NEWSWEEK COVER STORY: Mormons

by bboyneko 32 Replies latest jw friends

Preston

I read both articles in Newsweek about the Mormons. Here are some interesting points I got from them.
... next February, the world will come knocking on the doors of the Mormon Zion in Salt Lake City, host of the 2002 Winter Olympics. The city expects 1.5 million visitors altogether, including 9,000 journalists—plus the steady eyes of television cameras for two-and-a-half weeks. Some local commentators have already dubbed next year’s Games the “Mo-lympics” because the church and its puritan ethos so dominate the city Mormon pioneers created 150 years ago. (pg. 46)
Personally, I think they're overestimating the attention the Olympics will receive. It's been proven that viewership for the Olympics has been going down steadily for the past couple of years, and with good reason. WHY...you may ask? Well, let's see.....THE OLYMPICS ARE BOOORRRIIINNGGG!!!!! Personally, I can't see why I'd watch them anyway, although I'm a loyal watcher Men's Gymnastics whenever the Summer Olympics comes on television.
Not since the ancient Olympiads were held under the gaze of Zeus and his randy band of gods and goddesses have the Games been staged in a locale so thoroughly saturated by a single religion. Consider: Utah’s governor, two senators and three congressmen are Mormons. So are all the state’s Supreme Court justices and 80 percent of the state and federal judiciary, 90 percent of the state legislators and at least 85 percent of the mayors, county commissioners and local school officials. Business in Salt Lake is usually done the Mormon way or not at all. Anticipating unaccustomed scrutiny by international media, Gordon B. Hinckley, the church’s president and prophet, has promised not to exploit the Olympics to proselytize visitors. But Mormon leaders also regard the Games as a God-given opportunity to flash the many facets of their faith around the globe. “When it comes to doing stories about the history and culture of this place,” says Bruce Olson, director of the church’s 34-member Public Affairs Department, “that’s us.” (pg. 46)
*SHUDDER* Well, this proves it, the Mormons are taking over the fawking World, and there's nothing that you are I can can do about it! First Utah, then the World, Mwuah-hah-hah-hah (cue, mustache twirl). Gawd, it must super-suck living in Utah with the fawking Taliban (*OOPS!*), I mean, Mormons ruling everything. This comment says it all, they already have a monopoly on the state's history. They prefer to have a Theocracy in order so any competition from any outside religion is immediately squashed.
Mormons believe everyone is resurrected to one of three kingdoms based on their degrees of faithfulness.
ILLUSTRATION
a.) Celestial Kingdom - Married couples make spirit children, progress toward godhood.
b.) Terrestial Kingdom - Honorable heathens and imperfect Mormons live here.
c.) Telestial Kingdom - Mundane afterlife for grave sinners.
(pg. 46)
C'mon do they actually think that every homosexual, materialist, and fun lovin' criminal will have a mundane afterlife. YEAH, right. Sounds more like this is where the 24-hour party-people will be. If that's what it's going to be like than I can't wait to get to the Tele, whatsa, or whatever the hell it's called. I'll even redecorate the place! It's like that Far side cartoon ("Welcome to HELL, here's your Accordion!") In a side note, apparently, in order to seek God's favor you have to get married and have as many kids as possible. I swear, if there's one thing that pisses me off about Mormonism more than anything else, it's the constant emphasis on Marriage and having kids. Now that's what I call a "mundane afterlife" (BTW, that's just me).
...the church now insists it be regarded as a Christian church, albeit one with doctrines about God, salvation and the priesthood that differ radically from traditional Christianity.(pg. 48)
So? The Heaven's Gate cult regarded themselves as Christian. I bet that convinced a lot of people. Wait a minute...I guess it did!
...with Olympic fever heating up, the church’s hierarchy recently advised the media that the term Mormon Church is no longer acceptable. Henceforth, officials declared, short references to the church should read: “The Church of Jesus Christ.” In this way the church hopes to emphasize what Mormons share with historic Christianity, not what makes them different.
Hey, because of the Olympics, the Mormon religion has decided that the name Mormon is no longer acceptable! This reminds me of a C.O. I had once who told the congregation not to refer to themselves as Jehovah's Witnesses at the door unless asked, rather, we were "Bible students" engaged in a "volunteer work". It didn't fool anybody, and it won't fool what little audience the Mormons will have for their Olympic telecast. Actually, I think Church of Jesus Christ is a bit too deceptive as well, why don't they call themselves The Church of Intolerance, Misogyny, and Homophobia. Now, that's more like it....
“After a century of cultivating their separate identity as a religious people, Mormons now want to stress their affinities with traditional Christianity yet highlight their uniqueness.” Or as President Hinckley declared to Mike Wallace in a 1996 interview on “60 Minutes,” “We are not weird.” (pg. 48)
Isn't that a contradiction?!? They're Christians, but their beliefs are different from Christianity. Hmmm...all I can say is they're going to have a hell of a time convincing people that they're "not weird".
By far the most successful of America’s homegrown religions, Mormonism today cannot be understood apart from its early-19th-century roots. Like other Yankees, founder Joseph Smith (1805-1844) was obsessed by the Bible and distressed by the competing claims of rival Christian denominations. Along with many other unchurched Americans he longed to recover the pure, “primitive” faith of Christ’s apostles. At the age of 14 Smith had a vision in which, he later said, God the Father and Jesus appeared to him as bodily beings, telling him that none of the existing churches were true. (pg. 49)
Actually, I think this is encouraging news for any fourteen-year-old who wants to start their own religion: "You too can deceive millions of people to believe whatever the hell you tell them!!!" Jeez, people were less skeptical back then. Hmmmm...I guess very little has changed.
Fantastical as it seemed to scoffers like Mark Twain, the Book of Mormon—in diction straight out of the King James Version of the Bible—answered many questions that troubled religious seekers. It proclaimed that America was indeed the promised land, to which Christ would someday return to establish his millennial kingdom on earth. (Smith later identified places near Independence, Mo., as the locations of the primordial Garden of Eden and of Christ’s eventual Second Coming.) It explained the origin of American Indians—then still a puzzle to many Yankees—as lost tribes of Israel. (pg. 49)
People actually believe this crap? Hey, guess what?!? The Garden of Eden was in the Midwest. Yeah, and the Bible was written in English, Jesus' second coming will be in Oklahoma, and the Tower of Babel was in South Dakota.
“They believed, as we do now, that plural marriage is one of the experiences you should have to become like God, who has more than one wife himself,” says Salt Lake City author Anne Wilde, a plural wife and one of some 30,000 rogue Mormons who still practice polygamy." (pg. 50)
Wouldn't life be better without religion? Seriously, think about it. Damn, now I can't get that John Lennon song out of my head. Seriously though, I wonder what Gloria Stienam thinks about Mormonism?
Today Mormons have the only church structured like a corporation...(pg. 50)
Not the only one...OUCH!
Today almost every member of the Salt Lake hierarchy is a successful, politically conservative businessman—and white. The males-only priesthood was opened to blacks in 1978, after a special revelation, but the appeal of Mormonism to people of color is mainly among the less well-off.(pg. 50).
Interesting how this picture of Mormonism contradicts the one on the cover of Newsweek.
Compared with this eternal agenda, the coming of the Olympics to Salt Lake City is a brief diversion. Still, the media spotlight will be searching and intense. Good hosts the Mormons will be—to the point of tolerating more alcoholic consumption than allowed in normal times (following story). The church wants to see Salt Lake profit from the Games; it doesn’t want the blame if their hometown’s huge investment fails. But instead of missionaries asking questions on the streets, there’ll be reporters wondering what lies behind the church’s many veils. It could be Mormonism’s moment of truth. (pg. 51)
Moment of truth? How can truth hold any place within Mormonism? Thank you thank you (applause) yo've been such a lovely audience, I'd love to take you home with me...
GWEEDO

