skippy740

Banned
  • Posts

    5396
  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    1

Reputation Activity

  1. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from puf_the_majic_dragon in Supreme Court ruling   
    I recently posted this on Facebook as a note:

    Okay people, let's add some rationality here.  I'm going to look at this ruling on two levels:  legal and moral.
     
    On a legal level, why shouldn't same-sex couples be allowed the same rights and privileges as heterosexual married couples?  I cannot think of any good reason why they shouldn't, except if those reasons are rooted in someone's moral viewpoint.
     
    Now, let's look at morals.  My Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, has a document called The Articles of Faith - a summary of our beliefs.  The 11th states:  "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."  https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/a-of-f/1?lang=eng
     
    Do we, as LDS, really believe that?  On a moral/religious level, we can view same-sex relations as a form of idol worship, pleasing themselves rather than pleasing God... but that's really how WE may choose to look at it - on the outside looking in.  (This was essentially what Neal A. Maxwell was saying back in 1978 when he talked about irreligion becoming the state religion.  https://www.lds.org/ensign/1979/02/a-more-determined-discipleship?lang=eng)  We don't condone it, but who are we to tell others how to live... or even to make the Government enforce our belief on the ways we should live?
     
    What this ruling really caused... was the end of the Government and laws of the land being a source of moral living.  Perhaps that's a good thing?  I suppose that's a 'Libertarian' way to view the role of Government.  Of course, even Joseph Smith Jr. said "We teach them correct principles and let them govern themselves."
     
    My concern at this point... is will the rights of churches to worship and practice as they see fit will be respected and upheld in court.  As we know, anyone can sue anyone for any reason.  Churches will be sued for discriminatory practices.  (BTW, churches are all about discriminatory practices, as long as they are about worthiness and living according to one's own religious code of conduct.)  However, in a court of law, will these courts side with churches to allow them to practice according to our own conscience?  Or will our 1st amendment rights be infringed upon and penalized?
     
    I do believe in The Family:  A Proclamation To The World.  (https://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation?lang=eng)  As a faithful LDS member, we sought to defend the definition of what constitutes a family because of our beliefs of pre-mortal, purpose of mortal life, and the future destiny of the family in the here-after.  According to our understanding, same-sex marriages don't fit into God's plan.
     
    So, for my believing friends - regardless of denomination - I remind you of what our job is.  Our job is to be an example of the believers and simply invite others to come unto Christ.  We love and respect others, yet we are to vote our conscious when we are called to do so.  This is why I often talk about the "LGBT Political Movement" and not mention individuals or people specifically.  I am concerned about the "LGBT Political Movement" as I see the next step being to attack churches that don't accept their chosen lifestyle (lifestyle, not necessarily orientation as everyone should be welcome in God's house).  (http://www.mormonsandgays.org/)  
     
    Voltare said, "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it."  Is free speech really that different from choosing how we want to live?  Do we want Government oppressing anyone from the liberty of choosing how they choose to live?  For me, I don't want Government interference in how I choose to live my life.  The higher the level of Government interference, the more that we are slaves to that Government, and then such liberty is truly lost for each of us to pursue our own definition of happiness.

    As LDS and Christians, we are concerned about the overall declining morals of the United States.  However, we cannot turn to the Government to "make it better".  We can vote for different leaders, but it's time that we stop depending on the Government to enforce morality.  That's not Government's job, and I don't think it ever should be.  That's our job as the Faithful... to invite others to repent and choose to follow Christ, to live as He would have us live.  However, as far as I know, Christ has never FORCED anyone to follow Him and His ways.  Let us follow that example.
  2. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from Backroads in Supreme Court ruling   
    Just found this in someone's facebook post:
     
    Some Advice on Same Sex Marriage for us Church Leaders from a Canadian:
    http://careynieuwhof.com/2015/06/some-advice-on-same-sex-marriage-for-us-church-leaders-from-a-canadian/
  3. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from dbaker27 in Letter from the Office of the First Presidency   
    This really fits here:
     

  4. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from dbaker27 in Letter from the Office of the First Presidency   
    Having been involved in this discussion in a few formats, here's the bottom line that I see:
     
    This policy of women not holding the priesthood does not exclude anyone from entering the Celestial Kingdom, as we understand the Plan of Salvation.
     
    As far as I can tell, the only reason that people cannot enter the Celestial Kingdom is in personal worthiness as we now understand.  
     
    Even those with same-sex attraction, while they must not act on their attraction, they can still partake of all the ordinances, live worthily, and enter the Celestial Kingdom.  If they don't have a spouse that they married in the temple, they are promised that they will have a worthy spouse in the next life.
     
