LDS question? (Jesus, paradise, follower, LDS, pray)

[Reverend Rick]

I'm not sure I have posted this thread in the correct place as I am not looking to debate anything. I may ask some questions that might come close to the line, so I am posting my questions here.

First off, I want to say that I have the utmost respect for every LDS person I have ever met. Here is my question:

I have heard that some of you pray for dead souls of people you have never met or may not have lived in your life time. If anyone could explain this practice and field some basic questions would be much appreciated.

[SoyLeche]

Originally Posted by Reverend Rick

I'm not sure I have posted this thread in the correct place as I am not looking to debate anything. I may ask some questions that might come close to the line, so I am posting my questions here.

First off, I want to say that I have the utmost respect for every LDS person I have ever met. Here is my question:

I have heard that some of you pray for dead souls of people you have never met or may not have lived in your life time. If anyone could explain this practice and field some basic questions would be much appreciated.

I have prayed "for dead souls of people you have never met or may not have lived in your life time", but I don't think that is really what you are referring to

I believe you are referring to the practice of "Baptism for the Dead". We believe that baptism is a required for anyone who has reached the age of accountability (i.e. is capable of sinning). We also believe that baptism must be performed by someone holding the proper authority. This being the case, however, there have been many, many people who have lived and died without the opportunity of receiving an authoritative baptism.

The solution that the Lord has presented to us is to have them baptized by proxy. Someone is baptised in their name, and then the baptism is available to them if they should choose to accept it. They don't have to accept it if they don't want to, but it is available.

Currently, you are not supposed to submit someone's name for this ordinance unless they are related to you - so, while we may not have known them, there is a connection.

Hopefully this helps.

[Reverend Rick]

So LDS believe in the bible, they just have added a book of Mormon, is this correct?

Does the book of Mormon have any contradictory verses to the bible that you know of?

Mormons are Christians as well correct?

[SoyLeche]

Originally Posted by Reverend Rick

So LDS believe in the bible, they just have added a book of Mormon, is this correct?

There are a 2 more books to, and we accept the possibility that more will come in the future, but your understanding is close enough

Does the book of Mormon have any contradictory verses to the bible that you know of?

None that have I've found.

Mormons are Christians as well correct?

Depends on how you want to define "Christian". If you mean "Someone who holds Christ as the ultimate authority" then yes. If you mean "Someone who accepts the Apostolic Creed" then no. I think the first definition is more appropriate, but discussions on that topic can be heated.

[Reverend Rick]

I'm not looking for anything even close to a debate, just a better understanding of your religion.

While I agree that a Christian should be baptised, I do not believe it is an ultimate requirement to enter heaven.

The two men that were nailed to the cross with Jesus would be a perfect example of my belief. One repented and Jesus told him they would be together in heaven.

This person obviously did not have a chance to be baptised as he was dieing on the cross with Jesus.

[SoyLeche]

Originally Posted by Reverend Rick

I'm not looking for anything even close to a debate, just a better understanding of your religion.

While I agree that a Christian should be baptised, I do not believe it is an ultimate requirement to enter heaven.

The two men that were nailed to the cross with Jesus would be a perfect example of my belief. One repented and Jesus told him they would be together in heaven.

This person obviously did not have a chance to be baptised as he was dieing on the cross with Jesus.

2 things with the theif:

1 - We believe that "Paradise" and "Heaven" are different places, one being a place people go between death and resurrection, the other being after resurrection.

2 - Everyone assumes that the theif hadn't been baptised (which is probably true), but it is possible that he had been a follower of John the Baptist and had received one.

I don't really want to debate either, just thought I'd point these out.

[Reverend Rick]

Do you believe in the Lambs Book of Life?

[SoyLeche]

Originally Posted by Reverend Rick

Do you believe in the Lambs Book of Life?

I'm not exactly sure what you are referring to. I believe there is a "record" kept, but I'm not sure we have the same view about that.

[Reverend Rick]

Ok, I will rephrase, do you believe the only way to the Father is through the Son?