NationStates Jolt Archive

Gotta share...

So I was sitting in the park on 45th (Manhattan, NYC for those of you out there), minding my own business, which was a roast beef hero and an America's Best Iced Coffee.

Anyway, a mid 20s woman comes up, and first speaks to the old guy next to me, then the couple next to him. I heard the conversation, so knew what to expect once she got to me.

Basically, she was handing out literature and trying to get people to go to the Billy Graham Crusade here in NYC this weekend. It was a bit amusing, though, since I befuddled her by being (drum roll....) a practicing Catholic.

(Keep in mind, this isn't meant to be offensive, but just to get her away from me, as I was really grooving on the roast beef...)

"So, why would you not want to hear this great spiritual leader"?
Me: Well, there is no true church except the Church of Rome.
"Church of Rome? I'm not familiar with that one..."
Me: You might have heard of us, we've been around for awhile... Catholics?
"Oh, right! So... that's great, since we believe in the same God and all. Why not come listen to Mr. Graham? He's a great leader in faith."
Me: Well, you see, we have our own called the Pope, and since he's infallible in matters of religious dogma, there's no reason to listen to anyone who's not a Catholic Priest.
"Well, he's a good religious leader and all, that's good. But... why is he infallible"
Me: He was chosen by God.
"But anyone can be chosen by God."
Me: Right, but we *know* he's chosen by God. Mr. Graham may or may not be, but we know that Christ laid the foudation of his Church on Peter. And that's an unbroken line. There've been four in my lifetime, and about 300 since the beginning. You've heard of St. Peter, right? He was the First Pope. History tells us that.
"You mean he was the First Christian Preacher..."
Me: Wouldn't that be John the Baptist?
"Oh... right... hmm. You've given me some things to think about..."
Me: Not at all. Have a nice day.

I've had similar conversations with Jehovah's Witnesses, too. Now, I don't mean to disparage any faith, but if you're going to try to convert me, at least be fluent in what you're trying to convert me to! ;)

Thoughts??

Dammit, next time get pictures of her facial expressions.

I suppose most people don't know that much about religions not their own.... :rolleyes:

as I was really grooving on the roast beef

I would of been too.... :D


...For me it's always the Mormans who seem to come around in that capacity.

I find it easier to pretend to be a Satanist.

Best story I've seen about this is a particular fellow from NS - whom I forget, so I can't credit the story, sorry - who had some woman come up to him saying, "Have you found Jesus?"

His reply: "What ... have you people lost him again?!"

"...For me it's always the Mormans who seem to come around in that capacity"
and we always will :)

there are 60,000 Mormon missionaries in the world, you are bound to run into a couple ;)

I know, I was one. But we are a lot better trained than that silly Graham follower.

I could argue your Catholocism to make your head spin. Though it is a lot easier in person and with a Bible :)
(But that isn't what Mormon missionaries are all about, don't get me wrong, we are trained not to put down other's religions, we are not trained to defeat people in a Bible bashing contest, but to know the scriptures backward and forward and to know our faith inside out)

We always just kept a tape of hell's bells in the casset player. Worked wonders.

Carry with you a thing of sticky notes that says OWNED on all of them, then when this occur, peel one off and slap it on their arm or something

I was sitting with friends at a coffeeshop and some guy came up to us and asked if we were saved. We said we don't partake of religion so he said we were all going to hell. Then he asked me if I had any kids and I said no, and he said well if you did your kid would go to hell because you didn't teach him/her about Christ. I said I don't believe in hell so I'm not so worried now please leave us be as we don't feel like having other peoples beliefs forced on us. Then everyone agreed and he kept trying to convince us to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savoir. Then one of my friends said that this is going down in her journal as one of her least favorite days ever. The converter guy got all pissed off and called us all rude and still insisted on converting every one of us. I just sat there in disbelief after that and everyone else got really angry at the guy and yelled at him until he left.

I suppose most people don't know that much about religions not their own.... :rolleyes:

The sad thing is most people do not know much about their own religion.

