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April 7th, 2012
08:48 AM ET
Taking a rare tour of a Mormon templeBy Eric Marrapodi and Brian Todd, CNN Kansas City, Missouri (CNN) - Elder William Walker slipped white booties over his black wing-tip shoes and instructed his guests to do the same as he led them into the newest Mormon temple in the world. This day was the first chance the public had to see inside the sacred space for the area’s 49,000 Mormons, and it was also one of the last. On May 6, when Thomas S. Monson, the head of the 14 million member Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, dedicates this temple, the doors will close forever to the public. The church said it expects as many as 100,000 visitors in Kansas City before the temple will be closed to the public. After that, only temple-recommended Mormons will be able to walk through the heavy wooden and stained-glass doors. “This is a sacred space, set apart place for only those who are devout followers of the faith,” Walker said. For Mormons, temples serve as places of contemplation, instruction and worship experiences, like weddings and posthumous baptisms. CNN’s Belief Blog: The faith angles behind the biggest stories The 67-year-old Walker is the executive director of the Temple Department, and he is the point man for the church’s 137 temples. Walker is a top official in the LDS church as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and he reports directly to Monson. The Canadian-born hockey fanatic has been a lifelong member of the church. He graduated from Brigham Young University, served a Mormon mission to Japan and spent time in the private sector working in securities and investment banking before being called to serve the church full-time in 2002. Kansas City’s temple is the latest to open. The church has announced it will build 29 temples across five continents. Construction is under way in Paris and Rome, and temples are planned for Peru and South Africa. “We’re building temples where the church is grown and have a concentration of members,” he said.  Outside the new Mormon temple in Kansas City, Missouri. Inside the temple the required first stop is the Recommend Desk. After the dedication, only Mormons who have a recommend card are able to enter and participate in worship. The personalized cards are given by local church leaders to adherents who profess to be living in accordance with church teachings. As he explained the process, Walker reached into his wallet, pushed his Utah driver’s license aside and pulled out his recommend card, which was endorsed by Monson, his bishop. Walker said his credit-card-sized recommend card, like all others, is only good for two years. CNN was invited by church officials to tour the temple with Walker before its dedication. The church denied CNN's request to film inside the space, saying it was against church policy. The LDS church provided still images after the tour, which accurately depicted key parts of the temple. In a rare move, CNN was permitted to film inside the front of the temple at the Recommend Desk, but no farther. "It's not about secret. It's about sacred,” Walker said after the tour, making what the church sees as a key distinction. “We feel that it's a very sacred and special place and therefore it is reserved for those worship functions and those ordinances that take place in the temple. It's not about secret." Walker said the policy is not unlike that for Shinto shrines in Japan, where he served his mission. But it's a thin line between sacred and secret. Public tours of the temple are only available when they are first built or undergo massive renovations. After that, outsiders and Mormons who are not temple recommended are kept out, even from wedding ceremonies. In the sealing room, where eternal weddings take place, Walker points out the altar at the center of the room. The bride and groom kneel facing each other and the officiant stands off to the side. The room is richly decorated with Swarovski crystal chandeliers and massive gilded mirrors on either side of the room, and Walker raves about the design on the white carpet, carefully explaining how local artisans cut the meticulous pattern by hand. Despite the grand size of the building, each room is small: This is the biggest of the three sealing rooms, and its capacity is just 49 people. Guests are welcome at Sunday worship at one of the church’s 18,000 meeting houses, Walker is quick to note. The temple, he observes, “is a sacred, special place that’s unique. There are only 137 of these temples in all the world.” The temple also contains a gleaming baptismal font. Though it’s a point of pride for Mormons, it has been controversial elsewhere. A church ceremony called “proxy baptisms” by Mormons includes posthumous baptisms of Jews, some of whom have protested the practice.  