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Utah women come to Mount Pleasant to spread Mormon mission

By Connor Sheridan on November 30, 2009 5:30 am in Featured, Student Life / 86 comments

 
Utah women come to Mount Pleasant to spread Mormon mission
Sister Ashley Webb, left, a Mormon missionary from Utah, and Alma College student Annie Bourbonais evangelize for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Nov. 24 outside Charles V. Park Library. (Libby March/Staff Photographer)

Two young women stand Tuesday afternoon on the corner of Ottawa Court and Washington Street. One wears a long skirt and the other jeans.

Behind them is an oversized copy of the Book of Mormon. It is a conversation starter made of cloth and tubing.

They are on a mission to spread their religion to legions of students.

“This makes me happier than anything else in my life,” said Jeralyn Turnblom, a 22-year-old Mormon missionary from Bountiful, Utah.

She greets the students who walk by, asking them how they were and if they had heard of the Book of Mormon.

Mormon traditions say the book was translated by Joseph Smith in the early- to mid-1800s. It details many events, including Jesus’ return to the Earth after his resurrection.

Sister Jeralyn Turnblom, a Mormon missionary from Utah, evangelizes for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Nov. 24 near Pearce Hall. (Libby March/Staff Photographer)

Sister Jeralyn Turnblom, a Mormon missionary from Utah, evangelizes for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Nov. 24 near Pearce Hall. (Libby March/Staff Photographer)

A long trip

Turnblom and her fellow missionary, Ashley Webb, 18, of Highland, Utah, are on 18-month missionary trips.

The practice is common, but not required, for young Mormon adults.

They have been in Mount Pleasant for the last seven weeks. They are unsure when they will leave or where they will go next.

“It’s so much fun. We go to the basketball games, the football games — I love it,” Webb said.

The pair works with local members of the Church of the Latter-Day Saints, such as 18-year-old Jessica Pilling, a Canada freshman at Mid-Michigan Community College.

They spread the word on campus and usually arrange about 10 meetings a day with people interested in the religion. They teach their faith in the library study rooms and residence hall rooms.

A tough gig

But representing a minority religion with spotty portrayal in the media can be difficult.

“If I didn’t really believe it, it would be really, really hard,” Webb said.

Events such as the April 2008 raid on a polygamist compound in Texas and popular shows such as HBO’s “Big Love” often poison the well before they can even begin to speak.

“That wasn’t even Mormons. That was an offshoot group, the Fundamentalists,” Pilling said about “Big Love,” though the statement holds true about the Texas compound as well.

Pilling is a longtime track athlete and hammer thrower training in hopes of receiving a scholarship to a university.

She wants to go on a mission when she reaches the required age of 21 for female missionaries.

“I’ve had my own personal experience and trust my feelings,” she said. “I believe Heavenly Father calls us to the places where we teach.”

 

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  • Johanan

    I served one of these missions too and paid for half of it by working at Dairy Queen on weekends during High School (an anonymous donor paid for the rest of it). Those 2 years have had a greater positive effect on my life than any other 2 years of my life. I am now finishing my Ph.D. at Purdue University and the more I learn about the Book of Mormon and the Bible, the more grateful I am for these books of scripture in my life. I have read books almost non-stop since age 12, and these two books are the most powerful I have ever read- they make me sincerely want to be a better person every time I open them.

  • Adam

    Johanan,

    I find it hard to believe that one could obtain a Ph. D and still, in good consciousness, believe the tripe being fed to them from something like this. Any educated individual should be able to see through these obviously absurd tales that are not meant to be taken in a literal sense yet for some reason still are today. Today, in 2009, people still believe that some dude named Joseph Smith found some magical golden plates that only he could translate (from “reformed Egyptian”), yet never showed anyone the plates? Are you KIDDING ME?!

    These girls need to leave and do something meaningful with their lives, because this is not.

    http://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/103933/

  • Zac

    Pretty shallow and ignorant argument Adam. It’s sad that you feel threatened by someone writing something good about the Mormon Church. My suggestion would be to get out and see the world a little. Perhaps in a way similar to these girls.

    I’m not mormon, but I have known some. I have always been impressed not just with their resolve to live clean lives but with their level of intelligence. It also is intriguing to see how wide mormons are spread out through the political arena: from Harry Reid to Mitt Romney.

