Today, A Mormon Speaks

I've debated internally whether to post this blog entry. After some consideration I roll the dice.

Before I begin I need to make something perfectly clear. This blog is MY space on the web. I have gone to great lengths to make sure this blog has never been hosted on KTAR owned servers. Most of the time I speak my personal views as an employee of KTAR. But, today I speak as Russ Hill, the individual. I venture into a very personal space. This has nothing at all to do with KTAR. It contains my views on a major story in the current news cycle.

I am a Mormon.

Normally that doesn't matter.

But, according to Google tonight there are more than 6,032 articles in the media that have been uploaded to news sites in the last 24 hours dealing with my faith. Almost all of them have to do with a man named Mitt Romney.

As you know Romney is scheduled to deliver what his campaign bills as a major speech on faith in America this Thursday. The speech will get massive media attention. Unfortunately, I don't think Mr. Romney will say what America wants to hear and what Mormons like me want him to say.

If I were typing the speech tonight, I would make this the opening line:

"Americans, What the crap are you smoking?"

Okay, maybe it wouldn't be quite that blunt. But, I wish Romney would utilize his biggest moment yet in the media spotlight to talk plainly with the American people about the faith he and I share.

Tonight, newspapers across America are printing articles with references to my religion as a cult. Don't believe me? Check out this one. Or, maybe this one.

Cults wear trench coats, hide in caves, and sit around pots of steaming brew while plotting mysterious acts of destruction. I put on a suit and go to church on Sundays in a fully lit building where the doors are unlocked and the services are open to anyone.

I wonder in amazement at all the polling data that claims to reveal what my neighbors, peers, and fellow citizens think of people like me who belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. NBC News says their poll shows 62% of Americans don't think America is ready for a Mormon President. More than 3 in 10 Americans say they would never vote for a Mormon candidate.

And, in a new scientific survey from Vanderbilt University today, researchers found Mormons are the subject of more bias than blacks in America.

It's clear to me one of two things is happening. Either Americans think Mormons are complete freaks or most Americans don't know anything about Mormonism. I prefer to think it's the latter (maybe wishful thinking).

I wish Romney would help clarify this confusion about the LDS faith. He might appear genuine for once. Instead his advisers are making it clear he's going to do the politically correct thing. Here's what I wish he would say:

Mormons have one wife. Just like all Christians (read the Bible) there was a time when it was different, but not anymore. The LDS Church ended the practice in 1890. Enough already.

Mormons believe in Jesus Christ. If a person's name is in a church's name it might be a clue those people worship that individual. Mormons belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe Christ was born to Mary, lived a sinless life, suffered for all mankind's sins, and rose from the tomb on the third day. We worship him as the King of Kings. We put up Christmas trees and read Luke Chapter 2. Sound familiar?

Mormons live by a health code. It's true we don't drink coffee, tea, or alcohol. We don't mess with tobacco or illegal drugs. (I think some energy drinks should be added. That's a joke.) Without getting too doctrinal on you, Mormons believe God gave us our bodies and cares what we do with them. Thus, some general guidelines on health were provided. (Thank goodness God didn't become preoccupied with the whole Super Size concept.)

We also believe life isn't an accident. Yes, it's kinda cool we all showed up on this little blue ball called Earth. We happen to believe it's all part of a grand plan and that we're here to be tested. There have been instructions given (scriptures). Examples have been provided (prophets). Mormons believe in revelation. That means individuals can pray to God and He could actually answer. I'm not talking tablets here. But, rather parents kneeling beside a bed asking God to help them know how to best raise their children. We don't believe angels will likely appear but rather impressions will come in quiet moments.

Mormons believe the Bible isn't the only book of scripture in the history of the earth. We believe in the Old and New Testaments and in another record we believe was written at the same time in this hemisphere. We believe there might be other records of additional civilizations out there that haven't yet been discovered.

We believe in modern day prophets. Mormons think God didn't become distracted or lose interest in mankind after Moses, Noah, and Paul.

Mormons believe that there is life after death. We believe family relationships are eternal. You won't hear "till death do you part" at a Mormon wedding. We believe after this life all people will be judged in two main areas: obedience to God's commands, and service to others. We believe God's laws generally don't change and that societal trends shouldn't be the basis of one's decisions of appropriate conduct.

