Good on ya Harry Reid, for making a stand against Greed and War politics which many in your Faith promote. You are a true example of Christ Like living. May your enemies taste the bitterness of defeat in mind and deed.Keep up the good work. God is on your side. I do not support Democrats nor Republicans, but I fully support your ideals which promote good and the peaceable things that Christ taught unlike the so called Mormons who cry War on nations and sacrifice their sons and daughters in the name of Patriotism political support. "Bring the Troops Home for Easter. Let us Pray that the evil designs of political Leaders and church leaders will turn from the offenses of God"Thou shalt not kill".

Good On ya Harry Reid, You are a true example of Christ Like living, unlike hypocritical leaders who profess the faith and promote war and greed.
may the Bless you and suppress your enemies who are many within and without.

http://moreaboutmen.com/genre/avantgarde/g90/

http://moreaboutmen.com/genre/avantgarde/g90/

http://moreaboutmen.com/genre/avantgarde/g90/

http://moreaboutmen.com/genre/folk-greece/g986/

http://moreaboutmen.com/genre/folk-greece/g986/

http://moreaboutmen.com/genre/folk-greece/g986/

m19k

It constantly amazes me how people can be so vehement in their ignorance about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, especially when there are thousands of pages of free information avalable at www.lds.org. You can get the "Mormon" view on Christ and God the Father straight from the same books and magazines they use to teach each other, as well as complete footnoted copies of the Book of Mormon and the King James Bible with cross references to the Book of Mormon.

Anyone who has actually read an accurate and detailed history of the LDS Church and of Joseph Smith (e.g. Rough Stone Rolling by Columbia University Professor Emeritus Richard Bushman) would know that Smith was a person who, if his goal was to be rich, was totally unsuccessful. He clearly had significant gifts that could have given him power and wealth, if he had sought them. However, his dedication to his religious mission resulted in his having to move to escape people trying to kill him out of hatred for his religion, until they finally succeeded when he was only 38 years old. Smith organized the LDS Church in 1830 and was murdered in 1844 by an Illinois state militia while in State custody. His teachings were son powerful that the church he founded and led for only 14 years has grown as millions have accepted those teachings as having a divine origin. Charlatans put their own skins above all else, but Smith surrendered, knowing he would be killed, to affirm that what he had taught was true.

In addition to Smith, other people experienced divine visions, many times simultaneously with him. The witnesses to the Book of Mormon, whose testimonies are in every copy, were true to their dying day (some lived into their 80s) to their affidavits affirming that they had seen and handled the inscribed metal plates that contained the Book of Mormon record. Oliver Cowdery experienced the visits of resurrected beings such as John the Baptist, Moses and Elijah with Smith.

Mormons are NOT Calvinist or exclusivist. People are projecting all sorts of false information onto Mormons out of their own ignorance. Mormons in fact believe that EVERY person ever born on earth, at any time, will have an opportunity to hear the gospel of Christ and accept or reject it, whether during their mortal life or during the time between their death and the resurrection. That is the point of what Christ was doing between his death and resurrection: Visiting the spirits of the dead and teaching his gospel and organizing his church among them. This is referred to in the Apostles' Creed and in the First Epistle of Peter. It is why Paul speaks of baptisms on behalf of the dead (I Corinthians 15:29). The Book of Mormon is emphatic that all humans have free will to choose to accept Christ or not, and that NO ONE IS PREDESTINED TO BE "DAMNED". Furthermore, MOrmons believe in a gradation of rewards in heaven, that no one will be in hell for all eternity, and that there will be intermediate rewards that are superlative while being less than the full potential of what God offers to mankind. According to LDS doctrine, honorable Christians who reject "Mormon" teachings will have a heaven that is everything they expect it to be. Mormons believe every human is a literal child of God the Father, and has an infinite potential that can be released by Christ's atonement. Mormons believe that every person is born with a residual memory of what is true that enables us to find more truth duirng our mortal lives. They reject coercion in religion and in politics and government, since God's plan is to let each person choose what they really want so they can receive a just reward in the eternities.

LDS is a business and a cult. No LDS hospitals, charity work.

Harry's a phony. We all know it in Nevada. He joined for political expediency.

Retire already or resign Reid.

About the weight of the plates. You have to take the plates that were not translated into account as well. Even if the plates were only 300 pounds, Smith must have been strong man to lug these around as much as the story says. I would like to know how grown up intelligent people believe stories like this without question. Someone said so, so it must be true. Why doesn't Moroni come back and help translate the rest of the plates??

You see David, where you get your info and where I get my info are two different sources. That is the trouble with any religion. One person understands it one way and another another. I find the whole story outrageous. My sources say the 11 witnesses were told of the plates and yes other sources say three saw the angel and plates but eight did not see the angel and were only told of the plates. And then some denied later ever having seen the plates let alone the angel.. Who knows. But I do find it strange that J Smith had a all seeing all knowing stone that translated the plates. Where is this most precious stone today.

I am surprised that nobody has challenged the outrageous claim of jwest about weight of the plates. Every description I have heard of them (about 8x8x6 inches as I recall) suggests that if the plates were solid gold they would have weighed perhaps 300 pounds. I'm not sure where the 140000 tons (280000000 in pounds) figure came form, but that much gold would be over 9400 cubic yards in volume which is 16 times as large as my house (1900 sq feet). Looks like someone failed to question his sources.

By the way jwest, all 11 witnesses claimed to have handled the plates. While you may choose not to believe them the least you could do is acknowledge what they actually claim.

No one from Nevada or Mass. responded with their opinion of how Mitt and Harry have been doing in their state. So I am assuming they have done an exceptional job. So, if those states were happy with their job I support them in all their endeavors!

Interesting how the Lord's spirit speaks to different people in different ways. I grew up in a town with few mormons but many churches. My parents wanted me to attend early morning classes like you attended, but I resisted with all the might my hormones could muster. Many kids loved these classes, but they didn't speak to me. After high school I started looking for direction and found it in God--and in the religion of my youth.

