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 Mitt Romney meets Thursday with the Rev. Billy Graham and his son Franklin Graham.
October 16th, 2012
02:53 PM ET
Billy Graham site removes Mormon 'cult' reference after Romney meetingBy Eric Marrapodi, CNN Belief Blog Co-Editor (CNN) - Shortly after Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney enjoyed cookies and soft drinks with the Rev. Billy Graham and his son Franklin Graham on Thursday at the elder Graham's mountaintop retreat, a reference to Mormonism as a cult was scrubbed from the website of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. In a section of the website called Billy Graham's My Answer there had been the question "What is a cult?" Answer: "A cult is any group which teaches doctrines or beliefs that deviate from the biblical message of the Christian faith." "Some of these groups are Jehovah's Witnesess, Mormons, the Unification Church, Unitarians, Spritualists, Scientologists, and others," the site continued. No longer. On Tuesday, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association confirmed that page has recently been removed from the site. “Our primary focus at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association has always been promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ," Ken Barun, chief of staff for the association, told CNN in a statement. "We removed the information from the website because we do not wish to participate in a theological debate about something that has become politicized during this campaign." Follow the CNN Belief Blog on Twitter Romney is a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, members of which are known as Mormons. The information about cults can be found on cached sections of the website on Archive.org from June 5, 2010. The theological question of where Mormons fit on the religious spectrum has drawn more attention because of Romney's candidacy. Mormons consider themselves to be strong Christians. Many traditional Christian denominations disagree, though rank-and-file members have their own views on the matter. The removal of the post from the Graham group's website was first noted by the New Civil Rights Movement website and then later by the Asheville Citizen-Times, which reported that the information on cults was accessed as recently as Thursday afternoon. Last week's meeting between Romney and Graham was their first. After the 30 minute sit-down in Montreat, North Carolina, just outside Asheville, Romney campaign spokesman Rick Gorka told reporters that Billy Graham led a prayer for the Romneys, saying "I'll do all I can to help you. And you can quote me on that." The evangelist who has been called America's pastor and has prayed with every American president since Harry Truman said in a statement following the meeting that "It was a privilege to pray with Gov. Romney — for his family and our country." Graham met with President Barack Obama in 2010 and with Sen. John McCain when he was the presumptive Republican presidential nominee in 2008. "I will turn 94 the day after the upcoming election, and I believe America is at a crossroads," Graham's statement continued. "I hope millions of Americans will join me in praying for our nation and to vote for candidates who will support the biblical definition of marriage, protect the sanctity of life and defend our religious freedoms." CNN’s Belief Blog: The faith angles behind the biggest stories When asked about Graham's beliefs about Mormonism, Graham spokesman A. Larry Ross said in a statement that "Through an inclusive evangelistic ministry spanning more than 60 years, Mr. Graham was called to preach the transformative message of the Gospel to the whole world, regardless of one’s religious background, affiliation or none. As such, he never proselytized, targeted or labeled specific people, groups, faiths or denominations. "Neither did Mr. Graham attempt to divide his audience before he had opportunity to preach to them. He has a genuine love for all people, and faithfully proclaimed the love of God to everyone, providing opportunity for them to respond by making a faith commitment. "Mr. Graham’s calling is not to pass judgment, but to proclaim the biblical truth that Jesus is the only way to heaven, allowing every individual and group to fall along that plumb line," the statement went on. "He further stressed that salvation is the work of Almighty God, and that only He knows what is in each human heart," the statement said. The Southern Baptist Convention, the nation's largest Protestant denomination, lists the LDS Church as a theological cult. The Catholic Church also does not recognize Mormon baptisms as being theologically compatible with its own. The LDS Church has long bristled at being called a cult. Mormons note the many similarities and overlap between their teachings and that of other churches but point to their belief in other scriptures like the Book of Mormon as the reason they split with other churches. In the 2012 campaign Romney has been generally quiet about his church, though his role as a lay church leader was prominently featured in the Republican National Convention, and his campaign has allowed members of the press pool accompanying Romney to film him attending services. soundoff (4,065 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 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 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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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxk3YltU3O8&feature=player_embedded
I have proved that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the one true church of Jesus Christ. No one can refute my arguments and this is the best you can do? Pathetic!!!
Mockingjay: "I have proved that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the one true church of Jesus Christ. No one can refute my arguments "
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Oh, thank you -I needed a good laugh tonight. I didn't even look down in the comments here -I don't need to – the Mormon religion is a fraud, but not only that – it's bizarre. But aside from that it's lunacy to put all your faith in one man – like he told the truth. hahahaha. But Joe Smith sure did come up with a good story – I'll give him that. Lol. But don't feel bad, other religions (including the one LDS erupted from like some kind of cancer) also have the same flaws, many times boiling down to where you have to trust what some HUMAN said and/or wrote.
@The Mockingjay, all you have proven is that you are presently headed for eternal damnation.
@Baptist Minister – given that I was married to a Southern Baptist Minister's daughter for 23 years, so I got to know the church VERY well, I actually hope that IF god turns out to be REAL, that he does NOT make me go to heaven. Eternity with some of the AS Sholes I know from religion, I'll BEG for HELL, because heaven would be worse.
