Media, Mormonism and meaning

I think it’s fair to say that while Mitt Romney’s presidential candidacy has forced the media to do more and better coverage of Mormonism, the religion is still treated as a cultural and theological oddity. Much of the coverage is still sensational — as I type this, The Daily Beast is hyping an interview with “a direct descendant of Brigham Young, Sue Emmett [who] left the church because of the very values she says would make Romney a frightening president.” I hate to break it to The Daily Beast, but Brigham Young had 55 wives and 57 children. A gathering of his third generation descendents would look like Calcutta on Free Malaria Shot Day. Finding one of them who would disavow Mitt Romney and their great-great grandfather’s legacy is a matter of simple probability, and it’s neither novel or illuminating.

Tabloids aside, I wish I could say that the coverage from respectable outlets was automatically better. But it was with dread that I learned that The New Yorker had published a sweeping essay about “Mormonism and its meanings.” While The New Yorker is largely an outlet for criticism and opinion, the magazine carries with it a totemic status among my fellow reporters — even those I know who largely disagree with its center-left politics — and often sets the tone for any future coverage by the rest of the media establishment once it’s weighed in on a given issue.

Making matters worse, the essay in question is written by Adam Gopnik. Gopnik is a very witty and perceptive writer; however, if anyone on the masthead perfectly embodies cocooned Manhattan liberalism, it’s Gopnik. I suppose the fact that Gopnik’s fellow Manhattan literary stereotypes feel comfortable inveighing against him as “tone-poet of post-9/11 Manhattan, drizzling pixie dust across a cityscape that no longer bears the hearty flavor of ‘smoked mozzarella,’ as he notoriously described the downtown death smell,” that should tell you something. Indeed, take a gander at this nugget from Gopnik’s essay on Mormons.

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barney

If Romney governs us according to our constitution and not the book of mormon which I am sure
he would we have everything to gain by electing him.
agbjr

Conservatives who insist on pointing to Romney's Mormon faith as a 'reason' why he shouldn't be president are like the Democrats who refused to support Kennedy because of his Roman Catholic faith. People like these are frankly close-minded bigots and not TRUE Americans. If you love your country, your freedom, your Republic and OUR Constitution then vote Romney. If you are a non-liberal religious bigot then pray for forgiveness, hold your nose, and vote Romney. If you can not vote Romney over Obama then you are NOT an American.
- Evermyrtle
  
  Personally I do not are care what religion he claims, what bothers me is what he believes in. Moat people do not believe wholly is whatever religion they claim. The Mormon sbelieve that JESUS CHRIST is a son of GOD not THE ONLY SON OF GOD, AS IN GOD, ALONG WITH HIM. While we are all GOD'S children the he is the only "GOD CHILD" If I knew he did not believe that JESUS CHRIST, I would find it difficult to vote for him.
  - Vladimir
    
    Evermyrtle, every time you say, "Mormons believe…..", I cringe because you never get it right. Why do you keep trying to tell us what Mormons believe? What is your motive?
    - Evermyrtle
      
      If i remember correctly, this is the first that I have said what Mormons believe, before I have defended them 'because' I did not know what they believed. I may be wrong but I believe the source where I got this is correct,is reliable. Mormons believe that JESUS is not the only begotten SON OF GOD. Please correct with the proof if this is incorrect. I much rather be correct, and will never post anything that I do not believe to be correct.
      
      Are you a Mormon??
      - Vladimir
        
        Just happened to be reading your post and saw my response wasn't there.
        Mormons believe Jesus Christ is the only begotten Son of God in the flesh. We are all children of God begotten as spirits and we resided with Him until we were ready to go throught this mortal probation. Jesus was chosen as our savior and then entered mortality as the only begotten by His Heavenly Father. The rest of us all have earthly fathers. Jesus Christ is God the Son, Heavenly Father is God the Father. How does it feel to be a sibling with the Son of God and offspring of a Heavenly Father?
      - Mary Wood
        
        Thanks Vladimir.
      - Mary Wood
        
        You have not defended Mormons.
    - DWoodPhD
      
      'found this article on pyramids, Vladimir, with interesting comment
      http://harvardmagazine.com/2003/07/who-built-the-pyramids-html … still no absolutes, quite a bit of debate but an interesting hypothesis. Mary Wood
  - Elaine
    
