AllAboutMormons.com: The Truth about Mormons

I heared this sing when I was about 10. I have love it eversense. I didn't think about it when my... (Mormon Mormons)

2009-12-04T19:39:10-07:00

Comment by Lorin: I heared this sing when I was about 10. I have love it eversense. I didn't think about it when my mom died. About 2 days later for some reisun I liked up and saw a rainbow and remebered this song.

See the original web page

Add your comment

See all comments

Updates by Email

Thank you for this page. I struggle with Christian faith in general because of the seeming animos... (Mormon Mormons)

2009-11-02T22:24:33-07:00

Comment by Amy: Thank you for this page. I struggle with Christian faith in general because of the seeming animosity they have toward science. This is a very balanced way for a church to approach this matter: it doesn't matter how God created us, only that he did.

Webmaster: Thanks for your comment, Amy. I'm actually currently pursuing a combined MD/PhD degree in medicine and biomedical science, so I can say from personal experience that religion and science don't need to clash. :)

See the original web page

Add your comment

See all comments

Updates by Email

Thank you for preserving this video! I've searched it for years, and so happy to find it. I've se... (Mormon Mormons)

2009-11-01T03:09:24-07:00

Comment by Beng: Thank you for preserving this video! I've searched it for years, and so happy to find it. I've seen this video from the missionaries who taught us when I was still in gradeschool, and never forgot the song. I love the message of the video even more that I'm a mother now. It really makes me cry then and till now.....

See the original web page

Add your comment

See all comments

Updates by Email

The Rightful Place of Science (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-28T23:23:31-06:00

Article by AllAboutMormons.com Webmaster: Many who visit my blog may not realize that I'm a scientist by day. I recently wrote the following essay for a PhD-level class I'm taking on research ethics. For those who struggle with the intersection between science and religion, this essay may be helpful. I'll be exploring these ideas further in the coming weeks.

The rightful place of science is to probe those natural phenomena that are observable, measurable, and reproducible in an attempt to answer the question, "how?" Within this context, science is a fantastically powerful tool. Scientists are well aware of this power, and they harness it skillfully. Just as important, however, is recognizing the limits of science. The rightful role of science is best understood by first identifying what is not its rightful place.

Science must recognize that not all that is important in the universe is observable, measurable, and reproducible. The hypothesis that all useful information can be accessed through scientific inquiry is, ironically, not testable by scientific means. When scientists like Richard Dawkins use their status as intellectuals to offer the "final opinion" on the very transcendent and existential questions that have puzzled humanity for millennia, they do great damage to science in the public eye. Of course scientists can participate in these discussions, but we should not suppose that our scientific training furnishes us with uncommon insights into questions unrelated to our fields of inquiry.

Scientists must recognize that scientific prowess is not necessarily correlated with ethical and moral behavior. Too many scientists suppose that their great scientific accomplishments some how provide them with an enhanced moral compass. They assume that their opinions on complex moral issues like abortion and embryonic stem-cell research constitute the only reasonable conclusion and dismiss all others as "fundamentalist" and "uneducated." Given science's track record, our claim to moral superiority is hardly well founded. The group responsible for the atrocities tried at Nuremberg and committed at Tuskegee has no right to lecture others about morality and ethics. Of course there are ethical scientists, and of course they can participate in discussions about ethics and morality, but, again, we should not assume that our scientific training furnishes us with uncommon insights into moral and ethical questions.

It is not the rightful place of science to serve as the antagonist or antithesis of religion. The perceived antagonism between science and some religious denominations has been extremely damaging to both. In all fairness, this antagonism is hardly unilateral; many religious people, especially fundamentalists, are themselves antagonistic towards science, but we as scientists certainly share much of the blame. It is not science's place to answer questions that begin with "why." These questions fall within the realm of philosophy and theology. If we openly acknowledge that we seek only to answer "how" and that our scientific training does not qualify us to answer "why," much of the perceived conflict between science and religion can be ameliorated.

If we as scientists can learn to embrace our limitations the way we've embraced our scientific accomplishments, science will assume its rightful place as a trusted means, thought not necessarily the only means, by which all of humanity, both scientists and the people they serve, can progress in the quest for truth.

