Leaderboard

Popular Content

Showing content with the highest reputation on 11/29/18 in all areas

  1. mirkwood

    Mormon vs Trump

    You edited your comment. Joseph Smith did not implement communism. That is false doctrine. He tried to implement the LOC/United Order. Back to the City of Enoch. No, it wasn't communist-esque. It was Law Of Consecration-esque. You have never, nor will you, see the words communism and socialism used as examples of what the LOC or United Order is related to, because they are different things. They are not economic programs. They are satanic inspired political systems of control and compulsion. You are free of course to believe what you want, but you are wrong if you think they are just failed economic programs and the LOC/United Order are in any way related. Freedom is an integral part of the Gospel. Socialism and communism deny freedom. Reminds me of satan's plan that we all rejected. Compulsion in any form is not a part of the Gospel.
    4 points
  2. Tyme

    Baptism Date Set

    It's set for Dec 22nd. I can't wait! This along with reading the BOM should give me the strength to quit smoking.
    2 points
  3. Vort

    Mormon vs Trump

    LB, did you read your own link? What more damning evidence do you need? anatess said nothing about "programming the website". Putting up a website has other (ostensible) expenses beyond paying someone to produce the HTML. ...ironic...
    2 points
  4. Thanks a lot, It is very helpful
    2 points
  5. anatess2

    Proud Boys

    They're not. Or they didn't start out as such. Proud Boys is like the English Defense League. Gavin McGinnis is not a "far right extremist" or an alt-right in the same manner that Tommy Robinson is not one. Proud Boys and the EDL both got usurped by a small group of idiots that the media focuses on to paint the entire organization causing its foundational purposes to be drowned out by propaganda to the point that the founders lose control of its image that makes it hard to attract/keep members true to its founding principles as well as keep out the bad elements from the group. So their founders decide to leave the group to the coyotes.
    2 points
  6. This is a variation on the old Unequal Comparison theme. "There's plenty of blame to go around! We're ALL at fault here!" Those words are just fine when they're true, but they are an impediment when they're false. And used here, they're false. Don't misunderstand me. There are plenty of individual Latter-day Saints who use berating, condescending, or otherwise unkind language when talking about non-LDS Christians, and there are plenty of decent, honorable non-LDS Christians who work hard not to give offense when talking about what they call "Mormonism". I acknowledge that. But when you compare the typical sectarian Christian with the typical Latter-day Saint, that is simply not the case. And when you compare how the sectarian church organizations describe the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members with how the Restored Church describes sectarian Christianity, both in modern times and even historically, the difference is stark. So let's start out by doing away with the canard that everyone is equally at fault in this situation. Everyone is not equally at fault, not even close.
    2 points
  7. This is what I think of when I think "Lamb of God":
    2 points
  8. Lost Boy

    Mormon vs Trump

    I fully agree with you that obama care is not the answer. My premium also went up. On this we certainly agree. I had high hopes the Republicans would actually get off their full of hot air butts and do something about the situation. They didn't. My health care costs are higher than ever and the current Republican party sucks and deserved to lose the house. That said, I am not happy the Democrats have it either.
    2 points
  9. anatess2