    Also, I think those girls are in a perfect spot right now. One of the most important things a person can do is learn to live their lives for someone else. Sounds like this is what’s going on. They are doing their best to serve the people in Mount Pleasant.

    Well done ladies.

  • Anthony

    Adam,

    No need to feel threatened by something you don’t understand, and no need to ridicule or demean another’s religon. This is not the behavior of a truly educated man. Nor is it a demonstration of education to make false statements. There are quite a few signed, sworn, statements of people to whom those plates were shown. I respect your right to not believe. Please respect the constitutional rights of others to believe and share those beliefs.

  • Gus Pendleton, M.D.

    Studies have shown that the more highly educated Latter-day Saints are, the more likely they are to be active participants in their faith and believe the doctrines of their faith. This does not seem to hold true for other religions. The Book of Mormon is just what it claims to be and if studied carefully will be a great blessing to those who apply its teachings.

  • Chris Price

    Adam,

    You are clearly speaking from an uninformed viewpoint. Nobody is “KIDDING YOU.” Education is not the benchmark here. Faithful Latter Day Saints have a knowledge and testimony of the Truth of the Church and the Book of Mormon, another Testament of Jesus Christ because they answered the challenge to apply the basic principles and to pray for confirmation from the Lord whether it was true or not. I have had a reasonable education and a good career in Senior management in the UK; I am now 72 years of age and all of my experiences in life have just further confirmed my knowledge of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
    I challenge you to contact your local LDS church and investigate it with an open mind. I promise you that you will be shown courtesy and respect, also you will not be coerced or brainwashed in any way.

  • Alex

    Adam,
    Joseph Smith actually did show the plates to 11 other people, with the permission of Heavenly Father. They are known as the 3 witness and the 8 witnesses.

  • Anne Pearson

    Adam-

    Just wanted you to know that 11 people saw the plates and wrote their witnesses in the front of the Book of Mormon. Though some of these people later left the L.D.S. Church, ALL went to their deaths swearing that the testimony of the plates they had given was true. You can read their words in the front section of every copy of the Book of Mormon.

  • Jill Jenkins Ph.D.

    Adam, if you are going to criticize someone or something, you should become more educated on the subject. In the first few pages of the Book of Mormon there are “The Testimony of the Three Witnesses” and “The Testimony of the Eight Witnesses”. The eight witnesses signed their names to their testimony that they saw, touched and turned the pages of the gold plates (which aren’t magic) and the three witnesses signed their names that an angel of God showed them the plates and the voice of God declared that the plates had been translated by the gift and power of God. But then, maybe you don’t believe in the Bible either as the word of God. We certainly do believe in the Bible and that God has given us the Book of Mormon and other books of scripture to verify the truthfulness of the Bible. As Chris said, maybe you could investigate the Mormon church and even if you didn’t believe it is true, at least you would be a better informed critic.

  • http://www.experiencepress.org Jay

    >>Today, in 2009, people still believe that some dude named Joseph Smith found some magical golden plates that only he could translate (from “reformed Egyptian”), yet never showed anyone the plates? Are you KIDDING ME?!

    He did show it to 8 guys and the Angel that gave him the plates and taught him about “reformed Egyptian” showed record to three others.

    Your disdain for something you can’t see is nothing different from those who just wouldn’t let go of the geocentric model of the Universe for the heliocentric model.

    Why do you believe in nuclear physics, presuming you do, because you can’t see electrons or protons either?

    The funny thing is, if you would be willing to consider all the facts and perform an experiment based in our 2009 reality, you would “know” that it really did happen the way that Mr. Smith said it did.

    Is your mind already made up and you look for “facts” to support your belief? Or, can you be honest with yourself and seek real facts and real truth where it can be found?

    So what is the experiment? Find the nearest Mormon Missionary and and him or her to explain it to you. When this experiment is performed with precision, the results are predictable.

    Allah hua akbar.

  • Margaret

    Hey, by the way Joseph Smith showed the plates to three witness and then 8 more….just so you know people did see them and testify they are real and were shown them by an angel. Get your facts straight buddy.

  • Chris

    It’s absurd to believe that a man was resurrected from the dead after being crucified and laid in a tomb for three days, but it too is fact, just as The Book of Mormon and the account of its translation are. Anyone who discredits the validity of Joseph Smiths account and the authenticity of The Book of Mormon is ignorant to the account itself and should study the matter from the source, The Book of Mormon itself.