Lets take a look at the false prohecies of Joseph Smith
Take it away ED...
[url] http://www.saintsalive.com/mormonism/falseprophetjs.htm[/url]
sf

<
oops....hahahaha
looks like "prisoners of kults" getting their poster picture taken.
sKally
jelly

Hello All,
I have a unique perspective towards the Mormons for 2 reasons; (1) I grew up in a town that is predominately Mormon and (2) my sister and her entire family are Mormons. Coupled with the fact that I was briefly a JW, I feel I can offer a valid comparison of the two organizations.
Is the organization a cult?
No. I don’t feel that Mormonism is a cult for one major reason, lack of organized punishment. Jehovah’s witnesses use excommunication to control the rank and file; Mormonism on the other hand makes no attempt to punish individuals that do not toe the line. What this creates is a less oppressive environment, Mormons can have their own opinions, get an education, have friends that are non-mormons, watch rated R movies, disagree with their bishops without fear of being shunned by their own families.
Mormons are a little extreme, especially the closer you get to Utah. Mormons are slightly racist, especially the older Mormons. Mormons are not a cult.
In my opinion, looking into my crystal ball, Mormonism is today where Jehovah’s Witnesses will be in 30 years. Goofy looking, embarrassed of the skeletons in the closet, but attempting to become a mainstream religion.
Jelly
SusanHere

