Comments by "" (@DannyAGray) on "Peter Santenello" channel.

  1. 30:00 you're a video journalist, bro, and you had the perfect opportunity to ask the chickens why they were crossing the road - to get a clear answer for the rest of us - and you passed it up. 😢😢😢
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  2. I grew up in Phoenix and then moved to Salt Lake (I live in Tooele now). The more I learn about the history of the faith, and the more that history is clarified by reputable historians, the more I love it and draw closer to the church.
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  3. We're pretty awesome, if I do say so myself
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  4. Have you found the Saint Unscripted channel? They have really clear and digestible videos explaining a lot of things regarding the church.
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  5. 00:15 ROFL!! 15 seconds in and I already know he's full of shit. I was excommunicated, and I can tell you, it was the most beautiful, loving things I've ever experienced. Sure, I hated it at the time, but hindsight is a wonderful thing
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  6. What these cats don't realize is that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints did not deny polyunsaturated or say that the Lord took it away. The church, as a practice, chose to block polygamy in order to avoid further persecution and destruction. The LDS church could still practice polygamy if the prophet said it was OK to. But these polygamists also don't seem to realize that the president of the church is the one that holds the authoritative keys to determine that practice - not the individual members. These people simply rebelled and decided they could do what they wanted. As bad ass as it is that they try to snub their nose up to the Fed, assuming your own priesthood authority isn't the way to stick it to God's chosen leaders.
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  7. 7:28 And what do you say to someone who doesn't take it personally? Bro, I've been excommunicated, and from my perspective, you just sound bitter. There's nothing personal about that assessment, man, I've been in your shoes.
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  8. The thrift store was Deseret Industries (D.I. for short) and it's a great resource for many people! I'm glad you found value in it
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  9. Congrats on your endowment! What temple did you go through?
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  10. It's a recognition of who we all are. When you realize that your neighbors, your spouse, your children, and every random stranger you see aren't just made out of nothing - but are instead literal children of God and come from true godly divinity - you tend to want to love them more. We want to respect each other and help each other grow, to serve each other. And we take Christ's own words seriously, that when we help even the lowest person in our society or our lives, we are serving God.
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  11. 49:50 wrong. We still participate and experience that "journey" as he puts it. The temple ceremonies has always been done as a narrative presentation. Previously (before film technology) is was done as a sort of play with actors. The only thing we've changed is that that play is now in video form, shortened, so that those actors aren't screwing up their lines.
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  12. You can take your grievance up with the Lord, since it is His choice on what we are called.
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  13. 50:38 the covenants we make haven't changed. The explanation of them has become more comprehensive and easier to understand, but they are nevertheless the same.
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  14. It took a hot minute to not want to bash these folks and throw around the c-word as too many people do in these comment sections. I'm glad I chose to watch with patience, even if the chubby, homeless-looking bearded guy chose to make snarky comments about those he doesn't agree with.
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  15. I grew up down in Chandler, and probably spent more time in Mexican homes and churches than I did my own. Mexican culture is SO beautiful. I live in Utah now, and I know it's farther from the border, but I still miss our towns cultural fairs down there.
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  16. @danielhamid5569  how many is "a bunch" when compared to the overall number of missionaries?
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  17. 😂😂😂😂😂
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  18. @stokenasty  do you frequently know the history and inner workings of every organization you join? How about when you're 8 years old? Do you think an 8 year old should be bothered with those things? Do you think 8 year old are even being asked to know those things? Cuz they aren't.
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  19. Not sure where you live, but temple open houses are going on frequently these days.
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  20. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to clarify our faith.
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  21. Yes, because Gen Z 24 year olds know enough about the world to call other people brainwashed. 😂😂😂
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  22. ​@jeffs4483 so you mean what some Mormons did, without authorization, and we're subsequently excommunicated and hanged for?
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  23.  @jeffs4483  I'm sorry you don't like being challenged with the truth.
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  24. 8:30 Release Time isn't unique to high schools all over the country. Cmon guys
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  25. If I could just clarify for you: the church as a whole, and as a policy, does not permit or encourage any kind of shunning. That said, there are individual people who can be judgemental and shun those they deem as outsiders. As a member myself, I can guarantee you that if I know of a member treating someone else in this manner, I have no problem calling them out for it and letting them know they're being a total dick. 😊 Let me know if you need any help with anyone specifically.
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  26. Hi there! I've been LDS most of my life (I say most because I was excommunicated at one point, but then rebaptized). I live currently in Tooele, I have 2 very large tattoos on each forearm (I plan on more tattoos), I previously had an ear pierced, I swear way more than I should, and I'm currently a primary teacher, ward missionary, and I regularly attend the temple. As a kid, I grew up in a town near Phoenix. I was the only Mormon in the school, and I was regularly beat up because of it and other kids' parents wouldn't let their kids play with me because of my faith. As a result, I learned to regularly attend church with my friends just so their parents would like me. I moved to Utah when I was 12, where I was pushed out of friend groups when they found out I was Mormon (yes, in Utah, in Salt Lake City) and made fun of. It didn't help that the only church members I found who were happy to share their faith were the "nerds" who quickly became my best friends. I'm sorry to say that judgement goes both ways, even in Utah. I got my tattoos AFTER I was rebaptized, and to be honest, I'm utterly shocked that the only judgement I've received is from NON-MEMBERS, trying to tell me I could be punished in my faith for it. Yet neither my bishop nor stake president have said a single word in the 2 years I've had them. Anyway, I just thought I'd shore you yet another side to it all. I'm sorry you were judged. If you ever wanna come to church with me sometime, I guarantee you that we'll fully welcome you.