God bless u for speaking truth to power.

Anyone who "swallows" the Moroni tales must be a ??????

Dear Senator Reid

Although I'm an Indian-Australian woman, and not an American, let me take this opportunity to thank you for the great work you are doing to bring the war in Iraq to an end. Since Australia happens to be a close ally of the US and is directly tied up with the war in Iraq, any decision made in the US affects Australia directly. I am very happy that Australia and the US are close allies and look forward to be part of the team in great and noble causes, but an ongoing war, leading to meaningless loss of American and Iraqi lives, is not one of them.

As a believer (Catholic) I wish to express my admiration for your politics of caring for all, the caring that stems from your faith. Even though Gandhi did not speak in religious terms, after all he did not hesitate to admit that his politics was the fruit of his religion, and he made no attempt to hide his deeply committed spiritual practice. For me it is a moving experience to see that the world's super power, all its flaws notwithstanding, is a deeply religious Christian nation. Thank you for letting your religious belief speak through your politics.

Yours sincerely
Soja John Thaikattil
Sydney, Australia

If only Harry Reid wasn't leading the charge in shrillness and sniping I might believe that garbage about him being compassionate. Democrat or Republican, if you behave in such a rude and uncivilized manner you do no religion, least of all the LDS religion, any favors. You're screaming so loudly in my ears, I can't hear a word you're saying. It is my opinion that those who use whatever religious beliefs they have as a basis for attacking others have no real understanding and in fact, demonstrate the opposite of what they profess.

"Reid's announcement came after numerous newspapers nationwide published editorials criticizing both his initial failure to disclose the full details of his Las Vegas land deal and his response to AP's story.

The $1.1 million land deal was engineered by Jay Brown, a longtime friend and former casino lawyer whose name surfaced in a major political bribery trial this summer and in other prior organized crime investigations. Brown has never been charged with wrongdoing, except for a 1981 federal securities complaint that was settled out of court.

Ethics experts told AP that Reid's inaccurate accounting of the deal to Congress appeared to violate Senate ethics rules and raised other issues concerning taxes and potential gifts."

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D8KPV9KG0&show_article=1

Senator Reid!

Thank you for your inspired reprensentation of the U.S.! I do not understand why the U.S. is in Iraq and I appreciate your dedication to getting us out. I support our troops and want them to be safe. How can you defend yourself from a sucide bomb? My heart goes out to the members of the 82nd who lost 9 soldiers in one day! My son is serving in the 10th Mountain Division I pray for his safety and all of those involved in this conflict each day. One of those who lost his life just reenlisted 2 weeks prior to his death told his father that if he died he would go to heaven. I believe that! We can be together forever as families!

By the way, I am still serving in the National Guard, I have over 28 years of total military service HOOHA!!!

By the way, I forgot to mention: Senator Reid, you rock!!! I'm a big fan. I especially appreciate your candor, gentleness, persistence, and integrity in the midst of the shrillness and sniping in Washington.

RCT:
I am glad you were clear that this country was founded BY God-fearing people, but not founded solely ON Christian principles. Rather, it was founded on the principle of freedom foremost with special attention to the separation of church and state to prevent a repeat of their troubles in England.

I am, however troubled that you have fallen prey to the notion that we are in war where we know WHAT we are doing, WHO the enemy IS (from moment to moment) and HOW we can succeed. We didn't know these things clearly when this mess began and unfortunately, not because of our brave soldiers, but because of our wonderful administration, we have made things only worse for ourselves and for the region that we are attempting to stabilize. I think it is important to support the troops. And although I agree that publicly stating defeat would not be in the best interest of the country, I think we are well past the obvious now in this war. When prior generals, some of whom have served Republican administrations come out and agree that Bush has been derelict in his responsibilities, and that it will take more than military might to turn the tide of GROWING opposition to the US - when you hear of the massive numbers of killed on both sides, the tortured, injured and displaced people, then I think it is your moral and civic responsibility to question your leader, your administration AND ITS "MISSION" (if they can even tell you what that is). It is my belief that you can support your troops, but not your elected government and its mission. If you don't think you have the right to that then well you may as well be living in a monarchy. So yes, I will stand up and cry for the war to end - at least the type of war that this president is fighting.

Candide: you made my day when I read earlier your "I like Harry Reid even if he is a goddamn Mormon." I think I fell out of my chair earlier. :):)

I did read about the Mormons being very effective in the Katrina effort. I used to work at a Christian community care organization for helping poor families with various services (as an Amercian Baptist). The Mormons worked diligently alongside us (along with Catholics, and members of other Protestant churches). You can talk about details, dogma, ritual, faith, beliefs, religious corruption over the decades and centuries all you want, but for me, the good that a person or organization can DO is what is important.

I do get "wigged out" when an organized "Christian" religion's pants get so big that they disenfranchise one group or another. Many "Christians" in this country seem to forget that Jesus frequently told those close to him (that many religions hold as a base for their "rules") that they missed his point. And that if they remembered nothing else, to "Love one another as I have loved you." One such organization that ignores this directive is this Rev. Lou Sheldon and his "traditionalvalues.org." I get a lot of junk mail from them. Intolerant bigots.

When I read comments like some of the above, I sense a lot of fear: of religion in general and of Mormons, specifically. As an active Mormon (and a Democrat), I suggest that people who feel this way are not well informed. Mormons understand religious persecution, having been on the receiving end in our early days. As a result, we are strong advocates of religious freedom, for others just as much as ourselves. It is very much part of our doctrines, our practices, our conversation, our way of life. May I submit examples from LDS scriptures?

Articles of Faith
11 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.

Doctrine & Covenants 134:9
9 We do not believe it just to mingle religious influence with civil government, whereby one religious society is fostered and another proscribed in its spiritual privileges, and the individual rights of its members, as citizens, denied.

