A Mormon Doubts: Former Church Leader Talks of Crisis of Faith | The New York Times
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- Опубликовано: 8 сен 2024
- Hans Mattsson was once a high-ranking leader for the Mormon church in Europe. He joins others who are experiencing a crisis of faith and finding few answers from their church.
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A Mormon Doubts: Former Church Leader Talks of Crisis of Faith
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I have a lot of respect for Hans. He stood up for truth and followed his conscience.
He will see more and more religious people come out of their traditions because of getting educated through the internet.
This man is a wonderful friend of mine. He served his mission in England and he baptised me in 1970. He came to visit my family and myself last year and apologised for baptising me and spoiling my life as he put it. He and his wife Birgitta are very spiritual people and I respect them both very highly. He had questions for the leaders in the Mormon church and they had no answers for him. Love and best wishes to them both x
What type of questions?
Tony Blay Hi Tony, please go to Hans Matterson and Birgitta Matterson on RUclips podcast. You will find it easily to listen first hand, than for me to give you bits and pieces. Thanks
@@tonybutler8811 how will you know if they are lying toooo?
Tony Blay hi Tony, you chose friends over a life time I have know them from the age 17 and now I’m 67. I have always chosen my friends carefully and I have seen the heartache they have gone through it certainly hasn’t been easy for them.
As i am watching this, i have missionaries calling me to be baptized... and every weekend, that i am supposed to go to this church, there is something that always comes up that needs me to attend... i have cancelled several time to attend this church.. i do not know why, but this has opened my eyes... Lord Jesus is refusing with my soul... i am going to cancel all the bible studies i have been having with them through calls... this has freaked me out for real... 😖😖😖
I'm going through a faith crisis myself, coming out of Evangelical organized religion. My heart goes out to them. It's a very lonely and difficult journey to realize everything you believed and held so dear is not what it seems.
I’ve pondered and prayed on your comments. Your heart is pure! No Doubt the Savior is carrying you through the crisis. YOU are on His side of the table and those who judge you are not. Let not your heart be troubled and you will win great rewards as this passes. It’s Free! !
Blessings to you. 🙏☮️
Jesus said, "Follow me." Jesus is the good Shepherd. Jesus will never let you down.
John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
Forgiveness of sins, eternal life, exaltation and salvation are all free.
That is how much God loves you!
I John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Eph. 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the GIFT of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Romans 3:24
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord
It is a difficult road, leaving behind what you lived and believed, but there is joy in the other side. I hope you’ve found healing!
You should read the book more than carpenter really helps if you’re going through that
More than a Carpenter - by Josh McDowell
if i ever had any questions or problems, it was ALWAYS just “pray about it”
And when you got that 'BURNING IN THE BOSOM' feeling, what did you do?
GRAB A TUMS, AND THE BURNING SUBSIDED!
I hate that answer. I went to my bishop telling him I was struggling with my testimony and felt like I was slipping away from the church and he said “just pray about it” K..
Just like the Bible says, James 1:5 "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him"
@@sydsydney543
Satan doesn't want you to pray
Hannah Bruce and if you don’t get an answer is your fault
Thank you for your bravery and sincerity Hans! I admire truth seekers and tellers! My life has been turned upside down by my Mormon faith crisis. I’m a direct descendent of Hyrum, Joseph F, Joseph Fielding Smith. The pain in discovering the lies is so painful. We’ve been ostracized for seeking truth.
I'm so grateful to him for sharing his story. As a former Mormon myself, the pressure to stay silent after leaving is immense.
The pressure to stay silent? Give me a break
@@jamessoter1900 your aggressive response sort of proves my point.
Anyone leaving who speaks out is met with a wave of hostility that has been programmed by church leaders.
@@AR-sz5lm No, only those who leave the church, and defame and mock it on the way out, get the aggressive responses
Then stop fighting the church and accept it is Christ's church. He created it. Period!
I am an Ex-Mormon (though technically my name is still on the records of the church). I served an LDS mission, and also went to BYU. The contradictions between the church's teachings and scientific facts always required me to go through some mental gymnastics for it to all make sense. The "aha" moment came when I learned that several of Joseph Smith's wives were simultaneously married to other men (polyandry). That is something that the church doesn't tell you, and I was offended that I didn't find out till I was 31 (even then I only found out by accident, while researching an answer to someone else's question). Then I learned that Egyptologists can now translate the papyrus from which Joseph Smith supposedly translated the Book of Abraham, and know that they were nothing more than common funerary scripts. Then I learned that Joseph Smith was a treasure hunter, who used to put magic rocks in his hat to hunt for gold; and that he translated the Book of Mormon by the same method. (Google it!)
The problem is that most Mormons have no idea what their actual history is. They only get the white-washed propaganda version distributed by the church. Then they are told that all you need in order to know that the church is true is to have a good feeling in your heart (or the "spirit"). That sounds good, except people also get "good feelings" when they read the Quoran, Tom Sawyer, and a number of other fictitious works. It is a recipe for self deception. I was set free when I realize that if there is a God, then he would expect us to use the logic and reason that he gave us. Logic and reason are what really reveal the truth.
I am now a very happy Agnostic. I don't feel any bitterness towards anyone. I am at peace now, and so glad that I no longer have to go through mental gymnastics to believe in something that isn't true.
"scientific facts", what are they?
mrman26 pretty common scenario. You do hit on a key problem for the Church. Right now, most members think that exmo's are depressed. What happens when they figure out how much better life is once you're out?
+Kent Thalman Same as with any other matter against the chruch. They won´t believe life is better once you are out. They believe it might look better, but that is Satan deceiving you. Satan deceives people into drinking a cup of coffee without guilt, or that making love to you loved one is good. At least we will all face God in the end and be accountable for these horrible crimes. :)
Afreakinmen
My faith lays upon the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon and my understanding on the significance of the saving ordinances. The Doctrine of Christ :)
I was told by my family: “if you pray and truly ask for answers you will receive them. But if you don’t it’s because you don’t want to”. Explain how that is fair. If I don’t share your opinion It’s my fault for not hearing someone’s voice? No. Im done being told that by people who refuse to accept anything but their opinion
What does their opinion have to do with anything? Are we not responsible to live Gods laws? If we don't why would he want to speak with us. Study it out, make a choice and ask God if it be right. Pretty simple actually.
Scott M
No we aren’t responsible. You may feel we are but that’s your opinion. If your completely sure your answer is correct that’s your opinion but asking your faith won’t help someone who doesn’t believe in it
Scott M
Gods law is as good as saying we all must live by hitlers law. The reason we don’t listen to him is the same I don’t listen to your religions laws
@Scott M, and what would you say to someone like me who did all the studying, pondering, and praying only to get the answer that none of it's true?
@@scottwins2 yes because if you study REAL scripture, it points out FALSE prophets over and over which Joe was. He didn't even MEET the criteria of a prophet.
I'm glad that more and more mormons are beginning to question the authenticity of this doctrine
Ikr
I wish I could only hig you rn and tell you that your heavenly father is aware of what you are feeling and is only waiting for you to want him just slightly as much as we loves and wants you.
@@hmm6415 I wish I could tell you that it is easy to just believe or to just pray and recieve guidance, although it can be from my own experience its ourselves that stop our Heavenly Fathers love and his answers from reaching our hearts and ears. I employ you to pray again but this time to pray withough any thought or feeling beside just feeling his un-measuring love that he has for you and then the rest will follow as if a single stick were removed from a beaver dam causing it all the water to run once more. I will pray for you if you wouldnt mind. Just know that if you think that no one out in the world loves or cares for you. Just know that I do!
Joseph Smith Was A True Prophet of God,
@@digital727 NO he was a profit, he conned people out of their money. Joseph was a FAKE, a HOAX and what is SO SAD is that this disgusting PERVERT is revered. Please do the research, go to your precious LDS sites and look at the inconsistencies. It is ALL there if you just LOOK. If you dare, go check out the CES letters. This is a corporation, not inspired by anything but GREED.
As soon as they tell you to follow Joseph instead of Jesus...RUN!
As soon as they tell you to follow Moses or Joseph Smith or any other prophet other than Jesus, run as well. But what are we to do with imperfect prophets like Noah and David? Are we blessed when we reject God's prophet's, warts and all, and only run to Jesus when HE is the one who sent the prophet? Well, sons and daughters of God, THAT is a pretty important question YOU need to ask yourself and answer. Thankfully, I have never been asked to follow Joseph, but rather Joseph has asked us all to follow Jesus. There are a lot of blind people in the world, doesn't mean that Joseph Smith was perfect or that he wasn't called to lead us back to the covenants of our Fathers and thus back to unity with God. Blessings to all those who finished reading this comment. Blessings to those who didn't.