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  27. @@SparkleSurprise-dz9hp You're likely talking about Helen Mar Kimball. Joseph agreed to this sealing upon the request of Heber C. Kimball - as opposed to your thought that it was by revelation - and they had no intimate relations.
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  28.  @danielhamid5569  that's like saying you have no evidence at all, and so your point is invalid. Have a nice day
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  29. You can consider us your extended family out in Tooele
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  30. I just discovered your channel, and this was a fun intro to it. I'm glad to see some members that are so down to earth - there are some who are stiffer for sure - and I'm glad they represented the church so well.
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  31. Apparently you haven't heard about the archeologists finding TONS of horses in Mexico dating back to Book of Mormon times. You really should look into it. Also, do yourself a favor and go listen to Don Bradley (THE Joseph Smith polygamy historian), and how Don became atheist after leaving the church, then realized the endowment was in the book of Ether (in the book of Mormon) long before JS ever learned about freemasonry. I think that interview is on the *Let's Get Real Podcast*.
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  32. We make pretty awesome friends too have
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  33. Maybe if those two reviewers went to temple during their open houses, they wouldn't complain.
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  34.  @inrptn  there are perfect Mormons? Where? I've never known a single Mormon who claims to be perfect.
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  35.  @MTLV100  it's a channel done by members, but it's a great resource for really deep researched answers.
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  36.  @xaverrogers4910  ROFL!! What people? Show me who, their credentials, and all their references, and I'll show you others with better credentials and better research. The CES Letter is a farce of a document and a gold star example of the blind leading the blind.
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  37. It's actually not pollution getting trapped; it's just air. Smog conditions were recorded the very first year the saints were in the valley.
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  38. 59:30 Just so you're all aware, Mormon beards are totally allowed, and coming back in style! I myself have a full, lengthy beard
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  39. The only thing I would add to all of this is that I feel they could have explained the garments more. I'm not sure why it's such a closed off thing to talk more about the garments, but there is so much more that could have been said or shown. And seeing a member in their garments is really no different than seeing anyone in boxers and a white t-shirt, for example (not that you necessarily want to be showing people around in their underwear). That's the only missed opportunity I can think of.
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  40.  @gwengold8154 The church has published pictures and videos of what the garments look like. I mean... I guess that's not showing them on people, but still it's close enough.
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  41. That's weird that you say that. I'm 37 years old and I grew up in the church. My parents were in the interview with me to get baptized (when I was almost 9), and again in the interview when I was 13 (not the one where I was 12, I went alone for that one). I was never sexually abused. My children have never been sexual abused, and we've both been in bishop interviews with them and also not gone with them. When I was 12, my bishop did ask if I ever touched myself, but didn't ask for any details. He gave me a brief explanation of why intimacy was important for only married people, and that was the end of it. This would have been around 1998-99 in the Rose Park neighborhood of Salt Lake City. So, I think your comments are considerably over generalized, pretty grossly assumed, and definitely misguiding.
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  42. Do you have any questions I can answer for you about the faith?
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  43. It's easy to criticize other people's beliefs over the internet, ain't it. But, maybe next time, have a real conversation and ask questions instead of making claims. If you ever want to chat, I'm up for it.
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  44. I'm sure those other things are covered on other channels. Maybe go check them out.
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  45. Where do I start?.... the LDS church members have LITERALLY been spending this entire year reading and studying the New Testament, and last year was the Old Testament. We read the Bible - for lack of a better term - religiously! In the LDS faith, there is no clear doctrine or single belief regarding Christ being married. It's not a topic we bother discussing. Many believe he was married, other believe he wasn't. As for me, I simply ask, "what does that have to do with my salvation." In our temple, women act very much in a priest role under the direction of the priesthood. This is consistent with your statement.
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  46. BRO, JUST ADMIT THAT YOU WERE DECEIVED BY THE CES LETTER!!
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  47.  @RyanMercer  just goes to show you how much of a jerk I am to multiple pages. 🤣🤣
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  48. 😂😂😂😂😂😂
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  49. Generalizing entire groups of people seems like a pretty "braindead" thing to do. Maybe you should examine yourself a little more on that.
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  50. Thank you! I'm sure you're fantastic, too!
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  51. Ironically, the Bible says this in Deuteronomy as well, only the 5th book in, and yet plenty more was added. Additionally, what you're referencing comes from a very early part of the New Testament, even before most of Paul's epistles chronologically. Yet Paul clearly had a lot to say regarding the gospel and how people were getting it wrong. It's almost as if that passage doesn't mean what you think it means.
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  52. Just because you don't understand something doesn't make it nonsense, and it doesn't make other people dumb. Perhaps asking questions might produce a healthier relationship with those 17 million people.
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  53. I grew up in Chandler!
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  54.  @allyjmjm  oh, I'm sorry, you asked where in CA. I grew up in Simi Valley and they had release time there. I have cousins in San Francisco (they're protestants) and they have release time.
