Readers' forum: Dec. 19, 2007

I think John 3:16 pretty well answers that question. We believe as Mormons God's promise that whosoever believes in Jesus Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus Christ is the center of a Mormon's life like he shold be in other Christian lives. It should show in how we treat our fellow man, raise our families and respect other's beliefs.

I think it is difficult to comment on another's beliefs. I think it would be more Christlike not to judge one another and concentrate on our own relationship with God. "What would Jesus Do?" Learn his ways and Live his ways. "Love one another as I have loved you."
Mitt Romney has two Harvard Degrees in Law, Economics and Business, let him study out religion and make his own decisions. I don't want a Pastor in Chief, I want a commander in chief.
Is what church someone goes to more important than the future of the nation?

THE “GRAND FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES” OF MORMONISM

Less than a year before Joseph Smith was killed he delivered a series of remarkable sermons in which he introduced the “grand fundamental principles of Mormonism” and expounded on their meaning and purpose.

Joseph Smith rarely undertook to define the fundamentals of the Latter-day Saint faith and foundation. And, in light of contemporary definitions, his choice of the phrase “grand fundamental principles” communicated that these were cornerstones of the faith’s foundation—” the basis of [the] system,” its “rules of action” or normative standards.

Joseph proclaimed himself a friend to all, having “no enmity against anyone.” And “because I possess the principle of love.” Offering the world “a good heart and a good hand,” he declared himself “as ready to die for a Presbyterian, a Baptist, or any other denomination” as “for a Mormon.” Joseph expounded on the virtue of friendship. Having characterized himself as the universal friend of humankind, he proclaimed this as not merely a personal virtue, but the essence of the faith:“Friendship is the grand fundamental principle of Mormonism.”

Narrowing the gap between Latter-day Saints and those of other denominations, the prophet asserted,“we do not differ so far in our religious views.” He declared the Saints’ faith ready to receive the truths of all others:“One of the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism is to receive truth, let it come from where it may.”

In receiving the “truths of all others,” has in my opinion a duel action. As a Mormon we are encouraged to seek knowledge and to be faithful to the truths that we receive and hold dear to them but also to be respectful to the truths or beliefs that others may have.

Our religion is not a religion of ignorance and fear. It is of love, seeking truth and is best defined by the tolerance we have of other religions. We are brought up on the belief in religious tolerance and the Eleventh Article of Faith conveys it best:

11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

We all should hold to what the Savior taught: "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” Matthew 7:12

All around us, the majority of the problems of the world could be cured simply by living by the 'Golden Rule' and it starts one person at a time and it isn't about a particular religion it's about being connected to each other as mankind and created in his image.

up Chuck

http://www.youtube.com/watch...