See the original web page

Visit this blog

Bear your testimony

Well I want to say that I really admired the mormons, but, there is one thing I dont like, or agr... (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-28T18:03:18-06:00

Question by Al: Well I want to say that I really admired the mormons, but, there is one thing I dont like, or agreed with, and is the fact of a movie that two elders show me about Smith, where it said that he saw the Lord God, im sorry, but no man can see God and live, right? Thank you!

Answer by AllAboutMormdons.com Webmaster:

In 1820, Joseph Smith had a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ. They instructed him to restore Christ's ancient church in modern times.

Some mistakenly read scriptures like Exodus 33:20, John 1:18, and John 6:46 and suppose that human beings cannot see God. While Mormons certainly respect those whose ideas differ from our own, we feel that it is important to consider the Bible as a whole and not to cherry-pick isolated scriptures to support a pre-conceived notion.

In reality, there are many Bible passages that support the idea that human beings can see God. In Old-Testament times, Moses and others saw God (Exodus 24:9-11, 33:23). In fact, Moses even spoke to God face to face (Exodus 33:11). The New Testament also teaches that human beings can see God. Clearly many saw Jesus Christ, who is God the Son, both before and after His resurrection. Acts 7:55-56 describes Stephen's vision of God the Father as well.

How can scriptures like John 1:18 be harmonized with those like Acts 7:55-56? Does the Bible contradict itself? Perhaps, though Mormons see no contradiction. We believe that a mortal man cannot look upon God without perishing, unless God permits Himself to be seen through the power of His Holy Spirit (Moses 1:11). Interestingly, though Joseph Smith couldn't have known it, early Christians also held a similar view. As described in the Clementine Homilies, "For I maintain that the eyes of mortals cannot see the incorporeal form of the Father or son, because it is illumined by exceeding great light. For he who sees God cannot live. For the excess of light dissolves the flesh of him who sees; unless by the secret power of God the flesh be changed into the nature of light, so that it can see light."

In modern times, Joseph Smith saw God the Father and God the Son, much like Stephen did in Acts 7. Joseph's vision does not contradict Biblical teachings about the nature of God.

See the original web page

Answer this question

See all questions

See all answers to this question

Ask a question

Updates by Email

Did the dinosaurs really exist? (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-28T17:42:36-06:00

Question by Anonymous: Did the dinosaurs really exist?

Answer by AllAboutMormdons.com Webmaster: The Church does not have an official position on the existence of the dinosaurs. However, I don't think I have ever met an educated member of the Church who questioned their existence.

I know some religions question the existence of the dinosaurs because they believe the earth was literally created in seven days, and science tells us that the dinosaurs preceded humans by many millions of years. Mormon theology is, in general, much more friendly towards science. Many Mormons, for example, believe that the seven "days" described in Genesis were actually seven creative periods, each comprising millions of years. The Church also has no position on biological evolution, and many Mormons believe evolution was the very tool that God used to create life on earth. I myself am a "Mormon Darwinist." Thanks for your question.

See the original web page

Answer this question

See all questions

See all answers to this question

Ask a question

Updates by Email

Did the dinosaurs really exist? (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-28T17:35:35-06:00

Question by Anonymous: Did the dinosaurs really exist?

See the original web page

Answer this question

See all questions

See all answers to this question

Ask a question

Updates by Email

How could you forget Mr. Marriot CEO of Marriot hotels? (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-26T19:22:49-06:00

Comment by Mormons Are the Best: How could you forget Mr. Marriot CEO of Marriot hotels?

See the original web page

Add your comment

See all comments

Updates by Email

Well I want to say that I really admired the mormons, but, there is one thing I dont like, or agr... (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-24T20:51:09-06:00

In 1820, Joseph Smith had a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ. They instructed him to restore Christ's ancient church in modern times.

It's true that no man can see God and live, unless God allows the Holy Ghost (or Spirit if you prefere) to be there also. The Holy Ghost has the power to shield our mortal bodies from the glory that is God.