    Did you vote for Obama?, Just asking sense he IS a MUSLIM.
- Mary Wood
  
  On track, agbjr.
millergroup2

If Mr Romney follows the Cultist Mormon church and believes its twisted doctrine, (in fact he does) and believes the doctrine as the true word of God, how can we as Christians trust a man who will begin to twist our constitution that was built on sound Christian principals? America is a great, blessed country due to the Christian moral principals. If a man is misguided within his own moral principals, and teaches others to follow his lead, would he not attempt to mislead America with insidious ideals also? Our choices for the next president are very limited here.
- mesaman
  
  I guess with your mentality, the answer is; "you can't". So vote for NoMoBammie and enjoy socialism as you trudge through another four years of communistic offal. By the way, show "DR" Ron Paul some respect and call him by his rightful title, Ron Paul MD. Then accept that he cannot be the president in 2012 and consider putting it into the reach of an honest, probable GOP candidate.
  - Mary Wood
    
    Mesaman, thanks for your stance on Mitt Romney vs the creep now in the WH. I believe Mitt is the best choice and have supported his run since he first announced for the 2008 campaign… because he is a great dad and a good husband besides having the resume. But my problem is this: I am constantlly asked to prove something or other about the LDS. When one begins to explain it is natural to explain something in terms of another… as in a parable… I teach the 5 year-olds. In order to do this it is impossible to get the non-LDS Christians to admit anything even if it is in black and white in their bible, which is often not the KJV that I use. It is a pain to have to deal with creeps who refuse to face the issues of their own religion but insist on diatribes against LDS, so I am just wondering whether I can use this attack and is it credible: The thing is, all these religions including LDS are "revealed" religions, they all come from miracles of one kind or another, so what is there to argue about? My guess is this: The so-called Christian religions, that is the non-LDS Christians, actually have a political agenda. We do not. The LDS are apolitical! I think the the non-LDS Christians are afraid that the LDS would do as THEY would do if they could get the power and that is why they are so vehement as millergroup2 is, to discredit the LDS church. Please tell me if I am completely off track. I would go from there to bring up some pretty scary things about the non-LDS Christians. I know some, but probably not the worst. You could help me on that point. What do you think of the approach? Please let me know if it makes any sense.
    Thanks,
    Mary Wood
    - http://www.facebook.com/Almatacook Toni Ann Kent-Cook
      
      I belive Ron Paul is our only choice for POTUS! He has more than enough delgates to beat Romney! Romney is no different than Obama! Dr. Paul is a true born again Christian! Ron Paul 2012! In Jesus name Amen!
      - Mary Wood
        
        Toni Ann, what you believe and reality are two different things. Ron Paul will split the conservative vote and we are left with another four years of Barack Obama. Your choice. You vote for Ron and get us Barack back, your choice. I am standing by Romney-Ryan 2012-2010.
      - millergroup2
        
        Not if we push that vote to its very limits. The Obama campaign knows of this trick. This is what they are counting on. So we take the easy way to a lesser evil because we are afraid?
      - millergroup2
        
        mistake
    - Bob
      
      Mary it is admirable that you practice your convictions. I have lived and worked with Mormans in So. California for years and have found them to be honest and hard working people. It seems to me that doing good is their religion but doing good and practicing the Morman doctrin does not square with the only book given by God. Just one example, we will not become gods, that is what satin wanted. The only way to please God is to is to believe his word and the way he has set forth for us to do that is to put our faith in his Son and accept him as our savior. I feel Romney will make a good president compared to the socialist sleeze bag we now have. The difinition of a cult is "having a form of godliness but denying the power thereove". Please forgive my spelling.
      Sincerely, Bob
      - Mary Wood
        
        I joined the Mormon Church because I love the Mormon people… and had no idea about the anti-Mormon history, which now that I am learning does not bother me in the least!!! All religions following Christ are "revealed" religions and are thus in question as far as I am concerned. I am probably more a Diest anyway, as Jeff Dixon, one of this forum's philosophers, has pointed out. I am trying to figure it all out, but I will be in sacrament meeting tomorrow as I usually am and I will enjoy the company of these good people whose truly generous spirits have never failed me in over ten years! Thanks for the comment. Go Mitt Romney – Paul Ryan 2012-2020.!!!
      - millergroup2
        
        To rely on the comforts of man is dangerous.
        
