nephite1978

I think you're right with your first example. That's what Elder Oaks was discouraging (IMO). People's testimonies are stronger when they give (short) reasons for why they believe what they believe. By sharing our experiences, it helps to bring people into what you're saying. But, the problem is when people don't know where to draw the line.

Tough Grits, you make some very good points. Usually, when we are asked to do something that is "outside our comfort zone," it is to help us grow and to prepare us for something in the future. Maybe part of this is to help people understand what a Testimony truely is, and therefore be more willing to share it?

Thank you, Skalenfehl. My point exactly. It all depends on how it was asked. Sometimes, it's not what you say, but how you say it.

I kind of disagree. I don't think that it was inappropriate to ask that kind of question. It started out as a very innocent question - "So, what did you do on your time off?" and went from there. But, it all depends on how it was asked. And on the relationship you have with your boss. I'm with you on being horrible with answering Anti's. I don't know the Scriptures well enough to be able to counter there jargon. That's one reason why I'm somewhat hesitant about talking about religion in...unstructured situations.

I'm just worried that people don't know what a Testimony really is. Like what Hordak said, in quoting Elder Oaks. "A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true. Such facts include the nature of the Godhead and our relationship to its three members, the effectiveness of the Atonement, and the reality of the Restoration. A testimony of the gospel is not a travelogue, a health log, or an expression of love for family members. It is not a sermon. President Kimball taught that the moment we begin preaching to others, our testimony is ended." Every month, I almost dread going to Fast & Testimony meeting because of this. Luckily, our Stake President hasn't said anything about this. Yet.

First off, let me congratulate you on your wonderful decision! Choosing to enter into the waters of baptism was the best decision I've ever made! I'm so happy for you! As for your question, Vanhin is right. This is something that's taken pretty seriously, and needs to be confessed to the proper Priesthood Authority, usually a member of the Mission Presidency. So, telling the Missionaries that you a member of the Mission Presidency should do the interview is probably a good way to handle it. You don't really have to go into any details with them, either. And this way, you might not have to worry about "missing" your baptism date. Don't worry, though. It's not nearly as bad as it sounds. It sounds like this was a onetime thing, so there probably isn't a big chance of recurrance. The main thing that the Mission Presiden(cy) will ask you is if you've brought it before the Lord, and if you feel that He has forgiven you, and are ready to be baptized. That's something that only you can answer, and I suggest that you pray about it (if you haven't already). You're on the right path. It's the most rewarding (and sometimes difficult) thing you can do. Above all, remember that the Lord loves you unconditionally, and is always there for you, with his "arm stretched out still".

Or the Law of Consecration.

Lactose free milk, right?

I have to disagree a little bit here, but maybe just on wording. Personally, I'm not into the whole bar/club scene, so I can't imagine going there to pick up women. If that's what they're into, I can see some struggles in our future because, generally speaking, most people don't go to bars to drink milk. But I do agree with what you said about observing their behavior in public settings. Maybe that's where B&N or Denny's comes in?

I would definitely date a convert. Maybe because I'm a convert myself, I don't know. But, what I don't understand is why we set all these outrageous standards about whom we will date. i.e. they must be a RM, must have blonde hair/blue eyes, must have been a memeber for x months/years, etc. I tend to look at it along the lines of, "Who would Heavenly Father want me to date/marry?" When I pray to Him, I not only ask Him to bring her (whoever she may be) to me, but to inspire me as to who to date. If Heavenly Father thinks that she's good enough for me, then that's all I need! Maybe the person that is struggling with an issue (be it WoW, tithing, whatever) is in need of something I have to offer? Maybe by their stuggles, I'll gain a better understanding of said principle? Not that I'm going to go out and date someone just because they're struggling (heck, we're all struggling with something!), but nor would I totally ignore them for that matter, either.

I think the key phrase here, in this instance, would be "married college students". They are the exception to the rule for Young Single Adults.

Thanks!

Hi, new guy here. But I was reading through the forums & came across this discussion. There have definitely been some interesting responses. Unfortunately, most of them are a little off, and I thought I would put in my two cents, and try to clear up some confusion. This is what the Church Handbook of Instructions has to say on the Institute of Religion program. (When I was the Institute President/YSA Rep for my Stake, my High Council rep gave me copies of the parts that were relevant to me.) Institutes of Religion provide weekday religious instruction for all young single adults and married college students 18 through 30. Independent study classes are also available. Institutes of Religion are established under the direction of CES in selected locations adjacent to colleges and universities where sufficient numbers of Church members are enrolled. Institute classes may also be organized away from college campuses at the stake or multistake level, making it easier for nonstudent young single adults to participate. So, according to the rules, you have to be single (either never married or legally divorced, not separated) and between the ages of 18 and 30. But, I have never seen anyone turned away from an Institute class because they were married or too old. But, then again, I live in a somewhat rural area, so maybe it's different out here. Usually, for the "non-Young" Single Adults, there are separate programs for them, including Scripture Study, Dances, Conferences, etc. In that group, there is no age limit, as long as you're above the age of 30. Sorry for the long post, but I hope I cleared up some questions about the Institute program!