FREEDOM OF RELIGION

[Ryan Thames]

FREEDOM OF RELIGION

One of the greatest freedoms we have in the United States is the freedom of religion--the right to worship and practice our beliefs according to the dictates of our own conscience. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church) has exercised this freedom in their Scripture, theology, and practice. Let us examine these areas of Mormonism in contrast to biblical Christianity.

1. Freedom to Believe in Scripture
The Mormon Church has exercised its freedom of believing in new Scripture by adding several books to the Bible. Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church, added three new scriptures since 1830. Not satisfied with new Scripture alone, Joseph Smith also translated the Bible through the “gift and power of God,” producing 3,410 changes, including additional verses that prophesied of his work with the Book of Mormon. Mormons believe these changes “restored” the Bible to its original condition.[ii] Some of Smith’s changes appear in the footnotes of the LDS edition of the Bible.[iii]

Biblical Christians exercise the freedom of religion by trusting the Bible as God's only faithful and authoritative communication to mankind.[iv] Christians believe that only liars change God’s Word, as God said, “Add thou not to his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”[v] While Joseph Smith was free to change the Bible, Christians are also free to tell Mormons that there is no support from the Hebrew or Greek texts for Joseph Smith’s changes.

2. Freedom to Believe in God
The Mormon Church has exercised its freedom to believe in many gods.[vi] The Father-God taught by Joseph Smith was born as a man,[vii] was married, and now dwells with his wife in heaven.[viii] These gods Smith taught (Father and Mother) gave birth to many spirit children, among whom were Jesus,[ix] Lucifer,[x] and the Holy Ghost.[xi] The Mormons also freely believe that Jesus was born on earth through a natural, physical, husband-wife relationship between Heavenly Father and Mary, the mother of Jesus.[xii] Mormons also believe that all faithful members have the potential of becoming gods themselves, like they believe the Father did in his exhalation as a man.[xiii]

Biblical Christians have exercised their freedom to believe that God spoke clearly about Himself in the Bible. When God said that He is the ONLY GOD existing, then that means there are no other “gods” in Heaven.[xiv] Scripture also tells us that there are Three distinct Persons as the One God.[xv] The Father is God,[xvi] the Son is God,[xvii] the Holy Spirit is God,[xviii] and yet there is One God, not three gods as Mormons believe.[xix] The Bible teaches us One God in Three Persons.[xx] Since there is only One God, men cannot become gods, as Mormons also teach.[xxi] The Bible says that God is eternal,[xxii] invisible,[xxiii] and Spirit.[xxiv] God the Son loved mankind enough that He took on human flesh, as Jesus Christ, and died for the sins of the world.[xxv] He entered this world through the miracle of the Holy Spirit overshadowing Mary,[xxvi] and not by Mary’s relationship, as a wife-partner of an exalted god-man.[xxvii]

3. Freedom to Believe in a Plan of Salvation
The Mormon Church exercises its freedom to believe that Adam fell “upward,”[xxviii] and that the human race will not be judged for bearing Adam’s guilt. They are free to believe that there are certain sins that the blood of Christ cannot cleanse, such as adultery, breaking temple covenants, and murder.[xxix] They believe that God's grace provides everyone a resurrected body,[xxx] but to gain celestial degrees in Heaven, one must do “temple work” on earth.[xxxi]

Biblical Christians have the freedom to believe the Bible when it says that if anyone desires to come to Jesus for forgiveness, he will not be cast aside.[xxxii] Jesus provided a complete Atonement covering all sins we commit.[xxxiii] The Bible tells us that if we repent by turning away from our past and believe upon Jesus, He will forgive us freely by His grace, not by our works. Nothing we do can improve upon God's plan and Jesus’ atoning work for our salvation.[xxxiv] Good works will not earn for us forgiveness of our past sins nor do they instill righteousness. Good works can only testify of our faith, but not produce exaltation or degrees in heaven. Only by trusting Jesus can we be sure of our salvation.[xxxv]

You can have perfect freedom now! You can invite the True Jesus, the one spoken of in the Bible to become your Lord and Savior through placing faith in Him, His work, and His resurrection. Why not pray and ask Him to forgive you of your sins today? The Bible says, “That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, then you shall be saved” (Romans 10:9). Trust Jesus for your eternal life today!