        Jeremiah 17:5-9
        
        Thus says the Lord: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord.
        He is like a shrub in the desert, and shall not see any good come. He
        shall dwell in the parched places of the wilderness, in an uninhabited
        salt land. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord.
        He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the
        stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green,
        and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear
        fruit.” The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick;
        who can understand it?
      - Vladimir
        
        Yes, Satan wanted to become a god, but he wanted to destroy God to do it. He is/was stupid. God wants us to become like He is. God wants us to become joint heirs with Jesus Christ. God wants to give us all He has. And He tells us in the scriptures what we must do to receive this. Satan wanted to take.
      - Mary Wood
        
        Bob. Also, I will not argue origins of any books. All I know is that there is an infinity of information out there and all of it is not contained in a two-inch-thick book, so when someone says "does not square" that implies an absolute, unreasonable conclusion which I do not accept. Thank you for your comment.
      - millergroup2
        
        2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
        
        New King James Version
        All Scripture is given by inspiration of
        God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
        instruction in righteousness.
        
        Everything for life now and the after, all within a 2" book, an absolute.
      - Evermyrtle
        
        Everything you need to know about living is contained the "WORD OF GOD", All science, all math, all language, all spelling, everything you could ever want to know comes from the writer of that 2 inch book.He is AUTHOR and MASTER OF ALL.
      - Mary Wood
        
        The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not a cult any more than any sect of any religion is a cult. They are all "revealed" religions. Thank you.
    - millergroup2
      
      @Mary "I teach the 5 year-olds. In order to do this it is impossible to get the
      non-LDS Christians to admit anything even if it is in black and white
      in their bible"
      
      I would be very happy to answer any question you may have. And I will give you an honest answer.
      Honesty has always been the topic of my replies within this forum. Back in 2008 when Obama was at the peak of his campain, I was wooed by his (I thought) honest approach and vision for change. As I followed his campaign, I saw the lies and deceit begin to emerge. I thought to myself…..here is another injected phoney to bring our country further into the twilight zone (non reality). I really do not want to spend the time or energy debating the integrity of the LDS church. I just want to express my belief that like Obama, the LDS church is built on deception and lies. Most who follow its teachings are unaware that there is anything wrong. The same with our government. There are a select few who can see the current deception of our present government. Most believe that we live in a strong, powerful, unblemished country. Its mountains, its rivers, its diversified culture, and most of all its democracy. As I write, there are tears in my eyes. The tears are from the reality I see. The reality of watching our country go further into the depths of no return. I do not hate Mormon's, in fact the Mormon families that I do know are some of the most honest diligent people I have had the pleasure to meet. Their integrity as a people is unsurpassed. But salvation is a true reality, our only hope at the final calling. And those who follow a false Jesus are most certainly doomed. Please for the sake of truth, research, dig, ask questions, and weigh the truth. And if not for yourself, then your family.
      
      Dr Ron Paul has spent, so far, 4.5 million dollars on his current campaign. Dr Paul is a working man who has dedicated his life to truth and healing. He is a humble man who has stuck to his principals, and put his son, Dr Rand Paul through college, mentored him. Dr Rand Paul is now a Senator, Dr Rand Paul came up trough the ranks by being recognized for his diligent campaign efforts for his father. This is a family concerned for the people of the United States, with no other agenda, but that of returning this Country back to its grass roots, a democracy.
      
      mesaman above said "Then accept that he cannot be the president in 2012 and consider putting it into the reach of an honest, probable GOP candidate."
      