That former Stake President Hans Mattesson left Mormonism is not the most disturbing thing about this video.
THE MOST disturbing thing occurred when he approached his LDS superiors with his concerns (doubts) and was told, basically, to shut the fuk up.
How's THAT for the "fruits" of Mormonism??
Yeah. Trust me when I say that Mormon leaders are not going to tell him to be quiet other than if he was going to preach it from a pulpit but I have raised concerns to my church leaders and was not told to just be mum about it. That's kind of silly.
Typical.
He’s telling the truth!
No he isn't
@@tucuxi70 Yes he is.
One woman was really surprised when she left LDS and joined a Bible study at a Christian Church - they LOVED her questions. The more, the better. And when they sometimes didn't have an answer they said - "We don't know, but lets find out together!" In LDS she was used to not really being encouraged to ask any questions.
Helen E I'll bet she is enjoying her unaccountable life now! No judgment, no responsibilities, do what you want...what freedom! Ask those questions, honey!
John Lee She is accountable to her family, church and Jesus Christ himself. So no need to worry.. :)
Helen E No she's not! She's only accountable to herself. That's what's so attractive about that lifestyle. She alone decides what's moral and right and whatever she wants is moral and right? See the beauty of it? No worries. Interpret scripture anyway you like and go for it. I love it! Wish I could join but there's that old religion dragging me down.
John Lee Have you talked to her?
Helen E Helen or the woman she's talking about? Of course, like you she's anonymous.
I bet this poor broken hearted man was excommunicated for this interview and his honesty.
No he is still a member. They have not pursued any discipline.
Joseph Slanec, you gossip like an old woman. Where's your proof he's had the 2nd anointing? Where's proof Bishop has had it? Where's the results of any investigations into his actions? What is the 2nd anointing? Finally, where does it say a person with the 2nd anointing can't be excommunicated? So much gossip in so few words.
He freely resigned and has removed his name from lds church records.
Craig, he's not the first and won't be the last - big deal!
@@gunnerlawts Weak people unfortunately are born into or join the Mormon church all the time and usually cycle out when it becomes an inconvenient burden. They realize that this religion will actually expect something of them and then the deadwood starts looking for the door. They begin to look for reasons to be offended or claim they were "lied to" about the history of the church and being such principled people, they wimp out. That's why I'm happy to see them go. It makes us stronger when this sort are gone. I wish them well on their continuing quest for the soft landing...not to be found in the Mormon church.
I have all these questions and then some. When I approached my bishop and expressed my concern, he told me to CONTINUE to ask questions. IT'S OK to have questions! I know about Joseph Smith, I know about the history of the church, but I've accepted it for what it is because of the GOOD that comes from being a member and the light it brings to my life. I might not have all the answers, but my life is much better in the church than out of it. And don't think your crisis of faith only happens in the LDS church, they happen in ALL religions. The members of those churches have THE SAME TYPES OF QUESTIONS THAT YOU DO. Faith is not something that's given to you, it's something you choose to have.
This is surprisingly very objective and neutral reporting. Well done.
(I no longer stand by what I said after the first sentence. It took getting silenced myself to notice the problem, and I’m sorry I was so naive before) The reporter was neutral but the guy being interviewed was not. Church leaders don't just tell people to be quiet. It's much more likely they didn't know the answer and told him to find the answer as they also try to find it.
JeffreyQProductions is a neutral opinion on a biased church
Zeek I think your confused. The guys opinion is his opinion. “They didn’t know the answe”? Then why didn’t they say that? Saying “don’t talk about it” is worse then saying that because it caused him to create an actual opinion.
you wont really find that in america lol
@@JustViolet626 Yes they do tell people to keep it quiet it's happened to me and to several friends of mine.
I know Hans Mattsson. He's a good and decent person who has written a great book with his co-author about seeking truth. As a Mormon, he didn't know much about the grace of Jesus through faith in his precious saving and redeeming blood. I've attempted to help Hans in his pilgrimage from Mormon to Christian and I believe that he's trying his best to accept and understand the grace of Christ Jesus. The simplicity of Jesus' holy gospel is startling to any true-blue Mormon, and once the Holy Spirit begins to act on the mind/heart of such people, wonderful changes are imminent in their lives.
TO: Rusty Nowlin
re: The Church of
J E S U S C H R I S T
of Latter-day Saints
Please Do Not Call Us Mormons.
You may have missed the press release or perhaps for one of many other possible reasons you may not have yet decided to respect this request.
Nevertheless, if you haven't heard, we are asking all honest and descent people to respect us in this request in as much as Mormon is a nickname that is many times used with a derogatory connotation that our enemies and critics use against us. Therefore, I am personally & respectfully requesting … Please do not call us Mormons anymore.
You can call us:
~ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
~ the Church of Jesus Christ
Also, Please do not call us LDS for similar reasons.
You can call us:
~ Latter-day Saints
~ Saints, or
~ Christians
But, please …
I am personally & respectfully requesting
Do not call us LDS anymore.
Do not call us Mormons anymore.
BTW
Latter-day Saints are Christians.
The Church is the restoration of the original church founded by Jesus Christ and the Church of Jesus Christ equals = 100% God’s Gospel Truth.
So ya, I would appreciate it, if you would please stop saying false things about my church. You need to come to church and see; and, this is my invitation for you to come and visit. The only people who are not welcome in the church are disruptive anti-Mormon bigoted trolls.
The Bible says, “Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh~ is of God.” 1 John 4.2
I am a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ.
I confess that Jesus has come in the flesh and is of God. I love Jesus and I believe that He is the Son of God. He is my Savior and the Savior of the whole world.
The Evangelical pastor says, “When somebody loves Jesus and believes He is the Son of God, that’s good for me.”
And that’s good enough for me too.
A Christian is a believer in Jesus Christ and His teachings. The Church teaches and we believe that we are justified by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in His infinite atonement. We are true Christians. We are the Church of Jesus Christ.
So ya, i don't expect you to automatically believe everything I've said anymore than you should expect others to believe what you have said; Nevertheless, it is important to note that treating others with dignity and respect is part of the Christian ethos.
PROMOTE RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one’s own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others ~ President John F. Kennedy
if you have any issues, I am willing to listen; but please remember that~
“It is a wise thing to be polite; consequently, it is a stupid thing to be rude. To make enemies by unnecessary and willful incivility, is just as insane a proceeding as to set your house on fire. For politeness is like a counter--an avowedly false coin, with which it is foolish to be stingy.”
― Arthur Schopenhauer, The Wisdom of Life and Counsels and Maxims
In the meantime,
Please stop trash-talking my church.
Thank you,
P E A C E
========= * * *
Harry Abel Potter wow you really are a troll. Amazing Harry. The actual truth is .... God would never tell his "only true church" to whitewash, cover up, deceive, and out right lie about it's history. NEVER ... the Mormon false prophets and apostles have proven the Mormon church to be a sham just on that one point alone. The Mormon leaders are proven, documented, factual liars ... there is no excuse for the inexcusable ... God will not be mocked! God has come forth is these "last days" to reveal the mocking ways of Mormonism ... if the Mormon false prophets were actually honest ... they would not co-opt. the true Jesus from the bible who is the ONE and ONLY God, creator of all the universe, and savior of the world. Jesus is most definitely not Satan's brother ... The Mormon false prophet and apostles would name their church an honest name ... the most honest name should actually be "The Church of Satan's Brother of Latter Day Satan's Brothers and Sisters" ... that way the world would know the false entity Mormons actually believe in. Also, the best part about that name is that it would not offend any Mormon because it is in perfect harmony with Mormon doctrine. You are in a cult and you don't even know it. God will not be mocked by the massive mocking Mormon manipulation machine ... the truth is simply that ... The Truth ... and the actual truth about Mormonism has been revealed by God ... the Mormon leaders no longer can hide it from their members nor from the world ... please read my true story at truthspm.org God Bless :)
@@harryabelpotter9630 YOU ARE MORMON ... hello!!! have you heard of the "Book of MORMON"???? .... you are MORMON through and through ,... HELLO ,,, remember the WORLD WIDE movie put out by your very own false prophet Thomas S. Monson ,,, "Meet the MOROMNS" ... ???? HELLO you are Mormon AND you are in a CULT and you don't even know it! Wake UP !!
