Ok, here's another one, PRODUCED IN ITS ENTIRETY FROM THIS LINK:
http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b3bc55cbf541229058520974e44916a0/?vgnextoid=637e1b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=d9eba41f6cc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
Please note this is from 1997, not too old then.
“Lesson 1: Joseph Smith and the First Vision,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants: Church History, (1997), 1
Purpose
To strengthen each child’s testimony that the Prophet Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.
Preparation
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1. Prayerfully study Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26 and the historical account given in this lesson. Then study the lesson and decide how you want to teach the children the scriptural and historical accounts. (See “Preparing Your Lessons,” pp. vi–vii, and “Teaching the Scriptural and Historical Accounts,” pp. vii–ix.)
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2. Select the discussion questions and enrichment activities that will involve the children and best help them achieve the purpose of the lesson.
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3. Prepare two empty containers, such as boxes or paper bags, that appear to contain something. Label each container with the words Choose Me!
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4. Materials needed:
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a. A Pearl of Great Price for each child.
o
b. Map of the New York–Ohio Area, found at the end of the lesson.
o
c. Picture 5-1, The Prophet Joseph Smith (Gospel Art Picture Kit 401; 62002); picture 5-3, Joseph Smith’s Family; picture 5-4, Joseph Smith Seeks Wisdom in the Bible (Gospel Art Picture Kit 402); picture 5-5, The Sacred Grove; picture 5-6, The First Vision (Gospel Art Picture Kit 403; 62470).
Suggested Lesson Development
Invite a child to give the opening prayer.
Attention Activity
******Ask a child to leave the room for a moment. Show the two containers to the rest of the class without letting them see inside. Divide the class into two groups and give each a container. Tell the children in each group that when the child who left the room returns, they are to try to persuade him or her to choose their container. Invite the child to return to the room and choose one of the containers. Ask the child who chose the container questions such as the following:
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• Why did you choose that container?
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• How did you feel when others were trying to tell you what to do?
Explain that when Joseph Smith was fourteen years old, he was confused about a choice he needed to make. He was trying to decide which church he should join. Other people tried to help him choose a church, but he only became more confused. He felt that he needed more information to make a wise decision: he wanted to know which church was true. Joseph’s situation was similar to that of the child who had to choose between the two containers. Everyone wanted him to choose their church, but he did not know which church was the right choice.*******
Scriptural and Historical Accounts
Teach the children about Joseph Smith’s life and the events leading up to and including the First Vision, as described in Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26 and the following account. Show the map and the pictures at appropriate times.
Joseph Smith was born in 1805 in the state of Vermont in the United States of America. He was the fourth of nine children. When Joseph was ten years old, he and his family moved to the state of New York, settling near the town of Palmyra (point out this area on the map). The Smith family was poor, and all the members of the family had to work hard to provide food and other necessities for the family. The family had moved many times before settling near Palmyra, where they found farmland on which crops would grow well.
Joseph did not have much opportunity to attend school, so he learned only the basics of reading, writing, and simple arithmetic. Joseph’s mother said that he seemed just like other boys his age until the time of his vision. She said he was quiet and well-mannered and liked to study and think about important things. He was a tall, athletic, cheerful boy who seldom got angry.
Joseph’s family loved God and wanted to keep his commandments. They read the Bible and prayed together often. Like Joseph, they were confused about which church was the true church of Jesus Christ. After Joseph received his first vision, his family believed him and supported him in the great work he was called to do.
Explain that this year’s course of study will be from the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history. The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations, most of them given to the Prophet Joseph Smith by Jesus Christ. Many of the historical events that occurred during the early days of the Church were recorded by Joseph Smith himself in the section of the Pearl of Great Price entitled “Joseph Smith—History.” Help the children find this section in their copies of the Pearl of Great Price.
Discussion and Application Questions
Study the following questions and the scripture references as you prepare your lesson. Use the questions you feel will best help the children understand the scriptures and apply the principles in their lives. Reading and discussing the scriptures with the children in class will help them gain personal insights.
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• When and where was Joseph Smith born? (JS—H 1:3.) What were the names of Joseph’s mother and father? (JS—H 1:4.) How many children were in Joseph’s family? (JS—H 1:4.) How did Joseph’s parents help prepare him for the work he was to do?
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• Where did Joseph Smith’s family move after they left Vermont? (JS—H 1:3.) Help the children understand that although the family moved from Vermont to New York to find a better place to farm, a more important reason for their move—a reason they did not know about—was so that Joseph could live close to the place where the gold plates were buried. In what ways might Heavenly Father direct our lives without our knowing about it?