    Unless there are any policies, procedures, or doctrines that unfairly target anyone from attaining the highest blessings that have been revealed... I think we're okay.
  5. Like
    skippy740 reacted to Just_A_Guy in Supreme Court ruling   
    DHK, it's good to see you posting here. Hope all is well with you and yours. :)
  6. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from SpiritDragon in where does it say "the prophet cannot lead us astray"???   
    D&C 1:24-28
    No one ever said that a prophet will always be perfect in all ways and in all things.
    I have personally come to understand that the phrase "a Prophet will never lead the Church astray" means that the Prophet will never lead or teach the members of the Church to sin and to not follow Christ.
    Yes, there have been many errors that have been repudiated. But that doesn't mean that the past Presidents of the Church were intentionally misleading members through "false doctrines".
    Consider these statements of past leaders of the church. (It appears that I may have found your quote.)
    “I make no claim of infallibility.”
    Spencer W. Kimball, Improvement Era, June 1970, p. 93
    “We make no claim of infallibility or perfection in the prophets, seers, and revelators.”
    James E. Faust, Ensign, November 1989, p. 11
    “The First Presidency cannot claim, individually or collectively, infallibility.”
    George Q. Cannon Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Cannon, 1957, 1:206
    “We respect and venerate” (the prophet), but “we do not believe that his personal views or utterances are revelations from God.”
    Elder Charles W. Penrose, Millennial Star, 54:191
    “Even the President of the Church has not always spoken under the direction of the Holy Ghost.”
    Elder J. Reuben Clark, quoted in Faithful History: Essays on Writing Mormon History, p. 82
    “…if He (God) should suffer him (Joseph Smith) to lead the people astray, it would be because they ought to be led astray…it would be because they deserved it…”
    Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 4:297-298
    “The First Presidency have of right a great influence over this people; and if we should get out of the way and lead this people to destruction, what a pity it would be! How can you know whether we lead you correctly, or not? Can you know by any other power than that of the Holy Ghost? I have uniformly exhorted the people to obtain this living witness each for themselves; then no man on earth can lead them astray.”
    Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 6:100
    “I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation…Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.”
    Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 14:205
    “Individual members are encouraged to independently strive to receive their own spiritual confirmation of the truthfulness of Church doctrine. Moreover, the Church exhorts all people to approach the gospel not only intellectually but with the intellect and the spirit, a process in which reason and faith work together.”
    Official Church web site The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

    “The Lord uses imperfect people…He often allows their errors to stand uncorrected. He may have a purpose in doing so, such as to teach us that religious truth comes forth “line upon line, precept upon precept” in a process of sifting and winnowing similar to the one I know so well in science.”
    Henry Eyring, Reflections of a Scientist, p. 47
    “There are exceptions to some rules. For example, we believe the commandment is not violated by killing pursuant to a lawful order in an armed conflict. But don’t ask me to give an opinion on your exception. I only teach general rules. Whether an exception applies to you is your responsibility. You must work that out individually between you and the Lord.”
    Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, June 2006, p. 16
    “I teach the people correct principles, and they govern themselves.”
    Joseph Smith, Journal of Discourses, 10: 57-58
    “We are all liable to error; are subject, more or less, to the errors incident to the human family. We would be pleased to get along without these errors, and many may think that a man in my standing ought to be perfect; no such thing.”
    Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 10:212
    “Sometimes traditions, customs, social practices, and personal preferences of individual Church members may, through repeated or common usage be misconstrued as Church procedures or policies. Occasionally, such traditions, customs and practices may even be regarded by some as eternal principles.”
    Elder Ronald Poelman, 1984 General Conference
    “Forget everything I have said, or what…Brigham Young…or whomsoever has said… that is contrary to the present revelation. We spoke with a limited understanding and without the light and knowledge that now has come into the world.”
    Elder Bruce R. McConkie, CES Conference, August 1978
    “We set up assumptions, based on our best knowledge, but can go no further. We should remember that when inspired writers deal with historical incidents they relate that which they have seen or that which may have been told them, unless indeed the past is opened to them by revelation.”
    Elder John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, p. 127
    “I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God; but we frequently see some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions.”
    Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 331
  7. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from askandanswer in where does it say "the prophet cannot lead us astray"???   
    D&C 1:24-28
    No one ever said that a prophet will always be perfect in all ways and in all things.
    I have personally come to understand that the phrase "a Prophet will never lead the Church astray" means that the Prophet will never lead or teach the members of the Church to sin and to not follow Christ.
    Yes, there have been many errors that have been repudiated. But that doesn't mean that the past Presidents of the Church were intentionally misleading members through "false doctrines".
    Consider these statements of past leaders of the church. (It appears that I may have found your quote.)
    “I make no claim of infallibility.”
    Spencer W. Kimball, Improvement Era, June 1970, p. 93
    “We make no claim of infallibility or perfection in the prophets, seers, and revelators.”
    James E. Faust, Ensign, November 1989, p. 11
    “The First Presidency cannot claim, individually or collectively, infallibility.”
    George Q. Cannon Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Cannon, 1957, 1:206
    “We respect and venerate” (the prophet), but “we do not believe that his personal views or utterances are revelations from God.”
    Elder Charles W. Penrose, Millennial Star, 54:191
    “Even the President of the Church has not always spoken under the direction of the Holy Ghost.”
    Elder J. Reuben Clark, quoted in Faithful History: Essays on Writing Mormon History, p. 82
    “…if He (God) should suffer him (Joseph Smith) to lead the people astray, it would be because they ought to be led astray…it would be because they deserved it…”
    Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 4:297-298
    “The First Presidency have of right a great influence over this people; and if we should get out of the way and lead this people to destruction, what a pity it would be! How can you know whether we lead you correctly, or not? Can you know by any other power than that of the Holy Ghost? I have uniformly exhorted the people to obtain this living witness each for themselves; then no man on earth can lead them astray.”
    Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 6:100
    “I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation…Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.”
    Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 14:205
    “Individual members are encouraged to independently strive to receive their own spiritual confirmation of the truthfulness of Church doctrine. Moreover, the Church exhorts all people to approach the gospel not only intellectually but with the intellect and the spirit, a process in which reason and faith work together.”
    Official Church web site The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

