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Mormon church to build 5 new temples worldwide, including one in Sapporo

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are they distributing tickets to hell?

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Why can't they just stay home with their looney ways? Does Japan really need another cult gaining a stronger foothold here?

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Even Satan can appear as an angel of light, there are many religions that have some aspects of truth in them but are not the way to life.

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I wish these pathetic brainwashed fools would leave us alone in Japan.

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including proxy baptisms, marriage ceremonies

..and also for reading magic gold tablets which come from American Indian Jews.

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Next to scientology mormons have got to be the most stupid. If any of you ever get the chance to read their “bible” do so, and then never again will you be able to talk politely to those young idiots that travel the world just to stop you when you are late going somewhere. I am more convinced in the reality of the tooth fairy than anything these people have to say for themselves. If they must exist keep them in the US and away from the rest of us.

Moderator: Readers, please do not insult people because of their religious faith. It is inflammatory, reflects badly on yourself and lowers the level of discussion.

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Just embarrassing.

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A couple of times I've made the mistake of remonstrating with them because I'm sincerely interested in learning new things. They're not... and neither are they interested in discussion, never concede a point nor interested in anything much save harassing people with glib talk about 'free English lessons' or any other means to rope in new converts. The golden tablets and the 'magical spectacle's by which they were read are the clincher. What an absurd belief system.

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Even Satan can appear as an angel of light, there are many religions that have some aspects of truth in them but are not the way to life.

I agree wholeheartedly, except the bit about Satan, who only exists in the human mind. It would be nice to have a list of the religions that have some aspects of truth, so we can separate them from the ones which are 100% fantasy.

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I think 'Moroni' is a very telling name for the Mormon angel. I don't know too much about them, but isn't America the promised land for Mormons? What exactly are they doing in Japan, looking for another Canaan?

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One should keep one's belief to one's self.When you are born, you just adapt the religion of your family. When you get older, you can beleive in what you feel is right and you approve of. No one should force their beliefs onto others. Many today know the damage done by religions and sects. IMHO it is a criminal act to convert people. Mormons, jehovah's witnesses are known for their brainwashing. Their style is to get you started with a conversation. The preachers are taught different styles of starting a conversation and how to continue when the responder agrees or disagrees.They study this well. The best would be not to answer to any of their questions. Some countries have banned them outright.

Japan's people have chosen Buddhism. But quite surprisingly, there is a lot of effort being made by many religious activists, not just mormons. Indonesian islam women, each with a child come to Japan and get married to Jmen. Catholics women from Philipine do the same. Small church groups from neighboring countries are getting active here. Korean church is making a very hard effort to spread their religion here.

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yes a lot of cults around these days, the few at the top back in the US must be laughing their a$$es off at all the fools they are scamming.

Be wise, be like me & abstain from religion

And those that cant pls stop knocking on my door, especially when I havent had my coffe yet, you piss me off!

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A new Japan Today record: 13 posts and all are in agreement. Let's see how long we can keep it going.

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Even Satan can appear as an angel of light, there are many religions that have some aspects of truth in them but are not the way to life.

sigh....even the competition for the same Yen says the same about your way.

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When are they handing out the magic underwear? I think that helps them with the multiple wives thing but not sure.

Yes, scientologists and mormons are neck and neck for cultiest cult. One should buy out the other but not sure which has made the most money so far.

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If any of you are ALTs, there is a good chance a good percentage of the income that should be going to you might be going to the church, according to rumors.

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Does this cult qualify for tax exempt status in Japan?

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hhmm now that'd be the church who's books were written by a guy looking at magic stones inside a hat...right? Oh yeah...stones that 'only he could see'? Very Nice.

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Woo-hoo! Magic underwear!

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I believe, by and largl, in freedom of "religion" (with some exceptions however). BUT... what I have seen practices by these Mormons in Japan is nothing short of outrageous. Their attempts at recruiting people is unethical at best, and disgraceful at worst. Recently, I saw two of them approach a high school girl in uniform on the street. The poor girl was too polite to get away and was stuck talking to these two tall, skinny geeks in their short-sleeved shirts and tie.

The Japanese are too tolerant of these people: Imagine if Muslims/Hindus etc were approaching children onn the streets in America or Australia to attempt to recruit them?

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a very wealthy religion. How about doing something for the poor. Same for the vatican too.

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I felt bad about my post. I believe many Mormons are wonderful people. However, this church spent millions of dollars in order to suppress the rights of a group of people in the Proposition 8 controversy and won. That is evil.

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Wow, this discussion has really hit rock bottom.

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Does that mean they are going to knock on my door more than once a month? WMD, Same for the temple owners that drive 3 or 4 BMW's here in Tokyo. Even the statues of buda here have their hands in a position of money.

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It's sad, I agree so much with many of the posters here. Though, I really dislike most religions. I enjoy being agnostic and am always polite to those that attempt to come up to me and talk to me about religion. Many Mormon temples cost an extravagant amount of money, I have no idea where it comes from either. They must really milk their followers to do it.

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Glenn Beck is a Mormon, so it must be the right religion.

