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I was just looking at your beliefspages . . . first, let me compliment you for doing this. There are very few avenues for non-Mormons to ask serious questions regarding the Mormon faith, and get even a semi-accurate answer. Lets face it your average missionary, especially the ones assigned domestically outside of major metropolises, is not very theologically sophisticated. Few 18 year olds are, of any faith. I also give you full credit for answering so many repetitive variations on the same basic questions eternal progression, plural marriage, heavenly mother, the Mormon view of Jesus Christ, etc.
But.(you knew there was a but, right?) it seems to me your purpose would be better served by answering most questions in a more straightforward manner. A lot of the time, especially dealing with the touchysubjects (becoming a god, polygamy, etc.) you answer a different question than what is actually asked. Or, you state that the answer is too complicated, and suggest a personal contact. Which is great, in its way, but the answers arent really that difficult most people would be very satisfied, I think, with Yes. God was once a man, and men may become Gods if they act and live appropriatelyor Polygamy was advocated by the early church, but the practice was banned in the 1890s. There is debate over how widespread it was at the time. I really think the LDS church would be better served by just publishing a comprehensive, systematic theology rather than its current apparent tack of minimizing differences with Christianity as much as possible. While Mormonism includes some beliefs that most Americans would find a bit wacky,it is precisely those wackybeliefs which are the core of the religion, and which define the faith. To put it bluntly, people dont get interested in Mormonism despite its differences from otherChristian churches, they get interested because of those differences. You should own up to them and explain them clearly.
Two other random thoughts, before I get back to work.
First, in one answer you say Isnt it interesting that you cannot go onto the web and find any kind of anti-Catholic, anti-Pentecostal, anti-Baptist, or anti-Lutheran material, but theres all kinds of stuff that is "anti-Mormon." Thats just plain wrong, and I think you know it. In particular, there is plenty of anti-Catholic stuff in cyberspace. I can provide quite a few examples if you would like. Second, while there is relatively little anti- material aimed at individual Protestant sects, there is a lot of generally anti-Christian material. Mormonism gets extra anti- material because (1) it is not Christian, in the sense recognized by any other Christian church, (2) it actively seeks converts, and action generates re-action, (3) it has the fortune, or misfortune, to have arisen in very recent history, right here in the USA. There is abundant documentary evidence to argue about connected to the origin and development of Mormonism, and (4), there is just the simple fact that Joseph Smith, Jr. and Brigham Young both made some pretty colossal blunders, mistakes, and inappropriate comments. Primary examples being the Book of Abraham, or the whole issue of blood atonement(regardless of your interpretation of his intent in doing so, and his complicity in the bloodshed that followed, you have to admit Mr. Young used some pretty unfortunate rhetoric).
Second, and on a much more random note, have you ever given any thought to the significant similarities between Mormon theology and some branches of Buddhist cosmology? In particular, the idea of pure landshas some really interesting similarities . . . just a thought.
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Thank you for you interesting comments. I just do the best I can to answer the questions as thoroughly as possible. I believe that the truth today is the same as yesterday and forever. I think it is important to support my answers scripturally and logically as best I can. The real source of divine truth ,of course, is spiritual and can be obtained from God himself. That is the reason I often refer to the scriptures that suggest that "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed." ( James 1:5 - 6) There are a number of scriptures that emphasize that divine truth may not be comprehended by the intellect of men but revealed to the honest seeker by the power of the Holy Ghost (see 1 Corinthians 2:9-14 and John 14:15-17;26 and 2 Peter 20-21)
I hope people become interested in Mormonism because they are seeking the truth and ultimately want to follow Jesus Christ. That is the stated mission of the Church: To Bring Souls Unto Christ. That is why, I believe, the Lord himself restored The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the latter days sending missionaries throughout the earth to make the invitation.
As our faith is based on the gospel of Jesus Christ, any similarities taught by Buddah was likely because the true gospel was taught on the earth way before his time. It was revealed to Adam, Noah, Abraham, and even Moses before the Lord withdrew the gospel and gave the Children of Israel the Law of Moses, a lesser law, to prepare them for the higher laws of the Gospel. All of the man-made religions on the earth were formed after the true gospel was taught to Adam and these other prophets of God. It is not any mystery to me, therefore, as to why there are threads of similarities. Our Heavenly Father created this earth and all that is in it through his Son, Jesus Christ (see Hebrews 1:1-3 and John 1:1-14) and the gospel plan was prepared from the beginning. There are, for example, over 1,000 Christian Churches today which represent different versions or interpretations of what was once the pure gospel that even the Lord said that the Father told him to teach (John 7:16).
There I go again, using scriptures to state my point. I can't help it. :)
Sincerely,
Donny Osmond
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