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******* • Why was Joseph confused about which church he should join? (JS—H 1:5–10.) How did the scriptures help Joseph decide what to do? (JS—H 1:11–13.) How have the scriptures helped you make decisions? (You may wish to share a personal experience.)********
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********** • Where did Joseph Smith go to pray? (JS—H 1:14.) Why do you think he wanted a place where he could be alone? Explain that the place where Joseph Smith went to pray is now called “The Sacred Grove.” (See enrichment activity 6.)******
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********** • What happened when Joseph began to pray? (JS—H 1:15.) Where did this darkness come from? (JS—H 1:16.) How was Joseph delivered from the darkness that surrounded him? (JS—H 1:17.) What did Joseph learn about Satan and his power from this experience? What did he learn about Heavenly Father’s power? (It is greater than Satan’s power.) Why is it important for us to remember that Heavenly Father’s power is greater than Satan’s power?**********
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************* • Why do you think Satan wanted to stop Joseph from praying? How does Satan try to stop us from praying or doing what is right? What can we do when Satan tempts us?*************
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*********** • Who appeared to Joseph in the Sacred Grove? (JS—H 1:17.) What did these personages look like? What did Heavenly Father say to Joseph? What did Joseph learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ from this vision? (See enrichment activity 1.)**************
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************** • What did Jesus tell Joseph about which church he should join? (JS—H 1:18–19.) Why? Display the containers from the attention activity and show that both containers are empty. Point out that neither container was the “right” choice. Explain that none of the churches on the earth in Joseph Smith’s time was the right choice. Each of these churches had some good teachings, but none of them had the complete truth of the gospel.***********************
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*********************• How did the “professors of religion” react to Joseph’s vision? (JS—H 1:21–22.) Why was Joseph surprised by their reactions? (JS—H 1:22–23.) Explain that persecute means to cause someone to suffer because of what they believe. Have you ever been persecuted for the things you believe? What have you done about it?********************************
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********************************** • How was Joseph’s testimony of his first vision affected by the persecution he received? (JS—H 1:25.) Why is it important that we each have a personal testimony of Joseph Smith’s first vision? (See enrichment activity 2.)***********************************
Enrichment Activities
You may use one or more of the following activities any time during the lesson or as a review, summary, or challenge.
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1. Make for each child a copy of the crossword puzzle found at the end of the lesson. Help the children complete the puzzle, and then discuss the answers with them. If it is not feasible to make a copy of the puzzle for each child, draw the puzzle on the chalkboard. Then read the puzzle clues to the children, pausing to let them choose the appropriate response. Let the children take turns writing the answer words in the puzzle on the chalkboard. (Answers: 1-Heavenly Father; 2-greater; 3-Jesus Christ; 4-separate; 5-answer; 6-destroy; 7-church.)
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************************* 2. Ask two children to each read one of the following quotations:
o
Joseph F. Smith, sixth President of the Church, said: “The greatest event that has ever occurred in the world, since the resurrection of the Son of God from the tomb and his ascension on high, was the coming of the Father and of the Son to that boy Joseph Smith. … Having accepted this truth, I find it easy to accept of every other truth that [Joseph Smith] … declared” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1939], pp. 495–96).
o
Ezra Taft Benson, thirteenth President of the Church, taught us: “You should always bear testimony to the truth of the First Vision. Joseph Smith did see the Father and the Son. They conversed with him as he said they did” (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], p. 101).*************************
o
• Why is it important to have a testimony of the First Vision?
o
************************* Help the children understand that the First Vision is the foundation of a testimony of the true church of Jesus Christ. Once we believe that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ actually appeared and talked to Joseph Smith, then we can be sure that everything else the Prophet taught or restored to us is also the truth.**********************!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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3. Help the children memorize or review the first article of faith. Discuss how it testifies of a truth discovered in Joseph Smith’s first vision: that God the Eternal Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, are two separate personages.
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4. Help the children memorize Joseph Smith—History 1:25 (beginning with for I had seen a vision) or James 1:5. Show the children where the book of James is found in the New Testament. Discuss what the phrase “giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not” means.
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**************************** 5. Explain that Joseph Smith was chosen before he was born to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ. Have the children look up and read 2 Nephi 3:14–15. Explain that Joseph of Egypt prophesied that one of his descendants would restore the gospel to the earth. His name would also be Joseph, and he would be named after his father. The Prophet Joseph Smith was named after his father. He was called Joseph Smith Junior. His father was called Joseph Smith Senior.**************************
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6. To help the children understand that the Sacred Grove has remained as it was in Joseph Smith’s day, relate the following account:
o
“In 1860 … a boyhood friend of Joseph Smith … purchased what had been the Smith farm. He later told his son … that he had never touched an ax to the trees in the woodlot on the west end of the farm because Joseph had identified this area as the place where he had beheld his vision. … A century and a half after the First Vision, the ten-acre grove still retains much of its primeval [natural] beauty. Trees of mature size in Joseph’s day still grace this aged forest. Many are more than 200 years old” (Donald Enders, “The Sacred Grove,” Ensign, Apr. 1990, p. 16).
o
You may want to explain that while we know that the area now called the Sacred Grove is where Joseph Smith received his first vision, we do not know the exact location within the grove where Joseph saw the vision.
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7. Show the segment “The First Vision” (15 minutes) from the videocassette Moments from Church History (53145) to the children.
*
************** 8. Sing or say the words to “Joseph Smith’s First Prayer” (Hymns,no. 26), “The Sacred Grove” (Children’s Songbook, p. 87), or the third verse of “On a Golden Springtime” (Children’s Songbook, p. 88).************
Conclusion
Testimony
Share your testimony of the First Vision and the Prophet Joseph Smith. Encourage each child to pray that his or her own personal testimony of the First Vision may be strengthened.
Suggested Home Reading
Suggest that the children study Joseph Smith—History 1:1–20 at home as a review of this lesson.
Suggested Family Sharing
Encourage the children to share with their families a specific part of the lesson, such as a story, question, or activity, or to read with their families the “Suggested Home Reading.”
Invite a child to give the closing prayer.
The New York–Ohio Area
Image
Click to View Larger Format
What We Learn from the First Vision
(**This is meant to be an activity for children!)
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1. We are made in the image of ________ and Jesus Christ.