The baptismal font at the newest Mormon temple. However, in Mormon doctrine, baptism is essential for salvation. While converts to the faith are baptized in services at local wards, the weekly meeting place for services open to the public, proxy baptisms take place only in the temple and in private. The proxy baptisms are supposed to be for Mormons’ ancestors who were not of the faith. Walker said the baptism serves as an invitation to accept Mormonism as an avenue into heaven. Explainer: How and why do Mormons baptize the dead? At the temple, Walker took his visitors through the process as it is supposed to work. The font rests on 12 oxen, which he said represent the tribes of Israel. Adherents change into white gowns he jokingly referred to as "jumpsuits," provided by the temple. A male priest leads the proxy into the waist-high water, gives the blessing and the name of the ancestor, then the proxy is lowered into the water, fully immersed, then brought up to the surface. The desk next to the font has a small monitor and a light. That person's job is to record the act for the church's central database. When the temple begins operation, Walker said, this is a scene that will play out “hundreds of times a day.” But some Mormons have used the church’s extensive genealogy database to baptize others who are not Mormon ancestors, such as the murdered Jewish reporter Daniel Pearl and holocaust victims like Anne Frank. It’s a practice that has outraged Jewish leaders. “When people violate the church policy of doing baptisms for those who our leaders have said we’re not going to do that, they’re acting on their own in contradiction of church policy,” he said. “We’re unhappy about that. We love our Jewish friends. We don’t want to offend them or anyone else by our religious practices.” “We’re sorry. We live by our word and when we say we’re going to do something, we’re going to try and do it,” Walker said. He promised disciplinary action. “We’re now tracking those who’ve done this contrary to church policy and we’re going to shut down their access to the church’s database, Family Search, so they can’t do this.” He acknowledges interest in proxy baptisms, and other Mormon practices, has spiked thanks to Mormon Mitt Romney’s run for president. While the church takes no position on party politics nor allows its officials to endorse candidates, Walker can see some good coming out of Romney's run for the White House. “I think it’s perfectly understandable people who are considering him would want to know more about the church he espouses,” he said. “In many ways it may be a good thing that people will want to know more. Maybe some of the old ideas about the church that have persisted in American culture can change.” Watch The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer weekdays at 4pm to 6pm ET and Saturdays at 6pm ET. For the latest from The Situation Room click here. soundoff (4,366 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 Next »
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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You know could it have been as it seems that in the end Moses (saw) has led the Twelve Tribes of Ishmael through the exudes from Egypt and not Israel....!?
“ And as for Ishmael, I have heard you: I will surely bless him; I will make him fruitful and will greatly increase his numbers. He will be the father of 12 rulers, and I will make them into a great nation. ”
—Genesis 17:20
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishmael
The 12 Tribes of Ishmael
http://nabataea.net/12tribes.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adnan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qahtanite
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghassanids
http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/jim_meritt/bible-contradictions.html
Amazing that CNN is allowing this nut to spout off. I thought americasopinionon.com was the only one that allowed for no holds barred posting!!!
Paul R Mooney,
Well, you thought wrong, didn't you.
Perhaps you would be more comfortable on a "many-holds-barred" web site to suit your bias, whatever that may be. There are many to choose from, you know.
p.s. Muneef is a lovely man - with mistaken beliefs and as severely delusional as can be, but a welcome poster nonetheless.
Hello Muneef, I hope you are well.
Get Real.
Thank you dear for your stand and I admit that my above post was a Tease only since the Quran clearly states that the Children of Israel were on the Exodus with Moses (saw)... But excuse me to say that as much as you feel that I am delussioned I have the same feeling towards you being delussioned..but this is natural since every Religion or a Branch of a Religion would look upon any other Religion or a branch of any religion as delussioned...thank you again and my appologies to all.
It looks like a tacky funeral home. The hot tub is cool though.
It is very elegant inside, beautiful without being garish. One thing that was surprising to me was that there wasn't one large central room like you might find in a cathedral.
Biological, you want to hear defiling things about any of our Father in Heavens creations. If you can't get the dirt your self why ask others to get it for you?
Defiling things? Say what? I merely openly questioned if Mitt Romney's SECRET Swiss bank accounts that allow him to break US Law were officially condoned by the LDS. You people act as though everyone is out to attack you. You can't have a substantive discussion about anything except a ONE sided conversation about how good and great mormonism is. Cults are secretive just like the LDS. And with Mitt Romney so close to the POTUS position, the chorus of questions will only grow louder. We will not go away.
Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allah or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me." Say, "Is the blind equivalent to the seeing? Then will you not give thought?" 6:50
---
And when you, [O Muhammad], do not bring them a sign, they say, "Why have you not contrived it?" Say, "I only follow what is revealed to me from my Lord. This [Qur'an] is enlightenment from your Lord and guidance and mercy for a people who believe." 7:203
--–
And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, those who do not expect the meeting with Us say, "Bring us a Qur'an other than this or change it." Say, [O Muhammad], "It is not for me to change it on my own accord. I only follow what is revealed to me. Indeed I fear, if I should disobey my Lord, the punishment of a tremendous Day." 10:15
--–
Say, [O Muhammad], "The Pure Spirit has brought it down from your Lord in truth to make firm those who believe and as guidance and good tidings to the Muslims." 16:102
--–
Say, "I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone." 18:110
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O Prophet, fear Allah and do not obey the disbelievers and the hypocrites. Indeed, Allah is ever Knowing and Wise. 33:1
And follow that which is revealed to you from your Lord. Indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted. 33:2
And rely upon Allah ; and sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs. 33:3
--–
Say, O [Muhammad], "I am only a man like you to whom it has been revealed that your god is but one God; so take a straight course to Him and seek His forgiveness." And woe to those who associate others with Allah – 41:6
---
And it is not for any human being that Allah should speak to him except by revelation or from behind a part-ition or that He sends a messenger to reveal, by His permission, what He wills. Indeed, He is Most High and Wise. 42:51
And thus We have revealed to you an inspiration of Our command. You did not know what is the Book or [what is] faith, but We have made it a light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants. And indeed, [O Muhammad], you guide to a straight path – 42:52
The path of Allah , to whom belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Unquestionably, to Allah do [all] matters evolve. 42:53
--–
Huh?
This is the same cut and paste blasphemic mumbo jumbo you have been spouting on various blogs for two days?
This is not the same mambo jambo as you call it...and never would I blasphemies GOD and His Prophets...but as it seems you just do not read or do not comprehend what you read...
@biologixco – Did you forget to take your meds today? I read three pages of the comments and 60% were of you conversing with yourself. Don't bother to respond in your whimsical, caustic manner – I won't be back to read it.
Any one else reading these comments – skip all of this guy's – he's a little kooky.
Glad you read all of my comments.
Hooray for CNN allowing pointed questions to be asked without heavyhanded moderation.
But is that how mormons describe all that question their faith and motives?
Sure seems like it.
Meanwhile I cant get any pertinent questions answered without the "Mormon Sidestep"
Cant you people think or speak for yourselves?
I just answered my own question.
The lightbulb just went on.
You folks CANT think for yourself.
Its the very definition of CULT.
Im only doing God's work...
Remember that Ephesians 5:11-12 tells us to expose the deeds of darkness.
You are doing the work of someone that's for sure. It is not God's work. You are revealing your own dark heart by your hateful comments. Didn't Jesus say don't judge others and try to remove the splinter from their eyes when you are blind because you have a beam in your own eye? I think your beam is bigger than a telephone pole. You are so into yourself and your hateful ideas that you can't see anything else. Do you even believe in God or are you only using His holy name to promote your hateful agenda?
No hateful agenda hun. I have only love for my mormon brothers and sisters. We can love our fellow man, while questioning their faith and beliefs. We dont subscribe to mormonism for the same reason Joseph Smith and his followers were run out of Missouri and Illinois in the 1840's. Mormon principles are blasphemous. Its is the duty of all good Christians to expose false prophets. Have a great day!
Your hate speech is not welcome. Good grief, you've littered this site with obnoxious comments.
I dont feel the mormon love *snif*
I'm admired at the patience my church fellows from all around the world show here, despite the highly "trolled" enviroment. You make me even more proud to be a mormon (in the good sense)
😉
Im a "troll" for asking too many complex and pointed questions huh?
Like does the LDS condone TAX Evasion...?
Im not going away, bub.
In fact with mittens so close to the POTUS.
You better get used to a pretty intense line of questioning.
And exactly what are your "Church Fellows" gonna do about it?
Beat me up?
Put a funky Kolob hex on me?
Get real.
Romans 13:2 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
I hope you'll still believe this when Romney gets elected. 😉
Mitt Romney is another false prophet.
He may very well be the anti Christ.
Any respectable Christian would NEVER vote Romney!
Your a dreamer!
Is Tax Evasion condoned by mormon doctrine?
Romans 13:2 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
Inquiring minds want to know!
biologixco – since three hours ago, I finished work, coached my son's soccer team, played with my kids, made a few phone calls, ate dinner with my family, talked with my wife, helped my two sons with homework, and played dominoes. I had another moment, so I hopped on to see if anyone responded to my earlier posts – and noticed you have been doing this all day!
