Maureen

Sorry, they're a gorgeous green!! M. We are talking inner brown appearance ~ not the outer appearance which is often deceitful. :) We? I'm not; I'm talking about the actual colour of my eyes - not just green but gorgeous green. M.

Sorry, they're a gorgeous green!!M.

Amillia - Why do you feel you need to believe in Joseph Smith? M. I don't feel the need. (Just for the record ~ I know/KNOW JS was a prophet, no believing need about it! just fact) Why do you feel the need to make up stuff? What am I making up? It was just a simple question. Feeling a little onary? (Just a joke for those Utahn's. I'm not saying that you're a Utahn Amillia, since I don't know where you live - but I'm getting the impression you are not at your happiest.) M.

Amillia - Why do you feel you need to believe in Joseph Smith?M.

I know that the Encyclopedia of Mormonism is not a standard work, but it still paints a picture of a polytheistic belief: The Godhead Latter-day Saints believe in God the Father; his Son, Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost (A of F 1). These three Gods form the Godhead, which holds the keys of power over the universe. Each member of the Godhead is an independent personage, separate and distinct from the other two, the three being in perfect unity and harmony with each other (AF, chap. 2)…. Although the three members of the Godhead are distinct personages, their Godhead is "one" in that all three are united in their thoughts, actions, and purpose, with each having a fulness of knowledge, truth, and power. Each is a God. This does not imply a mystical union of substance or personality. Joseph Smith taught: Many men say there is one God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are only one God. I say that is a strange God anyhow—three in one, and one in three! It is a curious organization anyhow. "Father, I pray not for the world, but I pray for those that thou hast given me…that they may be one as we are."…I want to read the text to you myself—"I am agreed with the Father and the Father is agreed with me, and we are agreed as one." The Greek shows that it should be agreed. "Father, I pray for them which thou hast given me out of the world,…that they all may be agreed," and all come to dwell in unity [TPJS, p. 372; cf. John 17:9-11, 20-21; also cf. WJS, p. 380]. http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/basic/g...Godhead_EOM.htm M.

It's not slamming your church Amillia. It's my opinion on how I view the story of JS. I don't buy the glorified way the LDS church tells the story. People are not two dimentional characters where everything is either black or white. I think JS's story is more complex and more interesting than how the LDS church tells it.You sure have a problem with other posters sharing their opinions, don't you Amillia? Maybe you should take a good look at who is acting bitter. M.

The same could be said from those people (like me) that find it difficult to understand why there are those who believe in the JS story (as how the LDS church tells it). M. Really? The JS story is no more fantastic than that of Job or Noah or Moses or Christ, or Paul, or Mohammed or the Buddha. In other words, it is part religious belief system based on faith, ethics, philosphy, morality etc. To compare belief systems of the world's great religions to a chemically undetectable powder suspended in alcohol and water that promises shinier hair and anti-gravitation for $60 and ounce is, um, well, thick-headed at best. Need I explain why? Maureen, yoiu typically don't make such cloddish posts. What's up? I wasn't comparing this white powder to the JS story; I was just using your wording in a general way to say that the same could be said about people who believe in the JS story (LDS version). And I also owed you a rebuttal post, so that was it. M.

It's interesting that other people have noticed. My niece mentioned that she thought she was drunk during an airing. She does seem to act a little glassy eyed and ditzy more than usual.M.

I'll take a crack at this one.Because he didn't exist yet? He wasn't even a glimmer in his non-existent parents and grandparents eyes yet? M.

The same could be said from those people (like me) that find it difficult to understand why there are those who believe in the JS story (as how the LDS church tells it).M.

Actually Taoist God has many names:Overview of the Names of God in Scripture (1) Elohim: The plural form of EL, meaning “strong one.” It is used of false gods, but when used of the true God, it is a plural of majesty and intimates the trinity. It is especially used of God’s sovereignty, creative work, mighty work for Israel and in relation to His sovereignty (Isa. 54:5; Jer. 32:27; Gen. 1:1; Isa. 45:18; Deut. 5:23; 8:15; Ps. 68:7). Compounds of El: El Shaddai: “God Almighty.” The derivation is uncertain. Some think it stresses God’s loving supply and comfort; others His power as the Almighty one standing on a mountain and who corrects and chastens (Gen. 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; Ex. 6:31; Ps. 91:1, 2). El Elyon: “The Most High God.” Stresses God’s strength, sovereignty, and supremacy (Gen. 14:19; Ps. 9:2; Dan. 7:18, 22, 25). El Olam: “The Everlasting God.” Emphasizes God’s unchangeableness and is connected with His inexhaustibleness (Gen. 16:13). (2) Yahweh (YHWH): Comes from a verb which means “to exist, be.” This, plus its usage, shows that this name stresses God as the independent and self-existent God of revelation and redemption (Gen. 4:3; Ex. 6:3 (cf. 3:14); 3:12). Compounds of Yahweh: Strictly speaking, these compounds are designations or titles which reveal additional facts about God’s character. Yahweh Jireh (Yireh): “The Lord will provide.” Stresses God’s provision for His people (Gen. 22:14). Yahweh Nissi: “The Lord is my Banner.” Stresses that God is our rallying point and our means of victory; the one who fights for His people (Ex. 17:15). Yahweh Shalom: “The Lord is Peace.” Points to the Lord as the means of our peace and rest (Jud. 6:24). Yahweh Sabbaoth: “The Lord of Hosts.” A military figure portraying the Lord as the commander of the armies of heaven (1 Sam. 1:3; 17:45). Yahweh Maccaddeshcem: “The Lord your Sanctifier.” Portrays the Lord as our means of sanctification or as the one who sets believers apart for His purposes (Ex. 31:13). Yahweh Ro’i: “The Lord my Shepherd.” Portrays the Lord as the Shepherd who cares for His people as a shepherd cares for the sheep of his pasture (Ps. 23:1). Yahweh Tsidkenu: “The Lord our Righteousness.” Portrays the Lord as the means of our righteousness (Jer. 23:6). Yahweh Shammah: “The Lord is there.” Portrays the Lord’s personal presence in the millennial kingdom (Ezek. 48:35). Yahweh Elohim Israel: “The Lord, the God of Israel.” Identifies Yahweh as the God of Israel in contrast to the false gods of the nations (Jud. 5:3.; Isa. 17:6). (3) Adonai: Like Elohim, this too is a plural of majesty. The singular form means “master, owner.” Stresses man’s relationship to God as his master, authority, and provider (Gen. 18:2; 40:1; 1 Sam. 1:15; Ex. 21:1-6; Josh. 5:14). (4) Theos: Greek word translated “God.” Primary name for God used in the New Testament. Its use teaches: (1) He is the only true God (Matt. 23:9; Rom. 3:30); (2) He is unique (1 Tim. 1:17; John 17:3; Rev. 15:4; 16:27); (3) He is transcendent (Acts 17:24; Heb. 3:4; Rev. 10:6); (4) He is the Savior (John 3:16; 1 Tim. 1:1; 2:3; 4:10). This name is used of Christ as God in John 1:1, 18; 20:28; 1 John 5:20; Tit. 2:13; Rom. 9:5; Heb. 1:8; 2 Pet. 1:1. (5) Kurios: Greek word translated “Lord.” Stresses authority and supremacy. While it can mean sir (John 4:11), owner (Luke 19:33), master (Col. 3:22), or even refer to idols (1 Cor. 8:5) or husbands (1 Pet. 3:6), it is used mostly as the equivalent of Yahweh of the Old Testament. It too is used of Jesus Christ meaning (1) Rabbi or Sir (Matt. 8:6); (2) God or Deity (John 20:28; Acts 2:36; Rom. 10:9; Phil. 2:11). (6) Despotes: Greek word translated “Master.” Carries the idea of ownership while kurios stressed supreme authority (Luke 2:29; Acts 4:24; Rev. 6:10; 2 Pet. 2:1; Jude 4). (7) Father: A distinctive New Testament revelation is that through faith in Christ, God becomes our personal Father. Father is used of God in the Old Testament only 15 times while it is used of God 245 times in the New Testament. As a name of God, it stresses God’s loving care, provision, discipline, and the way we are to address God in prayer (Matt. 7:11; Jam. 1:17; Heb. 12:5-11; John 15:16; 16:23; Eph. 2:18; 3:15; 1 Thess. 3:11). http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=220 M.

Really?! I thought I was just pointing out that we all choose to do things, more or less because we want to. Attack you say. Give me an example where I have attacked anyone on this forum. I’ve never said I don’t like your beliefs. I’ve stated I don’t agree with some of them (as in I could not believe some of them). But I don’t see how just because I don’t agree with everything you believe means that I’m not welcome. Believe me Amillia, there are LDS on this board that I’m positive do not agree with everything you say. Show me where I have been a nemesis to this board. M.

I would think Setheus it is obvious - because he wants to come here, like most of us posters.From what I perceive - Jason seems quite happy. Are you happy Setheus? If Jason's posts are bugging you why don't you just not read them? Wait, I know why - because you can't help it - you want to read them. M.

The practice of Folk Magic in JS's time was quite popular and not seen as evil but as the norm. It was the basic religion of the common folk. The 21st century attitude toward Folk Magic is quite different than how it was viewed in JS's time.M.