Every time someone tries to convert me I ask them questions about their faith. (I've studied most branches of Christianity, Islam, Judeism, and various non-traditional faiths on my own time) If they seem to be somewhat knowledgeable, which I admit is horrifically rare, I may just have an interesting conversation.. However, usually, I end up teaching them a thing or two about their own religion.. Not being a follower of any traditional religion myself, I often wonder why religious groups, which do not pay taxes, always claim that "God", who is all knowing and all powerful, needs money.. :headbang:

For the record I was raised Catholic. :eek:

I was sitting with friends at a coffeeshop and some guy came up to us and asked if we were saved. We said we don't partake of religion so he said we were all going to hell. Then he asked me if I had any kids and I said no, and he said well if you did your kid would go to hell because you didn't teach him/her about Christ. I said I don't believe in hell so I'm not so worried now please leave us be as we don't feel like having other peoples beliefs forced on us. Then everyone agreed and he kept trying to convince us to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savoir. Then one of my friends said that this is going down in her journal as one of her least favorite days ever. The converter guy got all pissed off and called us all rude and still insisted on converting every one of us. I just sat there in disbelief after that and everyone else got really angry at the guy and yelled at him until he left.


See that just gives a bad name to missionaries everywhere.

We were always taught that if they tell us to leave, we leave. If they say they are not interested, move on.

But as a rule I never left unless they said they didn't want to hear. We Mormons don't scare easily. If you said you were going to hell, trying to throw me off, I'd come back with a witty remark. But if you said you were not interested, I would thank you for your time and move on.

We only get Jehovah's Witnesses here. I've got my excuses on a piece of paper pinned on the notice board for when they come and call. Bloody people.

I find it easier to pretend to be a Satanist.

Many of the ideas put forth by Anton LaVay make a whole lote of sense in the modern world.. Most judeo-christian philosophy is rather archaic anyhow.

Basically, she was handing out literature and trying to get people to go to the Billy Graham Crusade here in NYC this weekend. It was a bit amusing, though, since I befuddled her by being (drum roll....) a practicing Catholic.

Yeah, that pisses them off. Most of the time, when dealing with Jehova's Witnesses it goes kinda like:

Me: Thanks, but I'm a Catholic.
"You have my condolances."

When I'm dealing with the really extreme people it's more like:

"You're going straight to Hell you Mary-Worshipper!"
Me: See you there!

Try this, just speak gibberish in a really low voice. They'll think you're possesed or something.

Not being a follower of any traditional religion myself, I often wonder why religious groups, which do not pay taxes, always claim that "God", who is all knowing and all powerful, needs money.. :headbang:



That is easy. God DOESN'T need the money. But he requires sacrifice of us to make us humble. The money goes into building churches, temples, printing books, etc. WEll, At least in my church. No man recieves a cent of it in my church, there is no payed clergy. That was church buildings are built and payed for without fundraisers or debt, it is a great system.

See that just gives a bad name to missionaries everywhere.

We were always taught that if they tell us to leave, we leave. If they say they are not interested, move on.

But as a rule I never left unless they said they didn't want to hear. We Mormons don't scare easily. If you said you were going to hell, trying to throw me off, I'd come back with a witty remark. But if you said you were not interested, I would thank you for your time and move on.

I've had mormons come to my house before. THey were very respectful. I said I wasn't religious but I am spiritual. They asked how and I explianed what I thought. THey said well it's good that you have spiritual belifas and do waht you think is right. They then told me that their church is a great place to sit around and talk with others about our ideas about God and life and I said I wasn't interested and they said thank you for your time and left.

Ihatevacations']Carry with you a thing of sticky notes that says OWNED on all of them, then when this occur, peel one off and slap it on their arm or something

ROFLMAO! I love that!

Better yet, slap it on the forehead!

That is easy. God DOESN'T need the money. But he requires sacrifice of us to make us humble. The money goes into building churches, temples, printing books, etc. WEll, At least in my church. No man recieves a cent of it in my church, there is no payed clergy. That was church buildings are built and payed for without fundraisers or debt, it is a great system.

If only it worked like that everywhere. *sighs*..

The sad truth of the matter is that most major religious groups make billions of dollars tax free every year... You really think, making that much money, they would need more so badly? Especially evangelists... When's the last time you saw them build anything?

For the record I have never had a problem with a follower of the lds faith. I just explain that organised religion isn't for me and they leave it at that.. Except that one woman who demanded I let her in to my house... But that's another story..

