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Bill Marriott, is without a doubt the embodiment of hypocracy. His pontification about his commitment to Truth, Justice and the American way is dribble. He does not believe it. He does not embrace it. He does not live it. The levels in which he will stoop to protect his fortune is heinous. I have nothing personal against the Mormon's, excuse me Latter Day Saints. Yes, that is how they refer and see themselves as Saints. A rather offensive depiction of themselves thought by many. I am familar with the Mountain Meadow Massacre on September 11, 1857. This pogrom was ordered by Brigham Young, the most revered "saint" in the Church of the Latter Day Saints. A cowardly man who ordered the massacre of 140 Arkansa settlers on their way to California. A group that consisted primarliy of women and children. Young order this massacre to protect his kingdom in the west and to continue his (and the other followers to practice their prediliction to their polygamus ways. Young then places the blame on the local plains indiand. A The skulls found had bullet holes in them. The indians had no guns. Cowardly action yes. More fightening is that Utah school books have erased the event from all text. The Church of the LDS revers and worships him. Now what we have is: A religion that revers a man who massaceres women and children in order to sustain his perversions, ie. polygamy and attempts to blame it on the Paiute Indians. I respect the rights of followers of Brigham Young to worship him and to embrace his ideology. However, I would not choose an individual of that "faith" to lead our nation. Rational, moral individuals would not choose an individual for president if they had a picture of Hitler or Idi Amin in their living room. Bill Marriott has his picture in every Marriott Hotel in the world. (The picture is from 30 years ago at least) That is conciet. This Mormon hotel, offers pornographic videos in their pay for view. But don't worry folks, no smoking in any of his hotels. It appears there is ample heat from those pay for view videos. Bill Marriott, that pilar of the community, "Captain America" is in truth an old, twisted, and crooked man who would not knno how to stand up for a principle if his empire depended on it. His father is probally rolling over in his grave. Marriott, the Marriott money and the entire family that financially stand behind Mitt also revere, Brigham Young. Marriott International is Romneys #2 money giver. This man breaks more commandments in a day than most atheltes during the course of their carrer. Bill Marriott must be in neeed of more connections in Washington. Why are the Mormons so secretive? A lot of skeletons in the closet,both literally and figuartively.

m400k

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."

Well then you better turn off your Comp and throw out your TV because Philo T Farnsworth invented the TV and he was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

When you get what you want in your struggle for SELF...not pelf

Sorry!

By the way, that poem is for both male and FEMALE..some say they can be cattier than any man alive.

One wonders?!?!

Yes, Mr. Mark, that be the faithful for you!

If every human would look into their soul before they spoke, maybe much hatred could be diverted.

There is a poem that I like very much:

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.

Or better yet,
http://famousmormons.net/
You may be suprised. There are mormons everywhere. You may even work with some. Who knows, You may even like them without even knowing it!

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 don't think so?

Stephen R. Covey
Chairman, Franklin Covey Company

J. Ralph Atkin
founder, SkyWest Airlines

Nolan D. Archibald
CEO, Black and Decker

Melvin A. Cook
chemist

Richard and Linda Eyre
family counselors

Dr. John S. Lewis
space scientist

Joseph F. Merrill
(1869 - 1952)
physicist

and many more are found at

http://famousmormons.net/sci.html

Now you do not think any of these people are thinkers, or rational, or scientific? They are all mormons.

Gaby writes:
"übermensch = superman. Doesn't exist except in Hitler's garbled mind!"

Dear Gaby -

Yes, you are correct. That particular smear was thrown my way in this thread. The person who called me that name qute obviously used the term to smear me as a Nazi. It wasn't subtle, and I didn't miss it.

Xian love on display for all to see.

So this is what the world has come to! Believers and non believers trying to out slam each other! Wow what love I feel here!

Anonymous:

"then maybe we would begin to understand eachother and be more tolerant."

When was the last time you saw tolerance in this world? Everybody hates everbody. "We love the Sinner but hate the Sin." What crap!!!

It tranlates into we can't stand what you do but we'll try to forgive you if you repent and become one of us.

That goes for Christians and Muslims alike.

Heck, even just in Christian faith we can't come to just one common denominator

Why?

Because that so-called "word of God" is anything but. It was written for men by men. NOTE: I didn't say women by women.

Everyone translates the "Word of God" into what they want to believe. The Mormons just added a few chapter to suit them.

So what?

People have always been afraid to die and that is why they created the "afterlife" in the image they wanted to see it.

The simple truth is that our "Eclat = Photons = Soul = Universe" is what we are.

If you believe in everything having a soul (energy) then that energy has to go somewhere. In all likelihood it combines with the greater energy.

View it as a magnet that pulls all things together. There won't be individual thought, because there can't be. You will be part of the WHOLE once again.

übermensch = superman. Doesn't exist except in Hitler's garbled mind!

"The boys from Brazil"

Jacob....

Each has a unique frequency of ones Eclati-On photon mist(s).

(((((LOVE YOU)))))

Why Theriault? I knew long before him! Cosmic Energy, Eclati-ions, Brothers and Sisters in Space-Time continuum.

IT is in us and all around us. WE are Photons!

Anonymous writes:
"reading these blogs truely shows the intolerance that is poisoning our nation. just because you dont believe it or understand something you have to knock it down."

Intolerance, or the result of enlightenment? Except for the USA and the Islamic world, the world is abandoning the fairy tale world of religion at an alarming rate.

As far as "understanding something," name one thing in the world outside of religion that asks man to take it as being truthful and realistic while providing not a shred of evidence to support its claims. What, exactly, is there to "understand" about religion? If its claims are not demonstratably provable on an historic, scientific or rational basis, then what, exactly, is the proof that helps one to understand? At the end of the day, it all comes down to an opinion unsupported by evidence. And in the case of Xianity, it's an opinion with which 2 out of 3 people in the world disagree.

What you see as intolerance I see as progress.

