“Amish & Mormon”: 8 Things That Caught My Eye In The Latest Video

“I feel like one thing they learned, is they ‎could stay culturally Amish, and doctrinally be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

That is an LDS church member speaking about 3 Ohio Amish convert families – in a new video titled “Amish Latter-day Saints: Blending Two Worlds into One”.

This appears to be an expanded version of the original, roughly 20-minute video (nearly twice as long) which we saw back in April.

You’ll find the new video at the end of this post.

This one tells the story of the Weavers, Troyers, and Hochstetlers in greater depth.

That includes more on the children’s experience, excommunication, and struggles after they lost their businesses as a result of their faith decisions.

In the original post, I wondered if the first video might be intended as a recruiting film to show other Amish a pathway out of the church.

I think it’s most definitely something of that nature, and this new extended video seems to make that more clear.

That’s not a knock and also not surprising; the LDS church with its mission program is one of the most visibly-proselytizing churches in the American religious tapestry.

Amish vs Mormon

Here are eight things that jumped out at me in this latest video:

1. Life takes you to unexpected places – Raymond Weaver never saw himself as a candidate to leave the Amish church behind: “We were probably some of the last people you’d have expected to leave the church.”

Paul Hochstetler, on the other hand, self-describes as a rebel, and someone who was frequently balking at church rules.

2. Managed exit – The 3 families had to be careful to reveal their new membership at the right time. The Weavers continued attending Amish chuch after baptism in the LDS faith. Others refrained from telling their children.

The shock of excommunication and hardship of shunning would’ve doubtless compounded the difficulty of leaving. “We knew that if it got found out too early, the life we knew would end.”

3. “Pure” – The word “pure” is used at least twice in the film to describe the Amish. Maybe purity is a concept especially emphasized in the LDS church. It struck me as a bit strange. Over-idealizing?

4. Emotion – Like in the first film, many speakers here, both former Amish and original LDS – a half-dozen at least – are moved to tears when telling their stories. No doubt a powerful experience for all sides.

Although preachers in Amish church may become moved by emotion, you don’t typically see Amish giving this sort of moving emotional testimony about their faith journeys and convictions.

I think this free (encouraged in the LDS church?) avenue for emotional expression might be another attractive element for potential converts from the Amish.

5. The children were effectively “shunned” – Non-baptized Amish are not excommunicated and placed in the Bann (shunned). They can’t be excommunicated from a church they’ve never joined.

However what the children describe is effectively a type of “shunning”: their friends and cousins in the Amish are not permitted to play with them.

Sometimes you hear of situations where non baptized youth and children are described as having been shunned – this type of situation is probably what that refers to. It’s unofficial, but a painful change in behavior towards people – little people in this case – nonetheless.

6. Amishman interviewed – This video opens with an on-camera interview with an Ohio Amishman talking about strong points of Amish life and church. I wonder if he knew he’d end up in this film.

7. The more the merrier – The fact that three Amish families are involved made it easier. Little Martha Weaver explains how it would’ve been if the Troyers hadn’t joined: “Then we wouldn’t even have them to play with.” Her father Raymond affirms this.

8. Planting a seed for more Amish converts – As I mentioned above, this is an inspiring story no doubt for current LDS church members, and also a soft outreach vehicle to other potential Amish converts.

The messaging, especially towards the end, supports this: “It’s possible to leave the Amish faith and still be Amish if you want to” says one woman.

Another expresses a desire for more mission work among the Amish. They paint a picture of a “transition” period. LDS life is described as “simpler”, without so many rules.

One standout quote I noted in the original video – “I’ve always felt that if we could take the Amish culture, and the Latter-day Saint culture, and bring them together, it would be the perfect culture” – is repeated here.

More to come?

This video debuted less than a week ago, and so far has significantly fewer views – about a couple thousand, vs. over 100,000 views for the other – but the first has had a 6-month head start.

The Amish are among the least evangelical of American religious groups, for various reasons. Other churches are much more aggressive with their outreach.

In this case, a chance encounter and a well-placed Book of Mormon opened the door for three Amish families to change churches. Some churches, not just the LDS denomination, often do see the Amish as a potentially rich mission field.