MockinJay! You are out-of-your-mind!!! If the LDS "church" (LMBO!) is Christian then I'm the Pope!!!
I mean if you're stupid enough to believe the LDS "church" is a Christian church then you've gotta be stupid enough to believe That!! Lol!
Mormons aren't Christians! They're fools!!
Pentecostal, you call us names? You call us stupid? That's all you have?
Mockingjay, mock me, mock Christ, mock anyone.. it doesn't matter. Christian America isn't fooled! Real Christians know in their hearts that Mormon's are polytheist cultists who think they're gonna be gods!! And we know it's BLASPHEMY!!
Hey, can ya'all tell us where planet Kolob is??!!! Bahahahahahahahaha!!! And what's up with the billions ya'all spend on SHOPPING MALLS??? You people are all frauds, and, sadly, you're all condemning yourselves to damnation!!!
You're "church" should be banned. It leads people to hell.. the place where your false prophet is now..!
How anyone can believe in the mormon religion is beyond me! I know a few "devout" mormons and they're all very creeeeeeepyyyy! I won't be voting for their leader either!! I'm afraid he'll just do what Bush did all over again and make things alot worse for regular people instead of better. He gives no real answers and just obfuscates, and I think he was very disrespectful to the people who died in Libya by trying to score political points when it happened and again in the debate. It was very offensive.
I sure hope a lot of people are watching this video! OMG! How can anyone believe any of this nonsense?? And how can someone running for President not only believe it, but be a "Bishop" of it's "church"??
If Paul were here today, what church would he belong to? Paul actually answered that question in 1 Corinthians, " 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, abut Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name."
It is pretty obvious that Paul would not approve of the Lutheran church, or the Methodist, or the Baptist or any of the evangelical churches of the day. He said himself that he would only belong to the Church of Jesus Christ, and if he were alive today, he would belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Days. You can learn more at mormon.org...
Apostles and prophets are absolutely essential because they hold the keys to the priesthood. If the apostles all die, the authority is lost along with revelation; we no longer know the mind and will of God and Christ is no longer the "chief cornerstone". False teachers and priests arise and we are "carried about with every wind of doctrine". Paul taught in Ephesians 4: "11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;"
Without apostles and prophets we cannot come to a "unity of the faith" nor be perfected in Christ. Without a prophet who speaks authoritatively the will of God, only confusion can reign as people argue what God meant and uninspired men tamper with the holy scriptures!
Christ taught in John 15: "16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you." Christ intended that he, himself, would be at the head of his church through revelation. That is why a man must be chosen of God through revelation to represent him and to preach his holy word – a thing that protestant churches totally lack because they apostatized from the Catholic church and which the catholic church cannot claim either because the first pope was a bishop, not an apostle, and to this day can claim no authority from living apostles.
Mormonism is Satanism. Pure and simple! You can misuse and misquote the sacred scriptures all you want, but it will NEVER validate ANY Mormon beliefs! All it will accomplish is your damnation as a blasphemous heathen, and the damnation of those who foolishly fall for this deceit!
Jonah, Christ clearly warns us to be on guard against false prophets like Joseph Smith! Read the entire Bible!! And stop distorting it!! You are doing Satan's work!!
I don't see why anyone is surprised that the "no religion" group is growing. Part of it's success can be attributed to organized religion's desire to obtain earthly power and forgoing it's spiritual grounding. By allying themselves with a political party, organized Christianity in the US has become little more than a political movement, willing to compromise it's spiritual values to fit a political agenda & gain earthly control. Historically Christianity succeeds best when it addresses the needs of the soul and it fails miserably when it tries to run the earth. The Crusades, Inquisition and reign of England's Bloody Mary are excellent examples. You can't force people into having faith by regulating them through earthly laws and you only make them angry & resistant when you try.
Additionally, modern Christianity's failure to accept scientific evidence has also harmed it's cause. The eternal quest for physical proof of God's existence and the rejection of any evidence that goes against preconceived beliefs only demonstrates willful ignorance. In reality, modern science can't disprove the existence of a God any more than it can prove it. Faith, by definition, occurs without physical proof. There is no religious conflict with science if you forego literalistic interpretation of the scriptures.
Finally, the human desire to be "special" or "chosen" is huge. We see the exceptional people is our world (the brilliant, the athletic, the beautiful, the financially successful) and we average Joes & Janes feel intimidated. Unfortunently, many Christian organizations promote the concept that being a Christian makes a person "better" than others and deserving of special priviledge here on earth (wealth, political office, a better job, getting their way in a secular government, the "right" neighborhood, etc). Christ never said that would be the case. Instead, he warned against seeking earthly power and against the arrogance of piety.
Until modern Christianity quits trying to run the earth, quits fearing science and education, and returns to its true spiritual roots, it's number of participants will continue to decline.