@@harryabelpotter9630 president Monson and Hinckley were proud to be called Mormons. If Nelson hadn't come out and asked for the change you most likely would be proud to be mormon as well. Not to far back I remember the big I'm a mormon campaign paid for by the church. I remember big billboards advertising this very thing. How about Meet the Mormons movie? Mormon mormon mormon all until Nelson got his way and everyone bows their head and says yes.
to: Shine Brightly
Help Stop Religious Persecution ... “What a sad era when it is easier to smash an atom than a prejudice.” ― Albert Einstein
Shine Brightly, you said
wow you really are a troll.
Abel
No sir/madame, I am not a troll.
... and here is why ~
In Internet slang, a troll is a person who starts quarrels or upsets people on the Internet to distract and sow discord by posting inflammatory and digressive, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community (such as a newsgroup, forum, chat room, or blog) with the intent of provoking readers into displaying emotional responses and normalizing tangential discussion, whether for the troll's amusement or a specific gain.
IMNSHO, in my opinion I do not fit the definition of a troll because:
a) the comments I make are not inflammatory but instead accurately represent legitimate religious principles and doctrines as well as the scientific treatment of the subject.
b) the comment I make are not digressive, extraneous, or off-topic in as much as they do not depart from the subject.
c) I am neither trying to evoke or provoke emotional responses nor am I deliberately trying to disrupt attack, offend or generally cause trouble; I am, however, very simply representing legitimate religious principles and doctrines as well as representing the historical and scientific treatment of the subject.
d) I am open-minded and I am always willing to listen to others.
e) I am, however, human, and I make mistakes. I am always willing to listen to what and why others think I am mistaken.
f) I am, however, human, and I make mistakes. If I have offended anyone according to any legitimate reason, I am willing to apologize and say that I am sorry.
g) I am really into free speech and IMNSHO, in my opinion I believe that the best conversations include describing what is the problem and why it is a problem as apposed to unsubstantiated allegations and personal attacks.
h) did I mention that I am open-minded and that I am always willing to listen to others :)
In the meantime,
I could be wrong,
I am only human,
but,
I think you owe me an apology and a promise to never falsely attack another person for the rest of you life.
Other than that,
I wish you well.
peace.
----------
Isn't courage and truth a beautiful thing!! Thank you Hans for speaking for so many of us who feel the same and have felt so alone and out numbered for so long. I salute this kind of courage!!
What a sweet Man and his Lovely wife! This is so heartbreaking! I pray that he finds the truth in Jesus Christ and that he finds happiness with his wife this kind of thing is so sad and it happens to such wonderful people God Bless them 💗
The Mormon church officially allows Harry Potter and other witchcraft books to be sold in Deseret Industries book stores, as well as , other witchraft books. I'm no longer a member, but I confronted the upper levels in utah , and they said , "it's not a opposing the church" and it's just a metaphor explaining evil vs good. But they promised to tell the Prophets advisors .
I went through a faith crisis and both of the bishops that I went to over the years were so wonderful that I have to wonder where in the heck do these people live who are being threatened in this manner. I still cannot get a temple recommend because there are still a few things I can't quite figure out and I will not lie to get one. Things have to make sense to me or I cannot accept them. Not just in the church but in everyday life as well. I have not been ostracized in any way by the members nor the leaders so I am very sorry for those of you who do go through this crap.
Tell me what you can't figure out. I can help!
I have three grandparents who joined the church and Sweden and when they came over here and headed towards Salt Lake then found out about polygamy and when they got to Salt Lake they would have absolutely nothing to do with the church because of that hidden truth about polygamy. They were not told about this when they were being taught about the church it went against the grain they're very ding when learning about this absolutely decided not to have anything to do with the church Forever After
Why is it called “crisis of faith” when it is determining whether you choose facts over falsehood. How could joseph have different versions first vision ..how could the indelible vision of God and Jesus be mistaken forgotten. How can scriptures be true and yet changed to meet criticism, the same with temple ordinances. Why is one thought true yesterday and wrong today if from God. Why did/does God favor one person over another. Why does church action not meet church professed belief.
Great points! I've another - if the ban on blacks receiving the priesthood was not a revelation from God, why was a revelation needed to end it? Who was right in this situation? Those several presidents who perpetuated it or the one who ended it?
@Blue 6 BS
In the early 90's, my best friend's dad was excommunicated from the LDS church when we were in elementary school for bringing the same concerns up in church.
I remember I was told to stay away from them after that and it was a small, predominately LDS town in Utah so everyone looked at them as "Bad" after that. His wife divorced him over it and my friend had to move away.
Once I turned 18 I was able to leave the LDS church. Finally, when Facebook came around I was able to find and reconnect with her. It was nice to be able to freely be friends again. And knowing her dad as an adult, I realized he was not at all the monster the church painted him to be. Just a regular man exercising his freedom of speach.
Yes he wasn't a monster but he was teaching false lies about Joseph Smith and the book of Abraham. It was just proven how the anti Mormons trick people like him in the CES letter. Link UTube video titled (BOA ep 16) link my name Paul Gregersen to get there
Mormons say : " Read the Book of Mormon and pray", doesn't remove the fact that former leaders were racists.
or have no knowledge and just need tithers to support their corporation.
Amen!, and that ain't all, eh?
@@savannahsmiles1797 This deserves 100 Up-Votes ...
Yay him! My great great great grandfather is Wilford Woodruff. Left the church in my late 20s--way too late. Most of my extended family is still in the church. It really makes our relationship superficial that they are still on the inside and I am outside. Any objective view of the church easily reveals the gaping holes.
I commend you for your honesty and integrity.
Good on you TNYT and Hans Mattsson for being honest about doubts in the LDS church. In my opinion the LDS church has lost its case for truth.
No! you have just lost the spirit. You enemies of the church always try to find mortal conclusions to spiritual questions. Won't work.
@FORTNITE BeGinner The true Church of Jesus Christ is a restored version of the Christ's original church. We are a faith of continuous revelation. The gospel of Jesus Christ doesn't change, policies and procedures do. As long as the the Lord Jesus Christ created and approved of the change it is valid. Man's ways are not god's ways. Most everything mankind does is foolishness to the Lord. You were never cursed, as a person, and still aren't. You were born into a race that for whatever the reason was cursed. You need to go to the Lord for that answer. The LDS church did not create the curse. We obey the Lord Jesus Christ. It is His church and can do as He pleases. Through revelation in 1978 that curse was lifted and everyone gets the Priesthood (Males). The one character who wants to keep the antagonism and racial division going is satan. He has gotten a lot of mileage out of racial hatred. You are and have always been our brother. We welcome you to the faith.
Take that opinion with you to the spirit world.
@FORTNITE BeGinner Glad you found Jesus. Now you must find His Church. Christ restored the Church of Jesus Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith. The church has one purpose. That is to help perfect the saints for exaltation and return to the Father's Kingdom. The "christian" churches don't have any idea or understanding of this process. Would you rather be on the positive track to return to the Father or would you want to inherit a lesser kingdom where you will never see Heavenly Father again? Right now it remains your choice. Bible-only churches will keep you back and stop your eternal progression. Big difference between salvation (Free gift of the atonement) and exaltation (must be earned). Joseph Smith does not play into your personal exaltation. Take care, Bud Henson
@FORTNITE BeGinner You have some good questions there. The actual facts are that Joseph Smith made no differences between whites and blacks. He actually gave the priesthood to worthy black men. At one point he even sold his wife's favorite horse to get enough money to free a black man. The ugly part came after Joseph was murdered and Brigham Young became the new church president. It was while Brigham was in office that it was changed. I really don't know why this happened but I do know that Joseph had no problem with black people. I hope this helps at least what you may think of Joseph Smith. I don't say he was a perfect man but I do know that he did translate the Book of Mormon from plates that "had the appearance of gold". We don't worship him either we just appreciate him for his part in the restoration. It is God we pray to and believe Jesus to be His actual physical son who atoned for all of us that we might return to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus once again if we make ourselves worthy to enter the Celestial kingdom. I am happy you have found Jesus but I hope you won't have such bad feelings toward us that you don't want to learn more. When all is said and done, each of us has the final say in what we will choose for ourselves. Best wishes.
this video gives me hope; he's my hero
for stopping to believe lies?
I´m glad for him, but he took a lot of time to turn on his brain.
doesnt make him a hero.
aperfectcircle007 The Church he was a member of isn’t a cult.
@@johnharvey4448
Every religion is basically a cult, pushing dogma and forcing kids into believing strange superstitions none of wich can be proven.
But the mormons are for sure - no other christian church does accept them as christian.
They are a sect, and their communities work like cults in every aspect.
If it quacks like a duck....
Niles Butler pushing dogma ? No one has pushed anything on me.
Strange superstitions... superstition is a bad thing and spoke against not for by the religion.