Will we see similar videos in the months ahead telling of other Amish families joining the LDS church? Recently we revisited the story of the Ohio Seventh-Day Adventist church largely comprised of former Amish.

Perhaps we’ll see a similar dedicated congregation arise for formerly (though still “culturally”) Amish people who are now practicing Latter-day Saints?

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    462 Comments

    1. DF

      I’m so sorry to hear that! I was so happy to see you focusing on the scriptures warning Christians of the dangers in those who seek to deceive us! You have taught us a lot about what the Mormons believe but at no point has there been anything that directly suggests the Mormon church is led by Jesus Christ. You have dodged direct questions and ignored scriptures that refute Mormonism, made excuses, and fired off counterattacks, though.

      I’ll keep praying for you.

      1. Stephanie Berkey

        There’s a lot of wishful thinking going on nowadays. The Lord warned many would call evil good and good evil. The truth is always consistent in persuading us to believe in and serve Jesus Christ. Lies the opposite. That can help in finding the truth.

        What is truth? Elder Lynn Mickelsen, of the Second Quorum of the Seventy https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1990/10/what-is-truth?lang=eng

        Riddle on Finding Truth – http://mathforum.org/dr.math/faq/faq.liar.html

        1. Miller from Canada

          Second Quorum of the Seventy?

          What is this unbiblical and fantasy land “2nd Quorum of the Seventy”? Are you serious, trying to peddle that looney-tune stuff to Amish and the Anabaptist believers in general? People are just shaking their heads, finding it hard to believe that you so far from where your journey began, trying to peddle such man made fantasy, much of which seems similar to Masonic ideology Where is all of this in the BIBLE, chapter and verse please. Your old elder (?) Lynn needs to get back to the Holy WORD of God, and he’ll soon find that the TRUTH is a living person, the One who declared, “I AM THE TRUTH.” No religion, no principles, not fictional books written by Joey Smith or anybody else. TRUTH is a Person, and His name is JESUS.
          With all due respect, I see you are still afraid to answer my question: Do you believe that Father God is a polygamist and had/has more than one wife? Simple question. Simply answer requested. Also, who is Heavenly Mother??? Don’t be afraid to explain.
          When you are finished with all this fantasy idea and walk away from anything looney-tune-ish, I’d suggested you consider coming “HOME” to the faith of your Mennonite grandfather. You are too old to be wandering around in spiritual wilderness. To tell you the Truth is not hate, but love. Come on home. No more FIRST OR second QUORMs of the seventy…just JESUS, the gift of God, who is Eternal Life. All other ground is sinking sand.

          1. DF

            AMEN!!!

            So well said, Miller. I am also hoping to see your questions answered. It is so strange how those questions go unanswered again and again with excuses and evasions. Sinking sand — so true!

            My hope is built on nothing less than
            Jesus’ Blood and righteousness
            I dare not trust the sweetest frame
            But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name!

            On Christ the Solid Rock I stand,
            All other ground is sinking sand,
            All other ground is sinking sand.

            Come back to the faith, Stephanie…. He — Jesus Christ — is waiting with open arms! My prayer is that you may be led to open your eyes and SEE the deceit that has been taught to you and that you may return to the faith of your forefathers. Eternity is far too serious to play around with and all the wishful thinking in the world cannot turn darkness into light.

          2. Stephanie Berkey

            Whose Looney?

            Oh, does it seem looney to you? It’s how Jesus set up his church when he walked the earth.
            “1 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
            2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into into his harvest.” ~ Luke 10:1-2

            1. Miller from Canada

              Looney-tune or not?

              Perhaps you are not aware, but a “LOONey-TUNE” is simply a cartoon, not based in truth, but a figment of somebody’s imagination.

              Why are you afraid to tell us if it’s true that Father God is married and has many wives? Who is Heavenly Mother? Is she the chief wife. Come on, Stephanie, you know none of this is
              Biblical. You can believe it if you want to, but one day you’ll have to give an account for that. It’s laughable, but some people even believe in Santa Claus, too, and even the Easter Bunny.