Jonah, you people make me sick! If Paul were here today he would declare your 'religion' to be a religion of Satan!! Why?? Because Satan was NOT a son of God!! Satan was NOT Christ's brother!! And believing he is, and preaching to others that he is, is outrageous BLASPHEMY!! It is SATANICAL!! Christians do NOT elevate Satan!! Christians do NOT lie and distort and twist doctrine in order to please Satan!! Christians do NOT believe they will become "gods" and be given their own galaxies to rule over!!! Maybe scientologists do!! But NOT Christians!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVkoQHCXSK8
Mormons are NOT Christians, they are a blasphemous cult of heathens. Mountains of evidence is available online and elsewhere that proves this.
The religion is a fraud concocted by a con man who was obviously possessed by lustful demons, and it is leading millions away from Christ and into damnation.
I feel that somehow Rev. Graham has been lied to and duped in his advanced age, I believe this is an evil swindle.
America, beware of the man who promises you the world in exchange for your support and allegiance! Beware of the man who build himself up with lies and deceit! Beware of Willard M. Romney!!
Hahahha! "Mountains of evidence" are available online that "prove" cats can talk, too.
@Bap
You said: America, beware of the man who promises you the world in exchange for your support and allegiance!
Yet you have no problem following a belief in an afterlife in exchange for supporting a deity? Weird.
Christians worship an Ex-con that was executed! If you believe that Jesus even existed, which I don't happen to, the man was a failure. Here was a man who had all the power in the WORLD and all he could do was change some water to wine, heal a couple of cripples, and feed a few people. Come on, may, Christianity is a CULT, a JESUS Cult, and that's all.
Thank you Baptist Minister for saying that!! And Amen!!!!
Either God can do nothing to stop catastrophes, or he doesn’t care to, or he doesn’t exist. God is either impotent, evil, or imaginary. Take your pick, and choose wisely.
I'm not very religious, but I kinda agree with Baptist Minister (even tho he scares me!! (I mean what if he's right??))! Romney has "built himself up with lies and deceit"! Probably not with demons and devils tho! Lol! [Sorry Rev.]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fuet7GRv7Bo
Why, pray tell, are we ignoring a Christian in the White House for a cult member outside? Obama married in the Christian Church, joined the Christian Church & his kids attend a Quaker school. What part of this do people have problems understanding? Furthermore, Michelle Obama was raised by Christian parents who took her to church; the Obamas were married in her home church.
BTW, the President is pro-choice, which means, (Patience, Believers, there are those amongst us who have trouble with this concept), FOR CHOICE. It means freedom of choice. Which no one would have AT ALL under a President Romney. I tell you the truth: by the time Mittens appoints a couple of Supreme Court Justices, we will ALL be less free.
The United States of America- Home of the Formerly Free.
Don, killing innocent, little babies is NOT a christian principle. If you think it is, then you have been deceived by the devil!
These right-to-lifer's love to scream and exaggerate. Here's something that's may be closer to the truth: if Catholics tenets had been followed to the letter by everyone in this country to this point, we would most likely now have a population closer to that of China, and our cities slums would make the slums of Latin America look like Pleasantville.
A fetus is not a little baby.
@The Mockingjay, President Obama is a Christian. Mitt Romney is NOT. And whenever he claims that he is a Christian, he is lying and he knows it. Regardless of President Obama's postion on the issue, he, unlike Romney, has NOT involved himself financially with ANY companies which PROFIT from abortions! I think this goes far to demonstrate just who of the two candidates are in league with the devil! And I think that any attempt to use the issue of abortion against the President whilst ignoring Romney's involvement in it is dishonest to say the least!
Under Romney's rule a great great many more young women will end up seeking, and getting, abortions. His already disproven policies (Bush 2.0) will drive masses of the poor and the middle class further into poverty, and it is this poverty that is the parent to most if not all abortions. It is therefore essential for we as a nation to move forward and reject these draconian and extreme policies, it is vital for us to progress and bring the people out of this Great Recession! Only that will battle the scourge of abortion. Outlawing it and criminalizing women will not. History has proven this time and again. Abortion will never disappear until the poor and the needy have prosperity.
I urge you to think long and hard about Mitt Romney. And if you do I think you'll quickly realize that this glorified used car salesman is, on the issue of abortion, not only offering you a false sense of abhorrence, and will essentially do nothing to change it, but that this man also ruthlessly profits from it! And, in the end, if you still for some other unspoken reason cannot bring yourself to vote for the only Christian candidate, Barack Obama, then, please, vote for the Independent candidate. I plead with you, and all of America, to NOT vote for Romney – the cult leader who says anything in order to get what he wants. Including his flip flopping on abortion.
Baptist, I am amazed that you can call yourself a follower of Jesus Christ and call for the MURDER of innocent little babies! Shame on you! How can you possibly invoke the Lord tonight in your prayers after defending that horrible, satanic practice! This is no different from the pagan practice of infant sacrifice to the pagan idols.