    Mormon vs Trump

    Yes, you are wrong here. The government spent $2.1 BILLION just to build ONE WEBSITE for Obamacare. ONE WEBSITE. Do you know how many websites I've built that are more data and functionally complex than Obamacare? Hundreds. Do you know how many of those had a Project Cost that exceed $1 Million? ZILCH. NADA. Yet you have a government that can spend way more than 200 times the amount on a website that... FAILED ON OPENING DAY.
    2 points
  10. I never said we would be equal to Jesus. I asked you to clarify your definitions so the dialogue has a chance of being productive. Do you see making a comparison as only relating to that which is equal. I'm saying, from my perspective simply saying we don't compare, is in actuality still a comparison. It's like saying that $1.00 does not compare to $1000000.00 which can be said, but it's hyperbole. $1.00 can actually be compared in various terms such as buying power, difficulty to earn and so on. At the moment I'm getting the idea that you see comparing things to mean they are equal or near equal. I am operating on defining the term as simply taking two separate items, individuals, characteristics and assessing qualities against each other. Either definition is okay according to Merriam Webster. Are you suggesting there can be no means of measuring how we are doing against the standard of perfection the Lord Himself has comanded us to attain? Or are you simply stating that no one can ever replace the position the Saviour has? The first requires comparison. He set the example of perfection and we follow. If we see we are falling short (requires comparison) we need to repent and correct the path we follow. Replacing the position the Saviour holds in the plan doesn't require comparison, just pride to believe it could be done - we agree it can't. The goal isn't to be like Jesus? What are the commands to, "come follow me" and, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as I... am perfect" if not challenges to do just that - be like Jesus. Be as good as Jesus, as compassionate as Jesus, as loving, caring, hardworking, willing to sacrifice as the Saviour. I mean you're welcome to do as you please, but I think it serves me well to indeed ask how in line is my life with the example set by the Christ? It is important to note that I don't believe anyone can achieve such on their own, but I do believe it can be done with God's help. Isn't that what the Atonement is all about? It is to help us to overcome sin, death and become purified. No imperfection can dwell in the presence of God, I feel like you are saying that exaltation isn't possible. That's not a faith I would want to be part of.
    2 points
  11. I spent over 20 years of my life in bars, jail, Smoking dope and playing in punk rock bands and I turned out just fine, in fact I teach primary 😜 I love my ward, they've been nothing but loving and accepting of me and my tattooed arms
    2 points
  12. What you're going through is very common, but everyone's journey is individual. Which is why you have an individualized guide to help you through it (your bishop). A bishop doesn't slap a rote penalty on people for doing X like this was a game of Monopoly ("go directly to jail, do not pass go, do not collect $200"). Rather, the bishop is there to help you change so you can have a healthier/stronger place with yourself, your boyfriend, and God. This doesn't just involve washing off your past sins, but forging new healthy behaviors so you/your relationship can get stronger/better. It lends to a much stronger/healthier relationship while dating and when a couple is married. So we on the forum cannot tell you how long your individualized journey is going to take. Change does take time, after all. But it is GOOD. And once you're in that healthy spot, yes you can go to the temple, participate in ordinances, and all those great things. So, get started to getting healthy by giving your bishop a call!
    2 points
  13. Rominah

    Hello from Madagascar

    I've been member of the Church for 20 years. I was baptized when I was 11. I didn't attend another church before joining this true Church. I have a great testimony of that. I know that God loves me and He guides me everyday. Few years ago, I had to take the most difficult decision I've ever made. But God was there to comfort me and to tell me the best choice. I followed the prompting of the Holy Ghost. So, I got married with a non LDS man. I didn't understand why God let me to marry him at the begining ( since I grew up in the Church, I always thought that I should marry a return missionary, a LDS member). That's why I was hesitating. But now, I know that I chose the right. Everyday, God shows me that it was the right choice. He is great husband and really takes care of me and our daughter. I couldn't dream anyone else. I know that if we follow God's plan, He will bless us more than we except.
    1 point
  14. Tyme

    Favorite LDS Athlete

    I'm happy for him as an individual also. There is no better team than the Patriots. It just sucks for the Lions organization.
    1 point
  15. Still_Small_Voice

    Baptism Date Set

    Baptism is the entrance to the path leading toward eternal life with Heavenly Father. The journey has been ongoing for me for about thirty years with my membership in Christ's Restored Church. Congratulations on your wonderful decision to become a saint.
    1 point
  16. Vort

    Favorite LDS Athlete

    I'm happy for Van Noy. The Patriots have treated him right and helped him to grow into his role.
    1 point
  17. NeuroTypical

    One Foot In

    Yes, just you. You're weird like that. No, not just you.
    1 point
  18. Fether

