Maureen

Hey Jenda - www.lds.org says this:Do I have to bring my own family names to the temple? Often you will see others come to the temple with pink- or blue-colored cards with names on them. These are the names of those who have died and need baptism and other temple ordinances done for them. You are not required to bring your own names, but it is wonderful when you do. Often the temple has names of people you may be baptized for that others have submitted. It is best to call ahead to find out if you need to bring your own names. What if I bring my own names? When you bring your own names to the temple, the order in which you are baptized and confirmed is different. First you are baptized, then you are confirmed. This is because you are doing both ordinances for the same person and must do them in that order. This also means that you will need to ask for two sets of baptismal clothing so that you have dry, white clothes to be confirmed in. When you use names provided by the temple, you are first confirmed for one group of people, then baptized for another. In this case you will only need one set of baptismal clothing. “Baptisms for the Dead: What to Know Before You Go,” New Era, Apr. 2004, 34 M.

Maybe she means Sean Hannity.Sean Hannity is a media superstar! He is host of the "Sean Hannity Show" now carried on nearly 400 ABC Radio Network stations, reaching almost 12 million people. He is also host of the highly successful FOX NEWS CHANNEL'S, "Hannity and Colmes". The gutsy talk show host always lands on the "right side" of the issues. Hannity got his start in commercial radio after drawing attention and enthusiasm from his college radio station. He placed a "JOB WANTED" ad in the R&R, billing himself as "the most talked about college radio host in America." A station in Huntsville, Alabama took a chance on the brash young voice. The world of talk radio would never be the same. From that first station in Alabama, Hannity quickly moved to WGST in Atlanta where his strong ratings attracted the attention of WABC New York and the Fox News Channel, in the fall of 1996. Hannity moved to New York to co-host Fox News Network's, "Hannity and Colmes" show. Fox was so confident in Hannity's ability to attract viewers, it slotted the show at 9pm, opposite Geraldo on CNBC and Larry King on CNN. Today the "Hannity and Colmes" show is one of the most successful cable news shows. In addition to his "on-air" duties, Hannity is also the author of the New York Times best seller, "Let Freedom Ring: Winning the War of Liberty Over Liberalism." Hannity grew up in Franklin Square, Long Island in the shadows of Manhattan. By 1997, Hannity finally crossed the Williamsburg Bridge and joined 77WABC Radio in New York City, the nation's largest market. There he quickly became the #1 rated News and Talk show in the afternoon drive period. But that was only the beginning. The show became so successful that by September 2001, ABC Radio decided to syndicate Hannity across the country. That bold move was such a success that Talker's Magazine deemed it, "the fastest growing syndicated talk show in talk radio history." After just one year in syndication, that same publication moved Hannity up to 2nd place in the nation in their semi-annual list of nationally syndicated radio talk show hosts. He had officially become an American phenomenon. Voted "Talk Personality of the Year" in 2001 by the readers of R&R, Sean Hannity's energy, charisma and seasoned professionalism score high points with audiences and critics alike. Sean Hannity is the hottest commodity in talk radio. http://www.hannity.com/story.php?content=/...=/about_hannity M.