Believing things that can’t be proven is nothing new. Faith is older than religion and part of faith is belief in that which is not seen.
I disagree the Mormons are not for sure. And, if it be true no other Christian church accepts them as Christian (I doubt claim is even true ; I’m not surprised if a certain number don’t). There were a people that didn’t accept Jesus.
Their communities don’t work like cults in every respect.
Their communities work like communities.
‘No other Christian church accepts them as Christian’. Source please.
GET OFF YOUR PINK CLOUD YOU DON'T HAVE HOPE YOUR JUST IGNORANT BLIND AND BRAIN WASHED BY RELIGIOUS PEOPLE WHO ARE ALSO BLIND BRAIN WASHED AND IGNORANT EVEN STUPID
I became a widow still in the Mormon Church, I was never married in the temple because of the bishop told me. "Can you found someone better?" I was shocked by what he said and I still had feelings for my abusive husband. I was unhappy for a few years until I realize the most members have isolated me. So I went to an R&B concert after church and I met this man with a nice smile on his face. I told him that I am a Mormon and he said that he is an ExMormon and Widower. I started dating him and love his family with children.
He met my daughter and she liked him too. When I went back to church, the authority got mad at me. I told the authority that I love but the authority told me that they concerned not able to go to the temple. I thought us as members that we always love others even though they left. I told the members that I still love him even though he left the church.
LDS = Lost Deceived Souls
It's true man
LDS = Lucifer's Demonic Society
Another Genius! Get the facts before you spout off!
Gerald Henson I have *ALL* the facts as do even more of other Mormons do also as MILLIONS leave all the time once they get those facts as many do the same with other cults, Jehovah's Witnesses and Scientology.
Take the time on your own to get the facts starting with the brilliant letter:
cesletter.org/Letter-to-a-CES-Director.pdf
After that, watch some of the videos produced by Lee Baker or Earl Erskine who were once Bishops and found out the FACTS as you put it.
Once you realize that you are wrong and the Bible can be trusted, you'll find the happiness that many ex-Mormons have today and the reason why you are so miserable now. Mormons don't commit suicide because they are happy.
LDS = Lucifer's Demonic Society
George, If people leave it's their free agency. More power to them. Your loss!
I am an ex Jehovah's Witness. They play a lot of the same games Mormons do if you leave. I am an atheist. I have many friends that are religious. But, people in these kinds of faiths often act like children.
I know. I was watching a program about the tactics JW's use and it is so similar it's creepy.
You were very kind in your presentation. I am so happy that you got out, because if you know the truth of the Bible you will know that Mormonism is not a Christian religion! They think they are! I am 85, and I have always know the myths that Joseph Smith taught!
being a Mormon only brought me worry/anxiety/racist remarks I hated going there because of the toxicity of the people there. Even though I’m only 14, I plan on leaving and telling everyone that I am a lesbian by the time I am able to leave my home and that I’ll be safe. Please, if a child feels like this. Do not attack them.
Ohh am sorry about that
How is your life so far?
I also felt really lonely and I could feel racism around me, long time now I haven't gone to church
Good to see people start knowing the truth
Hi! I’m a member of this church, and One issue I have with this argument is the lack of perspective. Old Testament prophets and apostles called of god like Jonah and peter have many scriptures describing their shortcomings. Why do people see imperfections in this church as proof to it being false? Perfection is being demanded when it has never been replicated since Jesus Christ. If you loose testimony over things, then your testimony is in the wrong things
During my baptism, I wanted to sing a praising kenyan song but the relief society president couldn't allow me, unless the song is translated to a different tune and rhythm,and I was suprised and couldn't understand why! I felt lonely and unfriendly people so I got tired and stopped going there! Am also having faith crisis
John 10:27-29
Does this mean I don't get my own planet with all my bitches?
Yeah. Sorry! Joe Smith over-shot. But he got the B's IRL, at least. Just be a cult leader and claim the girls as u want. Worked for him! Just claim God said so. Worked then. Maybe it's a bit harder in these latter-days, though.
I have been in the church for over 44 years. I have seen many people come and go, I have been in many leadership positions including that of a bishop and I have NEVER heard anyone tell anyone else to not talk about difficult subjects, or be told to remain silent if they stop coming to church. It simply is not true. People leave the church for all kinds of reasons, most of them just leave and never say anything because they have no desire to say anything. The only ones that come out with stories like this are those that have some sort of personal grievance with the church and they find an excuse to make things up in an attempt to discredit the church as an act of revenge.
There are so many things he said that are simply not true. If people leave it is not church policy to cast people out, or stop them coming to social gatherings like weddings. We encourage people to come back! If that does happen it must be some members that do it, not the church policy. Any church member watching this would doubt the credibility of this report because they would know its not true.
You’re delusional.
Just because you haven't seen or heard of it it doesn't mean it isn't true. In fact you may not have have seen it due to your blindness, more likely that maybe you think those who left didn't speak out only because they didn't talk directly to you. As an active believing member for 25 year's I saw and heard much of what you say is not true happen. I specifically recall being taught in Sunday School as a child and later teenager that the only reason people wanted to leave was to sin. And that they may have seemed happy but that it was a false sense of happiness. And now honestly as an Ex Mormon I am happier than ever before. And you know with that said I have to ask. Members of the church have the right to speak openly about their beliefs well it stands to reason that Ex Mormons such as Hans and myself have the same right to speak openly about leaving and why we left.
A 40 Billion Dollar Corporation charging people admission to heaven.
Not exactly but I do see your point.
Hey, you have the Mark of Cain! You were cursed by God for being lazy in heaven? According to the prophet! And he will Never lead you astray.
Good point, I have no logically reasoning for this one.
I can't believe it
a "FOOL TITHE" .
I was raised Mormon and we learned about polygamy when I was like 8. It’s not like we never knew about it.
My grandma was 13 when she started her family of 12 children. People don't understand times were different back then.
@@nikkiduggy1801
No, times were not different in that way 'back then.' In the USA the average age of first marriage for women in 1840 was between 21 and 22 years of age.
It was different in the mormon church, because the child's consent was not sought. It was negotiated between two dirty old men, with Joe Smith saying give me your 13 year old daughter, and I'll give your entire family eternal salvation.
But it is not openly discussed in church curriculum or in GC talks. D & C 132 talks about it but the history part is selective disclosure.
@@user-og2wt3le4j because it’s not something mainstream Mormons do anymore. It’s weird rural offshoots of the Mormon church that are polygamists.
"Is the Book of Mormon historical or not?" NOT
Ben McCrea Every member should read "This is My Doctrine"
HA DID JOSPEH ALSO WRITE THE BOOK OF MOSES, NOT BIBLICAL AT ALL FICTION BOOK THANKS UNCLE JOE
@HS Gamer www.fairmormon.org/answers/Question:_Is_DNA_Haplogroup_X2a_proof_that_the_Book_of_Mormon_fits_best_in_a_geography_located_in_the_Great_Lakes_region%3F
Kent Thalman FAIR makes ambiguous propaganda and is paid for by the LDS leaders. Not a good source
wordtree.org/thelatewar/
Check this out about the Book of Mormon and decide for yourself if it's historical. There's a reason he used a hat to translate!
Mormonism taught me to have universal compassion to all, but the organization has not followed the values they taught me.
I appreciate your courage to speak your doubts! I encourage you to keep seeking the truth, and, as promised, you'll find it! Read your Bible like a child, and you'll be amazed how many doors will open up to new life! Not my truth, but the truth of the LIVING GOD! May GOD bless and keep you and your family! 🙏🙏🙏
Deborah Robinson-Bozovic thank you for honestly
I love this. I love how this man sought out the truth. God gave us his word so we could hear from him. And questioning is one of the best ways for the Holy Spirit to show us truth. I praise God that you had the courage to come out and say this sir. The Morman church is a behemoth and I can't imagine how difficult this was. Blessings Heidi in Atlanta
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a remarkable organization that leads its people to follow the teachings of God and offers millions of dollars and hours of service and relief to people around the world. How can you call His church a behemoth without even knowing how to spell Mormon? I understand it was likely just a typo but assuming you are in a different yet similarly Christian background I doubt you understand just how much common ground we have. We have a living prophet and apostles with the same priesthood authority Jesus Christ has. Even if you didn’t believe in this claim, the structure of His church mimics the way it was set up in ancient times. Admittedly, I choose to see anyone still religious like Christian Jewish Islamic as brothers and sisters in a world that casts away anything spiritual for worldly designs. Do you still believe that I am a part of a behemoth? You must at least understand that while you do not share my beliefs, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is a towering symbol of virtue and powerful testimony of God and Jesus.