    Coming Out of the Closet

    I play ball at a church nearby and a bishop from another ward is always there. One day, this kid from the bishop’s wars showsbup to play. He wasn’t all that great but we didn’t mind (we are an incredibly tame church ball group in all honesty). At one point the other team made a fast break to the hoop. It was their two biggest and most talented guys charging at the hoop and the only one there to block it was this kid. Now I don’t think anyone regardless of skill level could have stopped this drive. The two guys scored and the bishop started yelling at the kid for not stopping them. I busted up laughing and we joke about it all the time when the bishop isn’t there xD
    1 point
  19. I'm not familiar with the laws of the land in Madagascar regarding contraception. If its legal to use in your country, you may use it. The Church leaves the decision of how many children a couple should have solely on the married couple's united decision through prayer. The decision on methods of contraception is also left to the couple to decide on with prayer.
    1 point
  20. For me, if something makes me doubt, I don't take it. So, regarding the tea, I only take herbal tea. Like that I'm sure that I don't break the Word of Wisdom. Apart of that, I don't take "black" or "green".
    1 point
  21. Traveler

    One Foot In

    In all my experience with church leadership - I have never encountered anyone that has done a poor enough job for me to what to replace them. The Traveler
    1 point
  22. Vort

    Mormon vs Trump

    Does it occur to you that, just maybe, YOU'RE the one in need of education? That maybe the wisdom you're so generously ladling out isn't the nectar of pure truth you think it is?
    1 point
  23. So you can find the "menace to society" quote floating around the internet with various ages (and even both genders) linked to it. But I couldn't find the one I heard, so I'm thinking it's a special quote known only to the select few (and I'm about to make the select few into many):
    1 point
  24. CV75

    Lamb of God

    I kill what tries to eat me.
    1 point
  25. You think I build websites by my lonesome. How cute. I happen to work for an international corporation. And no, we're not in the gaming industry. I wish I work for one but, alas, I work for a more stiff-shirt data management endeavor. And see... that's why you think government is very efficient. You think spending $2.1 billion on a government transactional website is reasonable. And that's why I can never trust you with my tax money.
    1 point
  26. mirkwood

    Mormon vs Trump

    You can call the sky pink all you want, that doesn't make it so.
    1 point
  27. I appreciate that it appears you are seeking understanding and common ground and going back through the comments to see how we ended up here. I should have communicated more clearly in the first place when I was referring to D&C 135 that I was specifically pointing out that it's not blasphemous to compare people to the Lord. I can see how if you thought I was saying that Joseph was nearly on par with Jesus that could cause issues. It helps me understand your resistance to what I have perceived as a simple comparison all along. I can let @Tyme speak for himself as to what he meant with his comments. I believe he was referring to Joseph in the hereafter and not during mortality. My understanding of LDS theology is that we do actually believe in deification and if Joseph isn't a candidate, quite frankly the rest of us are hooped. In that way I don't think Tyme mispoke either in suggesting that Joseph in the eternal sense will be exalted and honoured as a god in his own right. He certainly won't replace the Saviour, he will continue to worship and honour Him forever, but he will be a joint-heir with Christ sharing all the Father hath, worlds without end and eternal glory. He will in a very real sense be mingling with gods and more equivalent to our most honoured and revered older brother then some may think. As for now, I'm not sure. It's speculation that Joseph Smith has been resurrected just as it is speculation he is still in the spirit world. We simply don't know. It would seem more likely that only those who died before the time of our Lord's mortal ministry would have gone on to receive bodies, but we know Moroni has been resurrected and he lived 400 years after Jesus so who knows. Let's go forth and try to be like Jesus. Thanks brother, and yes I'm a brother, too.
    1 point
  28. Jesus Christ is our ultimate example of becoming perfect. I wasn’t arguing if we should use Him as an example. Going back to what started this back and forth in the first place, there’s a subtle yet important distinction in saying you follow Jesus as an example towards your own perfection versus saying you want to be as good as Jesus is. Saying the latter suggests you will achieve a similar status of glory and station as the Savior has. That is why it’s wrong. Let all glory be to God, for it is His and His alone. Being perfect like Jesus is a righteous desire. And I commend you for that. The main statement I took issue with was when @Tyme said it’s his opinion that Joseph Smith is not far off from the Savior, and your subsequent post attempting to validate that statement with Doctrine and Covenants 135. You want to follow Jesus Christ, I want to follow Jesus Christ, it’s all good brother (or sister?). Like I said earlier, Joseph Smith is one of my heroes whom I look up to and respect. For me, it’s not only important to stand up for what he is, but also for what he isn’t. I know in my heart of hearts that Joseph Smith would be cringing if he heard members of the Church saying he was just a couple steps away from being as good as the Savior. Joseph Smith had one of the most profound testimonies of the Savior, and one of the closest relationships to the Him that anyone has ever had in this life. He of all people would impress upon us he was but a man, and all praise and glory be to God.
    1 point
  29. mirkwood