[josephsirois]

Freedom from Religon

I'm not a religious person, will never be one. Though this quote I believe should be practiced by any person of religious faith.

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, Who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. This, then, is how you should pray:

[Tony Carpenter]

Joseph

I remember being taught that quote in grammar school (catholic private school). It is one of the best quotes when it comes to religion. Great one to bring up. I had long sense forgotten it.

[Ryan Thames]

I like it. and totaly agree. ;D

[Harold "Rattlesnake" Ryden]

That is a great verse Joe.
I too and not a "religious" person, and also will never be one.
My faith in the Lord is a relationship...not a religion.

I believe I speak for most christians who post here when I say that.

p.s. Ryan, will you still acknowlege me when your as big as Billy Graham?? ;D

[josephsirois]

I was raised and baptised (spelling?) a Roman Catholic, fell out of religion when I was in my early teens. Was born again as a Christian when I was in my late teens, later fell out of that too. Then I started learning more about religions from around the world.

Studied a bit of Buddhism and a few other religions, just the very basics. Some Taoism, some Hinduism, even Islam. All pretty much teach the same basic thing, be kind and rewind, that sort of message. Above all I've enjoyed Krishnamurti's teaching of "Be a light unto yourself". I've yet to do any in depth studying on his teachings as well.

Learned a bit about Scientology, which I view as the world's largest cult, sorry if that offends anyone. I'm actually considered a "Professional Dianetics Auditor" if you're wondering about my credentials of what I know of the "religion".

All in all, if I had a religion, and though I am not always the best example, compassion and human unity would be the banner I'd fall under. I've been contemplating trying out a Unitarian church but not sure if I'll follow through the it or not.

No matter what your faith, I believe in a way, you are correct. I see no truth or falsehoods in any faith, they simply "just are". Probably seems a little esoteric and it is in actuality.

Though I STRONGLY recommend people take a little time to actually learn about evolution before they decide whether or not they believe in it. Not just what they teach at the highschool biology level either, but to learn about the modern science. It is indeed a science and didn't stop growing at the time of Charles Darwin's death. There are a thousand new discoveries happening every day with both micro and macro evolution, and also instantanious evolution. It really pisses me off how most people believe that evolution states that humans evolved from monkeys, which is not true at all.

[Harold "Rattlesnake" Ryden]

I think saying we came from monkeys cracks me up. I do beleive that things will change, adapt, or "evolve" to their surroundings for survival reasons. Thats the Lords way of helping things survive. Though some people use it as a tool to say God doesnt exsist...so be it.

I respect all beliefs, I just pray we all learn the truth for our souls sake...


Harold

[josephsirois]

A lot of scientists use evolution to prove that God does indeed exist. Probably sounds contradictory. Other scientists have used particle accelerators to prove that God exists because matter can be created from anti-matter, or something along those lines, it's above my head at the moment. I'll read over it again and try to put it in better detail.

Evolution states that humans evolved from a species that is now currently extinct. If I remember correctly, that homo erectus evolved from homo neanderthalensis.

[Ryan Thames]

I also believe in adaptation. and that humans will change to the extent of taking on genetic charachteristics of the parents.

I believe when you live in louisiana new york is colder to me than it is to a new yorker. and that if i move up there i would likely adjust to it.

I believe we evolved from cowboys to police officers.

from hunter/gatherer to grocery shopper

I believe we evolved from ninjitsu to marine corp and SWAT

that kind of evolution.

I do not believe man is anymore intelectually advance than man 1000's of years ago. I do believe we are more technilogically advanced.