Nope, he lies!
Actually this guy and others are now coming back to the LDS church after the stunts pulled on people by the CES letter are being exposed especially the false claim that the book of Abraham was wrongly translated. See how these anti Mormons have made fools out of you and others and are now getting exposed. Link UTube video titled ( BOA ep 16 ) link my name Paul Gregersen to get there
@@cadewoolf4380no it’s not. It’s a corrupt teaching of Jesus whose teachings have never been corrupted, but Joseph smith and his followers twisted the scriptures into their own understanding of what they think it means. It’s a deception of a church. Jesus is God incarnate. God was not once a man. Repent and believe in the true gospel not the Book of Mormon
They WILL exile you. Many of my closest friends and my own sister have cut me off. Leaving the LDS church comes with a price. And sometimes that price seems almost to much to bare. But the reality is you learn who Christ really is. And your free from the shackles of Mormon dogma. It's liberating and amazing. To use a Mormon missionary tactic: How much do you love truth. Real truth. Mormons are not true. Christ is.
Thanks for leaving...you saved us the trouble of throwing you out.
John Lee Your more the welcome. I can't tell you the absolute liberation I've enjoyed the moment I freed myself from the yoke, mind control and outrageous lies of the Mormon church. Wish I had done it 35 years ago. Besides, LOL. You people are really strange.
Ahhhh...freedom from accountability! Sounds great. The strangeness, brother, is yours.
John Lee Big LOL. And you people wonder WHY the rest of us don't consider you Christians. I came to an understanding that I was accountable. (more then ever before) Just not to a bishop or a false prophet, or any other mortal. But to a true and living Christ. I didn't need a book of fictional scripture. Or Masonic temple rituals. And guess what you don't need those things either. There is freedom is Jesus. Real freedom. And it's a freedom the Mormon church will never be able to grant you. Liberate yourself brother. Ask Jesus for a new life.
You for got polygamy, pentagrams and blood oaths...you've got to step up your Mormon bashing...it's embarrassing!
i like this idea about doubt being a positive thought or action in itself. the follow through, the seeking has been positive, for me.
Bravo! May more speak up and end the charade!
So did he end up leaving the church?
+Linda Harding Yes!
Linda Harding I don't think he left formally.
He still has family in the church so he still goes to the church but he says that no this is not the only true church but it's a good church to be in if you have time you can go on Mormon stories and listen to his interview along with is wife Brigitta it's really interesting he and his wife are honest people and they say that don't want to hurt the church they just want the truth to be out there which is a healthy approach so they are getting away with it. if they had a more abrasive approach I can guarantee they would have been ex communicated by now.
hopefully.
It amazes me how much misinformation there can be. Nobody is forbidden from attending baptisms. This "story" only brings in one perspective, and it's all what "he says." It's also amazing that people think the Church was hiding its history. There's pretty much nothing people say about the Church's history that I didn't know over 21 years ago, BEFORE I was baptized or that I didn't learn AT BYU between 2002 and 2006. Nobody tried to hide anything from me.
Imagine believing for your whole life that the world is flat. Suddenly it is proven to you that the earth is the same shape as the moon and all the planets and not even in the center of the galaxy. That is what it is like to discover, and it's hard when you're the only one who knows. They do not want to hear it.
I do believe the world was round even when the whole world thought it was flat. Reality is, regardless of what we believe!
Imagine all of that, but vice versa.
Imagine the missionaries under the neccesity of teaching the Gospel, asking a person to read the Book of Mormon. Then being told they believe that they got the answer that the Book of Mormon was from God. Recieving a testimony the God lives, is real, and the other powerful feeling that, that warm sweet feeling that God knows and loves then. Then after a while saying as the nine lepers did, ill go my own way again. Where did the missionaries go wrong. Thats a question. If the individual said he believed they didnt attempt to decieve.
Forestgump12able Feelings don’t equal facts.
@@Forestgump12able ... How about the missionaries who are just about numbers? I wonder how converts would feel if they found out the nice young men that showed great interest in them were mainly interested in padding their portfolio.
This argument works universally and in and of itself says nothing. Of course those who are "wrong" are in for a rude waking up. But one wonders in light of Biblical consistencies and the restored church, who will be on the left side of the proverbial boat? Without question, in my mind mist Christians have swallowed the inconceivable lie of the Nicene Creed. Moreover, in the Book of Revelation chapter 5, who hands the Seven Sealed Book to whom? Clearly the Father hands the Son this book preparatory to the Final Judgment. And yet, somehow mainstream Christians would attempt to refute this as One God, for some reason attempting to lie and misrepresent Himself. Why? To what end? Clearly showing Himself as two separated Beings, would make God a liar and fraud. My belief and understanding of God is that this is mot the case.
Without the saving ordinances one cannot progress toward eternity. People got to say what they got to say. Doubt the doubts before letting the doubts get the better of you.
What happens when the ordinances change?
yet we still give these people the chance to accept this gospel by doing temple services. yet they mock us for saving them.
God controls our every breath. God controls who enters. NOT ANY MAN
This is the type of article I like to see from the New York Times!! You are reporting what other news agencies are simply ignoring, the elephant in the room. Nice Job!
Keep silent about truth. Great advice
Reading the Book of Mormon for me cleared it up right away... It was really a bizarre read, try it sometime, I read from cover to cover.
I read the Book of Mormon and God told me it was false.
Why should I worship a god that was once a man?
@mc alleyboy
In man’s search for God’s Eternal Truths which exist beyond the reach of the mind and sciences of weak mortal man, the ancient Apostle James didn’t say read The Book of Mormon and you will know the Truth. Nor did he say read the Holy Bible and you will know the Truth. Do you have any idea what James DID reveal about where to go and what one must do to receive those Eternal Truths since ancient books written by men long dead cannot provide us with the confirmation of Truth?
@@iDONTdoFacebook “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” (Deut. ... “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” (Deut
mc alleyboy
Uh... no. Those aren’t the words of the Apostle James. Wrong answer. You don’t actually know the answer to the honest and pertinent question I asked you, do you. I had a feeling you weren’t a student or reader of the Holy Bible and apparently I was correct. Yet you pretend to teach us of God’s word when you don’t study it or know it. Let me help you...
The Apostle James was born many many centuries after Moses gave us Deuteronomy. Did you know that it was the prophet Moses who gave us Deuteronomy? Were you aware that Moses and the Apostle James were separated by 1,400 to 1,700 years and were members of two DIFFERENT Tribes of the TWELVE Tribes of The House of Israel? Can you instruct us as to which Tribe of the TWELVE Israelite Tribes that Moses was born into, and which of the TWELVE Tribes of Israel the Apostle James was born through? These are other good honest VITAL questions for you - a chance to make up for having given us the wrong answer to my first question when you gave us words of Moses thinking they were words of James.
If you can’t answer these questions regarding historical Truths contained within our Holy Bible, then you can’t understand the sacred Truths God has revealed to us in that old and dusty collection of sacred writ. You can’t pick and choose among the Truths God has revealed to mankind through His prophets and Apostles which of them that you want to accept and which you want to reject and discard. If you accept Moses’ word of revealed Truth, you must also accept the Truths revealed through the Apostle James.
We’re still waiting for the correct answer to my first question. WHAT DID GOD REVEAL THROUGH HIS ANCIENT APOSTLE JAMES TO BE THE ONE AND ONLY WAY FOR MAN TO GAIN WISDOM AND HAVE THE TRUTHS OF ETERNITY CONFIRMED TO HIS SOUL?
Then, if you are able, I’ve asked you those few simple BUT VITAL questions just above. Please enlighten us with the answers to them if you are capable.
@@iDONTdoFacebook 8Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
9For evildoers shall be cut off: but those that wait upon the LORD, they shall inherit the earth.
10For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
11But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.
12The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth.
13The Lord shall laugh at him: for he seeth that his day is coming.
39But the salvation of the righteous is of the LORD: he is their strength in the time of trouble.
40And the LORD shall help them, and deliver them: he shall deliver them from the wicked, and save them, because they trust in him.
The church would never tell a member to be silent.
They told me to be silent.
Bull$hit! They tell you nothing but not to ask questions.
I was raised in this evil pretend church, and you may be able to tell people that know nothing about it that's is true. But you & I know that it's not.
@@marelinem541 You obviously have no clue. Just an inferiority complex. I've been a member for 40 years.
@@marelinem541 Wow, you're amazing. Everything you said is wrong. You really have absolutely no clue.
Remember to not criticize your church leaders, even if the criticism is true.
That's good advice. A person keeps the spirit when they do that. Now aren't you just the smartest thing?