Paganism was insti tuted by Nimrod after the flood. Being a mighty and vain man, he desired power and riches, so he instated prosti tution as a means to gain wealth rapidly. In order to convince the young maidens to prost itute themselves, he salved their consciences by giving them false gods and then telling them that selling their bodies for the good of the state was the god's desire. Woops! What to do with all the babies and unwed mothers! Why, invent Molock, of course. Molock was a hollow bronze statue that was heated until he glowed. Then, the young mothers were told to put their crying, liitle babies on his outstretched hands where they were instantly vaporized!!!! Poof! No more problem!
Todays abortion is the SAME THING! The Real solution is chasti ty before marriage and absolute fidelity after marriage. That is the doctrine of Jesus Christ! I am amazed that a person who calls himself a minister of God is so ignorant of the scriptures and who has allowed himself to be so doofed by the devil!
Mockingjay: "This is no different from the pagan practice of infant sacrifice. . ."
Wow, someone's OS is still running Windows 95 (BC).
Mockingjerk, do let me know the moment you produce a single egg.
Otherwise, suck it.
Ah, tommy. You can dish it out, but you can't take it? Poor little tommy!
@mock
How many and what kind of drugs are you on because I gotta tell you, even though I like to remain in control of myself, it'd be a hoot to see the world through your glassy eyes just once.
@The Mockingjay, where did I ever say such a thing?? No where.
I only exposed the fallacy of your assertions that Romney represents ANY change in the issue!
The man has reversed his position on this issue far too many times for him to be able to claim that he is a pro-life candidate! And, more importantly, and infernal, is this man's investements in companies that actually profit from abortions!!
President Obama, while being a pro-choice candidate, offers the best response to the scourge of abortion by tackling poverty! Romney would cause a massive increase in them! Whether they were declared illegal, restricted or not!
Stand back and take a look at the Big Picture!! Anyway you look at it, Romney represents MORE abortions, not less; and, President Obama represents, ultimately, far far less, NOT more.
Thank you for your prayers, I will most certainly be praying for you tonight as well! I'll be praying for you to be forgiven for being deceived by the bishop of the church of latter day demons.
@mock and baptist
Ahhh two true believers duking it out in Prayer Brawl 2012. This Sunday, Sunday, SUNDAY!!! Get your tickets now!
Baptist, do I detect a little conscience? Nevertheless, thank-you for your kind wishes. You seem to be a sincere person who has been misled. No person who is too proud to admit that he is wrong will ever see the kingdom of God. God bless you in your efforts to find the truth.
Actually Don, I think a MAN as intellectual as the President is an Atheist. There is NO WAY that Obama believes all the BS that the Christian religion is shoveling out there. He's pragmatic, and as a politician, he understands what he needs to do. I did it for nearly 30 years at a University where being an atheist would have meant losing my job, so I KNOW it's done.
@The Mockingjay, if you are indeed a Mormon, it is you who has been misled. And you are condemning yourself and those who follow you to eternal damnation. You will end up joining Joseph Smith and all the other false prophets of the church of the latter day demons in hell. I pray you will come to your sense and repent of your blasphemous ways! And, in my wish to prevent abortions and my desire to save innocent lives, I pray that Romney will NOT be elected! Romney = Abortions.
Wow!! Mocking Jay, are you on a mission from Satan or what??!!!!!
If I were you I'd do as the baptist minister says!! Repent!!!!
Anyone ever notice how the people who refer to Kolob or some kind of magic clothing have no references for their accusations? They like to pass on rumors.
True rumors though, right?
But true rumors though, right?
Ooops – glitch, only one post intended.
Lemme Google that for you...!
Fitz, the Mormon secrets are out. You cannot deny them in this day and age! Nearly all Christians know mormons are deceived and believe in planet Kolob!! It's the punchline to a sad joke I hear A LOT!!!
"Lemme Google that for you"!!! was awesome!! Too funny, and right on!!!!
Even Billy Graham will compromise is fundamental beliefs over politics. I am not surprised, but I did not expect it.
Joe, maybe it is you who are compromising your christian principles. Didn't they teach you in Sunday School that it is wrong to hate other christians? I know Rev Graham made millions for preaching the word of God, but I think he was sincere and I always had respect for him, but now I can see he practices what he preaches. What about his followers? He is setting a good example here, maybe they should follow it.
@Abinadi, Mormons are NOT Christians. Plain and simple. It isn't "hatred for other christians", it is a hatred of blasphemy.
In my opinion, no Mormon bishop can be trusted. Any ranking priest in the Mormon church is a man who cannot be trusted! These men all believe that Satan is Jesus Christ's brother!! Therefore, they are a church of Satan.
Maybe you can explain something to me, Baptist "Minister", Hebrews 4: 5 and 6, as well as John 15: 16 clearly teaches that a man must be called of God and given authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances. This authority clearly must come from apostles and prophets as taught in Ephesians chapter 2. The protestants apostacized from the Catholic church so they cannot logically claim any priesthood authority nor could you logically have any authority to preach or interpret any scripture. So, where does your authority to preach and interpret the scriptures come from? You are the thief and robber of which Christ spoke in John 10 who is trying to enter the fold over the back fence instead of through the door!
If Paul were here today, what church would he belong to? Paul actually answered that question in 1 Corinthians, " 10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, abut Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name."
