There has been a recent storm of questions culled from anti-Mormon websites which have been generally directed towards Porter and I regarding LDS beliefs. We have made every effort to reply to these questions (at times missing one or two here and there)treating the purveyors thereof with enough respect, even though we consider the large majority of the questions to be baseless, to respond in detail to them. In response, we have received little. There are at least two posters who have displayed a desire to continue interaction after our responses but the greater majority have merely refused further interaction or remained silent. So, in the straightforward and abbreviatedmanner in which I was asked to reply to the initial questions which first drew the attention of my first post, I ask one question:
Is there anyone here truly interested in having a serious discussion regarding your concerns and difficulties with LDS Christianity?
By 'serious discussion' I mean willing to both present and to defend your objections providing rational argument and support for your position and a willignness to discuss alternatives thereto? I am. I will be more than willing to consider any rational argument against LDS Christianity seriously and will indeed accept viable alternatives thereto.
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"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith." (D&C 88:118)
I had one question of my own I never saw addressed, and another that I found very interesting that was given a "maybe, maybe not" type answer.
My questions was: Where do we find any referance or proof in the Bible that whensomeone dies they become an angel?
The other one that caught my interest was the proof by DNA testing that American Indians are by no means of Jewish decent. The answer given was the tests were inconclusive. People have been sent to death row based on DNA testing, and others have been released from prison due to the same. I don't think it's junk science or a roll of the dice. Unlike many of the "theories" that from time to time are shoved down our throats as if they were fact, it seems that DNA science is indeed conclusive.
I would like to add something else, before any answers are given.Mahonri, it's obvious you have a tremendous vocabulary. That is admirable, but the average person doesn't care to have a discussion with someone where they have to keep a dictionary handy to understand what you are saying. I've talked with people like this, even heard religiousspeakers like this, and they generally fall into two categories: those who are so educated they lack the skill to talk on a normal level; and those that seem to strongly believe in the old addage "Dazzle them with brilliance, or baffle them with bull". I don'tknow which of these you fall into, maybe neither, maybe a little of both, but I guarantee you that is why you don't get much response. Talking over everyone's head, whether purposely or not, is just going to turn folks away. When you referred to your addition to God's word as a "virtuous qualifier", I was very turned off, and it gave me a strong opinion of which category I'd place you in.
There's also been a lot of referance to the works and writings of men. I don't care who they are, I don't care if they have been referred to as "saints" by this or that group. Speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where the Bible is silent. The words and works of men do not mean a thing to me if they are in conflict with the word of God. I do not consider the book of Mormon, the pearl, or any book other than the Bible to be the word of God.
Finally, you cannot justify a practice today by what was practiced under the Old Law. That law was specifically for the Israelites, and was fullfilled when Christ arose. That's why the books on Christ's teachings are referred to as the NEW Testament. When an testament is fulfilled, it is therefore null and void.When someone dies, their last will and testament is carried out, and is then no longer binding. What it said may be referred back to for example, but it holds no authority. The same applies with the Bible. Christ fulfilled the Old Law, and His New Law is in effect.
If you can defend your statements and practices using the New Testament Bible, and speak in a manner that is accurate and understandable to most everyone, I'll be happy to discuss any topic you wish to post.
Chad
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"We can have no '50-50' allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all."-- Theodore Roosevelt
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Ecclesiasties 10:2
The last four letters in American..........I Can
The last four letters in Republican........I Can
The last four letters in Democrats.........Rats
LBR,
I would love to discuss the DNA issue with you. Do you have any background in biological science to have this discussion. When you see me use the title Dr, it's not honorary. I am a Chiropractor. I have study enough about DNA to be dangerous (about the same as a MD). Do you know the difference between mtDNA and Ychromosomal DNA? This is basic to the discussion. If you quote Murphy, remember he didn't until 2 years ago so he is lacking in this arena. Let me know if we can have a discussion. The last person I discussed this with didn't know the difference so when I would make a point to refute what was being stated he couldn't understand. I would rather discuss training a dog or what cartridge to use to dump a black bear but this subject is very near and dear to my heart.
There has been a recent storm of questions culled from anti-Mormon websites which have been generally directed towards Porter and I regarding LDS beliefs.
I hope you're not attempting to paint us with a broad brush. I know that I haven't visited any anti-Mormon websites at all and, judging from the way most of my fellow Christian brothers phrased their questions, they thought out their questions as well.
I couldn't agree more with LBR's assessment of why you aren't getting as much response as you would like. Start talking like a normal person and maybe you'll get a better response. I know which categorie I would put you in and I suspect it's the same as most of us.
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Today' s small bucks are tomorrow' s trophies.
[image]http://www.whitetails.com/deer8.html[image]
DFG, no I don't have any formal science background. I am curious to know if there has or has not been any verified, independant studies done on the subject though. I don't care to get into another "maybe, maybe not" type discussion, as it gets us nowhere. The (to my knowedge) complete lack of any type of archeologial findspiques my interest also.
Chad
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"We can have no '50-50' allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all."-- Theodore Roosevelt
A wise man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left. Ecclesiasties 10:2
The last four letters in American..........I Can
The last four letters in Republican........I Can
The last four letters in Democrats.........Rats
Is there anyone here truly interested in having a serious discussion regarding your concerns and difficulties with LDS Christianity?
Quote:
to answer your question mm, i am not the least bit interested in what you have to say..
You cannot have a serious discussion with you because you make up what you want to believe. No, the answer is not interested in hearing what you dream up each night before you get on here.
Mohonri I would like to have a serous discussion with you about "Why" a person should/shouldn't believe or accept the LDS teachings.
I would like to approach the subject from a different angle though.
As you can see by the time-stamp on this post though the hour is late, we had two bolts of lightening hit the transformer that our generators use and I have not much more than walked in the door.
We still have one generator that is down so it maybe Monday before I get a chance to post back. I will know more tomorrow after the test equipment arrives.
Post back on this thread or maybe start one " Is belief in the LDS teachings reasonable?" or something along those lines.
Thanks
Mr-Pirk
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A proud owner of a Flying Vee. Bestowed by the fine Gentleman VC1111 himself.
Excellent Mr Pirk, This was the only question that I really had ( What would be the selling point for a christian of a mainstream denomination ?) I never recieved a reply. Stuff like " Why should I believe in the writings of J Smith, or any other so called modern day prophet?" or " Why should I not believe that the Bible is not complete in itself? Why should I believe that the Book of Mormon or thePearl of Great price is valid and completes the Bible?
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Yes or No; Interested or Not?