Let me suggest you go try to find a job, go find some service, or educate yourself on what the LDS church really teaches. There are a lot of worthwhile things other than bash a religion that has somehow created a chip on your shoulder.
Richard Nixon 1972: "I am NOT a crook"
Willard Mitt Romney 2012: "I am NOT a crook"
Gee, Willard where have we heard this line before?
How could mormons call hiim one of their own?
Still looking forward to the day governments take action by entering there so called "sacred places" were no one but a few can get in, ( mormon, catholic, muslims, evangelical), and show to the world what all these so called leaders, gurus, pastors, popes, were really hidding in there!
Its time for a review of Tax Status for the LDS huh?
Funny how you lump all those religions together.
Catholic and Evangelical, even Baptists open their door with open arms to all.
Muslims not so open, but Ive even been invited to go to a working mosque.
Mormon temple is closed to only the "recommended ones"
Whats up with those mormons and why so secretive?
Why only the LDS biologixco? Let it be done for all religions in the US. Wouldn't that be justice? Do you have an offical report from the IRS about this Voluntary Disclosure Program of the IRS? That would make for an interesting read.
A Mosque is just like a church in Christian worship. You wouldn't be aloud to go to Mecca without a type of recommend either. It seems that these posts are only a way to strike out at the LDS church. It seems that some of the posters didn't even read the full article above.
Randy, you are so right.
Lets open ALL their books to the IRS.
You and I have to why shouldnt they?
Willard Mitt Romney HAD to file with the voluntary program or he would be in jail now.
So he is guilty of Tax Evasion by his own admission.
The voluntary program does not penalize if you pay the cash penalties.
But is it still ethically and MORALLY right for Mitt to evade taxes?
The LDS should cast him out on his ear. His actions are immoral according to the bible.
Romans 13:2 "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God."
your comments please...
Already happened. They called it "communism".
Brampt anyone can get into a Mormon temple. All they have to do is meet the same requirements that every person who has a temple recommend must meet in order to keep it. Like I said before, even Mitt Romney, if he didn't meet the requirements to get a temple recommend, he would loose his. Then he couldn't get into the temple. Just as anyone who has a current temple recommend can loose theirs if they don't meet the requirements to enter the holy temple. Mormons have to work hard to live such a righteous life that we can enter the Lord's presence in His holy house. Now would it be fair to let anyone in if they don't work for it and meet the requirements to enter the temple? I think not. But then, why do you want to,, just out of plain curiosity or what?
It is difficult to look at Romney's entire platform when these salary and religion concerns take center stage. If the IRS charges him as a fraud, then he will lose the election in November. If not, let's look past it, and take a good look at what he has to offer Americans. In regards to religion (which is important for most Americans interested in politics), take a good Christian look at http://www.mormon.org, http://www.lds.org, or talk to someone who is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons).
As for temples – they do cost a lot of money to build. Like the days of Solomon, these structures are symbolic of heaven and are made of the best materials possible. If you do critique the cost, make sure you also consider the welfare and humanitarian funds of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Just "look past" tax evasion?
You're joking, right?
Is that the OFFICIAL line of the LDS?
The only reason Willard Romney wasnt charged is because he turned himself in to the Voluntary Disclosure Program of the IRS. We dont know where the money trail leads to from there. But we will. Yes we will. Americans are going to want to know if their presidentail candidate is corrupt. Stay tuned, story will be continued...
Do you learn that kind of DIShonesty from the mormon church?
biologixco believes he is a fraud. I don't believe he is a fraud. biologixco will most likely not vote for Mitt Romney, and I will – along with everyone else that trusts that he is an honest man who follows the rules, and who will lead this nation and economy to safer ground.
I must ask too many questions of my mormon friends.
I just can't seem to get any answers...
A great source for answers to your questions is mormon.org. On that site you can also find an option to have representatives come to your house to answer questions.
Why NOT go to mormon.org?
Why NOT go to scientology.org?
Why NOT go to Jonestown in July?
Why not just jump off a cliff and see if I could fly?
Get my drift?
My neighbors were mormon.
When the man of the house said he wanted nothing more to do with it,
the wife ran off to Utah with the kids. It was kidnapping pure and simple.
