Nov

17

Yesterday I was attending my Sunday school class in my ward (Portuguese speaking ward) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) and it was mentioned a time when, in Brazil, a school teacher had asked the students to present themselves by telling their names, interests, which church they were attending, and a few other things.

That story, to all people present, seemed to come not from another country and time, but from another world. We were all very aware of the situation in the US, where teachers would never have the courage to do that. What a different world that was!

I know that in the past people had discriminated others because of religion, and we all agree that a state religion is not good for freedom, but I wonder if people realize that currently all religions are discriminated in public schools, with the exception of the church of irreligiosity, that is presented as the only truth.

If sponsoring only one religion is bad in public schools, why can’t we make all religions welcomed in our schools, instead of completely banning them?

M. J. Sobran wrote :

“The Framers of the Constitution … forbade the Congress to make any law ‘respecting’ the establishment of religion, thus leaving the states free to do so (as several of them did); and they explicitly forbade the Congress to abridge ‘the free exercise’ of religion, thus giving actual religious observance a rhetorical emphasis that fully accords with the special concern we know they had for religion. It takes a special ingenuity to wring out of this a governmental indifference to religion, let alone an aggressive secularism. Yet there are those who insist that the First Amendment actually proscribes governmental partiality not only to any single religion, but to religion as such; so that tax exemption for churches is now thought to be unconstitutional. It is startling to consider that a clause clearly protecting religion can be construed as requiring that it be denied a status routinely granted to educational and charitable enterprises, which have no overt constitutional protection. Far from equalizing unbelief, secularism has succeeded in virtually establishing it (Human Life Review, Summer 1978, pp. 51–52)

The plan is clear. The following talk by Mormon Apostle Elder Maxwell, given several years ago is really prophetic and illuminates what we are facing and what are the challenges of the future for true disciples of Jesus Christ.

Jun

18

Yesterday I went to Manti, Utah and watched the Mormon Miracle Pageants. Before the performance started, I noticed these people from other faiths with their signs about the Bible or other websites, usually against the Mormon Church.

Usually I avoid them, but this time I decided to talk with a couple of them. It was an interesting experience. All of them insisted on salvation by grace. They have a hard time to understand or accept a simple and even logical concept as that of progression. The have an all-or-nothing attitude. Or you are saved or you are damned, or you believe or you do not, or you pay tithing or you do not. They do not understand or they do not want to understand degrees. Also, they want something simple and easy. Jesus does everything for you.

They do not get the big picture and insist on words or specific scriptures trying to prove their point. I know that discussing religion with them is almost useless, but I tried to understand them. There was another one who was only yelling, trying to be like Samuel the Lamanite. I could not even talk to him, he just kept yelling and really nobody was listening to him, he should have tried with a megaphone.

There were also a father and a son. The father left the LDS Church after going unworthily to the Temple when he was 18, according to his own words. His parents are still active in the Church, but his son was with him trying to convert Mormons….

I told his son that because his father left the Church he was losing the blessing of the temple and he told me that “Mormons do terrible things in the temple, they do baptisms for the dead”… When he said that I did not know if I should laugh or cry. I thought about his father. He went to the Temple at least once and he knows that we do not do “terrible things”, but his choices have “terrible” consequences in the lives of his family and his posterity. As a convert I am particularly sad when I see people who were born in the Church break the progression of their families. I think how sad must be his parents.

For some reason when he was 18 he gave up. Why? At one point he told me that it is hard for some people to keep the commandments. I had the impression he was trying to tell me that he prefers his new doctrine because there is really no effort or possible failure implied.

According to his doctrine, you accept Jesus and you are saved, while in the Mormon Church you are taught that you need to fight against your nature to follow the commandments and keep improving your life (even after accepting Jesus). He probably felt unworthy when he was 18 and he gave up. He was inactive for many years and then a few years ago he was “saved” by some Protestant group. He wishes it was that easy. But it is not. On the other hand, it is not impossible and it is not just for a few special people, but all men and women can qualify for the true salvation. However, it requires humility and perseverance: true salvation is a process not a single event.

During the performance it was remembered how important is to let people know the true principles of the gospel, because when the true doctrine is not known and practiced, human being have the tendency to fall into transgression and entire societies may end up being destroyed, as it happened with the ancient Nephites.

While there I have thought again about the power of the Internet. How important is for us to explain true principles to all mankind,

“teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things…(Matthew 28:19-20)

Jun

16

I have found a relatively new and interesting blog, LDS Media Talk whose authors are Larry Richman (LDS.org Product Manager), Joel Dehlin (LDS Church CIO), David Nielson (Managing Director, Audiovisual Dept, LDS Church), and David Frischknecht (Managing Director, Curriculum Dept, LDS Church).