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  55.  @allyjmjm  it makes me happy to know that many faiths take the religious education of their youth seriously, and assert their first amendment right to do so. Honestly, I don't even care what faith it is; more kids should be taught the Bible at the very least. That said, a lot of kids also use their release time period at the end of the day to go to their jobs at the store or McDonald's or whatever.
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  56. We believe that God the Father created all of our spirits - including Jehovah and Lucifer - thus, by definition, making us all spiritual siblings. Regarding "another gospel," it really comes down to how you define the gospel of Jesus Christ and how you understand Christ himself. We actually agree with a lot of what other Christians believe about Christ, however just as every sect has different interpretations, we do too. We don't preach "another Jesus" we just have a different understanding about some of his traits. You can think of it as how two siblings don't have identical relationships with their father; it's the same man, but they understand different things about him.
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  57. No prophet has ever been infallible, whether they be modern or ancient.
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  58. 20:55 OMG he's a bunk buddy with John Dehlin! 😂😂😂😂 That explains it all
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  59.  @TheLordSorin  I'm sorry that you feel so strongly negative in this way. The gospel of Jesus Christ is beautiful, and I am not a blind follower to the faith. Lord knows I've asked a lot of really hard questions to people who had really done their homework. I've rebelled against the faith more time than I can count. To me, it is not the church calling me back to it; it is my Savior and friend. The Lord chose the name of His church because He takes responsibility and accountability for it; it is His and no one else's. If it was Joseph Smith's church, it would be called so in his name. But it is Christ's church alone. I can't answer to your claims against Joseph Smith. Don Bradley, the single most leading historian of Joseph Smith, state that there is no evidence that Joseph and Helen Marr Kimball had any sexual relating. In fact, to the contrary, evidence suggests that they were never alone at any point; the same with Fanny Alger. That said, since neither you nor I were actually there, it seems irrelevant to accuse Joseph Smith of something you don't actually have proof of. My suggestion to you is to not bear false witness i.e. hold a belief and accusation you can't prove. You can dislike him all you want, but perhaps it's best to do so on things you can actually know he said or did without twisting the facts. Hating him in ignorance only serves to make you out as a fool.
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  60. Let's see: President Nelson was a leading heart surgeon by profession. A heart surgeon's annual salary is roughly $450-700k. His stipend from the church is $120k annually, as revealed in recent documents. That's a pretty massive pay cut. His first counselor, Dallin Oaks, who receives the same $120k annual stipend, would otherwise be making $203k of he were still a Utah Supreme Court Justice. Second counselor Henry Eyring - on the same stipend - could potentially be making $480k annually if he'd stayed a professor at Stanford University, or $240k if he'd still be president of BYU-I. So.... I'm not sure you're looking at all this in normal, human math. One of your school teachers might have done you wrong by letting you pass.
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  61. Actually the statue is called a Christus, and was originally made by a protestant evangelical. Contrary to what your comment implies, the church does not worship the statue (or any other) but uses it as a reminder that Christ's arms are open to all, just as the inscription at the bottom reads "Come Unto Me"
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  62. My wife has turned down several callings. I myself turned down a calling to the YM organization due to my work schedule. We've also turned down Saturday cleaning assignments. You're making false claims.
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  63. Sounds like he already has
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  64.  @lugoismad  please provide sources outlining your point. Where are you getting these statistics?
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  65.  @danielhamid5569  I find that hard to believe, but since you are providing no evidence or information on how long they've been there or anything else, this seems a pointless discussion.
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  66. He's struggling because he read the CES Letter, and doesn't know how to deal with its lies.
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  67. As someone who's had to deal with a lot of bishops, I can absolutely attest to the fact that they do help people A LOT
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  68. I think it's pretty weak minded to generalize an entire group of people the way you have.
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  69. I fit that bill
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  70. He also said we have 13 million members when it's actually 17 million
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  71. Considering that many peripheral before Spencer W. Kimball (church president in 1978, when the ban was lifted) have accounts staying they had regularly petitioned the Lord to lift the ban, and considering that church members before George Romney were elected officials, and further considering the George Romney was a well loved governor of Michigan beefier a presidential campaign - never shying away from his religious beliefs - I'd say your attempt at causation doesn't apply here.
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  72. 32:30 Respectfully, the only thing generational about the millennials liking New Orleans in 2005/06 was the number of movies and TV shows based on New Orleans about vampires and vampire sex orgies. Millennials think that's where all their darkest fantasies come true.
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  73. Rebaptized member (after excommunication) here. Everyone knew why I was exxed - and it wasn't a pretty reason and I had no thought of coming back - and no one judged me or looked down on me. Sounds like your personal experience wasn't great.
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  74. Catholic cardinals have literally killed each other for the papal throne. Nearly every church has something sketchy or sinful in their pasts. Even prophets in the Bible screwed up A LOT. So what's your point, that Joseph Smith was a flawed human being? GOD FORBID!
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  75. You and I are basically having a watch party! Lol! I just finished the one with Brock about 30 minutes ago
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  76. He doesn't explicitly say it, but the timing of his leaving - and many of the points he refers to - lead me to believe he read a book by an ex member called the CES Letter. This book has been debunked by multiple people, and yet guys like this act like it's full of truth. Really sad.
