Originally Posted By melekalikimaka LOL, here's how out of it I am right now...I meant to write Sam, not Frodo. I may be losing my mind.
Originally Posted By jonvn Ok, we agree. Because, really, Frodo didn't volunteer for this thing, it was just thrust upon him, unknowingly. Sam went along knowing what could happen. He didn't have to go. Then when he had the ring of power, and Frodo was weakened, he didn't have to give it back, but did. That took a lot of strength of character to do that.
Originally Posted By Mr X **The LDS is perhaps the greatest scam in history.** DVC_Dad, I think one could argue the same about religion as a whole. Think about what an amazing Ponzi scheme that whole establishment is. Say what you will about various groups' donations to the poor and whatnot (donations anyone could make themselves if they wished, no need for a go-between), but these groups have existed for CENTURIES by taking the "donations" of their faithful in order to enrich their leaders. Each..and..every..one.. We're talking a multi-trillion dollar industry here. And people wonder why Jon and others have said religion is a bad thing.
Originally Posted By Mr X **The LDS people believe that the ONLY way to be able to return and live with God (and eventually become like Him) is FIRST to be cleansed from our sin through the atonement of Jesus Christ. No other way to do that. So your claim that in LDS theology "there is no need for Christ" is untrue.** Here are my thoughts as an agnostic... If "god", as a concept, means a being without evil or sin, a "perfect" being if you will (and I think everyone pretty much believes that right), then how could a PERSON who has sinned become a god? The christian argument is that Jesus didn't sin at all, and I would pretty much agree with that based on what the bible says (who knows if it's true or not, but if you take it at face value...the guy was "perfect" and thus could be in line for god status). But for any regular people, like Mormons? None of them, or very few, are perfect. So how could they be lined up to become gods? I don't get it. Or maybe I missed the concept of what a "god" really is??
Originally Posted By Mr X **when you claim you're the "one and only true church"** Don't they all do that?
Originally Posted By utahjosh Mr. X, you pose great questions in post 185. I can't answer them all, some of the great philisopical/religious questions aren't answered by the LDS teachings - but the answers that matter, the answers that help us in this life and lead us to salvation in the next, are. The basic principle is that through Jesus Christ, each of us can be completely cleansed of our sin. Thus making us holy and eventually joint-heirs with Him.
Originally Posted By Mr X There's a difference between being holy and being a god, if you believe that stuff. The general consensus of "god" these days is one of a perfect being. Thus, people can't be gods. But whatever...like I've said I don't buy into any of it anyway so your version is no more/less silly than the others in my book.
