hear people saying it is wrong or "Whacked" to believe that men can become like God, the first question I ask is, "Okay, then what will be the final destination of man? What will those who go to heaven do?"

The usual response I hear is, "We will praise and serve God."

When I ask for specifics about how people will praise and serve God, the person will either shrug their shoulders or change subjects by attacking Mormonism.

[BingsTV]

In this country, people have all sorts of reasons that determine how they vote - from " I agree with his foreign policy" to "I don't like his tie, but his wife's a fox". Why shouldn't the caller consider a candidate's core beliefs as expressed by his religion? We are, after all, talking about a religion that up until 35 years ago was race-restrictive regarding the LDS priesthood.

[LDStothecore]

I was very touched by Dennis' comments about the LDS. Thank you.

[deerjerkydave]

The Bible teaches: "The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:16-17) What does it mean to be "children of God" and an "heir of God?" Mormons have their interpretation. And it turns out that early church fathers taught Theosis which is the same thing. So what's the big deal? It's in the Bible.

[rrussel6]

Once again the comments degenerate into a theological discussion when its about a presidential candidate's qualification to lead America, a country built partially upon the principal of separation of church and state. This thread of discussion would, however, be most appropriate in an election of any of the backward theocracies East of here. Unbelievable! The merits of mormonism are a non issue unless Romney uses it as a core and critical part of his campaign.

[beaufordslyone]

Not a single commenter has shown me:

- A mainstream religion that used doctrine prevented black people from holding a leadership position until 1978

- A mainstream religion that prevents family members from attending weddings

- A mainstream religion that believes that all other religions are an "abomination" in God's eyes.

Take a look in the mirror Mormons. To say that Mormonism isn't extremism is ludicrous.

[jensonmp]

@beaufordslyone Stop spewing hate already.

Most Christian faiths fought for continued segregation until the '60s and '70s. And Catholicism has long claimed that salvation can only be had in their church, and that other churches are false. And although mainstream Protestant Christianity is very fragmented, individual sects have been vociferous in their denunciations of Catholics in particular. The current and accepted Mormon belief is certainly no more intense than these beliefs.

[beaufordslyone]

@jensonmp

Spewing hate is what Brigham Young and many prophets since have done. Gordy Hinkley was given an opportunity to repudiate the ugly racist remarks when he was asked if the church was wrong in denying blacks the priesthood. He said, "No I don't think it was wrong." You say most Christian faiths fought for segregation in the 60s and 70s. How many of them would maintain that they were not wrong for doing so? Church espoused hate. And you want people to respect LDS?

[jensonmp]

@beaufordslyone haha you just can't stop, can you? In the course of these comments, you've dropped/altered each of your allegations as I refute them. Hinckley was asked to negate one official statement, and he responded that the church operates on modern revelation and past attempts to explain the reasons behind revelations had proven incorrect and damaging, so he declined. Obviously blacks aren't concerned, as the highest growth rates in the church are in Africa. What has you so disgruntled?

[beaufordslyone]

@jensonmp

I have yet to drop anything. I love these forums because everyone can clearly see the tactics employed by Mormon apologists. Personally attack the critic instead of legitimately responding to the critique is the only way to defend your beloved church.

In this case Hinkley was asked directly if he thought it was wrong to deny the blacks the priesthood. Hinkley's response was this: " No I don't think it was wrong. It, things, various things happened in different periods."

[beaufordslyone]

@jensonmp

I have yet to drop or alter an allegation. I'm simply showing why the Mormon church is an extremist sect. Perhaps this is why only 53% of Americans have a favorable opinion of Mormonism. It also appears that the 68% of Americans agree that Mormonism is an extremist religion. It's not any one of the issues I've brought up here. It's the whole picture. Racism, bigotry, anti-feminism, anti-intellectualism, homophobia : these are the hallmarks of Mormonism.

[jensonmp]

@beaufordslyone haha cool down there, beauford. I haven't made any personal attacks, despite your mischaracterizations. After almost every refutation of your assertions, however, you have ceased that line of attack. I'm pretty sure that is the definition of "dropping" allegations. Now, you return to the same generic attacks after failing to counter refutations. If you aren't open to reason, that's fine - I will leave you to your cyclical arguments. Have a nice day :)

[cureloms]

and the dude claimed to have a minor in religion? maybe he shouldn't get his information from ex-mormons who hate the Church. just a thought.

