PapilioMemnon

I hope it doesn't stop there, with Marriott Intl. only that is. I'm sure they can come up with better and more valuable ammenities to offer guests!

Well, I'm not trying to cause a stir. My intentions were and are to post threads that address our beliefs with the hope that LDS members will add their knowledge and "witness" of the beliefs we hold. I hope that someone visiting this site, can easily find threads that address our beliefs rather than geting lost with threads that are playful (Not a problems with that), argumentative (Back and forth of opposed opinions), or threads that undermine/scorn our faith/beliefs/members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Days Saints. With this in mind, I posted the First Article of Faith because it is the first. Dr. T:

Lactose & fat free!;-)

To ask is something I encourage people to do; I'm not afraid of answering people, and when they ask things, even if they have been born in the faith. My son, oldest, is one of them; he has asked many things, has told me he doesn't believe all things, and even though I get sometimes concerned with his ideas, and research, I encourage him to find for himself. WE talk about different faiths and their beliefs, and I state them as I know them (If I don't, I go to a website where I can find, and share with him). I talk and teach him what I can, the basic, in simple terms, and encourage him to seek the answers (he has to do something!), read the scriptures, attend General Conference, etc. I allow him to express his own thoughts and ideas even, or should I say, especially if they differ from mine. His belief, or lack of it, has been greatly influenced by the other parent who has left the church a long time ago (He never really wanted to be there), who has been throwing at him (My son) as many negative thoughs, comments, ideas, and lies about the church as he can, and trying to force him to feel the same way. Well, he did... for a time. Now, he even goes to the temple with me, even if he has nothing to do there (He does not have the priesthood yet). Some results: A few things he didn't believe before, he's gained more understanding. I see growing in understanding. We are all in different levels... and we need to be patient with others as they learn just as much as we want them to be with us. Strengths & weaknesses are different for each person. I know the Lord's commitment to protect our agency, and have come to understand that I need to pass that along. His words are to be taught with love and patience; we need to be patient as others find for themselves. This can't be rushed, or hushed. I do what I can, and leave the rest to the Lord; I have faith, and that keeps me from hijacking my son's agency, and forcing (If there's such thing) him to believe in what I do. I think there are some people that are not sure of what they believe in the church, and fear questions because they are not even sure themselves. Everyone must come to know for themselves (Question in faith & pray about it), and not keep borrowing light for the rest of their lives. I know that once he (my son) finds it, it's his to keep! No one will be able to take that away!

I love how section 93 of D&C talks about truth and intelligence (24-39). By keeping the commandments, we qualify to receive light, line upon line,... and it's through disobedience (misuse of our agency), light & truth is taken from us...

The nature of the Godhead is as simple as it's stated. The gospel doctrines are simple, but somehow, we mange to complicate them.

Thanks for the insight! I believe the use of the word "strait,'' implied "narrow, strict," (Not broad), and it didn't imply absence of curves/turns, as in straight, (a straight line). I believe he meant the ways of the Lord are strict, and people can't bend/turn/twist/curve them to fit them. However, throught the twists/turns/changes of life, the Spirit does stay with us to help us remain on the narrow path. But I really like the insight in the distinction of the 2 words! Thanks! :) p.s.: sorry, I still haven't mastered prepositions and some other things, and will misuse them a lot! Be patient as you read my posts

Thanks KuriChan... I agree with most, most things!!!! It made me laugh as I remembered some people and situations... hahahaha Tchau!

Considering the impact of what we do here has on eternity and our standing before the Lord, it is not a simple matter of commitment to a mortal relationship that lasts for this time only; it's more important my commitment to the Lord and my covenants with Him, that I make the right choices when faced with difficult ones, and that I do wha is right before Him.

Milk before meat!