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  77. 24:35 PETER, FYI those spiral staircases are in the Salt Lake temple as well... except ours are made of granite. Also designed by Truman Angel.
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  78. .... yeah we don't believe that at all
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  79. I grew up in Simi Valley and then around Phoenix. As a kid, my siblings and I were the only church members at school. I spent a LOT of Sundays at other churches with my friends. Moving to Utah was a culture shock for me. 25 years later, I'm still adjusting. But I love this church!
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  80. The irony of you calling it "deprogramming" while suggesting those YT morons is quite hilarious.
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  81. We don't believe in neo-genders and teach very firmly that God created males and females. However, I think you're alluding to the idea that we teach love and acceptance of all people - not necessarily their ideas or beliefs - as children of God.
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  82. Oh no! Why?
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  83. I find so much irony in your devotion to Christ while simultaneously spewing so much hatred and vitriol for your fellow man. It's almost as if you don't know what being Christian is all about...
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  84. If you're talking about baptism, what is it that those being baptized are consenting to do?
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  85.  @stokenasty  when was the last time you read the terms and conditions for YT, or your Google account, or your credit card?
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  86. @lukev483  8 year olds aren't asked to take on all the nuances of church history and doctrine. Their baptismal covenant is to commit to loving and serving others and trying to draw closer to Jesus as they learn and grow. That's it. As they learn more, they can make choices related to their learning. It's really that simple.
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  87. @stokenasty  the interpretations is accurate. I've been teaching primary and Sunday school for the teens for YEARS and I've taught them all the same things. The baptismal covenant conditions can be found in the sacrament prayers as well as Mosiah chapter 15. It's quite simple. Regarding missionary service, etc., you're missing about 10 years of primary and Sunday school classes of further teachings and preparation for those things. Yes, I do teach my current class (5-6 year olds) that sharing the gospel with their friends is a wonderful thing - and I teach that because I agree with it, not by force but by experience - and that serving a mission one day could be an excellent choice. When I teach the teenagers, I talk to them about the many classmates they have with different beliefs, how to connect with them as people, and how they might invite them to church. With the older teens, we talk about how serving a mission is a great way to not only serve and teach, but how to get along with a companion, pay bills, keep a work-type schedule, meet appointments, etc., which can help prepare them for college and even marriage. Further, I teach them that knowing everything in order to serve a mission is not necessary. They aren't serving to go teach everything; they are going out to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ, live it by example, and teach the basics of the restoration. As someone who did NOT serve a mission, I see a lot of value in the idea of it.
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  88. @lukev483  I accept your challenge and raise you by 7 months. I've already done it back in 2019. Not only did my family know about it, but I was open about it with friends and coworkers and even strangers. So...I guess I best that challenge already.
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  89. @lukev483  when I teach 8 year olds preparing for baptism, this is what I teach them they are committing to (because this is all they are committing to: And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
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  90. @lukev483  on the contrary: Jesus regularly attended synagogue with his parents, even teaching others at the age of 12. Christ participated as a jew throughout his life. Saying he waited til he was an adult is ignorant of Christ's life.
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  91. @lukev483  again, what they are signing up for or committing to at 8 is what I've posted above.
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  92.  @stokenasty  What is indoctrination? Why do we teach students in school anything at all, lest it be indoctrination? Young members are taught the fundamentals (hence the organization name being PRIMARY) and then they build up their knowledge. And it's really dumb to claim that it's indoctrination when the reality is that SO MANY teens pull away from the church during their adolescent years; I see this all the time, and it's a generalization to say that parents force them to go to church. The reality is that most of the people like Todd, here, are bitter because they didn't take the time to ask questions in their youth, they didn't confront their parents, and they were duped by bad faith actors like Jeremy Runnells. It's possible that they didn't have good leaders - yes, I'm aware that members were more closed off even 15 years ago - but the church has come a long way to really open up. The sad part is that Todd will always prefer to keep his heart closed off and not bother to doubt his doubts. It's also true that members in the Mormon belt (Idaho, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming) live in their own bubble. I've been amazed at how many exmos come from these states and claim they weren't taught certain things. I laugh at this because I WAS taught many of the things they complain about, and it's even more hilarious because I grew up in an inactive home. It sounds to me that Todd went to church his whole youth without ACTUALLY being present in church; he must have missed a lot while sitting there in Sunday School.
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  93. The CES Letter and the "problems" it presents have all been debunked by many people. The author cites inconsistent sources and regularly mis-quotes those sources. Jeremy Runnells, the author, acknowledged that he didn't present the material in any accurate way. The CES Letter is the biggest joke by faithful members who read it while actually doing the cross reference work.
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  94. You can read about it in the Joseph Smith Papers project, as well as a video put out by the church a few years ago. Honestly, this is something I knew about 25 years ago in primary; I'm not sure why anyone is surprised about it. However, I suspect he only learned about it from the CES Letter, which is a bogus document that has been debunked and refuted by multiple people. Jim Bennett's response to the CES Letter is probably one of the more detailed refutations. Sadly, a lot of people read the CES Letter and didn't do any of their own research to double check its claims, and they fell for it (including a boss of mine).
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  95. I don't recall seeing Coca-Cola giving physical aid at disaster sites, or offering housing in third-world countries, or building schools, or teaching literacy. 🤔 Out seems your point is short-sighted
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  96. Are you talking about Pastor Jeff over at Hello Saints?
