Comments on: LDS Baptism: Get ‘em while young! http://livingwithmormons.com/lds-baptism-get-em-while-young/ Collisions between faith and reason in Utah Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:19:20 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Annie http://livingwithmormons.com/lds-baptism-get-em-while-young/comment-page-1/#comment-459 Annie Sun, 08 Aug 2010 21:04:46 +0000 http://livingwithmormons.com/?p=185#comment-459 Lol you guys are acting like 8 year olds are little retards! They are not and they defiantly know wrong from right. 18 years is way to old to give them the choice, because they have already had it for years!! I find it very funny that you used this picture of the baby in water, you don't see that as a type of brainwash. They use that in marketing, showing a outrageous picture to make people react in either a positive or negative way... and you my friend picked the perfect one to jump start the negativity you feel about the church. Maybe you should not be questioning what we do, but question yourself. Lol you guys are acting like 8 year olds are little retards! They are not and they defiantly know wrong from right. 18 years is way to old to give them the choice, because they have already had it for years!!
I find it very funny that you used this picture of the baby in water, you don’t see that as a type of brainwash. They use that in marketing, showing a outrageous picture to make people react in either a positive or negative way… and you my friend picked the perfect one to jump start the negativity you feel about the church. Maybe you should not be questioning what we do, but question yourself.

]]> By: Carnival of the Godless « The atheist, polyamorous, skeptic http://livingwithmormons.com/lds-baptism-get-em-while-young/comment-page-1/#comment-435 Carnival of the Godless « The atheist, polyamorous, skeptic Sun, 18 Jul 2010 08:02:12 +0000 http://livingwithmormons.com/?p=185#comment-435 [...] “give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man,” but perhaps ol’ Joe Smith was indeed onto something with making them wait for it until they’re eight, as Living With Mormons argues.  He ends [...] [...] “give me a child until he is seven and I will give you the man,” but perhaps ol’ Joe Smith was indeed onto something with making them wait for it until they’re eight, as Living With Mormons argues.  He ends [...]

]]> By: Cuello http://livingwithmormons.com/lds-baptism-get-em-while-young/comment-page-1/#comment-427 Cuello Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:01:44 +0000 http://livingwithmormons.com/?p=185#comment-427 Baptism is with out doubt the best choice I have made in my life! I used to be of a different faith, but after looking way into the LDS religion, and PRAYING sincerly about the truth. I got my answer by the wonderful power of the Holy Ghost. All the things I read about, learned, and felt all made sense to me. I could also see how the adversary works. After making the choice of being baptized I recieved MANY calls and emails that was full with anti-mormon "facts". Most of the people who fed me this stuff did not even attend church. It really hit me to see how satan was trying to keep me from my baptism. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is led by Jesus Christ who is the savior of all of us. I have felt his spirit and his love. Most of the anti-mormon stuff I have come across is either not true or put into words that make it sound so bad. I was 18 years old when I was baptized, I really do wish I had the chance to be baptized at 8 years old. A year after I was baptized I MADE the choice of serving a 2 year mission. It was truly the best 2 years of my life. I got to teach people about Jesus Christ, and help them gain a strong testimony. I had the opportunity to do service for everyone! I am so blessed to have the LDS Church, and I hope people can stop gossiping about beliefs and find out on your own. Go to mormon.org and request missionaries, I promise all your questions will be answered. Gosh, I hear so much bad stuff talked about the church, and it testifies to me how satan is working to "try" and destroy Jesus Christ's church. If you want to know about the mormon religion...ASK A MORMON! Baptism is with out doubt the best choice I have made in my life! I used to be of a different faith, but after looking way into the LDS religion, and PRAYING sincerly about the truth. I got my answer by the wonderful power of the Holy Ghost. All the things I read about, learned, and felt all made sense to me. I could also see how the adversary works. After making the choice of being baptized I recieved MANY calls and emails that was full with anti-mormon “facts”. Most of the people who fed me this stuff did not even attend church. It really hit me to see how satan was trying to keep me from my baptism. I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is led by Jesus Christ who is the savior of all of us. I have felt his spirit and his love. Most of the anti-mormon stuff I have come across is either not true or put into words that make it sound so bad. I was 18 years old when I was baptized, I really do wish I had the chance to be baptized at 8 years old. A year after I was baptized I MADE the choice of serving a 2 year mission. It was truly the best 2 years of my life. I got to teach people about Jesus Christ, and help them gain a strong testimony. I had the opportunity to do service for everyone! I am so blessed to have the LDS Church, and I hope people can stop gossiping about beliefs and find out on your own. Go to mormon.org and request missionaries, I promise all your questions will be answered. Gosh, I hear so much bad stuff talked about the church, and it testifies to me how satan is working to “try” and destroy Jesus Christ’s church. If you want to know about the mormon religion…ASK A MORMON!

