Wow. Thats pretty harsh. Why do they limit their opinions to only people of their church? If you know about that religion i think your opinion matters.

i think its wrong. anyone is entitled to their opinion and thats what AB is about

Well, judging based on your history of questions and answers, I'd say you've done pretty well. That's probably a better criterion than whether or not you're a member of the church. That is, it's provides more information from which to judge. It's also a fairly subjective criterion. Whether or not you're a member is much less subjective, so it makes the judgment call "easy" and may or may not be fairly accurate as well. So, do good answers on the topic of the LDS church correlate with church membership. I, being a Mormon, would expect so, but the issue is much more clouded than that. To a certain extent, I can imagine it being felt that we need to be able to speak for ourselves, or that only Mormons can give "definitive" answers regarding themselves, but I think such philosophies are gross oversimplifications and possibly also reactions to the attacks the church receives from some non-members. I might also add that some well-meaning people answering questions regarding our church have, in their answers, significantly misrepresented mormonism in ways that members (ie. I) take to be morally dangerous or offensive. Like I said, however, your comments and answers have seemed, to me, to be pretty sound.

1) In that case, I wonder if I should answer this question about Mormonism. 2) I think everybody can answer the questions he likes to answer. If their answers are appreciated, they will become more points and come at the top. Answers can be appreciated because they: - are informative - give you positive feelings or a good laugh - you just agree with what they say 3) I do not think AB is a kind of FAQ for any topic, where somebody interested in, say, Mormonism, would get all the right Mormon answers to this Topic. There are specific portals of the Mormons to fill these needs. AB is mostly the results of questions and answers of its Baggers. 4) there are also people who know a lot about Mormonism without being members of the Church.

Nope, I don't agree. I have friends who are mormon, so I could get my answers from them, or you can possibly google for an answer.

I do agree. You are very good at answering mormon questions, even going so far as to refer LDS to conference talks that help them. When you do this, church members could get confused becasue they might think you are a member and start to look up to your for helping them but then listen to you when you say things that the church does not agree with. You do and say things that are very un-mormon and so you shouldn't try to speak on behalf of church members.

No, I think anyone can answer anything on AB if they have a link or something to back them up. Plus I answer Jesus questions all day long, and I never even met the guy!

My friend... ANYONE can answer LDS questions & give answers wether good or bad. NO ONE who is LDS or any other religion including Atheists should tell you... you cant answer religious questions!

No, anyone can answer any questions they want, that's the whole point of AB. As long as you have your facts mostly straight and provide a helpful answer, what you believe is of no importance. In fact, encouraging only members of a specific affiliation to answer certain questions only leads to a higher likelyhood of biased answers, and a lopsided balance of ideas, which is never good. Answer away my friend, as long as you know what you're talking about, you don't have to believe any particular way to take part in *Any* aspect of Answerbag.

I see everyone answering every kind of question so why would this one category be different. Not that I think people who ae not Mormon are usually the best at answering a Mormon questions. I always think it's amusing and pointless to see someone ask something that one group of people whether a specific religion or someone like a plumber (for a plumbing question) and everybody chimes in with what they think but usually they are wrong or just wrong enough to be inaccurate. If I had a specific plumbing question, I'd hope a REAL plumber would come by and not just someone who knows a plumber or someone who is an electrician and has seen a plumber do work. And I wouldn't necessarily believe someone that used to be a plumber as to what current codes are or someone that didn't finish plumber's apprenticeship. SO I'm just careful who I believe and amongst the multitude of answerbaggers and what their point of view is and where it's coming from.

No, I don't. Maybe whoever told you to stay away from questions about Mormonism wants to make sure the answers promote one specific point of view.

if a question is in a specific category.. I may avoid it. if its in a "why" category then I feel that it is open to most..

No I do not agree if you know the answer there is no reaon why you should not post. If we all had to be members of a particular profession to answer a question apon that profession the site would die very quickly.

Everyone is entitled to thier opinion, answer what you like :-)

Only if you think you should always do as you're told

Just because you are not a Mormon does not mean you shouldn't answer questions about Mormonism. You may know as much as a Mormon about the particular question being asked. Just being a Mormon does not make one an exclusive authority on that subject. Your answer might receive more respect if you were a Mormon, but there's no real reason you shouldn't answer, especially if you know the answer.