    “The Lord uses imperfect people…He often allows their errors to stand uncorrected. He may have a purpose in doing so, such as to teach us that religious truth comes forth “line upon line, precept upon precept” in a process of sifting and winnowing similar to the one I know so well in science.”
    Henry Eyring, Reflections of a Scientist, p. 47
    “There are exceptions to some rules. For example, we believe the commandment is not violated by killing pursuant to a lawful order in an armed conflict. But don’t ask me to give an opinion on your exception. I only teach general rules. Whether an exception applies to you is your responsibility. You must work that out individually between you and the Lord.”
    Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign, June 2006, p. 16
    “I teach the people correct principles, and they govern themselves.”
    Joseph Smith, Journal of Discourses, 10: 57-58
    “We are all liable to error; are subject, more or less, to the errors incident to the human family. We would be pleased to get along without these errors, and many may think that a man in my standing ought to be perfect; no such thing.”
    Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 10:212
    “Sometimes traditions, customs, social practices, and personal preferences of individual Church members may, through repeated or common usage be misconstrued as Church procedures or policies. Occasionally, such traditions, customs and practices may even be regarded by some as eternal principles.”
    Elder Ronald Poelman, 1984 General Conference
    “Forget everything I have said, or what…Brigham Young…or whomsoever has said… that is contrary to the present revelation. We spoke with a limited understanding and without the light and knowledge that now has come into the world.”
    Elder Bruce R. McConkie, CES Conference, August 1978
    “We set up assumptions, based on our best knowledge, but can go no further. We should remember that when inspired writers deal with historical incidents they relate that which they have seen or that which may have been told them, unless indeed the past is opened to them by revelation.”
    Elder John A. Widtsoe, Evidences and Reconciliations, p. 127
    “I have tried for a number of years to get the minds of the Saints prepared to receive the things of God; but we frequently see some of them, after suffering all they have for the work of God, will fly to pieces like glass as soon as anything comes that is contrary to their traditions.”
    Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 331
  8. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from dbaker27 in Conversion of a Jew   
    I had a similar recording on my mission from Dr. Irving Cohen. It's a fascinating presentation on his conversion and a discussion of "birthrights".
    LDS Converts
  9. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from Vort in Revelation in relation to anxiety?   
    I just ran across this, and it make me think of this thread:
    http://d1qfo1bk8s78mq.cloudfront.net/uimg/b86c5ea00aa1ae9b53130991ce0c7f38.600x
  10. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from Leah in Official church produced video on Temple garments and robes   
    The temple recommend interview question:
     
    13 If you have previously received your temple endowment:

    Do you keep the covenants that you made in the temple?
    Do you wear the garment both night and day as instructed in the endowment and in accordance with the covenant you made in the temple?
     