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2. Heavenly Father’s power is ________ than Satan’s power.
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3. ________ is Heavenly Father’s Son.
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4. Heavenly Father and Jesus are two ________ personages.
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5. Heavenly Father will ________ our sincere prayers.
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6. Satan is real and wants to ________ the work of Heavenly Father and Jesus.
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7. Jesus told Joseph that no ________ then on the earth was true.
****************************
smellsgood
JoinedPosts by smellsgood
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31
I just gave 2 Mormon Elders Hell!
by smellsgood inoh man, 2 mormons were walking on my road as i was driving home from work, i stopped them, asked them firstly why in the world they were walking on a dirt road in their suits where the houses are hundreds of yards apart, and then to come back to my house.
wow, it was so interesting to see the hundreds of mormon articles i've been reading in prep for talking to the jw (who had to cancel on me to go on a trip, plus i'm kinda wary about talking to her now, as i know this will sound silly, but her mom and fam stopped by the coffee shop, and i know my boss the owner cannot afford the loss of customers...who knows how many of them are witlesses!
anyways, one was from utah, one from texas....the parroting and the language that was so present in those articles was dumbly flung at me willy nilly in adverse to my arguments.
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smellsgood
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31
I just gave 2 Mormon Elders Hell!
by smellsgood inoh man, 2 mormons were walking on my road as i was driving home from work, i stopped them, asked them firstly why in the world they were walking on a dirt road in their suits where the houses are hundreds of yards apart, and then to come back to my house.
wow, it was so interesting to see the hundreds of mormon articles i've been reading in prep for talking to the jw (who had to cancel on me to go on a trip, plus i'm kinda wary about talking to her now, as i know this will sound silly, but her mom and fam stopped by the coffee shop, and i know my boss the owner cannot afford the loss of customers...who knows how many of them are witlesses!
anyways, one was from utah, one from texas....the parroting and the language that was so present in those articles was dumbly flung at me willy nilly in adverse to my arguments.
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smellsgood
What "creepy religious exercises" are LDS parents "commanded to have with their children"? What on earth are you talking about? There is no such thing in the Mormon religion.
Ok, I forgot to reply to this. I am going to reproduce it, even though it is lengthy in its ENTIRETY from THE FOLLOWING LINK, so as NOT to be accussed again of taking anything out of context. The only thing I'll do is the ****** to highlight what I find to be PARTICULARLY creepy.
Poll: Do any of you who are reading this, which is apparently directed at Children, find this CREEPY? A reinforcing and immersion of the impressionable child into answering questions designed to HIGHLY indoctrinate?
http://www.lds.org/portal/site/LDSOrg/menuitem.b3bc55cbf541229058520974e44916a0/?vgnextoid=637e1b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=5c9ca41f6cc20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1
“Lesson 46: Strengthening Our Testimonies of the Restored Gospel,” Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants: Church History, (1997), 280
Purpose
To strengthen the children’s testimonies that Jesus Christ restored his true church through the Prophet Joseph Smith and that Jesus Christ directs the Church today.
Preparation
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1. Prayerfully study 2 Nephi 28:30, Ether 4:11, and the following scriptures describing the parts of a testimony:
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a. Doctrine and Covenants 19:16–19, 46:13, 76:22–23; Joseph Smith—History 1:17 (Jesus Christ is Heavenly Father’s Son and our Savior.)
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b. Doctrine and Covenants 21:1–3, 135:3; Joseph Smith—History 1:33 (Joseph Smith was the prophet through whom Jesus Christ restored his church to the earth.)
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c. Moroni 10:3–5, Doctrine and Covenants 17:6 (The Book of Mormon is true.)
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d. Doctrine and Covenants 1:30, 115:4; Joseph Smith—History 1:10–19 (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church.)
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e. Doctrine and Covenants 1:38; 21:1, 4; 28:6–7 (We are led by a living prophet today.)
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Then study the lesson and decide how you want to teach the children the scriptural account. (See “Preparing Your Lessons,” pp. vi–vii, and “Teaching the Scriptural and Historical Accounts,” pp. vii–ix.)
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2. Additional reading: Gospel Principles (31110), chapters 16 and 17.
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3. Select the discussion questions and enrichment activities that will involve the children and best help them achieve the purpose of the lesson.
*
4. Prepare the following wordstrips:
I can strengthen my testimony that—
Jesus Christ is Heavenly Father’s Son and our Savior.
Joseph Smith was the prophet through whom Jesus Christ restored his church to the earth.
The Book of Mormon is true.
****** The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church.*********
We are led by a living prophet today.
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5. Materials needed:
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a. A Book of Mormon, a Doctrine and Covenants, and a Pearl of Great Price for each child.
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b. A few reference books such as a dictionary or encyclopedia, magazines such as the Friend, or schoolbooks appropriate to be shown in Primary.
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c. A picture of the living prophet (from the meetinghouse library or a Church magazine); selected pictures from previous lessons to illustrate the events you review while teaching the scriptural account.
Suggested Lesson Development
Invite a child to give the opening prayer.
Attention Activity
Write the word knowledge on the chalkboard.
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• How do you learn new things or obtain knowledge?
Give the reference books, magazines, or schoolbooks to the children and let them quickly find some fact they can briefly share with the class. (If you have more children than books, let the children work in teams.) Allow the children to share their facts with the class. Explain that gaining knowledge is important, but knowing that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true is the most important knowledge. This knowledge is called a testimony. Write the word testimony next to the word knowledge on the chalkboard.