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  97. What is a cult though?
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  98.  @mikaelg5840  as someone who has been inside and outside of the church - who definitely doesn't do a lot of things that are typical to members - I don't feel it's a cult at all. I've never once been told to think one way or another, nor do I know anyone who has.
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  99. And I say you probably have blue hair and smell like stale cereal. But neither of our "saying" is based on truth.
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  100. @thefullgamutofShit  is that the full context of the event, or are you leaving out huge swaths of information. Was that marriage consummated? Did they act married? Were they ever even together privately? (Hint: Brian Hales and Don Bradley are the leading historians on Joseph's polygamy, and they have all these answers regarding Helen Marr Kimball, if you need to look it up). Have a nice day.
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  101.  @thefullgamutofShit  Joseph never said anything about a flaming sword. That came way later, and not from him. How about we start with your lack of accuracy on that?
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  102. We totally support biblical proof of with and righteous prophetesses. However, our current understanding of how the Lord wants His church structured, only men can designated as prophets.
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  103. Then so are employers
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  104.  @tiiatuuli339  your terrible English and run-on sentences notwithstanding, there is nothing secret about what happens in LDS temples.
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  105. Dude, you're mischaracterizing the church like crazy!
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  106. @westlisbon6307  Joseph Smith taught that God was once a man on a different world - not this one - and progressed to godhood. This teaching is not regularly taught in church, but it is the basis of how we view eternal progression, which is scriptural. Regarding the temple, I'd suggest you look into historians like Don Bradley, who indicates that aspects of the temple are clearly found in the Bible and Book of Mormon, and we there long before Joseph Smith knew anything about freemasonry.
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  107. @westlisbon6307  I think you're incredibly confused, not just about Mormonism but about Christianity in general. It's not just Mormon scripture that testifies of Christ's crucifixion, it's both the Old AND New Testament that present this information to the world. I'm not sure what craziness your reading that asserts that Christ wasn't harmed, but that is not the belief of the mainstream Christian world, including Mormonism. It sounds to me like you're pretty far off your rocker.
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  108. What makes it so supposedly obvious to you?
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  109. @samsmom400  so your personal experiences taint your overall worldview, but that doesn't account for the entirety of the church. It's also not a church practice or policy. it is an individual problem. I'm sorry you've had bad experiences, but yours is the exception, not the rule.
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  110. We believe Jesus would have visited many "other sheep" and not just those in the Americas
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  111. @stevesly7954  I have a friend from Russia who says it is a very well known thing that Jesus also went there shortly after his resurrection. I've heard similar things as a common knowledge of history from my British grandparents. Christ apparently went to the Anglo-Saxons. China has stories as well. As far as of these are recorded histories or just hand-me-down stories, I've never really looked into it that deep; but I know it's a common story in many cultures.
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  112. According to... whom?
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  113. As someone who was excommunicated (rebaptized since), I think he was close enough.
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  114. Great question! According to church history, upon completion of the translation of the book of Mormon, the angel (who led Joseph to find the plates) took them back. Whether they be in heaven or elsewhere is unknown.
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  115.  @kentuckyrain1144  what are you talking about? WHO knows there were no angels? WHO EXACTLY, and what authority or direct personal knowledge do they claim to know there were no angels?
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  116.  @kentuckyrain1144  maybe it's just you that has never had an experience with angels. Speak only for yourself, not for the rest of us. Some of us have plenty of experiences with angels.
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  117. I think people still do that, except now there are websites that present that information.
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  118. I grew up in Chandler and used to go to Payson in the summer. I moved to Utah a long time ago, but 7 years ago, my wife and I went back for a Dbacks game. What a flood of memories!!! I don't miss the heat, but I love everything else about it, including my old neighborhood, even though it's super ghetto now.
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  119. What is a cult?
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  120. We all feel pretty sad about it.
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  121. Define a cult
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  122. Are there any questions you have that I might be able to help answer?
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  123. I'm sure if the Fed ever legalizes it, it'll be whatever the participants want.
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  124. The church does not dispute this. In fact, many cultures made similar ringed plate sets. The church does not say that God made the plates; we know they were made by men (it even says so in the text)
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  125.  @ValerieGriner  John Dehlin abused people, had multiple lawsuits against him for sexual assault, doxxed his own sister when she didn't support him, and thinks black people who join the church are stupid and misguided and attacks them publicly. That's the kind of person you think is "excellent?"
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  126. Define cult
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  127. Why would you consider them brainwashed?
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  128.  @dealsfromvirginia1773  and what fiction are you referring to?
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  129. @dealsfromvirginia1773  I really think you need to not generalize people so much. Many members - like in other faiths - go through bouts of faith crises or inactivity; and there are more than enough examples of investigators who don't just jump into the church. A few nights ago, I had a conversation with a gentleman who actively investigated the church for 10 years before joining.
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  130. Very odd of you to say of a worldwide religion
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  131. And have zero involvement with it now. So what's your point?
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  132. Funny you mention that since I worked in the Salt Lake temple, and had access to literally every room on every floor and underneath. The tunnels you speak of DO go to places: from the tunnels, you can access the conference center, the relief society building, the church office building, the Joseph Smith Memorial building, and WAIT FOR IT..... the Kitchen to the Joseph Smith Memorial building!!!! Dun dun dun!! Ooo how creepy indeed!