I'm going to agree with PD here. And if JS has the ability to see what's going on down here, he's probably loving all the attention.I would like to recommend a book for you to read Amillia but I hesitate for reasons that are obvious - but I am brave, so here it goes: An Abundant Life: The Memoirs of Hugh B. Brown - in particular the last Chapter: A Final Testimony- an excerpt: <span style='color:blue'>...When we come into a new field of research that will challenge our due and honest consideration, we should be warned against coming too quickly to a conclusion, of forming a decision too hastily. We should be scientific -- that is, open-minded, approaching new problems without prejudice, deferring a decision until all the facts are in. Some say that the open-minded leave room for doubt. But I believe we should doubt some of the things we hear. Doubt has a place if it can stir in one an interest to go out and find the truth for one's self. I should like to awaken in everyone a desire to investigate, to make an independent study of religion, and to know for themselves whether or not the teachings of the Mormon church are true. I should like to see everyone prepared to defend the religion of his or her parents, not because it was the religion of our fathers and mothers but because they have found it to be the true religion. If one approaches it with an open mind, with a desire to know the truth, and if one questions with a sincere heart what one hears from time to time, he or she will be on the road to growth and service. There are altogether too many people in the world who are willing to accept as true whatever is printed in a book or delivered from a pulpit. Their faith never goes below the surface soil of authority. I plead with everyone I meet that they may drive their faith down through that soil and get hold of the solid truth, that they may be able to withstand the winds and storm of indecision and of doubt, of opposition and persecution. Then, and only then, will we be able to defend our religion successfully. When I speak of defending our religion, I do not mean such defense as an army makes on the battlefield but the defense of a clean and upright and virtuous life lived in harmony with an intelligent belief and understanding of the gospel... I have been very grateful that the freedom, dignity, and integrity of the individual are basic in church doctrine. We are free to think and express our opinions in the church. Fear will not stifle thought. God himself refuses to trammel free agency even though its exercise sometimes teaches painful lessons. Both creative science and revealed religion find their fullest and truest expression in the climate of freedom. As we all proceed to make our individual "declarations of independence," I hope we can distinguish between liberty and license, that we can realize that freedom is only a blessing if it is accompanied by wisdom and intelligence. At the same time, we all need to resist the down-drag of mental laziness which sometimes leads to the premature hardening of the intellectual arteries. And I would especially urge all of us to avoid sluggishness of spirit, which is the worst kind of lethargy. Some people are phlegmatic to a degree that would make a turtle seem intolerably vivacious. I admire men and women who have developed the questing spirit, who are unafraid of new ideas as stepping stones to progress. We should, of course, respect the opinions of others, but we should also be unafraid to dissent -- if we are informed. Thoughts and expressions compete in the marketplace of thought, and in that competition truth emerges triumphant. Only error fears freedom of expression. ...Even in our own church men and women take issue with one another and contend for their own interpretations. This free exchange of ideas is not to be deplored as long as men and women remain humble and teachable. Neither fear of consequence or any kind of coercion should ever be used to secure uniformity of thought in the church. People should express their problems and opinions and be unafraid to think without fear of ill consequences. We should all be interested in academic research. We must go out on the research front and continue to explore the vast unknown. We should be in the forefront of learning in all fields, for revelation does not come only through the prophet of God nor only directly from heaven in visions or dreams. Revelation may come in the laboratory, out of the test tube, out of the thinking mind and the inquiring soul, out of search and research and prayer and inspiration. We should be dauntless in our pursuit of truth and resist all demands for unthinking conformity. No one would have us become mere tape recorders of other people's thoughts. We should be modest and teachable and seek to know the truth by study and faith. There have been times when progress was halted by thought control. Tolerance and truth demand that all be heard and that competing ideas be tested against each other so that the best, which might not always be our own, can prevail... ...One of the most important things in the world is freedom of the mind; from this all other freedoms spring. Such freedom is necessarily dangerous, for one cannot think right without running the risk of thinking wrong, but generally more thinking is the antidote for the evils that spring from wrong thinking. More thinking is required, and we should all exercise our God-given right to think and be unafraid to express our opinions, with proper respect for those to whom we talk and proper acknowledgment of our own shortcomings. We must preserve freedom of the mind in the church and resist all efforts to suppress it. The church is not so much concerned with whether the thoughts of its members are orthodox or heterodox as it is that they shall have thoughts. One may memorize much without learning anything. In this age of speed there seems to be little time for meditation. And while all members should respect, support, and heed the teachings of the authorities of the church, no one should accept a statement and base his or her testimony upon it, no matter who makes it, until he or she has, under mature examination, found it to be true and worthwhile; then one's logical deductions may be confirmed by the spirit of revelation to his or her spirit, because real conversion must come from within... M.

Two can play at that game:Do not judge so that you will not be judged. For by the standard you judge you will be judged, and the measure you use will be the measure you receive. Why do you see the speck in your brother's eye, but fail to see the beam of wood in your own? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye,' while there is a beam in your own? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:1-5)

Amillia - It appears I have touched a nerve. You don't seem to be denying that that is how you see things. If I'm wrong on your attitude toward what you view as "anti" then set me straight.To get back on track though, this thread is really for ChicagoGuy. It's not clear if he has been back since he has not responded yet. But hopefully, he'll be able to take away some advice from the posters here. M.

• His wise second-term plan for a partial privatization of Social Security, if he succeeds, will make us grateful for generations to come. We older folks (55 and over) won't be affected. But our children and grandchildren could elect to invest some of their Social Security tax in stocks and bonds for a much higher payout when they retire than the system's current Treasury bill holdings produce. Based on all historical economic and investment data, the privatization aspect of Bush's Social Security proposal is that sure and simple. Don't let any fibbers fool you. http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/colum...fits-fibs_x.htm M.