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• How do you gain a testimony?
Read 2 Nephi 28:30 with the children and discuss what this verse means. Explain that we gain our testimonies of the gospel a little at a time. As we learn a few things about the gospel and live accordingly, we will learn more and strengthen our faith in what we have already learned. As we live the principles of the gospel, the Holy Ghost will help us know that they are true. Ask the children to listen to the following quotation to see how President Joseph F. Smith, the sixth President of the Church, gained his testimony. Read or have a child read the quotation:
“I would frequently go out and ask the Lord to show me some marvelous thing, in order that I might receive a testimony. But the Lord withheld marvels from me, and showed me the truth, line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little. … He did not have to send an angel from the heavens to do this. … By the whisperings of the still small voice of the spirit of the living God, He gave to me the testimony I possess” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1900, pp. 40–41).
Point out that even though Joseph F. Smith became a prophet, he did not gain his testimony by a spectacular experience, but a little at a time.
Tell the children that in this lesson they will discuss some of the basic parts of a testimony of the gospel, review what they already know about those parts, and learn how they can strengthen their own testimonies of the gospel.
Scriptural Account
Display the wordstrip I can strengthen my testimony that—. Discuss with the children what a testimony is. Explain that a testimony is a knowledge, confirmed by the Holy Ghost, that something is true. Help the children understand that as we study the gospel and pray about what we learn, the Holy Ghost will help us know that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true.
Post the remaining wordstrips one at a time. For each wordstrip, use the scriptures listed in the “Preparation” section and the applicable discussion and application questions to teach the children about the basic parts of a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. You may want to review (or have the children review) events discussed in previous lessons, showing appropriate pictures, to help the children understand the parts of a testimony.
After you discuss the wordstrips,******* help the children understand that the good feelings we have when we hear these things—that Jesus Christ is Heavenly Father’s Son and our Savior, Joseph Smith was the prophet through whom Jesus Christ restored his church to the earth, the Book of Mormon is true, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church, and we are led by a living prophet today—are a witness from the Holy Ghost that these things are true.*********!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Help the children understand that they already have the beginnings of a testimony. To strengthen their testimonies they can study the gospel, pray about it, obey Heavenly Father’s commandments, and share their testimonies with others (see enrichment activities 1, 2, 3, and 5). Explain that when we bear our testimonies to others, we should include the basic parts of a testimony.
Discussion and Application Questions
Study the following questions and the scripture references as you prepare your lesson. Use the questions you feel will best help the children understand the scriptures and apply the principles in their lives. Reading and discussing the scriptures with the children in class will help them gain personal insights.
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• Who is Jesus Christ? (JS—H 1:17.) How is Jesus our Savior? (D&C 19:16–19; 46:13.) How can we know that Jesus Christ is our Savior?
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• What did you learn about Jesus Christ when you learned about the First Vision and the appearance of Jesus Christ in the Kirtland Temple? How do these things help strengthen your testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Savior?
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• How did Joseph Smith find out which church he should join? (JS—H 1:10–19.) How can following Joseph Smith’s example help us strengthen our testimonies of the gospel?
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**************• What did Jesus Christ restore to the earth through Joseph Smith? How can we know that Joseph Smith was the prophet through whom Jesus Christ restored his church? (See enrichment activity 4.)*************
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******************• How did Joseph Smith assist the Savior in the restoration of the true church to the earth? (D&C 135:3; you may want to have each child tell about a different event that contributed to the restoration of the church of Jesus Christ, such as Moroni appearing to Joseph Smith, Joseph receiving the plates, Joseph translating the plates, or Joseph organizing the Church.)************
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*************• Why is it important to read and study the Book of Mormon throughout our lives? How can we gain a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true? (Moroni 10:3–5; help the children understand that we can use the procedure described in Moroni 10:3–5 to gain a testimony of any gospel principle, not just that the Book of Mormon is true.)************
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**************• Why did Jesus Christ’s church need to be restored? (JS—H 1:19; D&C 1:30.) How can we know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Jesus Christ’s true church?*****************
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• What is the complete name of the Church? (D&C 115:4.) Who gave the Church this name? *************Explain that the name of the Church was given to Joseph Smith by Jesus Christ himself. Remind the children that the name of the Church signifies that this is Jesus Christ’s true church on the earth today.********
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******* • Who is the head of the Church today? (Jesus Christ.)(*Just like WT, no?) Who is the leader of the Church on earth? (The living prophet.) Read or have a child read the following quotation from Gordon B. Hinckley, fifteenth President of the Church: “This church does not belong to its President. Its head is the Lord Jesus Christ, whose name each of us has taken upon ourselves” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1995, p. 94; or Ensign, May 1995, p. 71).********
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********** • Show a picture of the living prophet. Who is this man? What do you know about him? (Give each child an opportunity to tell something he or she knows about the prophet.) What does the prophet do? (He teaches us things that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want us to know and do; see D&C 1:38; 21:1, 4.)*********
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• How can we know that we are led by a living prophet today?
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• What makes up a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ? How do we receive a testimony? (Through the Holy Ghost; see Ether 4:11.)
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• Why is it important for each of us to have our own testimony of the gospel? How can we strengthen our testimonies? (See enrichment activities 1, 2, 3, and 5.)
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• How has learning about the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history this year in Primary helped strengthen your testimony of the gospel?