If only it worked like that everywhere. *sighs*..

The sad truth of the matter is that most major religious groups make billions of dollars tax free every year... You really think, making that much money, they would need more so badly? Especially evangelists... When's the last time you saw them build anything?


lol

I know what you mean. There is a lot of money squandering among various churches. Luckily at mine we have a private Auditor come in every year to make sure the leaders use the money only for the church and don't touch a cent. (We build hundreds of chapels per year, and several temples (which are a godd deal bigger))

lol

I know what you mean. There is a lot of money squandering among various churches. Luckily at mine we have a private Auditor come in every year to make sure the leaders use the money only for the church and don't touch a cent. (We build hundreds of chapels per year, and several temples (which are a godd deal bigger))


I've seen the main temple in SLC, it's enormous.

A few years ago, I was walking to class at my university and happened to pass by one of the Jehovah's Witnesses people standing in the "free speech" box and just yelling at people all kinds of things and using scripture to 'back it up'. I stood there, willing to lose some time for class just to hear some of the funny responses that were being said back to the guy. The funniest bit was when one guy, a music major, went and retrieved his saxaphone, came back, and began to play some tunes. Here's how the Witness responded,

"That's devil music you're playing there! You're gonna go to hell, just like those ladies there wearing nothing more than skank clothing! (These ladies had knee length skirts on)"

The guy playing the sax, paused and then began laughing, saying, "Well I'll be damned! I was playing some christian music!"

For once, I saw a Jehovah Witness at loss for words...

Oh, I was raised Roman Catholic myself as well...

I've seen the main temple in SLC, it's enormous.

Who would have thought... A strong anteist and a member of lds having a perfectly nice conversation. It boggles the mind. If you happen to buy in to the stereotypes. ;)

Many of the ideas put forth by Anton LaVay make a whole lote of sense in the modern world.. Most judeo-christian philosophy is rather archaic anyhow.
I wasn't really meaning LaVey Satanism, I was talking more about sacraficial bunny Satanism, where I drink blood from virgins and that shit.

lol

that is rich.

JWs can be good people but some get out of hand.

If they do, just tell them to open up their Bible to Matthew 17:14 (arg, I think that is it....can't remember) and ask them to read it.

They will screw up their face and look confused.
You know why? Because the verse is BLANK! (They have some 50 (I think) BLANKED out verses throughout the Bible. But most don't even know about it.

Confuses the heck out of them. But it is kinda mean, so I only do it to the really nasty ones.

I wasn't really meaning LaVey Satanism, I was talking more about sacraficial bunny Satanism, where I drink blood from virgins and that shit.


Ahh, well that does tend to leave them at a loss for words. lol

You would like a friend.

He once got a pair of JW's to his door and decided to arrange a date for them to come over.

He also called for a John Birch(sp?) rep, a Muslim, a fundi Christian, and one other which I can't remember.

He said he thought there was going to be a blood bath when they started all "talking." :D

Who would have thought... A strong anteist and a member of lds having a perfectly nice conversation. It boggles the mind. If you happen to buy in to the stereotypes. ;)


LOL

yeah, who'd a thunk it :D

(I prefer nice convos )

It is huge though isn't it! I like that one alot, but my favorite would be the DC Temple, it is Gorgeous!

You would like a friend.

He once got a pair of JW's to his door and decided to arrange a date for them to come over.

He also called for a John Birch(sp?) rep, a Muslim, a fundi Christian, and one other which I can't remember.

He said he thought there was going to be a blood bath when they started all "talking." :D

genius - did he record that one to video?

I suppose most people don't know that much about religions not their own.... :rolleyes:

Right... but we're both Christians. I got the distinct impression that she really didn't know anything except what she was told... :(

My other favorite is to ask the "Missionary/Converter" if they consider alcohol to be evil. Invariably, the answer is yes...

Ok then, consider Mark 14:25. The Lord said "I will not drink the fruit of the vine again until I am with my father in heaven".

...Now, if Jesus was drinking wine here, and they drink wine in heaven... how can it be evil?

(Wait for the confused look on their faces... :D )

I would of been too.... :D


...For me it's always the Mormans who seem to come around in that capacity.

True, but at least the Mormons are easy to spot. Always in pairs, dark pants, white button-down shirts and dark ties.