              No, the religion you are pushing and seeking Amish to convert to, is NOT “the church the Jesus set up” when He was on the earth. No, there was no FIRST QUORUM OF Seventy or any second quorum either.” That is straight out of the world of fantasy land. Jesus wouldn’t even know what in the world you are talking about, and there was no First Presidency either. Let’s simply get back to the Word of God. No time for such make believe stuff.

              It’s easy to discern you are not satisfied with all this either, and I believe your heart is longing for the Truth and for Home. You can still come home to the faith of your fathers, the homeland of the soul that your Mennonite grandfather knew personally. It’s easy to see you are not satisfied with the “OTHER BELIEF” you are caught up in. You are full of fears and doubts, searching and seeking deeply how to get out of it all. Many are praying for you to simply come home. Pray about it, and He will open your heart and your understanding. We’re not playing church. He’s bringing you face to face with the real, and He’s reaching out to you personally even now. Zion is calling, the true Zion of God.

              The conservative Mennonite girls near us sing, “I’ve wasted many precious years, Now I’m coming home. Coming home, coming home, Nevermore to roam. Open wide Thine arms of love. Lord, I’m coming home.” Whenever they sing it, there is hardly a dry eye in the place. Stephanie, tonight we sing it for you. You’ve been too long in the far country. Enough is enough. It’s time to come home. You can cease your wandering. Many are praying for you by name.

              1. Mark

                Very well said, Miller. Especially your fourth paragraph.

          3. Mark

            No worries there. I can recognize false gospels and fiction when I see it, Miller. If it is not based in The Holy Bible, I’m not interested. I don’t know where they get the label “Second Quorum of the Seventy” as opposed to just saying it’s based on something in Luke. I assume they read the following verses about scrip & purse, but anyhow the point is there is enough lifted out of the Holy Bible to make it appear to be Christian when as has been proven here over and over it is not. But yes I just go on shaking my head in sadness.

            And also would like to see those questions answered.

            1. Stephanie Berkey

              Mark, you wrote, “I don’t know where they get the label “Second Quorum of the Seventy” as opposed to just saying it’s based on something in Luke.” Based on SOMETHING in Luke?! Really?! Trying to downplay the teachings of our Savior Himself? From what came directly from His own mouth AND recorded in one of the four main gospels? That reveals so much about your perspective. It’s as if you didn’t even read that Bible verse.

              Jesus said, “ANOTHER” and “SEVENTY”, so yes, that does equate to the Second Seventy.

              1. Mark

                Yes, based on something in Luke. There is a problem with the word something? And downplay the words of our Saviour Himself? Absolutely not! He is my Lord and King as well as my Saviour. My perspective? You are clutching at straws here. But that’s okay. Go ahead.

              2. Kate

                Whoa!!!

                What kind of attack is that??!! “trying to downplay the words of the Savior” and implying he hasn’t read the verse and his perspective is somehow at fault? Your desperation shows, girl. You’re back into a corner and confronted with facts that are hard to hear but YOU initiated all of this — so how dare you start lashing out with personal attacks?!

                And while we are at it, your refusal to answer the questions that have been asked several times says it all.

                1. Mark

                  It’s fine Kate. I don’t take it personally. I’m secure in my Saviour, my faith, and my position. When you have that, you don’t worry about people lashing out.

                2. Stephanie Berkey

                  I asked him if he was trying to downplay the Saviors words, because that is exactly what was done. It’s not just SOMETHING based in Luke, it’s a little more special if the Lord himself said it, which he did. It’s not just anything, and it’s not looney as Miller form Canada suggested. Those are the facts and you can try to twist them anyway you like in your own mind, but it will never change the truth.

                  1. Mark

                    You know nothing about my motives. I am sorry my use of the word SOMETHING offended you — it certainly was not intentional. I apologize to you, God, and the readers of this forum. But I do take exception to you stating it as though I was deliberately downplaying the Lord’s words. That was not my intent at ALL. But I see this as a smokescreen to draw attention away from the questions that are still unanswered.

                    1. Stephanie Berkey

                      Mark, I accept your apology, thank you. I figured it was you not realizing the importance of that scripture, that’s why I shared what I did from Elder Mickelsen.