Enrichment Activities
You may use one or more of the following activities any time during the lesson or as a review, summary, or challenge.
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*******1. Emphasize how important it is for each member of the Church to have his or her own testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Read or have a child read the following quotation from Harold B. Lee, eleventh President of the Church:*********
o
“You will have to be guided by the light within yourself [your own testimony]. If you do not have it, you will not stand” (Stand Ye in Holy Places [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1974], p. 95).
o
********* Explain that while our testimonies are growing, we can use other people’s testimonies to help us. For example, we can believe that the Book of Mormon is true because we know our parents, our bishop, or the living prophet know it is true. However, we must each work to gain our own testimony and keep it strong.*********
o
Have the children take turns illustrating on the chalkboard ways to strengthen testimonies, such as listening to the prophet, praying, reading the scriptures, being a missionary, going to church, participating in family home evening, giving a talk in Primary, singing in Primary, obeying the Word of Wisdom, and making wise choices. (You may want to write suggestions on separate pieces of paper for the children to choose, or have the children think up their own suggestions.) Have the other children try to identify the illustrations.
o
After each child has had a turn, ask:
o
• How do these things help strengthen your testimony? What would happen to your testimony if you decided to stop doing these things?
*
2. Write the word testimony on an uninflated balloon. Have the children suggest things that will help their testimonies grow, such as praying, reading the scriptures, and sharing their testimonies with others (see the suggestions in enrichment activity 1). As the children give each suggestion, blow some air into the balloon. Discuss how the balloon grows, just as their testimonies will grow if they do the things they have suggested.
o
************* • What will happen to our testimonies if we do not do these things?
o
Slowly let the air out of the balloon, and explain that if we do nothing to keep them growing, our testimonies will shrink just like the balloon.*********!!!!!!!!!!
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3. Explain that gaining a testimony can be compared to planting a seed. Read and discuss Alma 32:36–39 with the children.
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4. Relate the following experience had by Gordon B. Hinckley, fifteenth President of the Church, at a priesthood meeting when he was twelve years old:
o
“The hall was filled with men … and they lifted their voices in unison in that great hymn, ‘Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah! Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer. Blessed to open the last dispensation, Kings shall extol him and nations revere’ [see Hymns,no. 27]. … There came into my heart a conviction that the man of whom they sang [Joseph Smith] was really a prophet of God, and I am grateful to be able to say that that conviction, which came, I believe, by the power of the Holy Spirit, has never left me” (Gordon B. Hinckley: Man of Integrity, 15th President of the Church, videocassette [53503]).
o
Invite the children to share experiences when the Holy Ghost has given them a strong feeling that the gospel (or some principle of the gospel) is true. You may want to share an experience of your own.
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5. Have a child read the following quotation from Elder Bruce R. McConkie, who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:
o
“Would you like a formula to tell how to get personal revelation [a testimony]? … My formula is simply this:
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“1. Search the scriptures.
o
“2. Keep the commandments.
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“3. Ask in faith.”
o
(“How to Get Personal Revelation,” New Era, June 1980, p. 50)
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• How did Joseph Smith apply this formula? How can you apply it?
o
********** You may want to have the children write this formula on cards that they can take home and display in their homes to remind them to continually strengthen their testimonies.***********
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6. Invite the children to share how they feel about one or more of the statements on the wordstrips that were posted during the lesson. Help the children recognize that the good feelings they have about the Church and its teachings are the beginnings of a testimony.
*
********** 7. Sing or say the words to “The Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook, p. 77) or “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (Hymns,no. 136).
Conclusion
Testimony
Emphasize how important it is for all members of the Church to have their own testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ. ************Remind the children that they already have the beginnings of a testimony and that they can strengthen their testimonies through study and prayer. Express your gratitude for Jesus Christ, the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, the Church, and the living prophet.************* Share your experiences in gaining your testimony, and invite the children to express their feelings about the gospel.
Encourage the children to share their testimonies with their families.
Suggested Home Reading
Suggest that the children study Moroni 10:3–5 and Doctrine and Covenants 1:30, 76:22–23 at home as a review of this lesson.
Suggested Family Sharing
Encourage the children to share with their families a specific part of the lesson, such as a story, question, or activity, or to read with their families the “Suggested Home Reading.”
Invite a child to give the closing prayer. -
31
I just gave 2 Mormon Elders Hell!
by smellsgood inoh man, 2 mormons were walking on my road as i was driving home from work, i stopped them, asked them firstly why in the world they were walking on a dirt road in their suits where the houses are hundreds of yards apart, and then to come back to my house.
wow, it was so interesting to see the hundreds of mormon articles i've been reading in prep for talking to the jw (who had to cancel on me to go on a trip, plus i'm kinda wary about talking to her now, as i know this will sound silly, but her mom and fam stopped by the coffee shop, and i know my boss the owner cannot afford the loss of customers...who knows how many of them are witlesses!
anyways, one was from utah, one from texas....the parroting and the language that was so present in those articles was dumbly flung at me willy nilly in adverse to my arguments.