@@geraldhenson6521 Its a typical tactic used by cults to control their members. Dont ask questions that aren't faith promoting, Dont research the religion through outside non sanitized and non approved sources, and Don't question the leadership. Scientologists, Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons... all have these rules. Same game different name.
@@geraldhenson6521 ruclips.net/video/1Bu7yZsvh1Y/видео.html
@@geraldhenson6521 Satan doesn't exist. There are no monsters under your bed or sky daddies making sure you don't self abuse. My message is only its an undisputed fact that cults use these fear and control tactics to keep their members in the dark. Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Scientologists etc etc... different names for the same con game.
@@rustynelson2357 just like your cult. Your all powerful leader is your lord satan. You seem to be too brainwashed or too stupid to realize how you are being used by him. Satan's most effective tool and tactic is to convince his followers and other people that he doesn't exist. That way all you morons will think you're doing a good thing and are on the Lord's errand. Let this go, I don't want to abide your existence another minute. Our business is finished.
I can relate to family crises my mother is a Mormon she took my daughter move next to Mormon temple it really a painful experience I have a disability Aspergers high functional autism I was cut off and shunned by many members of Mormon faith I was mocked for being free thinker basically being myself as a traditional Christian I have very little to next to none contact with my family because the Mormon cult pushes members to work as much can towards temple like the life depend on it i other year seen the sacred rituals in temple off internet I was horrified all hand signals and strange symbolic acts seem pointless and brain washing the real temple to me is not a building it doesn’t bring blessings it just a building rich in marble and gold my mother told me all rituals to prepare for heaven but real heaven is within us but also above us not made of matter it spiritual. My mother told me that when people use walking sticks they use the walking sticks less and less as they go further in temple and eventually they walk without the sticks until they come out temple I didn’t believe it I wondered how a building like that help these people walk perfectly without any problems.
I have been to the temple many times and have never witnessed a miracle like that. You are correct it is just a building.
Jesus said, "Follow Me."
Galatians 1: 8;1 Timothy 6:3; Ezekiel 28:1-10.
I wish the best for this good man and leader
Always question. That's one of the most important parts of having any real Faith.
Belief is most important in any religion or faith
I like this guy has doubts hes normal and ok
Show me one chariot wheel. Just one, please.
Show be a broken heart and a contrite spirit. It's the Holy Ghost who bears witness and converts, not archeology!
Funny thing is that Joseph Smith didn't write about either of those. He wrote of Chariot Wheels and non-existent cities. He was a fraud. When the press wrote something he didn't like, meaning the truth, he destroyed the printing press. When the law was catching up to him for bank fraud, be left town in the middle of the night. He was an adulterer. He was a sexual predator. He was NOT a man of God.
It appears that the chariots were horseless.
Hi@@geraldhenson6521 , unfortunately, we know Catholicism isn't true because of the facts. We know Scientology isn't true because of the facts. We know protestantism isn't true because of the facts. We know that Islam isn't true because of the facts. Feelings reflect our opinions. Facts confirm what is true or false in a verifiable way. Mormonism is provably false and is disproven based on very verifiable facts.
@@geraldhenson6521 If the facts are unreliable then the Catholic Church could be true, Islam could be true, intact, according to your argument despite evidence to prove they are not we should not believe that evidence as i contradicts the belief of the believers of those faiths and that should trump our facts.
Hmm, it appears you are creating the very turmoil Smith claimed he was trying to over come. If you can't disprove anything then you can't prove anything else true.
What am i doing? I'm speaking out for society, i'm preventing people being lied to an indoctrinated into cults. I don't see the need for my wife to wear a veil or not as this recent change of the changeless temple ceremony confirms.
My wife can wear pants if she want, she didn't need Russell Nelson to contradict LDS history and give permission.
Looking at your photo you are old enough to have seen a litany of changes. You've seen Black people go from the sons of Ham to some unexplained race.
Lamanites were once dark skinned, now that is a racist remark and nobody seems willing to commit to what the mark of the laminates was.
in the 1940s the priesthood ban was a matter of doctrine according to the first presidency letter. Today it is confirmed that they were racist leaders - wow, you had racist leaders leading the church into racism? Isn't that astray?
My suggestion is you are juggling all of this in your mind as i once did. You're not seeing the wood for the trees. Yet once you look and see that actually, things don't add up, you become open to the idea that that not adding up ought to be rationally explained, then, then you'll see the cracks, and you'll see that like me you followed a lie.
The world is full of wonderful people striving. I strive with them, i serve in my community. I don't serve an LDS base, i serve my whole community, regardless of their background.
You literally have no rational nor moral nor evidentiary argument to counter any of these points.
The entirety of your claim is, 'You believe' which is fine. However that doesn't make it factual. Followers of Warren Jeffs argue he is the true prophet, does their sincerity make them correct or do you look for factual arguments to disprove their claim?
The Church does not hide the difficult past. It is not the old and tempererely doctrine that the Church focuses on. It was few that had several wives. And would not most men reject having several? Its unemphatic to say this was a doctrine the Church embrased.
Yes, they hide the truth. You don't know the truth yet. Keep looking.
Joseph Smith had 34 wives, 11 were married to other living LDS men. Brigham Young claimed the wives of Smith after his death, look at the genealogical data and you'll see this is factual. Young had kids with some of Smiths twice married wives. Pretty cultish and Davidian.
I wasn’t allowed to stand in on my nephews baby blessing just because I haven’t ben going to church and because I have a lot of doubts I’ve even ben treated like I’m a bad guy by church leaders and people with in the church simply because I dared to call them out on how they are protecting abusers with in there own church if you go to your bishop and say hey my step dads verbally abusing me or physically abusing me you know what they say go home and obey your parents just because they have this stupid rule about children submitting to there parents regardless of weather or not the parent is Wright or wrong
I feel really sorry that this happened to you. Im am reminded that wr are told the church on the earth is led by men who are not perfect. The Savior says that we ought to forgive others who hurt us. Whether they know it or not. I say the Davior says, how about the Savior ask, if we would/could exercise faith in him and Gods directive to pray to God and ask of he would help us forgive others for their Trespasses against others. If he have this type if Faith in the Saviors Teaching. It m sa y very well remove our ill feelings toward others. Pull down that separating wall
in 1857 the mormon church at orders from brigham young sent 100 men to mountain meadows in utah and they massacred a wagon train going through utah.
it's a common fact. it's a matter of history. before that time the mormons were accused of many murders but no one could prove. with the mountain meadows massacre it was undeniable fact.
like a lot of things the official stance of the church alternates between embarrassment and pride. they don't talk about it much.
the annual church service they have there opens with the song we thank the o god for a prophet.
can some mormon explain how the church has changed since briggy gave the extermination order? how has it changed and why? how is the mormon church significantly different than any of the other cults surrounding utah?
My great great great grandma was a nanny for Joseph Smith’s neighbor in Illinois, and he talked the man into taking her as a second wife. She was 16 years old, maybe that is ok during the time, but there are documents showing he took wives as young as 11 years old..l. Sick
At 11 years of age something like that is never ok
Pretty much ,if you have a question about anything, they always say, " Talk to the Bishop ". Well, if he can't answer that question is somewhat of a red flag. I only joined in 2013. I have always been Christian. I think the only reason I stay is because that's where I get help from someone. I can't drive. I see a friend once a week to hang out. He was raised in the Mormon church.
Finally - someone has the balls to call this cult out
Sandy Tanner has been calling them out for decades
The blessings is blood money from the meth trade all freemasonry
@@jackwagonjones true, but hearing it from a leader of this caliber, validates the work of the Tanners.
@@Cryptosifu the TRUTH is the only real validation in this matter ! and I would bet that Hans, and Sandy Tanner would both both agree on that count.
Why didn't you do it? No balls?
I think very few if any members are to Worried about it. everybody makes mistakes and it's a way to come back The 1st Step in the healing Process in My opinion.
I was fortunate that I joined the Church in the UK at a time (1980's) when it was normal to discuss controversial things. I knew about Joseph's wives because a missionary told me that Emma had thrown one of Joseph's plural wives down the stairs and she had a miscarriage. There is no comparison though to the information now available on the Internet. Many members cope with this information by sticking their heads in the sand. I would rather know the truth and understand it. It makes no difference to the truths of the restoration. Either Christ restored his Church and the Priesthood or he didn't. You have got to find out for yourself. He did restore his Church and that's all that matters. It's not about Joseph but like Peter, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Church.
Luke, we don't hide anything! There are any number of books available on the subject. I don't think the blame has been established. John D. Lee was the only one executed for the situation. If you can't bring those dead people back, I recommend you get with the current things in the church. Get the spirit and stop whining about past history. The Lord will take care of the blame in the spirit world. Get the Gift of the Holy Ghost and a testimony and get on with your exultation.
