It's been a while. New religion thread. You know the drill.

[Farbin Kaiber]

This Masonic stuff goes deep. I'm not trying to be tin-foil hatting it up either.

"In the evening I RECEIVED THE FIRST DEGREE IN FREE MASONRY in the Nauvoo Lodge, assembled in my general business office." (History of the Church, Vol. 4, page 551)

[Farbin Kaiber]

I am preparing to bring up the correlation to Mormonism and Masonry. The similarities, relations are astounding. I am absolutely led to believe that all upper level LDS members know of, and accept, and may even partake in the Masonic connection.

I think this stuff will come up soon in society.

Also, how the fuck does "hot" relate to caffeine? One is told hot beverages are bad for the belly in the Word of Wisdom, but you can have cocoa?

[stevofthahill]

Yep, the Temple Garments are quite interesting, I have seen them peeking out of peoples clothing a lot. I'd think undies under your boxers is a kind of silly thing.

And really, hot beverages being bad for the body or temple?

And, the one that really gets me, how Jesus' second comming already happened, and he came to America?

I grew up with this stuff and still don't really understand temple garments either. This was taken from wikipedia cause some things are foggy as I haven't been an active member in years.

" First, the garment provides the wearer with "a constant reminder" of the covenants made in the temple. Second, the garment "provides protection against temptation and evil". Finally, wearing the garment is "an outward expression of an inward commitment" to follow Jesus Christ."

Pretty much you receive them when you are either married or ordained an Elder/Missionary.

As far as hot beverages are concerned, it's part of the word of wisdom, but really only applies to coffee, tea, anything with caffeine. I.E. not hot chocalate.

And on the Jesus's second coming, Mormon's do not believe it already happened, but after he was crucified and resurrected he visited the Americas as well as other people. The second coming...is still coming lol.

final thought:
the LDS temple up the freeway from me is solid marble. SOLID. The building is beautiful. BUT - if you're not LDS you can't go inside... why the secrecy? trying to drum up business? Make it an exclusive club? Only those inside the marble temple get to meet god? I don't get it... makes it seem cult-like. It either makes it exclusive like you know something others don't, or cheapens it to make it like a social club for god that's "members only". I'm leaning twoards social club idea...

The temple is much more exclusive than that. Not all members are allowed entrance either. You must first be an adult, and secondly have a temple recommend interview with a stake president(a stake is made up of multiple wards) and bishop of your ward. This deems you to be worthy to enter the temple as it is a "sacred" place of worship.

But as an interesting note, after a temple is built and before it is sealed, they will have an open house that is open to the general public. I actually got to go inside the San Diego temple when I was younger and the craftmanship that goes into these buildings is absolutely amazing.

[brandondan1]

"Those who remained neutral were cursed with black skin. This would explain the negro race."

Lmao, I needed a good laugh.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Non members can't reach the secret third level of heaven, and would taint the temple with their unbelief being manifest inside the walls.

[uofom3]

final thought:
the LDS temple up the freeway from me is solid marble. SOLID. The building is beautiful. BUT - if you're not LDS you can't go inside... why the secrecy? trying to drum up business? Make it an exclusive club? Only those inside the marble temple get to meet god? I don't get it... makes it seem cult-like. It either makes it exclusive like you know something others don't, or cheapens it to make it like a social club for god that's "members only". I'm leaning twoards social club idea...

[uofom3]

I have a friend at work who is Mormon. He's a solid dude; doesn't push shit on anyone, participates in most of the office ribbing that takes place, works hard, goes on our different sports events from the office, etc.

I think it boils back down to how hard-core the people are in how they relate to other people with regards to their religious beliefs. Someone can believe whatever they want, just don't push your shit on me or try to impact my life with it.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Yep, the Temple Garments are quite interesting, I have seen them peeking out of peoples clothing a lot. I'd think undies under your boxers is a kind of silly thing.

And really, hot beverages being bad for the body or temple?

And, the one that really gets me, how Jesus' second comming already happened, and he came to America?