[billfreeze]

Dennis...you have courage and integrity to tells bigots to go home and get a life. I really admire you!

[TheSuzieChiles]

As a Latter Day Saint (Mormon) I am so glad that someone finally stood up for EVERYONE ELSE. I thinks some "Christians" in america forget that not everyone is like them. And its okay. Dennis basically said "Anyone can run for president, Mormon, Catholic, Muslim, Jewish anyone." And we need to get out the dark ages and realize that all religions share some of the same values. And its the PERSON we vote for not their religion. Anyone remember how much garbage Kennedy got for being Catholic?

[rattlesnake1920]

when prager said that noone's askin ppl to be mormon, well he is wrong right there. there are tons of mormons that try to enforce their religion on others and telling them basically that becoming mormon is the only way to be with god which is wrong. mormons are one of the most hypocritcal ppl i know.

[jensonmp]

@rattlesnake1920 Oh please. Do you even pay attention to what you are writing? Most evangelical Christian churches espouse missionary programs, which is the extent of the Mormon effort to "enforce their religion on others." All they do is knock doors and invite people to learn about their church. And every church believes that you have to follow their doctrine - whether that is simply confessing Jesus is the Christ, being baptized, or doing good works.

[rattlesnake1920]

@jensonmp apparently you don't know reality of the what mormons do, they are supposed to only tell them about it express how they feel about it to others, invite them to it but there are mormons who try to push ppl into mormonism. that may be true about every church believing everyone has to follow their doctrine which is just not true. there are so many mormons out there who claim to be perfect and don't sin and they critisize others for doin things that they don't like.

[CRL73hippo]

@rattlesnake1920 You said - "...there are so many mormons out there who claim to be perfect and don't sin..."

I've been a Mormon my whole life and have yet to meet one who claims to be perfect.

[peaceloveluck4]

THANK YOU. This guy is AMAZING. It is so prejudiced and rude for somebody to say things like this caller about Mormons- the world needs more people like Dennis.

[AlisonMooreSmith]

Dennis Prager is a patriot! As I watch evangelicals flock to a "man" who is a disgraceful, unethical, egomaniacal, serial adulterer — just to get away from a Mormon — I'm stunned at the bigotry.

If it was about "true conservatism," Santorum would be getting the votes. But they see the big government Gingrich as the one who can beat the Mormon, so his utter lack of morality is ignored.

Santorum, on the other hand, is not only very conservative, but also a generally ethical, honorable person.

[Juicawins83]

@sensorsweep

[Juicawins83]

Do you even know Anything about Mormons?

[sensorsweep]

A man who believes a man can become a god is not a humble man. Fuck you Dennis... nobody of importance. You go ahead a vote for a man that wears holy magic mormon underwear, took a death oath to serve a false prophet. READ THEIR GODDAMN BOOK AND FIND OUT WHO BROUGHT POLYGAMY BACK... GOD YOU FUCKING MORON.



[jj99917]

@sensorsweep and where did you learn this stuff? Have you read the "gosh darn" book? I have. Also, other religions were sacred clothing, not just Mormons. Are you listening to this video? This guy is right. We need a good president, not a president from a certain religion. "Freedom of Religion" is part of this country, and has been for almost 300 years.

[HyraxAttax]

@sensorsweep And a child who believes a that child, after they leave the world that is their childhood, can someday become a parent themselves is not a humble child.

[Chindiggable]

The most depressing thing about this is that any discussion on whether or not Mormons are a cult immediately devolves to "The church is false because of blah blah blah" and stuff. Even if you proved the LDS church as completely and undeniably false, that does not equate to "cult." Nor does it give viable grounds for not voting for Mitt Romney.

[coho33]

My first time listening to Dennis Prager. Thanks for the even hand on this topic. WE all have the right to disagree. You handled the caller well.

[Crazylaowai]

Thanks for posting. It really does hit home to Romney's biggest impediment--his faith--and this one caller I think portrays what is a prevalent bias in the US among especially evangelicals, which largely stems from misunderstanding and unwarranted antipathy.

[mak702]

Bless you Dennis! Thanks for standing up for us.

[jonsimpson44]

Kudos! I'm a big fan! First off he gets what the religion is completely off! Funny thing is people wont visit a site like mormon.org to find out for themselves from the source, they find out from whacky sources...