Back when I was young and essentially a militant atheist, I'd be walking or cycling down the street and when I'd see a pair of these proselytizers, I'd make a point of making sure they saw me, and upon receiving their notice, I'd to a broad comic take at them and then bolt the other direction screaming something like "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES, IT'S THE MORMONS!!!"

I was a cruel kid, but funny.

The point about Mormons being polite is, in my experience, absolutely correct. I've known several, and they're easily the most realistic and (pardon the oxymoron) down-to-Earth about their beliefs. My metaphysical hat is off to them. If they could just somehow rein in those rogue LDS folks who cling to the polygamy thing in southern Utah (they call themselves the NLDS or something like that). We all have our embarrassing relatives. I have several.

Oddly enough, what has worked best for me in the past if I'm really not in the mood to debate theology and I'm approached by a proselytizer, I tell them I'm Jewish. I don't know why, but that stops them dead in their tracks regardless of their affiliation. I don't even get basic questions after announcing that I'm Jewish. They just say "Oh...well, thank you for your time," and hasten away. Any theories on that? It's happened at least half a dozen times in the last few years.

Once I had to go to the doctor's for a checkup, and my dad who was gonna drive me there. When I was ready to go, a JW came to the door. My dad, being a Catholic, decided to debate with the JW. 1/2 hour later, I begged him to stop debating, because I was already 20 min late for my appointment. He kept going for another 5 min, and then the JW left (thank God) and we finally got to go.

The next day , I saw my dad with a new book- Answering JW. He said he was preparing for when the JWs came back with their priest (or whatever they call their religious leader) after that day, I have never looked at my dad the same way again...

I would of been too.... :D


...For me it's always the Mormans who seem to come around in that capacity.

It's would have, not would of. Jeez, it's not hard....

I prefer to just keep some version of death metal in my boombox and turn it on really loud if a missionary type comes knocking on my door. Failing that I tell them "Sorry, but the satanic worship and sodomy meeting is going on right now, can you come back later?"

They either bolt or laugh their asses off. I've found that the one's that laugh are by far more amusing to debate with.

Anyone feeling particularly cruel? The next time you see people handing out bibles on the street print out a few copies of Percy Shelley's Necessity of Atheism and hand that out. They go nuts. :p

"...For me it's always the Mormans who seem to come around in that capacity"
and we always will :)

there are 60,000 Mormon missionaries in the world, you are bound to run into a couple ;)

I know, I was one. But we are a lot better trained than that silly Graham follower.

I could argue your Catholocism to make your head spin. Though it is a lot easier in person and with a Bible :)
(But that isn't what Mormon missionaries are all about, don't get me wrong, we are trained not to put down other's religions, we are not trained to defeat people in a Bible bashing contest, but to know the scriptures backward and forward and to know our faith inside out)


I've enjoyed my encounters with evangelising Mormons. Of all the faiths that activly seek converts, they're the only ones who ALWAYS know what the Bahai Faith is when I mention that I am a Bahai. Not just that, they have a really good grasp of what its all about, and at least a general idea of who was who and how the Faith was born. They never press a point further than they need to either. I have encountered a few Mormons who were real dingbats, but every faith has a few of those.

What does burn me are the Baptists and Evangelists who tell me I'm going to hell because Jesus is the only way to true salvation. Um, hello? I do beleive in Jesus...and Moses, and Mohammed. Buddha and Baha'ullah. My own grandmother went to her grave beleiving my parents and me were going to hell because we're Bahai.

Actually, I completely fail to understand anyone who thinks they can convert someone with words alone. They're free to try, of course, but I beleive that you can really only affect someone on such a deep level through good actions, giving them a palpable example of what a good ------ is. Words are just so much hot air in the end. Anyone who can't accept the fact that I'm happy with the religion I have and insists on trying to convert me is showing through their actions that they don't really have a fucking clue what anything Jesus said and did actually meant.

Once I had to go to the doctor's for a checkup, and my dad who was gonna drive me there. When I was ready to go, a JW came to the door. My dad, being a Catholic, decided to debate with the JW. 1/2 hour later, I begged him to stop debating, because I was already 20 min late for my appointment. He kept going for another 5 min, and then the JW left (thank God) and we finally got to go.

