Ask a Mormon, Part 3

[Murky]

Why did the Church become so splintered? Why did some many branches fail? Were there a lot of false prophets? If so how do you know for sure which one to follow?

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Do you think it's alright to associate Mormonism with polygamy even though today, Mormonism doesn't accept polygamy?

Depends what you mean by "associate". it is, to be certain, a part of our history, and we don't deny it; on the other hand, it was only done by a minority of the members of the church, for a relatively small part of its total history.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Why did the Church become so splintered? Why did some many branches fail? Were there a lot of false prophets? If so how do you know for sure which one to follow?

About 96% of all people who call themselves part of the "Latter Day Saint" movement (ie who claim Joseph Smith as a prophet) belong to the LDS Church, so it isn't that splintered. And sure, there were a bunch of claimants who can be considered false prophets (although to one who doesn't believe in prophets, they all are anyways) but the way to find out which one is genuine is, as I said, to ask God.

 

[Ansar]

Depends what you mean by "associate". it is, to be certain, a part of our history, and we don't deny it; on the other hand, it was only done by a minority of the members of the church, for a relatively small part of its total history.

What I mean is: Does it bother you that most people immediately think of Mormonism when they hear the word Polygamy or when they think of a group that thinks it's all right?

 

[Murky]

What do you think about former members that are now criticial of the LDS and have even formed religious groups of their own?

Example: the Concerned Christians

Our sincere intent is to reach out to the Mormon people in a loving manner and to be in service to the Christian community by educating them about the deception of Mormonism and to equip them for service; that they might be an effective tool for God. We provide speakers for any size or age group. We produce written materials, books, videos, brochures and other printed and media materials. We provide a ready reference library of authorized Mormon books and literature. We have trained individuals to counsel, to help those leaving the Mormon church to find a Christian church that will give them a firm foundation in Christ and His Word. Since 1973 we have provided a weekly meeting with other ex-Mormons to help share the burden and trauma of leaving Mormonism and to equip them to walk with the biblical Christ.

 

[warpus]

Well, we believe that God is ultimately the one who decides who has seniority when, as He is the one who chooses who joins the Quorum at what time.

Ahh, okay.

So how exactly do the apostles for the Quorum get picked? I mean, what's the process?

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

What I mean is: Does it bother you that most people immediately think of Mormonism when they hear the word Polygamy or when they think of a group that thinks it's all right?

I think it is an error on their part, although it doesn't particular;y bother me.

What do you think about former members that are now criticial of the LDS and have even formed religious groups of their own?

I think they are, of course, in error; I also think that in many cases they give reasons for leaving the church that make no sense to me, such as claiming it contradicts the Bible, when they mean it contradicts a rather more fundamentalist and literalist view than I could ever accept. They often grossly exaggerate the "burden"; it isn't that hard to do, I've seen lots of people do it with far less fuss, they didn't need to form a support group.

 

[warpus]

What's the burden?

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Ahh, okay.

So how exactly do the apostles for the Quorum get picked? I mean, what's the process?

The current apostles pray about it, and then recieve an answer from God. I imagine they come up with possible candidates before then, on their own, but depend on divine confirmation.

What's the burden?

There is none, I was quoting from the website murky mentioned. They seem to think that leaving the LDS Church is a burden (and explicity say we aren't Christian, something else with which I take exception) which based on my experience is nonsensical.

 

[warpus]

The current apostles pray about it, and then recieve an answer from God. I imagine they come up with possible candidates before then, on their own, but depend on divine confirmation.

But in the end it's up to the president as to who is invited to join the Quorum and who isn't?

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

But in the end it's up to the president as to who is invited to join the Quorum and who isn't?

I think it is the decision of the entire Quorum. They all need to agree on it.

 

[warpus]

I think it is the decision of the entire Quorum. They all need to agree on it.

Are you concerned in any way that the selection of apostles might sometimes be political in nature - meaning that they are not chosen by God?

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Are you concerned in any way that the selection of apostles might sometimes be political in nature - meaning that they are not chosen by God?

Not really. They seem pretty certain about the fact that ultimately the process is directed by God, and that it is His choice. Of course, if it isn't, that would mean that all the claims the Church makes about being divinely guided, and all that, aren't true, and that the Church itself is not, in which case it doesn't really matetr who the apostles are anyways.