Amillia, is this your way to avoid answering the question?You said: Then I asked you to clarify what you meant, with the 2 choices you were given below: How hard is that? M. Editing to add: If you do not wish to clarify what you meant by your statement, that's fine too Amillia.

From a recent article: Anna Ayala dropped her claim because it "has caused her great emotional distress and continues to be difficult emotionally," said her attorney, Jeffrey Janoff. Ayala, 39, claimed she found the 1 1/2-inch long fingertip on March 22 while dining at a Wendy's restaurant in San Jose. She later filed a claim with the franchise owner, Fresno-based JEM Management Corp., which her attorney had said was the first step before filing a lawsuit. Court records show Ayala has a history of making legal claims against corporations, including a former employer, General Motors and a fast-food restaurant. She acknowledged receiving a settlement for medical costs a year ago after claiming that her daughter was sickened after eating at a Las Vegas restaurant. http://staging.hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stori...-04-13-12-39-15 M.

You're just copying what I said Amillia; you need to be more original. Now either you are saying that you are threatened when someone speaks the truth because you are a sinner or, you are being self-righteous and excluding yourself from being a sinner while judging everyone else - which is it Amillia? M.

Actually Constantine is my favorite! I didn't really notice his family too much, but I did like Bohemian Rhapsody. M.

Typical response by someone who is threatened by someone else's doubts. Here's where that simple thing called "free agency" comes into effect. CG has the right to choose what he believes and why. If for whatever reason, especially doubt in LDS doctrine and history, he chooses to change his mind and make a reasonable choice by not believing anymore - who are you to say he can't make that choice. Why would you Setheus be so threatened by someone else's loss of testimony?M.

No, I meant that people in general have the right to take offense at things that offend them - even if the one offending didn't mean to offend. I agree. I agree in part, although I don't really sense the Jewish community sees this problem as sinister, Radkey said: <span style='color:blue'>"The bottom line is the [1995] agreement has not been kept," she said. "I'm skeptical of the problem being handled [with a new committee] because I've seen so much data. I hope the decision is not just a political one." Some may see the problem with a suspicious eye, but sinister makes it sound like the Jewish community is accusing the LDS of deliberately being evil - I don't get that impression. M.

What does that mean in this context? Are you saying that free agency requires Mormons to allow a particular class of Jews to tell them what they may or may not do with the names of another group of Jews, who are dead? Whenever something is forbidden, it seems to me that the sphere of free agency is being restricted, not expanded. The context I am speaking of in regards to "free agency" is allowing everyone the freedom to view anything (doctrine or practice) in the way they choose to view it. For example:The LDS church views proxy baptism as a blessing, while the Jewish community view LDS proxy baptism for Jewish members as an insult to their belief system. The Jewish community may not understand completely how the proxy baptism works in terms of doctrine (baptism must be accepted by deceased) - but whether they understand or not is beside the point. If they (Jewish community) find offense with the practice towards their own people then the LDS church should appreciate their right to be offended and do whatever they can to repair the damage - which it appears they have done (again). M.

Amillia - do you have a name for this so-called woman that rankled the Jewish community and any documentation of this rankling? This is pure speculation on your part; to assume the Jewish community view these proxy baptisms as significant. For all you know, they could view these activities as just plain rude. M.

I consider my husband an anti-mormon and so does he but I must say he is quite an intelligent man and very educated. Depravity in spirituality? I don't think so; I would say it is his right to practice his free agency - which the LDS church preaches about. In my husband's case he is married to a very light-hearted wonderful woman and is truly happy. How could he not be: he has two lovely kids, two of the sweetest cats you could ever meet (if any two cats could convert curvette into being a cat lover they could, really! ) And in addition to all this, we also get to spend time with our crazy 19 year old neice who keeps us thinking and laughing. Actually, my husband's obsession is with paintball but occasionally he likes to stir the pot - just ask said niece. From a recent article "a member of the church's high-ranking Presidency of the Seventy" says that: <span style='color:blue'>"We've always been able to talk candidly," Christofferson said. "The trust that's been there has been there since the beginning." Elcott said the two faiths share a history of persecution for their beliefs. "That was incredibly important to our conversations. We understand each other in a fundamental way." http://www.sltrib.com/utah/ci_2651844 I think it behooves the LDS church to respect the Jewish community's view on these proxy baptisms in regards to their own members. It appears that the LDS church agrees. Why preach "free agency" if you're not willing to practice it? (just so you know Amillia, this is a rhetorical question) M.

Actually I don't really care personally, but from the article it sounds like the Jewish community is getting fed up and may want to go as far as they see fit.M.

LaurelTree - It seems the Jewish people may want to really crack down on these proxy baptisms and have only accepted them with consent from a relative. They may want to go further and require written consent.M.