By definition, a faithful Latter-Day-Saint (aka Mormon) could never seek to force their religious beliefs on anyone else. To do so would violate basic principles of the gospel. Mormons certainly aren't perfect, but I suggest that you have nothing to fear from the Mormon people.

Please, rather than listening to people who hate the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, for whatever reason, please take an honest look at the church, at the people, and at how they live. You may honestly disagree with Church doctrine, and decide not to believe what the Mormons believe. But I submit to you that you cannot hate the Mormons themselves, or be afraid of them, and still be both honest and well informed.

Hey, Jwest - I've been all over these discussions - and following the religious education news in Texas - things are sure heating up - I'm still optimistic, but glad I don't live in Texas.

Hey, Jwest - I've been all over these discussions - and following the religious education news in Texas - things are sure heating up - I'm still optimistic, but glad I don't live in Texas.

Mormonism will slowly fade from society as will contemporary Christianity and Islam because of the obvious problems with the founders of these religions especially their angelic/satanic hallucinations and related prophecies. "Pretty and ugly wingie thingies" simply do/did not exist. Associating the Singularity with these mythical assistants and opponents mocks the concept of God the Almighty.

The Good Word was articulated by the ancients using reasoning and common sense. These Words of Wisdom were simply repeated with each major race and religion. Unfortunately the Words were attibuted to embellished men in most cases as a means of profiteering as noted by the contemporary billions of dollars owned and controlled by the Mormon, Christian, Jewish and Moslem religions. It is time to get our money back!!!!!

Thank you for your unifying message, Senator Reid. You are reminding us of what is best about our faith.

Hi E-Favorite how ya been? Long time no post. He lost my friendship and support that's for sure. I will continue this discussion with him at a better time. I just told him he just took my first amendment right of free speech away and since when was doing so deemed patriotic.

I want to hear from someone from Nevada or Mass. How did Romney do as govenor in Mass, or how has Reid done in Nevada? Have they forcing their religion on the citizens of those sates?

Faithful mormon does not have the same view as most mormons. Most mormons are not so hateful. I really think he should be ashamed and not speak so hurtful about others. It is fine to not like someonw. It is okay to disagree with others but what he said was wrong!

Religion is good for all. When all others fail you, your beliefs in your religion lets you go on. But, having said that, once you take an oath to defend your country against all enemies, religion should not play a role. You have a responsibility, a duty to do all you can to protect this nation. That is, ensure laws are followed - you do not reward illegals for breaking the law. NOT ALL MEN ARE GOOD, NOR WANT TO DO GOOD. Need to use common sense. The more you give in to bullies [or terrorists], the more they will want. You can not reason with fanatics. They are out there to kill Americans. You have a duty to protect us - DO NOT USE YOUR RELIGION to cop out, and PLEAE SO APOLOGIZING for America - we are the greatest and most philanthropic nation the world has ever known. If it were not for us, most of the world would be under a dictatorship. Stand up and do what is right for America.

Wasn't the Salem witch hunts guided by 'faith'. What about the Spanish Inquisition? That was 'faith' guided escapade as well. Even those American generals who purged this nation of indiginous people were 'men of faith'. Lets not forget some of the famous popes, kings, etc as well that killed in the name of faith.

"To prove this, Mr Reid agenda, for example, is to end the war in Iraq, and most liberals agenda, including the atheist, is to end the war in Iraq, therefore this drive can never stem from faith but rather serving self-interests."

What is this, the moron brigade checking in. Mr. Reid is doing what 70 % of Americans want, ending this war for oil. You are obviously a very stupid person, and a Repukeliscum to boot.

I just love it. Mr. Reid recites the simple, clear and important facts of his life. He is a Mormon, and that's fine for him. I respect his faith, for whatever it does for him.

The religion of hate and division, Christianity and its hateful disciples do not focus on the good of Mr. Reid's history. Instead, they call him a cultist.

Christians are mostly a bane on the existence of the US

Blues in the Zone

by V. Perry/ Brian Mcc

sweet nurse, oh...sweet nurse please...
lay your virgin hands on me
gunpowder, in a bright red flash..
my injured leg in a smoldering pile of ash

now I feel death creeping up on me
a flat line, cold pads, the old DC jump-start
I'm fading fast, pretty woman, bring me back..
soul full of voices Jesus...crack-morphine crack

I feel...I feel my wifes heart bleeding...
I feel...

miles above, way above just looking down...
sun's gone west...foriegn sand soaks up the blood
time to sleep now...telling me I'm going home
medivac, hellsmack, sam's chaplain whispers...OM

I feel...I feel my wifes heart bleeding...
bring me back...bring me back.

V. Perry re-enlisted in 2004. I have not heard from him since. Without him, the pain, misery and hope of a warrior could not have been conveyed. He is devout Mormon. It has been a sweet memory in life to have collaberated with him.

Although the democrats are liberal in their attitude, Mr Reid has committed Constitutional violation in covering political decisions with religion that has strayed away from its basic function in solidifying principles and values. To prove this, Mr Reid agenda, for example, is to end the war in Iraq, and most liberals agenda, including the atheist, is to end the war in Iraq, therefore this drive can never stem from faith but rather serving self-interests.

Dear Senator Reid, I commend your courage to publicly proclaim your faith and your commitment to serve your Country. I do not agree with your theology, however.
Regardless of ones faith, the principles you describe are ones that nearly all organized faith groups subscribe to.
Despite your faith and fortitude Senator, if you are truly serious then as Majority Leader please get your house in order Sir. While I share your political values, we of the great silent majority pray that you will strive to follow former Leaders like Mansfield, Baker, LBJ, and even Minority Leaders like Dirksen, and Dole and bring civility back to the Senate and hopefully the entire Congress. The current polarization created by the extremists of both parties is a cancer and you sir in a position to manifest rational argumentation and debate rather than the emotional and divisive approach now being employed.
If you are honest and true to your word then you will succeed. May God guide you always! Thank you.