]]> By: Niels http://livingwithmormons.com/lds-baptism-get-em-while-young/comment-page-1/#comment-423 Niels Fri, 28 May 2010 06:18:34 +0000 http://livingwithmormons.com/?p=185#comment-423 It is a choice. That's the point. What kind of parent would you be if you didn't help your children make good choices? Peer pressure will influence their choices enough already. Why not give them a jumpstart in a good direction? If you are not going to advise your children for the good, and leave all their decisions up to themselves, then what the hell are you doing as a parent? The 'cool' kids at school will surely help them in decision making. Are you going to raise your kids, or let society raise them? Any church can help you raise your kids. Once or twice a week would be good to go to church and learn about Christ, but most teachings of Christ should be learned in the home by the example of loving parents. Not every child is privilidged to have a good home, so churches can help more in those situations. From what I have read about the LDS religion, it is a good church. They help out any disaster with money, hygene kits, food, medical help, etc. all from funds donated by members of the church. They teach good Christian values. They are some of the nicest people I have met. They're kids are generally well behaved, but remember they are still kids. Nobody's perfect. That's why we have baptism. We mess up. And if you mess up after baptism, according to the LDS doctrine you can take the sacrament to renew your baptismal covenent. If the religion is not for you, move on. Let them worship how they want, and dont be angry because it is not how you worship. From one of their Articles of Faith: We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. It is a choice. That’s the point. What kind of parent would you be if you didn’t help your children make good choices? Peer pressure will influence their choices enough already. Why not give them a jumpstart in a good direction? If you are not going to advise your children for the good, and leave all their decisions up to themselves, then what the hell are you doing as a parent? The ‘cool’ kids at school will surely help them in decision making. Are you going to raise your kids, or let society raise them? Any church can help you raise your kids. Once or twice a week would be good to go to church and learn about Christ, but most teachings of Christ should be learned in the home by the example of loving parents. Not every child is privilidged to have a good home, so churches can help more in those situations.

From what I have read about the LDS religion, it is a good church. They help out any disaster with money, hygene kits, food, medical help, etc. all from funds donated by members of the church. They teach good Christian values. They are some of the nicest people I have met. They’re kids are generally well behaved, but remember they are still kids. Nobody’s perfect. That’s why we have baptism. We mess up. And if you mess up after baptism, according to the LDS doctrine you can take the sacrament to renew your baptismal covenent. If the religion is not for you, move on. Let them worship how they want, and dont be angry because it is not how you worship. From one of their Articles of Faith: We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

]]> By: Virtuous teen http://livingwithmormons.com/lds-baptism-get-em-while-young/comment-page-1/#comment-421 Virtuous teen Sat, 22 May 2010 03:39:21 +0000 http://livingwithmormons.com/?p=185#comment-421 I still remember my baptism day. It's definately something you can choose to have done. You aren't a baby at age 8... You're old enough to choose for yourself and make personal decisions. Killing your child before age 8 would be totally mocking God's awesome plan. Jesus suffered for our sins on the cross so we can repent and make it back to Heaven. I am only 13 but I freaking know this is all true. It's your choice if you wanna believe it or not though. I still remember my baptism day. It’s definately something you can choose to have done. You aren’t a baby at age 8… You’re old enough to choose for yourself and make personal decisions. Killing your child before age 8 would be totally mocking God’s awesome plan. Jesus suffered for our sins on the cross so we can repent and make it back to Heaven. I am only 13 but I freaking know this is all true. It’s your choice if you wanna believe it or not though.

]]> By: Snarf http://livingwithmormons.com/lds-baptism-get-em-while-young/comment-page-1/#comment-417 Snarf Sun, 04 Apr 2010 23:41:12 +0000 http://livingwithmormons.com/?p=185#comment-417 While I see that this subject is almost a year old, I would like to add my two cents... Unfortunately, most people's view and judgments of Mormons and their practices come from watching what I call "traditional Mormons". This concept is not new to the world. The Jews of Christ's time had the scriptures, but lived what they thought was right, but was merely a shadow of what the truth was. Catholics for generations, have lived various traditional versions of what they thought was truth. Any LDS person who does not teach their child the truth, and allow them free choice, working to curb the brainwashing of traditionalists and society, is not living the religion they profess to believe in. and many of the options and thoughts expressed above, about the seemingly hypocritical Mormons they encounter, are because to few Mormons live the religion as it should be lived. Yes, i do believe that if a child should die(even if it is by the hands of their parents(very bad idea)) before the age of accountability, would be saved through Christ's sacrifice. While I see that this subject is almost a year old, I would like to add my two cents…
Unfortunately, most people’s view and judgments of Mormons and their practices come from watching what I call “traditional Mormons”. This concept is not new to the world. The Jews of Christ’s time had the scriptures, but lived what they thought was right, but was merely a shadow of what the truth was. Catholics for generations, have lived various traditional versions of what they thought was truth. Any LDS person who does not teach their child the truth, and allow them free choice, working to curb the brainwashing of traditionalists and society, is not living the religion they profess to believe in. and many of the options and thoughts expressed above, about the seemingly hypocritical Mormons they encounter, are because to few Mormons live the religion as it should be lived. Yes, i do believe that if a child should die(even if it is by the hands of their parents(very bad idea)) before the age of accountability, would be saved through Christ’s sacrifice.

]]> By: Gingee http://livingwithmormons.com/lds-baptism-get-em-while-young/comment-page-1/#comment-415 Gingee Sat, 27 Mar 2010 05:22:46 +0000 http://livingwithmormons.com/?p=185#comment-415 I have often heard (being raised LDS) that "we" are baptized at 8 to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost at such a young age, which will help us "Choose the Right" in all of our adolescent years. I believe that God is with ALL of his children - not just members of the LDS faith who have the "gift" of the holy ghost with them. I believe that God will help all who need him. Why do we think we need to baptise so early? They are little children without sin. Why not wait until they are older and can actually benefit from their sins being washed away and being made clean? Let us not forget another HUGE clause to this - the becomming a member of the LDS church before they have ANY idea what they are choosing. I have often heard (being raised LDS) that “we” are baptized at 8 to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost at such a young age, which will help us “Choose the Right” in all of our adolescent years. I believe that God is with ALL of his children – not just members of the LDS faith who have the “gift” of the holy ghost with them. I believe that God will help all who need him. Why do we think we need to baptise so early? They are little children without sin. Why not wait until they are older and can actually benefit from their sins being washed away and being made clean? Let us not forget another HUGE clause to this – the becomming a member of the LDS church before they have ANY idea what they are choosing.

]]> By: Mom of One Confused 8 year old http://livingwithmormons.com/lds-baptism-get-em-while-young/comment-page-1/#comment-411 Mom of One Confused 8 year old Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:11:56 +0000 http://livingwithmormons.com/?p=185#comment-411 My little girl is being pulled in the direction of baptism by her grandmother who promises her more friends and other lies. Being 8 and very socially aware, she tells me she doesn't want to be friends with the very kids, saying they are rude and not allowed to play at our house (the evil non-mormon neighbor). I am confident that she is learning standard American values of honesty, hard work, charity and humility within our family setting. I don't appreciate grandma's use of threats of what might happen if she's not baptized. "She'll end up....." usually begins the threats. Being a career educator/administrator I can promise that mormon and non-mormon children suffer social ills the same. Given the additional pressures to present a facad, I believe the non-member children have a more supportive primary group at home. Dear Grandma, You forced religion upon your five children. How many of them are dedicated mormons? Zero. How many have divorced? Two. Please allow me to parent in a different way. "She'll end up.... Tolerant Kind Compassionate Service minded Free thinking.... ....Just like her mother :)" I do not discourage religion. I am however leaving the choice to her. After all, isn't that why 8 is the "age of accountability"? My little girl is being pulled in the direction of baptism by her grandmother who promises her more friends and other lies.
Being 8 and very socially aware, she tells me she doesn’t want to be friends with the very kids, saying they are rude and not allowed to play at our house (the evil non-mormon neighbor).
I am confident that she is learning standard American values of honesty, hard work, charity and humility within our family setting. I don’t appreciate grandma’s use of threats of what might happen if she’s not baptized. “She’ll end up…..” usually begins the threats.
Being a career educator/administrator I can promise that mormon and non-mormon children suffer social ills the same. Given the additional pressures to present a facad, I believe the non-member children have a more supportive primary group at home.