      This is where I have trouble accepting anything less that truth for this country. I do not find Mitt Romney to be honest. And I do not want to be forced to vote in the lesser of two evils. We the people have a choice to have who we want for the President. We have the power to vote in who we choose. We have a responsibility to the future of this Country. Dr Ron Paul can be president, if we so demand it. Romney and Obama have spent well over a billion dollars to force the vote down out throats. If we do not have "real change", I am afraid that this presidency will be the last for this country. We the people need to wake up and force this change. Dr Paul has been, for many years now, calling for a Revolution. A sane revolution. But we as a lazy, misinformed people allow ourselves to be fooled by the charming liars that run this country. And we allow their cohorts to suceed them in office. Crazy Dr Paul said he will fire them all and rid this country of deceit, and start all over again. This type of Revolution will in fact turn this country upside down for a while. We will not be very comfortable, hate and strife will ensue, but our country will prevail. If we allow another phoney leader to sit in the oval office…………………………we are finished.
      - Mary Wood
        
        This is incendiary between us Millergroup2. Need I recall your conversation about me with Petroskhan? I defer on the religious/political topic to Vladimir or perhaps Mesaman. Romney-Ryan 2012-2020 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPxMZ1WdINs&feature=player_detailpage
      - millergroup2
        
        You did not read the whole context of my post. Hold a grudge if you so wish, but the facts remain. Besides an incendiary approach is sometimes what it takes to get past a brick wall.
      - Mary Wood
        
        I did.
        Matthew 6: 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
      - millergroup2
        
        Egads! We are adults here. Can we get past the cheap shots?
      - millergroup2
        
        And the "civil discourse" continues with Mr Vladimir.
      - Vladimir
        
        Millergroup2, remember you don't have to admit that you are seeking answers from God, just do it.
      - millergroup2
        
        I did "just do it" Vladimir. Sentence after sentence I wrote, backed by The word of God, but yet you hold to your 40 year study of Mormon literature, and refuse to answer any question or rebut any of the statements I made. But I do understand your not wanting to argue with the Word of God publicly. Sorry it trails off this way, but I guess it's to be expected.
      - Vladimir
        
        millergroup2, you stated, "the LDS church is built on deception and lies". I have studied the doctrines and principles of that church for over forty years. I haven't unearthed one deception or lie that the church is built on as you claim. I have come across a lot of deception and lies about the church repeated by people like you, but I haven't found any deception or lying.
        '
        I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you actually believe what you've been told and read about the church so you aren't lying. But you are gullible and your intellectual laziness carries over into the political arena. President Obama is hiding everything about his past and spending millions to do it. His true agenda as revealed by his actions of the last three years is to send this country over the marxist/socialist cliff into bankruptcy, collapse and chaos. Compare that to Gov. Romney. He has no hidden agenda for this country. He is a free market capitalist and knows it is the only economic model that works.
        '
        Barack H. Obama is a product of deception and lies, the very things you imply you abhor. And yet you are willing to help him by not voting against this monster. Shame on you.
      - millergroup2
        
        First off, Obama has no business in the White House. Secondly, if you interpreted what I said to include my not willing to vote against Obama, then read it again. I stated there are others to look at besides Romney.
        If you have been in study of the Mormon D&C for over 40 years, and have not questioned its authority, and have first hand seen the many inaccuracies, then my friend, your eyes are closed.
        
        But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should
        preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is
        to be accursed! Gal. 1.8 (who is Moroni??)
        
        I have included some sources within the text. And I will keep coming back with more.
        
        The bible warned us of false prophets that will arise to deceive the masses. I will argue with you all day about this subject. I have done my homework here, and am ready to go head on fervently.
        
        Is the Mormon church built on a lie?
        
        The founder of the LDS church,
        Joseph Smith, had a supposed vision and then we find 8+ versions of that
        same vision. 8 CONTRADICTORY VERSIONS. How can that be truth?
        
        This is Joseph Smith's hand written first vision that is NOT the LDS
        accepted version.
        http://www.utlm.org/onlineresources/firstvisionjosephsmith1832.htm
        
        The Book of Mormon. There is not one piece of North American archeology
        to support the claims of the Book of Mormon. No people, no cities, no
        coins, no chariot, no weapons. Not one scrap of the civilizations
        mentioned in the Book of Mormon has ever been unearthed! Where is the
        very basic foundational support for the Book of Mormon? See
        http://ezek27.truepath.com/biology1a.html
        
        See the statements from both the Smithsonian Institute and the National
        Geographic concerning the Book of Mormon at:
        http://ezek27.truepath.com/smithsonian.html
        
        Prophecy. Joseph Smith made numerous predictions that never came true
        and were given a specific date. Please see:
        http://ezek27.truepath.com/mmm.html
        
        http://www.bcmmin.org/smithevi.html
        
        Deut. 18:22 gives us the standard a Prophet of God must meet. Does this verse disqualify Joseph Smith?
        
