He has grown disillusioned with the CJCLDS and is planning to send his resignation letter in. I can’t imagine what it’s like for someone to take these steps!

I will warn you that he deals with some adult themes and throws in the occasional bleep word, but his research is quite extensive and thorough. By the time you’ve read through most of his postings you’ll see why he grew disillusioned and is about to send in his resignation letter.

Give it a look!

I’m puzzled again. Where in the post did I mention hell? I said I was concerned about people’s eternal destiny. Where did hell come up?

Maybe he’s letting us know in a subtle way that he knows more than we think, or he says he does.

Is that a possibility?

There have been over 70 posts in this blog. I wonder why he wants me to talk even more about why I believe Mormon, INC. is wrong. He said I get on his nerves when I do that.

This is where this breaks down for me. I find it hard to believe that he doesn’t know what I believe. He seems to enough to know that he doesn’t believe it.

You know before you go to buy something, you research before you buy? You read the pro and cons, look at the company’s web site, talk to people who’ve bought the product and have good and bad reviews of it. You don’t really become an expert of that product, but you know enough to make an informed decision. I think Clean Cut and I have done that.

An interfaith dialog about what? Maybe he likes U2 as much as I do. Is that it? “The effect of U2 on Mormon and Protestant thought.”

Nevertheless, I’m not sure that you logic makes sense–at least to me. “Mormonism is wrong=my motivation”. I just don’t get it. Can you expound upon that a little bit?

Moreover, I’m genuinely curious about your understanding of my eternal destiny and your understanding of hell. That is a question I’m asking to both you and Nathan.

I’m puzzled by CC’s last post. He’s asking me a question from a post I directed to you. I think he’s has a misguided impression that these post have been on a personal level. He seems to be an articulate apologist for the CJCLDS, and therefore my exchange is not so much personal (except the part where he said a web site was “fair and unbiased” and would not admit his deceit) as it’s an exchange between points of view.

I know that he doesn’t like that, but he must understand that I can’t let any others that read this blog think we agree on any points at all. It’s all in the semantics. I noticed in the post he sent you, I get on his nerves. He, like others, always want to know our “motivation” is. Mormon, INC. is wrong. That’s the motivation all along.

Yes, I’m concerned about people’s eternal destiny. The difference is he knows the protestant view of soteriology, why is he asking me what I believe? He obviously knows it and has rejected it.
What am I missing?

So I presume you say what you do (and the way you say it) out of love and concern for my eternal salvation? What is your understanding of “my eternal destiny”? What do you say happens to me if I don’t “repent” and leave Mormonism? Do I go to “hell”? What is your understanding of hell, anyway?

Chad

I about shouted for joy when you asked if I would ever participate in the liturgy of your church or another. Absolutely. I’m always driving by various churches here in Texas and genuinely would love the experience of worshipping with them. I love being able to focus on what brings us together rather than what divides us. I rejoice with fellow Christians who seek to learn of and rejoice in Christ. It warms my heart.

I’ve done so in the past, but not enough. I want to do it more. I’ve had good and bad experiences–mostly good. The one bad experience stands out when I attended a non-denominational church in Eugene with my best friend growing up. The entire Sunday School lesson was devoted to tearing down my Mormon faith. I do hope that that is an exception, rather than the rule.

If I felt welcomed I would sincerely enjoy the experience of attending any church that sincerely wanted to worship the Savior. If I still lived in Oregon, I’d drive up I-5 to come worship with you on the invitation and I’d be anxious for that opportunity in an instant.

I appreciate your post after CC made his. I believe a more accurate title should be, “How to win friends and stop insulting Christians”. Please don’t play the game of the “poor put upon Mormon”. They’ve played this card for so long and Christians have fallen for it. They ask for “understanding”, yet what they want is acceptance by mainstream Christianity. Mormon, Inc. is one of the most powerful corporations in the world. In terms of sheer dollars, they are bigger than Nike!

This “why can’t we get along?” idea has been orchestrated by the CJCLDS owned advertising firm, Bonneville Communications. From the Bonneville web site: “Their unique strength is the ability to touch the hearts and minds of audiences, evoking first feeling, then thought and, finally, action. They call this uniquely powerful brand of creative HeartSell® — strategic emotional advertising that stimulates response.” The reason they focus on feelings is the research that’s been done by Bonneville. Their research has let them to conclude: “Long after people forget what they hear, they remember how they feel. So Bonneville creates those unforgettable feelings for those who request our support. Bonneville’s work has been internationally recognized for its ability to inspire and motivate.”

To quote you Nathan, in a post in this thread, you said: “it is closely related to what Decartes contributed to western philosophy, moving the source of truth from an external source to a personal/internal source. His contribution in philosophy changed the way western civilization thinks and believes.”

The “Truth Restored” campaign is a direct slap in the face of Christianity, again orchestrated by the CJCLDS owned advertising firm, Bonneville Communications. There was no need of restoration. Christ said he would build His church and He’s been doing that since the time of His resurrection.

Mormon, Inc. has been unkind to historic Christianity from day one. The difference is they’ve gone from calling us the whore of babylon, the Lord denounces us, we’ve corrupted all the earth by our fornications and wickedness, we’re all wrong, our creeds are abominations and we’re going to hell, to the new game of wanting “understanding” and “why can’t we just get along?” From our research we’ve found it’s not good to call you names. It’s far better to try and elicit sympathy for us. The past didn’t work. Bonneville Communications has new and better ideas. It’s not a matter of doctrine.

I also found the article that CC sent insulting as well. Did you notice that 5th on the list was “Allow God to have a role”. The 5th and last point? Gee, isn’t that swell? Listen Mormon, I’m going to try these “feel good” techniques to get you over to my side. If that don’t work, I’m callin’ out the big gun…GOD! These people are doing the exact same thing as Mormon, Inc. teaches. Why doesn’t it say: Point 1, “God has the role, you can’t give it to Him, in fact you never had it, and there are no other points.”

I really liked the line: “Maybe you want to tell someone that Mormonism is false, but why? What is your motivation?” How about the simple idea that it’s because it’s wrong and someone’s eternal destiny hangs in the balance? Isn’t that motivation enough?

If you’re on the railroad tracks and the train is comin’, you don’t need no understanding.

2 weeks ago, one of the sales reps where I work passed away from an infection after surgery. In just 4 days she went from being admitted to the hospital to dead. She was the picture of health. 47 years old with 2 sons, 20 and 16. There were only 8 sales people, so it was close to home. I didn’t need to “understand” her point of view. I needed to share the Gospel with her.

I know you understand this. It’s all in God’s hands. From start to finish.