It is pretty obvious that Paul would not approve of the Lutheran church, or the Methodist, or the Baptist or any of the evangelical churches of the day. He said himself that he would only belong to the Church of Jesus Christ, and if he were alive today, he would belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Days. You can learn more at mormon.org.
@The Mockingjay, Joseph Smith was a convicted and proven con man, a charlatan, and a cowardly killer. He was NOT a prophet of Christ. He was a prophet of Satan. I beg you, for the sake of your soul, to repent from these blasphemous ways. Before it's too late!!
May God have mercy upon you and open your blinded eyes to the truth!
@BM, I beg you to come over to the "dark" side and realize that all you are doing is harming society. Religion, particularly the Baptist Church, is killing Americans and harming the world. You still have time to change.
Actually we have no credible proof whatsoever that Paul was anything special – that is that he actually interfaced with a higher being. Same thing goes for Joseph Smith. There is no credible proof whatsoever. So there's no need to take the words of either one of them as anything but common men who both became, let's say Chatty Cathy's to the point that makes it easy for Christians of all kinds be easily able to speak with a forked tongue. Mormonism is nothing more than folklore built ontop of folklore built ontop of rehashed folklore (the latter being the OT – which was already rehashed).
Mormon can not become the President Of The United States. Why?
The One must represent the majority of People, This is the principal.
Why?? Because if he is not representing the majority of people, he will be not able to lead The Country. Mormons are known since a years, and they were evaluated by scalars and scientists. Conclusion was that Mormonism is a faked religion, based on pseudo-virtual way of thinking. Many promoters of Mormonism are still looking for new members. Why??? Because they have no other way to shine and to be bigger for nothing else, but money. Mormon Church Pastor is interested in nothing really more important then to get more members to hie "Church". He is trying to make his congregation growing. Just for money!!! President of The United States can not fulfill his job requirements thinking all the time about his "CHURCH" UNDER HIS SKIN. He needs to be A Commander And Chief, not a faked church leader.
Please do not vote for Mormon and his delusions suggested to us during his Campain.
Vicky, Mormons are in it for money? Where did that come from? Again, let's review the facts. We love the Lord and are happy to contribute to his kingdom. There are no paid clergy or ministers in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We serve each other and the Lord out of Love. Mormon bishops do not charge for their service, not even for weddings or blessings or anything. We do not sell the Lord's gospel for money. Mormon missionaries are motivated by love and concern for others. In fact, many of them pay for their missions with their college funds and by selling cars and possessions. They give up girl friends, family, and lucrative sports and entertainment contracts to serve people they don't even know and who are often unpleasant and unkind. These are the hallmarks of the true church, "By their fruits ye shall know them."
Paul would be absolutely disgusted by the Mega Churches who sell the word of God and rake in millions. Ron Hubbard was heard to say that if he wanted to make a million dollars, he would start a church, and that is exactly what he did. Christianity has apostatized from the truth! Jeremiah said, " 11 Hath a nation changed their gods, which are yet no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which doth not profit. " 13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water."
People no longer worship idols but they have replaced the idols with false churches – churches who preach watered down Christianity, churches which have no power to save them from their sins; churches that have no priesthood authority to perform the sacred ordinances, churches led by uninspired usurpers who pardon sinners in exchange for their money! Well did Christ say of them, "1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber." (John 10) Of these he will say, " 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." A man or woman who is too proud to admit they are wrong and accept the truth will never see the Kingdom of God!
“22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
Vicky, I have served in about every position in my local church and I can assure you that no one in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints receives any compensation other than a good feeling in their hearts for serving in the church including our pastors and stake presidents.
@Abinadi, your church is a church of Satan. You believe that Satan is Jesus Christ's brother!! And That Is An Abomination! How do you explain this outrageous blasphemy?? You Cannot! Not to this Christian anyway!!
My fellow Christians, do Not listen to this man's lies. He is Not a Christian. He is a heathen.
@The Mockingjay, you have been conned. Please, please, repent! Reject Satan and his many demons!
Religion is a manmade club like any other, with rules and perks to make the club feel special from other clubs. The club gets together periodically to reinforce the delusions of members. Many branches of this club have dues which most call a tithe.
You've chosen the club that aligns best with your own fantasy concerning how to minimize your fears in life. You and others in the club are afraid so you've made up a god that soothes you by making decisions for you, helping you feel less alone in the universe, and promising you life everlasting. The various club gods offer perks to induce membership such as seeing dead relatives, virginal sex partners, planets to rule or even one's own god status.
Jesus never existed, was and is king of nothing. You don't have to be afraid. You do not need religion.
Deal with the lack of afterlife by celebrating life and family in the here and now. Be responsible for your own decisions. Be kind to the earth and others on it. Forge a path with determination, or "go with the flow" and let life determine the course if you're the lazy type. Either way, you don't need a god or a club for any of that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxk3YltU3O8&feature=player_embedded
Aren't you familiar with Revelations?