        "When a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not
        come about or come true, that is the thing which the Lord has not
        spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be
        afraid of him. Deut. 18:22
      - Vladimir
        
        All of your arguments, quotes, etc. are yesterday's rants by agenda driven anti-Mormon fanatics, millergroup2. None of them hold up under honest evaluation. Been there, done that many times. Seen them repackaged and resold countless times, but the taint of deceit still follows them. Hope some day you can rise above just accepting what others have written and investigate it for yourself. I did and I am thankful every day.
      - millergroup2
        
        I hear this all the time, that these are old arguments. So is the Old Out Dated book of Mormon that was written to replace the old bible that God made mistakes on. It would be better for you to never begin such a serious dialog if you are not willing to follow through.
        
        I will relent the offensive position here, and take the defensive stance. Tell me of my distorted belief of salvation….I will answer your questions..
        
        I am not anti-Mormon. I am a anti-Deception fanatic. BTW, I have investigated for myself. So if you are accusing me of piggybacking from someone else's hard work…..I do take offense to that statement.
      - Vladimir
        
        You don't have to take a defensive position. You made the accusations. All you need to do is drop your preconceived notions and actually do some honest personal investigation with the intent to discover the truth.
        '
        The Plan of Salvation is very simple. If you believe in Jesus Christ and trust Him to guide you and not let you be deceived by men, then you are off to a good start. He is the source of all truth and He speaks through prophets both in ancient and modern times. We tend to believe ancient prophets but not modern ones because we have been warned that there will be false prophets. Again you must trust in Jesus Christ to know whether there are modern prophets and if so, help you discern who is a true prophet.
        '
        Once you can recognize modern prophets of Jesus Christ you will have discovered a wonderful source of truth. If you can't or won't, then you must continue in ignorance, ever learning but never coming to a knowledge of the truth.
      - millergroup2
        
        You said it yourself "The Plan of Salvation is very simple. If you believe in Jesus Christ
        and trust Him to guide you and not let you be deceived by men" (Who is Jo Smith?)
        John 14:6 – "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Emphasis mine)
        
        No D&C, No extra testimonial of Jesus, No order of ranks in the god head, No spirit babies, No Jesus having intimate relations with Mary, and No Celestial Jo Smith waiting to judge me at the pearly gates. All of these things are direct heresy to the Word of God!
      - Vladimir
        
        Millergroup2, if you do not trust in Jesus Christ to lead you to the truth, you will be subject to the deceptions of men. YOU have decided which men are the deceivers and which are telling the truth. Based on your responses, YOU have chosen those who disparage the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Are you sure you are being guided by the Lord or are you being deceived by men? That question is of utmost important to you personally.
        '
        Remember, If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and …. And it shall be given him. That promise is not idle, millergroup2. You need to take Jesus Christ at His word.
      - millergroup2
        
        Very well stated. Thank you. I do take the Word of God verbatim, and do not rely on the opinions of man for any reason when it comes to truth. I study the word of God, and when I see something written as so called scripture that does not jive with his word, I investigate. When this investigation does not line up with his word, I do everything within my power to expose the lies that mimic God's word.
        
        Eph 5:11
        
        And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].
        
        Or another word: "expose them"
      - Vladimir
        
        You say you take Him at His word, but you have yet to admit that you actually do it. I studied the scriptures just as you are doing, but I knew that I could misunderstand what I read or be deceived by the interpretations of men. I prayed long and fervently to God asking to know whether or not the church was true. It was a long time before I received the answer. Looking back on the experience, God knew when I would be ready and humble enough to accept what He would reveal to me. I am so glad, we have a Father in Heaven who concerned with each of His children and will answer our prayers.
      - millergroup2
        
        This can go on infinity. However you are dodging the words I write. You have yet to answer a question, nor have you attempted to refute. I know that there is One God, and the only one way to salvation. That is: The confession that I am a sinner, that God sent his only son Jesus to die for my sins, and that by believing this, asking forgiveness for my sins, and repenting of these sins, in the name of Jesus, I am promised eternal life. Gee….all this without the sacred rituals of the Mormon doctrine. And, I have not forgotten Baptism of being totally immersed in water for the remission of these sins. Mormon's seem to profess this belief also, except they have added quite a few steps to the process……Like bowing to Jo Smith, as a celestial god. I do deny the claim of Jo Smith being a powerful celestial being, with the power to deny my salvation, because I utterly, unequivocally deny the deity of Jo Smith. I even go as far as calling him a deceitful….."Jones Town" type liar.
      - Vladimir
        