    Mormon vs Trump

    I don't own a bump stock. They are stupid accessories.
    1 point
  30. mirkwood

    Mormon vs Trump

    Quote. Of. The. Thread.
    1 point
  31. When I worked on cars I had some that were the "good set" and ones for work. That said, know what is awesome for getting out oil and grease stains? Brake Clean spray. Not even joking. I used to use it to clean customers' upholstery if I accidentally got grease on it. It uses the same chemical as in dry cleaning.
    1 point
  32. unixknight

    Brexit

    The attempt at Brexit is the mechanism by which British subjects are being disabused of the notion that they have any actual say in their own government.
    1 point
  33. clbent04

    Mormon vs Trump

    2017 Net Profit United States Postal Service -$2,700,000,000 (NEGATIVE amount) UPS $3,400,000,000 (POSITIVE amount) FedEx $3,000,000,000 (POSITIVE amount)
    1 point
  34. mirkwood

    Mormon vs Trump

    Some of you really need to educate yourself on the Church and it's position on freedom, the Constitution, and the two 'isms. President Ezra Taft Benson October Conference 1987 My beloved brethren and sisters, what a glorious blessing to be assembled in another great general conference of the Church. I ask for an interest in your faith and prayers as I speak to you about a subject that is very close to my heart and that affects the worldwide Church. We have recently celebrated the bicentennial of the signing of the United States Constitution. That commemoration marked the beginning of a series of bicentennial anniversaries of events leading up to the ratification of the Constitution, implementation of the government it created, and the writing and ratification of the Bill of Rights. We look forward to the future commemoration of each of these important events during the next four years. It is as a result of these events that we are able to meet today in peace as members of the restored Church of Jesus Christ. For this we should all be eternally grateful. I desire, therefore, to speak to you about our divine Constitution, which the Lord said “belongs to all mankind” (D&C 98:5; italics added) “and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles” (D&C 101:77; italics added). The Constitution of the United States has served as a model for many nations and is the oldest constitution in use today. “I established the Constitution of this land,” said the Lord, “by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose” (D&C 101:80). For centuries the Lord kept America hidden in the hollow of His hand until the time was right to unveil her for her destiny in the last days. “It is wisdom that this land should be kept as yet from the knowledge of other nations,” said Lehi, “for behold, many nations would overrun the land, that there would be no place for an inheritance” (2 Ne. 1:8). In the Lord’s due time His Spirit “wrought upon” Columbus, the pilgrims, the Puritans, and others to come to America. They testified of God’s intervention in their behalf (see 1 Ne. 13:12–13). The Book of Mormon records that they humbled “themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them” (1 Ne. 13:16). Our Father in Heaven planned the coming forth of the Founding Fathers and their form of government as the necessary great prologue leading to the restoration of the gospel. Recall what our Savior Jesus Christ said nearly two thousand years ago when He visited this promised land: “For it is wisdom in the Father that they should be established in this land, and be set up as a free people by the power of the Father, that these things might come forth” (3 Ne. 21:4). America, the land of liberty, was to be the Lord’s latter-day base of operations for His restored church. The Declaration of Independence affirmed the Founding Fathers’ belief and trust in God in these words: “We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The Doctrine and Covenants states, “We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life” (D&C 134:2). Life, liberty, property—mankind’s three great rights. At the conclusion of the Declaration of Independence, they wrote, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” This Declaration was a promise that would demand terrible sacrifice on the part of its signers. Five of the signers were captured as traitors and tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary War; another had two sons captured. Nine died from wounds or from the hardships of the war. The Lord said He “redeemed the land by the shedding of blood” (D&C 101:80). Nephi recorded that the Founders “were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations” (1 Ne. 13:19). The years immediately preceding the Constitutional Convention were filled with disappointments and threats to the newly won peace. Washington was offered a kingship, which he adamantly refused. Nephi had prophesied hundreds of years before that “this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land” (2 Ne. 10:11; italics added). Between the