    I've always been taught that you are not to alter your wearing of the garment in any way to conform to your outer clothing choices, as the garment encourages modesty.
  11. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from Blackmarch in Official church produced video on Temple garments and robes   
    www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/temple-garments
     
    I never thought such a video would be "necessary"... but I think it must have a purpose for google searches.  It is a well-produced video inspiring respect for all religious customs and ceremonies.
  12. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from mordorbund in Official church produced video on Temple garments and robes   
    www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/temple-garments
     
    I never thought such a video would be "necessary"... but I think it must have a purpose for google searches.  It is a well-produced video inspiring respect for all religious customs and ceremonies.
  13. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from Daybreak79 in Official church produced video on Temple garments and robes   
    www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/temple-garments
     
    I never thought such a video would be "necessary"... but I think it must have a purpose for google searches.  It is a well-produced video inspiring respect for all religious customs and ceremonies.
  14. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from Just_A_Guy in Official church produced video on Temple garments and robes   
    www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/temple-garments
     
    I never thought such a video would be "necessary"... but I think it must have a purpose for google searches.  It is a well-produced video inspiring respect for all religious customs and ceremonies.
  15. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from notquiteperfect in Houston mayor bullying Christian pastors over sermons on homosexuality   
    All I can say is good luck to try to get all the 'sermons' from the LDS congregations.  We have a lay clergy and our members give our talks!
     
    Aside from that, General Conference talks are published... and good luck trying to disagree with Elder Oaks!
  16. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from Jimbarrus in Paying tithing in retirement   
    As a professional in retirement & financial services, my answer may be a little too detailed. That said, here's my recommendation: Whatever assets you use to generate your regular retirement income stream, are what you may want to tithe.
    For example: You take a regular distribution from an IRA, 401(k), SSI, and a regular savings withdrawal. Add them up and pay 10% as a tithe.
    This is overly simplistic.
    You may think that taking money from savings is a return of principal and doesn't need to be tithed. And, in a financial sense, you would be correct.
    My opinion would be to never short-change the Lord. Some years, you might not pay as much as in other years. It'll all even out, and it's about what's in your heart when you go to tithing settlement - to be able to tell your Bishop that you are a full tithe payer.
    The Lord never said "only pay tithes on what income you are also taxed". He also never said that you had to pay a tax on all your accumulated wealth. The Lord simply said "10% of your increase".
  17. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from talisyn in Beware Of This Scam   
    I've had collectors call and really impersonate a legal process.  The collection account is called a "docket"... they threaten to serve me with papers, etc.  I just tell them to send everything to me in writing as I don't take these calls.  Can't trust them as far as you can throw them.  Having been a moderator on a credit discussion forum, I know there's a lot of shady stuff out there - even if the debt is a true debt, you don't have to be abused or duped by a firm impersonating something that they are not.
     
    I'm sure that quite a few are intimidated by such tactics and they pay up though.
  18. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from melissa.santana in Wishing I could...   
    I live in Riverside!  Welcome to lds.net!
  19. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from AngelMarvel in Members Who Disrupt Lessons at Church   
    Just make up a few of these signs for your lesson:
     

     

  20. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from notquiteperfect in Members Who Disrupt Lessons at Church   
    Just make up a few of these signs for your lesson:
     

     

  21. Like
    skippy740 reacted to Suzie in Members Who Disrupt Lessons at Church   
    What I usually do is make a small disclaimer and ask the class to please keep on topic during the lesson (and keep it short). When you are talking about the BOM and some people are talking about the Egyptian Pyramids, I say something like "Thank you...now going back to the topic.."
  22. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from MrShorty in I just read this blog on SSA. Learned a few things...   
    Since you mentioned Tom Christofferson... here's his story:
     
    http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/blogsfaithblog/57994467-180/christofferson-lds-family-gay.html.csp
     
    http://allarizona.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/What-Manner-ALL-2014.pdf
     
    I am quite impressed with Tom's Bishop.  Tom is still not a baptized member of the church, but he has found a place within the community.  (I doubt he was actually excommunicated as he states.  Probably just requested his name to be removed.  However, based on the time frame, it could've been an excommunication.  Today, it would probably just be a request to remove records.)
     
    I don't see how those who are in same-sex relationships can also become or maintain membership within the church... but at least Tom's bishop found a way to help keep them in the community.  This may not be appropriate for everyone, or even every ward, but I like the effort being shown.
     
    And I KNOW his extended family loves and appreciates him and his partner.
  23. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from Str8Shooter in Letter from the Office of the First Presidency   
    How is this not an answer?
     
    https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-keys-and-authority-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng
  24. Like
    skippy740 reacted to pam in Supreme Court rules in favor of Hobby Lobby   
    Awesome news. 
     
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Hobby Lobby Monday morning. The court said the government can't require closely held corporations with religious owners to provide contraception coverage.
     
    The justices' 5-4 decision Monday is the first time that the high court has ruled that profit-seeking businesses can hold religious views under federal law. And it means the Obama administration must search for a different way of providing free contraception to women who are covered under objecting companies' health insurance plans.
     
    http://www.ksl.com/?sid=30471147&nid=148&title=supreme-court-rules-in-favor-of-hobby-lobby-&fm=home_page&s_cid=topstory
  25. Like
    skippy740 got a reaction from mirkwood in Letter from the Office of the First Presidency   
    How is this not an answer?
     
    https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-keys-and-authority-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng