bytebear

It's sad, but at the same time it is wonderful that we have progressed technologically that we don't have to rely on human failings in such matters. I see it akin to current medical treatments, where we can lament the loss of life if only we had cures that are currently in the works, but we work with what we have at the time. This person was not jailed unfairly given the standards we had at the time. We cannot look back and say "what if" because we will always be depressed and sad. We must instead look forward and think of how many more lives will be saved, how much more justice will be blind because we now have advances that didn't exist before. I guess I am a glass half full type who is grateful that we live in a nation where we are constantly looking at ways to improve the systems we live within, even if it reveals the mistakes of the past.

Is this close enough? And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me! D&C 18:15-16

I just caught the end of this movie. was very true to life. Although the missionaries were a bit dense on the golden investigator. It makes me wish I were more bold when I was on my mission.

Yes, we use the Bible and Book of Mormon equally. Joseph Smith—History 1 Joseph Smith—History 1 Probably no moreso than anyone else. Family and personal prayer are encouraged. We always had a prayer on dinner. Sunday is pretty much dedicated to church and family time. Monday evenings are set aside for Family night. Otherwise, it's business as usual. Missionaries are sent out to the world following the standard put forth in the New Testament. It seems to be the best way for people like you to learn more about the church. Mark 16 Look into why Mormon families are happy, and emulate them. Children are allowed in to the temple, to be sealed to their parents and if they are over 12, to perform baptism for the dead. Adults also make covenants in the temple that children are not prepared to make until they are older. New adult members also generally wait a year before entering the temple so they can prepare as well. That we wear full body suits. Adults who have made temple covenants wear garments. They are not full body suits. They are basically undergarments and serve as a reminder of those covenants. Being a member of Christ's church. Being a follower of Jesus Christ, and working to build His kingdom on Earth. Most other religions have just as much (if not more) baggage as does the LDS Church. Most criticisms fail when compared to the practices and beliefs of the Bible, and only the Holy Spirit can speak truth. Get out a little more. Learn the truth for yourself, and stop blindly following hateful people. and you. :)

Easter and Christmas, as mentioned are the two religiously observed, but LDS practice cultural and social holidays too. Birthdays are celebrated, as are patriotic holidays. The Hymn book has several US patriotic hymns, and in other countries, the celebratory songs will vary. We also celebrate things like St. Patrick's Day, Valentines Day. New Year's Eve, and even Halloween. Of course, we don't do any special services, but there are sometimes social dinners or youth dances related to such events.

I think at different times, different teaching methods are emphasized. It also varies from mission to mission. My mission material had only the scriptures and the standard 6 discussions as required material. Other books were recommended, but not required. But my mission president emphasized a more spiritual teaching method, so you followed the six discussions, but only as a guide and not as a formal word for word lesson. I am sure other mission presidents had more strict rules. We seemed to be far more "on our own" when I compare my mission with others.

It's the standard desert dish of Utah potlucks. It was even made into a 2002 Olympic pin. Slideshow: Olympic Memorabilia Worth Big Bucks at SmartMoney.com

I would recommend reading two books by Bernard Goldburg. Bias: A CBS Insider Exposes How the Media Distort the News A Slobbering Love Affair: The True (And Pathetic) Story of the Torrid Romance Between Barack Obama and the Mainstream Media In these books you will discover how bias the media really is. But to answer your questions, yes news media is supposed to be unbiased, and in this case, ABC has clearly chosen sides by airing specials promoting the plan, and refusing to air rebuttals.

It sounds like you have a spiritual testimony, and you are being challenged by the evil forces who want you to not see the happiness and peace in the gospel. I recommend living the gospel. Lose yourself in it. Test the faith. Test the principles. Your family will see a change in you. In fact, they may have already seen it and it scares them a little. But, when they see that the change is good, that you are more loving and hopeful and happy, they will follow. Don't give up. You are on the right track. Don't worry about the logical arguments. The more you learn, and the more you pray, you will find your own answers. Maybe a trip to DeseretBook (or DeseretBook.com) would be in your best interest. Read the 13th article of faith, and apply it to your life.

That is a really good question. Why didn't we just want to stay spirits living with God forever? Similarly why didn't Adam and Eve want to remain in the garden forever? Well, maybe they did remain their for a very long time. We don't know how long they were in the garden before transgressing. But I think it's about the war in heaven. Those that wanted to remain had no opportunity to progress. We are meant to grow, to learn, and there comes a point where we cannot grow or learn any more, and progress to a new state. It's called in the scriptures Estates, and we can either break past our first estate and enter into the second, and similarly we are now in our second estate, and we can choose to progress and learn the lessons of this life, or we can remain stagnant. We have the same choice here and now. We can learn or we can coast. but those who coast will not gain greater blessings. So, yes, it is better that we go through the plan. Satan and his followers decided not to come to Earth, so they will never have bodies, never experience Earth, and never progress past their current state.