Who told you that?

Writing as a member of the Church, what I remember of your answers, you have always been respectful of what we believe and have been willing to admit your error when corrected by those of us that do practice the religion. So, personally, I don't see anything wrong with your answering questions about our religion. I don't see anything wrong with someone answer a question about a religion that is not their own as long as they do so in a respectful manner. (I have done so myself on occasion.) What gets tiring for me are those that think they know what I believe and won't pay attention when they are told that they are wrong about it.

Who told you that? Are they your spouse? Mother or father? I answer a lot of questions on dogs and I am 42 years old and have never owned a dog but I do have a lot of experience and knowledge about them. You are free to express your limited knowledge and opinions on anything.

Yes only because I would rather have an answer from the place I was searching for. I wouldn't ask a baptist member a question on a luthern church, also some former members of the LDS hold resentment. I am not intersted in opinions,only the truth of the church so instead of gonig ot a non-member I'd go to the website at www.mormon.org

1111

I'm a former member does that count? I think if you know what your talking about, ie what they teach, deny, change in there doctrine, then yes you should be able to ask and answer:)

No, I think if you have some personal knowledge of something and you truly desire to help someone else with what you know, you should be allowed to give your answer. I try to be sure to state in my answers that I am or am not of whatever faith the question pertains to. Maybe if you say that in your answer then whoever is reading it will understand that you aren't an "expert witness" and that you're just trying to be helpful and they won't take offense because you aren't the "pro" they were hoping to reach. I don't know. Just like right now - I'm not a pro on the subject of religion. I'm just offering my opinion as an answer to your question. I hope it's helpful to you.

No I don't if the questions being asked are requesting an opinion or are factually based and you have knowledge of the religion. Saying you can't is the same as saying to me that I cannot answer questions on decorating because I am not a professional decorator, however well informed I am about the art of wall papering. If somebody posts a question on this site or anywhere else on the internet, they are posting it in the public domain thus inviting anybody to respond, if they so wish. Take no notice - you can answer any question you like and if some people do not like this, then perhaps the internet is not the best place to ask the question in the first place. Perhaps their questions would be best directed at somebody within their own religious community at the next bible bashing meeting. Answer whatever you like if you know the answer. If they gang up on you (which does sometimes happen if you get them really excited) then direct them to the disclaimer at the bottom of the page at carry on. They won't like it and much jumping up and down and rattle banging will occur. Ignore it because it has to be said, when in a group they are most entertaining especially when they think they are all correct and everybody else, meaning you, is not. Have fun (I do...)

In a way yes I agree. If you aren't a member then you don't really know all of the facts about the church. Until you participate in it or atleast go investigate it then why would you speak on something you don't really know? That's how alot of misconceptions and rumors get spread. It's just better if you answer questions about things you fully understand

No I don't. They are just trying to prevent their false doctrine from being exposed.

No

No

No not at all.

No, I do not agree with this. This is just another example of how some overzealous Mormons feel threatened by anyone (outside of their faith) who may know more (or something actually informative) about the history, doctrine and practices of the LDS religion. No, if you have knowledge on a specific topic, you should definitely share it. However, just make sure the information you are sharing is accurate and well documented. Otherwise, you will be accused of spreading misinformation or worse, outright lying (slandering) about the Mormons' personal beliefs.

Mini I am sorry someone has tried to limit you like this. I think you give relatively accurate information on the Church for someone who does not practice the faith. On the occasions you erred in an answer you were always wwilling to admit your mistakes. That is a sign of someone with good character. Please don't let sime dimwit stop you from asnwering any qquestiosn you choose to answer.

I think you should honestly only answer questions you feel you have something to contribute. I was a member of the mormon church and temple endowed for 10 years and I recently left. While I am not now a member of the church I have held several callings that have given me insight into the church, its teachings, beliefs and practices as I was very devote for quite some time. Does this give me insight? I think so. Can I ask and answer questions? I think so. Are my answers correct? To the best of my knowledge yes, given experience and a library of official and unofficial books I own as well. Whether you agree of disagree with my answers is for you to judge and rate accordingly. No one mormon or not will tell me what I can or can not answer on this site. I will do as I please and the chips will fall as they may. I suggest you do the same as well.