                      1. Stephanie Berkey

                        To clarify, that’s why I shared what I did from Elder Mickelsen’s talk, to catch the importance of scriptures like that.

    2. DF

      I could not agree more!

      The wishful thinking is spot-on. Those deceived by false prophets and “new gospels” and the fanciful creations of men dabble in the highest form of it in trying to portray a fictional creation into a religion. The truth IS ALWAYS consistent! Amen! The One True God who always has been and always will be is unchanging throughout all of time. The lies about Him once being a man are indeed confusing.

    3. Stephanie Berkey

      O store gud (“How Great Thou Art”) – Sissel and The Tabernacle Choir

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWOFkA5ZAls

      1. Stephanie Berkey

        Slow Down – Sissel (2019 Pioneer Concert with The Tabernacle Choir)
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFe84U__kt8

        1. Stephanie Berkey

          Happy Pioneer Day

          Come, Come, Ye Saints – Tabernacle Choir
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ia3gYSvG8M

          Homeward Bound (2014) – Tabernacle Choir
          https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaQYQnrPgSM&list=RDEFe84U__kt8&index=16

    4. Miller of Canada

      Sincerely waiting for your answer.

      Hello Stephanie. Several times you’ve mention that you as a Mormon (of Mennonite heritage) are interested in transparency and truth. Some of us are curious why you won’t answer the following question? I know some here think you are fearful of “spilling the beans” and you will get in trouble for exposing what you think to be the truth. But that’s what transparency is. None of us here have anything to hide…

      1) Is it true that Mormons believe that Father God is polygamous and has many wives? Is that true or false? Scripture please. Enlighten us. If you wish to comment on it, who is “Heavenly Mother” that Mormons sometimes refer to.

      Thank you Stephanie. Many of us are praying earnestly for you.

    5. Stephanie Berkey

      I’m not afraid to answer and I won’t get in trouble. Like I’ve said repeatedly, I HAVE answered them on previous pages of this thread, I believe mostly on the first page. I gave one scripture about it on the second page, but will again now with key words in bold type. Why not read what I’ve already answered? Why keep asking repeatedly after I already explained what and why we believe?

      “God said, Let US make man in OUR own likeness… male and FEMALE.”
      ~ Genesis 1:26-27

      Jesus and Heavenly Father are not female, so that indicates we have a Heavenly Mother.

      1. Miller from Canada

        Is Heavenly Father Polygamous, with more than one wife?

        Thanks Stephanie for sharing a few thoughts on the “Heavenly Mother”, Unfortunately you couldn’t seem to find any scripture on this, so that makes “Heavenly Mother” just speculation based entirely on human reasoning. Does this mean your people believe in God the Father, God the Mother, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost??? I guess that explains why you don’t believe in the Trinity or “three in one”.

        Secondly, I have re-read and researched every one of your postings on this thread, and must tell you again that you never answered whether or not Father God is polygamous and has several wives, so I (and probably many others) are still waiting for a simple answer.

        Stephanie, I want you to know that I have never met a Mormon who is so open in answering questions when asked. I appreciate that. Thanks for the dialogue. We have all learned a lot.

        I don’t want to overload you, but could you explain according to your teaching, what does it mean to be “born again”. Are you a “born again” Christian, saved by grace.

    6. Mark

      God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit

      Thank you for answering one of the questions that was asked.

      Since I believe the Christian teachings pertaining to “The Trinity,” the plural form here makes perfect sense. Is this the only verse on which Mormons base their teachings on a “heavenly mother”?

      Do Mormons believe God had more than one “wife”?

      On a side note, I started reading “Under the Banner of Heaven” by Jon Krakauer recently. (I hope I have the title & author correct — the book is at home.) It’s a fascinating look at the FLDS. The title apparently comes from something — OOPS!!!! —- words said by the third “prophet” of the LDS church — God is greater than the United States, and when the Government conflicts with heaven, we will be ranged under the banner of heaven against the Government. The United States says we cannot marry more than one wife. God says different. (That last quote I copied on paper.)