On the subject of service to others, Mormon Sunday services are dominated by discussion of the need to spend more time with our children, contribute more of our time helping those in our community, and giving more of our substance to those without. Christ's teachings are the focus. Sorry to say, but unlike the "cult" label might suggest, we don't sacrifice animals, although I've suggested something involving cats.

You might not know Mormons have their own welfare system. We do not believe government should be our safety net. Rather, we believe we should help each other. If a Mormon is working hard and can not afford groceries, they are provided. If a Mormon temporarily loses his/her job a check is immediately written to pay that month's mortgage if the rainy day funds we are urged to save are not sufficient. Mormons donate time each year at farms, canning facilities, charity stores, etc to help build up a global network of regional storehouses. When hurricanes or disasters hit, more than Mormons benefit from these facilities. The staffs at these places are not paid. The staff is us: the members of the LDS Church.

Mormons don't believe in paid clergy. All of us donate time each week to help run this little religion we believe in. We are all equals. One year you might be asked to help teach 8 year olds on Sunday. The next year you might be leading the entire congregation as bishop. I currently spend about 4-6 hours a week working with teenage boys. This individual service keeps the religion running and is incredibly rewarding as well.

I could go on. But, I think I've done enough damage already for the boys on bikes.

You'll have to forgive me and a whole lot of other Mormons who might be a little testy when it comes to being characterized as members of a "cult" or something other than Christian. Mormons tend to be sensitive to their public image. Our faith has been the target of suspicion for generations. As some of you might know, our ancestors once suffered greatly as they tried to escape religious bigotry in this country. My relatives were among those who walked 1300 miles from the midwest to the barren Salt Lake Valley simply to save their lives in a country that had promised religious tolerance and freedom.

You might be aware that Mormons are the only religious group to have ever had an executive order signed by an elected official in the United States authorizing their murder. Do a Google search on Missouri Executive Order #44. It was signed in 1838 by Governor Boggs and stated, "The Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the state, if necessary, for the public good. " Salt Lake City isn't the home of the Mormon Church because Mormons love mountains. It's because our ancestors carried their families across this country on barefeet until they found a place isolated enough where they felt their lives were relatively safe.

These are the things I wish Mitt Romney would say on Thursday. This is the story America needs to know. It should be told not to seek converts or sympathy.

It should be told because while Mormons are definitely a peculiar people, they aren't a cult.

Comments

[Amy Higgins]

Dear Docmandingo,
I heard once that one of the reasons why Joseph Smith was tarred and feathered was because he did not allow any slavery in the community of those that followed the teachings. I don't know if this is true or not, but I was alive in the 1970's and white people of every church were still extremely prejudice against blacks. Most humans are slow learners you know. I am neutral about religion, but believe that the more I know, the more I realize I don't know. Each of us has every right to choose our path, but when we start throwing rocks at others, it's time to remove the beams from our eyes. I hate all this judgemental crap. Get over it and love eachother. Hasn't raising teenagers taught those people anything???

[clay jacoby]

I have been a resident of Tempe since 74'--listened to KTAR for about 30 years.Now,I do not-when you started with Tony Snow in the am I stopped.Now, you have Darrell A.-Glenn Beck and their "right-wing" always right opinion--no pun intended. I stopped listening to CNN afternoon when Glenn Beck was on- his over-the-top always right of center, holier than tho comments are very predidtable.Do you have new LDS ownership the past few years?I am a veteran, but we had to endure why G.Bush- & 'draft-dodger D.Cheney were in office ,were always on target and were great leaders.!!??? We all know that was a joke.(Cheny with 5 deferrments and his intimate love of 'Big Oil)
Some how Dick Cheney telling us we were not Patriotic if we did not support the Unnecessary war in Iraq got to me.I served 64-66 and can think on my own--I don'tneed Rush L.,Newt G. and Dick Armey thinkers tell me what to do.We always know now your station will tell us how bad gay marriage is and how great the right-wing evangelicals beliefs are so patriotic.J.Falwell,James Dobson & Pat Robertson lovers I do not need .Thanks,C.Jacoby

[Brian]

I won't vote for Romney, not because he's a Mor(m)on, but because I simply don't trust his political record. He's nothing but a chameleon.

Personally I find Mormonism itself a hilarious denial of the obvious and an interesting look into the psychology of group denial that is simply enouraged by the needs of man for to belong to community over simple fact.