In Genesis 1, during the spiritual creation, when man & woman were created, God marry them, and gave them the commandment to be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth; it clearly suggests they were married for eternity since there's no mentioning of a period of time. Later on, divorce was introduce into the world, as Jesus said on Matthew 19, read it carefully (Emphasis added): 3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? 4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, 5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? 6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder. 7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away? 8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so. Modern revelation has allowed divorced people to re-marry as our Prophets and Apostles have mentioned. When a person chooses to marry outside the eternal covenant, outside the Temple, the person is married only for the life of the mortal body. Since it was not sealed by the power and authority of the priesthood in the Temple, by those who have authority & power to seal all things in earth and in heaven, it only lasts for the time of mortality; they cannot marry in the resurrection; there's no marriage done there; these things have to be done here while we are alive. Therefore, it shows us the great importance of choosing the right person to marry; it will reflect in eternity! They have counseled us to marry the right person, in the right place, by the right authority! Those who were not able to marry in this life for lack of good opportunity (A good, not perfect, just good priesthood holder, a man of God who walk in His ways), will have the opportunity to be married then if that is the desire of their hearts. If one does not have the opportunity, but would gladly embrace it, be it to be married, have children, etc..., will be given an opportunity to have all these things. Those who had, ignored it, didn't want it, wasted their probation time with less important things or made wrong choices despite all the counsels and guidance of our Prophets, and the Lord's words, will not be given the same opportunity for they already had it, and made a choice! I hope this helps!

I'm sorry for your loss, and this experience that is part of your life... As many people have said, only the Lord can decide the eternal fate of anyone. Just trust that He is merciful, understands all things, is forgiving, loving, kind, tender, and just! Trust Him with all your heart; you'll never been disappointed.

(Emphasis added) Holy Ghost - LDS.org - Topic Definition - Holy Ghost The Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead. He is a personage of spirit, without a body of flesh and bones. He is often referred to as the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Spirit of the Lord, or the Comforter. Roles of the Holy Ghost The Holy Ghost works in perfect unity with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, fulfilling several roles to help us live righteously and receive the blessings of the gospel. He "witnesses of the Father and the Son" (2 Nephi 31:18) and reveals and teaches "the truth of all things" (Moroni 10:5). We can receive a sure testimony of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ only by the power of the Holy Ghost. His communication to our spirit carries far more certainty than any communication we can receive through our natural senses. As we strive to stay on the path that leads to eternal life, the Holy Ghost can guide us in our decisions and protect us from physical and spiritual danger. Through Him, we can receive gifts of the Spirit for our benefit and for the benefit of those we love and serve (see D&C 46:9–11). He is the Comforter (John 14:26). As the soothing voice of a loving parent can quiet a crying child, the whisperings of the Spirit can calm our fears, hush the nagging worries of our life, and comfort us when we grieve. The Holy Ghost can fill us "with hope and perfect love" and "teach [us] the peaceable things of the kingdom" (Moroni 8:26; D&C 36:2). Through His power, we are sanctified as we repent, receive the ordinances of baptism and confirmation, and remain true to our covenants (see Mosiah 5:1–6; 3 Nephi 27:20; Moses 6:64–68). He is the Holy Spirit of Promise (see Ephesians 1:13; D&C 132:7, 18–19, 26). In this capacity, He confirms that the priesthood ordinances we have received and the covenants we have made are acceptable to God. This approval depends on our continued faithfulness. The Gift of the Holy Ghost All honest seekers of the truth can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost, leading them to Jesus Christ and His gospel. However, the fulness of the blessings given through the Holy Ghost are available only to those who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and remain worthy. After a person is baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders lay their hands on the person's head and, in a sacred priesthood ordinance, confirm him or her a member of the Church. As part of this ordinance, called confirmation, the person is given the gift of the Holy Ghost. The gift of the Holy Ghost is different from the influence of the Holy Ghost. Before baptism, a person can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost from time to time and through that influence can receive a testimony of the truth. After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, a person has the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead if he or she keeps the commandments. See also Baptism; Godhead; Laying On of Hands; Revelation; Spiritual Gifts —See True to the Faith (2004), 81–84 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Matthew 3:11; John 15:26; 16:13; Acts 2:38; 8:12–17; 19:1–6; 1 Corinthians 2:9–14; 12:3; Galatians 5:22–23; 1 Nephi 10:17–19; 2 Nephi 31:17; D&C 8:2–3; 39:20–24; 68:25–28; 121:46; Articles of Faith 1:4 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "We . . . must be careful not to hinder, disregard, or quench the Spirit in our lives. "The beckoning invitations of the world attempt to divert our attention from the strait and narrow path. The adversary labors to dull our sensitivity to the promptings of the Spirit, whether we are teenagers, young adults, or mature men and women. The role of the Spirit, the Holy Ghost, is essential in every season of our mortal lives." (Keith K. Hilbig, "Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens the Inner Man," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 37) The Holy Ghost testifies of truths, warns us of dangers (Subtle or not), prompts us to do or stop something, etc. We can recognize its promptings through our feelings. In Galations, Paul taught us: Gal. 5: 22 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, I feel that the ability to discern the voice of the Lord, through the Holy Ghost one of the most important things we need to learn if we are to be guided by truth and lead through the right path to choose the right. Learning to discern if something is good/right or not, and if it's from God, we must learn to discern the feelings it induces, and it takes practice; if the fruits are good (As mentioned above), we can know it is of God. I had the opportunity of asking Elder R.G. Scott, and he told me the above. I just wanted to share it!