Joseph Smith saw God the Father who spoke to Joseph and instructed him to hear His Son, Christ. In one of the descriptions given by Joseph Smith as to the vision he was privileged to behold, Joseph himself stated that the light from the two heavenly beings was so marvelous that he expected to the leafs to catch fire and burn.

See the original web page

Answer this question

See all questions

See all answers to this question

Ask a question

Updates by Email

Joseph Smith (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-23T02:02:40-06:00

Testimony by Kathleen Gambetta: I knew Joseph Smith was a prophet when I read the Book of Mormon, and prayed about it. The Holy Ghost testified to me that he was. The more I learn about him, the more that simple testimony has been strengthened. To anyone, anywhere who doubts, I would just like to tell them that by their fruits ye shall know them. Read the Book of Mormon, which is Joseph Smith's "fruit". If it's true, he was a prophet, and the church is true.

See the original web page

See all testimonies

Bear your testimony

Start a testimony chain letter

Updates by Email

I love how you keep inviting them back to find out more about our church. I also love your witt a... (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-23T01:11:56-06:00

Comment by Kathleen Gambetta: I love how you keep inviting them back to find out more about our church. I also love your witt and sarcasm. Thanx for sharing.

See the original web page

Add your comment

See all comments

Updates by Email

My wife and I have returned to the church after 14 years and our 11 year old son has taken "wings... (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-21T03:20:44-06:00

Question by Anonymous: My wife and I have returned to the church after 14 years and our 11 year old son has taken "wings" and is doing well with primary and activities, and will be baptized in July when he turns 12. Our 17 year old daughter is not participating willfully, and refuses to attend services and activities. We as parents have asked her to go at least once per month and to participate in family home evening, which she has done once since returning this month, but states that she does not want to go to church. She has sat with the missionaries along with us last week, and said nothing to question her feeling against the church or religion in general. We love her and want her to be open minded, but understand that this is an immediate change in her life that her parents and younger brother are embracing. She has stated that she cannot wait to turn 18 so she can go live with friends or go away to school. Does anyone have any ideas for us as parents to do?

Answer by AllAboutMormons.com Webmaster: Hi friend. I was so happy to hear that your family has returned to the Church! Welcome back. May God bless you in your new journey.

Your situation is very complicated. On one hand, the idea of "forcing" someone to go to Church seems inappropriate. However, at the same time, it is clearly inappropriate for parents to allow their children to do whatever they want. Children need direction, and I'm sure there are many happy, active Mormon adults today who, when they were teenagers, felt "forced" by their parents to attend Church. It may be that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to your challenge. Might I suggest that you discuss this issue with your bishop?

Assuming your daughter plans to establish her independence when she turns 18, I think this next year will be a critical one. It sounds like you're already doing a lot to help your daughter by asking her to attend church once a month and to participate in your Family Home Evenings. I wonder if there is a way to help your daughter become socially integrated into your new ward. Are there any young men or women her age in your congregation?

I testify that prayer and fasting can be great helps as well. Let your daughter know that you love her, and that you are praying for her. Again, I hope that your bishop will be able to help you as well. Best of luck!

See the original web page

Answer this question

See all questions

See all answers to this question

Ask a question

Updates by Email

I am just wondering why the church obscures the true method of translation. Does anyone have the ... (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-21T03:14:29-06:00

Question by Anonymous: I am just wondering why the church obscures the true method of translation. Does anyone have the answer?

Answer by AllAboutMormons.com Webmaster:

Joseph Smith was the first president of the Mormon Church. He received a message from God to restore Christ's ancient church in modern times.

It's not clear to me what you mean by "the true method of translation." Are you perhaps referring to the fact that for at least part of the translation, Joseph Smith reportedly obtained the text by placing his face in a hat that contained a seer stone and/or the Urim and Thummim? If so, it's hardly fair to suggest that the Church is intentionally hiding anything.

As explained in my article entitled "Church History is Threatening my Testimony," the Church is not in the history business, but in the business of bringing souls to Christ. The Church does not hide its history, but it naturally focuses on those aspects of its history that advance its primary goal. Other religions, of course, do the same.