7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,
8 And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven.
9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. (New Testament, Revelation, Chapter 12)
We all lived in heaven as spirits before we were born in this earth under our Father in Heaven. We reached a point where we could progress no further without gaining body and having a mortal experience. Jesus Christ presented a plan which we accepted. Satan also presented a plan which we all rejected. Satan became angry and rebelled and took 1/3 of our brothers and sisters with him and there was war in heaven. Of course Satan use to be our brother, but now he represents everything that opposes God.
@Abinadi, what you are saying is blasphemy. It is NOT Christian doctrine, it is the doctrine of Satan!
Baptist, you have NO IDEA what christian doctrine is!
@The Mockingjay, I have a masters degree in Theology from the Princeton Theological Seminary... I Know Christian doctrine. It is You who is deceieved! Repent sister, before it's too late! And, please, please stop leading others away from Christ and into eternal damnation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More internet warriors laying claim to diploma mill Master's degrees. If you had a Master's in anything you'd know "Master's" has an apostrophe and one needs but a single exclamation point to let others know you're very serious about your statements. Though a Theological school by definition still means attaining an education in ignorance, you demonstrate barely high school level education.
all religions are cults – christianity , mormonism, and scientology. all of them
Hey, breezy! And your criteria for this is what other than your emotions? You need to look up criteria given your post and emotion and rationality.
There is very little distinction between cult and religion. Generally, a cult worships a person as a god, whereas a religion worships a supernatural god. However it is then argued from one belief to another why one's brand of belief is not a cult. As it is used today, generally, 'cult' is used to disparage while 'religion' is applied out of consideration. But it is all the same fraud....
Ni and Joan, as a mormon, I just don't understand how you can put your faith in protestantism. Maybe you can help me, but let's just review the facts. There is no logical way that protestantism can be the one true faith that Paul called for in Ephesians 4:5 because the protestants are apostates from the Catholic church and can claim no authority. That is a fact! Let's just review the reasons why the prophet Joseph Smith had to restore the church of Jesus Christ to the earth.
Why was it necessary for Joseph Smith to restore the true church of Jesus Christ to the earth when the Lord had already established it ? The earth was not ready for the church during the Roman Occupation. The world was a brutal, wicked place. Almost immediately the early churches began to apostatize as is detailed in Revelations. The apostles did what they could, but the world began to kill them off faster than they could organize and ordain new apostles. Paul knew that the true gospel would be lost for a time. In 2 Thessalonians 2 he said, “1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,
2 That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
3 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”.
Finally, there were no prophets or apostles left, but only bishops who were dependent on the apostles for authority. Left entirely without divine direction and authority, popes arose who were anything but representatives of Christ, such as Pope Alexander VI of Banquet of Chestnuts fame. One truly has to question whether God would run his church through men such as these. The church that Jesus Christ had organized had fully apostatized and was no longer found on the earth.
The early apostles also knew, however, that the church would be restored in the latter days and in anticipation of that great day they spoke directly to you and me in Acts 3, "19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of rest itution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.”
Can a thing be restored that has not been lost? We are indeed grateful to the great reformers for their sacrifices and work to prepare the way for the true gospel of Jesus Christ to be restored to the earth. They were like John the Baptist, who prepared the way for our Lord Jesus Christ. But, just like John the Baptist had to diminish while the Lord increased, so the protestant churches also need to diminish and give place to the true church. They have done their work and must end. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and I know that Thomas S. Monson is a true and living prophet on the earth today. I am not ridiculing your belief. I believe that any church that teaches us to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ is not bad. but I invite you to ask some honest questions and to visit mormon.org for more information.
dude – they believe in the planet kolob and magic underwear. you are trying to reason with people that have been brainwashed
Where are the golden plates! In high school, I found a book by a Baptist missionary to the Utah territory who had AFFIDAVITS by "Mormons" saying they whipped off the covering Joe was presenting as the plates and revfealed BRICKS. When trying to find the book later, it wasa gone. Hmmm –
Dear Dammed, you found a book by an enemy to the church who told you lies. Would you expect the Taliban to say anything nice about the United States? Why don't you go to mormon.org and get the real information about the church?
@Jonah, Joseph Smith was a convicted con man and a blasphemous charlatan! Nothing in the so-called "book of mormon" is based on Christian doctrine, it is an abomination and an obvious fraud!!
My fellow Christians do NOT be deceived by this man's Satanical beliefs, watch the excellent Mormon-made cartoon above!
Baptist, you seem to have no idea what the bible teaches or what is true doctrine. "9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (New Testament, Matthew, Chapter 15) you Protestants and Catholics have changed the true doctrine. A good example is the Nicene creed. The Nicene Creed is nowhere in the Bible. It was totally fabricated by Constantine and his council of pagans, Capadocians, Nicenes, Gnostics, Arians, Apolinarians, Greek mystics and others who had an agenda. Constantine didn't know any doctrine. He just wanted peace in his empire from all the factions who were fighting over doctrine. He just settled for the first thing that the majority could agree with. The sad thing is that there were probably people there who knew the truth, but couldn't prevail over all the other factions – doctrine by committee! Paul would not have approved of the mess christianity is in. He said, "5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism," (Ephesians 4) Obviously, there can not be more than one true church or more than one true doctrine. The question is, which one? We invite all to visit mormon.org for the answer. Christ taught the true doctrine of the Godhead when he suffered himself to be baptized by John. In Luke 3:21,22 we read, "21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,
22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased."