OH JESUS MARIA PLEEZE WHATS GOING ON. HERE WE HAVE A CULT THAT DENEGRATES WOMEN, GAYS AND LESBIANS TO 2ND CLASS STATUS AND THEY THINK THEIR CHURCH IS MAINSTREAM! GET A LIFE!
SOME OF THOSE DUDES THAT RUN THE CHURCH ARE RIPE TO JOIN BARNUM AND BAILEY CIRCUS THEY HAVE OPENINGS FOR HOMOPHOBIC CLOWNS RIGHT NOW! NO WONDER MEMBERS HAVE TO DONATE 10 % OF THEIR INCUM TO THE CHURCH, REMEMBER JOSEPH SMITH AND BRIGHAM YOUNG HAD WELL OVER 100 WIVES IN BETWEEN THEM! OH JESUS IT SHOW US ONCE MORE THAT RELIGION IS THE PROBLEM AND NOT THE ANSWER!
OK BILL NOW I WANT A FREE ROOM FOR 2 WEEKS AT YOUR LAS VEGAS HOTEL PLEEZE????

reading these blogs truely shows the intolerance that is poisoning our nation. just because you dont believe it or understand something you have to knock it down. That goes both ways wether you believe in god or not. wether you are mormon, catholic, athiest or whatever. why do we have to attack someones beliefs. i know a lot of good people who come from all these backgrounds.

it is those people from any of the above named groups or any group creed or religion that have to attack or belittle or twist others words or that have to give their opinion on what others believe that are creating all this hate and intolerance. everyone needs to look inward and fix their own problems and let everyone else to the same.

then maybe we would begin to understand eachother and be more tolerant.

"Peace through Christ, not religion. Religion is satanic, Biblical Christianity is of God."

This is what some people do not understand....people have used God and the bible to pervert things to suite their own needs but that has nothing to do with God. Human beings should be held accountable for their actions instead of denying the existence of God.

People trash Christianity but for all the hoopla they can never tell me what is wrong with Christianity. I had to figure it out myself.....Christianity deals with the essence of humanity that religion had crippled. Now we see science trying to do the same. But the Almighty is in charge and rising people of faith to come out of their hiding place to spread the joy and salvation of the gospel that belongs to all humanity.

Mr Mark:

"You forgot the umlaut on übermensch."

Maybe you're just uberanal.

I wrote:

"We call upon god for help and guidance, but the turh is that we answer our own prayers."

Misspelled "truth"...and that's the turh... :)

katakaha writes:
"Mr. Mark. You are ubermensch? A Randian hereo? Don't need help from no stinking nobody? I do. I need lots of help."

You forgot the umlaut on übermensch.

I need as much help as the next person. The difference between you and me is that I don't look toward an imaginary god for help.

I'm going to assume that you do look toward god for help, and that you sometimes do that exclusive of human help. In a very real way, I admire that - as god is all in your mind, calling on him for help is - in reality - an exercise in SELF HELP. The truth is that you are a more self-reliant person than I...and a more self-reliant person than you give yourself credit for being.

We call upon god for help and guidance, but the turh is that we answer our own prayers.

tj writes:
"Mr. Mark
Why are you so positive there is no God? If you were in a bad accident, in your heart what would you feel? Would you hope that some superior being might be looking out for you?"

Good question.

I would say that the fact that god allowed me to be in the bad accident in the first place would mitigate against my feeling that there was some god watching out for me. ;)

"You call Mr. Marriott a Hypocrite because he provides these things but if he did not you would say he is forcing his religion on you. I think some people just like to find things to complain about."

This is so true.....for some people it is never enough. That's why it is good that people like Mr. Marriot are coming out to tell it like it is with freedom from fear.

This is the same reason why the world is in shambles....because of people and their never ending whining and complaining pointing fingers at others instead of using that same energy and contributing to humanity.

Will, I congratulate the Marriott family to their pragmatic and reasonable approach to sexuality.

It is unfortunate, however, that Mormon authorities are badgering teenagers over non-issues such as masturbation and homosexuality.

I wish that the Mormon leadership would learn from the Marriott family and corporation how to deal with the facts of life.

Mr. Mark, In response to your comments by the heartfelt message from Mr. Marriot, you criticize him for not verbally giving his doctors FULL credit for his recovery. Rather his feelings of gratitude went beyond his wonderful medical caregivers and he specifically gave credit to his God for sustaining him through that trial.

You are an atheist and that is certainly YOUR right. I am not making issue with you on that matter - the saying "free to be you and me" comes to mind. However, I am not an atheist, I am a Christian and that is MY right and hopefully you won't make issue with me on MY choice.

From MY point of view as a Christian, I believe all things come from God. Bill Marriot believes that as well. Why his sharing tender feelings regarding what must have been a horrible experience for him must be disected to the degree it has been in this column I do not understand. When any Christian (and yes Mormons believe in Christ and are therefore Christians) who has had a brush with morality as he did, will naturally turn to his creator in thought and gratitude for his having survived the ordeal.

I believe that scientific discoveries for medicine and the skills doctors use for treating illnesses, etc. untimately come from God... because He wants it to be so.

The following is a quote from a book called "Pathways to Perfection" by Thomas S. Monson: "God left the world unfinished for man to work his skill upon. He left the electricity in the cloud, the oil in the earth. He left the rivers unbridged and the forests unfilled and cities unbuilt. God gives to man the challenge of raw materials, not the ease of finished things. He leaves the pictures unpainted and the music unsung and the problems unsolved that man might know the joys and glories of creation."

Again I say, I believe that scientific discoveries
for medicine and the skills doctors use for treating you and me ultimately comes from God because He wants it to be so.

I wish you only good things Mr. Mark and any others who might have a different view than I do.

Att: Anonymous et al;

((((((((((((( Peace-Love-Rock and ROMNEY! )))))))))))

Jacob, I'm confused. Are you a follower of the cult of Roch Theriault or the cult of Harry Theriault?

HK- Here's another tip:

You might as well give up any TV you may have then as well, since today's modern TV sets are what have evolved from a TV invented by a Mormon.

So, now that you have that tip, does that mean you've watched your favorite movie or TV show for that last time now???

And for those who find Marriott HYPOCRITICAL for allowing alcohol, smoking, and pornography to be accessible in his hotels, I've got another 'H' word for you all. It's HOSPITALITY! Just because he makes those things accessible for guests doesn't mean he subscribes to any of that stuff himself. You have your choices when you are there. You can open up the drawer and pull out the Bible or Book of Mormon and have a good read to kill time. If so much of our society weren't so dependent having access to alcohol, smoking, and/or pornography to have a good time, then I don't think Marriott would have that stuff available in his hotels.

Why criticize Marriott for being hospitable?? Isn't he just patterning his business like any good American hospitality business by giving you the luxury and accomodations, not only in the rooms themselves, but in choice of how you may spend your leisure time?

Marriott understands that to have the success he's had, he has to be accomodating and hospitable to as many people as he can, and unfortunately that means continuing to allow people the choice and ability to engage in smoking, drinking, or watching porn in their rooms.

I think we all know that if he didn't do that, he would not have such a successful and hospitable hotel chain if any. We all know that you would then be criticizing him for not being hospitable and for trying to be too controlling in limiting the abilities and choices of his guests.