Hi, Jelly,
Pretty good posting. Two other things that set us apart...One you already alluded to...The concept that if people are given correct principles, they can be trusted to govern themselves. The other is that men (and women) are that they might have joy.
These two embody all that is Mormonism in its simple fundamental essence.
Thanks for clarifying that we are not a cult. It can't be said often enough.
Nice posting!
Susan
GWEEDO

Found this here: [url] http://www.exmormon.org/tract2.htm[/url]
YOUR LIFE AS A MORMON
If you should decide to become a member of the LDS church, you should be aware of what your life in the church will be like. Although you will find yourself warmly accepted by a lively community of healthy, active and generally supportive people, many of whom are very happy in Mormonism and could not imagine their lives without it, there is another side:
You will be continually reminded that to enter the highest degree of heaven (the "Celestial Kingdom"), you will have to go through the endowment ceremony in the temple and have your marriage to your Mormon spouse "sealed." (If your spouse is not Mormon, you cannot enter the highest degree of heaven.) To get permission to have these ceremonies performed in the temple, you must prove yourself to be a faithful and obedient member of the church and do everything commanded by the church authorities, from the Prophet down to the local level. You will have to undergo a personal "worthiness" interview with the local church authorities inquiring into your private life and your religious and social activities. NOTES
You will be expected to donate at least ten percent of your income to the church as tithing. Other donations will be expected as the need arises. You will never see an accounting of how this money is spent, or how much the church receives, or anything at all about its financial condition; the church keeps its finances secret, even from its members. NOTES
You will be expected to give up the use of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea. NOTES
You will be expected to fulfill any work assignment given to you. These assignments may be teaching positions, clerk positions, helping with various support tasks - any job that needs to be done. Each task you perform successfully will make you eligible for others, with more responsibility and more demands upon your time. The members who perform these jobs, even those involving sensitive pastoral counseling, receive no formal training whatsoever (there is no paid, trained clergy). You will be told that God has called you to your assignments. Many Mormons find most of their spare time taken up with church work, trying to fulfill the numerous assignments that have been given them.
You will be expected to be unquestioningly obedient to church authorities in whatever they might tell you to do. "Follow the Brethren" is the slogan, and it means to follow without doubt or question. Discussion of whether a decree from above is correct is discouraged. You will be expected to have faith that the leaders cannot possibly lead you astray. Even if they should tell you something which contradicts what a previous prophet may have said, you will be told "A living prophet takes precedence over a dead prophet." NOTES
You will be able to "vote" on those who have been called to positions of authority over you, but the voting will be by the show of hands in a public meeting. Only one candidate for each office will be voted on (the one "called by God"). The voting is therefore always unanimous in favor of the candidate.
You will be told not to read any material which is "not faith-promoting," that is, which may be critical or questioning of the church or its leaders, or which might place the church or its leaders in an unfavorable light.
You will be told not to associate with "apostates," that is, former Mormons. (You will be asked in your "worthiness" interview about this.) NOTES
If you are unmarried, you will be encouraged to marry a good Mormon as soon as possible. When you do marry, in a wedding ceremony in the temple, your non-Mormon family members and friends will not be allowed to attend the ceremony, because only "worthy" Mormons are allowed to enter the temple.
If you are homosexual, you will be pressured to abandon this "evil" aspect of your nature. If you do not, you will probably not be fully accepted by other church members. If you do not remain celibate, you may be excommunicated. NOTES
If you are a male over 12 years of age and "worthy" (that is, if you are obedient, attend meetings, do not masturbate NOTES, etc.), you will be ordained to one of the levels of priesthood, and, if you continue to be faithful and obedient, you will gradually advance through the priesthood ranks. If you are female, you will receive the benefits of priesthood authority only indirectly, through your Mormon father or your Mormon husband. The role of the Mormon woman is to be a wife and mother and to obey and honor her priest husband (or father). NOTES
If you prove yourself to be faithful, hard working and obedient, you will eventually be considered worthy to "receive your endowment" in a Mormon temple. You will not be told in advance exactly what to expect in this lengthy ceremony, except that the details of the ritual are secret (Mormons prefer to say they are just "sacred," but they treat them as though they are secret). As part of that ceremony you will be required to swear a number of oaths, the penalty for violation of which is no longer stated but until 1990 was death by various bloody methods, such as having your throat slit from ear to ear. You will be given the secret signs and passwords which are required to enter heaven. (Although most Mormons who have not received the endowment know very little about the ceremony, the entire liturgy is now available on the Internet to Mormon and non-Mormon alike.) After receiving the endowment you will be required to wear a special undergarment at all times. NOTES
If you should ever decide that you made a mistake in joining the church and then leave it, you will probably find (judging from the experiences of others who have done so) that many of your Mormon friends will abandon and shun you. If you are unable to convince your family members to leave the church with you, you will find that the church has broken up your family and your relationship with them may never recover. NOTES
Consider very carefully before you commit yourself, and remember that any doubts you may have now will likely only increase.
Examine carefully both sides of the Mormon story. Listen to the stories of those who have been through an unhappy Mormon experience, not just those Mormons who may speak glowingly of life in the church. NOTES
The Mormon missionaries are often charming and enthusiastic. They have an attractive story to tell. At first it sounds wonderful. But remember the old saying, "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!" Be careful not to fall into the trap of believing something simply because you want it to be true. Mormons may tell you that those who criticize the church are lying, misquoting and distorting. If you examine the sources used by the critics, however, you will discover that most of their source material is from official or semi-official Mormon writings. You, too, should examine those sources.
Is Mormonism a "cult"? Many experts on religious cults see in Mormonism the same fundamental characteristics as cults which have entrapped the unsuspecting, even though most people think of "cults" only as small, unknown groups. Use a "cult checklist" to evaluate Mormonism, or any group, before you commit yourself. NOTES
To get more information about the other side of Mormonism, or to see the evidence supporting any of our statements about the church, feel free to contact us. Our only aim is to make sure that you hear both sides. We promise not to preach at you, but only to provide you with facts to balance the Mormon story. Click here for the names and e-mail addresses of people to contact. Click here to read personal stories of people who have left Mormonism.
SusanHere