This is the true doctrine of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost which was taught by the Bible – that the Father and Son are two separate beings. Funny, the smartest religious leaders have been reading the Bible for 2000 years but it took a 14 year old boy to point out the obvious! Let's just come clean. The Nicene creed is incomprehsible, and directly contradicts the teachings of the New Testament.
Baptist, I am sorry I have been so hard on you, but it is far worse to let you persist in error and not warn you. Please consider your ways before it is too late!
HA HA HA! oh – it the battle of the ancient fables. I love it! Too bad it's all a bunch of worthess crap! LOL.
@The Mockingjay, you can insult me and ignore the truth all you want, but it will not change the facts. Mormonism is Satanical nonsense. It is one of Satan's greatest accomplishments! And it is leading millions into damnation!!
Please, again, REPENT and turn away from Satan!! And Pleae, please stop leading others into damnation!!
Dude...! You're headed for hell!!! You'd better put as much time into studying the Bible as you did studying the Book of Moron!!! Or you're doomed!!!
Around and around and around we go. Where she stops, nobody knows. I love Love LOVE it when all the assorted holier than thou religious nutters start wagging their fingers at each other, protesting how each knows the only truth! It's especially good in person since it takes nearly no time at all before they begin punching and spitting on each other in the name of their one true loving god. Thank you all for displaying your insanity. It helps us atheists keep growing and growing while your various scam religions wither away.
Where is my entry from 10-17-2012???
In limbo.
Vicky,
Are you sure that your post appeared?
If so, you need to take note of the page number that it appears on if you want to revisit it.
I deleted your post.
Here the issue people Billy & Franklin Graham opinion and stance on their website regarding Mormonism is a reflection of the Graham‘s approval of Mitt’s worldview. Which is aligned very closely to Christianity. The choice Evangelical Christians face in this election is whether they vote in support for their closely held and biblically supported social views i.e. against Abortion/ infanticide, support of Biblical definition of Marriage as well as in support of Israel. Mitt will uphold all three while Obama has and will continue to systematically destroy all three. Another words regardless of the religious stance of Mitt (which he has proven with action) or the claim by Obama (which he has contradicted at every turn) should not be the deciding factor in this election. It is the actions of each candidate which all voters regardless of stated creed should examine before going into the voting booth. Billy and franklin Graham is in no way capitulating their faith to be politically expedient they are in fact removing a stumbling block for the Christians who follow them closely to vote for their faith. As in the end only God will judge what a person (politician included) claims and whether it is true in the heart. I think it is high time that a politicians statement of faith should be cross referenced with the book they ascribe to. Mitt Romney is spot on with the book of Mormon. Obama’s views cannot be found in the bible except in judgment by God.
Actually, Mitt Romney's worldview is more closely aligned wit scientology. In fact, scientology has it's roots in Mormonism. Both believe that they are space aliens and that the space ships will be coming for them. Both believe in keeping that fact from their lower level members. Both believe in infiltrating government and creating a theocracy in place of our democracy. Mitt Romney, as a higher level Mormon, has taken a solemn vow to help create this theocracy. Mormons also believe that Jesus lives on the planet Kolob.
LOL!!!! Oh, Ni, you are so funny! That is absolutely ridiculous!
Again, “NI” whatever. The issue is NOT Mormonism and whatever Mitt ascribes to, it his WORLDVIEW. This is how a person’s belief affects his view and decisions regarding daily life. And the three areas I am concerned about as an evangelical Christian where a president can intimately impact is Abortion/ Infanticide & Israel. I’m not voting for my pastor, I’m voting for the leader of the free world (pending) and how he affects my world. I take it this is Billy & Franklin Grahams point.
Trsid, you are correct. There are a few theological differences in Mormons and Evangicals, but we agree on so many important things and we are together on abortion , marriage, and the need to defend our country and have a strong military. United we stand, but divided we fall. We need to stand together on these things.
This is a very sad day for me. I am a devoted christian who dearly loved Billy Graham. My grandfather who is dead for over 60 years now got us to listen to Mr. Graham on a little Radio every Sunday morning in my native country. For Mr. Graham at this stage of his life to be getting so political is a real shame. People used to say that Mr. Graham was a racist. Coudld that be the reason why he is doing this? The Mormon faith is not the same as the Christian Faith. Would Mr. Graham endorses a Muslin? This is the reason why young people cannot trust these Evangelist. I think this may be the doing of his son Franklin. I just can't seem this man of God who never got political doiing it now. And for a man who is not even of the right faith.