So, with that being true, I ask to all who have criticized Marriott here, why the fault finding? What is it about finding fault in others, whether it be their religion or other facet of their lives that gives you so much pleasure? Does it make you feel empowered in some way? Please...give me some answers here. Thanks!

Mr. Marriott, I hope your recovery was complete and that you do not carry too many scares or suffer from residual pain. What an awful accident but you turned it into a positive experience and this is something we can all learn from. It deepened your love for life and your love of Christ. It seems that your faith kept you from blaming God, feeling bitter, feeling sorry for yourself and asking "why me Lord" and that is a really good testament to the Mormon faith. My personal belief is that the Mormon doctrine is flawed but who am I to judge an organization that produces such positive results. We both share a belief in the divinity of Christ and that is the the substance of life.

Jacob JOZEVZ et al:
A good morning to you!

"me wise unknown, like Melchezedik"
Very apt, very creative, very funny!

Mr. Mark. You are ubermensch? A Randian hereo? Don't need help from no stinking nobody? I do. I need lots of help. I guess I just suck. I'm sure I suck much worse than Mr. Marriott.

Speaking of Marriott, a family member temped at their corporate headquarters in DC (or Rockville, I forget) for a few weeks. She said it was the kindest, nicest corporate culture she had ever seen. She's never seen anything like it before or since. I don't know if this is Bill Marriott's doing, but if it is, it speaks well of him.

Religion is never an impediment to thinking as long as you don't think out loud. Look how Galileo was persecuted to his death while under house arrest during the last 15 years of his life. Most religions enforce leaving your conscience at the church door as you enter the cage of vile beasts. Look at what the church of Satan did to the reformers in the 15th and 16th century. Also reflect on why the saints of God such as the Waldenses, Albigenses, French Huegonots and the Anabaptists were persecuted by the state churches not for their thinking, but for their standing up for the word of God. William Tyndale was murdered by strangulation for printing the word of God in English and not in the Latin monster tongue. Anyone that thinks religion is a good thing and expressive of freedom of thought hasn't read any history. I would encourage reading about the Crusades, the Inquisition, the persecution of the Jews during WW11, the murder of the Serbs by the religious Croatians etc. The only reasons we are not seeing religion kill again is because the Roman church is being held back by God or it would go back to its murderous ways. There are those that will join in with the Islamic faith, but it too was persecuted by the infidels during the Crusades!

Religion is not of God but of the devil. Read Matthew chapter 13 where Jesus Christ tells us where the Pharisees come from and the religion that murdered the Holy One of Israel, the Son of God, the Son of Man who is one with the Father and is the express image of God and is God.

Peace through Christ, not religion. Religion is satanic, Biblical Christianity is of God.

John Adamson

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."

How about Henry Eyring, the theoretical chemist? I came across the Eyring equation in a textbook once. Apparently, it's a big deal. If you don't like theoreticians, there was Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of electronic television. Wikipedia has a brief biographies of both these guys. There are plenty of Mormon scientists and scholars. They can't drink beer, but they are free to disregard your stereotype.

On a wider note, you will recall that it was Catholic monks that transmitted the learning of the Platos and Aristotles of antiquity to the Keplers and Galileos later on. Kepler was Lutheran. Copernicus and Mendel were both Catholic priests. Thomas Aquinas was a fantastic thinker, no one disputes that. Religion is not an impediment to thinking. It may be to some, but it is not generally the case, at least as far as I have seen. I can see how it could contribute to some becoming intellectually lazy, but this is not generally the case.

In response to MS regarding Mormons and “…that their beliefs (like many other religions) are full of non-sense. 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."

I find this statement both condescending and insulting. Many of LDS members are scientists, engineers, college professors and even Deans at Harvard University (Although that might not qualify because it is a religious institution), some have even taught at MIT. They must have some achieved amount of critical thinking, I hope.

I have studied philosophy and earned a degree in political science and psychology. I am also a women and LDS. While I am unmarried, I do not feel that if I were to marry, that I am expected to be subservient to any man by my religion. My two sisters also have bachelors; one is currently pursuing her graduate degree, the other works in television. She is married and has two children. Her husband fully supports her in her career. He is a mechanical engineer. My mother and six of her sisters all have bachelors and master's degrees and are married. One of my aunts earned a master's degree in mathematics and worked, as a computer scientist for Bell Labs, another is a CPA and works for a large company. We are neither subservient women nor without intelligence. If you werer to ask most Mormon men if they believe their wives are ignorant or subservient. I believe that most would say no, they are partners. A person's belief in something greater than him or herself is not a weakness, nor a sign of a weak mind.

Our doctrine teaches that all truth comes from God and that ALL religions and philosophies teach truth. I respect your right to express your opinion. However, it is incorrect and I feel compelled to express mine. "Search others for their virtues, thyself for thy vices." (Benjamin Franklin)

Wow, it still amazes me when the lack of tolerance in all forms rears its ugly head. From the stoning of non-believers to the outright bigotry afforded to those of faith or non-faith.

Mr. Marriott wrote about the way that his faith played in his life. In no way did he say that those who don't believe the same thing he does are wrong. He may very well believe that but I will leave that up to him.

As an atheist who grew up a catholic, I do not share his same beliefs however I wholeheartedly support his right to have them. I am not going to claim he is wrong and tell him that he needs to acknowledge that there is or is not a god of his choosing.

I personally could care less if he believes in a rock or a pony or a floating head in the sky. I don't pretend to know whom or what created this ball of fun we are floating on and I personally don't see how anyone else can until they expire. At that time we may or may not find out but if Mr. Marriott or anyone else or that matter has a faith in anything then I may not agree with them but they have as much right as anyone else to have those beliefs.

Mr. Marriott's story does not have to be inspirational to all. It may be just that to others, a story and who doesn't like to have a view into what makes others tick?

So go on with your bad self Mr. M. and you believe what you believe and I'll do the same and perhaps we could all do the same without holding judgment.

Yeah, I know.......good luck with that!

Mr. Mark
Why are you so positive there is no God? If you were in a bad accident, in your heart what would you feel? Would you hope that some superior being might be looking out for you?

Mr. Marriott:

Thank you for you posting. I hope you will disregard those who are negative with their posts. I appreciated what you said and know where you are coming from. You have been truly blessed and may God continue to bless you and yours.

Samuel Margolies
Las Vegas, Nevada

anyway can any of ya'll answer some quick questions for me..