Nevertheless, Joseph's method of translation has been mentioned occasionally. A simple search of lds.org reveals several references. For example, in an Ensign article entitled "By the Gift and Power of God," Richard Lloyd Anderson quotes David Whitmer's statement about the hat. Elder Russel M. Nelson also mentioned the hat in a sermon preached to new mission presidents in the Missionary Training Center at Provo, Utah. His talk, entitled "A Treasured Testament," was also published in the Ensign. The Ensign is the official magazine of the LDS Church; if the Church is trying to hide its history, it must have a very unorthodox strategy for doing so!

The hat story also appears in multiple other LDS sources, including B.H. Roberts' book "New Witnesses for God" (1895) and his "Comprehensive History of the Church" (1912); The Improvement Era, another Church magazine (1939); BYU Studies (1984, 1990); the Journal of Book of Mormon Studies (1993); the FARMS Review (1994); and "Revelations of the Restoration" by Joseph Fielding McConkie and Craig J. Ostler (2000).

Additionally, details about Joseph's methods are given in Richard Bushman's recent biography "Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling," a book sold in the Church-owned Deseret Bookstores that has been well received by the Mormon community.

Of course this method of translation seems strange to modern readers. Clearly Joseph was not translating the text in the way modern academics would translate. It is important to understand this method of translation in context, however. While we Mormons rightfully respect Joseph Smith for his efforts in restoring Christ's ancient gospel, we must remember that he lived in a primitive society where "magic" was regarded as science is today. Early 19th-century lower-class inhabitants of the American backcountry were hardly enlightened; they were quick to see the supernatural in everyday circumstances.

Joseph Smith translated an ancient record engraven on metallic plates. This record is known today as the Book of Mormon.

Given that God for reasons known only to Him chose Joseph Smith as His instrument, how could He help the inexperienced prophet fulfill his mission? Is it unreasonable to think that God would communicate with Joseph through means with which the boy prophet would be comfortable? I for one suspect that the seer stones were little more than props. Even the Urim and Thummim, and perhaps the golden plates themselves, may have been divinely supplied aids designed only to make Joseph more comfortable with a transcendental experience that he, as a poor 19th-century farm boy, could not possibly understand intellectually.

It's interesting to note that as Joseph matured in his prophetic calling, he seems to have needed these "instruments" much less. Many of the later revelations given in the Joseph Smith translation of the Bible, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Book of Moses were all received through the "Urim and Thummim" that was Joseph's mind, without the need for any physical artifacts. As Orson Pratt explained, Joseph gave up the Urim and Thummim because he had become acquainted with "the Spirit of Prophecy and Revelation" for himself.

See the original web page

Answer this question

See all questions

See all answers to this question

Ask a question

Updates by Email

I am just wondering why the church obscures the true method of translation. Does anyone have the ... (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-21T02:59:30-06:00

Question by Anonymous: I am just wondering why the church obscures the true method of translation. Does anyone have the answer?

See the original web page

Answer this question

See all questions

See all answers to this question

Ask a question

Updates by Email

After you are resurrected by Christ, what is it that will get you to heaven? (Mormon Mormons)

2009-06-21T02:35:25-06:00

Question by Anonymous: After you are resurrected by Christ, what is it that will get you to heaven?

Answer by AllAboutMormons.com Webmaster:

A statue of Jesus Christ at temple square in Salt Lake City.

Hi friend. Eventually, all will pass through the final judgment (see, for example, Hebrews 9:27). Jesus Christ will evaluate whether or not we have fully accepted Him. He'll take into account our life's circumstances. He'll take into consideration how we grew spiritually while here on Earth and in the period following death but preceding the final judgment.

Accepting Christ is much more than just verbal accession or feeling His divine love in our hearts. Accepting Jesus also means making a good-faith effort, however inadequate, to do His will and to follow His commandments. Christ will take that into account that as well. Jesus will then determine which "celestial mansion," to borrow from Biblical language (John 14:2), will best suit our circumstances. Hope this answer helps.

See the original web page

Answer this question

See all questions

See all answers to this question

Ask a question

Updates by Email