critical years of 1783 and 1787, an outsider viewing the affairs of the United States would have thought that the thirteen states, different in so many ways, could never effectively unite. The world powers were confident that this nation would not last. Eventually, twelve of the states met in Philadelphia to address the problem. Madison said at the beginning of the Convention that the delegates “were now digesting a plan which in its operation would decide forever the fate of Republican Government” (26 June 1787, Records of the Federal Convention, 1:423). “The Lord knoweth all things from the beginning,” said Nephi, “wherefore, he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men” (1 Ne. 9:6). Four months later, the Convention delegates had completed their work. As Gladstone said, it was “the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man” (William Gladstone, North American Review, Sept.–Oct. 1878, p. 185), and the Prophet Joseph Smith called it “a glorious standard … a heavenly banner” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938, p. 147). The delegates were the recipients of heavenly inspiration. James Madison, often referred to as the father of the Constitution, wrote: “It is impossible for the man of pious reflection not to perceive in it a finger of that Almighty hand which has been so frequently and signally extended to our relief in the critical stages of the revolution” (The Federalist, no. 37, ed. Henry Cabot Lodge, New York: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 1983, p. 222). Alexander Hamilton, famous as the originator of The Federalist papers and author of fifty-one of the essays, said: “For my own part, I sincerely esteem it a system, which without the finger of God, never could have been suggested and agreed upon by such a diversity of interest” (Essays on the Constitution of the United States, ed. Paul L. Ford, 1892, pp. 251–52). Charles Pinckney, a very active participant and author of the Pinckney Plan during the Convention, said: “When the great work was done and published, I was struck with amazement. Nothing less than the superintending Hand of Providence, that so miraculously carried us through the war … could have brought it about so complete, upon the whole” (Essays on the Constitution, p. 412). Within ten months, the Constitution was ratified by nine states and was therefore in force for them. Prophecy had been fulfilled. During his first inaugural address in 1789, President George Washington, a man who was raised up by God, said: “No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand, which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of providential agency” (First Inaugural Address, 30 Apr. 1789). In compliance with Article 6 of the Constitution, the very first act passed by Congress and signed by President Washington on June 1, 1789, was the actual oath to support the Constitution that was to be administered to various government officers. The dedicatory prayer for the Kirtland Temple, as dictated by the Lord and found in the Doctrine and Covenants, contains these words: “May those principles, which were so honorably and nobly defended, namely, the Constitution of our land, by our fathers, be established forever” (D&C 109:54). Shortly after President Spencer W. Kimball became President of the Church, he assigned me to go into the vault of the St. George Temple and check the early records. As I did so, I realized the fulfillment of a dream I had had ever since learning of the visit of the Founding Fathers to the St. George Temple. I saw with my own eyes the record of the work which was done for the Founding Fathers of this great nation, beginning with George Washington. Think of it: the Founding Fathers of this nation, those great men, appeared within those sacred walls and had their vicarious work done for them. President Wilford Woodruff spoke of it in these words: “Before I left St. George, the spirits of the dead gathered around me, wanting to know why we did not redeem them. Said they, ‘You have had the use of the Endowment House for a number of years, and yet nothing has ever been done for us. We laid the foundation of the government you now enjoy, and we never apostatized from it, but we remained true to it and were faithful to God’” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, sel. G. Homer Durham, Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946, p. 160). After he became President of the Church, President Wilford Woodruff declared that “those men who laid the foundation of this American government were the best spirits the God of heaven could find on the face of the earth. They were choice spirits … [and] were inspired of the Lord” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1898, p. 89). Unfortunately, we as a nation have apostatized in various degrees from different Constitutional principles as proclaimed by the inspired founders. We are fast approaching that moment prophesied by Joseph Smith when he said: “Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground, and when the Constitution is upon the brink of ruin, this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean, and they shall bear the Constitution away from the very verge of destruction” (19 July 1840, as recorded by Martha Jane Knowlton Coray; ms. in Church Historian’s Office, Salt Lake City). For centuries our forefathers suffered and sacrificed that we might be the recipients of the blessings of freedom. If they were willing to sacrifice so much to establish us as a free people, should we not be willing to do the same to maintain that freedom for ourselves and for future generations? Only in this foreordained land, under its God-inspired Constitution and the resulting environment of freedom, was it possible to have established the restored church. It is our responsibility to see that this freedom is perpetuated so that the Church may more easily flourish in the future. The Lord said, “Therefore, I, the Lord, justify you, and your brethren of my church, in befriending that law which is the constitutional law of the land” (D&C 98:6). How then can we best befriend the Constitution in this critical hour and secure the blessings of liberty and ensure the protection and guidance of our Father in Heaven? First and foremost, we must be righteous. John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” (The Works of John Adams, ed. C. F. Adams, Boston: Little, Brown Co., 1851, 4:31). If the Constitution is to have continuance, this American nation, and especially the Latter-day Saints, must be virtuous. The Book of Mormon warns us relative to our living in this free land: “Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring. And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever” (2 Ne. 1:7). “And now,” warned Moroni, “we can behold the decrees of God concerning this land, that it is a land of promise; and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall serve God, or they shall be swept off when the fulness of his wrath shall come upon them. And the fulness of his wrath cometh upon them when they are ripened in iniquity” (Ether 2:9). Two great American Christian civilizations—the Jaredites and the Nephites—were swept off this land because they did not “serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ” (Ether 2:12). What will become of our civilization? Second, we must learn the principles of the Constitution in the tradition of the Founding Fathers. Have we read The Federalist papers? Are we reading the Constitution and pondering it? Are we aware of its principles? Are we abiding by these principles and teaching them to others? Could we defend the Constitution? Can we recognize when a law is constitutionally unsound? Do we know what the prophets have said about the Constitution and the threats to it? As Jefferson said, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free … it expects what never was and never will be” (Letter to Colonel Charles Yancey, 6 Jan. 1816). Third, we must become involved in civic affairs to see that we are properly represented. The Lord said that “he holds men accountable for their acts in relation” to governments “both in making laws and administering them” (D&C 134:1). We must follow this counsel from the Lord: “Honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil” (D&C 98:10). Note the qualities that the Lord demands of those who are to represent us. They must be good, wise, and honest. Fourth, we must make our influence felt by our vote, our letters, our teaching, and our advice. We must become accurately informed and then let others know how we feel. The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “It is our duty to concentrate all our influence to make popular that which is sound and good, and unpopular that which is unsound. ‘Tis right, politically, for a man who has influence to use it. … From henceforth I will maintain all the influence I can get” (History of the Church, 5:286). I have faith that the Constitution will be saved as prophesied by Joseph Smith. It will be saved by the righteous citizens of this nation who love and cherish freedom. It will be saved by enlightened members of this Church—among others—men and women who understand and abide the principles of the Constitution. I reverence the Constitution of the United States as a sacred document. To me its words are akin to the revelations of God, for God has placed His stamp of approval upon it. I testify that the God of heaven sent some of His choicest spirits to lay the foundation of this government, and He has now sent other choice spirits to help preserve it. We, the blessed beneficiaries of the Constitution, face difficult days in America, “a land which is choice above all other lands” (Ether 2:10). May God give us the faith and the courage exhibited by those patriots who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. May we be equally as valiant and as free, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
    1 point
  35. mordorbund