1.) why can't I have more than one* wife?
2.) if I belong to a group of individuals like the Mormons and they respect me and treat me good while we enjoy worshipping Christ the Messiah, then why would that be terrible?
3.) how many Mormons does it take to elect a President??
4.) why can't we all spend more time praising Christ the Messiah instead of bickering over who does it better?
5.) oh and why don't Church of Christ listen to music?? King David danced so hard his clothes fell off, I personally couldn't dance that hard, but so what??
6.) why are Mormons any diffrent than all the other sects of Christianity lead be 'Elders' that believe their Dogma is more holy?
me personally I think that we should focus more on the actual TEACHING of CHRIST than the MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY approach

If I'm way off base with these assumptions and questions then please let me know, I just know I read the WORD and take it on FAITH, if there is a better SYSTEM out there then Let me know!!

*that is assuming I could even consider having more than one woman in my life who is willing to love me!! KING SOLOMON ANYONE???

To HK: the fact that EVERY hotel room in the Mariott chain has the Book Of Mormon in the nightstand wasn't a hint?

Once again I offer that the problem with Mormonism isn't their religious traditions, it is the fact that they OSTRACIZE any non- mormons when they are the majority cultural influence in the community. Also, it has been recogized since J.Edgaqr Hoover, that Mormons make up a disproportiate munber of CIA and FBI agents. The reason, is that they believe in unbliding authority- without question. This is a big problem for me coming out of the Bush administrations crinyism and questioning of anyone's patriotism if they don't unwaveringly support the administration's actions. I have had it with authoritarianism, even dressed up in a nice suit with good hair.

oops, that should be, "talk to missionaries or members".

Hello

I am grateful for this blessed nation that gives me freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

If you want to understand members of the "Mormon" church, go to LDS.org. Talk to missionaries of members. Email me.

I do not follow blindly in my faith. My ancestors did not follow blindly. Many knew Joseph Smith. He did not deceive them, he inspired them.

I am grateful for the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I wish you all success on your pursuit of truth.

Sagebrush

Mr. Mark

Your comment and point has already been posted and made. And your insinuation loud and clear. Please don't think you can crawfish now.

I must have struck a nerve. For that I apologize. But thank you for confirming what I have already stated about your contempt and the emptiness of your life’s center. Perhaps that is the root of your anger and issues toward the God who gives you life. Maybe you blame him. I don't know. I am not you.

As for your two children: What a blessing they must be.

If you are trying to impress anyone with your experience in seeing what is in a child’s eyes... with four of my own, as well as two grandchildren and a third on the way. I am not the best audience to start with. And I am certain, Mr. Marriott, given his age and the many more yet still that he has had a part in bringing into mortality, is not the best audience either.

If you truly want to expand your ability to see and understand what happiness is all about, and strengthen the foundation of the center of your life, (you already pointed out how fragile it is in your previous post) stop relying on just yourself. It is such a selfish, egotistical approach. Not to mention insanely limiting.

You people are weird.

hey, I know all ya'll are wrapped up in Mormon vs Mainstream Christianity, but seriously does anyone else have any idea what that ECLATi thing is about, I have read alot about Mormonism, and respectfuly I choose to decline on the subject..I think that as long as 'people' are willing to fight over ideals that they themselves didn't write or even consider to be written by their own Prophets (the Jews towards their own, Christians of diffrent cultural influences, the sects of Islam, Mormons also towards eachother) that veiws will always be skewed..No one can 'change' someone's veiws, only God can, so let's just say 'Love thy Neighbor'...well unless they steal your lawn equipment...that stuff is the important thing be a person of servitude not attitude!!!

LOve all you guys and women see ya'll hasta mannana..

-ransom-

Dear Freevoice -

Thanks for the comments.

"People who contribute to the advancement of humanity surely need credit but by no means should they be worshipped as Gods on earth because they are not all knowing. If that were the case the world would be a totally different place today."

I'd ask you to open your mind.

No one is asking anyone to worship humans. I don't worship humans. I am simply asking: why can't humans be acknowledged for the incredible things they do? What is it with people like you that you take man's greatest accomplishments and flippantly assign their achievements to a god?

Hell, if you were a deist, you'd be able to believe in god AND you would also believe that every single thing that happens on this earth with man's involvement is the product of man's involvement, because a deist believes in a dispassionate god who has no interest in the goings on of this world.

My question to you is this: why worship god(s) at all? The god of the Bible is NOT all-knowing. He is NOT all-powerful. His is NOT all-prescient. The Bible itself proves this to be true (I leave it to you to find the appropriate verses). By his OWN standrads, the Biblical god is not worthy of worship!

As far as your saying that, "God is the unseen life force and it is universal as nature is universal." Well, you are now redefining god from the Biblical definition, aren't you? My "attacks" are upon the Biblical god, not upon some unseen life force. If you want to say that physics or mathematics or photsynthesis are "god," then I'm OK with that definition. But I thought we were discussing god in the context of the Abrahamic religions, and THAT god looks like us, thinks like us and makes mistakes, just like us.

In closing, you write: "Science on the other hand can and it is dominated by particular elite who tell the rest of so-called fools what to think, feel and what’s good for them."

You know, I'd pay real money if you would act as a man of your word on this issue - sell your car, your computer, your TV and turn off your electric lights. Give up on the health of the food chain and eat untested food from the wild fields. But please, PLEASE quit your damn whining about an elite that doesn't care for you fools! If you insist on biting the hand that feeds you, than at least have the courage to admit your hypocrisy...or to act on your convictions.

I, for one, say, thank GOD for those scientific elites! I'm one fool who is more than happy to enjoy the advances they have provided to ALL humanity, fools and freethinkers alike.

The world NEEDS elites, my friend. Elites are certainly in short supply in all fields of endeavor. Perhaps you would do well to spend a few minutes a day contemplating how much those elites have improved YOUR life before you damn them with your all-too-familiar whining.

Take care.

Dear Sunprince -

Well, you just don't get it, do you.

Far from "humiliating me" in this blog, you make my point. Thank you.

Indeed, my quote of Mr Marriott included his words "helped me", and that was the point. As a father with two children, I can't imagine that I would need ANY outside help to "help me make my family the center of my affection." My post in no way implies that Mr Marriott's faith is the ONLY thing that helped him find his affection. Those are YOUR words twisting mine, not mine twisting Mr Marriott's. Perhaps YOU need to go back and reread my post, Sunprince. You'll see absolutely nothing in it that even suggests the condition of "only."

As far as misquoting Mr Marriott - my comments were direct cut-n-pastes. There was absolutely no misquoting of any kind.

What I found disheartening is his statement that his affection for his family needed a boost from some external source.