Now this guy has lost his kids. And the Utah state law (written by mormons) makes her untouchable.
Isn't that morally wrong?
Are you sure you know the whole story? Was there problems in the marriage before the break up? Did they get a divorce? No state in Union would support kidnapping, that's where Amber alerts came from. I think there were far more issues in that marriage then religion can account for. I do applaud your loyalty to your friend. It's a noble trait that the savior said was the greatest love.
Randy, don't talk logic to Biologixo. He doesn't understand it. He has been on here for the past two days just Mormon Bashing. I believe that he was the man whose wife left him and ran off to Utah. Quiet frankly, I don't blame her.
Now I feel the mormon love!
I have been in 15 Mormon temples and each one is breathtaking. Temple worship is as important to Mormons as it was in the days of Solomon's Temple.
I keep on knockin', but I cant come in...
Yeah if it's so great why won't God let everybody in? The Bible says that Jesus is the only way to God, it never says a Temple is.
There was only one temple, Salomon Temple.... witch was distroyed by the romans in the year 70 after Christ. The temple was used for true worship before Christ, after Christ came no more temple are needed...Read the bible instead of mythical stories of the book of Mormon!
How can I become one of the "chosen" ones? I mean recommended ones?
How does one get to be in such an opulent temple?
Hi, Dave,
To be a "chosen one" you simply have to chose yourself, became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, keep His commandments, and you can go to the temple anytime you want.
I wanna go too. Can I come too PLeeeeeze???
I want to ask them about Mitt Romney's Swiss bank accounts.
Does the LDS maintain such accounts?
HOW do they think Tax Evasion fits in their moral scheme of things?
biologixco we already covered the Tax thing. If there were something thier the Government would have already moved on it. The IRS always gets the money they believe is owed. Mitt Romney isn't in a leadership position in his church. How then is he a "cult leader"? Come on find somthing real to talk about. Try and make a real point if you want a debate. He did disclose his finances. It's required that it all be diclosed before you can even anouce your running. At least read the requirements to run for public office. You have to have a security clearence from the Government of the Unitied States to be in Congress.
Does the LDS have secret Swiss Bank accounts like MITT ROMNEY???
Valid question, no?
Open those books.
Peel that rotten onion back
Have a little look inside
Just a little looky loo
How on God's green Earth can you people afford $100 a square yard carpet?
Why not take a little of that money you people have stolen and help out your fellow Americans instead of building opulent temples to Planet Kolob?
Wow – Mormon's steal money and don't do any good? You guys have been really taken for a ride. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204792404577227173888056682.html
Well gee, how then DO you pay for that $100 a square yard carpeting in that multi million dollar temple to Kolob?
It is common knowledge that Mormons are abusive, thieves and liars to those not Mormon. Don't let the fancy bikes, white shirt and bike helmets fool you. They are quite dangerous and violent.
I dunno about that. I just wonder openly about Mitt Romney's Swiss bank accounts and how the LDS can condone such behavior. But they wont answer me
There is a LOT that is secret at Mormonism. Read up on Joseph Smith & on the ever changing versions of what took place when "God" or God & Jesus or God, Jesus & an angel appeared before him. Also, read up on his "revelations" about taking the wives of his friends. Read up on how he joined the Masonic lodge & how so many aspects of those secret rituals (not sacred but SECRET) are similar to Masonic rituals. Read all about this organization that still pretends to be a church denomination & tell me that it's not a cult. I dare ya.
The scary thing is they are trying to sneak willard romney into the White House. America beware.
Friend, you have been writing nasty messages for days, now. Enough said, now. You'll be happier with yourself if you get out of the house and talk with others about positive and uplifting things. The LDS church is full of good people who like to serve and help others. None are perfect. We, like you, I think, are trying to just follow the Savior. Hard to do in our difficult world. Sorry to see you are still so angry about all this. Check out http://www.lds.org or watch a Mormon Messages film on YouTube. God bless.
Doug from Mexico City
Friend, you have been writing nasty messages for days, now. Enough said, now. You'll be happier with yourself if you get out of the house and talk with others about positive and uplifting things. The LDS church is full of good people who like to serve and help others. None are perfect. We, like you, I think, are trying to just follow the Savior. Hard to do in our difficult world. Sorry to see you are still so angry about all this. Check out http://www.lds.org or watch a Mormon Messages film on YouTube. God bless.