[matangiakeorange78]

We believe that God lives on a planet, and Kolob is the closest planet to him.

[mikebatie]

As for "becoming a god" or "working your way to godhood," Latter-day Saints believe that we are the children of God and that we have the potential to become *like* Him. Says the Holy Bible: "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and **it doth not yet appear what we shall be:** but we know that, when he shall appear, **we shall be like him;** for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2)

[mikebatie]

As for God having sex with Mary, I believe President Spencer W. Kimball, a Mormon Prophet, taught that, in The Book of Mormon "Mary was called a virgin both before and after she was found with child of the Holy Ghost." While Mormons believe that Jesus Christ was literally the Begotten Son of God (look up the word beget/begotten), and that he had half of his chromosomes from God his father, and the other half from Mary his mother, they have no official position HOW it happened (it was miraculous)

[cureloms]

@mikebatie "And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God." Book of Mormon, Alma 7:10

[mikebatie]

This caller doesn't get anything right.

Mormons DO NOT believe God resides on a planet named Kolob.

Mormons believe that God dwells in heaven, and that the star closest to his throne is named Kolob.

[Magicienne2005]

@mikebatie Well, close enough. How many gods are there, and do you think you're going to be one someday?

[Irukandji78]

It still boggles my mind how people go to someone of another religion to find out about the LDS church. It's like going to a carpenter and asking him to teach you about plumbing. So stupid.

[mikebatie]

I like how this caller brings up that Mormons are "crazy" to identify God as "Elohim." If this caller did a simple Google search for the term "Elohim" he would immediately find: "Elohim (אֱלהִים) is a grammatically singular or plural noun for 'god' or 'gods' in both modern and ancient Hebrew language."

[whitebandanna]

Solid stuff. Kudos Dennis.

[dkchen]

Haha Love it!

[MsShanbanan]

So many things are put out there that are so wrong about the Mormon church.. I say instead of reading things from x Mormons and Google , investigate yourself..Nobody is asking you to be a Mormon, but at least know what they believe before you make your assumptions!

[MsShanbanan]

I have to get one thing clear while listening to this guy that Dennis was chatting with... he went on to say that Mormons believe that god lives on a planet called Kolob.. and that God came down and had sex with the virgin Mary. that is not something that the Mormons believe. Just wanted to clear that up..

[boywaimea]

people are entitled to free speech. but the mormon faith lives on. thank you mr pager

[troutsleuthCA]

Yes they are part of a series of beliefs that we call religion. We can mock others beliefs...but when one truly looks at any religion and all their faith based stories how can you separate Mormon asinine belief with Christianity asinine beliefs? It is like the man with a booger in his nose laughing at the man with some salad dressing on his face from lunch... Closing: Mormonism is a great way of life, even if its theology is full of holes to the critical thinker!

[troutsleuthCA]

my 6 kids are normal, they go to piano lessons go to public school.... we are pretty normal people. These things you talk about, they are part of a theology, just like a man getting swallowed by a whale, splitting an entire sea, water coming out of a rock, men walking through a fiery furnace and not getting burned, bread falling from heaven every night to feed millions of people walking through a desert for 40 years...continued above

[troutsleuthCA]

Come on People, we are acting out of fear....I am a mormon, a normal human being who lives, breathes, strives to be successful, laughs with people, debates, is critical about thought, drives my car to and from work, enjoys the outdoors, coaches youth basketball in my small midwestern community, I worry about the future of the country just like you....In fact my blood is red!!! I have no horns growing from my head, I only have one wife...I do however have 6 kids, they are ....continued above...

[Lisarata]

I agree. And I'm a Mormon who doesn't believe in that religion anymore at all, but I do believe in Mormons. Philosophy does matter on a grand scale. For example, the philosophical doctrine that there is a "natural man" and that we ought to be "natural" is a nice thought but then it gets boiled down to who is in charge of enforcing the right naturalness. The Mormon philosophy is, search for what is right and then do it. That's a good philosophy.

[dglass81]

@Lisarata From personal experience Mormonism limits what you think is possible for your life. Not to mention makes you far more judgmental and closed off to other ideas/thoughts/theories/facts/­etc - most of the ex-Mormons I know have similar experiences.

[willeyhambone]

@dglass81 Mormonism doesn't teach intolerance, it teaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Which is faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end. Put shortly, Mormons believe and teach that we should love God, love our neighbors. I'll admit there are people within the church who are judgmental of others and closed-minded, but to condemn the whole group with such broad generalizations is inherently unethical and unhelpful to a critical discourse.