I doubt if Ried got any money from the Chruch. The Mormons contribute hundred of thousands of dollars for conservative political action like the anti-gay movements in California. In fact, Congress should investigate their political contributions to determine if they are eligible for tax exempt status.

As for the Faithful Mormon comments above, you are a disgrace to the human race. How can you claim to be Christian and be so determined to continue a bloody war of deceit, religious hatred and greed with no definition of victory.
It is you that dont support our troops by continuing to support their mindless and never ending slaughter. One of the Mormons favorite quotes is by their fruits thou shalt know them - your fruit is rotten with hate so we now know you Faithful Mormon.

More HOLOCAUSTS? Mass Homocide? VOTE:

"Gridarian Democracy" is for Atheist's, Ignostic's, Heretic's & Sceptic's and ALL greats.

Vote: O.U.R.S. One Universe Religion system!

One Religion, One-G-D, ONE-BIBLE, "SOURCE-ONE", One Mom, One Dad, One Earth, One Element of Beyondness?

* if I question my government.* E Favorite.

Fine. Question all you want. But your payment should be answers, not total compliance. Some times, even you may be wrong. And so will I.

" if I question my government."

Fine. Question all you want. But your payment should be answers, not total compliance. Some times, even you may be wrong. And so will I.

Senator Reid is taking a bold course that will lead to shame and regret when we all realize that his "new direction" is just another way to quit and abandon all who have trusted us. How many times will be betray the Kurds and others in Iraq who have trusted us? Only faith and hope can let us accept the cost of victory. I hope that the Senator can find his way to accept the promise of a USA that can succeed and win in Iraq. Let him give up his despair and desire to lose. Otherwise, some may suspect that he does it all for political gain.

Hi, Jwest - nice seeing you again.

" I served 21 years in uniform and this man says I'm not being patriotic if I question my government."

I hope you told him where to get off.

Anjos, you say, "atheism has inflicted a greater death toll in the last 50 years than all religions combined have inflicted in the last 200."

Atheism didn't do that, communism and fascism did.

What a joke. Anything to secure votes...

Reid,

You are a disgrace to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and a disgrace to the United States Senate. You stab our troops in the back and then you talk of faith. You are pathetic. You hold the Holy Priesthood of God; you have been to the Holy Temple of God and wear the garments of the Holy Priesthood. How can you conduct yourself in such a shameful way? I hope you local Bishop excommunicates you for betraying our troops and the Church.

More on this absurd religion. The story of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon are so ridiculous as to defy description. I cannot fathom how any intelligent human being could accept such piddle.

The facts:
1)Joseph Smith was a known con-man who was found guilty in New York Court for using "peep stones" to look for buried treasure:

"Joseph Smith was involved in the practice of money-digging for buried treasure and that he used a stone which he placed in a hat to divine where the treasure was located. In 1826 he was brought to trial for this practice and was found guilty. Mormon scholars had always denied these accusations until August, 1971, when Wesley P. Walters found the original of Justice Albert Neely's bill which referred to the trial of "Joseph Smith The Glass Looker."

2) Smith "translates" "modified Egytpian" writing with MAGIC GLASSES from a set of gold plates that an angel told him were BURIED NEAR HIS HOUSE.

3) The gold plates tell a story of a group of JEWS WHO SAILED TO AMERICA around 600BC! These jews then broke up into two tribes, who then attacked each other and the bad guys prevailed. These bad jews then became the AMERICAN INDIANS!

"Mormons grow up with the belief that Native Americans are somehow related to a lost tribe from Israel. That tribe, they are told, came across the ocean about 600 B.C. to America, led by an otherwise unknown Jewish prophet named "Lehi.""

"Mormon doctrine claims that Lehi's children eventually became two warring factions, which included the good, white Nephites and the bad, brown Lamanites. The Lamanites, eventually killed all the Nephites by 500 A.D. But the bad, brown Laminates continued to live on and are now called Native Americans."

If this is not the most ridiculous, false, far-fetched, disprovable excuse for a religion then I'd like to hear your nomination.

ldsdem.
There were 11 people who were told of the golden plates. They never really saw them. The only people to see the plates were other family members. I didn't read a book I said I read an article. You got what I said wrong. And you got the witnesses wrong too. It's that old someone else said so I must beleive it syndrom;

cordually

Which part of the Bible covers questionable land swaps, Harry?

puhlease. i could care less about that self-righteous homophobic, blowhard, throwback reid. he's done NOTHING in support of gay people and is a sleazebag, like all of the other politicians at his level. now, we are subjected to his views on faisth. he makes me sick.

I won't try to historically and accurately settle the debate over the origins of books such as the Book of Mormon, or the storied history of the Old and New Testament. The latter having not been recorded until long after the death of Christ, and then greatly altered by kings and politicians over centuries. REGARDLESS, the books of faith, and their religious organizations are creations of man (divinely inspired or not). In each, one can find inspiration, guidance, and even some wisdom. As they are creations of man they also contain or inspire fallacies and thus our ceaseless wars and fighting for instance. BUT MAYBE the key with the Book of Mormon and all faiths and their books and organizations is that they are not stale or stagnant. So what Mormonism is new. Much to the surpise of middle-aged Christians Jews no longer made sacrifices or worshiped the long destroyed Temple. Maybe Faith is dynamic!? Anyways, there is a voice (as one blogger noted) and whether that voice is god or just reason (both!?) it is within each of us and it is likely that we should use that faculty to ask questions and work "for the good of all mankind." So it may be surprising to some, it is no surprise to me that Democrats are of all sorts of faiths and are the ones who really own issues such as the culture of life. We at least care what happens to god's creation once it is here. Republicans (generally speaking) have forgotten that they don't own the issues of faith and that faith is more than mis-using the Old-Testament for bigotry and hate as they so often do. At the very least they could try owning up to all of it such as stewardship, love, and peace. Thanks to Senator Reid for helping remind us.