>
Folks that is called the Mormon sidestep. You see this when origins of Joe Smith and how his religion came to be. How he designed the temple and rituals right from the Masonic ways. They ignore the glaring lack of integrity and follow up with...well they are good people. The origins of their religion has no integrity...their foundation is flawed, yet they gloss over the sandy foundation to say we are nice people. LOL yep The Mormon Sidestep
ouch!
Christians ar eno different. They gloss over the foundation of how their bible came to be. How a few men dictated what would be considered the word of god and what wouldn't (Council of Nicaea). Also they ignore the glaring evidence of the story of Jesus being stolen from past dead religions.
*crickets*
Are you talking about the FIRST or SECOND Council?
Wow! It's really interesting that the temple has a special room where a mural depicts what Mormons believe the Earth looked like just after it was created! I had no idea! I have to say, our religion must really be getting into specifics when it makes claims about what the earth actually looked like just after it was created. This must be the true church. I had no idea the Earth looked like a generic painting of a scenic natural landscape.
That's right! It looked like every landsca;e painting done in every art school across the world. Oh well the secrets out.
Hello. Pictures of all the principal rooms of the Salt Lake Temple and many other temple pictures are readiliy available to the public. It is no secret. It sounds like the scene you are referring to is a beautiful picture of nature.- the nature which God created for all of us. It is not the scene you are describing nor is it purported to be it. I am sorry if you have misunderstood what others have led you to believe. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has much to offer you. Although some evangelicals are patently against the Church, others recognize how much we have in common. Did you know many evangelicals support Mitt Romney? Please review the Evangelicals for Mitt website. We love our Christian brothers and sisters. We are taught to not run down other religions. Hopefully, you could follow this pattern. Let's work together to restore the greatness of our nation. God bless.
This is a really important "Scientific" answer to some of you that are seeking answers about the Mormon faith.
http://youtu.be/hcyzkd_m6KE
Wow...how is something like this not more mainstreem in its distribution...thanks for the link.
How sad and delusional.
Gosh, this is ancient history. Didn't you read the Church's reply to it? Check it out on fairlds.org.
I'm sure Jesus/God would close their temples to the public also.
Snarkiness intended.
He might at that. After all he cleared out his Fathers house of all the money changers.
That's just another aspect of why many believe it's a cult. I believe there are scriptures in the Bible which talk about not joining any secret societies. To me, Mormonism is a secret society if you only let baptized members into the temples. If it was really a regular "Christian" denomination, there would not be the cover-ups about what they actually teach people, much less the bizarre and embarrassing history of Joseph Smith. I find it hard to believe that anyone would join this group unless they are just blinded by the feel good commercials. They use "family" to make people overlook the other negative aspects of it. Oh, and if you don't give 10% of your income, you don't ever get a temple recommend.
In fact, the temples of the olden days were closed to the public. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies. There were no restrictions of who could enter the outer parts of the temple just as there are no restrictions on who could enter the temple gardens of the LDS temples.
Imagine you're an American voter who wants to vote for the best presidential candidate.
And you question why Willard (MITT) Romney has secret Swiss bank accounts to cheat on taxes.
You might ask yourself:
Is that legal? NO!
Is that moral? NO!
Is that ETHICAL>? NO!
You might ask where his ethos comes from?
The LDS mormon church? YES!
Just Say NO to MITT ROMNEY 2012
Imagine...
@ biologixco
He cheated on his taxes? How very strange that the tax commission and IRS haven't charged him.
He doesn't tell everyone where all his bank accounts are held? That's just so wrong! I mean you have all your bank accounts where I can look them up right?
If you don't like him that's fine, but don't use a special ruler against him and no-one else to include yourself.
By US Government Law (a higher law than the mormon book) you must DISCLOSE Foreign bank accounts. You bet you should be able to look them up.
And you are a fool if you think a Presidential candidate is going to get by without scrutiny on THAT one!
Wouldn't it be a secret only if no one knew about it? Wait a minute! I'm on to you! You're helping Mitt Romney launder money, aren't you!? Well, I just won't stand for this! You Romney-helping crook!
Yup, and Romney's a crook too.
Tax evader, cult leader...potential President?
NEVER!
Where did Mitt move his money to after Switzerland?
Cayman Islands?
Ireland?
Macao?
Inquiring Americans wish to know!