I would gently suggest to Mr Marriott - and to you, for that matter - that you need look no further than into your children's eyes to experience overwhelming affection for them, and that if you can't feel that all-encompassing affection from the simple act of looking in their eyes, that no amount of "help" from an imaginary being is going to get you there.

As far as atheists not being happy/child of god BS: cut the crap. You're living a delusion. There is no "him (god)" to "throw away your issues against." Knowing that fact as a fact is - in fact - a GREAT source of happiness for me. There's no god - rejoice with exceeding great joy! Too bad you're not in on the happiness, for it is a much more organic and spiritual happiness than religion ever was or could be, at least for me.

In closing - science need not acknowledge religion. There is more mystery and wonder in than natural world than the religionist can imagine. Why should science lower itself to the level of religious poppycock and delusion? Why should science assign its discoveries to a third party that had nothing to do with making those discoveries? Science may as well acknowledge the New York Mets as being involved in its discoveries as god. God had no hand in those discoveries. Why give him credit?

Science moves forward while religion sputters in its Bronze Aged-idiocies.

As far as religion not discounting science : maybe you missed last night's Republic debate. Maybe you've never heard of the Discovery Institute or creationists.

Thanks for the chat.

Neil Graham writes:

"Mitt Romney apparently believes Joseph Smith found some gold tablets from God in the forest, and that Mr. Smith then conveniently lost the tablets. The alleged tablets claim (among other extremely unlikely claims)that the US was founded by Israelites! Why do people believe this sort of thing?"

That is a good question Neil. Perhaps you should find out if this is even accurate.

For starters:

1: Joseph Smith never claimed to "find some gold tablets in the forest" NEVER!!

2: He also never claimed to lose them. NEVER!!

3: The tablets you are referring to are presumably the plates from which The Book of Mormon was translated. And it has never, does not now and never will claim that the US was founded by Israilites. NEVER!!

If you want to know the truth from first hand source, may I suggest you read it yourself. It will help to get your facts straight before making allegations.

Don't you just hate it when someone gives you wrong or bad information? It makes you feel foolish doesn't it for perpetuating false, wrong and inaccuate information? Because then people have no doubts about how much you don't really know or understand. It just seems to shoot a big hole in your credibility.

The only way I have learned to solve this unending problem that seems to keep growing like a bad rumor is to kill it at the source, and find out from first hand information. That would be a start.

Mr. Mark

"Let's face it, your comment is just religious-speak and a poor excuse."

Here we go again....accusing me of religious speak. Faith and religion are two different things in case you didn't know. My faith is not connected to a particular religious denomination. Mr. M has the right to come out and speak about his religious beliefs because it is his first amendment right....in no way is he forcing you to accept his way of thinking. You attack him personally because he did not give credit to something you wanted your way which is a selfish position.

the power of some imaginary being?” does science not come from human imagination and curiosity, wanting to know how and why? God is the unseen life force and it is universal as nature is universal. No one person or group has a monopoly over it; it can not be manipulated to suite a particular political agenda. Science on the other hand can and it is dominated by particular elite who tell the rest of so-called fools what to think, feel and what’s good for them.

You can give credit to mortal souls who are here today and gone tomorrow but one thing is for sure the world will continue without them long after they are gone and forgotten. People who contribute to the advancement of humanity surely need credit but by no means should they be worshipped as Gods on earth because they are not all knowing. If that were the case the world would be a totally different place today. You have the right to do so but you can not accept others do bow down to your will because you feel like it.

Is Marriot Jr responsible for his fathers shortcomings?

Don't know about Mr. Marriott, Jr, but back in 1958 I worked briefly for Marriott's Hot Shoppes as a car hop. They paid me forty cents and hour, tips and tips amounted to about another forty cents an hour. Overtime was mandatory, and you didn't get paid at all for that. One day at quitting time, my boss, who was giving Mr. Marriott, Sr. a tour of the shop, told me I had to work free overtime till something or other was cleaned up. I changed out of my uniform, and as I was about to leave, the boss, with Mr. Marriott, Sr. beside him, told me to get back into the kitchen. My response was mildly unprintable, and I left, never to car hop again, and certainly never to stay in a Marriott hotel or to say a kind word about the organization. I find it hard to relate the kind of exploitation I experienced in Marriott's clutches with goodness of anything good or uplifting.

It just astounds me to see grown adults bicking, and snarling at each other like two year olds who cannot decide which one gets to play with the new toy first. It is truly a sad society when the intent and spirit behind the words of sincerity is lost in the mean spirited, hateful comments of a few so called "know it alls".

How can any of you claim to know the intent of what Mr. Marriott had to say? YOU ARE NOT HIM. How dare you twist his words, just because he did not to use the words you would have used, to describe his feelings and opinions. And then have the nerve to assume you have the right to criticize him for the words he did choose to use.

Who are you to presume you know what his heart felt opinions about his family, his docters, his business or anything else are for that matter about his personal life?

Mr. Mark, Perhaps you should go back and re-read Mr. Marriott’s remarks and get your facts straight. You will notice that before you realized you had mis-quoted him, you were already involved in your own knee jerk reactive comment. Not demonstrative of someone with any kind of measurable wisdom.

You construed his words to say “In other words, were it not for your faith, your family WOULDN'T be the center of your affection and greatest hope. Or, perhaps, you mean that your family would be off-center from your life”. What does “in other words” mean? I suppose if he wanted his comment to have a different meaning, he would have used different words. Who are you to change the meaning of his comment to suit your own hateful attitude by twisting the words around?

Mr Marriott’s correct comment was “my faith HAS HELPED to make my family the center of my affection”. I am sorry for humiliating you in front of all these people Mr Mark. But nowhere in that comment does it say or suggest that his faith is THE ONE AND ONLY FACTOR. Perhaps you should pay more attention to what is being said and less attention to the noise you want to make about it.

And secondly, if one individual’s comment about his opinion and heart felt feelings toward his own family can cause you to be (in your own words- and a little dose of your own medicine) “incredibly dishearten(ed)” to the point that “it makes (you) question (your) strongly held belief in the basic goodness of (your) fellow humans”. Then it must needs be that your “strongly held belief” must not be that strong. And further explains why you haven’t got a clue as to where to begin to understand the rest of his (Mr. Marriott) comments about his belief and his faith and it all had a role in his recovery.

On that basis, I would seriously doubt and call into question any other conviction you might claim about your own family being the “absolute center of your life”. Based on what you have already said, you have demonstrated by your own words that the center of your life does not amount to much. It certainly does not appear to have a very strong footing or foundation. Empty perhaps?