JWEST: The gold plates upon which the Book of Mormon is allegedly based were not just seen by Joseph Smith. If you read the book, like you claimed, you would have noticed on the second and third pages of the book the testimonies of 11 witnesses of the gold plates. If you are looking to make a fair assessment, you must consider that fact. Not to mention that Joseph Smith was barely literate, as he only had a 2nd or 3rd grade education.

Harry Reid is a breath of fresh air amid the extreme conservatism among most American Mormons. As BrotherT said, I wonder how one can be a Republican and a "good Mormon" or even a good Christan for that matter, given the GOP's stances on poverty, the environment, geopolitics, and so many other issues.

Witnesses of the autheticity of Joseph Smith and The Book of Mormon:

THE TESTIMONY OF THREE WITNESSES
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That we, through the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, have seen the plates which contain this record, which is a record of the people of Nephi, and also of the Lamanites, their brethren, and also of the people of Jared, who came from the tower of which hath been spoken. And we also know that they have been translated by the gift and power of God, for his voice hath declared it unto us; wherefore we know of a surety that the work is true. And we also testify that we have seen the engravings which are upon the plates; and they have been shown unto us by the power of God, and not of man. And we declare with words of soberness, that an angel of God came down from heaven, and he brought and laid before our eyes, that we beheld and saw the plates, and the engravings thereon; and we know that it is by the grace of God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, that we beheld and bear record that these things are true. And it is marvelous in our eyes. Nevertheless, the voice of the Lord commanded us that we should bear record of it; wherefore, to be obedient unto the commandments of God, we bear testimony of these things. And we know that if we are faithful in Christ, we shall rid our garments of the blood of all men, and be found spotless before the judgment-seat of Christ, and shall dwell with him eternally in the heavens. And the honor be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost, which is one God. Amen.

Oliver Cowdery
David Whitmer
Martin Harris

THE TESTIMONY OF EIGHT WITNESSES
Be it known unto all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, unto whom this work shall come: That Joseph Smith, Jun., the translator of this work, has shown unto us the plates of which hath been spoken, which have the appearance of gold; and as many of the leaves as the said Smith has translated we did handle with our hands; and we also saw the engravings thereon, all of which has the appearance of ancient work, and of curious workmanship. And this we bear record with words of soberness, that the said Smith has shown unto us, for we have seen and hefted, and know of a surety that the said Smith has got the plates of which we have spoken. And we give our names unto the world, to witness unto the world that which we have seen. And we lie not, God bearing witness of it.

Christian Whitmer
Jacob Whitmer
Peter Whitmer, Jun
John Whitmer
Hiram Page
Joseph Smith, Sen
Hyrum Smith
Samuel H. Smith

This is what Mormons believe. These are called the Articles of Faith:

1. We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression.

3. We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

4. We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

5. We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

6. We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

7. We believe in the gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, visions, healing, interpretation of tongues, and so forth.

8. We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.

9. We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.

10. We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.

11. 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.

12. We believe in being subject to kings, presidents, rulers, and magistrates, in obeying, honoring, and sustaining the law.

13. We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul—We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things. If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

And the Million Dollar Question is?

How much Mormon money did Senator Reid get for his political campaigns?

The Deity must want to be left out of human affairs, I am sure. It only gives Him or Her or It a bad name. No good ever comes out of associating with unpleasant and ungrateful creatures, whether one created them or not.

I think that with Harry Reid, Orrin Hatch, Mitt Romney, and other people of the LDS faith in office it proves that they are their under their own free will and conscience and are not dictated by their church. I hope that those that harbor ill feelings towards the LDS church can move past the doctrinal differences and elect people that share their common values for the common good of the country.

Give me a break.
Another man of 'faith' who voted for genocide (Joint Resolution (H.J. 114).

Does hypocracy know no bounds?
Shame, Mr Reid, shame.

I really could not care less about how Harry Reid and his invisible friend get along. Just legislate responsibly and in the common interest!

All you folks, if you are in search of a religoin that's rational and makes sense and doens't require blind faith, explore Islam. And while you are at it, ignore for a minute all the events of the world. See islam for what it is and what it teachers, not what Pipes or Emerson tell you, not even what many Muslims do. Otherwise, with 500,000+ dead in Iraq (not to speak of Hiroshima, Nagasaki etc) and not a single Christian soul in America mentionaing it, Christianity would be the most evil religion of the world!

Just a thought, not a sermon.

I forgot to add that when I was discussing these laws with a college, another man told me not to talk about politics because he and his family were very patriotic and my talk upsets him. And never discuss politics around him again. He thoughtI was not being patriotic. I served 21 years in uniform and this man says I'm not being patriotic if I question my government. That's the thing that is new and scary to me. Fellow citizens publicly questioning people's patriotism and instructing the proper way to act. I'm not done with this guy but for now I have to keep my mouth shut with him.

Sean's right. This country is not going to stay healthy if too much of one religion is allowed to get priviledged status. The christian right is working very hard to get that priviledge. Listen to the code words Huckabee and Brownback use to tell the religious right they will do their bidding once elected. The religious right is a powerful force with sympathiser in the governance of everything. Three bills passed in the Texas house, not much else is getting done there because they are busy pushing religious intrustion into our private lives. One bill was teaching the christian bible in the public schools. Mandatory. Student religious freedom, which states students are free to bring their religion freely into our public schools. That of course opens the door wide open to intrepretation. That means anything that students want to do, bring, say, wear, don't forget infringing on the rights of other student's religious freedom they may now do. And of course they voted to put the words under god in the Texas pledge and make it mandatory for students to recite it by penalty of law. The student can opt out with a note from parents. Think about this point for a moment. Am I the only one to see the constitutional religious infringement on a free tax paying society and most of all the students. This bill takes the students constitution rights and substitutes it for religious law. Sorry kid you have no constitutional rights in Texas. You will study the bible and get pressures by reliigious groups, and have to recite the texas pledge under the threat of god. My daughter is graduating from public school or I would have a field day with this. But you see I don't have any standing any more. I'm just a tax payer.