So christian means someone who believes in Christ. Am i right? In the Book of Mormon It says in Mosiah 4:2: For we believe in Jesus Christ, the son of god, who created heaven and earth. In The Articles of faith verse 1 it says; We Believe in God the eternal father, and in his son Jesus Christ, and in the holy ghost. Then in 3rd Nephi 25:26 And we talk of Christ we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, , we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. Also many people say that the book of Mormon has no relation ship with the bible? Well there's an answer for that one two, in 1 Nephi: 21: 2, And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me. Skip over to Isaiah 49, and tell me if they have something in common. And lastly if you say we don't believe in Christ look at out name Church of Jesus Christ of latter day saints.
I have a testimony of this church, that it is true, and that we believe in God the eternal Father and in his son, and in the holy ghost.
Thank you for reading this.
Joan, maybe your father was right. Maybe Rev. Graham is a real Christian and maybe you should have listened to him. Did it ever occur to you that ridiculing another group of Christians and calling them a cult is unchristian?
Joan, you are absolutely correct. I feel that those who could be reached by our spiritual leaders will now turn further away because our spiritual leaders change their beliefs to suit themselves. So incredibly saddening. I have written Billy Graham Ministries concerning this and so far, no answer.
@Airan, No, being a Christian does NOT mean that you can create out of thin air bogus stories about Jesus Christ and God Almighty and call it true. It is Blasphemy and an abomination that is leading millions to damnation.
@Jonah, ridiculing heathens who blasphemously begin a church of Satan and calling them a cult is NOT "unchristian". It is standing up against Satan and his deceit! Mormons Are NOT Christians. They are blasphemous Heathens.
@Baptist
And who decides whether it is blasphemy or the inspired word of a believers deity?
@Baptist
Know what? Don't worry about responding to me because your last post reveals your craziness.
@Baptist Minister
Who said i was making things out of thin air? 🙂 I pulled Verses out of the Book of Mormon. Then i found some similarities between the Book of Mormon and Bible. Prove what i said isn't in the Book of mormon or Bible.
Mr. Graham also said that he really liked Mission Impossible III and that if they manage another "barn burner" like that he'd really have to give Scientology's current listing a second look.
If you really want to find out the real and hidden truth about anti-christian Mormon Temple worship, then go to the Newnamenoah Youtube channel, where actual video footage of the highly secretive Mormon Temple Ceremonies are now freely available for all the public to see. The abominable truth about the Mormon church needs to be made known to an unsuspecting American public before election day. The Mormon church has made an utter mockery of the glorious message of true Christianity.
There's nothing abominable about it. It's just silly rituals, no more or less silly than yours, just different. Their religion and your religion are ludicrous frauds.
So the great evangelist himself has just signed over his lifetime of faith and belief in Christianity, to the sordid Mormon Church and its secretive Temple cult ceremonies. Take a look at some real Mormon Temple Ceremonies at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6udew9axmdM&feature=plcp, and see for yourself what Mormon Temple worship is all about. The Mormon church is a clandestine organisation that demands money (10% of each member's annual income) to qualify for entrance into their anti-Christ Temples. Many of their own Mormon scriptures also state arrogantly that black skin is a curse from God himself. Go read for yourselves. Billy Graham should be thoroughly ashamed of himself.
Romney is Mormon because he was born Mormon. Should we hold this against him? Actually in the 21st century we should since he continues with this severe affliction of the Three B Syndrome i.e. Bred, Born and Brainwashed in Mormonism with no obvious change in his mental state which he could easily change with some rational thinking.
Obama also suffers from the same affliction as he also believes in "pretty/ugly wingie thingies, bodily resurrections, atonement mumbo jumbo et al. And there has been no change in his version of the Three B Syndrome.
One should be voting for leaders who can think rationally. Believing in angels, satans, bodily resurrections, atonement, and heavens of all kinds is irrational.
Bottom line: BO and MR have been severely brainwashed in their theologically and historically flawed Christianity and they are too weak to escape its felonious grip. And we will be stuck with one of them for another four years of "god bless America" .
1 Timothy 4:
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer."
Let's see. Who forbids people to marry? Mormons. Who orders their followers to abstain from certain foods? Mormons (caffeine, alcohol, etc...). Maybe that passage should have said "in latter days" just so there was no confusion.
Actually, most contemporary NT scholars after exhaustive research have concluded that the epistles to Timothy (and T-itus) were not written by Paul but by "wannabee" Pauls. See Father Ray Brown's analyses in his 878 page book, An Introduction to the New Testament pp. 639, 654, 673,
an excerpt:
"Authenticity: Probably written by a disciple of Paul or a sympathetic commentator of the Pauline heritage several decades after the apostle's death. "
See also Professors Crossan and Reed's book, In Search of Paul and Professor Bruce Chilton's book, Rabbi Paul.
And Paul (or his "wannabees") the Prophet? Hardly, he could not even get the timing of Jesus' second coming correct but it did serve to dramatically increase both the conversion rate and the coffers. Hmmm, contemporary preachers/fortune tellers/Mormon "profiteers" still use that con game.
Mormons forbid people to marry??? Oh please! Where did you come from? Did you ever consider Catholic priests and nuns?
Dib, you consider alcohol and caffeine food? Woooo, make sure your designated driver doesn't partake.