Reader comments: 'Universalism' a tricky doctrine
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It is a hard thing to believe | 7:10 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008
that everyone can be correct in their belief of "God" (or lack of belief at all). But this is an enlightened view that the world will have to take since there are billions of us in it and many beliefs.
I believe | 11:14 a.m. Aug. 30, 2008
Having pastors, priests, bishops, or other religious leaders talk at funerals is always risky. They will use it as an opportunity to "sell" their Church rather than to eulogize the deceased and comfort the family and friends.
I am reminded of Joseph Smith's King Follett Discourse. He was asked to speak at a man's funeral, and turned the talk into a public debate with his enemies and a platform for declaring (one version of) the theology of his new Church! That was horribly opportunistic and inappropriate. His words had nothing to do with eulogizing the deceased or comforting the survivors. I have heard LDS church leaders do the same thing so many times I can't count them.
A funeral is NEVER the time for trying to sell a Church to people. That is what cults do. They prey upon those who are suffering from a loss and who are emotionally vulnerable. Never forget that. Any church that tries to advance their own agenda and gain converts at funerals and in the midst of tragedies is practicing a cult practice. And as we all know, if it walks and quacks like a cult...
I am reminded of Joseph Smith's King Follett Discourse. He was asked to speak at a man's funeral, and turned the talk into a public debate with his enemies and a platform for declaring (one version of) the theology of his new Church! That was horribly opportunistic and inappropriate. His words had nothing to do with eulogizing the deceased or comforting the survivors. I have heard LDS church leaders do the same thing so many times I can't count them.
A funeral is NEVER the time for trying to sell a Church to people. That is what cults do. They prey upon those who are suffering from a loss and who are emotionally vulnerable. Never forget that. Any church that tries to advance their own agenda and gain converts at funerals and in the midst of tragedies is practicing a cult practice. And as we all know, if it walks and quacks like a cult...
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