How rude!I don;t have a problem with it. my best mate isn't lds and I'm open about the church. Why should it be different on here? Ask whatever you like, we're not all perfect members so we might not be able to give you an answer but that doesn;t mean you shouldn't ask, its how we all find out things, by asking!

Answer anything you want to answer! As long as your not being nasty or rude, what's the difference?

No I don't agree. If you have an opinion about any subject you should give it if you want to.

Heck no... every issue needs checks & balances.

I'd say the only thing about this issue is that nobody should be dishonest and represent something they are not. For example, I am a Roman Catholic, and have come across isues with others claiming to be Catholic but are not and falsely reepresent Catholics in a bad light to promote whatever cause they have. I think this goes for any situation, if you are a white guy, don't claim to be black and then spout negative stuff, etc. Anyone can have an opinion, but be clear on who you are and what your angle is, that is my only issue.

I think it depends. If you are proposing your answers as the official belief of Mormonism on any given matter then that could be a little misleading especially for those that don't know you are not a Mormon. However, if you are just making a comment about one of their beliefs as your personal opinion then that is fine. For example, as an evangelical Christian minister, I would be offended if a Hindu, Muslim, Atheist, Mormon, Jehovah's Witness (whatever belief you can think of that disagrees with mine) answered a question dealing with Christianity that I felt was not accurate, but made it appear as though it was. However, if they stated their answer as coming from a person of another faith, then that would be okay. I think that it is fine to make a comment, so long as you take the necessary steps to make sure everyone knows your background. Just remember that religion is a serious matter to many people, even if it isn't to you. Each religion takes their beliefs very seriously (otherwise they wouldn't believe it), and if you make a false statement about that belief, then it is seen as damaging to the work they have done to promote what they believe to be true.

i believe that anyone who believes anything that they were told was translated from a gold stone, with the help of 'angels' can believe anything they want to

No, I don't. You can answer whatever you want - I just answered a question about flying chickens, and I'm not a flying chicken. Go figure.

no--this is free speech..I just wouldn't like someone to pretend to be something that they weren't

who cares? it's called the bill of rights, free speech, if you feel like putting your two cents in, do it.

I believe any one on here can answer any question they want.... Freedom of Speech

I think you are totally fine answering questions about mormonism. And as people have previously stated, you are entitled to your opinion. But just make sure that you don't post your opinion as FACT. One of the things that bugs me the most is when people tell me what I believe and when I tell them that they may not have the facts straight, they tell me that I am wrong and they are all knowing. That is the only thing that bugs me. But feel free to ask or answer whatever you want. If people really want answers, they should go to www.lds.org or www.mormon.org.

This is a public forum and you may answer any question you wish...

You can answer questions any time you want to do so!! I always welcome good input,

that is stupid..does that mean that I can't answer a question about American involvement in Iraq because I am not an American?--similar logic.

I think that its a good idea to answer a question about religion only if you have accurate, substantiated information regarding that information. Who best to answer a question about their faith than a member of that faith. Others may have opinions or conflicting thoughts on the accuracy of the faith itself, but we want to avoid perpetuating fallacies about other faiths. A person may feel their view is unbiased, but when talking about religion, answers are seldom unbiased. I answered a question once about a faith I did not agree with and was confident that my answer was correct about their belief... but it was correct based on my bias on what I view as a reliable source... I answered a question about paganism based on my bible trained conscience. It was correct in my view, but not in the view of pagans who do not view the bible in the same authoritative light. It's easiest to limit your religions answers to a religion of which you are intimitely familiar with as a member. From there the person asking the question can take the information as true or false, or ask us for our opinion about it.

If you have studied the LDS and are actually well informed about what they believe, than I don't see why not. However, if what you are offering is merely opinion, try to make that clear. Also bear in mind that not all LDS are quite the same, (like the Christians have denominations) and that not all LDS know exactly what it is the Church teaches in it's entirety (just like members of any other religion). Also remember that many of these individuals are incredibly devote, moral people who are very involved with charity, education, community building, business, and other altruistic endeavors. So try and be respectful as you are to anyone else, but also grateful for the things their Church does, even if you disagree.