The next day , I saw my dad with a new book- Answering JW. He said he was preparing for when the JWs came back with their priest (or whatever they call their religious leader) after that day, I have never looked at my dad the same way again...

In another few years, you may come to the realization that you and your dad are probably very similar, and that he's not *that* uncool. ;)

"So, why would you not want to hear this great spiritual leader"?
Me: Well, there is no true church except the Church of Rome.
"Church of Rome? I'm not familiar with that one..."
Me: You might have heard of us, we've been around for awhile... Catholics?
"Oh, right! So... that's great, since we believe in the same God and all. Why not come listen to Mr. Graham? He's a great leader in faith."
Me: Well, you see, we have our own called the Pope, and since he's infallible in matters of religious dogma, there's no reason to listen to anyone who's not a Catholic Priest.
"Well, he's a good religious leader and all, that's good. But... why is he infallible"
Me: He was chosen by God.
"But anyone can be chosen by God."
Me: Right, but we *know* he's chosen by God. Mr. Graham may or may not be, but we know that Christ laid the foudation of his Church on Peter. And that's an unbroken line. There've been four in my lifetime, and about 300 since the beginning. You've heard of St. Peter, right? He was the First Pope. History tells us that.
"You mean he was the First Christian Preacher..."
Me: Wouldn't that be John the Baptist?
"Oh... right... hmm. You've given me some things to think about..."
Me: Not at all. Have a nice day.


HA! That's awesome! And I'm sure the Roast Beef was good also, as was the Iced Coffee....And dammit! Now I'm hungry!

HA! That's awesome! And I'm sure the Roast Beef was good also, as was the Iced Coffee....And dammit! Now I'm hungry!

Thanks. :)

If you can find it, drink America's Best Iced Coffees. They come in 4 flavors in 16oz cans. I *USED* to be able to buy it by the case at Trader Joe's here in Connecticut, but alas, they stopped carrying it. Fortunately, a deli on 45th street in Manhattan allows me an occasional fix. :D

I first got addicted to them in 1997 in DC, at Oh's Place in L'Efant Plaza. On some days, I was *freebasing* like 4 cans... :eek:

You know, I'm not particularly fond of the practices and beliefs of either group, the Jehovah's Witnesses or the Mormons (and some other religious groups, too), but I don't feel the need to belittle, berate or attempt to humiliate them. Certainly I've had a spirited discussion or two, certainly I've pointed out a scripture or two which made a Mormon think or a Jehovah's Witness back down, but I've never taken any joy in belittling their practices.

Why can't we just allow other people to believe what they want? I've personally never encountered anyone proselytizing who when met with "Unfortunately, you and I disagree on ideology. I'm not interested in having this conversation or wasting your time. Thank you for your understanding, and have a good day" who continued in an attempt to convert me.

(I'm sorry. That's the old lady in me talking.)

Well, now when I head out tonight I'll stop by Gargoyles (a local coffee shop) or something and find one of those iced coffees...I'm easily addicted to things though, like the internet...and recently ended my school-year long addiction to Tic-Tacs...

Vivat catholicism! Vivat BENEDICTVS XVI

Well, now when I head out tonight I'll stop by Gargoyles (a local coffee shop) or something and find one of those iced coffees...I'm easily addicted to things though, like the internet...and recently ended my school-year long addiction to Tic-Tacs...

These are better than orange tic-tacs!

When Jehovah Witnesses or Mormons come to my door, I ask them to help me do some physical work in my yard. They can't refuse (it's in their beliefs). And there is always something to do. After that, they deserve a coffee... and goodbye.
It seems to make them very happy, because they feel they are helping people.
I think it's easier to deal with "converters" by somehow sharing something with them, than by kicking them away. If you try to get rid of them, they still try to "do something about you" (because they believe your soul is at stake), and then they become really sticky.

These are better than orange tic-tacs!

:eek: I can see it now, going to rehab to get off of these Iced Coffees, all twitchy and red eyed....Oh man, better than orange...

It's would have, not would of. Jeez, it's not hard....