[Lisarata]

@dglass81 I agree with you that Mormonism limits thinking and makes a person judgmental and closed off to other ideas--when it's done as they do in small-town Utah, where I come from. But I can live with that because on the other side of that, they go places in experience where I can't go. They may judge me, but I know I'm okay. If a group of them excludes me I have a lot of other people I can turn to now. I have always fought to stay openminded. But I'm too openminded. I get lost. :)

[eugeneewe5]

DennisPrager,you're the man!

[mzctfu]

In the name of Jesus Amen.....................

[lizadear28]

Holy cow. This is one inspiring answer to a bigot.  Mormon or not, Jew or not- I now love this guy.

[Ukemommy]

I thank God for men like Dennis Prager. I just wish all Americans could have heard this!

[Empisee]

As the Supreme Being in the universe, God has the greatest capacity for happiness. Thus, to maximize joy in others, God desires them to be as much like him as possible. We are not "working to become gods in this life" as this caller and like-minded commenters posit. We are, by the grace of Christ and the mercy of His repentance-enabling Atonement, growing unto a measure of the stature of His fulness (Eph. 4:13).

[thelongversion]

Mr. Prager, you and I disagree on a lot of things politically but this is not one of them. The position you discussed can't be stated with more clarity than what you explained to that caller. You are absolutely correct.

[ObamaDefeat2012]

Dennis Prager...go suck a cock...you maggot.

[sanfransophie]

Excellent. Dennis Prager displays wisdom, charity, class and human dignity. How refreshing.

[tpbarron]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!! Prager said it RIGHT!

[HerculePoirot1000]

Prager is an ignorant asshole

[jernaemk1]

Not that this matters, but nowhere in Latter-Day Saint doctrine does it state that God had sex with Mary. Individual members may believe this, but that's beside the point. I love that Prager brought out the fact that we aren't voting for a Theological leader, but a Commander-in-Chief. To base a decision on the fact that you don't believe his religious views is archaic. Get over yourself.

[slackthat3]

@jernaemk1 - individual members do not believe that. Nowhere is that taught in LDS doctrine. Not by scripture, leader, church, magazine, website etc. The idea came about through the anti-LDS film the God makers.

[baron1424]

We need to stop criticising and tearing down others beliefs and views and start celebrating differences. Dennis makes a good point. Ironic that racial and other forms of discrimination are clearly labeled as wrong (and rightfully so), yet religious discrimination continues to get a free pass. Hypocrisy. Everyone on this thread that continues to bash Mormonism, or any other religion needs to step back, think what's important to them... and return to the discussion with a level of respect.

[beaufordslyone]

You can't imagine anyone being more honest than the Mormons? The entire belief system is based on lie upon lie. Take a look at the founder who lied to his wife about his sexual affairs and lied to his congregation about translating the book of Abraham. Joseph Smith was involved in fraud throughout his entire life. The foundation of Mormonism is one huge lie. You think that someone that is incapable is seeing such an obvious farce should be the leader of the most powerful country on earth?

[andyottito1]

@beaufordslyone - I'm curious to know which is the one and only true religion in the world. Please share. Because that would make every other religion a liar, thus in your opinion, anybody who belongs to a "false" religion, incapable of leading the U.S.

[beaufordslyone]

@andyottito1 I'd feel the same way about a Scientologist. I'll accept a candidate that has a moderate religious belief. When that candidate claims to believe in something that is so obviously false and extreme, I draw the line.

[anzianocaple]

@andyottito1 In the bible it says One Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Surely God isn't divided he has his Gospel not a million different versions of it just one!

[Sstarr77]

@anzianocaple Actually, the Bible CONSISTENTLY speaks of The Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. If Jesus is God, then who was he praying to in the Garden of Gethsemane? and who was he speaking to when he was crucified when he said "Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do." ?

[BotheredMe]

@Sstarr77 What is believed it that God is in one's self. It's been awhile since I've read the excerpt from the Bible but there's a portion that mentions god is the temple, and through improper translation it could have literally meant the temple of a man's forehead. In other words, their own minds. God is everywhere and everything. Jesus could have been asking himself spiritually to forgive mankind, and that is how he lived so serenely. But that is simply my opinion, I hope you find the answer.