(Emphasis added) "During the days of Joseph's youth, the region around Palmyra became embroiled in religious fervor. Preachers and ministers of every sect fervently cried, 'Lo, here!' and others, 'Lo, there!' Some were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist. 'In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions,' Joseph Smith wrote: 'I often said to myself: What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?' (Joseph Smith--History 1:10; see also v. 5). "This is a universal question that seekers of religious truth ask. This is the question investigators will ask of themselves and of our missionaries. In the heart of one who is sincerely seeking the truth, this question is the beginning of spiritual knowledge. "After Joseph offered a humble prayer for guidance in the woods near his home, he said: 'I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me. " '. . When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other--This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!' (Joseph Smith--History 1:16-17). "From that day forward, Joseph Smith learned line upon line. He turned himself to diligent study of God's word, but he did more than that; he sought knowledge and inspiration from God Himself. Joseph communed with angels. He spoke with the great and righteous personalities of ancient times. President John Taylor (1808-87) said that Joseph Smith seemed to be as familiar with these ancient prophets and patriarchs as we are with one another. Abraham, John, Adam, Peter--Joseph knew them as you know your good friends." (Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Restoration and Faith," Ensign, Jan. 2006, 35) * To restore: to bring back into existence, use, or the like; reestablish The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored once again; His church has been restablished as it had been established by the Lord Himself, after the same pattern: Prophets, Apostles, revelation, etc,...

"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior." (Boyd K. Packer, "Do Not Fear," Ensign, May 2004, 79) There is power in the word of God; there is power in reading the scriptures. Any behavior, attitude, or inclination, can be changed if the person reading will be humble enough to try!

"Our first and foremost article of faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is 'We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost' (Articles of Faith 1:1). We believe these three divine persons constituting a single Godhead are united in purpose, in manner, in testimony, in mission. We believe Them to be filled with the same godly sense of mercy and love, justice and grace, patience, forgiveness, and redemption. I think it is accurate to say we believe They are one in every significant and eternal aspect imaginable except believing Them to be three persons combined in one substance, a Trinitarian notion never set forth in the scriptures because it is not true." (Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent," Ensign, Nov. 2007, 40)

I know that gender is an essential characterist the Lord has given us; if there's confusion, that has to do with the "natural" man/woman, wants, desires; it's the same with any inclination &/or dispositionwe have in this mortal life. Those are trials; we can either choose to do what we want or submit to the Lord and accept His ways, His will, and take our cross & follow Him! Each circumstance is different; we must pray, seek priesthood leaders blessings, and counsels, and seek the Lord in the scriptures and use the word of God to help your husband, not in hate/disgust/frustration, but love, and show him the ways of the Lord.... and be long-suffering/patient with his understanding of the word and ability to follow. As far as being caught between commandments, it depends. Were you married in the Temple? I'm going to be brief, but I hope it helps you in some way: Depending on the other's choice and behavior, you also will need to make a choice because in marriage it'll ultimately affect you, your standing, your ability to live your beliefs and faith. I had to make a choice of either staying in a relationship where the person could not see how his behavior/attitude was affecting me, and ultimately surrenderring to him my choices, or leave and suffer the consequences of it, but also have my freedom to choose, especially live my faith! I made a choice, a choice that was far better than the alternative since I was reaching a point that would have been a point of NO return! (And I don't mean making the choice to stay with him because that would probably lead me to make the choice that I would reach the point of NO return!) Unfortunately, I didn't chose the best ways to do things,... and be able to leave the situation the Lord's way, but as my Bishop told me: "You made a better choice even if the ways done wasn't not the best ones!" With this said, please pray, pray, pray some more! Stop to ponder, and have "conversations" with the Lord... Ask Him these questions, read His words... and let them rest upon your mind.... and give some time to sink in and receive the answers. Just make sure that you're doing ALL you can to qualify to receive His answers and not be deceived. When you think you got an answer, talk to your Bishop, check against the Lord's standards, ask for confirmations; He will give you and make it clear!!! ' You're in my prayers, and so is your husband! Pray for him, especially to gain understanding and be humble.