Right - he left the "true church" therefore he is of the "devil" now. I keep forgetting that. I'm going to assume you are talking about these so-called "anti" authors. So if the hardships of polygamy are not written in that happy-go-lucky flavour then it must be "anti". Nothing terrible or real every happens to real people in the Mormon church, everyone lives such care-free lives with no concerns. If it's not faith-promoting, it's crap, right? So are you calling me "anti" now? Because I am non-LDS and don't see all Mormon history through rose-coloured glasses? I am far from "anti". I enjoy history and sometimes history isn't all positive, sometimes it's nasty - that's life! M.

I just re-read Mr. Tolworthy's reasons for leaving and I wouldn't characterize the catalyst for leaving as 'abuse' - I would say he had a request from his church, the church chose not to respect his request therefore he had no choice but to stick up for himself and end the relationship. Don't know him personally at all but I tend to believe his reasons than hear-say from others. Really? Are your reasons because you don't like what you are reading or because you think they are lying - or maybe something else all together? - please share. M.

I think Mr. Tolworthy may see his departure different than you, but then again what does he know. I understand the word 'anti' as being against something and I'm pretty sure all of these authors are not against the Mormon church - they all have a very deep connection to the church. As far as I know both Newell and Avery are Mormon. Quinn was excommunicated but that didn't change his attitude and he is still Mormon via his beliefs. And Palmer was disfellowshipped but he is very much an ardent Mormon in his love for his church. So explain to me Amillia why you think these authors are 'anti'? M.

Amillia - What are you talking about - These? - I only listed one link. And Signaturebooks is not anti, it is very pro-Mormon history:Signature Books was founded in 1980 (incorporated the next year) to promote the study of Mormonism and related issues pertaining to the Rocky Mountain area. As we began applying our vision to the particulars of editorial decisions over the next few years, a few genres emerged that have become our forte: biography, documentary reference (including the complete diaries of significant Mormon figures), personal essay, regional history, fiction (of local interest), and humor (mostly editorial cartoons). For the past twenty years we have released about one new title each month, or about 4,000 pages annually, which we accomplish through a full-time staff of six people. Quoted in the Deseret News on our third anniversary, George Smith explained the purpose of Signature Books: "As a team, we are committed to expanding the scope of Mormon history," he said, "as well as enhancing the opportunities for expression by scholars and writers within the local community." Thinking about it recently, we have decided that this remains our intent today. And the person who started WhyProphets, is he not an ex-Mormon now? M.

Hello ChicagoGuy, Welcome! I believe that nothing is simply all black or all white, all good or all evil. I believe that everything is quite complex and never simple. Whether it’s humans, organizations, religions and even relationships; everything is a mixture of many elements. So CG, the way I see your problem is that you have this dilemma between how you now view the LDS church and how your wife sees the LDS church. You are sympathetic to her feelings and value her opinions regarding her church and at the same time you are torn because your relationship with this church has been abruptly altered. I personally have not been in this kind of dilemma myself but I can sympathize with it. I would say take things slowly. Above all, your family is the most important. Keep searching and learning; try reading some objective LDS church history – it might help keep things in perspective. If you can see how situations started it might be easier to keep your thoughts on them more balanced as you go down your investigating path. Try some of these books: Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith (mostly a biography but it covers church history as well) by Linda Newell and Valeen Avery The Mormon Hierarchy – Extensions of Power and The Mormon Hierarchy – Origins of Power both by D. Michael Quinn (very in-depth, so it might become a little dry but very informative) An Insider’s View of Mormon Origins – Grant Palmer Check out www.signaturebooks.com. They have a great selection of books that might grab your interest. Figure out your own feelings first and once you’re comfortable with how you choose to believe and why; then it would make it easier for you to know when and how to approach your wife with your new view of the LDS church. And always remember, nothing is simply black and white, the world is very complex and so is LDS church history and all its characteristics. Good luck! M.

Faerie - Your little boy is so adorable and such a cutie; you must be the proudest Mom ever! M.

Congratulations bat and Jenifer!!!What a lovely way to end one year and begin a New Year! M.

My friend gets paid by the church for doing custodial work in her Branch building. And I also believe that when my niece helps out in YM's, if the activity they do costs money (go to movie) she doesn't have to pay for it herself.But maybe Branches in Canada do things differently than big wards in the States. M.

I've taken a break myself and may have missed something or maybe it's news to everyone but did some kind of honest-to-goodness nuptials happen to you (bat) and Jenifer recently?M.

Faerie - Your little Isaac is adorable. From what I can tell, it looks like he's going to be a blondie. :)Congratulations again! M.

Happy belated Birthday to DISRUPTIVE1, DRAVIN and Faerie!!! Faerie - I missed out on your baby information. Is that your little fella in your avatar? Would you mind giving out the details again? Thanks! M.

Hi Lindy,Here's a link I found regarding RDA's involvement with Season 9 SG1: http://www.gateworld.net/news/2004/12/ande...asonnineu.shtml M.

Hi Lindy,I'm not a big SG1 fan but from what I've heard (I think), starting in Season 9 Mr. Anderson either will no longer be in the series or he will only be in a few episodes. M.

I don't know - I thought I usually posted by myself, (but I think I know what you mean).M.

Cal - Have you watched Enterprise recently or at all? This season is quite good - good story concepts. The fanatical trekkies are big on the prequel emphasis of the show, since the Enterprise is 100 years before Captain Kirk. The writers have done a good job with that and made a lot of avid fans happy. I have enjoyed all 4 seasons of ENT but I'm still partial to Season 3. So Cal, what about BSG, were you a fan of the original show back in the '70's? Have you seen any of the new ones? I found the old BSG cheesy, but I'm enjoying the new version. M. We don't get Enterprise here. We got part of season 1, but nothing since then. I would really like to see more of it, though. I never saw BSG, it seemed to be on at a time we weren't home (Sunday night during church time.) Jenda - Enterprise is coming out on DVD this year; Season 1 comes out May 3rd and the other seasons spread out during the year. The only disadvantage is that Star Trek DVD's tend to be expensive - I'm sure video stores will be renting them though. Also, Enterprise will be going into syndication this fall, so if you haven't seen it yet, there's a good chance you'll be able to watch the repeats later this year. BSG is aired (Friday nights) on the Sci-Fi channel in the states - I believe they have also just started airing the new series. I believe BSG's first airings were in the UK. I am quite impressed with the new BSG, especially since the '70's version, IMO wasn't that great. M.

Cal - Have you watched Enterprise recently or at all? This season is quite good - good story concepts. The fanatical trekkies are big on the prequel emphasis of the show, since the Enterprise is 100 years before Captain Kirk. The writers have done a good job with that and made a lot of avid fans happy. I have enjoyed all 4 seasons of ENT but I'm still partial to Season 3.So Cal, what about BSG, were you a fan of the original show back in the '70's? Have you seen any of the new ones? I found the old BSG cheesy, but I'm enjoying the new version. M.

Over at my Trekkie boards some of the posters also like to discuss and compare the new TV series Battlestar Galactica (BSG). Since it is the creation of Glen A. Larson (who is Mormon) and he added his lovely Mormon touch to the story of BSG; I was wondering if there are any fans here - and what do you think of the new show, including mini-series. Canada's SPACE channel has only started airing episodes, so I can't discuss speciific episodes just the overall gist of the show. So is anyone here a BSG fan? If you're curious about the BSG story, I found a great and lengthy summary of BSG here: http://www.sf-fandom.com/vbulletin/showthr...8858#post228858 M.

Where did Ray go? Wasn't it Ray A - instead of just Ray? And does the poster that always posted with Maureen - can't remember name - hang around? Hi Huma17! I took a little break from Mormon stuff and have been hanging out with crazy Trekkies. I decided it was time to visit a couple days ago; I've been lurking here and there. Since I've been gone I didn't realize that this place got quiet - but I think you're right, it has slowed down. M.

From the CofC's website they say this regarding their view of Scripture:Scripture The scriptures provide divine guidance and inspired insight for life when responsibly interpreted and faithfully applied. With other Christians, we affirm the Bible as scripture for the church. In our tradition, the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants are additional scriptural witnesses of God’s love and Christ’s ministry. It appears to me that there stand is, that they affirm that the Bible and BofM, along with their D&C are all considered scripture. What's wrong with letting their congregation determine how deeper they wish to acknowledge that scripture in a historical sense? M.