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smellsgood
LOL@Nvr! Damn, I try so hard to hide it *spews hatred* sometimes it just escapes *looks around, feels hatred!* a hardened and bitter individual like myself. I was thinking of looking around for proof of my already formed conclusion that all French people smell of vinegar and feet and eat babies. It makes a sad being like me feel better to form hateful vitriolic conclusions before I have any evidence. Just saying. *sees a rainbow, erupts in hatefilled spasms*
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31
I just gave 2 Mormon Elders Hell!
by smellsgood inoh man, 2 mormons were walking on my road as i was driving home from work, i stopped them, asked them firstly why in the world they were walking on a dirt road in their suits where the houses are hundreds of yards apart, and then to come back to my house.
wow, it was so interesting to see the hundreds of mormon articles i've been reading in prep for talking to the jw (who had to cancel on me to go on a trip, plus i'm kinda wary about talking to her now, as i know this will sound silly, but her mom and fam stopped by the coffee shop, and i know my boss the owner cannot afford the loss of customers...who knows how many of them are witlesses!
anyways, one was from utah, one from texas....the parroting and the language that was so present in those articles was dumbly flung at me willy nilly in adverse to my arguments.
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smellsgood
"They will listen to speeches and read articles, but really, there is more of a big picture sense of things there. They don't nitpick the bible or the BOM apart the way the WT does. Yes, they try to find evidence that they are really all true, but proof being in the pudding, other than abusive families, I don't think there is any kind of cultural abuse within the church-and I do think that the WT/JW religion is hugely abusive."
agreed. I understand what you're trying to tell me. That it may be mythological, but it isn't as harmful, either in the way that you will die, the shunning, the never doing enough....I can see what you mean. I think it's probably like alot of Churchianity, where it may be more of a social club for some,,,something to do to belong to..You're saying their not as "believe or DIEEEE" about EVERY little point of doctrine. I get it. I don't think they're all dumb or insane or anything.
I see what you mean that they're not as dogmatic...I still do have to call them a cult. It's mostly doctrinal, not behavioural with them though isn't it? I think my #1 red flag is that the CHURCH states, even if the membership don't necessarily take it too seriously, that you MUST belong to their "true Church" to be saved. That and restoration of the First Century!! I can't get away from that with these groups!
"Most LDS families take the best parts and the common sense and seem to accept some of the other teachings in a matter of fact way-but I don't see them being hyped or getting defensive about them."
Well, the one Elder was extremely defensive, the other one was pretty chill. I don't know if they get the highly embarassing satanic black thing brought up every day. :)
"They are about their families and their community. "
Obviously they're more charitable than the WT. Did you tithe JWD?
"The past matters on July 24 when they have their pioneer day festival (I think it is called), they study in a fairly cursory way the origins of the church, but they are really very practical as a church and in family matters."
I could tell from some of the articles and my experiences with them. From my perspective, it is one of their niches that is USED to attract new converts. The Unification Church is all ABOUT family as it is about the "True Parents" etc. I saw the Nightline about Mormonism the other day, and I was struck by the woman at the end stressing that if people wanted to know about LDS, they should ask a member (ok.) Also, that because it was so true (paraphr.) that there were obvious evil forces working against the Church.
Thanks for your perspective though, its always good to be balanced. Except in matters of great importance. -
31
I just gave 2 Mormon Elders Hell!
by smellsgood inoh man, 2 mormons were walking on my road as i was driving home from work, i stopped them, asked them firstly why in the world they were walking on a dirt road in their suits where the houses are hundreds of yards apart, and then to come back to my house.
wow, it was so interesting to see the hundreds of mormon articles i've been reading in prep for talking to the jw (who had to cancel on me to go on a trip, plus i'm kinda wary about talking to her now, as i know this will sound silly, but her mom and fam stopped by the coffee shop, and i know my boss the owner cannot afford the loss of customers...who knows how many of them are witlesses!
anyways, one was from utah, one from texas....the parroting and the language that was so present in those articles was dumbly flung at me willy nilly in adverse to my arguments.
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smellsgood
btw Susan, I wasn't on any apostate Websites. I was only on the LDS website, I read every article I looked up in its entirety, and many others.
"As man is God once was; as God is man can become." Brigham Young
"GOD IS REPRODUCING HIMSELF! That's the glorious Good News that Jesus boldly proclaimed! The Gospel of the KINGDOM OF GOD announces the GOD KINGDOM: a Spirit-Born Kingdom of God-Beings! A Royal Family that we can enter (Rev. 3:21). A Divine Family that will administer God's Government throughout the universe and eternity (Isa. 9:7; Dan. 7:18).
God became man, so man could become God (John 1:14; Matt. 10:25). Mankind has been created after the GODKIND, and after a life of conversion, of changing for the better, of going through the process of purification (becoming more God-like, more Christ-like, more Kingdom-like) we can be BORN AGAIN BY A RESURRECTION - just like Jesus was, the firstborn of MANY brethren! (Rom. 1:4; 8:29). Presently, we're far too human, but soon we're to be transformed into glorious, immortal Spirit!"
David Ben Ariel, follower of Herbert W. Armstrong. http://ezinearticles.com/?id=99328
Anyone need to tell me its out of context?
Kinda like WWCOG
Also like WWCOG, restored Church lost in first Century (actually, after I had talked to Elders bringing up the "restored first century" that so many claim, ironically they gave me a little booklet "Restoration" I think "of the true gospel", huh.)
Counterfeit Gospel
"By the sixth decade of the first century, much of the Middle East had turned from the true gospel to a counterfeit (Gal. 1:6-7). As late as the 90s A.D. the apostle John was still living. He wrote the book of Revelation on the Isle of Patmos."