I have been watching Harry Reid for years, but never knew he is a Mormon. I left the US partially because of its religious conundrums, but I find it refreshing that Reid is so close to the truth in politics while also apparently being close to his faith.

I am estranged from religious doctrine in general, and yet I have to admit I still admire those who can be in power and not have the idiocy to incessantly wear their religious beliefs on their sleeves.

Reid speaks well for America.

Where was Mr. Reid's religious convictions while he was profitting by selling and buying the same property back and forth from the same guy. He became a Millionaire on that deal. If a Republican had pulled such a stunt, it would be reported that he had taken a bribe.
Mr. Reid wants to sell out every one of our Allies in the Middle East to the Jihadists because the War has become difficult. How is that for looking out for the small personal interests and leaving a billion of Gods creatures under the islamic yoke?

I can't help it..the Mormon religion is hard to take seriously. Read for yourself, and search for good answers.

http://catholic.com/library/Mormon_Stumpers.asp

http://catholic.com/library/Gods_of_the_Mormon_Church.asp

Mrs. Reid's parents must still be crying.

Vandal77,
I read a very interesting article on the gold plates and can't seem to locate it on the internet. But it said and I believe, that J. Smith foung the book because an angle came to him in his sleep and took him to the plates with instructions. J Smith took the book home and looked into his hat with seer stones in them and started trans-scibing what the book told him. If that book had had that many words on the metal plates as he trans-scribed then the metal plates would weight about 140K tons. Again it is said no proof of any of this exsists so don't look to me to prove anything about any religion that comes from the minds of man.

Great , Just what we need more of in our Government ... Religion ... not science or something thats proven with scientific facts and reality ... religion....of which everyone on planet earth has a different opinion of .... wake up people ... save your money and get religion out of government ... Its time to wake up ... worry about religion when your time comes ... care for your children friends and family, people in general.... if god is true love we have nothing to worry about right ?
Pay attention to what we know people

BrotherT:

Is there something in mormonism that leads you to believe that Jesus was the founder of the Democratic party? I ask, because the vast majority of practicing Christians disagree with your interpretation of the New Testament. Jesus took a very passive position with regard to politics saying "render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's and unto God that which is God's." Prior to Constantine, Christianity played no role in politics whatsoever, so I'm not sure that Jesus would appreciate you using his teachings to push your political views. Is there something in your religion that makes you feel comfortable enforcing your religious views about welfare through the state, when it appears to me that Jesus had no interest in doing so?

i like harry reid

JWEST - I'm interested in where you come up with the 140K number. But regardless, I believe you were making the point that because you, or most of humanity, has not seen the actual plates they must not exist. If I misunderstood your meaning then forgive me.

REVWEBBER - Your comment presupposes a premise that I never made in my comment to JWEST. And like so many, you blame the ignorant and evil actions of men, who create wars and claim to be acting in the name of God, on Jesus. His message was that of peace. Especially peace in our hearts - something that I fear is not present in most of humanity today. And while it is true that I once believed "because my grandparents told it to my parents" I have had many profound experiences in my life since that have confirmed my beliefs. I suggest you hold strong to your beliefs and let me hold strong to mine and leave it at that.

I can't help but notice that when a Democrat allows his faith to guide his policy choices, it's A Noble Thing, but when a Republican does so, it's A Danger To Freedom.

Definition - Faith : Accepting as fact, that which has no basis of proof in reality.

Faith actually sounds counter-productive to me. For these last 20 centuries or so, we have been moving towards the fact-based realm, and making tremendous strides because of it. Why do we insist on holding onto the darkness of the past, based on nothing but old manuscripts, of which there are thirty or forty versions of the same text, which all contradict each other? Does no one who clings to these beliefs ever reconsider the basis of their belief? Of course not, that's called doubt, which is said to be the product of the devil, not natural human curiosity, and it keeps you from that which cannot be proven. Sounds like a good basis for keeping anyone from asking questions, or positing alternate theories to me....exactly the opposite of what has allowed humanity to progress over the last 2000 years.

If it makes you happy, good for you, but don't expect me to applaud or share in your ethusiasm for that which cannot be proven.

How wonderful that a mormon would want to take the leadership of this Christian founded country. As for me no thanks! Your comments toward the war stating that we were defeated shows that you are a coward and should step down as a disgrace to this country.

It is sickening to hear people cry about this war and forget what we are fighting and why we have our brave soldiers fighting now. We need to remember that ALL of t he soldiers who are fighting enlisted of their own free will to defend this country from any and all.

And to you KALIDAS,

You need to go back to where ever you came from. This country was founded by God fearing leaders who believed in freedom on religion. Even if you disagree with someones religion you have to respect their rights. Get a life, you sound like a communist.

It's funny how self-avowed "free thinkers" are always the least free in their thinking just as those who claim to be the most "open-minded" are usually the most closed. It's also funny how atheists point to religion as being intolerant and the cause of war as atheism has inflicted a greater death toll in the last 50 years than all religions combined have inflicted in the last 200. It's probably healthy to look at the fruits of your own belief system before pointing to nothing but the bad in another.

The Guy in the Glass

by Dale Wimbrow, (c) 1934

When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,

And the world makes you King for a day,

Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,

And see what that guy has to say.

For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,

Who judgement upon you must pass.

The feller whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the guy staring back from the glass.

He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,

For he's with you clear up to the end,

And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test

If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,

And think you're a wonderful guy,

But the man in the glass says you're only a bum

If you can't look him straight in the eye.

You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,

And get pats on the back as you pass,

But your final reward will be heartaches and tears

If you've cheated the guy in the glass.

mmmnn if you are a Mormon does thatr make all Motmons a Moron or are you a special case. I hope not many Mormons clain you because you are just another self serving Corrupt Politician that will do anything for Money and Votes!

freethinker, just because you say it, it does not make it fact.

Freethinker That is your opinion.