Toonces, please list the parts you find are venomous?
Eric Lawton yes, I missed them too. After reading Gerald’s reply I had to re-read Luke’s post, because I really thought I’d missed a big chunk of it
Bilinda, I have completely missed what you are saying, and I am not re-reading anything. I'll let it slide.
Not true
The church is not hiding anything from its history. In fact we discuss these issues in Seminary and Institute when we study church history.
They might do that now but not in the Mormonism I grew up in. They are only somewhat open about the history because they have no choice.
No they don’t. I’m forced to be Mormon , and whenever I ask questions about the history I’m told to pray about it.
Here is a test of the Book of Mormon (BoM) that I challenge someone with the means to do. The BoM describes 3 civilizations that came to America from the Old world: Jaredites, Mulekites and Nephites. The Jaredites and the Nephites ending up having a great war that killed off most of all of their people. The BoM states that both of those wars occurred in the same place, at a Hill in New York that Nephites/Mormons call "The Hill Cumorah". The Jaredites called it "Ramah". These two wars were approximates 1200 years apart. It should be easy for an archaeologist team to create digs around the Hill Cumorah to see if these wars happened. The last of these wars was in 600 AD. The dig needs to be deep enough to expose 4000 years at least. There should be 2 distinct strata in the earth where there are many skeletons with accompanying armor and weapons, and the accessories in these strata should reflect different technologies. This is not hard to do people! Hear me, prominent anti-Mormons! Hire Mormon archaeologists to do this. Make it a huge media event. This will be FUN!
Larry, The Jaredites fought amongst themselves. The Nephites came Later and fought the Lamonites. There are many, many artifacts at cumorah. The Church wants conversions based on spiritual not archaeological events. You outsiders have no idea what we know. You don't qualify unless you receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. I'll bet it drives you crazy not being able to get to the chamber.
Let's start by excavating the Hill Cumorah. The LDS church owns the land!
We don't allow archeological digs to be conversion centers or reason to join the faith. Being a LDS is a spiritual experience. We know what we have so the ones with the problem are you non-LDS..
Wrong! The Jaredites had a civil war, The Nephites fought the Lamonites. Your statement is confusing. We LDS convert people by the Holy Ghost, not archeology.
Gerald you're right, spiritual matters are not proven by archeology.
They are however regularly disproven by any branch of proper and honest study one might chose.
Linguistics, history, archeology, genealogy, genetics, etc.
The Book of Mormon has failed all rational tests of veracity, the church history has been hidden, falsified and misrepresented, the church leaders (supposedly led by the claimed "Holy Ghost" and "prophecy") have been duped into buying forged documents from a convicted felon and murderer to list just a few things.
Let your Holy Ghost get you to read more books and please, try some from an educational institution.
As Richard Bushman said recently, the narrative cannot continue.
I was born in the church and have been a member my whole life. However even when I was very young I always thought, "Of course everyone knows the church isn't really true. We just go along with it like we go along with believing in Santa Clause, it makes us feel happy to pretend." I'm always baffled when I come across people who might actually think it really is true....? The church does do nice things and some people actually do try to be better people because of it, I just wish we didn't need to be lied to and tricked into thinking we need to believe silly things in order to be good people.
Weak people(you) unfortunately are born into or join the Mormon church all the time and usually cycle out when it becomes an inconvenient burden. They realize that this religion will actually expect something of them and then the deadwood starts looking for the door. They begin to look for reasons to be offended or claim they were "lied to" about the history of the church and being such principled people, they wimp out. That's why I'm happy to see them go. It makes us stronger when this sort are gone. I wish them well on their continuing quest for the soft landing...not to be found in the Mormon church.
One that should be known that mormon bishops are different from
bishops say in the Catholic or Anglican Churches.
Mormon bishops have no special training and do not attend university,
theological collage and alike.
They are just ordinary people chosen to be in charge of a district.
And can be truck drivers or small business owners for example.
Therefore I am not surprised that the bishop interviewed here
do not know the true history of his Church.
Or facts about Joseph Smith.
Mormons are discouraged from seeking out information not
approved by the LDS Church. In fact can be (and are)
punished for doing so. In this way they are a cult.
You are either in the bubble of belief or if not, an enemy of the Church.
And wives who were already married. So wrong.
Well, Hans: Agnostic is a person afraid to say he is ATHEIST !! I'm an atheist, a former Mormon, and for 10 yrs I feel my mind is now free of all that B.S.... There are 2 advantages for leaving the Mormon faith: You get 10% increase in your paycheck and have the Sundays free !!
>>Happy to be free of Mormonism.''
You remind me of a first class passenger on the cruise ship Titanic.
@@cdowis: ...hahaha.... but at least during the voyage I'm not brain washed with allegories or stories or legends or blablabla without proof nor evidence!!! You are....
hahaha... at least I enjoy the trip and I'm not brain-washed with falsehoods and blablabla stories without evidences. You must also believe that Santa Claus and Unicorn exist just because most people "believe" it !
Yes! Praise God. Now this man has an opportunity to share the lies of Joseph Smith and to know the real, the true and everlasting God.
Quite the opposite! You ex-LDS are running away from the truth, probably because it's not easy like all the Bible reading clubs.
You are incorrect! You think you can spout some lies and think you can run off to your concept of the Father and it will be great? The God you seek is with the Saints and you will find yourself wanting when it all wraps up. Every person will be judged by what they say, do and think! What will your personal legacy be?
LIE much there Sereika?
@@geraldhenson6521 No one comes to God less he go thru Jesus Christ, it is written. Take care with the word you share.
Gerald Henson A church did not die for you. Jesus Christ died for you. Worship the one who saves not the ones who deceive.
Mormonism has been the State of Utah's #1 export for a long-long time. Rich Mormons like Mitt Romney, John Huntsman, the founder of Marriott Hotels etc-etc. Whether there is any evidence that supports the Book of Mormon or not it doesn't matter. All that matters is the tithing money that comes-in, worldwide which the Quorum of the 12 and the Quorum of the 70 then get to lavishly spent. Praise Joseph Smith!
>>get to lavishly spent.(sic)
The antiMormons do not tell the truth. Let's see your source, pleeze.
cdowis Checkout Flackerman's RUclips channel or Naked Mormonism or Sandra Tanner's posts. Grant Palmer and the list goes on and on. But lots of loyal idiots to the Mormon will never even bother
That is a Lie
@@RobR4455
Show me the specific source -- not some antiMormon spouting accusations and rumors, but actual documented proof.
>>Mormon will never even bother
It is not my responsibility to fact check you. You made the accusation, that is your job. Otherwise you are just another antiMormon spouting garbage.
cdowis checkout Flackerman, an ex Mormon's RUclips videoes, or the Naked Mormonism video by a former LDS missionary Bryce Blankenagel. Dan Vogel also a former Mormon, or John Delinne, Grant Palmer, Sandra Tanner, Kay Burnham, all former Mormons. The Mark Hoffman fiasco and the RUclips video titled Mormon frauds. There is tons of evidence and testimony from FORMER Mormons. But obviously you want to continue believing in Warren Jeffs and Brian Mitchell's religion you sleaze bag! You vote for serial adulterer and narcissistic psychopath Donald Trump too I can tell.
So what? Such profound journalism, oh brother.
It's a documented fact that the LDS leadership denied priesthood to blacks prior to 1978. LDS spokesman Wendell J. Ashton in 1973, on the subject of blacks and priesthood, cleverly explained the reason by shifting the blame away from the LDS to reasons only known to God.
I am a baptist man. Raised up to believe in the truth of the Bible. If a man/woman is a TRUE FOLLOWER of Christ,ALL is possible. I fell in love and married a 3rd generation Mormon woman. I was a bit confused at first,not knowing what Gods plan was in this.As a man of faith,I simply planted a seed. My wife and I would pray every night. She now goes to my church. I praise God,that he saved one more soul. GOD BLESS ALL
Baptist church is full of lunatics. That says a lot about you.
Now maybe get off your high horse and give some critical analysis to your own beliefs
Iam a 9 year member o the lds church I have a testimony givem by the spirit that the church is true. Iam suprises you as u said a leaders inside the church search for answers in the internet instead of asking you heventy father. I feel sorry for you my friend and iam inviting u to pray and ask heavenly father to testify true his spirit that the church is true. I promise if you do that with real intent to know the truth u will receive a define true truth
FREEMAN ex-morm here. THANk the gods
Thank GOD not gods.
