Religion "Fixed in Human Nature"

Actually, all people baptized into the Church whose names are recorded on the official membership rolls are living, breathing human beings. I used that expression in my previous comment because I fully expect some dolt to claim the Church pads its membership rolls with baptisms for the dead. It doesn't.

Just for information, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grows by approximately 1 million members every 3-4 years. The vast majority of those are living, breathing human beings who decide of their own free will to accept the Gospel and join the Church. Children born to Church members constitute a fraction of the total number of baptisms.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

CCNL (Church of Clancy, Nusbaum, and Luigi)writes to Paganplace:

"Hmmm, to reiterate, there is nothing wrong with masturbation."

We are delighted that CCNL is once again intoning the famous Luigian chant with which he was wont to begin his posts: "Hmmm"

His confession to Paganplace shows he has seen the Sainted Archbishop Luigi of the Lasagna, who has advised him to masturbate (in vivo, not only in cyberspace as he's always done). CCNL is here to spread the good err news.

Understandably, he has been close to despair over the impending demise of his fellow Embryonic Stem Cells, they who form the congregation of his Church.

I did not know that Embryonic Stem Cells could masturbate, nor was I aware that the activity could bring them peace.

I'm not much of a masturbater myself, but to each his own, and who am I to criticize the Embryonic Stem Cell Faith? Especially, in such perilous times.

We wish him peace in the name of Pasta, the Meatballs, and the Lasagna.

In solidarity,

Hmmm

Hmmm, Mormonism is one of the fastest growing religions? Keeping Mormon wives pregnant and in the kitchen is the likely reason.

CCNL,

If no one is converting to "Mormonism", then why is the LDS church one of the fastest growing churches?

Also, you keep harping on this "business cult" thing.
If you want to see a "business cult", try these faiths that advertise the books they are selling, or a mega-church selling faith healing.
You’ll find none of that in the LDS church.

However, if you want a copy of The Book of Mormon, just ask. It’s free.

Mark
Always seek the truth.

Hmmm, the subject at hand?

Hmmm, no one converting to Mormonism because it is obvious that Mormonism is a business cult fronting as a religion and therefore has no contact to any god other than the god of money??

It is again apparent that Farnaz is not going to apologize for her lies so please skip anything written by Farnaz, the Jewish atheist, since she continues to lie about who she is by using at least five aliases i.e. Farnaz2 aka Observer12 aka Observer31 aka Yael1 aka ivri5678 aka Billy8.

Her constant lying is an embarrassment to her relatives and her Jewish heritage.

The comments section for each of Michael Otterson's columns largely gets hijacked by our resident birdbrain CCNL. His posts always have the same irrelevant and nonsensical content regardless of the subject. It would be interesting to have a talk with his therapist.

The only way for anyone to post a sensible comment is to ignore CCNL and deal with the subject at hand.

It is apparent that Farnaz is not going to apologize for her lies so please skip anything written by Farnaz, the Jewish atheist, since she continues to lie about who she is by using at least five aliases i.e. Farnaz2 aka Observer12 aka Observer31 aka Yael1 aka ivri5678 aka Billy8.

Her constant lying is an embarrassment to herself, her relatives and her Jewish heritage.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

CCNL (Church of Clancy, Nusbaum, and Luigi)writes to Paganplace:

"Hmmm, to reiterate, there is nothing wrong with masturbation."

We are delighted that CCNL is once again intoning the famous Luigian chant with which he was wont to begin his posts: "Hmmm"

His confession to Paganplace shows he has seen the Sainted Archbishop Luigi of the Lasagna, who has advised him to masturbate (in vivo, not only in cyberspace as he's always done). CCNL is here to spread the good err news.

Understandably, he has been close to despair over the impending demise of his fellow Embryonic Stem Cells, they who form the congregation of his Church.

I did not know that Embryonic Stem Cells could masturbate, nor was I aware that the activity could bring them peace.

I'm not much of a masturbater myself, but to each his own, and who am I to criticize the Embryonic Stem Cell Faith? Especially, in such perilous times.

We wish him peace in the name of Pasta, the Meatballs, and the Lasagna.

In solidarity,

Hmmm

It is apparent that Farnaz is not going to apologize for her lies so please skip anything written by Farnaz, the Jewish atheist, since she continues to lie about who she is by using at least five aliases i.e. Farnaz2 aka Observer12 aka Observer31 aka Yael1 aka ivri5678 aka Billy8.