You're a poet, but didn't know it.

For the vast majority of Americans, health care is working perfectly fine. Do you raze the neighborhood just because one house is in disrepair?

The first meeting usually goes over the basics. Who is Joseph Smith, how did the Book of Mormon come to be, and what does it have to do with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You will be challenged to read the Book of Mormon (or at least part of it). They may give you specific sections to read, but it's really up to you where to begin. Then they will ask you to pray about what you have read, following the council given in Moroni 10:3-5. Future visits will teach you more about the gospel, and the church, and tell you what will be expected of you if you decide to become members. They will also go over what you have read, and answer any questions you have.

The no blood in the veins of resurrected beings comes from scripture that uses the term "flesh and bone" to describe Christ, and not "flesh and blood" which is the more common phrase.

The distinction is the lower case g. the lower case g in god implies a state of being, not a title. Three gods make up God. That is, three beings who are in a state of perfection, make up the Godhead which is not a single being. God is not a single being, but a collection of beings who are gods. Ultimately I believe all beings who are exaulted and become gods also become one with God, and therefore, all are God, truly making God infinite. (as to the encyclopedia of Mormonism, I believe that is an unofficial source, and as such, I consider the upper G on Gods to be a typo, particularly when the term comes from Joseph Smith's words, not his script. Regardless, the plurality of gods is about state of being, not of unity. When unified, gods become God.

It also could be that the bishop is getting promptings from the spirit to wait, and you have to be understanding if that is the case. The Lord may have some reason for the delay, that neither you nor the bishop understand. I would pray about the situation, see what the Lord tells you (not just your mind) and at the very least, pray for patience and understanding. When the time is right, things will fall into place.

I would double up on the romantic things, and the small gestures, like cleaning up the living room, picking up your socks, or even just a hug, kiss or congratulatory comment on some little thing. Basically woo her as you did when you were dating. Tell her how you appreciate her for doing something special. 14 years is a long time, and things sometimes get a little boring, or mundane. She may also feel less important now that the kids are getting older. It sounds like she does love you which is a great start. Maybe get "The proper care and feeding of marriage' by Dr. Laura. Read it together, and just like the gospel, test it and see if the advice is true.

Maybe it gained steam (forgive the pun) when the Titanic sank in 1912, and everyone said, "See I told you so."

Can I assume by your first point, that you mean Sola Scritura? May I recommend reading the book, "How Wide the Divide?" by Craig L. Blomberg and Stephen E. Robinson. One author is an evangelical scholar, and the other an LDS scholar. Both have excellent credentials, especially in Bible studies. The book covers the topics you have pointed out, and discusses the differences and similarities in belief. I think it would be a great study guide for you.

They aren't separate Gods. They are one God. but the father has a body of flesh and bone, as does the son, and the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit. So, are you arguing the substance of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, or the title?

Here's the problem, I see. Has anyone actually read the whole discourse? It's fairly long (so long in fact, that the church published it in two separate Ensign issues). I would say, before you pick and choose what you think was taught, it would be wise to read the entire discourse. What's interesting is Smith doesn't just tell the congregation what is, but he tells them to search their hearts to discover the nature of God for themselves, and that only through personal revelation can we really understand the nature of God. Here is the entire text: LDS.org - Ensign Article - The King Follett Sermon Part 1 LDS.org - Ensign Article - The King Follett Sermon Part 2

What about Stephen's vision where he sees the Son at the right hand of the Father? Or the baptism where the Father's voice is heard from the heavens, as the Holy Ghost descends like a dove? Or what about when Jesus says he is not as great as the Father? I just cannot believe they are one in substance. But I can believe that three separate beings, constitute one God which the Bible labels the Godhead.

Yes, the KFD was spoken at a conference, but it is called the King Follett Discourse, because it was really a speech about King Follett, a church member who had recently died, so it wasn't like your typical address we think of today. Second, later church presidents were never even close to canonizing the concepts in it. Joseph F. Smith didn't have it included in the 1902 History of the Church, because he didn't feel it was doctrinally sound enough to be considered even in a supplemental church book. Third, Joseph Smith died shortly after the sermon, so he never had a chance to proof the transcript, let alone correct anything that might have been misconstrued. We simply don't have further revelation or clarification on what he meant, so much of what is discussed today is speculation more than revelation.

An investigator is one who is actively looking into the church as a possible convert. There is no negative connotation to the term. I agree with you on the teaching of the trinity, except that the Bible calls this triunion the Godhead, not trinity. And I disagree with God being of one substance, but rather of one purpose.

Just a note, if you are sealed in the temple as a couple, any future children are automatically sealed to you, as they are "born in the covenant."