[Cynical Cynic]

Sorry, but I am one of those who is of the belief that ALL religions are cults. Yes, I do NOT believe in religion. I believe in Jesus Christ, our saviour. I am a Christian. That's it. Period. There is no quirky, quacky, cult-like religious rules and regulations involved here at all. I can drink coffee and even a beer now and then. I can eat what I want and when I want. What I put into my body has absolutely nothing to do ... whatsosever ... with my faith in my God. It has nothing to do with my ability or my willingness to lend a helping hand to my fellow human in need. It has everything in the world to do with putting my life into the hands of my God. I let HIM lead me not into temptation. I let HIM lead me into doing what is right, not only for me, but for my children and my fellow man.

Leave your cult behind and you will have the opportunity to realize what being a Christian is really all about.

[Robert]

Unfortunately for the LDS church, Joseph Smith never forsaw the advent of DNA testing.

His man-made religion would have taken in many more converts had science not had the ability to PROVE that a tribe of "Lamanites" never came to the N. American continent.

It's very sad when YOU know more about someones religion than THEY do, but I've noticed this phenomenon repeatedly. Those nice young men on bicycles and white shirts? They often know VERY LITTLE about their (usually inherited) religion... the very religion that will eventually cause their eternal damnation.

They sure are CONSERVATIVE, though.

[KH]

Well, I see Mike R. has been reading his anti mormon literature. Good job! If you ever want to know the truth, ask one of those boys on the bikes. They will be happy to answer every topic you brought up in your post.

[Mike R]

Several things disturbing about the posting. Given your position at KTAR, in spite of your statement that this is your sole and distinct feeling and thoughts, you are still using the coat tails of KTAR and Bonneville to broadcast your feelings on your religion. On my screen, the KTAR logo is literally two inches from your statement of "This has nothing at all to do with KTAR." If you were not affiliated with either, you would not have the impact and audience. You are misusing your position to proselytize your faith. If your station were not OWNED by the Mormon Church, you would be chastised for this blatant preaching on a commercially affiliated site.

As for the Mormon faith, there are so many discrepancies that is would take pages to list them all. Your boys on the bikes do not talk about the plant Onan right up front. They do not tell you that YOUR Jesus was physically begat in heaven by God and one of his many millions if not billions of wives. They do not tell you that God was once a human mortal, and was elevated to God status, as were many other millions of God on other worlds. They do not tell you that yes, the Mormons DO believe that Jesus and Satan are in fact sexually begat brothers, and that the backlash on Mr. Huckabee was unwarranted. You are not told that not ONE settlement of Lamanites can be found on the North or South American continent by NON Mormon scholars. They were not here, they did not exist. They do not tell you of the discrepancies between the various printings of the Book of Mormon, nor the discrepancies between the Book of Mormon, the Pearl of Great Price, of Doctrines and Covenants. If the two 700 pound plates of gold existed, where are they? We can find tons of materials from the Egyptian, Babylonian, and other ancient societies. Yet not one scrap of a clay pot or chariot wheel of the society claimed by the Mormons can be found. Why?

Your faith was created by a man, much in the same sense of Jim Jones and Jonestown, and note that he did not wear trench coats, live in a cave, or sit around a pot of a brew. Instead his followers were clean cut outwardly moral people that followed the teachings of a self proclaimed "prophet." Your morality and devotion to family is fantastically commendable. I have see a friend in need benefit from your "in house" welfare system till she got back on her feet, and that could not help but think "that is so cool." The Mormon faith just does not stand up to an independent and unapologetic examination. You do not tell a potential convert up front many of the mind bending tenets of your faith, and that would tend to make many "cut and run" from the get go.

Here is a site with further reading and information. It goes in depth far better than I can.

http://www.mrm.org/topics/introductory-issues/were-christians-just-you Anyone with an open mind can see the truth.

[michael]

Oh the Irony!

I have relatives who are Mormon and I don’t think you can get more conservative (as well as good people). But the Irony is that the conservative voters won’t vote for the most conservative guy in the running due to the fact that what makes him conservative is Mormonism.

Oh the Irony!

Oh the turbulent mass of mankind and the structure of human society forever to be discontent, independent from God and his righteous rule.

So sad.

. . .Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.(Psalm 146:3)

“Those knowing your name will trust in you.”—PSALM 9:10.

Peace

[Carolyn]

Russ,
As an LDS person, I want to thank you for your comments. You did an excellent job of explaining some very complex doctrinal points in a concise, clear, non-offense manner. I've read some of the replies in this blog. It's sad that some people won't listen no matter what you say. They hear only what they want to hear. Hopefully there are others out there that will read your comments and gain a better perspective of who we really are.