Why dont you go and teach sellplgin lessins ni shcool tehn


Like I care.....Jeez to u

Why dont you go and teach sellplgin lessins ni shcool tehn


Like I care.....Jeez to u

Because futile attempts to educate the amazingly hilarious collection of numnuts' who inhabit this place produces much more entertainment. I can laugh at you without feeling guilty.

Gotta share...
Me: He was chosen by God.
"But anyone can be chosen by God."
Me: Right, but we *know* he's chosen by God. Mr. Graham may or may not be, but we know that Christ laid the foudation of his Church on Peter. And that's an unbroken line. There've been four in my lifetime, and about 300 since the beginning. You've heard of St. Peter, right? He was the First Pope. History tells us that.


Thoughts??
but um, the line got broken numberous times. Remember the big schism with what three popes?

Also Peter never gave the archbishop the Preishood keys. Remember that was why John had to do the prophecy of revelation because the Pope didn't have the authority.
Peter was no Pope.

But bah, don't mean to get into a religious debate. Sorry.

These are better than orange tic-tacs!

BLASPHEMY!! The unbelievers shall be smote by the fresh breath of the rightous.

Because futile attempts to educate the amazingly hilarious collection of numnuts' who inhabit this place produces much more entertainment. I can laugh at you without feeling guilty.


Well your attempts at educating here on NS wont be very fruitful for you, you should worry less about other peoples grammer and concern yourself with important matters. If your so highly educated good for you, personaly I dont give a rats ass!

but um, the line got broken numberous times. Remember the big schism with what three popes?


Yes. Because many NSers were there for that.

but um, the line got broken numberous times. Remember the big schism with what three popes?

Also Peter never gave the archbishop the Preishood keys. Remember that was why John had to do the prophecy of revelation because the Pope didn't have the authority.
Peter was no Pope.

But bah, don't mean to get into a religious debate. Sorry.

The Avingnon Popes were defeated, so obviously they were the Anti-Popes. :)

BLASPHEMY!! The unbelievers shall be smote by the fresh breath of the rightous.

Question not, ye of the minor initiation. We Passed Masters are not to be questioned. :D

Yes. Because many NSers were there for that.
What about history class, don't they teach that in other countries :)

Well your attempts at educating here on NS wont be very fruitful for you, you should worry less about other peoples grammer and concern yourself with important matters. If your so highly educated good for you, personaly I dont give a rats ass!

Clearly, since you fail to have even the most rudimentary grasp of grammar.

Here's what it should say:

Well, your attempts at educating here on NS wont be very fruitful for you. You should worry less about other peoples grammar and concern yourself with important matters. If you're so highly educated, good for you. Personally, I dont give a rat's ass!

Changes are in bold.

lol

that is rich.

JWs can be good people but some get out of hand.

If they do, just tell them to open up their Bible to Matthew 17:14 (arg, I think that is it....can't remember) and ask them to read it.

They will screw up their face and look confused.
You know why? Because the verse is BLANK! (They have some 50 (I think) BLANKED out verses throughout the Bible. But most don't even know about it.

Confuses the heck out of them. But it is kinda mean, so I only do it to the really nasty ones.

I've been having JW's come by my house and talk to my wife when I'm at work. What version do they use that has the blanks?

Question not, ye of the minor initiation. We Passed Masters are not to be questioned. :D

Must resist Vader quote... :p

What about history class, don't they teach that in other countries :)

Yes, but all we learn about is the Nazis. That's only a minor exaggeration. Every damn year, for the last four years of school, it's the Nazis, and the Russian Revolution. Nothing about cults. ;)

Clearly, since you fail to have even the most rudimentary grasp of grammar.

Here's what it should say:

Well, your attempts at educating here on NS wont be very fruitful for you. You should worry less about other peoples grammar and concern yourself with important matters. If you're so highly educated, good for you. Personally, I dont give a rat's ass!


You forgot an apostrophe in the line:

"You should worry less about other peoples' grammar"

And also:

"I don' t give a rat's ass!"

:D

You forgot an apostrophe in the line:

"You should worry less about other peoples' grammar"

And also:

"I don' t give a rat's ass!"

:D

:headbang:

Quiet, you! Back of the class, boy, now.

Don't forget, the simpletons need baby steps. :D

:headbang:

Quiet, you! Back of the class, boy, now.