[xlr8rbob]

both videos speak the truth. unfortunate but true.

hopefully youll have a decent experience around these people farbin.

i would like to know more about their magic underwear.

[Desaevious]

I found this clip about Mormons on the internet. Anybody know if its true? Its pretty trippy. Its animated so that makes it awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptfIguEqHXM

"Those who remained neutral were cursed with black skin. This would explain the negro race."

[Apex381]

I found this clip about Mormons on the internet. Anybody know if its true? Its pretty trippy. Its animated so that makes it awesome.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptfIguEqHXM

[stevofthahill]

Someone please bump this thread tomorrow when I'm bored at work all day and I would be happy to answer questions.

A little background first:

I was raised hardcore Mormon and most of my extended family is Mormon as well. Around the time I was 17 I decided it just wasn't for me(neither is any organized religion) and have pretty much denounced it. I'm about two weeks from 24 now and haven't been to "church" in nearly six years. Please ask away, cause just like the scientology thread, I love to hear what crazy things people have heard about "them mormons." I'll answer what I can to the best of my knowledge.

Question from a non LDS person #1

"Why does the LDS moral dress code requirement stipulate that men must not have facial hair of specified length, but uses a long haired, bearded Jesus image (Stereotypically used by Catholic groups) as their salvation?

Sub-question in same vein, Why is OK if a woman has pierced ears, but a man does, it is disgracing your "Temple" (body).

And Question #2, How is the Prophet/President chosen?

1)There actually isn't any type of shaving dress code, unless you are a missionary. I wouldn't really know though, I never went. But it's just like any other job, they want you to keep a clean appearance.

Answering the piercing question; the only thing I can come up with is that I suppose it's more "normal" for girls to pierce their ears than guys. They do believe that women should only have each ear pierced once and no other body piercings. It's strict for females as well.

2)The prophet is chosen pretty much by seniority. The head of the church is made up of the first presidency which includes the Prophet, the First Councilor, and Second Councilor. Beneath them is what is called the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. When the current prophet passes on, the First Councilor is next in line.

Ask away...like I said I have eight hours of nothing but working on a holiday to look forward to today.

[StereoInstaller1]

Long ass story coming on here fellas, might wanna skip this post if you are ADD.

Serious as a heart attack, one day I was working in my garage when 2 brothers of the cloth came up to my door, all white shirts and black slacks, rolling on they bicycles.

The walked up the driveway and asked me if I had "heard of the church of Jesus Christ of the latter day saints"...my answer, straight faced and smiling was "yeah, of course. Do you think I have been living in a fucking cave the last 30 years?" That said "good, we are out telling people of the wonders of Jesus" or some similar shit.

I stopped working and pulled a pack of smokes from my shirt pocket...conveniently enough, I had already rolled a joint...so I pulled it out and lit it.

The look on these guys faces was just fucking priceless.

I asked them if they cared to share their viewpoints, and asked if they might be familiar with other religious viewpoints, such as Buddhism, Taoism, Paganism or Rastafarianism.

We sat and talked philosophy and religion for a good half hour or more. The joint was long gone, even though they declined politely to share the bounty.

I grabbed 3 beers, offering to share those as well. Another snubbing, this was not going well.

After a good hour more talking, now drifting to cars and such, I had decided I really liked these guys. We really hit it off well, and they said they had to go, but would return to talk more.

I, of course, touched on how my religion is non-Abrahamic, earth-based and the oldest known religion on Earth, also easily the most prosecuted.

Trust me here, fellas...the Holocaust, while terrible, has absolutely NOTHING on the intense persecution of Pagans, with millions and millions of deaths over literally hundreds of years, entire populations being wiped from the earth, complete genocide of thousands of villages and towns.

We aren't even considered to be a true legal religion in any country on earth, except Iceland!

The fucking Christians even stole our goddamn HOLIDAYS!

BTW, the Mormon boys? Never saw them again.

Luke

[Danny]

that south park was very informative.

[Farbin Kaiber]

Looks like the history stuff was spot-on from what I've read thus far.