@@joshuab2437 Which one? Too many to choose from ;-)
@@NorthSea_1981 ruclips.net/video/V6Q20FYcxgs/видео.html
Hans is my new hero. He had guts.
You are welcome to attend any Sunday service, particularly on the first Sunday of the monthwhen people talk about why they believe and learn first hand why so many are members, not by reading antimormon literature. I'm pretty sure I could find negative things in any religion if that was my goal. This is my last post.
Truly you jest. After attending over 480 testimony meetings I bear witness to the fact that they are the most drole, boring, unilluminating meetings full of travel logs, crying, robotic recitations to the point of nausea. there are times when I attempted to cut my wrists with my car keys after 40 minutes of that drivel. do you want your friends to join the church? Keep them out of fast meeting for the love of Pete.
I have never seen a church which doesn't have critics. Not on this planet. Even the son of God had critics who eventually killed him. The best way to this argument is to follow what the Holy spirit says. True happiness is not found when someone leaves a church they condemn but it's in Christ Jesus alone. Every church on earth has its own problems and shortfalls What is important is critically important is a personal relationship with Christ the author and finisher of our faith. If. I am happy attending Latter-day saints church, noone should judge me because that's where I feel I am nourished spiritually. At the end of the day, it is God who will judge us all.
Elizabeth Sunduzwayo every church has critics. The thing is what are the methods we use to discern what is true and what is not true. Without a sound epistemology people can have no real way of knowing if what they believe is true. I was raised Mormon, the reasons people give are fallacious, religion has convinced people that bad reasons are the path to truth.
I am reading his book Truth Seekers. Loved it. Everyone should check out his full story.
That comment that Joesph was a doubter says it all in a nutshell, if Matt had just put to the test as Joeseph did, James 1:5
he would realise as all doubters the wavering of their ways has placed them in this position, he has achieved nothing of the lord for he had become a double-minded man, the results are James 1:10 -11, 14 - the failure of duration is the failure of controlling one's own lusts, the results are always the same15-16, 19 -20 -26 doing the work and keeping oneself unspotted from the world will protect from partiality and judgement in thought, James 2:4, get back on track Hans and put off the natural man Mosiah 3:19 take council, fast and pray often, take your concerns to the Lord by attending the temple and if you are humble enough you will receive all you are required to know. The very best place you can be in Hans is where you are now, for your doubt has placed you there as Peter, the Lord knows all your concerns let him guide you through this struggle of the natural man. The Church is truer than you can possibly know and many a member in your state will fall at the finish line due to ego and the widows of the world
You ding bat. You fit the mold perfectly for a clueless accusor. Faith crises due to church history are completely valid. These people have more character and strength for admitting the issues than you do hiding behind your pea sized mind.
I'm of Nordic ancestry. I'm not sure if we're a bit more skeptical. But it seems so. The Romans forced us to abandon our religion. Not that I want to deify Thor or Odin. But Mormonism is quite a stretch!
Mormonism is the same religion, just whitewashed to appear as Christianity. They openly state in the 1938\9-1940 training manual that it is the religion intended to gather the Aryan nations together. Your ancient gawds are dead. Yahway is the one true living God.
Teen age brides were common even until the 1950s
Not really, the average marriage age was in the 20's, so maybe 17 and up, sure, but his own foster daughters af 16, and a 14 year old? Nopity nope nope to that!
Yes but not to 57 year old men already having 5 wives and were ecclesiastical leaders using their position to lure vulnerable teenagers into not so holy matrimony. Whether the perpetrator is Lorenzo Snow or Warren Jeffs, it’s still Sick, disgusting and criminal behavior.
What drugs are you on?.
According to Latter-day Saint (Mormon) doctrines, the gold plates are Joseph Smith's source for the Book of Mormon, one of the movement's sacred books.
According to Smith, he found the plates on September 22, 1823, on a hill near his home in Manchester, New York, after being led to the plates by the angel Moroni. The plates must have been hidden in a stone coffin, under a large stone. [1] Smith further wrote that the angel prevented him from taking out the records, and instructed him to return to the same place after one year. In September 1827, and in his fourth annual attempt to get the records, Smith was able to return home with the records. Although Smith allowed others to feel the box with the plates, he explained that the angel had forbidden him to show the plates to anyone until they had been translated from their original language, stated to be "Reformed Egyptian." Smith wrote the Book of Mormon over the next few years, claiming that the text was a direct translation from the records. He did this with the help of a "seer stone" which he placed at the bottom of a hat, which he then placed in front of his face, so that he could see the written words in the stone. Smith published the translation in 1830, as the Book of Mormon.
Smith eventually obtained testimony from eleven men, known as Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, who confirmed that they had seen the gold plates. After the translation was completed, Smith is said to have given the records back to the angel Moroni, who was to guard the records further. Therefore, the plates, if they had existed, could not be examined further. Latter-day Saints believe the account of the gold plates is a matter of faith, while critics have often argued that Smith either made the plates himself, [2] or that the Witnesses of the Book of Mormon based their testimonies on revelations, not physical experiences. The notions about the records and the translations may also have been an unconscious self-deception or a misunderstood, religious hallucination. Smith, for example, demonstrably translated the Book of Mormon Abraham's book completely incorrectly in relation to the original Egyptian original text that experts have subsequently checked. Another explanation is that the gold plates were a deliberate hoax, that is, a staged lie or a forgery that the religious swarmer Smith or some of the witnesses designed to deceive the followers. Some claim that as early as 1826 a lawsuit was filed against the young boy Joseph Smith jr. as a religious fanatic, deceiver and gold hunter. [3]
Repent the great DREADFUL day of the Lord is NEAR!
Yes! Repent! Thank u
Amen
Regardless of the religious tradition, there will be struggles especially regarding keeping the commandments/rules. The cults however it's very black and white and discussion is usually quashed in favor of just accepting everything.
Mormon Challenge - find anything written about plates or 3 prior annual trips to Hill Cumorrah in Sept...
...find us anything at all written BEFORE Smith eloped with Emma Hale and returned to her irate Father - Mr Hale had forbidden the marriage to Smith who was arrested the previous year for constant scamming - and now Smith has a whopper - plates of Gold - I only found them because I brought Emma my WIFE - - so sad...
I always read the book of Mormon but I still have doubt..
You should have doubt because the book isn't true. You can read it every day but it won't make it true.
The "book of Mormon" should be a number One best seller.
Great fantasy novel. Even better than Harry Potter (My opinion) !!
Aquarian Aged7, too bad the Book of Mormon is so boring. Joseph Smith wasn't a great writer. "And it came to pass" gets old fast.
glad this is still online in 2020. I was looking for exactly Mormons opinions about the background of their still surprisingly popular faith.
I am still interested to hear about those who are more positive in their beliefs, one example is popular martial arts youtuber Ramsey Dewey.
What the gentlemen in this video may like to be reminded, is that religion is much more about identity and having a sense of belonging withing a tribe of people with similar values. There to also support each other with the difficulties and fears in life and its end.
Whatever stories and practices a religion has should be shaped around supporting it's followers like that.
Very few people truly believe in God in the conventional sense of the Abrahamic traditions. Ideas and beliefs from 200 years ago sound like nonsense to us now so things written by humans 2000 and more years ago truly expose the way religion is always based on the irrational ideas of people in the era.
Like the stories and practices in ancient Judaism that all Christians and Muslims must believe too if they are being literalists. That our Christian God would at one time expect offerings to be burnt at altars and many more unusual and often cruel and unfair things too.
The pope has even openly publicly hinted that he and the high levels of the Catholic church may not even believe in God or the foundations of the religion.
But it's not about that.
Religion helps create shape, meaning, comfort, belonging and sometimes helps guide justice in the challenging human experience.
You can't hide forever... Heavenly Father and Christ are our leaders... We know our faith is true!
Who created your god who was once a man? Why do you not worship the Creator?
Funny thing is u don’t see any of our leaders spending 90 percent of their time trying to bring other faiths down! Why do u think that is! I don’t know could be that the truth is a worrisome thing to them! Our leaders spend their time following Christ! It’s in our name ! Why would we follow anyone eles?
Are you kidding me?????? Name one general conference were leaders didn't step up to the pulpit and say all other church's are false and the mormon church is the only true church? Yes, that's bringing other faiths down and is very condescending. Also, the mormons have the largest proselytizing program of any religion, spending 100% of their time knocking on doors to bring other faiths down in order to convert. The irony of your critique of this gentleman's critique of the church is not lost with me.... are YOU worried that he is telling the truth? You're ridiculous.
It didn't see anything in this interview that suggested he was trying to bring the church down. He was just wanting truth.