I see what you mean. I have studied my religion. Maybe not as well as I could I admit. And most people don't study any religion through and through like they should. Its hard for me to see that people have a misguidance of the mormons because of the word of other people. I think its up to a person to find out for themself to see what a religion is about and then make a say. I served a mission in Michigan, Detriot. And there are many people that I loved that were not fond of our religion but at least they were open hearted to listen to what we had to say, and they would pray about it and some would accept and some wouldn't. People that I came across would usually brung up polygamy, often times they got us confused with the Amish, and some believed solely what their pastors taught them. I just think it good to clear up misunderstandings sometimes. And sometimes its up to an individual to find out through prayer. I would hope that some one that is Catholic or Baptist would clear up their misunderstandings. Its opportunity that I had on my mission to learn about a lot of religions, I went to different churches, and this is what cleared up my misunderstandings of religions and gave be assurance this is the church for me. I am sorry that it could come across as preachy. I am not the type to be pushy and assertive...trust me...but this is my feelings on the subject. And that is why we have message boards to express our feelings. This is what the prophet says today about polygamy,
What is the Church’s position on polygamy??
We are faced these days with many newspaper articles on this subject. This has arisen out of a case of alleged child abuse on the part of some of those practicing plural marriage.
I wish to state categorically that this Church has nothing whatever to do with those practicing polygamy. They are not members of this Church. Most of them have never been members. They are in violation of the civil law. They know they are in violation of the law. They are subject to its penalties. The Church, of course, has no jurisdiction whatever in this matter.
If any of our members are found to be practicing plural marriage, they are excommunicated, the most serious penalty the Church can impose. Not only are those so involved in direct violation of the civil law, they are in violation of the law of this Church. An article of our faith is binding upon us. It states, “We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law” (A of F 1:12). One cannot obey the law and disobey the law at the same time.
There is no such thing as a “Mormon Fundamentalist.” It is a contradiction to use the two words together.
More than a century ago God clearly revealed unto His prophet Wilford Woodruff that the practice of plural marriage should be discontinued, which means that it is now against the law of God. Even in countries where civil or religious law allows polygamy, the Church teaches that marriage must be monogamous and does not accept into its membership those practicing plural marriage.
I don't know you and your reasons for leaving the church but I hope you can understand how I feel . :)
(Original air date 05/03/05) Imagine growing up in a family with 56 siblings and a father who keeps dozens of wives. It's happening in an unusual religious sect in Arizona and Utah, where girls as young as 14 are forced to marry men three times their age and have as many children as possible. Meet two teens who escaped this world of polygamy and alleged abuse a year ago. Fearing that they'll be damned to hell for running away, they're even considering going back. Can Dr. Phil help them leave their past behind? Talk about the show here.