Welcome!!!

Thanks Jenamarie for sharing this. I really dislike personal attacks and am sensitive to the way people treat each other, they way they express/communicate ideas, thoughts, etc. It is not easy though to put a "feeling" along with words that we are not speaking, but typing, and unfortunately, the tone can be easily misinterpreted. I too have always been very straightforward, and can be very bold, but I do not use my words, but the Savior's, and sometimes they are words that I can only state, not excuse. I'm a member of the church since 94, and by the time I found the church, I had already studied the Bible so much (Coming from a Catholic faith & attending a private Catholic school & actively participating in studies), and looked into other Christian beliefs & denominations, that when I found it, I KNEW what I had found it; I immediately recognized it. It took me 1 month & a half to be baptized, and that long only because I had chicken pox - Yes, I got at 21 from my son :-( ,at the time and couldn't attend the meetings. I don't say that to boast... I'm just stating what happened to me. Since I was a young, very young girl, I felt attracted to religious things, and had an inherent belief in Heavenly Father, and all that not because of my parents, for they did not raise and teach me about these things, but I sought them myself (How does a young girl, +-8-9 years old, goes to a beach house for summer vacation with her sister (4 years older) and babysitters/maids, and only have the parents on weekends, wake up each day and goes at 8am to church ALONE (Right next door)? My parents wouldn't attend church, just weddings, baptisms, etc... and just had general beliefs about the Lord and His teachings, nothing else! I used to read the Bible alone at home; it was my favorite book! I just understood why I felt this way, had such desire to be involved with the things of the Lord, and serve Him, when I got my Patriarchal Blessing! I can't recall having any questions (Doubts) about the faith & church even though I did questioned, studied, and compared with the Bible as the missionaries taught me. I was just in such a state of awe, almost not believing what I had found, that I just wanted to clarify things... I had found everything I had thought it had to be, and the way it's supposed to be! I didn't have any doubts! But I worked to receive a witness and testimony of all things, and I still do it now, and every so often I ask the Lord to refresh my memory so that my testimony can continue to grow strong! I'll try my best to reach out to those who have difficult question, and will try to answer them to the best of my current knowledge, and if don't know, I will try to find from true, accurate sources to offer accurate answers to those who are looking for them. If I do fall short, please, kindly let me know also; I'd really appreciate to have the opportunity to do something about it.

