5 Responses to “Do Mormons who question Church teachings face excommunicatio…”
Miguel Leal
2008-08-18 06:18:07
Many anti-Mormons like to spread the rumor that if a Mormon questions in any way the teachings of his Church, he'll be excommunicated (kicked out). This is absolutely false. In fact, the very opposite is true. In Mormon theology, in order to receive a confirmation of any truth from God, one must first "study it out in [his] mind" (D&C 9:8-9). This process of "studying it out" includes questioning, supposing, and challenging. Questioning, in the context of "studying it out," is actually a must in Mormonism.
The LDS (Mormon) Church keeps no list of "banned books." Contrary to the allegations of one prominent YouTube anti-Mormon, there is no "cartoon banned by the Mormon Church." I do not personally recommend that anyone study anti-Mormon literature because of the many misleading lies presented therein (it's just not a reliable source of information), but the Church does not prohibit it. As is apparent to those familiar with this site, I have read nearly every anti-Mormon argument. The Church has never censured me for reading questioning literature or for studying and inquiring-questioning-church teachings in the context of "studying it out." I have questioned many Church doctrines-I have taken apart those doctrines and reassembled them in my mind many times-without any Church discipline. On the contrary, I'd be less of a Mormon if I didn't question things in the search for truth.
Anonymous
2009-02-12 09:06:54
Ditto to what everyone else said. The church never, ever bans anything at all and we are free to do what we please.
I personally got really wrapped up in anti-mormon literature and it destroys your soul and testimony. It is a waste of time and every day some person that sounds like he knows what he is talking about that uses big words and a couple of references will twist and lie about doctrine, policies, and dealings of the church. Any bum can put ant-mormon stuff on the internet but it doesn't mean it's true.
If you have this problem first get your testimony back with God. Don't get your testimony by evidence and proof. It will not help and isn't a foundation to get back on track. Get your relationship with God first and his son Jesus Christ. Understand how the spirit works, and than all the doubts you have you study it, research, and ask God. You know the drill I don't have to go into detail.
Vivian
2008-08-18 06:17:19
Hi,
Question 1: the answer is no. I'm free to ask, study, read. The most important thing is that you can have a personal testimony of any doctrine or principle, by study, praying, fasting (if needed) and by the influence of the Holy Ghost. I'll come to you at any time if you keep your heart open... at any time.
Question 2: I've read a lot of anti mormon texts... Well, I have to say I used to do so.. Because it's always the same thing, "Nothing new under the sun...". I don't encourage to others to read them because it's a waste of time and energy and it's better to used the same time to read the scriptures and a lot of other good books, and I discover that a lie will never brings you peace or joy, ever.
Anonymous
2008-08-18 06:28:30
No... And no. I do not recommend anyone, member or not to read anti mormon books, but I read some and it makes my testimony even stronger and I know that the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ is found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true.
Grandpa Chet
2014-12-22 07:24:57
If we faced excommunication by questioning our leaders, reading anti-Mormon (i. E. - anti-Christian) books, or challenging the status quo, Joseph Smith would have been excommunicated several times over.
The LDS (Mormon) Church keeps no list of "banned books." Contrary to the allegations of one prominent YouTube anti-Mormon, there is no "cartoon banned by the Mormon Church." I do not personally recommend that anyone study anti-Mormon literature because of the many misleading lies presented therein (it's just not a reliable source of information), but the Church does not prohibit it. As is apparent to those familiar with this site, I have read nearly every anti-Mormon argument. The Church has never censured me for reading questioning literature or for studying and inquiring-questioning-church teachings in the context of "studying it out." I have questioned many Church doctrines-I have taken apart those doctrines and reassembled them in my mind many times-without any Church discipline. On the contrary, I'd be less of a Mormon if I didn't question things in the search for truth.
I personally got really wrapped up in anti-mormon literature and it destroys your soul and testimony. It is a waste of time and every day some person that sounds like he knows what he is talking about that uses big words and a couple of references will twist and lie about doctrine, policies, and dealings of the church. Any bum can put ant-mormon stuff on the internet but it doesn't mean it's true.
If you have this problem first get your testimony back with God. Don't get your testimony by evidence and proof. It will not help and isn't a foundation to get back on track. Get your relationship with God first and his son Jesus Christ. Understand how the spirit works, and than all the doubts you have you study it, research, and ask God. You know the drill I don't have to go into detail.
Question 1: the answer is no. I'm free to ask, study, read. The most important thing is that you can have a personal testimony of any doctrine or principle, by study, praying, fasting (if needed) and by the influence of the Holy Ghost. I'll come to you at any time if you keep your heart open... at any time.
Question 2: I've read a lot of anti mormon texts... Well, I have to say I used to do so.. Because it's always the same thing, "Nothing new under the sun...". I don't encourage to others to read them because it's a waste of time and energy and it's better to used the same time to read the scriptures and a lot of other good books, and I discover that a lie will never brings you peace or joy, ever.