AboutMichael Kelley Expertise For a different viewpoint on Mormonism for your questions, try me. I am a staunch believer in the Book of Mormon and belong to another church (the Church of Christ)that is set up identically to the Biblical church. If there are things about traditional Mormonism that trouble you or you have questions about, just ask and you might find the answers from the Book of Mormon to be quite surprising. I have been studying the scriptures diligently for 16 years under the school of hard knocks... I may not have all of the answers but will sure go find them if I don`t. I`m strongest on Biblical and Book of Mormon doctrines, and am also somewhat familiar with Mormon history and archaeology.
Question QUESTION: Sir, I generally agree with the Church of Christ as seen on their website, but I'm a member of the Utah church. Is this acceptable until a local congregation opens? I've requested information from the wensite, but have not received anything [in months]; is your church still active? Is my only hope to move to a city where there is a church established? Have you anything in Northern Illinois? Personally, I don't like your antagonism toward the Utah mormons, it's offputting. Nevertheless, I can get past that because I agree with your church and appreciate your responsiveness [compared to the website]. Thank you.
ANSWER: Hi Larry,
I will be happy to answer your questions, please note I am ex-LDS (Utah Mormon) and belong to the Church of Christ that believes in the Bible and Book of Mormon.
I am not sure about your question concerning the CoC website, it is possible that whoever set up the particular website is no longer managing it, or it even may be a website of another Church of Christ not affiliated with us. The Church of Christ (TL) websites are as follows:
I am not aware of any congregation in Illinois, only one maybe in Flint, Michigan and definately the main headquarters in Independence, MO. and others in Missouri. Check out the website for locations of each of our groups.
Yes, our church is very active and rapidly growing, especially in 3rd world countries. I estimate we currently have 10,000 members.
My antagonism is not against the LDS members in particular but rather with their core doctrines, and really strong against some of their past history during Young's reign. Often LDS folks mistake my disagreement with them on purely doctrinal reasons as being personal and that really is not the case. I guess my only bugaboo is that so much in LDS history and their current doctrines have driven so many people away from the beautiful gospel found in the Book of Mormon. In reality not only does the Book of Mormon not once mention most core LDS doctrines, but even preaches against them. Perhaps you are already aware of this and is why you are seeking. Please do not take my antagonisms towards what I believe to be false doctrines as personal attacks or that I am an official representative of the Church of Christ because I am not. Most of my brethren are probably a bit more diplomatic about our differences than I am. Even so, Jesus Himself was bold at times when opposing false religions, and quite off-putting... they crucified Him for it.
If you are interested in contacting a missionary or Apostle of the Church of Christ I can send you an email with their info if you wish, feel free to write me back at technomn@msn.com and I will give you their contact info.
God Bless,
Mike
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QUESTION: Thank you for the prompt response. I don't mind contacting a missionary, but without a local church, do I continue with the Utah ward (or even rLDS...I think there is an Elijah message 30 minutes away)? Is that acceptable? Can a non-member attend your get togethers (in summer)? I understand your differences, but sometimes you go off with others, who are criticizing your beliefs also (i.e. Book of Mormon). I'll write to you directly soon for more information.
Answer Hi Larry,
In answer to your questions... the Elijah Message CoC is probably the closest to the church I attend. They have a few things I disagree with and I think they have dwindled in size to where they are very small, even compared to us. The RLDS (Now Community of Christ) used to be very close to our beliefs and they even considered merging somehow in the 1920s but have since largely apostatized and no longer seem to consider the Book of Mormon as scripture.
You can visit any CoC congregation any time you wish, you would always be welcome. The only priviledges that unbaptized people cannot participate in is partaking of the sacrament or voting during business meetings. The Book of Mormon is very specific about not offering the sacrament to people until they are baptized members in good standing. We also have numerous "Reunions", mostly during the summer, throughout the nation and in other countries. These are like revival meetings and typically last 2-3 days and can be very uplifting.
Yes, I do go off on others at times, no excuse. I do get frustrated when dealing with the willfully obtuse. However I do try to not engage in the caustic or profane rants that others, even LDS have often thrown at me because I refused to go along with their beliefs. In order to reduce the temptation to fall into such traps I have left several of the email discussion groups because few were seeking real discussion and only trying to pick a fight.
I will go ahead and forward you info about our missionaries when you email me direct... I don't like to put such info on public forums like this.