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  133. Christ himself said that he would attend to his "other sheep." We believe those in the Americas were among those. Russians, to my knowledge, have a similar belief that Christ was there after his resurrection.
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  134. Jeff Durbin (The Burger King Ninos Turtle) says some of the biggest misconceptions of the church. That dude is a moron.
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  135. How so?
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  136.  @Abcdefghijajajaja  a cult is merely a group of people with similar beliefs. I contend that those outside the church who continue to call us a cult are uneducated, small and simple minded, and unpersuasive. If you want to argue that the church is a cult, let's have an actual discussion about why you think that. Otherwise, parroting the nonsense single word "cult" just makes you look stupid.
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  137. An odd question, but no
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  138. The Lord has always required a tithe and offering from His people
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  139. 44:47 Hey Todd, why didn't Jesus cover the entire world while he was on earth? Was his conversion rate just as bad as you say the LDS church's is? For that matter, Christianity has been on earth for 2000 years and only 31% of the entire world is Christian! Does that mean their "plan" isn't good?
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  140. I'm sorry you thought you had to be closed, cold and less loving towards people while you were a member. I'm curious if you grew up around Utah. I've been a member almost my entire life and never felt I had to be any of those things toward people.
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  141. LDS is the acronym used by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, sometimes referred to as "the Mormons."
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  142. The portion of the Book of Abraham that we have is roughly 9% of the total work which was lost in a fire. While it was previously thought that what is in the remaining piece is not part of what we consider scripture today, egyptologists agree that it really does depend on the dynasty and time it came from. If you're looking for more information, check out Stephen Smoot.
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  143.  @Timelapse_relaxation  look in to Stephen Smoot. A lot of his research is with non-LDS egyptologists and researchers.
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  144.  @sudosuga  there was nothing barbaric about it! It was a bunch of dudes asking me questions, and then asking how they could help me moving forward, even if I didn't return to church.
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  145. What supposed facts are you thinking you're referring to?
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  146.  @philbrooks5979  oof! You really need an update on your understanding of what egyptologists are saying, and what exactly is the current evidence of the genetic markers! Dude, you're about 10 years behind!
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  147. You misunderstand the temple recommend question.
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  148. Except that what he's claiming is all lies
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  149. ​@patriciak.2474 they have it in California for catholic students (I single them out because they have their own buildings) and my friends in NC have it for their evangelical kids out there. Two examples of not the Bible belt. Wanna try again?
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  150.  @allyjmjm  California
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  151.  @allyjmjm  I was doing some reading and saw that release periods and seminaries are actually a really big deal in NY high schools for Jewish students as well. I'm actually more surprised that I didn't know that already; maybe I've read it somewhere and just forgot it.
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  152. Notice that you said they are not grafted in only after they reject God and His word...
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  153. Did God create Satan?
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  154. People leave all kinds of groups for all kinds of reasons. People leave states and countries because of the cultures. Are states and countries cults?
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  155. No to your first and last questions. As for your second question, I do know some members to this day attend freemason lodges; but they'll be the first to tell you that the two practices aren't related in any way.
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  156. Is that the church's own policy, or is that a personal perspective, even if it's shared by some?
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  157. Do you wanna clarify what you're asking about? You're coming off a little tipsy in your language.
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  158. What kids are you talking about? Be specific
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  159. Not even close
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  160. As if man is so high that he can lean on his own understandings? Yeah, that's not how it works
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  161. Back in the 1800s, the government really wasn't bothered by polygamy UNTIL the LDS church attributed the practice to bring a commandment from God. Once it became a religious thing, the government (with their already-existing hatred for Mormons) decided to get butthurt about it. And this did this to the extent that they threatened to completely exterminate the Mormons and confiscate and destroy their property. As a result, President Wilfred Woodruff took the issue to God - asking if the church should stand by polygamy and risk war or to stop the practice - and subsequently decided that the practice had fulfilled all that it needed to at that time. Yes, it was due to government pressure, but it was also an acceptable sacrifice to end it.
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  162. Wrong
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  163.  @dubjubs I can't help but laugh at your comment just a little because I am, actually, originally from California. Oh, I feel so ashamed! LOL
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  164. There are accounts from his scribes that specifically debunk the notion of a curtain, and they testified that he did not use any notes or cheats. Try again after you've actually studied up.
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  165. This is an excellent comment! The only push back I'd give is that our church (LDS) does not claim to be perfect, or to have all the truth. We believe in a living church that is led by the Lord. We believe in receiving truth only when we are ready to receive it. We also believe that people of all faiths should connect and communicate and help each other grow closer to God through their faith. If someone doesn't want to join our church, we'd rather take the time to find common ground and help each other than to act as if they should be left as strangers or enemies.
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  166. That's not entirely accurate to our understanding of God, but I see what your friend was trying to relay to you. If you were interested, I could offer some clarification.
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  167. Your personal experiences don't dictate all of reality. Hopefully someday you'll learn that.
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  168. The bishops do receive some training, and there are helplines for them as well as people they report to regularly. I think your understanding is a little misguided, but it seems you might also be bothered by recent news events. Don't let bad events taint your image of people.