'Mystery of the Ages' Herbert W. Armstrong
Is anyone going to complain about this small quote being out of context? The entire book is online if anyone wants to look it up. Many similarities to the WT! Esp. regarding the trinity and hell, Christmas and Easter. Similarities to Mormonism regarding first century restored Christianity, polytheistic, and man can become God, or gods.
Restoration of God's Truth to Church
"From the year 1931, exactly 1,900 years (a century of time cycles) from the foundation of the Church, this small remnant of the original true Church of God began to take on new life as the Philadelphia era. It had come to the "time of the end." A new spiritual vitality was infused into it. The time had come for Jesus' prophecy of Matthew 24:14 to be fulfilled--"this gospel of the kingdom shall be [proclaimed] in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Such vital truth that had been lost was gradually revealed and proclaimed."
'Mystery of the Ages' Herbert W. Armstrong
Anyone going to complain about this quote being out of context?
Also kinda sorta like Mormonism:
God Is a Family
"Now once again to Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God...." This originally was written by Moses as God inspired him. Moses wrote in Hebrew. The Hebrew word translated "God" is Elohim--a noun or name, plural in form, but normally singular in grammatical usage. It is the same sort of word as family, church, group--one family consisting of two or more members--one church composed of many members--one group of several persons."
Anyone, complain, out of context? -
31
I just gave 2 Mormon Elders Hell!
by smellsgood inoh man, 2 mormons were walking on my road as i was driving home from work, i stopped them, asked them firstly why in the world they were walking on a dirt road in their suits where the houses are hundreds of yards apart, and then to come back to my house.
wow, it was so interesting to see the hundreds of mormon articles i've been reading in prep for talking to the jw (who had to cancel on me to go on a trip, plus i'm kinda wary about talking to her now, as i know this will sound silly, but her mom and fam stopped by the coffee shop, and i know my boss the owner cannot afford the loss of customers...who knows how many of them are witlesses!
anyways, one was from utah, one from texas....the parroting and the language that was so present in those articles was dumbly flung at me willy nilly in adverse to my arguments.
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smellsgood
Ahhh, thank you Nvr! You do know I hope though, that my comments are colored by bias and hatred, do you not?
I wasn't expecting Mormons to show up at ALL! I was hoping to mirror some of the stuff from the "What does the Bible really teach?"
Alas, the Witness is a customer at the stand I work at, and I have no way of knowing how many witnesses frequent the place, how much business she would lose if I went into anti-cult mode. It seems the first Witnesses I've had a chance to speak to in person are the people I feel I can't say anything to now :( -
31
I just gave 2 Mormon Elders Hell!
by smellsgood inoh man, 2 mormons were walking on my road as i was driving home from work, i stopped them, asked them firstly why in the world they were walking on a dirt road in their suits where the houses are hundreds of yards apart, and then to come back to my house.
wow, it was so interesting to see the hundreds of mormon articles i've been reading in prep for talking to the jw (who had to cancel on me to go on a trip, plus i'm kinda wary about talking to her now, as i know this will sound silly, but her mom and fam stopped by the coffee shop, and i know my boss the owner cannot afford the loss of customers...who knows how many of them are witlesses!
anyways, one was from utah, one from texas....the parroting and the language that was so present in those articles was dumbly flung at me willy nilly in adverse to my arguments.
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smellsgood
Susan here
"You have obviously been very busy with research. Unfortunately, you violated the first rule of valid research. You had a preconceived bias that colored all your findings and your conclusions. As you yourself said, you researched all this to "prove" that Mormons are a cult."
Nope. Didn't say that. Was researching it to talk to JW's actually, clearly YOU are jumping to conclusion without having read properly what I said. I'm sorry it makes you angry that people question the validity of a religion that states Jesus came to America. One thing I actually was wondering, does the Mormon church state it was before or AFTER his resurrection? I admit freely I am ignorant on this point.
"No matter what you found, you read it through that bias."
Absolutely not. I was not biased when I researched JW's for the first time. It was the history, the dishonesty, the deciet that I found on record for over One hundred years that led me to the conclusions that it is a cult. Mormonism is much more see through in doctrine, IMO, but much less severe in other ways. BTW, what reason do YOU have for Joseph Smith saying, writing, that black people are the spawn of the devil?
"My quoting your quotes as I did is a prime example of that. Nowhere in the words of that kind and gentle man was ANYTHING that any normal person would take offense to, and yet you did."
Actually, I've researched cults of every flavor going on six years, the language of it, the restrictions that they place upon a person, etc. are very evident to my trained eye.
"I don't know you. I don't know your story. But I do know that you must be a very sad person to invest so much time in a project such as this one for the purpose you stated."
Trying to get Witnesses out of a cult that sees thousands of people dying to their their evil and malicious blood doctrine, a cult where families are torn apart, where sons and daughters are shunned because they found the truth about the truth. Yes, my motivations are entirely dishonorable.
"Guess what? Anybody can do the same thing with any religion. Quotes out of context,"
Guess what? That's exactly what a JW always says about their religion.
" with your own interpretations interspersed liberally throughout in order to lead the reader's mind to the conclusion you want them to reach."
Actually, the people on this board have experience, and being ex-JW's, know the WT control mechanisms, what they say about the WT being the only means of salvation, the WT saying stay away from the internet, the WT saying apostates are malicious axe grinders, etc. BTW, those quotes were hardly out of context. Prove it. I was very careful to put alot of surrounding text to what I highlighted. I also did this on my Mormon quotes awhile back, I quoted the ENTIRE articles. I suppose that's the default position of anybody who quotes any cults literature, it was taken out of context.