The purpose of the blog is to “share ideas with LDS parents and youth who are interested in learning how to use technology to strengthen families and build The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes referred to as the “Mormons,” the “Mormon Church,” or “Mormonism” ).

The blog is not an official official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the information and opinions expressed are the responsibility of the authors, but I am happy to see that the use of technology at Church headquarters is gaining momentum.

Jun

12

I have found something really interesting, called “The Baptist Version of The Book of Mormon - Protestant Doctrines within the Book of Mormon” by Lynn Ridenhour, a Southern Baptist Minister.

It is an amazing article. I am copying it here because I do not want to see it disappear in the future from the internet, but I recognize his authorship and commend it for what he did and his sincerity.

This is his article that currently can be found at http://www.centerplace.org/library/bofm/baptistversionofbofm.htm

“I’m a licensed Southern Baptist minister and I embrace the Book of Mormon.

That is, I believe the truths recorded in it. No, I’m not a convert to the Mormon faith, nor am I a member of any particular “spin-off” restoration group such as the RLDS (Reorganized Latter-day Saints), Hedrikites, or Strangites. I’m still a Baptist minister. To be exact, I’m “charismatic Baptist.” That is, I still embrace the “born again” experience. I still believe you’re saved by grace. By the shed blood of Christ. Salvation is by faith alone in His finished work on Calvary. I still believe in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit. I believe and embrace those cardinal doctrines of Protestantism.

And you know what?…

I still believe the Book of Mormon too! Read more

Jun

10

Another great video from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church), finally telling the true story about the priesthood and the black people in the Church.

Too much has been said that was wrong. This is a great video for those who honestly seek for the truth. For those who do not seek the truth… anotehr missed opportunity…

May

16

There is always a lot of confusion about who are the Mormons. A few years ago I noticed that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints started putting more emphasis on the official name of the Church by asking more clearly that members and not members use the full name of the Church, instead than saying “Mormon Church.”

However, in this video, Mormon spokesman Michael Otterson clearly says that the media should not call those little poligamyst sects “Mormons” because there is really almost nothing in common between those groups and the Church. I like the idea of defending the nickname “Mormons” since it is widely used and recognized, and there is nothing to be ashamed of.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not allow its members to practice poligamy since the end of the 19th century. Moreover, the way poligamy was practiced more than a century ago was very different from the way it is practiced today by these groups, and the social environment is completely different.  

Finally, many other aspects of the way these people live or believe are different from what is taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Watch the Video:


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May

15

As I mentioned in a previous blog, Mormon Temples can be visited inside before they are dedicated. This is a good opportunity, since this video show images of the inside of the new Mormon Temple, built in Curitiba, state of Paraná, Brazil.

I used to live in Londrina, the second city in the same state, and I am glad that now members of the Mormon Church will not have to travel to S. Paolo, a long trip from Curitiba.

I currently live in an area where it is easy to go to a temple. I only need to travel 10-15 minutes and I know what a great blessing is to live close to one of these sacred buildings.

If you are not a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church), I invite you to talk to the Mormon missionaries and ask them about our temples, where families can be sealed for eternity.

Watch the video:

Inside Mormon Temples: part 2.

May

9

There are many great people in all religions and churches. I really appreciate all the good things many religious people do, even if I may not share the same exact beliefs.

However, there is a marginal group of religious people that, instead of focusing on doing good things and in attracting people to their churches by the power of their teachings and actions, prefers to use a negative approach: they attack others.

Perhaps they think that by attacking others people will not notice their own shortcomings. Take a look at this picture, for example:

In any case, they are right. If people honestly and sincerely pray about the Book of Mormon, they will know that is true unless, and unfortunately this also happens, people do not want to know the truth, because they are scared of what changes they should make in their lives, after they know what they are supposed to do.

I did it a long time ago and this is really what happened with me.

Apr

25

Many of the news reports coming from Texas about the problems with the FLDS Church have left the impression that they are ‘Mormons’ in the sense that they are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, they are not. They are a different church, and a very small one. However, several of our non-member friends have asked us quite sincerely about it. Some here who oppose the growth of the Church are promoting the idea to damage the reputation of the Church.
So, for those of you who may have been watching the news lately and may have wondered…

Some Mormon women sing…

Some Mormon women dance…

Julianne Hough – Dancing with the Stars

Some Mormon women write New York Times best sellers that are immediately made into movies…

Stephenie Meyer “Twilight” series

Some Mormon women have lots of money and really great hair…

Marie Osmond

I know hundreds of Mormon women. They do all kinds of different things and live all different kinds of lives. This woman served as a leader in the Mormon Church. She recently spoke to teenage girls worldwide. She encouraged them to stand up to peer pressure, strengthen their families and serve others.

Susan Tanner

None of the Mormon women I know look like this…


None of them are marrying off their teenage daughters and none of them really want to share their husband with anyone.