And just in case you also made the mistaken assumption that Mr. Marriott was only referring to his physical recovery. (Which is probably a sure bet, since you so easily misread the first point.) He was more than likely ALSO referring to his mental and emotional recovery as well as the recovery of those who loved him and depended on him. I am sorry, but I don’t see how science in all of its wonder, can possibly have anything to do with any of that. But that is a different discussion altogether.

Did it ever occur to you that maybe the doctors treating him will publicly declare and admit that they owe EVERY MEDICINAL SKILL AND EVERY MEASURE OF MEDICINAL KNOWLEDGE to the GOD who gives them the power and the air to breath?

May I suggest that you can expand the center of your life and strengthen its foundation by incorporating some humility and faith based soul searching to find out exactly who you are, where you come from, and where you are going?

And where does your “basic belief in the goodness of your fellow humans” come into play in your comments toward Mr. Marriott. I would assume from your comment that you have nothing but contempt. And was it also not your words when you said “How sad is that?”

I am sorry Mr. Mark, but it appears to me that your atheistic way of life is falling short of providing you with anything meaningful, worthwhile or even close to happiness. You seem to be a very sad individual. So again I will say that all of that can change by realizing that you in fact are a child of God. And when you can finally throw away your issues against him as well as the pride that keeps you harboring them. Then you also will be able to understand that your existence is much larger than you have the ability to currently comprehend or even imagine.

You see, contrary to your attitude. It is not religion that is the crutch of limitations in understanding. Religion does not discount science as you say. But rather embraces it for what it is. A vehicle to try to discover and understand more fully Gods laws of the universe.

Science on the other hand, creates it own crutch, because it does not acknowledge religion. In science, there will ALWAYS be unanswered and unexplained questions. But in religion, there will always be answers, because Christ is at the front of it and He is the author of the program.

It is all a matter of what source you want to rely on. The observing scientist postion as the science method dictates and in the case of Mr. Mark assuming he knows the mind and heart of Mr. Marriott, or the author himself. You, Mr. Mark can decide for yourself.

JOZEVZ: I did ask you to speak in proper english I apologize. I did understand that scroll.
Ya
Mine frenT?

You call Mr. Marriott a Hypocrite because he provides these things but if he did not you would say he is forcing his religion on you. I think some people just like to find things to complain about.

Neil Graham writes:
"Politicians should be asked about their "faith" and explain why they believe in the supernatural. Mitt Romney apparently believes Joseph Smith found some gold tablets from God in the forest, and that Mr. Smith then conveniently lost the tablets. The alleged tablets claim (among other extremely unlikely claims)that the US was founded by Israelites! Why do people believe this sort of thing? Why don't the media challenge these far-fetched beliefs in our politicians?"

I think we all know the answer to that Neil. It's because RELIGION IS ALWAYS GIVEN A PASS.

The media will make a career out of the cost of a politician's haircut; they'll continue to repeat untruths that have been long disproven ("Gore claimed he invented the internet." Of course, Gore never said that.); but when RELIGION's bone-headedness is apparent for all to see, the media predictably pulls out their version of The Emperor's New Clothes.

But there's hope: Lou Dobbs had Christopher Hitchens on yesterday for a very good interview, at the end of which, Dobbs HEARTILY recommended Hitchens' new book, "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything." (watch the interview here: http://tinyurl.com/yswz94 ).

Non-belief is out of the closet, in this country and around the world. And maybe, just maybe, it will save the world from the lunacy of the ages.

Politicians should be asked about their "faith" and explain why they believe in the supernatural. Mitt Romney apparently believes Joseph Smith found some gold tablets from God in the forest, and that Mr. Smith then conveniently lost the tablets. The alleged tablets claim (among other extremely unlikely claims)that the US was founded by Israelites! Why do people believe this sort of thing? Why don't the media challenge these far-fetched beliefs in our politicians? "Faith" means you believe something for which there is NO evidence. The current guy in the White House has plenty of faith-- can we afford another president that believes in the supernatural?

Neil

How can a person speak of God and family, and at the same time allow garbage in their hotel rooms?

Give me a break!

Hypocrites!

As he says it, it's his religion.

A relationship with God is not a religion, it's a personal thing.

In my worst drunk, I have never had a lizard/salamander tell me to form a church/ ("religion"). Where are the "golden tablets"?
Are they doorstops/paper weights somewhere?
Who in the right mind would want more then one wife? Trying to keep just ONE broad happy is enough.
Mormons are nothing put a bunch of "Jim Jones"/Peoples Temple psycho wannabes...

Freevoice writes:

"Mr. Marriott and others are not discounting human effort’s, they simply make a point that there is much more to life than just bloodless science."

But they ARE discounting them in the fact that they don't feel it necessary to acknowledge those efforts when they write columns like the one above. If, for example, Mr Marriott felt that the contributions of the doctors and god broke out at 50/50, why not give equal credit to both as both were equally responsible? Even if Mr M felt that his doctors were responsible for only 25% of his recovery, he should give them props - without that 25% he wouldn't have made it.

Let's face it, your comment is just religious-speak and a poor excuse. If it's a GIVEN that religionists don't discount human efforts, then why bother throwing props to god at all? Why not recognize the contributions of humans? It's pandering, pure and simple.

BTW - that "bloodless science" is 1) not bloodless, and 2) the thing that saved Marriott's life.

"No human mind is capable of unlocking those mysteries, regardless of their skills and compassion."

What absolute infantile lunacy. What diseases has religion cured? What medical procedures and medicines has god tested and brought to market? Sorry, Free, but it's ALL been done by man, and without god's help. We unlocked the "secrets" and developed the medicines, not god. I don't see Jesus' name on any medical patents, do you? And, of course "the human mind is capable of unlocking these mysteries," we do it every day. It's what we as HUMANS do, and what your god CANNOT do. Your god had 6,000+ years to unlock the mysteries and he couldn't be bothered. It was men who unlocked them, men who will continue to unlock them, and YOU will be the continued beneficiary of the work that MEN do.

If you were honest with yourself, you would see that the science that you so deride does more for you on a minute-by-minute basis than does your imaginary friend.

"Because you don’t believe does not give you the right to deprive others of the right to do so."

Mr M has the right to believe whatever he wants and to express it wherever he wants, but that doesn't mean that the rest of us have to accept his beliefs as having a shred of truth about them. As soon as Mr M chooses to air his beliefs in a public forum, he has invited dissenting opinion to weigh in. There is no pass for religion in this regard.

Amanda writes:

Mark asks, if "you were forced to pick between your doctors or God as the agent to help your recovery, who would you pick?," my answer is unbreakably my Father in Heaven."

Honestly? I don't believe it for a second, unless you are a practicing Xian Scientist.