  • Richard Jensen

    Fifteen men did see the Golden plates. Although some later left the church, they nevver denied their testimony.It can be found inside the beginning of the Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

  • Tina

    Adam, FYI – the ancient record was indeed shown to others, as is evidenced in their written and signed testimonies. Please find a Book of Mormon and other Mormon history and read their statements for yourself.

  • Mark

    I have to whole-heartedly disagree with the last post, from Mr. Price. With all respect, and having been “born into the covenant” and a member for nearly 40 years, I found the truth. Do not trust in “feelings” alone.

    “Never give meat, when milk will do.” –Robert Millet, a Professor at BYU

    “If we have the truth, it cannot be harmed by investigation. If we have not the truth, it ought to be harmed” (J. Reuben Clark: The Church Years, p.24).

    “IT’S WRONG TO CRITICIZE LEADERS OF THE (MORMON) CHURCH, EVEN IF THE CRITICISM IS TRUE”
    Dallin Oaks, LDS apostle

    “Some things that are true are not very useful.”
    Boyd K. Packer

    “The merciful companion to truth is silence, Some truths are best left unsaid.”
    Apostle Russel M. Nelson

    Now, does that sound like an org you can trust to give you the whole truth?

    If you are investigating Mormonism (aka: The LDS Church), you MUST look beyond the Book of Mormon to find their Doctrine.

    Find the truth–for “truth does not fear investigation”.

  • Gloria Hazelton

    Joseph Smith, Jr., did show the plates of the Book of Mormon to others, and they testified they had seen the plates and signed their names to that testimony. Not one of the witnesses ever denied seeing the plates. Their experiences were contemporaneously documented. The Book of Mormon is a record of Christ’s visits to His “other sheep”, the people of the Americas, and is another Testament of His teachings. Along with the Bible, which Latter Day Saints also study, the Book of Mormon teaches us what Our Heavenly Father wants us to do and be.

  • Robert

    I received my master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1986 and have fond memories of the campus. I too rejoice in the knowledge that God exists and has chosen to speak to a latter-day prophet named Joseph Smith. Just a man like me, but with an overwhelming desire to love others as his exemplar, Jesus Christ loved us all, even those who “know not where to find it” meaning the truth. Keep up the good work in Mt. Pleasant sisters!!

  • Adam

    11? 15? Even you Mormons can’t make up your minds. I would like to refer to the website set-up my former Mormons to help those trying to leave the church: http://www.exmormon.org/file9.htm

    Zac – being in the political arena does not mean anything. There are neo-Nazis in the European parliaments, should we applaud their courage too? Mitt Romney would’ve been absolutely HORRIBLE for this country and would have set us back 150 years.

    Anthony – who says I don’t understand it? What is there possibly involved that could be beyond my understanding?

    Gus Pendleton, “M.D.” – Studies done by whom, Mormons? An educated guess would be that they have invested so much time and money (especially money) that they need to justify their actions in taking part.

    Chris Price – this is typical religion-fueled nonsense. “We are right because we follow X as given to us by Y”. “I believe Scientology: The Fundamentals of Though to be the true word because L. Ron Hubbard says to”. This is not even CLOSE to an agrument, but merely an opinion – one most likely passed down to you by your parents. You are scared of being wrong, therefore you dig a deeper hole into your trench. Climb out, man.

    Jill Jenkins “Ph.D.” – If a God can speak directly to people, why would an additional book be needed? Joseph Smith wanted to create his own set of rules to play by, just as King James did. And like his people, you fell for it – hook, line and sinker.

    Jay – In this case, why would the plates need to be in reformed Egyptian? Why would the Angel not translate them? So this man is a “prophet”, and then returned these plates to an angel when he was done? And none of this is sounding the least bit ridiculous to you? Ever heard of a microscope? Proof is in the pudding.

    Margaret – I love how you speak of magical plates shown to an individual and then tell me to get my “facts” straight. Thanks for the laugh.

    Chris – That is not a fact, in the least bit. How intelligent do you believe people were in Biblical times? Anyone who discredits the validity of Joseph Smith is an educated person who can take a step back from the situation and say “…. seriously? You believe that?”. This stuff would make a crappy Aesop’s Fable. Then again, I thought people today were more evolved, but then I read these comments.