Her constant lying is an embarrassment to her relatives and her Jewish heritage.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

CCNL (Church of Clancy, Nusbaum, and Luigi)writes to Paganplace:

"Hmmm, to reiterate, there is nothing wrong with masturbation."

We are delighted that CCNL is once again intoning the famous Luigian chant with which he was wont to begin his posts: "Hmmm"

His confession to Paganplace shows he has seen the Sainted Archbishop Luigi of the Lasagna, who has advised him to masturbate (in vivo, not only in cyberspace as he's always done). CCNL is here to spread the good err news.

Understandably, he has been close to despair over the impending demise of his fellow Embryonic Stem Cells, they who form the congregation of his Church.

I did not know that Embryonic Stem Cells could masturbate, nor was I aware that the activity could bring them peace.

I'm not much of a masturbater myself, but to each his own, and who am I to criticize the Embryonic Stem Cell Faith? Especially, in such perilous times.

CCNL, we all wish you peace in the name of Pasta, the Meatballs, and the Lasagna.

In solidarity,

Hmmm

God or no god, Mormonism is still a business cult fronting as a religion based on the hallucinations/con-job of one Joe Smith and his imaginary "pretty, thingie", Moroni.

Gabby1,

REF: your assertion that the vast majority do not believe in God.

When I was an engineer for Hughes we had a saying: “A statement without facts to back it up is just a man with an opinion”. You seem to fall into that statement.

There are reams of scientifically verifiable research that shows you are wrong.

Also, your statements being self-contradictory show a level of confusion.

You don’t seem to understand that God –IS- “…the ultimate power that created the universe”, and “The bible, koran, torah…” has everything to do with God, or the ultimate power because they are one and the same.

If you need help understanding that concept, I would be glad to help.

Mark
Always seek the truth.

It is apparent that Farnaz is not going to apologize for her lies so please skip anything written by Farnaz, the Jewish atheist, since she continues to lie about who she is by using at least five aliases i.e. Farnaz2 aka Observer12 aka Observer31 aka Yael1 aka ivri5678 aka Billy8.

Her constant lying is an embarrassment to her relatives and her Jewish heritage.

CCNL (Church of Clancy, Nusbaum, and Luigi)
We hear again from our representative from the Church of Clancy, Nusbaum, and Luigi (CCNL).
The impending demise of his fellow embryonic stem cells has all but frazzled
CCNL's potential brain (cell). And we though of a different biostratum, extend our heartfelt condolences.

see you have either not seen the Sainted Archbishop Luigi of the Lasagna for pastoral counseling or that you have, but need to go again.

As you now know, he has returned from his visit with the Holy Sauce.

You should not be embarrassed to return to him for guidance. These are perilous times for you and your fellow embryonic stem cells.

Until you see him, ask yourself WWLD (What would Luigi do?). You can then ask him directly, but do not ask, WWLD, since you are no longer speaking to yourself. Say instead, WSID (What should I do?). If you wish, you can later compare answers (yours with his).

Until you see him, why not say the famous Luigian chant, with which you were wont to begin your posts: "Hmmm"

May you have peace in the name of the Pasta, the Meatballs, and the Lasagna.

Hmmm

Most of us skip anything written by Farnaz, the Jewish atheist, since she continues to lie about who she is by using at least five aliases i.e. Farnaz2 aka Observer12 aka Observer31 aka Yael1 aka ivri5678 aka Billy8.

Her lying 24/7 is a constant
embarrassment to her Jewish heritage!!!

CCNL (Church of Clancy, Nusbaum, and Luigi)

We hear again from our representative from the Church of Clancy, Nusbaum, and Luigi (CCNL).

The impending demise of his fellow embryonic stem cells has all but frazzled
CCNL's potential brain (cell). And we though of a different biostratum, extend our heartfelt condolences.

I see you have either not seen the Sainted Archbishop Luigi of the Lasagna for pastoral counseling or that you have, but need to go again.

As you now know, he has returned from his visit with the Holy Sauce.

You should not be embarrassed to go again to him for guidance. These are perilous times for you and all your fellow embryonic stem cells.

Until you see him, ask yourself WWLD (What would Luigi do?). You can then ask him directly, but do not ask, WWLD, since you are no longer speaking to yourself. Say instead, WSID (What should I do?). If you wish, you can later compare answers (yours with his).

