I'm a Mormon so I just wanted to weigh in on some of the remarks made by
Metavalent Extropianism (why don't people use their dang real names anymore!, lol):

On Sat, 14 Jan 2006 21:07 , Metavalent Extropianism metavalent@gmail.com> wrote:

>Keep in mind that Deseret is code for "Mormon Church"

True and keep in mind "Deseret" often refers to the church in a more political
and even territorial/geographical sense.  The formal name of the church is "The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" or commonly known as the LDS church.

>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deseret  so there is always a loving, but
>apparently jealous and somewhat insecure "Heavenly Father" out there
>-- whom one day, "we shall be like, for he was once as we" according
>to the cult's dogma -- dictating our boundaries.  

"As man is now, God once was, as God is now, man may become"  The Mormon mind up
to a point would find much more in common with transhumanist thought because the
idea of a human having God-like power is not blasphemy to them as it would be to
a Baptist (I know having spent two years in the Bible Belt as a Mormon missionary
with many funny stories to tell).

>Of course, only
>specially selected humans who have played by the cult's bizarre rules
>are authorized to explain to the rest of us what Heavenly Father finds
>acceptable.  

You really have a way with words. lol  Some of those "bizarre rules" make great
sense to me, such as the Mormon health code, the practice of fasting, community
and church service, and in general trying to lead an ethical and exemplary life.     

>All the leading religions are extremely scary on their
>own demerits, but the LDS wackos are especially frightening if you ask
>me.  So, as is so often the case, one need only consider the source to
>get a pretty good sense of motives and rationale.

I'm offended by your use of the insulting term "Wacko."  Are some Mormon beliefs
sometimes strange or out of the mainstream? Yes.  Is religion in general more a
matter of faith than reductionist science? Yes.  Are your Mormon neighbors going
away anytime soon? No.  Mormonism has evolved over time and will continue to do
so.  The leaders of the church, known as General Authorities, are generally men
of high character, intelligence and proven professional ability, and they try
very hard to steer the church the right way.  Is the Mormon Church leadership
political? Yes.  What organization full of human beings isn't? lol   

Regarding science, evolution is taught in church universities with the attitude
that it is simply something students need to know as a foundational piece of
their education.  And this is seen as especially true for those headed into the
scientific fields.  The church can be very pragmatic about such things and they
see the need for Mormon scientists to make a contribution both for themselves and
for the greater glory of the church.  

Compared to the Roman Catholics or even the Southern Baptists you will find the
Mormon leadership and membership much more open to science and technological
progress.  In fact a few years ago the president of the Mormon Church dedicated a
new state of the art cancer research center and during the dedication painfully
recounted how he had lost close family members to cancer and how he hoped
breakthroughs would be made.  It may be an easy potshot to say "he should be glad
they are dead and in Heaven and be against cancer research, etc." but he is still
a frail human being trying to deal with the painfulness and mystery of life.    

Please just keep in mind that Mormons (both the leadership and rank and file
members) are flesh and blood human beings.  It is just too easy to demonize
others with different beliefs and lifestyles.  I do wish as a transhumanist (in
my own way) that the church would put one of its many billions into anti-aging
research or improved cryonics vitrification technology, but that is simply not
going to happen.  Rather than bemoaning this fact we need to find our own
resources to get these things done.  The Mormon church struggled greatly to get
to the high point financially and politically where it is today, and we must as a
movement and as individuals make similar efforts and sacrifices.

Best wishes,

John Grigg : )             





