Now I know faith is a big deal in religions (most of 'em anyway), but can we all agree that a religion should have some factual basis?

For example:

Can we all agree that a religion with the following attributes seems a bit...wrong?

-This religion centers around the beleif that the Native Americans are of hebrew descent and that Jesus helped them move in.

-The founder of this religion was found guilty of fraud only months before "discovering" the faith.

-The aforementioned fraud was an interesting situation in which our star went around telling local landowners that he had magic stones which he could use to find buried Indian treasure (of course, none was ever found).

-The same technique he used to locate treasure was the one used to find the basis for the whole Jewish-Indians-hanging-out-with-Jesus story (an artifact which only he and close friends have ever seen). The technique, by the way, involved him placing the magic stones in a hat and looking into the hat.

-"Holy temple ordinances" are almost identical to Freemason rituals (which the founder was for a time).

Other things about this religion that seem...well quite frankly, fucked up include:

-Our man was found having sexual relationships with young girls (early teens) and was tarred and feathered on many occasions for just that.

-Mark twain called their central holy book "chloroform in print".

-Things as simple as drinking coffee are considered sins.

-Church leaders encourage members to divorce non-member spouces.

-Brain-washing techniques are used from childhood. Specifically, they make the children recite a testimony; basically they repeat "I know this church is true. I know the Book of ______ is true. I know J______ S____ was a prophet of God. Etc." untill they really believe that they came up with it and that it is their own personal testimony (despite that every other kid says the exact same thing). Maybe you'd have to see it to understand what I'm talking about but I know from firsthand experience that it is quite sickening.

-They claim to be the one completely true church and that all others fall short.

-Blacks were only allowed to hold positions in the church in the 1970's (or perhaps the '80's--correct me if you know for sure).

I could go on, but I think you get the idea.

Before you tell me I don't have the right to criticize the religion, you should know that I was raised in said church and I feel I have the right to speak out against it.

I tried to be ambiguous but I'm sure you know which church I'm talking about.

So back to the question--Does this religion seem very wrong or is it just me?

My teacher was a mormon. She called me up to the front of the class and I accused her of trying to sell me some Bibles. She got mad.

Mormonism is a cult.

I've been seeing a lot of former Mormons come out and speak against the church. What's going on inside of it?

[This message has been edited by Paradise Lost (edited 06-14-2005).]

Read the stories of ex-mormons at www.exmormon.org (http://www.exmormon.org)

There's stuff in there that surprised even me.

mormonism = cult

Christianity=cult

quote:Originally posted by Sanity0verRated:

Christianity=cult

Good thing for you you dont know what a cult is

So when someone doesnt agree with your point of veiw you automatically label them with some word you dont even know the proper definition for? I see...