[Carolyn]

Russ,
As an LDS person, I want to thank you for your comments. You did an excellent job of explaining some very complex doctrinal points in a concise, clear, non-offense manner. I've read some of the replies in this blog. It's sad that some people won't listen no matter what you say. They hear only what they want to hear. Hopefully there are others out there that will read your comments and gain a better perspective of who we really are.

[Extinct]

It never hurts to discover for yourself profound truth....salvation is no joke, its life and death!

[coexist]

...wow, so I made the mistake of reading through all the comments on this blog, particularly the most recent ones.

Maybe John could write something about not adding anything more to this blog.

[Les]

Jared.... again I must say that the sixty-six books of the Bible have coherence and considerable verifiable science, geography, archiology, anthropology, linguistics etc. to back them up. This does not exist with the Book of Momons which makes it hold as much water as a fairy tale. This is not a personal attack for I love all people, but merely an accepted scholarly fact. God says that He is unchanging and omnipotent (almighty, having unlimited power). Therefore if God be God, it would be inconsistent to include another book with an entirely new cast of characters, invented place names, etc. and place them in a text that has had over one thousand revisions. Again I must emphasize that the dates of writings are not important. It would make no sense for any other writings to exist beyond The Revelation of Jesus Christ (official title) because in terms of historical chronology, there can be nothing after the book about the end times....the end is the end. When the Bible speaks of adding or subtracting, it speaks about changing the inspired word of God, not about the fact that additional books were added to the canon of scripture after Moses. By the way, I quoted Deut. 4:2
in my previous post (ie. many Christians do know this verse).

[jared]

Missy and Les..

Les - I apologize for misspeaking. John wrote the book of Revelations, I am aware of that. As for accuracy of translation, I made no statement as to the accuracy of the Bible. I simply stated that the books of the Bible are not in chronological order. So, to say that we can have no scripture past the Book of Revelations does not make sense because Revelations was written prior to some other books in the Bible. Any Bible scholar should know this - it has nothing to do with the Book of Mormon.

Additionally, most christians who use John's writings in Revelations to discredit the Book of Mormon are unaware that Moses said essentially the same thing about adding to the word of God (Deut 4:2). Perhaps we should just through out all of the prophets' writings that came after the books of Moses.

I believe that both John and Moses were correct in saying that no man should add to the word of God. Fortunately, the Book of Mormon is the word of God, revealed through prophets just as real as John and Moses. The word of God is revealed through prohpets and is the word of God regardless of whether those prophets write it in a book or not.

Missy - The statements you quoted from the LDS Church's website are what Mormon's believe. You'll notice, however, that those statements are not inconsistent with the belief that Christ is the God of the Old Testament. As member of a 3-member Godhead (somewhat similar to your idea of a Trinity), God the Father, Jesus Christ, or even the Holy Ghost could accurately be referred to as God. That does not preclude them from being 3 separate and distinct persons. You, yourself, made a big deal about God being all powerful and being able to "ANYTHING." So, by your own reasoning, God could be 3 persons if he wanted to. You can't say that God is all powerful and then proceed to say what he cannot do. That doesn't make sense. You must admit, if God can do anything, He can be 3 persons. Those 3 persons work together as "one." I have no trouble referring to Christ as God, but he is not God the Father who sent his Son to earth to be our Saviour and redeem us from sin.

If you would like to have a more in depth discussion to see if Mormon beliefs can be reconciled with your own, I recommend you contact the LDS missionaries. I'm sure they would love to explain it all to you.

[Jarad]

you are missing the point about my comments on Jesus. I am not trying to get you to look at the God-head the way I do, I could evidence in the bible to support the 3 personages in the God-head and where they mention them as one being. But here is why I made the comments. We believe the same ideals that Jesus had and does bring to human kind. we will never agree on is existence as a God-head member, but we can come to a common ground on what he did for man kind and we can share in the responsibility of making this world a better place rather then bickering on who is right. We should be able to move past our differences and do as he asked to love one another. That is what all Christians (I include Mormons) are striving to do.

[Mia]

To Jared's comment that Mormons believe that Jesus is the God of the Old Testament; commenter Bill states, "We do believe that there are 3 people - God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost each as separate beings." The Mormon website states, "Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Under the direction of your Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ created the earth. ......... Heavenly Father loves you and wants you to return to live with Him when you die. This is only possible through the Savior Jesus Christ. If you follow His example as closely as possible, you will not only find joy in your life, but you will someday return to live with Him and your Father in Heaven." This tells me that Mormons do not believe that Jesus is God.