    One Foot In

    Just like a priest of Ammon.
    1 point
  36. 1 point
  37. This attitude has always been present, but today it seems to be almost ubiquitous. <--(I should probably use another word there that more people can understand without straining themselves. I'm just so inconsiderate.)
    1 point
  38. mirkwood

    Mormon vs Trump

    Neither communism or socialism, no matter how you want to try and reapply their meanings, has a place in the Kingdom of God. I don't care what the world wants to call it, i.e. religious communism or theocratic socialism. They are incorrect terms and philosophies. What we will eventually live is called The Law of Consecration aka United Order and is not any form of either of those other 'isms. Feel free to read what the prophets and apostles have taught on the subject. J. Reuben Clark Jr., Ezra Taft Benson and David O. McKay are the best sources, particularly Clark. Your choice to use those words is doctrinally inaccurate.
    1 point
  39. Catholic prayers to Saints and to the Mother of Jesus are Prayers for Intercession. It is the same concept as submitting your name to the Temple and having temple workers intercede and pray on your behalf, except the Saints and Mother Mary are on the other side of the veil so you can't just submit a piece of paper with your prayer request, rather, you talk to them through prayer and ask them to pray for you (the method of communicating to the other side of the veil in Catholic dogma is called prayer). So, a prayer to the Saints or Mother Mary usually has, "Pray for us". Now, in Catholic belief, Mary and the Saints are with Christ, therefore, they are in a unique position to actually have direct communication with Christ so that's why they believe they have the power to intercede on their behalf which is more powerful than just asking your friends to pray for you.
    1 point
  40. NeuroTypical

    One Foot In

    I get it. Introverts of the world unite! And by unite, I mean sit in seclusion and think similarly, but no actual interaction happens. It's only a problem when a) you want more interaction, and b) you start blaming everyone else for your lack of interaction. This meme is a lighthearted attempt to describe the issue:
    1 point
  41. JohnsonJones

    One Foot In

    I personally hope that you @JustCurious will go to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and hopefully find those that can share your thoughts and hopes and concerns and be your friend. I hope that your children can be raised in the Church and hope that none of the comments here dissuade you from going or bringing your family with you. If I knew of you in our area I would try to welcome you with open arms. The church is open to all (in my opinion) regardless of how strong or weak their testimony is. Make yourself aware of the church policies with children currently (two adults are supposed to be present at ANY activity with children or youth, including lessons at church) and request that the leadership follow these policies if they are not following them. I know many sometimes go to church and feel lost. We have difficulties here where there are MANY who feel as if the church itself rejects them, but ironically are strong believers in the gospel itself. They feel that discrimination and prejudice are held against them and that they do not have anybody to represent them in the leadership in our area. IRONICALLY, there are MORE of them than there are of those they feel are prejudice against them as a group, or so I feel. If they all came to church and mingled with each other, they would find great similarities between each other and probably find great friendship and social networks among the members of the church. In that light, I always HOPE and pray that we can welcome our chapel to anyone who wishes to attend and wants to join our congregations in our churches. If they seek to share our morals and friendship, then I think that this is as good as any reason to come. I think it is an especially good way to bring up children and that if they can learn the teachings and morality that parents feel are good things in life, than I feel this is an extremely positive attitude to have. I hope you will give the local congregation another chance and hopefully some good can come out of it and you can find the acceptance you are so seeking.
    1 point
  42. Fether