Don't forget, the simpletons need baby steps. :D

Yes sir :(

If your name comes from Heron's Formula, I defer to you.

Yes sir :(

If your name comes from Heron's Formula, I defer to you.

:confused: :confused:

I mean, uh, yes, yes that's it. Defer!

"...For me it's always the Mormans who seem to come around in that capacity"
and we always will :)

there are 60,000 Mormon missionaries in the world, you are bound to run into a couple ;)

I know, I was one. But we are a lot better trained than that silly Graham follower.

I could argue your Catholocism to make your head spin. Though it is a lot easier in person and with a Bible :)
(But that isn't what Mormon missionaries are all about, don't get me wrong, we are trained not to put down other's religions, we are not trained to defeat people in a Bible bashing contest, but to know the scriptures backward and forward and to know our faith inside out)



But what about your original morman teachings and rules? For the longest time, Black people were considered the seed of Cain (which is somewhat insulting) which in christian denominations is only perscribed to monsters and, in epic poetry, big demons named Grendel.

Excuse me while I go a bit off-topic, here.
Gotta share...

So I was sitting in the park on 45th (Manhattan, NYC for those of you out there), minding my own business, which was a roast beef hero and an America's Best Iced Coffee. Wait.... There's a park on 45th Street? What avenue is this? Or did you mean 45th and Park, next to the Metlife building?

--The Democratic States of Cogitation

Clearly, since you fail to have even the most rudimentary grasp of grammar.

Here's what it should say:

Well, your attempts at educating here on NS wont be very fruitful for you. You should worry less about other peoples grammar and concern yourself with important matters. If you're so highly educated, good for you. Personally, I dont give a rat's ass!

Changes are in bold.


Well Foolio, this just shows how lame you really are. As I said I DONT GIVE A RATS ASS!

But what about your original morman teachings and rules? For the longest time, Black people were considered the seed of Cain (which is somewhat insulting) which in christian denominations is only perscribed to monsters and, in epic poetry, big demons named Grendel.
Actually that was Bruce Almiconkie. (or however you spell his name)
He created a book called Mormon Doctrine.

It is full of 1/2 truths, lies, and other things. Don't trust the book.

1/2 truths because some of what he says is kinda accurate, but than he adds his own opinion like the "seed of Cain" thingy.

It isn't the churches fault.

Actually that was Bruce Almiconkie. (or however you spell his name)
He created a book called Mormon Doctrine.

It is full of 1/2 truths, lies, and other things. Don't trust the book.

1/2 truths because some of what he says is kinda accurate, but than he adds his own opinion like the "seed of Cain" thingy.

It isn't the churches fault.

Oh stars... not /that/ book.

(I'll explain. It's sitting on my bookshelf as part of my 'know something about everything' campaign. I've never even looked at it much, as I've found asking people more effective. However, what I have seen is almost a complete opposition to what I've been told. Which was rather expected)

The point about Mormons being polite is, in my experience, absolutely correct. I've known several, and they're easily the most realistic and (pardon the oxymoron) down-to-Earth about their beliefs. My metaphysical hat is off to them. If they could just somehow rein in those rogue LDS folks who cling to the polygamy thing in southern Utah (they call themselves the NLDS or something like that). We all have our embarrassing relatives. I have several.

The FLDS, I believe.

And I have to say, the Mormon set of beliefs is the only one in which I have been able to set out a semi-scientific hypothesis on God without resorting to too many 'He's just all-powerful!'-type arguments. It involves working in six dimensions, but it /works/.

All I need to do now is explain exactly /why/. And then find a way to test it, and I'll be rich, but I'm not doing it for that reason anyway.

Excuse me while I go a bit off-topic, here.
Wait.... There's a park on 45th Street? What avenue is this? Or did you mean 45th and Park, next to the Metlife building?

--The Democratic States of Cogitation

Yep, there is a sort of park. Go up 45th, past 5th.

Look for the Ambrosia Deli (it's on the left). Go get the roast beef sandwich and the America's Best Iced Coffee. Remember to pay. Leave the deli and take a left. Go about half a block, the park is on the right.
It's small; maybe half a block, but it has a nice big fountain and lots of chairs and tables... and has shade! There's a sign saying "open to the public" and the name of it...

If you hit 6th, you've gone too far. :)