Thank you.

[Joe Jacari]

Take a look at how many posts are on this site and what action!

What freedom of speech!

If I were a talk show host on KTAR, the first topic I would cover is: Is Mormonism a cult!

Think of the thousands of calls! Think of the freedom of thought and speech.

Russ, you've got to let your hosts to do it.

Yeah! Don't be scared. Be bold and really show us that KTAR is for freedom of speech.

If it's a topic no one can cover, why are any talk show hosts with integrity even doing a show on KTAR?

I have a message to the talk show hosts of KTAR: if talk radio is about freedom of speech, and you feel compelled not to talk about Mormonism, then why even work at KTAR?

The money? Stand up like a man!

Any institution, like the Mormon Church, that propagates the Judeo-Christian message and stands up to the forces of left-wing, liberalism that are pushing gay marriage, euthanasia, abortion, etc., are targets in today's amoral world.

I'm a Catholic and would vote for Romney (Mormon) over a Giuliani (ostensible Catholic) simply if Romney would hold to his Mormon teachings against abortion, gay marriage, etc., since these amoral forces are tearing Western Civilization down.

So, in the moral and ethical realm of things, a good Mormon will beat a bad Catholic, and vice versa (other religions included).

And I'm a Traditional-minded Catholic.

Think about it!

[Les]

Jared...the date of the first printed "Bible" or manuscripts of the books within the Bible have nothing to do with the chronological historicity of the bible which is of far greater importance. Such historicity cannot be verified whatsoever by the Book of Mormons, not to mention geographical place names, characters, archiology, etc. As one of literally thousands of examples, four times the author of Revelation identifies himself as John (1:1, 4, 9, 22:8). Important second century witnesses to the Apostle John's authorship include Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Tertullian. Many of the book's original readers were alive during the lifetimes of Justin Martyr and Irenaeus...both of whom held to apostolic authorship. Secular linguists schooled in the ancient languages overwhelmingly translate the ordinary understanding of verse 22:18 of Revelation (as well as Deut. 4:2, 12:32, Prov. 30:6) as a warning against altering the biblical text. Anyone who tampers with the truth by attempting to falsify, mitigate, alter, or misinterpret it will incur the judgements described. Consider reading "Josephus: The Complete Works" from the first century Jewish historian Josephus Flavius which provides substantial first hand corroboration of the biblical record. Many are not aware of the fact that he was an eyewitness to Jesus, James, the Lord's brother and John the Baptist (Antiq. 18.3.1), (Antiq. 20.9.1) and (Antiq. 18.5.2). Josephus wrote about many events which he personally lived through during the time of the first century Christians as well as the political scene and culture!
As to the validity of the "modern day scriptures" consider reading about the Dead Sea Scrolls which contains a dated copy of the book of Isaiah (the largest book of the Bible) one thousand years older than the most recent manuscript to that date. The 2 copies were 97% identical (there were some spelling errors which in no way altered meaning). The scribes were professionals usually working for officials and Kings. I bet if you tried copying two thousand pages you would be at least 97% accurate.

[jared]

Missy - your argument of adding to the Bible is old news. A little tip for you about the Bible: it's books are not in chronological order. The Book of Revelations was written prior to several of the other books. Therefore, the reference about adding to and taking away could not possibly be referring to the Bible itself as we know it today. Especially since there was no "Bible" until several hundred years later when a bunch of men got together and decided which "holy" writings were worthy of inclusion. When Paul wrote that man should not add to the word of God, he meant that no man should dare say that his words are God's words when in fact they are not. If God wants to speak to prophets and command them to record those words, so be it. Don't tell God what he can and cannot do. The word of God is whatever God says it is, whether it's in the Bible or not.

[jared]

Bryan - Let me add to those who have already responded to you. I too apologize for how you were treated at the funeral and baptism. However, I am sorry to tell you that your "facts" and not right. There is no prohibition against non-Mormons at either ceremony. I served as a missionary for the Mormon church and used to invite non-Mormons to attend baptisms. I have been to a few interments and non-Mormons have been present at all of them. Please stop repeating your "facts" - they simply are not true. I am sorry.

Mia - In fact Mormons do believe that Jesus Christ is the God (capital G) of the Old Testament. I am sorry that you have been misinformed by someone claiming to know what they are talking about.