    Strangite Mormons

    Then they would be Normites. Not to be confused with Normans, the nationality of the people from Normandy (also not to be confused with Mormons, a previously accepted nickname of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).
    1 point
  43. Serve. That IS the point. Through service, we find love and purpose.
    1 point
  44. Grunt

    One Foot In

    "One foot in" seems dumb. Do you know the Book of Mormon is true? Do you know the Church to be the restored Church of Christ? Did you covenant with Heavenly Father? Then honor those covenants and support your fellow Saints. Is the above not true? Then why do you need the church? I was teaching my children morals and values long before I knew what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was.
    1 point
  45. askandanswer

    One Foot In

    This is probably not what you want to hear, but it's straight from the scriptures Revelations 3: 15-16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Alma 30:8 8 For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve. Jeremiah 50: 4-8 might also be worth pondering about 4 ¶ In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God. (Are you not now seeking the Lord?) 5 They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten. (Are you contemplating joirning yourselves to the Lord, to some extent?) 6 My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace. (Have you been as a lost sheep and did shepherds in your past contribute to your going astray?) 7 All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers. (Has your faith and spirtuality and testimony been devoured in the time you have been lost?) 8 Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks. (Should you not remove out of Babylon, and back to the fold?)
    1 point
  46. Vort

    One Foot In

    Consider: Both stake presidents gave permission for the sealing to proceed, yet the OP claims ABUSE. Seriously? ABUSE? Because the stake president wanted to make sure the young man was morally clean and worthy? "Abuse" because the fiancée's stake president gave well-meant if awkward marital/sexual advice? At some point, people need to Grow The Heck Up and quit getting so deeply offended by stupid little things. Yes, I do mean the OP. Grow up. To answer your question: No, there is no "one-foot-in" program that caters to those individuals who want the benefits and blessings of Church membership but don't want to actually put any effort into bettering themselves and honoring/sustaining their leaders—human beings who have jobs, spouses, children, mortgages, and all the complications and problems that go with them; human beings who make decisions and give advice, sometimes turning out to be wrong; human beings who put their pants on one leg at a time, JUST LIKE YOU. No. If you want the benefits of membership in the kingdom of God, then BE A MEMBER OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. That means putting your shoulder to the wheel and pushing along with everyone else. That means forgiving others their trespasses, including (perhaps especially) your leaders. Silly, meaningless crap like this? Sorry, not sorry. I have no sympathy for someone who gets what he wants and then moans about how people didn't genuflect sufficiently while serving him. There is a place reserved for you at Church, JustCurious, but only if you're willing to accept it. Whining about an awkward moment with a stake president ten freaking years ago is not the way to accept the gift you've been offered.
    1 point
  47. Tyme

    Interviews with leaders

    I agree with you Jane_Doe. That's some sage advice. The only problem is that a Bishop is different than a friend. A Bishop is somebody people in the church are taught to look up to, always have answers and be reverent towards. It's a lot harder to stand up to a Bishop than a friend. That's especially true for kids 13 and under.
    1 point
  48. I believe it's the moral responsibility of every man who has a family or intends to have one, to be able to protect himself when he's away, and his family when he's in their society. The same goes for women. Remember the persecution of the early restored church, I think it will happen again before the end.
    1 point
  49. Making someone exempt from certain taxes allows them to keep more of their own money to do with as they will. Welfare is money given to someone directly by the government that they didn't earn. Perhaps a small distinction, but an important one to me.
    1 point
  50. I know I've grown up on a farm. We have rifles and shot guns which I use. Having access to land makes it easier to get a rifle. I have just finished my rifle and hand gun licence course and will soon be applying for the license itself. It's no that we can't have guns it's the restrictions it is difficult to maintain a handgun under the law. There is no concealed carry, No semi-auto rifles or pumpactions. High costs for licensing and many other laws that the government can fine you for if you slip up. If you defend yourself with a gun you are just as likely to be criminalized.
    1 point