      Now I know you call the FLDS un-Mormon and I know there are Amish groups whose practices I strongly disagree with, but even so they are a part of the Amish in general. So I’m not suggesting this book is worth reading as a “slam” There are books written about awful things that have taken place among the Amish as well. But this book is fascinating!

    7. Stephanie Berkey

      Miller of Canada,
      Did you read the scripture I listed about God creating male and female in the image of God? What do you think it means? We are not taught anything more of Heavenly Mother, other than what I’ve already shared. The same is true about any other marriage of Heavenly Father’s. As with the creation scripture, we are not taught much of these things, but to rather focus on basic principles necessary to our salvation.

      This is what we believe regarding being born again:
      13 … the Son of God suffereth according to the flesh that he might take upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
      14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness. ~ Alma 7:14, Book of Mormon

      Mark, some of my comments to Miller are answers your questions also. Different members may speculate and believe different things, but above is what the church teaches.

      I’ve never heard of that book, so I looked it up. There’s one review by “Manu” and his comment title is, “This is hate speech disguised as journalism”. As a former member, he says one of his objections is modernism is abused in the book (the bias used to judge historical figures by our modern culture rather than theirs). We’re seeing this also being done today with our founding fathers, even Jefferson and Washington. Such books glory in weakness, exaggeration, and lies. Looks like it has the same spirit as gossip and slander, which some do find fascinating, somehow. https://www.amazon.com/product-reviews/1400032806/ref=acr_dp_hist_1?ie=UTF8&filterByStar=one_star&reviewerType=all_reviews#reviews-filter-bar

      1. Mark

        Lol, the events in the book happened in 1984!!! The references to Joseph Smith etc. earlier on in the book give a background of the Mormon Church. Calling it hate speech disguised as journalism is ridiculous, but then again I am actually READING the book, not just basing my opinions on an Amazon review. Suggesting the author is guilty of modernism is questionable. The thing about Christianity is it’s consistent. What was abhorrent the time the events took place is abhorrent still. If you actually read the book, you’ll know what I mean. So I will stand behind my comment — it’s fascinating. You may call it gossipy and slanderous if you wish but it does seem sad you’ve deemed it as “glorying in weakness, exaggeration, and lies” without having read it. I guess sharing off-site tidbits about the Mormon Church is only okay if it meets your approval.

        1. Stephanie Berkey

          How fascinating would it be if the smear campaign were directed at you? There’s a new documentary on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, on PBS called Created Equal, who went through one. He didn’t find it fascinating.

          I don’t just buy stuff or read a book without fist checking it out, which means looking at it objectively. The critique I shared was from a person who had read it. The book was authored by an atheist, as another reviewer pointed out, and that was a positive review. That’s reviews of people who read the book, looking at both sides fairly. Discussing FLDS with LDS as if they are the same is confusing because in reality they go in opposite directions.

          It’s vital to find ways to tell when things are true, and when they aren’t, and what each looks and feels like. Truth has a special feeling about it, light and love, and leads to serving Christ more. The devils may confess him, but don’t serve him and definitely don’t influence us to. It’s like sex out of marriage: it may seem to feel good in some ways briefly, but not in other much more significant and lasting ways and is actually very damaging to ones spirit.

          1. Mark

            Smear Campaign? It’s HISTORY. That will teach me to bring up any of the Mormon past. Ignoring it or glossing it over or trying to counter-attack is NOT going to change it.

            1. Stephanie Berkey

              People often disagree about history in regards to five minutes ago, decades ago, hundreds, thousands, or billions of years ago, especially religious history and especially by atheists. Why is that?

          2. Miller from Canada

            No smear campaign.

            Hi Stephanie. Nobody here is doing a “smear campaign” on you or your religion, only asking questions and giving responses to what you have written. The dialogue is appreciated. It has opened the eyes of many concerning the man-made Mormonist theology, which is not based in the Word of God, but in the mind of one who was obviously far from the Truth. Yes, we do want to see you return to the faith of your fathers, living still, back to the faith of your Mennonite grandfather. It is time for you to come home and bring your whole family with you, home to Jesus, home to the cross, home to the Body of Christ. You’ve wandered in the far country for way too long. It’s time to come home to Jesus. Pray about it. Many are praying for you.

