thejason

I was not criticized by bytor. When I used the word 'you' in response to him I was using it as a general statement. I was not referring to him directly.

I didn't attempt to fly under the radar. People who are familiar with me know I'm active LDS. There's no reason I'd try to hide that or disguise myself as something else. I couldn't care less if you feel my posting here is inappropriate. I'll do it anyway.

My point is that everyone is entitled to post here freely, within the framework of the site rules. I have not criticized anyone for their opinion. I would hope I'd be given the same treatment, yet some seem to think it's ok to criticize me because my opinions are "over the top" or simply don't jive with theirs.

You then mentioned that you don't qualify as a "non-mormon" either, which would mean your post is just as inappropriate as mine. I'm aware of how this site is run. Thanks.

It's a public board. I can respond if I choose.

Still, it's my opinion and is no less valid than yours. Don't criticize me if you aren't prepared for it in return.

There's a reason Christ was not baptized as an infant. It's not of God.

Why are they over the top? Just because they differ from yours? I have not ridiculed anyone for their opinion. I expect the same treatment. I couldn't care less if you agree with me, but I would appreciate some respect in sharing my opinions. I'm sorry you find it sad that I feel so strongly about something that, to me, is pretty much fact. I thought that was the whole purpose of having a testimony: to know for a surety of the truth.

The original post was about a Catholic-style confession in the LDS church. The Catholics can confess any way they choose to, but the Lord has revealed to our modern-day prophets the proper way to confess. Of course the Catholics would disagree with me. If they agreed with our methods they'd probably be members of our church. I'm not discounting anything Catholics believe. They can choose to believe how they want, and I would never take away that right. Our church, however, is not the Catholic church.

In your mind, maybe. But that's the beauty of an opinion. I can express a belief whether or not anyone else agrees.

It's sad that I have a firm belief in something? I'm not sure that makes any sense. I can only believe a prophet's words if I'm the prophet myself?

Actually I never stated my post as fact. I posted my own personal opinion, which is solid and unchangeable. I do not wish to learn other teachings as I believe the Lord's teachings through living prophets are sufficient.

An anti-Christ isn't simply anyone who opposes the LDS beliefs. Were that so we'd have 6 billion anti-Christs in the world. An anti-Christ is someone who opposes true doctrine and also tries to persuade others to follow them. Not only that, they actively seek to destroy the truth. Alma the younger and the sons of Mosiah were considered anti-Christs at one time.

It was his choice to become involved in those things. Beer companies didn't force him. They have a right to advertise their product, and their target audiences are the people who watch sports. It's smart marketing to advertise during games. A lot of beer companies have disclaimers in their ads about drinking responsibly, so if someone does something stupid that's their own fault. Removing ads isn't going to remove the temptation.

That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard. Repentance involves a change of heart and sincere remorse. Catholic confession is set up so that all you have to do is confess to a guy behind a curtain and magically you're forgiven. No remorse, no accountability. Confession to a bishop is not about shame. Any shame felt is brought about only by the sinner. A bishop is a priesthood leader and a common judge. He is there to guide and give counsel, and in very few cases proclaim someone worthy if the sin was great. Repentance is ultimately between the sinner and the Lord.

Should she choose that route and repent, the opinion of the Lord would be the most important. People would still have access to her films, and some in the church would probably judge her and be disgusted with her. Her Heavenly Father and her priesthood leaders, however, we deem her worthy to enter the temple and participate fully in the blessings of the gospel. That is the most important validation.

Man was given dominion over all things. Therefore, nothing is greater than man. Man is the only creation given agency. Other creations (animals, plants, etc.) are required to act within their sphere.

Is that sarcasm or did you really think that?

I learned early in my marriage that God and family are the first priorities in my life. I've left high-paying jobs and turned down others because with high pay often comes long hours. Time with my family and service in the Church are more important to me than making money for my family. There's no point in making money for them if i can't enjoy it with them. I've accepted lesser paying jobs where we've had to live paycheck to paycheck, but the time we've spent as a family has drawn us closer as a family and also strengthened us as individuals. Money is not the most important thing to me. Being with my family for eternity is.