bytebear

Well, the reason it isn't "official doctrine" is simply because we don't have a lot of information on the subject and there is no new revelations about her in the standard works, but rather, interpretation on existing scripture. In other words, there is no smoking gun scripture, like there is on the tangible body of the Father, for example. There are only three "official" sources currently that I know of (although there are many statements from past leaders). 1.Genesis 1: 27 "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them." In other words, God's image, which we believe to be a literal physical image contains both a male and female personage. 2. LDS Church Hymn "O My Father" which has the words: In the heavens are parents single? No, the thought makes reason stare! Truth is reason, truth eternal Tells me I've a mother there. 3. The phrase "Heavenly Parents" being used in the official church manuals as well as leadership talks.

What's interesting is that LDS would say that not only are Jesus and the Father of thes same nature, but that all of us can also become that same nature through the atonement of Jesus Christ. I knew that PC would disagree, and I understand the heresy of the LDS position, but I simply cannot read the scriptures and believe anything other that that I am a child of God. And when I read the Bible and it talks of only one God, I simply undstand that to mean there is only one way through salvation, and that is through Jesus Christ, and no matter what my fate may be, I will never do what He did. So in that sense, I agree we will never be what He is.

Transforming from human to god is no different in LDS theology. We are literally the offspring of God and literally the children of God. We are of the same species and race as God. As we progress, I suppose we also lose a little sense of awe. Do we marvel at the power of fire as our ancestors did? Do we marvel at the eclipse, or the ability to talk into a tiny box and hear perfectly clear the voice of a person thousands of miles away? Or do we simply understand them better? With added knowledge comes better understanding and perhaps the mystery is lost, but when we are exhaulted we will have all knowledge. We will literally be given all that Christ has as we sit with him on the throne of God.

The SuperBowl is to American Football what the World Cup is to Soccer.

I think the best think to do is help inform your mother as best you can. Tell here you want no secrets, and tell her hwat you are learning. It is mostly fear of the unknown, and I think you need to give her as much information as she will accept.

When you grew up and became a man, did you revere and love your earthly father any less?

I a curious, where is the word ""ousia" used. Do you have scriptures to point to, or is it strictly post biblical writings that use the term?

It doesn't apply to LDS because even if we become "gods" we become one with God, and there is still only one God. If instead of defining God as a being , but as a state of being, all persons who are in that state are God.

I disagree with the polytheism and henotheism labels(in all the cases you mentioned, LDS, Catholic, protestant, etc.) for the simple fact that in all the concepts above, the "gods" are not competing, warring, and worshiped separately. It is not like you are choosing Hera over Zeus or Odin vs. Thor. They are one, and they are God. So if their unity makes them a being, and makes the worship of that being monotheistic, then I am good with it.

I think that fits with both Trintiarian and LDS belief, although LDS may say God is a state of being, rather than an actual being. but again that term "being" really seems to be the mystery that I can't grasp. How can a being contain 3 persons?

Do Christians believe Jesus has a body?

Ok, so I liked your example of the copper in the box, and I wonder if I can use that to examine the concerns above. If we equate copper with God, and the bracelet with Christ, can we say that the substance of Christ is eternal (copper always existed), but was at some point turned into a bracelet? So it is with the substance of Christ, which was perfect even as an intellegence, and was God from the beginning. Taking that a step further, we as humans have the potential to become a pure copper item (a ring, or maybe a nice broach). But it takes purification through Christ. As for God the Father having a body, I really don't understand the issue. Jesus had/has a body. It seemed quite important for him and the resurrection is pivotal to Christian belief, and yet, somehow God is merely spirit? So is God 3/3 spirit? Or is God 2/3 spirit (Father and HG are spirit and Jesus is corporeal) and if God is 2/3 spirit according to the trinity, then why is it so different if LDS believe God is 1/3 spirit?

It depends on how you define God. God is a state of being. In that sense all three are Gods, because they have all power, all knowledge, etc... But they are also united, and act as one unit, and as such they are God. So, understand that we worship God (united) but each are individually in a state of Godhood. So I guess it's Godhood (3 Gods) and Godhead (1 God).

I also think the distinction is very minute. I think the only difference is "substance" which is really not well defined, or at least not clearly explained. LDS scripture (both Book of Mormon and D&C) state quite plainly that the Father, Son and Holy Ghost are One God. And to say they are united in purpose only, really does not define their oneness completely. They are united in a way we cannot comprehend at this time. They are of one mind, but do not share one brain. They are of one action, but do not share the same body. So, really the only difference is what "substance" really means.

I just saw 'Yes Man" where Jim Carey decides to say yes to everything, and in once montage, the missionaries knock on his door. Of course he says "yes" The only thing off was they didn't have name tags.

Jeffrey Nichols / Prostitution, Polygamy, and Power: Salt Lake City, 1847-1918

Welcome, and know that the baptism invitation is always there, but only when you decide. Take as much time as you need.

Did you know that Brigham Young allowed (and sometimes encouraged) brothels in Deseret because he knew the non-Mormon miners, trappers and mountain men were better off having an outlet for their urges than having them harass and molest the women of the region? Was he evil? or was he practical? The devil would have us remove all temptation so we cannot sin. God would allow us free will. We are not to be a "force" of good, but an example of choice.

Not necessarily. If the alternative to responsible drinking is to have it go underground where it will be further abused, wouldn't it be better to have a responsible bar owner who won't allow underage drinking or binge drinking.

I'm a programmer too, and CGI Yoda sucks. And so did avatar. So, we agree to disagree. I saw the CGI as distracting and cartoonish particularly when interacting with live actors.

Because we are under covenant does not mean we cannot accommodate those who have no such restrictions.

O is more spectacular than Mystere, but it is also harder to get tickets to. I also love Treasure Island (where Mystere plays), great bedding!, and would recommend staying there. it's cheaper than Bellagio (where O plays) too. Maybe you can get a combo deal by staying at the hotel.

Can we sin? Yes, free agency still exists, even with God. But our nature will be such that we will not sin. At least, that's my understanding

The easiest thing is to find the nearest chapel near you. Mormon.org has a form where you can find it. Then just show up for church on Sunday. You will likely be greeted by a lot of friendly people, and someone will find the local missionaries there. Most congregations (called wards) have a set of missionaries assigned to it, or several sets. From there you can set up a time and place to meet. you can meet at a members house, at a diner, or at the church, whatever works for you.

Carbon Dioxide is not poison.