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  169.  @blessedhitchhiker  except that people who leave any faith will have a distorted view and opinion, and not necessarily any facts. That's like... humanity 101. Duh
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  170. 39:30 Hey Todd, remember when Christ, in the Bible said, "follow me," and, "keep my commandments," which are both actions statements that require *doing*? You're emphasizing the wrong things, dude!
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  171.  @carolyearsley  do you have evidence that it was changed? The words were written by Naomi Ward Randall, and the only change I see was that the 4th verse was added in 1978, but I don't see any indication that that change was made in the chorus.
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  172. @carolyearsley  According to records, the original lyric was "teach me what I need to KNOW," and President Spencer W. Kimball requested that it be changed to "do" as his only request for a change, and Randall acted on that request. So... maybe what you heard was a one-time alteration? @carolyearsley
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  173. @carolyearsley  knowing something does nothing for anyone. Knowing that Jesus is the Christ means nothing if you doing follow him, as he commanded. Anyone who argues that God doesn't expect you to do anything doesn't know their own Bible. And THAT is a lazy disciple and one that Christ will reject.
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  174. The church is not polytheistic. Much like ancient Israel, we recognize that there are many gods, but we covenant specifically with the Most High God. Like ancient Israel, this makes us closer to monolatry.
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  175. @aleleeramos  I tend to agree. I wish the people in Utah did more; but I think we're so caught up in the LDS culture in Utah that we forget what a mixed bag of people we have. That sad, I spent almost 3 years working as an employee in the Salt Lake temple several years ago, and I grew a deep love for the Poli culture. I feel blessed to regularly honor my island AND my Hispanic friends and family. (And I'm glad that, as a half-British-half-Oklahoman white dude, they seem to accept me pretty well. 🤣🤣😉😉)
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  176. Are there any questions o can answer for you about the church?
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  177.  @danielhamid5569  that sounds very questionable
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  178. Ya know, I'm always curious when people make a big deal out of this. Moses had people look at a bronze snake to be healed. God caused fire to come out of an alter drenched in water. Jesus caused a blind man to see by spitting in dirt and running the mud on the man's eyes. Why are people so annoyed or shocked that he could cause a book to be translated by looking into a hat?
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  179. I'm in Tooele, just enough outside the smog bowl.
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  180. The food reminded me A LOT of Chubby's. They have locations in Tooele (where I live) and Draper I think.
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  181. Are there any questions I can answer for you about the church?
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  182. What is it about our faith that you are afraid of?
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  183. Oh, look at you, making light of something you know nothing about. How cute!
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  184. 23:20 QUICK, ask him how many prophets screwed up in the Bible! Ask him if LITERALLY ANY of the prophets were flawless (excluding Christ himself)!
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  185. I used to work for a trucking company that worked with FEMA. That had a deal with FEMA that drivers could come help with natural disasters and they'd be paid $25/hr 24 hours a day whether they were working or not. Looking back on that, and hearing how FEMA is screwing over these people... it's just another example of how the government screws over the people who need it most.
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  186. Define a cult
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  187. That's your perspective
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  188.  @jeffs4483  we follow Jesus Christ as our lord and savior, just like every other Christian. That's literally the definition of Christianity. You can try to gatekeeper aspects of what you believe about Christ, but that doesn't make any of us less Christian.
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  189. The Burger King preacher? 😂😂😂 That dude is a total idiot!
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  190. How do you define brainwashed?
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  191. To each their own. My brother-in-law was totally non-religious for almost 40 years and I'm not sure he had any notion to even consider God. Now he's one of the best members I know.
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  192. I'm curious as to who made you the gatekeeper of religion 🤔
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  193. He did kinda jump around on his answers
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  194. Which part do you assume the church changed to fit society for?
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  195. @Yindsey  your comment has a lot to unpack, so I'll try to be accurate and efficient: 1. There is no clear understanding of why BY instituted the ban on blacks. However, several factors should be considered. BY was pressured by missionaries returning from Southern states into believing that this was a regular tenant of Christianity (which, by the way, it was at the time; however southern baptists really leaned into it). BY also placed the ban on 1858 - a decade before Jim Crow - potentially in response to the escalating tension in the country. That said, there is no clear answer, and no one condones his ban. If the church were persuaded by society, the ban would have been lifted sooner than it was; however, it was lifted when the leaders received proper input from the Lord, not the world. 2. I'm aware that the church was, at one time, strict about caffeine. Elder Bruce R. McKonkie, in his book Mormon Doctrine (first edition), stated that drinking Coca-Cola disqualifies a member from a temple recommend. Some things to consider, here, are that Elder McKonkie was NOT authorized by the First Presidency to write this book, and he later recanted many of his own statements and beliefs. However, this was still the catalyst for the larger campaign by members against caffeine, and it still lingers with us today for some members. 3. The church does not teach that polygamy is a requirement to become a god. Yes, this was, at one time, an interpretation of a statement from BY. However, the broader context of that statement clearly demonstrates that members ought to be ready to accept whatever challenge God has for them - not necessarily that it is required. I can find the exact quote for you if it helps. In any case, while some may engage in polygamy in the next life, we really don't know how those relationships will work out. What if those who were engaged in it in this life no longer want it? I doubt they will be forced into it, and there is no church doctrine arguing that they would be. 4. As the understanding of medicine grows, so does our understanding that some forms of pot are actually needed. Therefore, instead of punishing members whose doctors prescribe them this drug, the policy was clarified. 5. The doctrine of sexuality has not changed. We still rightly don't have bishops marrying off gay couples, nor are they married in temples. And if one is living a homosexual lifestyle, it still violates the standard by which members are expected to live. However, just like LITERALLY ALL THE REST OF SOCIETY, the church is constantly working to find a balance on how to navigate our neighbors who do live this way, which we see as a violation of God's will and design. While the doctrine is the same, policies change to help find a balance in accordance with the Lord's commandment to love one another. I can see how one such as yourself might say that these are changes brought on by the pressures of society, however I see them more as the church refining itself, its understanding of the Lord's will, and its own connection with the world around it.