    Richard Jensen – I can read the introduction to a R.L. Stein book, that doesn’t make it factual or accurate.

    Tina – “ “

    I feel poorly for each and every one of you. While I believe everyone has a right to their own beliefs, there is no denying Mormons push their far more onto others than any other group. As an ex-Roman Catholic, I am afraid for this country and what future may be ahead if individual continue to fall down this steep slope of ignorance and lies. Please, watch the films Jesus Camp and Religulous.

    I am not ignorant for my disbelief, you are for your belief if you want to play that game.

  • Oh Boy

    Adam,

    As a Christian who doesn’t believe in Mormon belief I just want to ask you 1 thing. Why does it bug you and threaten you so much that someone believes in something other than you? Does it really matter that much to you what someone else believes in? Lots of people that find their calling are happy people. How about you? I noticed that you quote listening to Religulous, which is derived from a bitter individual that is not happy about anything and believes that it is his way or the highway.. so ots like his own religion (interesting). What do you get to show for it in the end anyway? Or is it about being superior to everyone else. Interesting though you had to call out every single individual that disagrees with you. And BTW, the creater of Religulous Religiously believes in Harry Reid.

  • Dennis

    Gee, Adam… and others, I”m reminded of the old saying “give a man a little knowledge and he thinks he is wise”.
    Do you honestly think that watching a Hollywood film of any kind will give us truth. It is the most effective way to spread ones own agenda, with little regard for the truth. Likewise looking up information about anything on a web site soley and completely designed to spread lies and falsehoods, eggagerate human weaknesses, and disregard truth will harvest nothing but false information, and lies.
    I’m not wure why you can’t do the math yourself. There was Joseph, (1) the Three witnesses (3) and the Eight witnesses (8), they add up to 12. The sarcasm about an error in numbers is juvenile and unnecessary. The sad paft of all of this is you obviously don’t care about what is really true. Your agenda is only to put down and mock the truth. What are you afraid of?

  • Carol

    As a convert to Mormonism, and a member for many years, I can vouch for what Adam has said. And while many of the rank and file members are good people, the corporation known as L.D.S. Inc. is corrupt to the core. Religion is only one part of it. Right now they are building a huge mall in Salt Lake City, and high end real estate in Oahu. They have many other business holdings in banking, farming, media, etc.,too numerous to list here. It’s a complete fraud that Joe and his buddies invented to make money off of new recruits. And it’s still ripping off new recruits, to the tune of 10% of their income, plus other hidden expenses. It’s an organization that uses high doses of guilt, fear, and shame to keep its members in line, so that they’ll do their bidding without questioning. In the meantime L.D.S. Inc. mucky mucks at the top of the ‘food chain’ are laughing all the way to the bank! http://www.exmormon.org

  • Dr. Adam DDS, Ph. D, DDR, AIM, PS3

    Either I’m being censored or there is something wrong with the server, because I don’t see my response.

    In a nutshell – these people (and most likely those who even claim to not be Mormon) are simply Mormon internet watchdogs. Stories like this are spread in their online communities and then people run in guns-ablazing to see if anyone is speaking up against them, and then they try to gangtackle any such common sense. These people are not affiliated with CMU in any way, shape or form. I am an alumni, this is the reason I check this website.

    They love to claim “hey, no pressure, just check it out!” after they send all of these people after you. If there were no pressure, there wouldn’t be girls standing at the street corner trying to convert people. I’m not threatened – they are threatened of people like me. People with common sense, with intelligence – and day by day, you will see more of others like me. We’ve got our Henry Rollins, our Greg Graffin and our Lewis Black and we’re getting stronger. This is why the Mormons are afraid.

  • Demon of Kolob

    I have served a two year Mormon mission and, it is the greatest regret of my life. These missions are abusive terms of brain washing that waste the best years of youth in an abusive cult. LDS missionaries are allowed to talk to family or friends every moment of their day is programmed this is cult abuse at its worst. The church also charges the family of the missionary more than the kid is given to live on what a scam.