        Millergroup2, I protest. I am not dodging your words. You may be asking questions but I am answering the most important question you could ask and that question is: what is the source of your decision to side with those that oppose the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The sources you cite are anti-church websites. I've been trying to convince you that God is a better source.
        '
        You say you study the scriptures, and you also implied that you read the Book of Mormon or other scripture besides the JKV that we hold dear. Yet you haven't prayed to ask God if what we have received by the hand of God is true. Until you ask in humble prayer, admitting that you can be deceived by men and beseeching God for the truth, you are at the mercy of the wisdom of men.
        '
        So while you may want to discuss all the attacks on the church (like bowing to Jo Smith) it is more important to start with the basics and nothing can be more basic than where is the information you believe coming from: God or man?
      - millergroup2
        
        Precisely what I have been saying all along. I am protesting any doctrine that is added to the word of God via, prophetic revelations written within the D&C of the Mormon church. You keep pushing me to rely only on God's word. I am doing just that, and only God's word. This is where you are confused. I am discrediting words of man……The Mormon Doctrine!
      - Vladimir
        
        Millergroup2, I am only pushing you to ASK God directly. Relying on the Bible is excellent and I recommend it highly. So do what the Bible says. Ask God! Unless, of course, you do not need wisdom. But aren't you just a little curious about what He would say? Does He call modern prophets or are they all false? Are there divine truths not contained in the Bible or are the Mormons all cultists or both? Go ahead ask Him. I promise it won't hurt. You may get an answer right away or be forced to keep trying like I was until I was ready for the answer.
      - millergroup2
        
        The simple answer to your repeating question……it's the BIBLE!!!
        
        So I guess that my source, again stated simply is God….not man thank you.
      - Vladimir
        
        Millergroup2, I noticed that you object to doctrines that you cannot find in the bible. Again, my solution for you is to ask God, the source of all truth, whether or not these things are true. Just go ahead and do it. Stop placing your faith in the wisdom of man or in other words relying on the arm of flesh. You will be ever learning but never coming to a knowledge of the truth.
      - millergroup2
        
        As this dialog began, you stated that I needed the benefit of doubt, that I actually believed what I was saying, and that you felt that I was not lying. I too will extend the benefit of doubt, that your statement of me being "gullible" was not a form of deception. Prayerfully, this discernment and understanding of doctrines that cannot be found in the bible speak for themselves, are not from man, but from the word of God. Jesus Himself.
        King James Version: John Chapter 11 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
        Jesus is the word, he is also the creator, and the author of salvation. Not "a god". Like you, I found myself searching for answers within the confides of man. Confused by so many answers, I ask God, through his son Jesus for truth, and prayed for discernment. He did bless me with answers, and he lead me right back to his word.
        2 Timothy 2:15-16 KJV
        
        Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
        
        I made a decision in my life to hold the Word of God, tucked away in my heart as 100% true, word for word verbatim. I accepted that His written word was sufficient for me, and holds all the knowledge in the world. Love, marriage, creation, eternity, weights and measures, child rearing, self control, happiness, death, philosophy, health….oh my! The list goes on….infinity. Everything contained in life as a whole, all brilliantly spread over 66 wonderful books. The entire knowledge of the universe all between two inches of text. Absolutely amazing! So now my friend, I ask you to ask God whether these things are true, and come to realize that any knowledge outside the confines of those 66 books is in fact, a false deception.John 10:30 (1611 King James Bible)
        
        1611 King James Version. John 10:30I and my father are one.
        John 10:30
        
        King James Version.
        
        I and my Father are one.
        
        Please refer to the verse at the beginning. The word is God. The word is alive. Knowing the word of God is a personal relationship. To add another testament or vain doctrines is like adding another nose to a face, it does not belong. Ever have a friend whom you looked at, and just know something is out of place? Same is true with the personal relationship with the word (Jesus).
        So, this not an attack on a church, this is conveying discernment of an untrue gospel. A counterfeit, an extra nose.
        