[Sstarr77]

@BotheredMe i see what you mean, but I'm not exactly sure that it makes sense. So God is in Himself his own Father and his own Son? I am part of a religion that believes in the Godhead (Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) are 3 different beings all with one purpose, and it just makes more sense to me. Also, I don't think the area on the man's forhead was called the temple back when it was written....not sure though

[BotheredMe]

@Sstarr77 I'm agnostic, not believing in any religion specifically but gathering what I believe to be true. I feel that God isn't so much a person as he is what we make him to be. Forgive me if I offend, but it has been stated in ancient scripts that Jesus himself was no son of god, he was a mere man like you and I. The only reason he was thought of as a deity was because mankind wanted to believe it as such. So for me, Jesus is a man who preached about forgiveness. But that's just my opinion.

[BotheredMe]

@BotheredMe Continued... Back when the Bible was written, it wasn't even English. The Bible has been roughly translated from thousands of different languages, there's bound to be more than a couple mis-translations in there.

[Sstarr77]

@BotheredMe I understand what you believe, it maeks sense ): One point that I noticed that you said was that Jesus was a normal man like me and you. That is also what I believe. But I also believe that we are ALL sons & daughters of our Father in Heaven, and that Jesus is our brother. So yes, Jesus was just a normal man like you and me, but he was sent here with a purpose, a purpose that was different from all of ours, some call it destiny. Do you get what I mean?

[Sstarr77]

@BotheredMe @Sstarr77 i meant to say "it makes sense :)" haha

[BotheredMe]

@Sstarr77 Oh, well then... cool :)

[anzianocaple]

@Sstarr77 I'm moromon i wasn't saying They were all one i know they are separate. i was just quoting the ephesians scripture stating that there is truly one church aka One Lord, ONE FAITH, and one baptism. I know that scripture doesn't mean that The Godhead is one they are for sure the separate beings!

[Sstarr77]

@anzianocaple Sorry I misunderstood you! I've just been very curious about how certain religions that follow the Bible believe that God is one being...if Jesus is God, was he praying to himself in Gethsemane? That doesnt make sense!

[billysunerson]

@beaufordslyone Did you not hear what he said about having perspective on your own religiosity? If irony was water, you'd be at the bottom of an ocean. You can't prove any religion is true, so please let it go, grow up, and start being a respectful adult like Prager is.

[beaufordslyone]

@billysunerson

I don't see any irony here since I'm an atheist. I'm willing to accept that some people find comfort in mainstream Christianity but I'm unwilling to support fringe groups like the LDS Church.

You and Prager are ignorant of the extremism and elitism taught in Mormon church. Joseph Smith was told by God (according to Joe) in respect to other religions:

"all their creeds were an abomination in his sight .He again forbade me to join with any of them ".

[billysunerson]

@beaufordslyone Atheist or not, you're being just as irrational as any religionist if you're unwilling to support "fringe groups." What do you know about the comfort they offer? Nothing, obviously, being an atheist. You have no idea who I am, how then do you know what I am ignorant of? Christ himself said there is only one path to eternal life.Matt 7:13-14 That sounds pretty "elitist" to me. I don't think you possess the contextual knowledge to make any substantial judgments on the topic.

[beaufordslyone]

@billysunerson

So what you're telling me is that Christ is saying that there's only one "true" religion. That's definitely an "elitist" interpretation of that scripture. Most mainstream Christian religions accept baptisms from any other Christian religion. They interpret that scripture to mean that Christ is the one eternal path. This is one of the beliefs that puts Mormonism in the "fringe" category. Thanks for proving my point.

[billysunerson]

@beaufordslyone Christ said He was the way, truth, and life, and no man comes to God but by Him, and He established a church to that end. Some things are true whether you want to believe them or not, whether they offend your sensibilities, or aren't p.c. We don't base our doctrine on opinions, but on God's will. You can have your opinions, but if they don't conform to actual truth, then they're ultimately meaningless. This topic is, of course, moot without you believing in revelation though.

[slackthat3]

@beaufordslyone - Wow, the hypocrisy is so think I could cut it with a knife.  I got an idea, let's rant about a religion and it's lies with lies for facts.

[beaufordslyone]

@slackthat3

"The fifteen men really do know, and they really care. And they realize that maybe since Kirtland, we never have had a period of, I’ll call it apostasy, like we’re having right now; largely over these issues." -- Elder Marlin Jensen, LDS Church Historian, 2011

The lies regarding the church's founding are being found out by the membership and folks are leaving in droves. Please read Mormonthink to find the truth.