Dear Grandma,
You forced religion upon your five children. How many of them are dedicated mormons? Zero. How many have divorced? Two.

Please allow me to parent in a different way. “She’ll end up….
Tolerant
Kind
Compassionate
Service minded
Free thinking….
….Just like her mother :) ”

I do not discourage religion. I am however leaving the choice to her. After all, isn’t that why 8 is the “age of accountability”?

]]> By: Bryan http://livingwithmormons.com/lds-baptism-get-em-while-young/comment-page-1/#comment-292 Bryan Thu, 15 Oct 2009 18:27:01 +0000 http://livingwithmormons.com/?p=185#comment-292 We (Mormons) also believe in the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which occurs after the prerequisite of baptism. Baptism is the gate to the path of Eternal Life; it sets us on the beginning of the path. Baptism doesn't save us, but staying on the path after baptism does. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is another ordinance that follows baptism in which the newly baptized person receives the promise of an extra endowment of the Lord's Spirit (or Holy Ghost) and His blessings to follow (the fruit of the Spirit): personal revelation (more than just inspiration) and many other fruits of the Spirit like joy, peace, happiness, long-suffering, patience, spiritual refinement, sanctification, purification. If you imagine our walk on the path of Eternal Life as occurring in a dark room, then the Gift of the Holy Ghost is like receiving a flashlight that usually just lights a few steps ahead of us, and every once in a while illuminates the scenery to the side or way ahead, or even beyond the end of the mortal path. Who wouldn't want to give that to their children when eight years old? We (Mormons) also believe in the Gift of the Holy Ghost, which occurs after the prerequisite of baptism. Baptism is the gate to the path of Eternal Life; it sets us on the beginning of the path. Baptism doesn’t save us, but staying on the path after baptism does. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is another ordinance that follows baptism in which the newly baptized person receives the promise of an extra endowment of the Lord’s Spirit (or Holy Ghost) and His blessings to follow (the fruit of the Spirit): personal revelation (more than just inspiration) and many other fruits of the Spirit like joy, peace, happiness, long-suffering, patience, spiritual refinement, sanctification, purification. If you imagine our walk on the path of Eternal Life as occurring in a dark room, then the Gift of the Holy Ghost is like receiving a flashlight that usually just lights a few steps ahead of us, and every once in a while illuminates the scenery to the side or way ahead, or even beyond the end of the mortal path. Who wouldn’t want to give that to their children when eight years old?

]]> By: Valerie http://livingwithmormons.com/lds-baptism-get-em-while-young/comment-page-1/#comment-274 Valerie Sun, 30 Aug 2009 04:19:53 +0000 http://livingwithmormons.com/?p=185#comment-274 If you truly would like an answer to that question, it is because Latter-Day Saints believe that we all "chose" to come to this earth to go through life experiences to grow and develope "eternal character", (my term, not Joseph Smith's)if you will. We see life as a growing and learning time, as well as a testing time, so why would we take away our children's opportunity to grow and learn, not to mention committing such a gevious sin that we would pretty much insure that our own life was a waste of effort and a total failure? Learning to "choose the right" is what it's supposed to be about, not choosing the wrong. If you truly would like an answer to that question, it is because Latter-Day Saints believe that we all “chose” to come to this earth to go through life experiences to grow and develope “eternal character”, (my term, not Joseph Smith’s)if you will. We see life as a growing and learning time, as well as a testing time, so why would we take away our children’s opportunity to grow and learn, not to mention committing such a gevious sin that we would pretty much insure that our own life was a waste of effort and a total failure? Learning to “choose the right” is what it’s supposed to be about, not choosing the wrong.

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