        You wrote:
        "But aren't you just a little curious about what He would say? Does He
        call modern prophets or are they all false? Are there divine truths not
        contained in the Bible or are the Mormons all cultists or both?"
        
        The first question answers it self above.
        2).I am sure that God calls modern prophets. Prophets warn of upcoming events. They do not rewrite the word of God, and claim to be the chosen redeemer of the lost and damaged word of God.
        3). Outside the word of God, there are no truths.
        3b). Those who embrace the Mormon doctrine and its teachings are immersed in a cult.
      - Vladimir
        
        Millergroup2, first off, how does one register with Disqus to follow posts as you suggested.
        '
        I admire your biblical scholarship, but the basic question still stands and without an answer, the seeker of truth can wander in the wilderness indefinitely. You said, in effect, that there is nothing divine outside of the Bible. Also, If it is extra-Biblical it is false. Therefore, you condemn the modern revelation proclaimed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
        '
        Was this decision, the all inclusive Bible, which you made some time ago inspired of God or is it your own concludion based on information generated by men? Only if it is of God, can you rely on your decision. If God has told you that the only communication He has with us is through the Bible, then the discussion is over and you must follow what God has told you.
        '
        But if you don't remember how you came to your conclusion, then simply ask God. Asking God is in the Bible. Getting answers from God is in the Bible. Do it and KNOW. Don't do it and WONDER for the rest of your life. Get back to me when you know one way or another.
      - millergroup2
        
        Hope this is the right link to sign up. http://disqus.com/profile/signup/email/
        
        I see you tried to answer me, and are being civil about it. I need some time to ponder. This is very important.
      - millergroup2
        
        After prayer and thought, I have said, already, as much as needed. Please pray and research for yourself. I do hope that you can look at research as carefully as we do!
      - guest
        
        I researched and prayed:
      - guest
        
        all religions are revealed religions, no exceptions
      - millergroup2
        
        From lds.org
        
        Most of which cannot be found in the Word of God. His bible……….
        
        Plan of Salvation
        
        In the premortal existence, Heavenly Father prepared a plan to
        enable us to become like Him and receive a fulness of joy. The
        scriptures refer to this plan as "the plan of salvation" (Alma 24:14; Moses 6:62), "the great plan of happiness" (Alma 42:8), "the plan of redemption" (Jacob 6:8; Alma 12:30), and "the plan of mercy" (Alma 42:15).
        The plan of salvation is the fulness of the gospel. It includes the
        Creation, the Fall, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and all the laws,
        ordinances, and doctrines of the gospel. Moral agency, the ability to
        choose and act for ourselves, is also essential in Heavenly Father's
        plan. Because of this plan, we can be perfected through the Atonement,
        receive a fulness of joy, and live forever in the presence of God. ******(Which god would that be?)********Our
        family relationships can last throughout the eternities.
      - millergroup2
        
        The only necessary things for eternal salvation required is hereby listed. Any additions are not from the word of God.
        
        Many people think they will go to heaven because they have lived a good life. Perhaps, they treat all of their neighbors
        fairly. Maybe they volunteer for charity work and have never broken the law. Maybe they were even baptized
        or go to church regularly. But the Bible, God's Word, says that no one can live up to God's standard of righteousness.
        
        Romans 3:10 "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one …."
        
        Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God …."
        
        Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
        
        Salvation cannot be earned. Everyone is a sinner and deserves death, but God gives eternal life. So how can we receive
        God's gift of eternal life?
        
        Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto
        salvation to every one that believeth …."
        
        To be saved, we must believe the gospel. The word "gospel" means "good news". But before we can believe the good news,
        we have to know what it is.
        
        1 Corinthians 15:1-4 "Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel … that Christ died for our sins
        according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures …."
        
        This is the gospel which we must believe in order to be saved. Now, how does believing this gospel save us?
        
        Romans 5:8-9 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then,
        being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."
        
        Romans 3:22-26 "Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all
        them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by
        his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation (appeasing
        sacrifice) through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the
        forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which
        believeth in Jesus."
        
        We can be saved from the wrath of God, because Jesus Christ, the Son of
        God, died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins and
        rose from the dead. He paid the price for us, and we are justified in
        God's eyes through our faith in the blood of Jesus Christ.
        