  • Chris Price

    Adam, first in November 1963 I found my faith by going on my knees to seek the truth. Prior to this I had never heard of the Church or Mormonism. Yet after much fervent prayer I felt impressed that the answer to my prayer was to seek out a Church connected to the word Mormon. To cut this short I found an old Church building, the full name of the Church was on the notice board, I went in, two young men were coming out, I said are you Mormons they said yes,I invited them to teach me about their faith. Through all of this I felt the Spirit and was baptised and have not looked back. I was giving an opinion based on knowledge, I actually read the Book of Mormon! I was not seeking argument. My parents were not particularly religious and when I am wrong (my wife will tell you that happens most days) I freely admit it. I live a peaceful and contented life
    and in a final answer to you I would suggest you really need the Gospel, it would so enrich your life.

  • Bri

    Boy, some people sure get upset over a couple of young people telling others what they believe. By the way, the article states that one of the missionaries is 18. I think that is an error since later in the article it says that they must be 21.

  • Jerry

    Adam, I hope it warms your soul this holiday season to know that many of us (Mormons) are praying for your soul. Feel free you follow your own conscience knowing that you will always receive a warm hand of fellowship if you ever decide to open your heart and mind to God.

  • Carrie

    Mark,

    I was very interested in your quotes and looked each of them up to see what context they were in. I am quite surprised that your post was trying to portray the quotes in a negative light.

    Have you read these quotes in the context of the talks in which they were given? It feels as though we were reading something different. What was I missing? It made positive sense to me. I would appreciate your insight.

    Thanks.

  • Dan

    Adam,

    I have heard arguments for and against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, as well as arguments for and against the Book of Mormon.
    I have read the Book of Mormon as well as the Bible (old and New and the Old Testament).
    The Book of Mormon actually speaks of accounts in the Bible, such as when Moses led the children of Isreal out of Egypt and some of the struggles they experienced. There is much more.
    I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God because I have read it and prayed about it. I know it is true. I encourage you to read it and pray about it, if you do now wish to, very well. Please do not assign your assumptions and ‘opinions’ to those of us who know, from our own experience, that it is true.

  • http://www.bridgingtruth.com Steve Davis

    In 1963 the State of Ohio certified the Hopewell Civilization as being a location of a nation of people who dwelled in the area between 200 BC and 500 AD. That is exactly the dateline of the coming together of the Book of Mormon Nephites (Tribe of Joseph) and the Mulekites (Tribe of Judah – Prophet Jeremiah’s daughter “Zara” bringing the Solomon Temple treasures to this land around 560 BC) The Mormon missionaries don’t even know thier own history, certified by many Mid-western states. The Mormons stop using the Original translation in 1837, so their current Book of Mormon is altered, creating “many gods”. This is the problem with Mitt Romney and Harry Reid = they, and these missionaries are ignorant. The original translation of the Bible is correct. The original translation of the Book of Mormon is equally correct but not used by the LDS Missionaries. Ask them about the Hopewell Culture and they will give you a big stare! Try it out. (from a former BYU Bishop)

  • gus

    I agree with Adam. I was born and raised LDS. I DID go on to get a PhD, and in the process learned to think and reason and cease being so gullible. One of the most absurd things about the Church doctrine is this “Plan of Salvation” these women are selling! It is so ridiculous. It makes a so-called “loving Heavenly Father” into a manipulative, abusive, irrational, immoral monster who doesn’t mean what he says, and who tricks his “children” into sinning so they can appreciate repentance and reliance on him! The LDS God matches the profile of sociopathic abusers!

    Adam and I are not “threatened” by people saying good things about the Church. We are rightly offended by anyone who would publicize lies and false claims in order to recruit more tithe-payers for what ultimately amounts to a huge MLM scam! Individuals and groups that prey upon the gullible and desperate need to be called out and challenged in public forums! Kudos to Adam for doing so.

  • Larry

    Adam,

    Everyone in intitled to their own opinion but you stated the LDS Church forces their beliefs on people more then any other religion and yet you are trying to force your belief’s on the readers of this article. So what you are saying and what you are doing is sort of hypocritical. Why do you feel that you are free to “force” your opinion on people, but when a religous institution does it is not acceptable?

  • Joe

    I’m not sure whats worse, Mormons or Scientologists? They are both awful and put their faith whatever they are told to.

    Religion is Poison.