 

[warpus]

Not really. They seem pretty certain about the fact that ultimately the process is directed by God, and that it is His choice. Of course, if it isn't, that would mean that all the claims the Church makes about being divinely guided, and all that, aren't true, and that the Church itself is not, in which case it doesn't really matetr who the apostles are anyways.

Well, it could be partially directed by God, and parts of it could be political.

Another question. Do apostles have to be Mormon? Are there apostles in training? What pool of people are apostles selected from?

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Well, it could be partially directed by God, and parts of it could be political.

I think that under these circumstances it would have to be entirely directed by God, or not at all. Although I am sure He could take into account the feelings of the current apostles.

Another question. Do apostles have to be Mormon? Are there apostles in training? What pool of people are apostles selected from?[/QUOTE]

Apostles have to be baptized, Melchizedek priesthood holders; theoretically, any male over the age of 18 could qualify and thus be called. These days apostles have many years of experience in other levels of Church service, although previoulsy some have been called quite young. Also, they probably have to be married, although I am not certain on that one.

 

[warpus]

Apostles have to be baptized, Melchizedek priesthood holders; theoretically, any male over the age of 18 could qualify and thus be called. These days apostles have many years of experience in other levels of Church service, although previoulsy some have been called quite young. Also, they probably have to be married, although I am not certain on that one.

Are Mormons from other parts of the world ever considered, or is it usually people from Salt Lake City? Or Utah? The U.S.?

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Are Mormons from other parts of the world ever considered, or is it usually people from Salt Lake City? Or Utah? The U.S.?

In practice most are from Utah, although one of the newest is from Germany, and many of the current ones lived all over the US. I think that they are sort of a reflection of the demographics of the Church when they were born, not now; it will be a generation or so before those who are now recently joining the Church or born in other parts of the world in large numbers end up in major positions in the Church. Most members were either born in or moved to Utah until about 50 years ago, I think.

 

[Murky]

Thanks for the answers Eran.

I respect your beliefs but my current opinion is that I don't believe in Mormonism at all.

1. There is a lack of evidence regarding the claims made by the Book of Mormon (e.g pre-Columbian whites in North America)

2. The relgious leaders or "Prophets" have similar personalities as cult leaders. In my opinion, they are either conmen, confused kooks, insane or some combination thereof.

3. The teachings seem to contradict the teachings of the Bible. I'm not even sure that I totally believe in the bible now even though I grew-up a in Christian family that went to Church every Sunday. I think some Christian leaders are conmen and/or kooks too.

I'm not sure what to believe in anymore.

 

[Eran of Arcadia]

Thanks for the answers Eran.

It's what I do.

I respect your beliefs but my current opinion is that I don't believe in Mormonism at all.

That's fine. Most of the world doesn't, and even if we are the One True Church it doesn't mean no one is getting saved.

1. There is a lack of evidence regarding the claims made by the Book of Mormon (e.g pre-Columbian whites in North America)

I talked about this earlier; basically (short version), we say the book speaks for itself.

2. The relgious leaders or "Prophets" have similar personalities as cult leaders. In my opinion, they are either conmen, confused kooks, insane or some combination thereof.

How so?

3. The teachings seem to contradict the teachings of the Bible. I'm not even sure that I totally believe in the bible now even though I grew-up a in Christian family that went to Church every Sunday. I think some Christian leaders are conmen and/or kooks too.

I would disagree with that; of course, there are countless ways to view the Bible anyways.

I'm not sure what to believe in anymore.

If it's any consolation, a lot of people don't. Belief (whetehr in religion or ideology) is often a difficult thing.

 

[warpus]

In practice most are from Utah, although one of the newest is from Germany, and many of the current ones lived all over the US. I think that they are sort of a reflection of the demographics of the Church when they were born, not now; it will be a generation or so before those who are now recently joining the Church or born in other parts of the world in large numbers end up in major positions in the Church. Most members were either born in or moved to Utah until about 50 years ago, I think.

Hmm doesn't it seem strange that God would mostly want to send his messages through people from Utah, though?

I mean, I've got nothing against Utah, but why wouldn't God want to select prophets from various parts of the Earth, so that his message is better received?

Does your dogma somehow explain this?