Mormons don’t drink, smoke, or do illegal drugs. They have a strong work ethic and a “straight” spiffy outward appearance. They are often very frugal. The wives are subservient and dedicated to “family” issues. These are not people who you would normally find in jail or on welfare. They are dedicated “true believers” as Eric Hoffer would say.

I would guess that such a group of people would do very well financially in the retail and service business areas. They support each other in their business endeavors and they show up for work. They dedicate 10% of their income to the church which keeps a powerful influence over them.

Having said all that, we must remember that their beliefs (like many other religions) are full of non-sense. 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. I generally like Mormons but one should never become President. Any religious group of “True Believers” will have a tendency toward “blind following” and intolerance. They have as much of it in their history as the Catholics. Fortunately, the Catholics have had so many cycles of excesses and reform that they are not as dangerous as they used to be hundreds of years ago. Mormonism is barely out of the “cult” stage and has a bad recent history of intolerance towards infidels, blacks, and women.

Dear Freevoice & Amanda -

Thanks for your comments.

I see that you limited your comments to my observation of Mr Marriott's medical treatment. Would you now like to comment on what I said about his faith and the center of his family?

Thanks.

Mr Marriot,
I always enjoy staying in your hotels and being able to conveniently watch hard core pornography as a guest in your hotel. They won't let you watch this stuff in Utah, so thank you again for providing me with such easy access.

As always, I am impressed with your unwavering morals and convictions.

Yes, Marriott sells booze and drugs to the Gentiles and keeps himself holier than thou.

Anyone who takes the Mormon faith seriously must be an idiot.

HK wrote, "Didn't know that Marriott was a Mormon...thanks for the tip...I've spent my last dime in his hotels."

Translation: boycott Mormons!

HK, who else do you boycott? Catholics? Jews? Muslims?

Who do you NOT boycott? "Infidels" are everywhere! In today's intertwined economy, chances are that somewhere along the way, a Mormon, a Catholic, a Jew, a Muslim, an athiest . . . contributed in some way to every service, every agricultural product, every manufactured article that you might want to use -- and (gasp!) made a living, even a profit from that contribution.

If you want to remain pure of their "contamination," you're going to be living a very austere existence indeed.

Good luck!

- Tracy, a Latter-day Saint who profits every time you fill your gas tank, through the industry that makes polycrystalline diamond cutters for oil and gas drill bits.

In Australia, it is regarded by many as obnoxious to ask a politician about their religion. Some of them talk about it but in a secular state, which is made up of many faiths and religions, policies are considered important. Family is left out of politics. If someone is elected to political office their spouse and children are entitled to privacy. I am baffled when I listen to the empty declarations of US politicians who give me the impression that they are saying what the electorate wants them to hear.

Mr. Mark,
Do you suppose Mr. Marriott is ungrateful for medical help and advances because he said, "the most comforting, healing power was my faith in God." Just because someone attributes the highest healing power to God does not make them ungrateful to the wonderful staff and medicines provided. I believe that God inspired men with knowledge to create the great medical advancements of today. As for your question, "If you were forced to pick between your doctors or God as the agent to help your recovery, who would you pick?," my answer is unbreakably my Father in Heaven. I cannot answer for Mr. Marriott, however, I know faith works miracles! I found this article very inspiring.

Mr. Mark

“What is it with religionists that they cannot throw even a bone to the doctors and the science behind them that saves their lives? Why do Mr Marriott and others discount the very human efforts, skills and compassion of their doctors and chalk up the healing actions of these professionals to the power of some imaginary being?”

Mr. Marriott and others are not discounting human effort’s, they simply make a point that there is much more to life than just bloodless science. No human mind is capable of unlocking those mysteries, regardless of their skills and compassion. Because you don’t believe does not give you the right to deprive others of the right to do so.

Your condescending attitude really speaks volume..... If you were really that compassionate you would not pass judgement on others. Those are the very poisonous emotions that cause a lot of the diseases....that doctors can't cure. Move on and live and let live!

Ask the question:
Does our faith define us?
Or are we defined by our faith?
Maybe a little of both.

I have been sustained by Faith throughout my life. For if there is no God, then there is no reason for society or existence. It would be a pointless hedonistic survival of the fittest.

As to the question on the candidates religion – the same question needs to be addressed, answered and reported on,by all.

Didn't know that Marriott was a Mormon...thanks for the tip...I've spent my last dime in his hotels.

Jacob, nice post about Atlanta. Sholom, Brother, and have a good weekend.

To those who don't like Jacob's comments, they are identifiable at a glance from his use of CAPS, so please just skip them. Please don't give him a hard time. Jacob is alright.

Your article link and a very large ad for the Marriott hotels were both on the Washington Post home page when I arrived there. Is that a coincidence?

Thank you,
Jim Keener

Courtney: Your myspace page is available to anyone who wants to do a 2 second search with a few of your odd words. Like your friend David told you -quit the senseless postings.

Hey you all.

Leave Jacob alone! He is perfectly fine.

It takes some time and patience to understand him, but it can be done. Learn some tolerance!

Here is what he is saying:

God is in us and all around us. We are born of light and will return to light. Our souls (energy) will return to the cosmic substance from which we all came. The next dimension. We are transfinite. Eclati = light, brightness. Photons = Light

IT (God) is what IT is. IT is part of us when we live and the part that doesn't die will return to IT.

The Bible is the Old Song, it is man-made and not insprired as many believe. It's the song of Abraham and all religions derived therefrom.

I'll explain more when I have time.

Jacob, my friend, SHOLOM TO YOU. Have a good Weekend!!! Hugs!

Dear Mr Marriott -

I must say that I found your column incredibly disheartening. In fact, it makes me question my strongly held belief in the basic goodness of my fellow humans.

You say, "my faith has helped to make my family the center of my affection and greatest hope." In other words, were it not for your faith, your family WOULDN'T be the center of your affection and greatest hope. Or, perhaps, you mean that your family would be off-center from your life.

How sad is that?

As an atheist, my family is the absolute center of my life. I have no need of any real or imaginary gods or organized "faith" to make that so in my life, yet by your own admission, you do. How am I or anyone else supposed to find that inspiring?

Then, there's the incredible ingratitude you display when you write, "As I lay in my hospital bed in indescribable pain, the most comforting, healing power was my faith in God." What? Were there no doctors in attendence at your hospital bed? Was the "most...healing power" in your recovery really coming from god, or did the medical procedures your doctors perfomed have more than a little bit to do with it?

Let me ask you this: looking realistically at your injuries, if you were forced to pick between your doctors or god as the agent to help your recovery, who would you pick? Please answer honestly.