Anonymous: By end of story I mean that Mormonism is based on lies, fabrications, proven inconsistencies and absurd claims. What does that mean? It means that Mormonism is morally, scientifically, and philosophically bankrupt. End of story for Mormonism as any philosophy based on reality or factual events. It is not. It was made up by a charlatan who wanted an excuse to have multiple wives (which by the way is CORE doctrine, as any fundy LDS person will attest to).

That Mormons can be good, upstanding, productive, moral citizens in their own right does nothing to change these facts.

I think most American Citizens would rather have a decent hard working Senator that Loves this Nation, abides by our Constitution, belives in the Rule of Law, Honors their Oath of Office than someone that thinks the have a special pipeline to God and can ignore all of the above like you and President Bush!

How wonderful to read of Senator Reid. Our stake president and his wife are democrats. I do not see how any Latter-Day Saint could be a republican and still think they follow the teachings of the Saviour. Had the Saviour been of that mindset there would have been no miracle of the loaves and fishes as a follower of the republican mindset would have condemned those without food and told them to get a job. And if the Saviour had followed the republican mindset he would have praised the money changers in the Temple. Senator Reid certainly is following the precepts of the Saviour as he acts to improve the lot and lives of all americans, not just the richest onepercnt.

How wonderful to read of Senator Reid. Our stake president and his wife are democrats. I do not see how any Latter-Day Saint could be a republican and still think they follow the teachings of the Saviour. Had the Saviour been of that mindset there would have been no miracle of the loaves and fishes as a follower of the republican mindset would have condemned those without food and told them to get a job. And if the Saviour had followed the republican mindset he would have praised the money changers in the Temple. Senator Reid certainly is following the precepts of the Saviour as he acts to improve the lot and lives of all americans, not just the richest onepercnt.

Only a Moron would vote for Amnesty without asking what will be the detrimental affects on our Standard of living, Crime, Environment, Welfare Etc. be from adding 60 to 150 millions Uneducated Criminally inclined Illegal Aliens to the population?

Unless of Course God whispers in your ear like he dose for Bush then I guess you can justify anything because God told you it was the right thing to do and God,s Law is above the Constitution, the Laws of the land your Oath of Office and the good of American Citizens!

So your Faith leds you to ignore the USA Constitution, the Rule of Law, your Oath of office and to reward Law breakers and Criminals that spit on our Laws, our Cizitens, and this Nation. That kind of Faith is destorying this Nation and turning us into a Lawless cesspool of Crime, Corruption, Poverty, Misery like Mexico and that in the end benefits no one but harms nearly everyone!

freethinker what do you mean by saying end or story. does that mean we are not suppose to respond?

Anonymous:
if you are a morman that is a good reason why no one should join that church. you are hardly a guidinbg light.
Who are you talking to?

I like Harry Reid even if he is a goddamn Mormon.

As public servants, we are all bound by the same goal, to improve our communities and our nation, except of course for the loyal Bushies, whose goal is to enrich their cronies and ensure a permanent Republican majority.

if you are a morman that is a good reason why no one should join that church. you are hardly a guidinbg light.

Mormon doctrine claims that American Indians are descended from an ancient tribe of Jews who sailed here on a boat, and then forgot they were Jews. End of story.

BenJ, I could not have said it better.

Add to that, who was the first to be in Louisiana? The Mormons had trucks of supplies on the road before Katrina hit land. There was a man in the Mormonism documentary, (who was against Mormons before Katrina) who said that they were the first their. The Mormons did not just throw supplies and leave. He said that the Mormons stayed and helped him. He now says that Mormon missionaries are welcome in his home. Also What state in the U.S puts in the most hours volunteering? Utah and all the Mormons with the welfare program. So we need to look at all the good the Mormons spread.

Dear Senator,
I welcome your opposition to this criminal, illegal and immoral war and its adherents, the corrupt Bush regime and its GOP lackies.

I will accept your dependency on LDS and I will respect your choice of worship for yourself; however in so far as you support the masonic zeal to indoctrinate the unbelievers and work to incorporate your religious beliefs into the laws of our nation, aI will oppose you with all of my strength.

If you can combat the insidious attempt by the so-called religious right to pervert our Constitution, our Bill of Rights, our laws, and our judiciary with their ignorant superstitions I will be eternally grateful.

By the way, I have wondered how these reactionary luddites ever managed to get encompassed into the Conservative label. There is nothing about these folks that is conservative!

vandal77

I'm not making any claims to anything. So what's the challenge you lay before me. I don't beleive the bible is the inerrant word of god anymore then I believe Joseph Smith's story of golden plates. Plus as I've read old Chinese philosophies I find many bible passages. Do I hear plagiarism , no because most people don't want to think about the origination of these types of things. Too much for the mind to comprehend. I believe todays modern man wants to be told what to do and think and is too lazy to find out for himself or wonder how metal plates that looked like gold and would weight in around 140K tons would be possible. Instead it's because he said it it must be true.

Some people posting here have expressed surprise to disbelief that a "progressive" such as Sen. Reid can be a member of a church as conservative as the Mormon church. A Mormon myself, and a conservative, I don't see any inconsistencies with Sen. Reid's political and spiritual ideology.
Christ told us to take care of the poor. Christ told us to forgive those who've trespassed against us. Christ taught us not to judge others. He taught us to repair our own spiritual faults before helping others to repair theirs.
Certainly many of these are addressed more directly by the Democrat platform than by the Republicans.
Additionally, Mormon doctrine emphasizes personal agency accountability. Such doctrine could be seen as a directive to let others live according to their conscience and not to interfere with their choices. In the context of social issues this attitude is more in line with liberal causes.
I don't agree with everything in the Democrat platform, but I can see solid reasoning behind it from a spiritual point of view. Again, I remind you that I am a conservative and a Mormon, but it astonishes me how much company I have.