  • Holy Ghost

    I am grateful that someone listed the path for spiritual conversion in response to a critic of the Mormon Church. While this article was very commendable in highlighting the missionary experiences of these young women, it completely missed the Christ-centered message they were sharing (notice how the picture-taking focused on the missionaries more than the message of Jesus Christ); and that anyone can sincerely know that it is true by the witness and power of the Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead. Pretty tame journalism. I am glad that Adam at least was willing to go head on, although I question his tactics as typical intellectual baiting and fodder that would not even hold up in the generally-agnostic scientific community, whose aim it also is is to seek after and find the truth of physical things. At least quote people correctly like any decent and credible journalist would, even if you do not agree with their philosophy.

    No one can deny when they are being taught by the Holy Ghost as opposed to a missionary – whose main job it is is to invite the Holy Ghost to enter the conversation and do the actual real teaching. An investigator or someone who has “rubbed shoulders” with the Holy Ghost can verbally lie and say they are not being taught divine truths through the Holy Ghost, but no one can deny when they are taught with spiritual power when this being is present, whose mission it is is to testify of Christ, Heavenly Father, and the truth of their plan of salvation. It is like saying that the there is no such thing as electricity even as the person stating this is feeling an electric shock, because the person being shocked does not believe in things that he cannot physically see; and, of course, because he is lying, it is easy for him to convince others that in fact he is not feeling the effects of invisible electrical current shocking him.

    To sum up the follow-X-to-yield-Y-results argument as being invalid: this is pretty much the basis for scientific inquiry that has led to many helpful inventions and discoveries that have blessed all of mankind. Surely a person ignorant of the things of God would want a simple cause-effect action plan for discovering the mysteries of godliness as well. Imagine being told to just do this, and you will get a certain result? Why are there not more scientists who believe in Jesus Christ and his gospel when he clearly stated the scientific theory of discovery long before they came out with their own rewritten version?

  • Richard Larsen

    Adam,
    I would suggest you read Acts 5: particularly verses 33-39. This is the response of Gamaliel, a doctor of law who was well respected, to those who would seek to put to death Peter and his companions for their testimonies. v.38: “And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought.” v.39: “But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.”

  • Dennis Workman

    Pres. Hinckley was ask, (and I paraphase) if the modern technology of television ads. and the power of the internet will make it unnecessary to send “Missionaries” to teach the Gospel. His response was his familiar chuckle, followed by the statement that the truthfulness of the Gospel is between one man/woman and his/her God. The missionaries just deliver the message.
    Personally, I feel comfotable being around Mormon and non-Mormon. I made my choice one on one with the Lord. Those I associate with may do the same or remain quiet. I believe there were a few men a couple of centuries ago that said that is the way is must be. So be it.
    Signed,
    AGROUCHYOLDMORMONMANANDPROUDOFIT

  • http://www.bridgingtruth.com Steve

    In 1963, the State of Ohio certified the Hopewell Civilization as being a location of a nation of people who dwelled in the area between 200 BC and 500 AD (Smithsonian, ancient America history). That is exactly the dateline of the coming together of the Book of Mormon Nephites (Tribe of Joseph) and the Mulekites (Tribe of Judah – Prophet Jeremiah’s daughter “Zara” fled from Jerusalem to this land around 560 BC).

    The Mormon missionaries don’t even know thier own history, certified by many Mid-western states. The Mormons stopped using the original translation of the Book of Mormon in 1837 as it was altered with the second printing, so their current Book of Mormon is significanly altered, creating “many gods”. The original Book of Mormon is a pure history of the ancient Americans and is a second witness that Jesus IS God, the Eternal Father as there is only one God (John 4, Alma 11:23-40, Ether 3:14, Mosiah 15:1-5). The LDS church is very corrupt at this time believing in polygamy and masonry as warned against in the Book of Mormon (Jacob 2:23-24, secret combinations and blood oaths; Moses 5:29).

    This is the problem with Mitt Romney and Harry Reid; they, and these missionaries are ignorant. The original translation of the Bible was correct. The original translation of the Book of Mormon is equally correct but not used by the LDS Missionaries. Ask them about the Hopewell Culture and they will give you a big stare! Try it out. (from a former BYU Bishop who found the truth through a profound NDE!)