            1. Mark

              You put this very well Miller. I agree 100%!!

    8. Stephanie Berkey

      The Hope of God’s Light – An Atheist’s Witness
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w49_1a9X0Q

      1. Stephanie Berkey

        The Hope of God’s Light – An Former Atheist’s Witness
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w49_1a9X0Q

    9. Stephanie Berkey

      “If enough of us and enough of our neighbors strive to guide our lives by the truth of God, the moral virtues needed in every society will abound.” ~ Sustainable Societies | D. Todd Christofferson | October 2020 General Conference

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KS3iK9mr40M

      https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/22christofferson?lang=eng

    10. Mark

      This is so interesting! This video explains some of the errors in Mormonism.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=in-sPf0pLQM

      1. Stephanie Berkey

        Personal Revelation

        It is not in harmony with the Holy Bible for him to say, “I want to move them into the realm of not judging things by how they feel… sometimes you feel something is true and you’re wrong. You should be able to test it.” This is a very dangerous doctrine – one of denying the Holy Ghost.

        It’s an error to go for logic over feelings, both need to be used but watched carefully. Logic can be manipulated just as much as feelings, as we can see by so many lawyers who debate opposite opinions everyday. Paul taught the dangers of logic: “14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” ~ 1 Corinthians 2:14

        We can test ideas three ways:
        1. What God revealed through ancient scripture.
        2. What God has revealed to his servants today.
        3. What we feel the Holy Spirit is telling us personally for our lives, as we live worthy of personal revelation.
        As we compare each idea to these things we can receive true personal revelation and test all things.

        We can further test all things by asking ourselves the following: Have I done enough research using true principles from the scriptures and from other true sources (like the US Constitution in politics)? Am I striving to live a clean life, and keeping the commandments of God? Do I listen to God and obey him in general, repenting and asking forgiveness daily? These principles were taught by Paul:
        16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. ~ 1 Corinthians 3

    11. Mark

      That’s what you got out of that? Interesting….

    12. Stephanie Berkey

      I was busy but did get more out of it. I believe God over those who claim to be educated, who’ve often been known to be wrong. I’ve prayerfully searched the Holy Bible most of my life and received witnesses over and over that this church is true. My conclusion is Joseph Smith received the translation through direct revelation.

      The Old Testament does create amazing expectation about Joseph and his work. In Ezekiel 37:19 we read, “Say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in mine hand.” The Book of Mormon is being used like this as another Testament to the Holy Bible.

      1. Mark

        Despite concrete proof Joseph Smith faked or lied?

        1. Stephanie Berkey

          Unscrupulous “educated” people have been known to lie about a lot of things, so no, I don’t believe these attempts to discredit God’s servants. Prophets aren’t perfect. I believe God removes a prophet if they become too imperfect, as in the case of the angel of the Lord about to slay the Old Testament prophet Balaam. If you remember, his donkey spoke to him. Balaam was going to bless the enemies of Israel but his donkey saved his life by avoiding the angel with the drawn sword in the path. I believe we can help God’s servants by thinking for ourselves and having our own relationship with God directly.

          Joseph Smith used what we call seer stones to interpret scripture (see Book of Mormon, Ether 3) https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/ether/3

      2. Miller from CANADA

        Some are false

        You are right that “prophets are not perfect”. Some are simply false, and that just might include Joey Smith, the polygamist who appears to be unstable, who some think was often tempted with lust. Some really think hat boy had women, women, women on his brain. Why else would somebody create their own religion in order to justify having scores of wives?

        1. Stephanie Berkey

          Miller from Canada, do you love mercy? The Lord had mercy on Balaam. He taught, “He that is without sin cast the first stone” and “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy”. He also asked, “Is thine eye evil because I am good?” I do not obsess about the possible sins of others like Joseph, nor do I feel the need to, but believe basically he was a good person who claimed mercy from the Lord. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txsQosgktUQ

          I don’t base my faith on any mortal person but on true principles and he who taught them: Jesus Christ.

    13. Mark

      I’m a bit baffled here….

