bubbleboy_619

Yes. My faith has wavered. Before being converted, I had many questions regarding free will and human suffering. Sometimes, I would think, Why does He let these kind of things happen? Why should people have the free will to kill and commit reckless acts of defiance and chaos? What is with all these natural disasters? Needless to say, I have wondered and pondered this. At one point, a few years ago, I felt so strongly on this that I almost thought I was an atheist. Then, as time went on, I said, There has to be a God. There are so many wrongs and injustices in the world. Justice must come sooner or later. For this reason, pondering about actually strengthened my faith. Still, I have problems accepting things of the world and I always will. I remember reading 2 Nephi 2 a few weeks ago. Oh is it brilliant. It's one of my favorite scripture chapters so far. If evil did not exist in the world, how would we know that we are doing good in the world? Some things I cannot accept and some things I cannot excuse. One thing I do know, however, is that agency shows us how to profess good works. If we choose to do good works, then we choose what is right. When we choose what is right, we humble ourselves by honoring the Lord. As we prosper in our good works, our reward will come eventually. Take a look at Alma 40 and 41. We will all receive our placement to commensurate what we have done here on earth.

Wow thanks everyone! I have yet to read the book of Isaiah. Since I know that 2 Nephi explains his words, I can now read them side by side. Greatly appreciated for the "forewarning", I guess.:)

Hello Julie glad to have you here! I'm very happy that you want to return to church.:)

Welcome!

Thanks for all of your responses. Very well appreciated. That's what I love about coming here is to keep my mind open and say, Hey, that's a great point. So it is safe to look back in history at the adage of Benjamin Franklin when he said that "There never was a bad peace or a good war." Hence, there never was bad generosity or good hypocrisy. I never did know the exact definition of hypocrisy, just assuming that it was always bad. Yeah, thanks to all for the understanding. Thanks especially to the input of both hordak and Misshalfway.

Haha, that's very funny. A few months ago, when I first met the missionaries, I noticed their name tags. I didn't know anything about missionaries at the time, just that they go around to delightfully spread the gospel of the Lord. Two of them came to my door. Then I thought, Wow, what a coincidence - two missionaries with the same first name! Then another missionary came to sub in for one of them. I thought, Something isn't right. Three with the same name? That's when I got the clue that it was a title used for the missionaries. I really laughed at myself for that one. But, it's good to see that I'm not the only one. Ah, that's great.

Hello everyone. I am the type of person who likes to question, examine, and analyze things. So, I have an interesting question that I would like other opinions, thoughts, and perspectives to answer. Here it goes: Is there a such thing as positive hypocrisy? Here's the perfect example to explain what I mean: So there are three people (Person A, Person B, Person C). Person A offers Person B a ride to a desired destination that is out of Person A's way. Person B offers Person A gas money, but Person A refuses out of sincerety and because he was glad to offer his help. A week later, Person A receives a ride from Person C that is also out of Person C's way. Person A offers gas money, in which Person C also refuses for the same reason. Another question I think about has to do with internal instinct and assumption based on reason (or lack thereof). Is it right to assume that the person giving the ride -- provided the same example as above -- is doing it out of generosity and that they will not accept the money? Or, on the other hand, would it be considered rude not to offer gas money, even when the recipient of the ride knows that the driver will not accept it? On a rare basis, there will be a driver that wants the money; whether it be under reasonable circumstances that is not my judgment. So, is this hypocrisy or just pure humbleness? These are questions that I ponder on day to day. I believe that by obtaining other opinions on this concept, I can help myself to better understand others and to better be able to communicate with others. Has anyone ever thought of this?

Thanks to all for the warm welcome!:) ...and yes, I definitely feel at home! I just got done talking to four missionaries. I passed my baptismal interview! I can't wait to confirm the gift of the Holy Ghost! It is like I have already received it! Such a warm feeling. I definitely love these forums alright! -Corey

Hello everyone! :-) My name is Corey. I am 17 years old and I plan on getting baptized on August 16! I feel so blessed and fortunate to discover this website to meet new friends with the same desires to become better and to help others. I first got acquainted with the LDS church when two missionaries came to my house on one random day a few months ago. I was so excited when I got a free Book of Mormon on the second visit! (I can't wait to get the Doctrine and Covenants!) I got to reading about the Lord's gospel! At the time, I was a secular person who was open minded to all types of religions. I just love to learn. From personal experience and internal feeling, I find that the LDS church is true. I am glad to say that I am going to be a convert because I love the Mormon Christian religion and I love the church! :-) Everyone just made me feel so welcome. It's great to know that you can meet so many people and not even remember their names! It is such a warm feeling knowing that so many people are delighted to meet me! It is great to introduce myself on these forums and to meet others by spreading the joys of love, peace, charity, humbleness, and all that is good! Great day and great fortunes to all! God bless!:) xoxo, bubbleboy_619