Until you see him, why not say the famous Luigian chant, with which you were wont to begin your posts: "Hmmm"

May you have peace in the name of the Pasta, the Meatballs, and the Lasagna.

Hmmm

Most of us skip anything written by Farnaz, the Jewish atheist, since she continues to lie about who she is by using at least five aliases i.e. Farnaz2 aka Observer12 aka Observer31 aka Yael1 aka ivri5678 aka Billy8.

Her lying 24/7 is a daily embarrassment to her Jewish heritage!!!

CCNL (Church of Clancy, Nusbaum, and Luigi)

We hear again from our representative from the Church of Clancy, Nusbaum, and Luigi (CCNL).

The impending demise of his fellow embryonic stem cells has all but frazzled
CCNL's potential brain (cell). And we though of a different biostratum, extend our heartfelt condolences.

I see you have either not seen the Sainted Archbishop Luigi of the Lasagna for pastoral counseling or that you have, but need to go again.

As you now know, he has returned from his visit with the Holy Sauce.

You should not be embarrassed to go again to him for guidance. These are perilous times for you and all your fellow embryonic stem cells.

Until you see him, ask yourself WWLD (What would Luigi do?). You can then ask him directly, but do not ask, WWLD, since you are no longer speaking to yourself. Say instead, WSID (What should I do?). If you wish, you can later compare answers (yours with his).

Until you see him, why not say the famous Luigian chant, with which you were wont to begin your posts: "Hmmm"

May you have peace in the name of the Pasta, the Meatballs, and the Lasagna.

Hmmm

Mr. Otterson,

You stated: "But we miss the big picture if we think this signifies a wholesale abandonment of religion. The vast majority of Americans still believe in God"

I disagree, the vast majority of Americans and people all over the world are looking for that invinite power larger than ourselves, but it has nothing to do with the Christian God or the Bible.

The bible, koran, torah and the multitude of other scriptures that exist are organized religions, but that has nothing to do with seeking the ultimate power that created the universe.

Religion is nothing but taking people for a ride in whatever fantasy they would like to believe.

The search for the ultimate power has nothing to do with religion.

CCNL:

Quit bashing Farnaz. You, yourself, are not exactly a beacon of delight!

Most of us skip anything written by Farnaz, the Jewish atheist, since she continues to lie about who she is by using at least five aliases i.e. Farnaz2 aka Observer12 aka Observer31 aka Yael1 aka ivri5678 aka Billy8.

Such violations of the Eighth Commandment are a disgrace to her heritage!!!

ivri5768,

That does sound delicious.

CCNL (Church of Clancy, Nusbaum, and Luigi)

We hear again from our representative from the Church of Clancy, Nusbaum, and Luigi (CCNL).

The impending demise of his fellow embryonic stem cells has all but frazzled
CCNL's potential brain (cell). And we though of a different biostratum, extend our heartfelt condolences.

I see you have either not seen the Sainted Archbishop Luigi of the Lasagna for pastoral counseling or that you have, but need to go again.

As you now know, he has returned from his visit with the Holy Sauce.

You should not be embarrassed to go again to him for guidance. These are perilous times for you and all your fellow embryonic stem cells.

Until you see him, ask yourself WWLD (What would Luigi do?). You can then ask him directly, but do not ask, WWLD, since you are no longer speaking to yourself. Say instead, WSID (What should I do?). If you wish, you can later compare answers (yours with his).

Until you see him, why not say the famous Luigian chant, with which you were wont to begin your posts: "Hmmm"

May you have peace in the name of the Pasta, the Meatballs, and the Lasagna.

Hmmm

Oh, I most definitely would not want science to replace my own faith.

I think what I'm trying to say is, I think that science to some degree is a form of higher power for those who bow to the God of Science. Even the theory of relativity has an absolute (the speed of light). People need to feel like there is some overarching power or presence (or theory, or process) that they fit into, like cogs into a complex and productive piece of machinery. Thus, the tendency to seek a "higher power."

Ttagyoureit

I find science to be like a glimmer of understanding of God and his purposes.
The more we learn about nature, the more we realize that all this couldn’t have happened by chance.

If god where to have made it obvious that he did all this, then he would be taking away our opportunity to prove ourselves worthy to return to our father’s house. There would then be no reason for even being here.