        Ephesians 2:8-9 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of
        works lest any man should boast."
        
        There will be no boasting in heaven. We cannot be saved by our own righteousness, but only by God's grace, through faith.
        
        Ephesians 1:13-14 "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in
        whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our
        inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory."
        
        Once we believe the gospel, we are sealed with God's Holy Spirit. This is God's deposit, that guarantees he will redeem us,
        whom our Lord Jesus Christ "purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).
        
        Since baptism is also biblical….consider it noted also.
    - mesaman
      
      You and I understand, and that is the most important aspect of it. Where others are concerned, I truly believe in what we have and it would serve no rational or persuasive value to attempt to explain this to those who do not wish to comprehend. If they show interest and are sincere in their interest I will open up, if they are testing me or challenging me, I have no need to prove anything to them and they are the ones who go without any additional knowledge of what we are about. We have survived enormous persecution and harm in the past 170 + years and we have demonstrated that we can survive. Thank you for your interest.
      - Mary Wood
        
        Thank you your highly regarded confirmation.
    - Evermyrtle
      
      Who is the "Creep" I have not seen anything about a creep, unless it is ……….
      - Mary Wood
        
        yes you guessed it …
- EstebanCafe
  
  Just one name for you: Jimmy Carter. He believes as we believe, but would you serously elect such a man over Mssr Romney? Mssr Paul is not in the running. In a perfect world he would be. But we don't live in a perfect world. We depend upon America. Don't let us down.
Mary Wood

Interesting title: Media, Mormonism and meaning
http://www.facebook.com/alan.wood.982292 Alan Wood

Rombama's cult teaches the Lord Jesus Christ and satan are brothers – I will never vote for a heathen like that. Rombama gave us socialist medicine and stands by it. Rombama gave us "gay marriage" – did nothing to stop it. Rombama attacked Catholic charites and stopped them from helping kids with adoption because they did not support his gay first agenda. Rombama thinks the Boy Scouts should become Penn State nation wide and let gays assault young boys. agbjr is totally wrong – Catholics are Christian, place jesus number one (not satan!) Real Christians will write in Jesus Christ for president this year – 300,000 have signed up to do so already!
- Vladimir
  
  Well, Alan Wood, if God created everything, as I understand it from Genesis, didn't God create Lucifier? If not, how did Lucifier come into existance and reside in Heaven for a time? If God grants us our agency to make decisions, isn't it obvious that Lucifier used his agency to rebel, get kicked out of Heaven and thus earned the name Satan? How does Lucifier's actions reflect poorly on our Savior, Jesus Christ? I think your heatburn with Jesus Christ and Lucifier being siblings of the same Father is overrated.
  - Evermyrtle
    
    He created me, too and I'm not perfect, either. If we could not choose to believe as we want to we would be controlled robots. While Satan is free to roam the earth and as long as we are allowed to live we have a free choice of what we and what we believe.
    We will ear a place for after life by our actions on earth basically, FAITH OR NO FAITH"
    Matt 25:32-24
    
    32. AND BEFORE him SHALL BE GATHERED ALL NATIONS: AND HE SHALL SEPARATE THEM ONE FROM ANOTHER, AS A SHPHERD DIVIDES HIS SHEEP FROM THE GOATS:
    33. AND HE SHALL SET THE SHEEP ON HIS RIGHT HAND, BUT THE GOATS ONT HE LEFT.
    34. THEN SHALL THE KING SAY UNTO THEM ON HIS RIGHT HAND, COME, YOU BLESSED OF MY FATHER,INHERIT THE KINGDOM PREPARED FOR YOU FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD.
    
    For the rest of the story read the rest of the chapter.
- Elaine
  
  Hey, If we have OBUMMER in the house for another 4 years then you can kiss life as you know it GOODBYE. I will vote for Romney, I would rather take a chance with him than spend another 4 years under OBUMMER!
- EstebanCafe
  
  I'm not an American and yet I seem to be better informed than you. I care not a wit what Mssr Obama's competition believes on a personal level. Write in our Savior's name and hand the election to Mssr Obama. You sir, are foolish in your self-righteousness.
Jack Sr.

Allen Wood must truly be an idiot or an obummer worshiper!