  • David Erwin

    Many years ago I took the challenge to read the Book of Mormon and sincerely prayed to God, asking Him if it was true. I promise you, if you are sincere and really want to know, Heavenly Father will answer your prayer through the Holy Ghost, also known as the Holy Spirit, a still small voice deep within you and your bosom will burn with a knowledge of the truthfulness of this great book that Heavenly Father has revealed to the world, along with the Holy Bible. Find out for yourself. Read the Book of Mormon and pray. But the old saying, “A man convinced against his will, remains of the same opinion still,” is a factor that everyone must overcome and realize that there is a God and He has a plan for each of His sons and daughters. You can open your mind, your heart and your soul to Heavenly Father. He can testify to your very being with the truth. Just find out for yourself and take the time to read, ponder, and humbly ask Heavenly Father if it is true. That is the key that will open your mind, heart and soul and you will kick off the worldly prejudices that are out there tripping individuals up and closing their minds to a great truth.

  • Censorship Central

    These people are Mormon internet watchdogs. They post links, such as this one, and then invite the sheep to spread their false doctrine whenever a rightful individuals stands-up and speaks out against them. They are not affiliated with the university in any way, shape or form. They blindly follow an empty doctrine, I feel pity for them.

    Chris Price, if you have never heard of Mormonism, how did you know to ask these individuals if they were, in fact, Mormons? Your logic and story has about as much substance as your holy book – NONE.

  • Shawn

    Ashley is my sister and I am so proud of her. Anyone in Michigan that meets her will feel so loved by her. I feel sorry for people that live life without hope and purpose. You dont need to rain on everyone else’s parade. Why so hateful and negative? People that think religion is poison are weird. We still love you though! I know who I am do you know who you are? Anything you say that is negative and FALSE will bounce off me and go back to you in the way of a hug!

  • Robert

    I read the Book of Mormon over twelve times before I realized it was not true. There are over 3,000 changes from the 1st edition. It quotes the King James Version instead of the original Hebrew which I know how to read. It has the Gospel in the Old Testament times.
    I prayed about the BOM and know it is NOT true.

  • lulz

    Ummmm so you have an ex roman catholic and mormons fighting over of is this God legitimate.

    When really both sides are…..I don’t know…..what’s word for someone who believes in something that is invisible, living in the sky, that they claim they talk to and claims that talks to them. Oh yeah lunacy!

    Oh Adam, don’t try to be holier than thou on these guys. You too believed in stories about a God that could never be true.
    And from the track record that the Catholics have, even if you are an ex one…but you did follow at one point, you have no room to point a finger at anyone.

  • Shawn

    Where is the love from some of you people???? Santa is watching who is notty or nice!

  • Brandon P

    As an LDS student myself, and one who is preparing to serve a mission, I am proud and excited to see a story about other LDS Sister Missionaries serving the Lord. It is remarkable to me the debate that goes on between critics of the Church and proponents of the Church. I know this is like standing in front of a freight train, but this debate is really unnecessary. Each person must decide for themselves what they believe to be true, and then try their very hardest to be the best they can be in what they believe. If my beliefs don’t detract from how you live your life, leave me alone, and I will offer you that same respect.

  • Dr. Adam DDS, Ph. D, DDR, AIM, PS3

    lulz, it’s called being 13 years old. My family is/was Roman Catholic, so hence me being raised in it. I would say roughly a year before my confirmation is when I really started to have doubts in regards to the legitimacy of a God and its teachings.

    Those that are saying that one must “pray to find the answer” have little faith in the power of one’s own mind. It’s the feeling someone gets when they buy a lottery ticket and believe it’s a winner, or the manipulation of a Ouija board to garner the answer one wants. Most likely, it is this same inner voice that Joseph Smith had and made him believe he was a prophet – or he was conscientious of what he was doing and merely manipulated others around him for his own advantage – I could very well see each situation playing out.

    How am I pushing my belief onto others if I have never even said what I am? All you know is that I was at one point a Roman Catholic, but have sense gone on and received a college education and no longer share those beliefs. I could be an atheist, agnostic, Wiccan, Buddhist, Satanist, etc. My goal is not to make others into my own image of what a person should be.

    I believe in a non-literal form of karma – that we should simply be good people. It doesn’t matter what religion I am or what you are, as long as you are a good person. It is my belief that in being a Mormon and trying to convert others to that belief system is not being a good person, it is damaging that individual and in a broad sense, the country.