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I'd rather turn Islamic than Mormon. I hope that some wise people will step up and stop that temple's construction in Sapporo the same way the Swiss stopped the construction of a mosque last year.

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@womanforwomen Catholics women from Philipine do the same.

Not all philippine women are religious so don't generalize.

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Will they accept those homosexuals or blacks? If not, is it still a religion or is it a cult?

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Just the way they use 2 well dressed young geeks to intimidate easily intimidated Japanese people into listening to them and luring them with "free English lessons" is really disgusting. I hate these idiots for the imposing of their religious beliefs on otherwise normal people. I have on one occasion seen a young Japanese lady working with them so they have recruited victims in this country already.

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Harry Reid is the only Mormon I will trust.

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Will they accept those homosexuals or blacks? If not, is it still a religion or is it a cult?

Yes, and No / Yes, and Yes

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Nooooooooo!

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Concerning a Mormon church in Sapporo, there goes the neighborhood.

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The Mormon church in Sapporo smacks as just another branch of Soka Gakai, people pushing a religion that has not need to come to these islands, but somehow makes its way AT A TREMENDOUS OUTLAY OF MONEY!

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Joseph Smith: I have, in my possession, an ancient book written on gold plates that tells of Jesus Christ's second coming. Here, in America.

Martin Harris: In America? Really? That sounds kind of -

Chorus: Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb.

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The Mormons are coming the Mormons are coming. I've really always wondered why any Japanese would convert from Bhudism which as practiced here requires nothing of you to Mormonism or Jehovah's Witness. Oh well fulfillment through deprivation of worldly pleasures as long as you don't preach to me then whatever floats your boat. I'm way to much of hedonist to be saved so save your breath.

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One more, most Japanese laugh at these guys, my wife always commented about their stiff Japanese and their matching white shirts and black ties. You can always spot them and run.

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Mormon missionaries and their "temples." I wonder why they chose Sapporo?

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Some type of missionary came to my 1st floor apt. door (old style) which I leave slightly ajar in the hot days of summer, since I can't stand the "air-conditioning" method in such a couped up place. It improves air circulation. My clunker of a door bell clanged loudly as I was mopping the kitchen floor located a step and a half away, and two people in suits who obviously had never worked a lick were there smiling talking in Elmer Fudd Ingwish. I heard myself scream "Get out of here!" and they meekly retreated and drove away. Maybe not a Mormon affiliation but don't come to strangers doors expecting for an easy dunk on weekends (make that especially on weekends), living itself takes all of one's energy in these parts. And I know how to pray hard. Its called another four letter word, W-O-R-K, Respect, help others (as far as possible). Amen

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I dunno guys, I'm pretty stoked. I can understand ur points of views though (I've known some pretty over-zealous, hell-bent, horrible mormon missionaries) but I spent 2 years in Hokkaido as a missionary myself and busted my butt shoveling snow for old people, cleaning public parks, other community service etc. The members of the mormon church...or at least the ones I knew, were awesome and took really good care of me. They've wanted this for so long and so I'm happy for them.

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Careful isthistheend, unagidon et al... Criticising religion will soon be an internation crime due to a resolution that's just been passed by the UN (and sponsored by the USA.) Soon, saying 'Jesus freaks' might land you in court. Just another present from the PC facists.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iRHXSIoJJdXQpG3kPrRO2LWMnWTAD9B2UIIG0

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These morons should be denied visas - we don't want any more cults in Japan!

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So much negativity about the Mormons, I don't recall ever hearing about any Mormon Elders committing adultry, molesting little boys, or having homosexual affairs while holding out their hands for money from their congregations.

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and they don't even ask for money from their congregations. My mission cost me about 10,000.00 out of my own hard-earned cash and I never earned a cent. It's volunteer work pure and simple. Pity some missionaries are such jerks to have people thinking the way they do though.

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Mormon missionaries and their "temples." I wonder why they chose Sapporo?

Miso ramen and temples go well together.

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You cannot deny the Mormons a visa as they are a US organization not unlike AIG and Pepsicola. These organizations have thrived in Japan post-war enjoying favorable treatment. There are hindreds of thousands of mormons in Japan. There's a long history of them coming over here over the past 60 years in order to cure the locals. Not unlike the way AIG came over and set up their religion with a no-claims bonus. Mormonism file next to Johnson and Johnson.

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Lots of ignorant comments here but people are so sensitive when talking in the other thread on JT about Muslims. What are people so threatened by Mormons? And the one who asked "Mormon missionaries and their "temples." I wonder why they chose Sapporo?" Did you even read the article? Clearly you did not. If a member in Sapporo wishes to visit the temple they have to travel to Tokyo or Fukuoka. So giving them tehir own temple eliminates the need for them to travel and allows them to perform temple ordinances in their own city.

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usaexpat you say "One more, most Japanese laugh at these guys" that is funny because in Fukuoka the congregation is full of extremely successful people including the temple president who performed the first ever open heart surgery in Japan. It is always those who have failed at life and who are miserable that choose to mock others. Plus what is there to criticize? Mormon theology aside what is it about Mormons people have a problem with? They are hard working honest people.....oh wait is that the problem?