Vandal77: Just because nobody can account for the original documents that make up the bible doesn't lend any creedence to the Book of Mormon. In fact, if the only thing that needs to happen in order for a religion to gain creedence is for someone to transcribe thier "visions" to the page, maybe we should all begin worhiping Frodo Baggins, at least he brought peace to his land, seems to me that all Jesus, Mohamad, and Yahweh have brought is more war and disconnect.

Remember, just because your grandparents told it to your parents who passed it on to you, doesn't make it true

Anthony,
Whether or not you or your pastor feel so inclined to bestow the title of "Christian" on Mormons, you seem to have confused some of their doctrine. Yes, it is true that they do not accept the "Trinity" as understood by the vast majority of Christian religions, but they do believe that Christ is the son of God. As a matter of fact, feeling that one cannot be his own son, it is the divinity of Christ's parentage that precludes acceptance of the Trinity.

Senator Reid,

Thank you for your service and for continuing the Liberal tradition within Mormonism that Joseph Smith espoused in his political platform when he ran for President of the United States.

Many are not aware that Joseph advocated Prison reform (rehabilitation of criminals) and abolition of slavery. He also initiated radical redistributive economic practices and, while encouraging business ventures, discouraged economic exploitation and pointless hoarding of wealth.

There are both Liberal and Conservative elements in Mormon theology and history. Thank you for showing that a faithful Mormon can draw on either.

Anthony Garrett - Mormons don't believe in the Holy Trinity as described in the Nicean Creed but they believe in the Godhead, as described in the Bible.

JWEST Can you account for the original docuemtns that make-up today's Bible? Have you seen them?

BTW Yes mormons do believe that Jesus Christ is the son of GOd.

Senator Reid,

When you state `All of us, despite ideological, political, and religious differences, are God’s children faithfully working to provide for the common good. I remain prayerful and hopeful that this shared goal will improve our nation and humanity.` I must ask the question; At what point might you realize that not all of `God`s children` are `faithfully working to provide for the common good?` When I ask this question, I am obviously referring to the Iraq War. With your experience and the experience of Congress, can you foresee anything positive arising from the ashes that is Iraq? Over these last several years of the Iraq War `remaining prayerful and hopeful` it has become obvious, to me anyway, that the goals that you and most of our country imbue are very different from the goals of this Administration. Being prayerful and hopeful will not change this mans' mind, Impeaching the President and Vice President for crimes already committed is the only answer. If anything look into the eyes of the troops and their families who are returning, and tell me this can continue for two more years.

I notice that abortion and gay marriage didn't make the list.

The problem with Mormonism as I see it is it is based on another big whopper of a tale. They originated in the middle east then settled in the eastern US where Joseph Smith found the golden tablets and they instantly transformed all the letters to English and told him what ever it told him. Now as I have read these tablets would, as described by Mormons themselves, weight in the neighborhood of 140000 tons. Solid gold no less. I just don't see it. Only one man saw them and they can't be accounted for today. Amazing.

So is there something in LDS that allows politicians to commit fraud and misuse public funds? He may tout Jesus, but he behaves more like the money changers that were thrown out of the temple!

Public service- more like private land ventures!

To the comment asserting that Mormons are Christians- LDS is not Christian. It is my understanding that LDS does not acccept/believe in the Holy Trinity or that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

Senator Reid,
I can't say I personally agree with all of your political beliefs. But thank you for your public service. It is good to see a man informed by his LDS faith in public office. As the First Presidency has said, there are positions in both major party's which a good Latter-day Saint can accede to. I believe some of your political positions are wrong, but I also believe that you are doing your best. Thank you again.

Mandy,

Christianity is a cult by the way.

Yours in freedom.

Mormonism is a cult by the way.

That's just it. We ALL are NOT God's Children. Yes we all are God's Creation but the bible says that we only become his sons/children by and through receiving his son Jesus Christ as our lord.

My question is how can Harry Reid be a political progressive , and adhere to a religion that is conservative in its theological structure , and intolerant towards the interpretations and practices of other Faiths ? Mormonism seems to be millenarian and very exclusive extolling its place as the only true religion revealed to only a few...sort of Calvinist in its emphasis on the destiny of those who are born into or who become Mormons . This form of Christianity more closely resembles modern style splinter group Islam with its emphasis upon revealed knowledge in the present tense as opposed to traditional practice. In our culture , many people have , in the past and now , felt that the Mormons' sense of 'being chosen' might not give them the correct perspective on how to respect the rights of others in regards different faiths , or social policy issues such as the 'right to choose'. Yet, Harry Reid has managed to reconcile his personal beliefs with tolerant and compassionate public service. Here is another example as to why, in my opinion, America is a good place to be . I wish I knew him , and could ask him more .

Well most people who believe in FAITH think so.

No!

Isn't part of common sense listening to a little voice inside of you! Don't you think that the voice inside of you can be being led by God?

Political leaders of all parties seem hell bent on bringing their own personal beliefs to the fore. "This is how I feel so everyone must feel he same way". Just once I would like to hear a politician say he/she used common sense in dealing with our problems. No lately they all have to brag how god tells them what to do. How god gave them the strength to do this or that. It's a way of dealing with problems without having to face them.

by "of the world" I mean putting yourself above the good of others.

The LDS reached out to you and your wife, both who were saved and baptized. This is a great testament to the LDS and nothing could be more important than your baptism. We are all God's children but it is hard to accept that we all despite our ideological, political or religious differences are faithfully working to provide for the common good. Yes, we are all God's children but there is also the problem child, like Judas. You may need to rethink the idea that ALL of God's children work to provide for the common good. There are many examples of those who do not work for the common good, the most extreme examples being people like Hitler, Osama, and Stalin. These guys are working for someone else.

On another blog ms wrote: "They have no ability to think critically, rationally, or scientifically. A Plato, Aristotle, Kepler, Galileo, Locke, Paine, Jefferson, Franklin, Einstein, or Hawkins will never come from such a religious Empire."

You are a perfect example of a Mormon going forward leading in the world and not being "of the world." Thank you for all you have done.