      “Unscrupulous “educated” people have been known to lie about a lot of things, so no, I don’t believe these attempts to discredit God’s servants. Prophets aren’t perfect.”

      It almost sounds like “uneducated” people have the monopoly on honesty!

      It’s fascinating to read about the formation of Joseph Smith’s religion, but troubling once one starts to uncover all the deceit and fraud.

      I found “The Bible Versus Joseph Smith” on Amazon Video to be most enlightening.

      1. Stephanie Berkey

        Mark,
        “But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.” ~ 2 Nephi 9:29, Book of Mormon

        These anti Mormon works are the epitome of manipulating logic through fear. They mix up things or straight out lie. We see this done in other areas of life also. They do it to obtain the power and glory of this world for a very short time.

        Jesus said, “Ye blind guides” who were constantly finding fault with him when he was on the earth, who would “strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.” (See Matthew 23:24) Satan was behind it, and continues to do so with the Lord’s work today.

        1. Miller from Canada

          Are Mormon works "anti-Christian"?

          Hi Stephanie. I see you are still trying to convert Christian Anabaptists to Mormonism, your faith. Everyone should be alert as to what you are up to. These sweet little youtube videos you submit appear on the surface to simply be a nice religious devotional or some kind of a religious talk, but many are sucked into Mormonism through it, and of course, that is obviously your motive. You should simply be upfront with what you are doing, You write about anti-Mormon books etc., yet most Anabaptist believers tend to look on Mormon writings as anti-Christian. I know you know that. Please know Amish, Mennonites, Hutterites and other Anabaptists know exactly what you are trying to do.

    14. Mark

      I don’t see it as “fear,” more of a burdensome feeling for people who have been deceived by False Prophets. Our Bible warns us of men like Smith! I definitely feel Satan is behind the “mixed up” things and the blatant lies. But I do recognize and understand that for you & yours this is what you believe. I get that. And as long as you adhere to Mormonism and I adhere to Christianity, we’ll just go around in circles. So I’ll bow out of the fray unless I come across anything else that might contribute to the subject.

    15. Stephanie Berkey

      Merry Christmas :D

      Merry Christmas Everyone,

      I enjoyed this new version of the nativity and wanted to share it.
      The Christ Child: A Nativity Story | #LightTheWorld

      https://www.comeuntochrist.org/light-the-world-2020/the-christ-child

    16. Stephanie Berkey

      Hey Cousins,
      This is an excellent talk on how Jesus doesn’t require that we EARN heaven, but LEARN heaven. I hope you are doing well during this challenging time.

      Brad Wilcox ~ His Grace is Sufficient

      https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/brad-wilcox/his-grace-is-sufficient/

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLXr9it_pbY

      1. Miller from Canada

        Are you still trying to recruit Anabaptists to Mormonism

        Stephanie, I see you are still trying to recruit Anabaptists into your Mormonism religion. You are working hard to do that, and the fruit of that effort is not good. Just wanted to remind you that many of us are on to what you are doing (or trying to do).

        1. Mark

          Hey Miller!

          Stephanie’s latest attempts reminded me of a book I read very recently. I read it on Kindle, but if anyone is interested:

          https://www.amazon.com/7-Reasons-We-Left-Mormonism-ebook/dp/B0098N9FYW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1R2AVIUQKCTQ&dchild=1&keywords=7+reasons+why+we+left+mormonism&qid=1611060756&sprefix=why+we+left+the+Mor%2Caps%2C169&sr=8-1

          What an eye-opener! And this is by a couple who rose high in the cult ranks and were finally delivered from the darkness. The book looks at some of the aspects the mainline Mormon Church would like to gloss over. The racism angle was very disturbing. The idea that ANY church could preach a person is lost because of their skin color is appalling.

          But yes, this book is a must-read for anyone thinking Mormonism is in any way at all comparable to Christianity.

        2. Stephanie Berkey

          Hi Miller from Canada,
          I’m sharing my witness of the truth and some things I found uplifting and helpful in following Jesus. Is there something I’ve shared which you find not in harmony with that? Or is just the rumors and lies you are misjudging me by?