You can answer anything you want...I would suggest to do some research on the religion and expose its' history...its very interesting and completly false!

No, answer away! They just don't want you speaking up, because they know that their religion contradicts itself more than any other! They just want you to shut up so you don't expose them for the quacks they are!

I would tell them to shove it! Some people are more informed on the truths behind Mormonism (or other religions) than the people who claim to be in the faith themselves! Just because you don't buy their beliefs doesn't mean you don't know anything about it!

Of course. Different opinions and viewpoints is what makes the forum interesting. A person who was President of the Mormon History Association was a Baptist. She is very knowledgeable about Mormonism and Mormon history and is very RESPECTED! In otherwords, DO IT!! See http://www.historymormon.com

If you have read their book and have even a vague understanding of it, you can answer questions about it, if you feel you have an answer ... but do not try to consider yourself an authority unless you have also studied theology and really studied the Book of Mormon in depth, and not just read it briefly. I am a Buddhist, but I have studied theology and I have read every major religious book out there. I try to answer religious questions only when I feel I can offer a better answer than what has already been offered by others ... not very often ... but I do not let the fact that I am NOT of the faith I am answering about stop me from answering.

Don't let me stop U! I've fought critics also & I'm still here & doing it! Nobody knows who may read these "Answers" around the World, or just who will provide the answer someone may need. And certainly no one is FORCING ANYONE TO READ THEM!!! John

no i dont agree with it. if you know something about the religion, you should have every right to say whatever you want. now if you know absolutely nothing about the religion they could turn it against you and just say your ignorant, but who cares? they cant stop you from answering a question just because you don't belong thats kind of silly.

Mini, I am a Mormon, and I think it is completely okay for you to answer these questions. (A) You are always respectful, and try your best to answer the questions to the best of your ability, and seem to do a pretty amazing job of doing so; (B) Anyone who REALLY wants answers about the Mormon Church won't take anyone's word on this website as completely correct (whether it is a member or non-member answering the question) because they should go straight to the source, being the Church, for answers; (C) Anyone has the free will to answer whatever they want about the Church. There are people who get on here and purposefully want to deceive people. They claim that they give direct quotes from Mormon prophets, and scriptures to back up their reasoning why Mormonism is so evil and wrong, but when you actually search the quotes they used, you will find that the quotes either don't exist at all, or they changed a word or two to give the quote the meaning they want it to have, or most often they quote it correctly put take it completely out of context. This is Satan's greatest tool is using half-truths. Not just about our religion, but about others as well. So, basically, Mini_kilt, I give you a great deal of credibility. You can give an unbiased view on Mormonism. Us members, and other Church Authorities should always be the one's to listen to for direct doctrine, but everyone no matter what their intentions are have the right to say whatever they want. I give you many points for doing such a good job, and remaining positive and unbiased.

As long as you're giving articulate and correct, polite answers - I don't see what belonging to a church has to do with discussing religion. That's basically akin to telling a Non-Catholic they cannot speak on behalf of Catholic related questions. What nonsense. If you have the knowledge, by all means, share it! :)

No, they don't have the right to censor the truth. A lot of people do not know what their own religion really says, or the history of it.

Don't listen to people who tell you such nonsensical things. Would you acccept the argument that you should not answer questions about Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk becauuse you do not have radiation induced special powers? No of course not! So why would questions about Mormanism be any different?

No I do not agree that you should not answer questions about Mormonism because you are a not a Mormon yourself any more than a physicist should not answer questions about subatomic particles because he is not a subatomic particle himself. That said, it doesn't surprise me that you were admonished as such.

Nope. Answer whatever question you want!!!

Nope.

Yes, and this applies to all things. For example, you are not qualified to comment on murder unless you yourself are an active murderer.

AB is an open forum. Anyone can answer any question they feel compelled too. Anyone who wants a private forum for their own religion or philosophy or politics can find such a place.