  • Curtis

    Adam,
    Your first rebuttal is amusing. The very process of getting a PhD (in an engineering science, no less) has strengthened my testimony more than any other event in my life, to this point. I know there will be more such events in the future.

    As a side note, I respect your position in life. But I regard your venom against this Church, and organized religion as a whole for that matter, as the very same source which creates the huge quantities of discomfort, distrust, and angst in this world.

  • Shirlee

    I am Ashleys Mother. I am grateful she is serving a mission to teach the gospel. Some of the remarks made here are so false. Such as the church building malls in Salt Lake. They have not used one cent of tithing for it. All has come from private investors. And all done to renew the city as is done in every state in the nation. So they are doing service to community. Missionary’s pay the same amount where ever they are called to help those in the very poor countries be able to serve. We are paying for two missionaries right now and part of that money goes for those who are not able to pay for a mission and I am more than happy to do that. Years ago they paid according to where they served so some were paying a great deal and others were hardly required to pay anything depending where they were called. So this equalized it for all members to be able to be more equal and then help those who have no income from family to pay for mission. Tithing pays for temples churches BYU and part of the tuiton costs of the students. We have one of the largest humanitarian department in the world. Every incident that happens in the world the church is there with supplies and food for every one, no matter their religion. Do some research. The leadership has always lived humbly and do not get paid at any level of service in the church. Every position in the church is done by the members of the church and none gets paid for their many hours of service. Travel through out the world and living expenses during service out of country allows them some compensation but not near enough for everything. Many of them have served for many many years and do so freely, because of love of gospel. The gospel taught by the church of Jesus Christ or Mormon is the same gospel taught by Jesus Christ as he was on the earth. There will always be apostates, those who don’t even know what they are talking about and those who think they are so wonderful themselves that they don’t need a Savior but it only strengthens my testimony of the truthfulness of it. I have also found that by their fruits ye shall know them. As I see how wonderful and happy my life has been and the great children that have gone through our home, I know that it is true and living its principles have brought the desired results for peace and happiness.

  • http://www.mormoninmichigan.blogspot.com John Pack Lambert

    The 18-year-old mentioned in the article is not a missionary, but she might help the missionaries out at times. She is a student at Central Michigan University. Yes, there are lots of Mormons who live here in Michigan for reasons other than serving missions. I am one of them, I was born and raised here, and other than when I served a mission in Las Vegas and when I was a student at Brigham Young University have essentially lived my entire life in Michigan.
    It is a standard piece of knowledge that there are 11 other people who saw the Gold Plates and bore record of it besides Joseph Smith.
    The fact that one person says the number is 15 only shows that that person is confused, not that the Church tells multiple stories.
    If the person who commented above really believes that more knowledge about Mormonism is a good thing they will advocate for Central Michigan University to purchase copies of The Joseph Smith Papers. The fact that no library in MEL and no Michigan library listed in WorldCat has a copy of either of the volumes of this important work of historical scholarship is a truly sad condition.
    If people want openness they will advocate for this book to be purchased, or better yet donate it to the University.
    Anyone who fails to do this and goes on a tirade about openness by the LDS Church is a hypocrite. They have began publishing the papers of Joseph Smith, in the case of the Revelations and Translations edition with facimilies and facsimilie typescrips with colors indicating who all the people who wrote various marks on each page were. It is selling for under $100, or put another way for less than many textbooks. Considering it is about 9″ by 11″ and almost 750 pages, this is really quite cheap.

  • http://www.mormoninmichigan.blogspot.com John Pack Lambert

    Robert,
    Your argument about the text of the Bible used in the Book of Mormon misses the point. I am surprised you did not gripe about it having “adiue” as well.
    God speaks to us in our own language. At the time of Joseph Smith the King James Bible was the accepted English version, at least in frontier America. God let its language stand when it conveyed the message accurately enough.
    Anyway, we do not have any manuscripts of the Bible that date back even to 600 BC, let alone the original manuscripts of Isaiah (which is the source of most of the Bible quotes in the Book of Mormon) so your argument about the matter is pretty weak.

  • Ken

    Well Robert you had better read the BofM a 13′th time and review Alma chpt 30. It will help you to understand real deception

  • Loretta

    Adam, There really is a god. Jesus is real. Although it is hard to believe, they both live. If you would like to know for yourself, ask the father in the name of the son and you will recieve your answer.

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