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  196. There are dissenters in every religion; it's not like we're the exception to the rule.
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  197.  @armymarshal13  sounds like a personal problem to me. Maybe y'all just didn't have enough faith.
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  198. Bro, you need to do better homework
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  199. Active church member here. I've been a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints almost my entire life. I have deep, serious questions that I ask regularly, and they're almost always answered right away. Where they are answered, I follow up with further research and investigating. When they aren't answered, I still do my own research until I find an answer. You assume we follow blindly, and you couldn't be more wrong.
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  200. @GodsGrace758  all my research has led me to be a better church member and Christian overall, but also much more convinced that Joseph Smith was directly led by God to reinstate the saviors church in the right way; that creedal Christianity has gotten lost on misunderstood beliefs; that the book of Mormon actually is a true record for which ALL Christians should be grateful for; and that this is where the Lord needs me to be and needs me to do a better job of testifying of. All my research and learning - all the really hard questions and even making some enemies - has led me to a deeper firmer conviction that this is God's church.
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  201. @candicesummers5427  this is really inaccurate. Freemasons only go back as far as the 14th century, by record, despite claims of relating to Solomons temple.
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  202. ​ @unknownhuman5507 we most certainly are Christian
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  203. And that's why BYU has its own campus in Hawaii, right?
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  204. @unknownhuman5507  many try to say we believe in a "different Jesus" but that's simply not the case. Yes, we very much consider ourselves to be Christians, as evident by the actual name of our church, being the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
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  205. Why would that shock you? That's a core belief for us
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  206.  @sbeasley7585  I think you miss the point of why we say that everyone is a child of God: 1. It is not for us to judge whom the Lord accepts and whom he does not. We are commanded to love each other as we love ourselves. When we as Christians consider ourselves to be children of the Most High God, we should treat everyone with that same love and dignity. 2. We are all created by God. There is a Creator, and a created - a Parent and His child. Therefore, we are ALL His creations and thus ALL His children. 3. In connection with points 1 & 2, I don't see anywhere in scripture where the Lord instructs you or anyone else to gatekeep what is acceptable to believe about God. You and I may have different understandings as to the nature of God, yet we both pray to the same Father in the name of His Christ. Instead of crying "witch" every time you see a Mormon, perhaps it's more in line with Christ's instruction to you to be loving and welcoming of all who profess belief and do their best to follow Him. After all, what good are you in following Him if you deny His commandments by spending your time hating me?
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  207. Brian Hales and Don Bradley can probably better help you understand what the actual facts are.
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  208. And yet, chronologically, Revelations is not the last book written. So things were added from the very start. Kinda kills your argument.
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  209. This line of questioning is super weird. But I guess props to you for having an active imagination. No, sexual assault is NOT permitted or allowed by any church members.
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  210. The church is actually doing better than other faiths. On the whole, religions in general are losing congregants; the LDS faith is losing members at a slower rate than others.
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  211. Translated.
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  212. 1. I'm Mormon 2. This homie isn't speaking any truths 3. I'm not pissed any anything other than dipshits crying "cult" every five seconds because all they know are buzz words.
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  213. 32:30 This is a funny comment, Peter, considering that the majority of members are outside the US, with a heavy population in Latin countries. Nothing white about our people.
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  214. 1. What is your source for saying the church predicted 35 million? 2. Do the Mormons uphold the idea that their leaders don't make mistakes in such predictions?
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  215. Fake according to who? By what standard?
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  216. An ironic statement from Moses (actually, it wasn't Moses, it was the Deuteronimists, who actually DID change the Jewish way of life) considering that there are 61 books of scripture after this; and Christ himself takes away from the law by saying is fulfilled. Could it be that this passage doesn't mean what you think it means?
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  217. Show me the word "pope" in the Bible
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  218.  @mack2192  could it be that Christ's words to Joseph Smith, where he said that their creeds (aka, the Athenasian Creed, the Nician Creed, etc., where the word "trinity" is proclaimed) are an abomination to God?
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  219. That's just the catholics
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  220. I left the church. No one shunned me while I was outside of it. Nothing but love and invitation.
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  221. That's funny because we literally call it The Godhead, instead of the Trinity.
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  222. And the Bible is far from perfect
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  223. ​@thefullgamutofShit incorrect. When a person resigns, as Todd did, the church will send a letter to notify the person that their records are removed from the church and they are, therefore, officially excommunicated from the faith.
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  224. There is no such thing as free will. A person can freely choose things - meaning God won't force them into decisions - but a person cannot choose the consequences of that choice. That said, as an active church member, I can tell you that no one has ever restricted my choices.
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