For anyone who is not LDS and is endeavoring to answer questions about the LDS faith: 1. Correct information always comes from direct experience. Directly experience the Church (actually _go_ to several meetings and study what we actually do and believe). 2. Read the Book of Mormon. More than once. Then read the rest of the Church canon. You can't credibly comment on books you've not actually read from cover to cover. This goes for members as well as non-members, BTW. 3. Write honestly about your experience (whether good or bad). 4. Before taking someone to task for being a human being and not living perfectly the things they believe, be sure to offer the same courtesy you would expect in return of offering the benefit of the doubt. 5. It's not enough to "quote sources from Mormon writings". Real researchers (as opposed to "quote miners") get a feel for the bigger picture and context and then are intellectually honest about what they have found, at the very least admitting that they can empathize with why we believe what we do. Photocopying a page from "The Teachings of Joseph Smith" and sticking it in a Mormon's face to provoke and contend is not "research". It's baiting. http://americantestament.blogspot.com

I do NOT agree with this! Mormons do not know everything about their religion. I know because I am now an ex-mormon. I was made aware of a lot of things that were kept from me in my youth or were spinned to fit their doctrine. Keep answering if you've got something to offer.

Not really. So many non-Catholics think they know all about Catholicism, but they're really WAY off base. That doesn't stop them from answering, does it?

Personally, I would say no for some things. There is a lot of confusion about our church, and people have been very confident about things that are very wrong. There are certainly some areas in which it is perfectly reasonable to answer questions about the church- such as, "do they have horns." NO! "Do they allow black people into heaven." Yes! But the finer points, the nitty gritty details, would probably be handled more accurately by an actual mormon.

I think that non-mormons should be perfectly capable of asking questions, and answering them to the best of their abilities, so long as they don't let pride and un-Christlike feelings seep into their words. For example, answering in the spirit of contention I find quite inappropriate, but answering with a willingness to be correct and an open mind is just fine. That's my opinion. I have horrifying stories I could tell you, but I'll give you just one example. I knew an Atheist who started investigating the Mormon Church, and he was really interested, but then one of the Anti's got ahold of him and bashed the Mormon church with slanderous lies, and even though I explained the truth and apologized for his behavior, going as far as saying it was not appropriate in living a Christlike life, he was turned off and didn't join any church. In this situation the Anti sought to prevent him from becoming Mormon, not caring that they were pushing him away from Christ as well.

G'day Mini kilt, Thank you for your question. If you are in a position to make a useful comment, I don't see why not. Regards

I believe as long as you are respectful you can answer any question on this site. That doesn't necesarrily mean that everyone is going to accept your answer.

disagree

No.. I would not lisen to these people, because most of the right answers comes from people like you. Here let me let you in on some info and what has took place with me when I used ot go to church. I mean I have the son of the liveing God in my heart, and I'm doing his will the best I know how, and using the bible as an map. I have not went to church in about 9 years, seeing that everytime I do, something goes wrong.. Let me explane. I go to church, and this man comes over and ask "Sir, your new here, right?" I say yes, Then he start talking to me about how I should get saved, not know that I'm doing my best living for the living God. Well as the pastor starts teaching the word, I see some one get up and go out side, And then another, and another.. So I go out to see whats going on.. and out on the front porch there's about 7 people talking about the bible. So one man ask me a bible ?. I then give him what he says in the bible.. And then another ask me something.. and on and on it goes. untill some one from out on the porch goes in and tells some one that there's a man out there on the proch thats teaching us more about the bible.. It ends up there's about 19 people out there with me asking me bible ?'s and some are standing in the yard. It's about this time the pastor walks out there and ask " Whats going on out here"? Some one tells him that I was teaching the bible, and they came out here to hear. And WOW!~ the pastor tells me to leave, and not come back any more.

I think that people should only stick to things they know about... They dont have to be an expert. Just dont try to talk about things you KNOW you dont know about. If you know a bit about the mormon church, then GO for it and answer those questions. =)

i answer questions about virginity and well...you get the comparison.

Mostly it depends in what spirit you answer them and whether without bias. I have seen quite many answer Q's about the Latter-day saint church who were obviously misleading and intended to be derogatory. Many claim to be Christian; yet they remind me of 'the wolves' that Jesus said would enter among the flock in sheep's clothing. There are others who genuinely want to know what the Church believes. Each is on his/her own merits.

disagree. If you have an opinion, feel free to express it. Most people know diddle-squat anyway (like me) but its a free(ish) world.