"You must be a very sad and bitter person."
Ooooh, ad hominem. Actually, sadly, you can't read tone online. I'm sorry to challenge what you hold dear, but there's no need to hit below the knees.
"I'm sorry you can't get past whatever has caused you to be so bitter towards 12 million people you have never even met."
Actually, I'm hardly bitter at all. You are superimposing your own preconceived ideas about anyone who challenges Mormonism onto me. You can't read tone, like I said. I was researching the Mormon ideas of things I know mirror the WT. And the Unification Church, and the WWCOG, and the Iglesia Ni Cristo, and the Church of God in Christ, and certain Mennonite cults. The religions that say salvation comes through their organization, or church. They're all very similar.
It should cheer you up that I hardly think Mormonism is as dangerous as the WT, I think it is much less subtle and crafty, partly because it is so fantastical. I grew up surrounded by Mormons, my best friend was a Mormon, and until I was preparing to talk with the Witnesses who finally stopped by, I hadn't been thinking much about Mormonism at all.
btw, I separate the person from the religion. I see people first, I understand that they are people who have been taken in and their circuits commandeered by a deranged cult such as the WatchTower. I feel love only for the people, and I guess I am bitter at the cult. I see the destruction in it's path. I can no more hate 12 million Mormons than I can 1 billion Muslims. I heart people, unless they hurt others.
So, I guess I am sad and bitter to want to challenge the WT which ruins families and takes lives. So sorry about that. -
31
I just gave 2 Mormon Elders Hell!
by smellsgood inoh man, 2 mormons were walking on my road as i was driving home from work, i stopped them, asked them firstly why in the world they were walking on a dirt road in their suits where the houses are hundreds of yards apart, and then to come back to my house.
wow, it was so interesting to see the hundreds of mormon articles i've been reading in prep for talking to the jw (who had to cancel on me to go on a trip, plus i'm kinda wary about talking to her now, as i know this will sound silly, but her mom and fam stopped by the coffee shop, and i know my boss the owner cannot afford the loss of customers...who knows how many of them are witlesses!
anyways, one was from utah, one from texas....the parroting and the language that was so present in those articles was dumbly flung at me willy nilly in adverse to my arguments.
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smellsgood
Thanks for telling me about your experiences, JWDaughter, I totally agree with this:
"It's hard to explain, and I still don't believe in the doctrine, but so far as religions go, it is a hell of a lot nicer than the JWs."
I think WT is one of the worst. I did grow up around alot of Mormons, and I know the Mags aren't compulsory. I just think it's fascinating how they WRITE similar things at the very least ;)
peace out! -
31
I just gave 2 Mormon Elders Hell!
by smellsgood inoh man, 2 mormons were walking on my road as i was driving home from work, i stopped them, asked them firstly why in the world they were walking on a dirt road in their suits where the houses are hundreds of yards apart, and then to come back to my house.
wow, it was so interesting to see the hundreds of mormon articles i've been reading in prep for talking to the jw (who had to cancel on me to go on a trip, plus i'm kinda wary about talking to her now, as i know this will sound silly, but her mom and fam stopped by the coffee shop, and i know my boss the owner cannot afford the loss of customers...who knows how many of them are witlesses!
anyways, one was from utah, one from texas....the parroting and the language that was so present in those articles was dumbly flung at me willy nilly in adverse to my arguments.
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smellsgood
Double Edge, I have to say your comment really frustrated and upset me. It's not like my days and nights are consumed with Mormonism, hardly. I don't think you would make the same comment, or have, of people who have listed quotes of the WT on this site, nor would you say the same thing if I had been talking to JW's about their cult. Maybe you would. Then you might have to comment about alot of other people in the same way. Would you pass up the opportunity to anti-Witness to a deluded proseltyzing individual?
My motivation has nothing at all to do with hatred. Of course, since you don't know me, you wouldn't know that. However, maybe it is time to quit investing any energy into learning about cults. Maybe it isn't worth ANY of my time? -
31
I just gave 2 Mormon Elders Hell!
by smellsgood inoh man, 2 mormons were walking on my road as i was driving home from work, i stopped them, asked them firstly why in the world they were walking on a dirt road in their suits where the houses are hundreds of yards apart, and then to come back to my house.
wow, it was so interesting to see the hundreds of mormon articles i've been reading in prep for talking to the jw (who had to cancel on me to go on a trip, plus i'm kinda wary about talking to her now, as i know this will sound silly, but her mom and fam stopped by the coffee shop, and i know my boss the owner cannot afford the loss of customers...who knows how many of them are witlesses!
anyways, one was from utah, one from texas....the parroting and the language that was so present in those articles was dumbly flung at me willy nilly in adverse to my arguments.
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smellsgood
"geez.... that "axe" you have to grind against mormons must be huge.....those quotes you found must have taken a big part out of your day..... there really are other things going on in life.....let the hatred go, you'll feel better."
I've never been a Mormon, don't have any hatred toward them, and was looking into their history in hopes of helping JW's see patterns of their religion in others. I like to be informed you know, Mormonism is very interesting... Trust me, it took longer than a day, I wasn't expecting to talk to Mormons it just happened,,,, but luckily quotes like that are ample.
And what about the websites that have all the WT quotes? Why don't you go tell them they have a huge axe to grind and are wasting their time. It's better that people remain lied to by cults, don't you think?