    17. Stephanie Berkey

      Faith of our Fathers
      (instrumental by Craig Duncan)

      Sounds like he’s using a zither.

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLr0Cix2fXg&pbjreload=101

    18. Mark

      Documentary on Netflix

      Watching “Murder Among the Mormons” and it’s quite interesting.

      1. Stephanie Berkey

        Mark, those are just more lies. Did you do any research on opposing views? The truth on this subject can be found here:
        The Salamander Letter and the Mark Hofmann forgeries, by Saints Unscripted (About 6 min long) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPiCkEEOa-U

        These kinds of attacks on a what I know to be a true and wonderful religion is why I come here to testify to people I care about. My grandparents were Mennonite and I didn’t try to convert them, not that I see anything wrong with sharing the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I don’t, but I could tell they weren’t interested.

        As far as the last talk I shared, His Grace is Sufficient, I also did so because I felt I’d been asked a few times on here about our beliefs on being saved by grace, and the talk answers that more completely.

    19. Mark

      The whole series is lies? The murders, the bombs, everything? Hmmm. Interestingly enough, I asked a Mormon about the series and he said he did not need to watch it — he lived through it. Much of what he said agreed with the documentary, which I am certain you watched in its entirety to know it’s all lies.

      I was just sharing the fact I found the documentary was interesting. And it was. I actually felt very sorry for those harmed and deceived, but apparently my empathy was misplaced if it’s “all lies.”

      1. Stephanie Berkey

        I didn’t say it was all lies, but more lies. I didn’t have a way to watch it, so I looked up a short summary. I apologize if I misunderstood your intent, but when you skewed what I said to be quote, “all lies”, its hard to believe I did.

    20. Mark

      I clearly owe you an apology! Had I read back a second time, I would have seen “more lies,” but in my mind I had “all lies.” I am sorry for my misquoting you on this!

      I really did find it fascinating and I grieve for those harmed. NO ONE deserves that!!

      I am assuming it is true after a personal discussion with one Mormon and bit of digging around.

      1. Stephanie Berkey

        Thanks Mark, I’s probably because I used the work “just”, so I do beg your pardon also. I’ll sort through it when I can and get back with you.

      2. Stephanie Berkey

        OK, so I watched it and it is very sad! The one thing that stands out to me is how people must think a prophet knows everything, which isn’t true. Only God knows everything, so anything is possible for us to know if is needful, but even prophets can make mistakes or be unaware. Everything happens for a reason but we don’t always know it because in this life we walk by faith.

        We all have access to personal revelation from God through mental & spiritual work. It’s a process, that requires research, prayer, striving to be worthy, patience, and time. Heavenly Father’s goal is for us to learn to use good judgement.

        This is how it is taught to us: “But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong…” ~ Doctrine & Covenants 9:8-9, lds.org

        Also, “2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.
        3 Now, behold, this is the spirit of revelation; behold, this is the spirit by which Moses brought the children of Israel through the Red Sea on dry ground.” ~ Doctrine & Covenants 8:2-3

    21. Mark

      No worries. We are both human. 😉

    22. Susan Brownley

      As a former LDS it makes me sad.

      Yes I am a former Mormon- I was a convert in 1979- I have the old Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith Bible- Yes he altered it! The Pearl of Great Price and D&C. The LDS Church changed them in later years. I was Devout. I transfer
      From OSU to BYU. But after 4 years I saw the fraud. Yes it’s there and since they have each other it may help but there are two worlds in LDS life- the lifeys and the converts. They are getting attention now but that may change. Being in Ohio will help- because Utah is becoming like a second California. Even in the early 80’s the LDS were Nothing like the Amish.

    23. Central Virginian

      Doctrine or Culture

      Interesting how many comments are arguments about doctrine. It seems like perhaps some readers read only the title of the post and skipped the content. The post was not about doctrine; it was an interesting account of the move that several Amish families made to another culture and faith.

    24. Gary

      Religion

      Religion ruins everything.
      If you want to read some really crazy stuff read about what Mormons believe. From Baptizing the dead to being a God on there own planet.
      At least the Amish live in some mode of sanity.
      Get a grip on yourselves people and start to live in the real world.