But anyway these threads are to expose to cult/occult of Mormonism.

Why do you believe scientology is a cult? just curious would like to know why you feel that way. im going to look some things up about it.

[Ryan Thames]

For the record if any be interested i have information of the beliefs of all the following cults occults and religions.

BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY

JEHOVAHS WITNESSES

MORMONISM

UNIFICATION CHURCH

CHRISTIAN SCIENCEUNITY SCHOOL OF CHRISTIANITY

SCIENTOLOGY

WICCA

NEW AGE

ISLAM

NATION OF ISLAM

BAHAI WORLD OF FAITH

JUDAISM

HINDUISM

HARE KRISHNA

TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION

BUDDHISM

[Ryan Thames]

Harold,

ill always have time for the little people

j/k ;D

[Mike Dardenne]

what about the right not to listen to your ramblings ryan ??

who do you think you are, Harry Z ??!!

LOL, ;D

m.a.d.

p.s. you're going down at our next meeting. Are you going to Allen's ?

[Ryan Thames]

are you a practicing mormon?

Are you in the depths of leadership?

Do you know what the original writings are?

Have you ever been in a temple? not the church the temple. I havent. unless you have your holy underwear i doubt you have unless it was on a guided tour.

do you know what the blood atonement doctrine is?

Vern you do seem like a nice guy i dont mean to ruffle your feathers but do you know everything your religion teaches? even the things your leadership keeps from you?

I mean no insult you or your family.

But i do stand boldy against the mormon church.

Do you believe in the bible?

do you believe the book of mormon has more authority than the bible?

Do you believe Joseph Smith had the authority to "revise" the bible inorder to implant prophecies of himself?

Do not know of Jospeh Smith practices of satanism and witchcraft and his life in the occult? Jospeh smith was ivolved in these things before he founded the LDS church. HE DID NOT CHANGE!

Yes i feel it is right for me to expose this. None of this is meant to insult or offend you or Steve Phipps or any other Mormon.

im just trying to explain to you that this is an occult.

The true defenition of a cult is a religion that deviates the word of God. or Counterfiets the word of God.


Do you or do you not see how The entire basis of Mormonism, the fact the they preach "ANOTHER testament of Jesus Christ", the fact that Joseph Smith claims an angel revealed this new testament.

Do you not see how this totally goes against
Galatians 1:7-9
7. Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

(Joseph this is an example of a contradiction of theology and doctrine therefore ripping its own foundation out from under itself....also the following)

The mormons teach that Jesus and Lucifer were brothers.

The bible teaches

Jesus was/is God
JOHN 1:1-3
1. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2. The same was in the beginning with God.
3. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

And that not only was he God but he was the only begotten Son of God
JOHN 1:14. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth

If Lucifer has a brother named Jesus it is not the same Jesus of the bible. and you worship a demonic power.

Vern you may yourself worship the true Jesus but if you worship the Jesus of the mormon Chruch you are worship and demonic power.

The bible teaches that angels are created by God and that Jesus existed before anything was ever created. That Jesus is God (now were going deep) So angels are a totally different species of creation. Lucifer was an angel. Jesus was not. My dog and cat are not brothers.

To throw something in people dont die and becoame Gods nor do they become angels. we dont get wings when we do good things after we die.... I dont know in the world came up with that!


I find as i watch the mormon faith people dont even worship Jesus but they worship Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith is the focus of this religion.

The mormons teach that When Jesus was alive he was a polygamist and he had several children and of that lineage was born Joseph smith. Joseph smith taught that he was the brother of Jesus as well. and that you would sit in front of Elohim and Jesus and Joseph Smith on the day of Judgement.


i believe it is Jesus nature to expose false religions.......

Everything he did on the cross was to show that there is no other way to the father. He constantly rebuked the Pharisees for their views of the law of moses. And he did it in a bold and sometimes humurous manner.