Hi, Winston,
How do I feel about polygamy? Is this a multiple choice question?
Basically, it exists around the world and pretty much always has. Many countries, many cultures, many religions. It existed according to God's word (if you believe the Bible) in Old Testament times. And according to God's word (if you were Mormon back then) in the 1800's. According to God's word today, and anciently, if you are of certain middle eastern religions. Certain African tribes practice/practiced it. Some of our American Indians did. (Please don't anyone say "which tribes/Africans/middle easterners". Do your own research. Definitely not hard to find.)
The topic cannot be adequately covered in one posting. Cannot even be adequately touched on in one posting.
Mormons haven't practiced it in over 100 years.
Did I hit on what you wanted to hear?
Susan
Naeblis

Mormons haven't practiced it because of politcal reasons, though I'm sure thy've given it a religous spin, like every politcal concession the JW's have had to make.
What a farce.
jelly

Hi ya Gweedo
Well I can offer you my perspective on Mormonism that covers a number of friends and family in three different congregations.
(1)
They do seem to have a great desire to get married in the temple. Most of them don’t however and when they do get married in their church non-Mormon family members do attend.
(2)
They do donate 10%.
(3)
Some do not give up coffee, and a large portion drink tea and alcohol. It depends on how Mormon you want to be. A very good point to bring up is that the ones that do drink tea, beer, or coffee will not be shunned or punished.
(4)
A great deal of their spare time is taken up with church activities, they can however refuse them due to time constraints. Mormons will get counseling if needed, they, unlike JW elders, realize there is a time people need professional help.
(5)
They can and do contradict the local clergy, remember no punishment. The Mormons hold a much looser hold over their members than the JW clergy does.
(6)
The do refuse to read apostate material, some however will.
(7)
Mormons are encouraged to marry other Mormons, preferably in the ‘temple’, however marrying ‘out of the faith’ is common and does not carry the stigma that it does in JW land.
(8)
Mormons are a male dominated, which is changing slowly. At the moment however that is a valid criticism.
(9)
They do have some goofy holdovers from their early days, like secret ceremonies, etc, etc.
(10)
I know Mormons that have left the church and they were not shunned or abandoned by their friends.
Another point to consider is that Mormon churches vary much more than kingdom halls. Jehovah’s witnesses have a very rigid and controlled society; Mormons on the other hand are much looser. As a consequence there exist a great deal of difference between Mormon churches in Utah and California. It is possible, maybe even probable, that Mormon churches in Utah resemble much more closely the traditional ‘cult’ where the California Mormons are more mainstream.
SusanHere

Hi, Jelly!
::::: APPLAUSE :::::::
GOOD JOB!
Susan

NEWSWEEK COVER STORY: Mormons

Share this