[pekipeki92]

@beaufordslyone Wow where did you get all this false information from

[beaufordslyone]

@pekipeki92 Please indicate what you feel is false so I can provide you with the information supporting my claims.

[Sstarr77]

@beaufordslyone Do you have any sources for your opinion? Any proof that its a lie? I'm not saying that since there is no proof it is wrong, that that makes it right, but seriously, I would like to know what sources you have of this accusation.

[beaufordslyone]

@Sstarr77

Please take a look at the research by Simon Southerton regarding DNA and the American Indian.

Please also take a look at the research on the book of Abraham. We have the papyrus today that was used to translate this book.

Do a search on the Kinderhook plates.

Mormonthink is a great resource for many of these issues. It's written by members of the LDS church and is well documented. I'm limited on youtube to small responses.

[Sstarr77]

@beaufordslyone which of my comments are you replying to? and are you against or agreeing with me?

[beaufordslyone]

@Sstarr77

You asked if I have any sources for my opinion. You asked if there is any proof of a lie. I'm telling you that there are reams of historical documentation provided by the Mormon church and we have modern science that highlights the anachronisms in the Book of Mormon.

[Sstarr77]

@beaufordslyone sorry, just realized you username

[beaufordslyone]

@Sstarr77

The MormonThink website has complete citations from the History of the Church, newspaper articles at the time, personal journals of individuals involved, letters written by various founders and followers of that time, just to name a few. It's fully documented with citations clearly indicating the origin of the information. It fairly presents all sides of the issues.

[nateyoungvona]

@beaufordslyone The irrefutable point of this video is that someone could easily make the same argument about the founders of Christianity or any religious leader for that matter. How do you PROVE that Christ was not a liar, that Old/New Testament prophets or scribes were not liars? That Muhammad is not a liar..You don't. Followers base their belief on faith, and the sound logic of Prager is that a person's faith in doctrine shouldn't matter in an election-values yes, but doctrine? of course not

[CorbinAllred]

@beaufordslyone You're are hilarious. You just watched this video and your are EXACTLY like the caller. You ARE the caller. So let's say I'm an Atheist and I'm supposed to be voting for president. Every candidate is a CHRISTIAN. (Am I seriously repeating this right now?) How in the world could I trust a CHRISTIAN to be in office since they believe in a GOD that came to earth, died, resurrected, and saved EVERYBODY? Can't they see it's a farce? --- This is YOU. Seriously...NO PERSPECTIVE.

[beaufordslyone]

@CorbinAllred

Here's a perspective. I wouldn't vote for a follower of Scientology or David Koresh. The same is true of most Americans. Like it or not, Mormonism is viewed as an extremist religion. They've earned the title by involving themselves in the political process (Prop 8) and by the failure to repudiate their former racist doctrine. A vote for Mitt Romney in the primary is a vote for Obama. The flood of media exposure for LDS inc. is just starting.

[jensonmp]

@beaufordslyone Mormons are an extremist religion because they involve themselves in the political process? What kind of nonsense is that? If I recall correctly, the Catholic church was also involved in Prop 8. Are they an "extremist religion" as well? The vast majority of Christian churches had formal segregation in place before the civil rights movement as well. If you want to consider the Mormon church extremist, fine. But at least use legitimate examples.

[beaufordslyone]

@jensonmp

Mormons are an extremist group for a number of reasons. Their stance on gays is only one aspect of extremism. I'd say that their racist doctrines that have never been repudiated is another perfect example of extremism. I'd also point you to the ERA amendment as another example of Mormon extremism. You can't expect Americans to respect a religion that declares that all other religions are an "abomination" in the site of God.

[jensonmp]

@beaufordslyone Every example you just used applies to several Christian religions besides Mormonism. Unless you are willing to state that the Catholic church and the Evangelical religious movement are both "extremist" groups, you still have no ground to stand on. As for the "abominable" comment, how is that unique to Mormons? Do you recall the flak that Kennedy got from Christians for being Catholic? Or the blatant anti-semitism espoused by Christians and Catholics for hundreds of years?