On the other hand, science needs to be restrained, as in stem cell research, so that it doesn’t interfere with gods plan to bring souls into this world.

Explore/study nature? Yes! Let it replace our faith? No!

Mark
Always seek the truth.

Yeah, Mark. Sorry about that.

I get so tired of it. :(

Back to the discussion... I find the phenomenon of seeking a higher power an interesting aspect of humanity. And it's nearly universal; in every culture, every continent, there is something. The trend these days towards science and relativism is still (IMO) a form of higher power.

I'd rather have a discusson.
But, these blogs seem to be dominated by (what you said).

Mark
Always seek the turth.

Wow, you guys really aren't interested in discussing the content of the actual article, are you? Just interested in bashing.

Bigots.

The tired message is that of the con job of Mormonism!!! One wonders how the prophets of said business cult can sleep at night knowing the truth about the very tarnished "golden plates"!!!

kjohnson3
RE: "the Mormon theology of pious men becoming gods and ruling their own little universes."

That's not "Mormon Theology". It's in the bible. You should read it some time.

Mark
Always seek the truth.

And when everybody else wakes up from the sleep induced by sheer boredom of CCNL's posts, they'll discover a tape recorder playing an old, tired message from an old, tired numbskull.

And when Mormons wake up tomorrow, Mormonism will still be a business cult fronting as a religion which is based on the lies of one of the great con artists of the 19th century, one Joseph Smith and his "pretty, horn-blowing thingie", Moroni.

Mmmm... yeah, I do see a bit of hating going on here. Not in the original post.

I think that the philosophies and historical events summarized here are some good food for thought. And I think the evidence is irrefutable that, in times of crisis, people do seem to turn to some kind of "higher power." Look at the 12-step program, for instance. It does seem to help in crisis. Why is that?

And what does it say about the adaptive functions of religion? Maybe people were made to be religious... whether you believe in a god or higher power or not, it's an interesting thing to consider.

With all due respect, Mr. Otterson, I'm not at all surprised to hear that you find de Tocqueville's views on the human "taste for what is infinite" so persuasive. His observations dovetail seamlessly with the Mormon theology of pious men becoming gods and ruling their own little universes.

Another incoherent rant from CCNL on this blo...zzzzzzzzzzzzz

It is not about losing faith but all about being smarter and not buying into the mumbo-jumbo that has been fed to us for many a millennium:

To wit:

Judaism, 6000 years of supposed human history (when it actually is at least 60,000 years). There is no proof that Abraham even existed. Ditto for Moses. And David was not some rock-throwing hero but a minor king in a minor kingdom embellished by the scribes of the OT.

www.simpletoremember.com/vitals/ConservativeTorah.html

Christianity- 2000 plus years of a simple preacher man being the son of god who rose from the dead. Both bogus as per a thorough analyses of the records.

http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/theories.html

Islam- 1400 years of a "pretty, wingie (gay?) thingie" aka Gabriel talking to a womanizing, warmongering, hallucinating Arab who wanted to conquer the world. His followers still do!!!

(Angels/devils are the mythical creations of ancient civilizations, e.g. Hittites, to explain/define natural events, contacts with their gods, big birds, sudden winds, protectors during the dark nights, etc. No "pretty/ugly wingy thingies" ever visited or talked to Mohammed, Jesus, Mary or Joseph or JOE SMITH. Today we would classify angels as fairies and "tinker bells". Modern devils are classified as the demons of the demented. )

http://www.pantheon.org/articles/a/angels.html

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07049c.htm

Contemporary biblical and religious scholars have relegated these "pretty, wingie thingies" to the myth pile. We should do the same to include deleting all references to them in our religious operating manuals. Doing this will help eliminate the prophet/profit/prophecy status of the founders of Christianity/MORMONISM and Islam and put them where they belong as simple humans just like the rest of us.

Back in 1969, or thereabouts, I recall reading about a popular and charismatic political leader who had this to say to George Wallace:

“Now listen, George,” Johnson boomed, looming over the diminutive Governor Wallace of Alabama, “don’t think about 1968; you think about 1988. . . . What do you want left after you when you die? Do you want a Great … Big … Marble monument that reads, ‘George Wallace—He Built’? … Or do you want a little piece of scrawny pine board … that reads, ‘George Wallace—He Hated’?”

What are you building, Brother Otterson?