- There is no Born Again event , instead you are Born Again over your whole lifetime.
- You cannot receive a remission of sins prior to baptism or without the Laying on of Hands(There are a disturbing number of examples that disprove this, including Joseph Smith)
- The Sacrament renews your covenants.
- The Prophet cannot lead you astray
- The Church is God's Kingdom and therefore cannot go apostate
- The confirmation IS The baptism of fire
- The gathering of Israel is not a literal physical gathering of people into one place
- When there is a new President of the Church, they automatically become a Prophet because of a spiritual "Mantle" placed upon them.
- We should teach poor and hungry people self reliance instead of giving them money
- You can't receive revelation in regards to other people outside your "Stewardship"
- God won't send prophets from outside his established church organization
- Common consent is not a "vote" like the typical meaning of the word, it's just sustaining the call
Widespread, But Not Quite Mainstream Beliefs
- Water Baptism cleanses you of your sins, and you are reborn
- The Sacrament cleanses you of your sins like a mini baptism
- You CANNOT be cleansed of your sins if you haven't confessed to a priesthood leader, even if you have had a spiritual experience that gives you cause to think otherwise
- Miraculous manifestations of the Spirit/God are meant mostly for leaders of the Church
- Obedience to man made rules like the Missionary handbook or Church policies result in spiritual blessings
- Most blessings that don't cure a sickness were "God's Will"
Less Common Beliefs
- The Brethren are the Ministering Angels
- Us, the Latter Day Saints are the Ministering Angels to other people in need
- People who have large spiritual experiences only have them because they need them to believe, others believe easily
- It is DANGEROUS to seek Calling and Election or the Second Comforter
What do most of these have in common?
They are soothing. They are comforting. They are pleasing to the ear.
If they aren't soothing and comforting to your personal fears and anxiety, they are pleasing to your concerns about the progress of the Church, or claims the church makes.
Rebirth is a life long process, so no need to put in the effort, and the tears, and the sacrifice to obtain spiritual manifestations from the Lord? Pleasing.
Prophet can't lead us astray? That brings comfort, no need to be vigilant?
"I have never seen an angel.. is my faith not sufficient?" Wait.. The Brethren, or the Saints ARE the ministering angels? Wait, these experiences must be meant for leaders. that must mean my faith is sufficient actually. That's soothing.
Have I received the baptism of fire? Well.. I can't recall any special experience.. but X,Y reassured me that it happened during my confirmation. That eases my anxiety
I work really hard for my money, and this beggar will just waste what I give him. That's why we need to teach him self reliance to make his own money. Then we all can keep our money, that's comforting.
I can't recall any moment where I knew my sins and guilt were swept away.. but the Sacrament cleanses me so I'm okay as long as I attend church
I can't recall any moment where I felt a remission of sins, but X,Y tells me that it's a lifelong process and I shouldn't have concerns if I haven't had any experiences. "Most People" don't have those experiences. Whew. I was worried for my salvation, but I think I feel better now
My parent/sibling/friend has not ever had a strong spiritual experience, never took a massive interest in Spiritual things even though he/she was always active.. does this mean he/she won't get to the Celestial Kingdom? Of course not! I'm told that most people don't have them anyway. It's all just a long process. That's such a relief, I didn't want to be without that person.
P.S. I left a few things off this list, even though I think they belong. No interest in being the cause of yet another discussion on certain topics