[beaufordslyone]

@jensonmp

You may not know this but Catholics will accept any Christian baptism. Almost all Christian faiths will accept the baptism of other Christian faiths. The Mormon church differs in that they accept nothing from other churches. They consider all other churches to be an "abomination". How can you argue that this is not extremism? Mormons also prohibit non-Mormon family members from attending weddings. Can you name a single Christian denomination that does this?

[jensonmp]

@beaufordslyone You know, when you start defining "extremism" as "anything I disagree with," arguments become pretty pointless. The Mormon church has historically had plenty of good things to say about other religions. I could dig up Christian anti-Catholic quotes galore, or Catholic anti-Christian quotes galore. Why is this such a focal point for you? To turn back your own example, why won't Christians accept Catholic baptisms? How intolerant and "extremist" of them.

[beaufordslyone]

@jensonmp

You're spinning the point. Mormons believe that all other religions are an abomination. They believe that God told Joseph Smith that all other religions are an "abomination" in his site. Show me one other mainstream religion holds this extremist view. Respect can be paid were respect is given. How do expect the vast majority of Americans to accept Mitt's religion when his religion preaches that their religion is abhorred by God. Show me the LDS repudiation of this statement.

[pringa45]

@beaufordslyone totally stupid and wrong. On all those things you mentioned the Mormons did not stand alone on.

[beaufordslyone]

@pringa45

What other religion was fined by California's Fair Political Practices Commission for their involvement in proposition 8? If the LDS church wasn't alone, why weren't any other religious groups fined? I'm sure it was Satan influencing the hearts and minds against the one true religion on earth. Why do you think this California commission singled out the LDS church?

[Michaelsampson85]

It just seems sad that people are so caught up in things like this. The separation of church and state if its respected will ensure that Catholic, Mormon (LDS), Muslim, Jew, or whatever even if they could take 2 sections of the 3 checks and balances cannot pass laws that enforce religious factors. Its not like the president makes the laws and we have to live with them. He's one part of a big machine, and religion isn't supposed to be in that machine. This guy gets that, and a I appreciate that.

[Michaelsampson85]

Wow, that is awesome! Don't know if I share his opinion of Mormons but don't disagree with it either. I have to say thank you! thank you! thank you! Religion plays way to much role in the elections lately nice to hear someone from the media saying something intelligent. I will be listening to this guy from now on!

[andyottito1]

@Michaelsampson85 - Yeah, I like his point. Who cares what theology the Mormons have? They're hard working people with good morals. Even if they have strange views, Christianity and Bible stories must seem really strange to any atheist or non-Christian. I'm glad you liked it. I'll be posting these Prager videos on an almost daily basis.

[pmgmsd]

Not familiar with the gentleman, but I saw this posted on Facebook, checked it out, and am thoroughly pleased. This man has my respect and I am interested in learning more about what he has to say on other topics

[andyottito1]

@pmgmsd

Good to hear! I first listened to Dennis Prager months ago and he has really changed the way I think about things. Great, intellectual, conservative talk radio that covers ALL ranges of topics.

[midgetsmommy]

Mormons do not believe God had sex with Mary

Mormons (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints) do believe we are literally children of our Heavenly Father and that he wants us to be like him. In every way. That we are not just a creation here to worship him or burn in hell.

[yuxiaobi]

@midgetsmommy actually, we do believe that Jesus was conceived in the same way as any other man is. Now, true this seems frightening to many people, but we believe in a lot of things that are not mainstream. As a Mormon myself, I think it's a shame that we are so interested in proving we are the same as mainstream Christianity and spend so much time 'sanitizing' our history and our theology. We should embrace our uniqueness and that we are a 'peculiar people'. Anyway, that's my two bits.

[midgetsmommy]

@yuxiaobi Mary was a virgin and was still a virgin when she had the Christ child. I have been an active member of the Church since 1975 and we have never been taught that. I believe you do not know your own Church's doctrine or you are a Mormon impersonator.

[mpalm887]

@yuxiaobi Yes we believe that God works through natural law and can infer that Jesus was conceived by the fusion of his genetic material with the virgin Mary's...but that does not imply that God came down and had intercourse with her. This has never been mormon doctrine. My sister recently conceived by invitro, do we think the God of the universe not capable of that task? The New Testament makes it clear and is the extent of our canon on the issue: "the holy ghost shall come upon thee"

[Coachopie]

@yuxiaobi We? I think you need to sanitize your false doctrine before posting it using words like "We". That's MY two bits.