Since you're talking about Mormons and I'm also one, thought I'd join in.
History is what you make of it and its continually changing. Here's some info on Iron found in America pre-columbian.
The reason why the Church is involved with geneology and has been almost since its creation is because of the principal that even after we die, that there is
still the chance for salvation. A story that I've heard is that a viking king was going to baptized Catholic when he asked the priest where the rest of
his ancertors were. The priest told the king that his family were in Hell. "Then by the gods I shall join them there!" said the King. Don't
know if it happened but I hope it helps get the point across. Honestly, if we're wrong, what does it matter if we baptize people absentee. The people
doing the baptisms, are happy with the belief that they have done a good thing, and since only faithful members are allowed to enter the Temple, they will
continue to live good lives in order to continue the practice. If we're right, then we gave some more people the opportunity to get into heaven. Since
the performing of these ordinances only provides the souls of those who've departed the option of accepting them.
Also I served as a missionary for two years and knocking on doors. Plenty of people wouldn't open their doors when they saw us and that's fine. The
important thing is that we gave everyone the opportunity to learn about it. Just think of the missionaries like door to door salesmen that really believe in
their product.
As for how to vote, the leadership of the church doesn't say. It just tells all of its members to research the topic and to vote on it. Trying to involve
the members in the great political process that is democracy. At least every letter I've heard over the pulpit has been that way. Its not like the
congregation is told to vote a certain way or else they'll go to Hell.
History is what you make of it and its continually changing. Here's some info on Iron found in America pre-columbian.
The reason why the Church is involved with geneology and has been almost since its creation is because of the principal that even after we die, that there is
still the chance for salvation. A story that I've heard is that a viking king was going to baptized Catholic when he asked the priest where the rest of
his ancertors were. The priest told the king that his family were in Hell. "Then by the gods I shall join them there!" said the King. Don't
know if it happened but I hope it helps get the point across. Honestly, if we're wrong, what does it matter if we baptize people absentee. The people
doing the baptisms, are happy with the belief that they have done a good thing, and since only faithful members are allowed to enter the Temple, they will
continue to live good lives in order to continue the practice. If we're right, then we gave some more people the opportunity to get into heaven. Since
the performing of these ordinances only provides the souls of those who've departed the option of accepting them.
Also I served as a missionary for two years and knocking on doors. Plenty of people wouldn't open their doors when they saw us and that's fine. The
important thing is that we gave everyone the opportunity to learn about it. Just think of the missionaries like door to door salesmen that really believe in
their product.
As for how to vote, the leadership of the church doesn't say. It just tells all of its members to research the topic and to vote on it. Trying to involve
the members in the great political process that is democracy. At least every letter I've heard over the pulpit has been that way. Its not like the
congregation is told to vote a certain way or else they'll go to Hell.