Furthermore…

Some Mormon guys can throw a ball…

Some Mormon guys yell at the ball…

Andy Reid – Philadelphia Eagles Football Coach

Some Mormons are Democrats and some are Republicans . . .

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid Senator Orin Hatch

Some Mormon guys are fun to listen to on radio AND TV . . .

Glenn Beck

Some Mormon guys at 17 are insanely adorable and sing like an angel…

David Archuleta- American Idol

In fact, lots and lots of Mormons sing really, really well . . .

Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Some Mormon guys make funny movies…

Napoleon Dynamite

Some Mormon guys have a lot of money and really great hair…

I know hundreds of Mormon guys. They do all kinds of different things and live all kinds of different lives. This is one of the leaders of the LDS (Mormon) Church. This month he spoke about honoring women, especially mothers, and gave advice to husbands and children about how to treat the women in their lives.

Russell Ballard

None of the Mormon men I know look like this…

The Mormon men I know are honest and hard-working. They don’t cheat, smoke, drink or gamble. And TRUST ME….the last thing any of them want is another wife.

The leaders of our church, along with the 13 million members worldwide, want the world to know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not the FLDS practicing polygamy where the federal government just raided and took over 400 children into state custody to protect them. In fact, we have absolutely no connection with them at all.

Get the word out to everyone who may be confused!

Your Mormon Friend

Apr

7

General conferences of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) take place every six months, originating in the 21,000-seat Conference Center in Salt Lake City and reaching a global audience estimated to be in the millions.

Speakers at this weekend’s general conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints focused on subjects such as faith, strengthening families and fostering righteous traditions.

Among the many great talks these are a few thoughts from my favorites talks.

“Do not try to control your children,” Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged parents. “Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life.”

President Thomas S. Monson

President Thomas S. Monson - © 2008 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Sister Cheryl C. Lant, Primary General President asked parents, “Are we consciously creating righteous traditions, or is life just happening to us?” She added, “Are our traditions being created in response to the loud voices of the world, or are they influenced by the still small voice of the Spirit?”

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraged attendees at conference to have: “more compassion for those who are different from us.” He added that if we were to do that: “it would lighten many of the problems and sorrows in the world today.”

Elder Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency noted that: “Families across the Church are searching for ways to strengthen and protect their children against the evils around them.” He added that he was: “confident that there will be, increasingly, a reward given by God for their efforts. Those who never give up will find that God never gave up and that He will help them.”

Elder Gerald N. Lund of the Seventy said: “The heart is a tender place. It is sensitive to many influences, both positive and negative. It can be hurt by others. It can be deadened by sin. It can be softened by love.” He added: “the condition of our hearts directly affects our sensitivity to spiritual things,” and encouraged attendees to: “make it a part of our everyday striving to open our hearts to the Spirit.”

“If you are currently being abused or have been in the past, find the courage to seek help,” encouraged Apostle Elder Richard G. Scott. “Have the courage to act now. Seek the support of someone you can trust. Get help now. The Lord will help you, but you must reach out for that help.”

Speaking to the young men of the Church, President Thomas S. Monson said: “My young friends, be strong. The philosophies of men surround us. The face of sin today often wears the mask of tolerance.” He added the caution: “Do not be deceived; behind that façade is heartache, unhappiness and pain. You know what is right and what is wrong, and no disguise, however appealing, can change that.”

President Monson continued: “There is no friendship more valuable than your own clear conscience, your own moral cleanliness — and what a glorious feeling it is to know that you stand in your appointed place clean and with confidence that you are worthy to do so.”

President Thomas S. Monson extended an invitation to Latter-day Saints who are not fully engaged in the Church. “Come back,” he offered. “We reach out to you in the pure love of Christ and express our desire to assist you and to welcome you into full fellowship. To those who are wounded in spirit or who are struggling and fearful, we say, let us lift you and cheer you and calm your fears.”

“Take literally the Lord’s invitation,” he continued. “‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’”

In the Sunday afternoon session, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, said: “Some Christians, in large measure because of their genuine love for the Bible, have declared that there can be no more authorized scripture beyond the Bible.”

He added: “In thus pronouncing the canon of revelation closed, our friends in some other faiths shut the door on divine expression that we in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hold dear — the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price and the ongoing guidance received by God’s anointed prophets and apostles.”

Elder W. Craig Zwick of the Seventy said: “It requires courage to make good choices, even when others around us choose differently.” He continued: “As we make righteous choices day by day in little things, the Lord will strengthen us and help us choose the right during more difficult times.”

Apostle Elder M. Russell Ballard said: “While women live in homes under many different circumstances — married, single, widowed, or divorced, some with children and some without — all are beloved of God.” He added: “He has a plan for His righteous daughters to receive the highest blessings of eternity.”

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