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one more: To the editor the statement The Book of Mormon is the faith’s central text is untrue.

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isthistheend "The Mormon church in Sapporo smacks as just another branch of Soka Gakai, people pushing a religion that has not need to come to these islands, but somehow makes its way AT A TREMENDOUS OUTLAY OF MONEY!"

It isn't your money so why do you care?

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"Why are people so threatened by Mormons?"

Beats me - I've never heard of a Mormon involved in a terrorist attack.

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God fearing, moral Mormons. At least many of them. I always treat them with respect as I try to do to all men, including those who preach the religion of no religion. Always polite and I am allowed to speak and share ideas. Moral behavior is very important and one can find common ground there for people of good will. Love others, as I have loved you is Christian ground and can be found in many of these kind people.

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I've never heard of a Mormon involved in a terrorist attack.

Yeah, the Mountain Meadows Massacre was just a good day's hunting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_Meadows_massacre

And more recently, this amazing case...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Hofmann

Still, it's true that the Morms have been underperformers when it comes to religious terrorism.

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the paceisglacia: The problem is the proselytizing, what Mormons or any oher group practice in their home or in their temple is of no concern to me. I have the very same problem with Jehova's Witnesses, do not come to my door peddling any religeon and expect a warm reception and positive view of your religeon.

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usaexpat: trust me they don't expect a warm reception but many people do welcome them into their homes. They will go away after you decline their offer. The door to door salesmen in Japan and the annoying trucks blasting some annoying jingle is far more bothersome than two young men knocking on my door one time.

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Nessie: Using Mark Hoffman as an example shows you really are reaching and really don't have much proof of Mormon terrorism. The very same man sought to defraud the Church but you go and insinuate he is a Mormon Terrorist? The Mountain Meadows massacre: Show me one group of people that don't have blemishes on their past. I also suspect you know little of the incident outside of the wikipedia article.

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I don`t mind people peddling religion because I have the strength to politely decline. But I STRONGLY object to them standing at the entrance to our subway station trying to hook my 5 year old daughter into a conversation and give her literature to "give to Mummy".

I am so deeply ingrained in my religion anyway, no-one can sway me. I am a staunch, committed kirakira-ist! We are a very small movement. I have pamphlets if anyone is interested.....!

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they can try it on the locals but have always seemed offended when I tell them to piss off. why should someone nearly half my age feel he knows more about the universe than I do?

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Spot on DenDon :) I have nothing against Mormonism as such, but I do have a problem with the way post war Japan was opened up with more than favorable terms to this organization along with others. Okay, well perhaps I do have a slight problem with modern US doctrines as they are generally originate from the religious zealots which were originally kicked out of Europe.

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" a young man in the 1820s, Smith participated in a "craze for treasure hunting"[3] by using seer stones in attempts to locate lost items and buried treasure.[4] Smith would put a stone in a white stovepipe hat and would then "see the required information in reflections given off by the stone".[5] While Smith was being paid for this "glass looking," "

Only in America folks :)

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See the young chaps out on their bikes in this neck of the woods. They are just like young grunts (working for a different army) if you can get them away from discussions about religion. Me being not interested in their product makes them rather harmless.

Then again, there is something about having religious zealots approach people on the street that really irritates me. My older son (in Junior high school) was approached by a couple of young Mormons while out and about with his friends. While not being overly aggressive, my son in the end had to tell them to FO. On the other hand, if I had a daughter I would feel rather uncomfortable about these young chaps "just wanting to talk" to her.

Finally, for better or worse, I think the Mormons are rather successful in Japan because of the language education they give these young missionaries. Although their Japanese language skills are far from perfect, they are miles ahead of the skills possessed by other young non-Japanese who visit Japan.

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@Nessie -- get it right, Mark Hoffmann was a forger & extortionist who stooped to terrorist actions out of greed.

Moderator: Back on topic please.

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Excellent news - I for one support the increase of christianity in Japan.

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Nessie: Using Mark Hoffman as an example shows you really are reaching and really don't have much proof of Mormon terrorism. The very same man sought to defraud the Church but you go and insinuate he is a Mormon Terrorist?

He grew up a Mormon and was a self-professed Mormon. He did his mission. He carried out his crimes while a member of the Mormon Church. He murdered people with bombs. What would you call it, if not Mormon terrorism?

The Mountain Meadows massacre: Show me one group of people that don't have blemishes on their past.

That only proves that Mormons are not the only terrorists.

I also suspect you know little of the incident outside of the wikipedia article.

I am eager to hear your historical revisionism, at your convenience. I am curious to know your rationalization for the extermination of a disarmed group who included women and children.

Moderator: Readers, this is veering off topic. Your posts need to refer to the Mormons in Japan.

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Mormons ought to make quite an impact in Japan.

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@moonbeams get it right, the Mormon Church campaigned for Proposition 8. It was the people of California who voted for it.

The last time I checked, Japan was not China; any religion has a right to build a house of worship for its followers.

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