What is it with religionists that they cannot throw even a bone to the doctors and the science behind them that saves their lives? Why do Mr Marriott and others discount the very human efforts, skills and compassion of their doctors and chalk up the healing actions of these professionals to the power of some imaginary being?

I'm happy that you've recovered, Mr Marriott, but I can hardly find inspiration in your column.

Sharon stated that:
"...not only is it okay to ask presidential candidate Mitt Romney about his Mormon faith, it is imperative that we do so....Or does he think the First Amendment protects this sort of public religious discussion? I’d like to know."

While it is prudent to understand the nature and stability of the one seeking the highest office along with his or her qualifications. And therefore should seek cooperative answers to sometimes personal questions. Some of them could be about religious convictions.

However, It does not allow you to discriminate or persecute him because of those convictions. To seek to understand what someone believes is one thing, but to publicly insult and take aim at them for offense or to discriminate against them over those religious beliefs is entirely unacceptable and intolerable. Such practice has no place in our society. That was one of the reasons our founding fathers left the country of their own heritage, came here to form a new government and then set out to defend its founding with their own blood, sweat and tears.

We have the rights we have today, (one being the right to express our views as we are now,) because they were tired of someone telling them that it was wrong to worship God as they saw fit. Regardless of what that way was. And being either discriminated or persecuted for it. Now it seems that we have digressed and are now revisiting the same issue.

Furthermore, religious beliefs and conviction is not and should not even be a consideration in the overall qualifications, competence and skill needed to perform the task that is being applied for. Just as is the case in any other career position being applied for. The same kind of Federal protection that is afforded to you against such abuse and discrimination should also be extended BY you when the situation has been reversed. Such qualifications by rights, should only be compared to the other candidates who are available and seeking the same position in an election setting.

On the other hand, if you had a sincere desire to learn and seek knowledge and understanding about religious convictions, then that is entirely different. But there is a proper way to approach it. And Mitt Romney has the right to refuse to discuss his convictions in a public setting.

And to take it a step further, as Katakaha alludes to. One cannot assume that just because there is unpleasant history buried in the convictions of an individual, that that history always brings about the worst in people and their actions and behavior in the future. Such is preposterous.

If that were the case, again as Katakaha suggests, we would have absolutely no one who could qualify for the position. For surely, as citizens of the USA, none of us are void of less than desirous history. Would it be fair to say that Dr. Martin Luther King was guilty of "hate speech". Or that Chief Geronimo was wrong in being somewhat "imprinted" against the American society. After all, we were the strangers on his land who had come to rob him.

Secondly, and perhaps even more disturbing, as a Christian you disregard the power of the sacrifice of Christ to repair such hate. And in short you deny Christ. In so doing, and by rights, should be considered ungodly. Why?...Because you meet the definition.(Jude 1:4) At least from an outsiders view. This is not to imply that Sharon is ungodly. (I personally believe Sharon, you to very God loving and seeking) But we have to be careful of putting a mark on someone when we really do not have all the information.

But that is why the Savior also gave the command to Judge not, that ye be not judged.(Matt 7:1-2). The check and balance system automatically and lovingly built into the Gospel plan made it possible for all of us, if we follow it, to learn to live peaceably together despite the differences.

Notice I did not say necessarily agree or condone. But live peaceably together. Romans 14 gives excellent advise on understanding that there is always a different side to the issue, that we may not be able to see or understand. Our only concern is to have faith in the Lord and His perfect ability to take care of and make a perfect judgment, even if we ourselves do not know or understand fully the mind, will and heart of another.

All of us are undoubtedly good people in our own eyes. And as Christians (if you claim to be one), we should be concerned with trying our best to be an advocate for Christ, in a loving, compassionate, respectful way toward all those who are influenced by our associations with them.

If you are a non-believer. Then the golden rule applies equally as well. To treat others, as you would want to be treated.

Sometimes this is more difficult with some than for others. And sometimes more challenging at one time than another. But we must press on. The process of becoming better is the process of growth toward the ultimate goal.

I believe this is the essence of what Paul spoke of in 2 Cor. 13:11 when he said "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."

I am a convert of 34 years and for the first 42 years of my life I had many questions about Jesus Christ & why we are here,what happens to us after death?,why we don't have prophets today? Why are there so many churches preaching from the same Bible ,but preaching HELL fIRE & DAMNATION, NO HOPE!
When The restoration of the Gospel Of Jesus Christ was shared with me & that Joseph Smith had actually seen two personages namely The Father & the Son I finally had my answers I KNOW THAT JOSEPH WAS A PROPHET AND THAT THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE!!
I HAVE NEVER DOUBTED THAT THERE WAS A RESTORATION and needed to be.
Some of the interviews were so far off so misleading that I am sorry I asked my non-member family to watch the Documentary !

In response to the original comment by Bill Marriott, thank you Bill. It is great to get insight into someone who has been so successful in business, and to describe the things that truly bring them happiness; faith and family. It is great to know the The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints is what gave you the answers to life's greatest questions "Who am I? Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going?" Thank you for sharing what gives purpose and meaning to your life and many others

>>methinks Jozevz has been on the crack a little too long

Bill Marriott!

I had the opportunity to work for you from 1982-83 in one of the many restaurants the company owns (owned--Roy Rogers) and although it was to decide I wouldn't be a restaurant manager the rest of my life, I am proud to have been a Marriott employee and was proud to be in such a great company. You and your family have always been heroes of mine even before I joined the Church. I hope you and your family are doing well.

Yeah...that didn't make sense at all

Jacob Jocevz -- Your posts, all of them, are impossible to read and not funny at all. Maybe try fewer caps and more sense. Sorry, but I have a feeling no one understand you, which is the purpose of writing: TO COMMUNICATE.

By that standard, we should suspect all the candidates of being genocides, racists, rabid imperialists, and greedy money-grubbers because they are all Americans, inheritors of an American culture which once condoned the removal of the Indians, slavery, colonialism, and an unchecked, oppressive form of capitalism.

There are people who think asking a politician about his religious faith should be off-limits. But Mr. Marriott astutely notes: "Religion is very personal and its imprint can run through generations." If what he says is true (as I believe it is), not only is it okay to ask presidential candidate Mitt Romney about his Mormon faith, it is imperative that we do so. How have generations of doctrinal Mormon history "imprinted" Mr. Romney regarding race issues and marriage, for instance? Has the history of persecution imbedded in his chosen religion made him more likely to classify the questioning of one group's religious beliefs by another as "hate speech"? Or does he think the First Amendment protects this sort of public religious discussion? I’d like to know.