I do agree 100% that God is love! However, does this mean that because He is love that He will give us commmandments and don't care if they are not obeyed? Then, why give us all these teachings about "Following the Lord, keeping His commandments, obeying Him, etc.?'' God is love, mercy, forgiveness, long-suffering, not puffed up, just, law-giver, the Creator,.... The commandments that sums up all the law: Matthew 2236 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt alove the Lord thy God with all thy bheart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy cmind. 38 This is the first and great acommandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt alove thy neighbour as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the alaw and the prophets. We are to love God this way, and if we love Him, we follow Him, His teaching, His commandments, the way He set things, not out of our own pleasure and desires. Jesus taugh us in John 14 (Emphasis added) 15 ¶ If ye alove me, bkeep my ccommandments. 21 He that hath my commandments, and akeepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be bloved of my Father, and I will love him, and will cmanifest myself to him. 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will alove him, and we will come unto him, and make our babode with him. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me acommandment, even so I do... Nephi taught us: [B]1 Ne. 17: 35 35 Behold, the Lord esteemeth all aflesh in one; he that is brighteous is cfavored of God. I feel that some people become really confused with the notion of God is love that somehow it justifies lack of obedience to His commandments and teachings. He does love all of us, but that does not justify disobedience to Him. Alma 45: 16 16 And he said: Thus saith the Lord God—aCursed shall be the land, yea, this land, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, unto destruction, which do bwickedly, when they are fully ripe; and as I have said so shall it be; for this is the cursing and the cblessing of God upon the land, for the Lord cannot look upon sin with the dleast degree of allowance. D&C 1: 31 31 For I the Lord cannot look upon asin with the least degree of allowance; And sin is anything that is against His teaching and will and commandments; anything that opposes Him. That's precisely where Satan stands: in opposition to all that is good which comes from God. And about judging, we are to make judgements and were taught to do so, but not about people's standing with the Lord & final judgements (That's the Lord's place) Ps. 7: 8 8 The Lord shall ajudge the people: judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me. We need to make judgments about behaviors, teachings, laws, choices, friendships, etc. regarding right and wrong. If not so, how could we follow His teaching to stay away from wickdeness, choose the right, the good, choose God over Satan? Lev. 19: 15 15 ¶ Ye shall do no aunrighteousness in bjudgment: ... but in drighteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. John 7: 24 24 aJudge not according to bthe cappearance, but judge righteous judgment. D&C 11: 12 12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your atrust in that bSpirit which cleadeth to do dgood—yea, to do ejustly, to walk fhumbly, to gjudge righteously; and this is my Spirit. How do we judge righteously? [B]Matthew 714 Because astrait is the bgate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto clife, and few there be that find it. 15 ¶ Beware of afalse prophets, which come to you in bsheep’s clothing, but cinwardly they are ravening dwolves. 16 Ye shall aknow them by their bfruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth agood bfruit; but a ccorrupt tree bringeth forth devil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good afruit is bhewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their afruits ye shall know them. Moroni taugh us perfectly: Moroni 7 5 For I remember the word of God which saith by their aworks ye shall know them; for if their works be good, then they are good also. 11 For behold, a bitter afountain cannot bring forth good water; neither can a good fountain bring forth bitter water; wherefore, a man being a servant of the devil cannot follow Christ; and if he bfollow Christ he cannot be a cservant of the devil. 12 Wherefore, all things which are agood cometh of God; and that which is bevil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to csin, and to do that which is evil continually. 13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do agood continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and benticeth to do cgood, and to love God, and to serve him, is dinspired of God. 14 Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is aevil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil. 15 For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to ajudge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. 16 For behold, the aSpirit of Christ is given to every bman, that he may cknow good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. 17 But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do aevil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil; for after this manner doth the devil work, for he persuadeth no man to do good, no, not one; neither do his angels; neither do they who subject themselves unto him. 18 And now, my brethren, seeing that ye know the alight by which ye may judge, which light is the light of Christ, see that ye do not judge wrongfully; for with that same bjudgment which ye judge ye shall also be judged. When I judge things, behaviors, choices, places, peoples' choices & behaviors, I use HIS STANDARDS AND LAWS, not mine; this way I can make righetous choices for myself and those around me, and I can support and show my love for my God following His ways, seeking to establish HIS laws, not mine! James 1: 5 5 aIf any of you lack bwisdom, let him ask of God, that cgiveth to all men liberally, and dupbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Ps. 119: 27, 34, 73 27 Make me to aunderstand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. • • • 34 Give me aunderstanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. • • • 73 Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. Prov. 2: 2-3, 6, 9, 11 2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine aheart to understanding; 3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; • • • 6 For the Lord giveth awisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and bunderstanding. • • • 9 Then shalt thou aunderstand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. May we all grow in understanding as we incline our ears to hear, and our hearts to desire what God desires! Peace & love!