It really amazes me how bold people are in telling Mormons what they do and do not believe. I would NEVER presume to lecture anyone else on their faith.

[Les]

Sorry, accidentally posted twice.

[Missy]

Christians believe

1) Mary, the mother of Jesus, did not have
sexual relations with any human man. The
Creator of the Universe had no problem
making Mary pregnant.

2) Jesus Christ IS God

3) God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one.
Hard to believe? One can't believe that
God can do ANYTHING and then in his own
mind limit God's ability to be GOD,
Jesus and the Holy spirit as one.
Remember, God created the Universe. He
CAN do or be anything.

4) Jesus rose from the dead 3 days after
His crusifiction so He could send the
Holy Spirit to be with us here on
earth to guide and protect us.

5) The only thing one needs to "DO" to go
to heaven is: You must ask
the Lord for forgiveness, and accept
Jesus as your Savior. Jesus gives us
the desire to learn more about Him, do
more for others. Also we tell others how
to be saved and go to heaven. Simply
trust by faith that Jesus is the Savior
and ask forgiveness for the sins in your
life. Ask Him to enter your heart and he
will. It really is that simple. Your
name will be written in The Lamb's Book
of Life (the Lamb refers to Jesus).
Jesus will NEVER leave you. And He will
read your name from the Lamb's Book of
Life when you die and you will spend
eternity in heaven, a place that is more
wonderful than we are capable of
imagining.

6) True Christians never look beyond the
Bible for God's truth; NEVER.

To look toward the Book of Mormon as a testament to God's word is adding to the Bible. Read what the last book in the Bible(Revelation) says about adding to or taking away any words from the Bible:

Revelation: Chapter 22, Verse 18.

I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book; if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are written in this book.

Verse 19: and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.

All who believe in salvation through accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior know that the Bible and the Bible alone is Gods word, His truth. Glory and praise to our Father of the Bible and only the Bible alone. Amen

[Jarad]

Docmandingo you are a little off on your understanding. It seems you hold some ill will towards the church and are letting that show in your negative comments about the church. You speak of the reasons for not offering blacks the priesthood as if you have first hand knowledge of the reasons for the decision. You can speculate a best. Sure, I don't disagree that there are some interesting points in Mormon history what church doesn't have them. Here is the bottom line. Matt 7:16, 20 "by their fruits ye shall know them". The Mormon church as a whole does a lot of good. And strives to be like Christ. The same Christ any Christian believes in. Is each individual member perfect? No. To the poster who said their child's teacher favored Mormon kids above others. I apologize, but that is not Mormon doctrine. To the individual who was not allowed to attend a viewing of a member of a Mormon faith. I apologize to you as well and don't deny that could happen, but that is not the practice of the Mormon faith. Each member is not perfect, but we strive to be. There will always be misunderstandings and members who mess-up. We are all human, we make mistakes whether for ill intent or not, we do. But the church as a whole has done great good in the world. Helping the needy, the sick, the sufferers of disasters. The church gives loads of money back to the communities in which they reside. Soup kitchens, job services, relief efforts, education sponsors, schools, parks. This money comes from each member. This is not the characteristics of a cult. But a people trying to as the Lord has asked: "Be ye perfect, even as you Father which is in heaven is perfect". To those who don't believe in God, thats fine. Your choice, but has the church as a whole ever turned its helping hand away from any one individual because of their faith or non belief. No, and never will. Please at least you can do is show some tolerance towards my faith for I am just trying to raise my family and help my fellow man just like any other human, believer or not.

[Les]

Please read Dr. Walter Martin's "Kingdom of the Cults" and watch the movie "The God Makers" (Jeremiah Films) and then judge for yourselves. My own expertise in appologetics and having many ex-LDS concur has led me to discern that every cult is extremely disceiving and craftily disguised so that its own members will rarely accept the overwhelming scientific, historical, geographical, anthropological, linguistical and archiological evidence against. This evidence is necessary to validate accepted religions such as Judaism and Christianity.

[Les]

Please read Dr. Walter Martin's "Kingdom of the Cults" and watch the movie "The God Makers" (Jeremiah Films) and then judge for yourselves. My own expertise in appologetics and having many ex-LDS concur has led me to discern that every cult is extremely disceiving and craftily disguised so that its own members will rarely accept the overwhelming scientific, historical, geographical, anthropological, linguistical and archiological evidence against. This evidence is necessary to validate accepted religions such as Judaism and Christianity.