One of the great things about our nation is freedom of speech. In terms of your 'authority' to answer, I think it depends on the type of question and your experiences. I don't have to be a Dodge dealer to answer questions about dodge vehicles because I've had experiences with them. Similarly, if you've had experiences with Mormom friends or associates and you feel your experiences can benefit someone who is asking a question, go for it! I think the only time all of us should be careful is when we're guessing or basing our opinions on pure speculation. Hope that helps.

It's not a yes or no type of question. Are you an objective observer or are you someone who is critical and feels compelled to attack and tear down that which others consider sacred? Are you actually familiar with what you presume to speak to, or are you just attacking? There's certainly no reason why a non Mormon can't speak to Mormonism - indeed some of the best scholars of Mormonism are not themselves members of the Church. On the other hand, if you talk more about what's bad about Mormonism than what's good about your own faith, then you probably aren't contributing much of value.

Yes. be cause you really have know first hand experience with being lds

Opinions are always good to hear. Mormon or not, I think it's good for discussion.

i'm Mormon myself and i say go ahead, if your wrong i'm sure another Mormon or myself will see it and we can correct you.

You can answer any questions on AB that you want to.

I don't agree with this; you may have a perspective or experience with the Mormon religion that is worth sharing.

It depends upon who told you this and just how much knowledge you have on the subject.

No questions are off limits- espec. religious ones.

So long as you preface your answers with what your level of knowlege is and/or provide sources, I see no problem with anyone answering questions on the topic (or any topic for that matter).

I concur with MrJosh - after all the LDS Church's official sources are readily available on the Internet at www.lds.org - with this caveat, I think that we should let our LDS friends answer the question FIRST as a gesture of deferential respect. After all isn't that we would want if the tables were turned and the question being asked was a Christianity question? Plus, I've found that LDS Doctrine can be so complex and prone to change that you need to be willing to listen and learn from your LDS friends. "Seek first to understand . . . " But, I would also point out that I have been told A LOT of things by Latter Day Saints that contradict official LDS Church sources and fall under the category of "opinion". So even after listening (and/or being corrected) I'll still go back to www.lds.org and validate that what I was told is indeed aligned with the current GA stance. It's a lot of work but it's worth it - plus, at least for me, it's fun!

Well probably best not to if you don't want to be unpopular, but I do, I love being unpopular with mormons. I was brought up as one, and I know how they work and what makes them tick... he he.

Everyone can answer but make sure everyone know that only Jesus is the one that paid the price for your and mine sin. Johovah is are Father and he only see what Jesus did on the cross when he look at us (Chistians). No I no JW but I am a Jesus Freak. We must live to tell people about Jesus and how to get to the Father.

They do seem more than a bit exclusive to themselves, but sometimes I just can't resist a bit of a 'goof'! ;-)

I don't because of that reason.

The only reason I try to answer any of these questions is because I believe the people of this country have a right to know that the mormons (at some point) believe the president of their church should be the president of the country. I had one mormon tell me this directly and others allude to it. This will do away with our ability to vote as he will be appointed, as he is now. Another mormon told me she heard it said in the church that they were supposed to be the "Saints of the last days" as written about in Daniel (as their name, latter day saints, suggest) and "all their lawless deeds will be forgiven and they will rule the world forever". Personally, I believe this is why they felt it was OK to kill almost everyone on the Fancher wagon train and steal their material wealth (for the advancement of the kingdom). And then lie and try to cover it all up. Because they are "lying and killing for the Lord". Of course we already know what His answer to people like this would be. Then they say I am "crazy" or a "liar" because I don't have specific proof. How about "burning in my bosom"? Does this count? LOL.

in america there is freedom speech. if they say you shouldn't speak your mind, and they're american, then they are willfully disregarding the constitution and probably want a theocracy.

That is one of the main stay responses from members of a cult. .......You do not have to be a murderer to know they are evil. .....likewise, you do not have to be a member of a cult to know they are evil.