It usually amuses me when people do this. I feel that comparing animal behavior to human behavior is not an accurate resource to base beliefs, and much less behavior itself. With all the love and respect I feel for animals, they are what they are: Animals. Irrational living creatures that act on instinct without the capacity to think, reason, and choose a behavior; they act to fulfill physical needs/appetites and defend themselves. In some cases, comparing animals to people is an offense to them, the animals. People were created and allowed to “have dominion,” over all other things (Gen. 1:26); people were given the ability to think, reason, and make choices (Agency) as well as be held accountable for them (Responsibility, consequences), making them a superior specie since they rule over all others. Animals do not sit and plan, are not crafty; they just act based on need/instinct/defense. They do not plan murder, or justify behaviors, and choices by comparing themselves to humans either; they do not compete or compare. They don’t have jobs (People make money out of them), they do not go to school, they don’t make money, laws, don’t pay for rent, food, etc. If they can’t fulfill all other things that humans are able to, then let’s leave them in their place, and not isolate only the types of behaviors and species that do something out of animality (Merely satisfaction of physical appetites) to compare to what humans choose to do to justify human choices & behavior. My dog is here; when I feed, and walk her, her needs are satisfied! My older son says, "The reason male dogs do this is not to create a same-gender relationships, they just react to hormones, and will go on anything. To reproduce, they look for a female by the scent. When the physical need is satisfied, they are done with it." p.s.: I've had many animals (Cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, chicks, white mice,...), and males dogs as well; I know animals well! * Some female hamsters eat their young... Does this behavior compare & support parents who murder their children? I and, as far as I’m concerned, all people were created in the image of GOD, in His likeness; we were created to fulfill a purpose, and “He created man in His own image,… male and female.” They were told to “Be fruitful, multiply, and replenish the earth.” (Gen. 1:27-28). Male & female are a perfect fit for each other! The only way to reproduce is uniting a male cell with a female cell; this is the innate purpose, the natural method; this fulfills the purpose of the male and female gender. If same-gender attraction is natural, it should be able to reproduce with same-gender cell as well; the fit should give the same results: children; well, it doesn’t! It is contrary to the purpose; the fit is wrong. I know someone who has been baptized at the church recently, and she told me she had these inclinations and had same-gender relationships many years ago. Then, she decided to read the Bible because despite that she believed in the Lord. Then she said, “When I realized this was contrary to the Lord’s will and purpose, I stopped, ended my relationship of years, and remained on my own to this day.I realized it was wrong to act on it!” And I’ll leave it to that! If you chose to compare yourself, your behavior, and people who are inclined to same-gender attraction (Those who chooses to act on) to the behaviors of inferior species, be my guest; maybe in this case you’re completely right, and the comparison is completley appropriate! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Welcome, and nice to meet you!

Just did it!

PapilioMemnon :-)

Once discussing with a co-worker, who is a Muslim from Egypt, about this subject, he said a few things that I found quite interesting: He mentioned that all major religions agree and support each other in some basic principles; and that the subject of same-sex marriage "is not a matter of rights, but having a concept of right & wrong. Every society has to impose laws to determine what is right & wrong, and in this case, he feels the people who are fighting for, supporting this, and make it a law, they are trespassing the common knowledge of right and wrong, and imposing upon society." He also said that "If people makes this a law, and allow same-sex marriage, what moral value will they have to say that it is unlawful for a person to have relations with his/her own mother, father, sister, daughter, brother, son,...? It's the same principle; it's unnatural!!! Something has to define right & wrong, make laws accordingly, or society just will do whatever it will, whatever will come to their minds; it's going to be chaos; people will just begin pressing for laws that will justify whatever they want! So, why not make it legal to steal?" He also said, "it not a matter of accepting whatever they say about who they are, what they want, if they want to live together, that's their problem... Accepting we do, we have no choice; that's ok, but to make it a law to marry those individuals is going beyond; they are pushing it down our throats, and making a mockery out of marriage! Marriage has a concept of a man & a woman, if they can't accept it, they should just do without it! Why do we have to accept them doing this to marriage? It's not a matter of civil rights, but right & wrong!!!" I just wanted to share with all of you from someone else's point of view; someone whom I respect and is of a different faith. We have several exchanges about our faiths, and topics as such, and we learn from each other, and share our views about many things; his wife is also from the same place, and they are just wonderful people. Peace!