bytebear

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  1. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from theSQUIDSTER in Moderate Alcohol Consumption Benefits, Myth?   
    I think the bottom line is the physical benefits of alcohol consumption, even in moderation do not equal the spiritual benefits of abstinence.
  2. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from unixknight in Moderate Alcohol Consumption Benefits, Myth?   
    I think the bottom line is the physical benefits of alcohol consumption, even in moderation do not equal the spiritual benefits of abstinence.
  3. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from LeSellers in Moderate Alcohol Consumption Benefits, Myth?   
    I think the bottom line is the physical benefits of alcohol consumption, even in moderation do not equal the spiritual benefits of abstinence.
  4. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from NeedleinA in Was there Death Before Adam   
    Perhaps Eden was a bubble of paradise on the Earth, and while Adam and Eve were in Eden, the rest of the world was evolving and preparing for their eventual expulsion. 
  5. Like
    bytebear reacted to Traveler in The creation   
    Really that is your answer?  Just wondering - have you read the explanation of facsimile #2 and to be sure - your witness to me is that this (facsimile #2) has nothing of significance to add, ponder or consider (any more than elephants);  when seeking understanding of Abraham chapter 3?
  6. Like
    bytebear reacted to Traveler in The creation   
    I have read through this thread with interest.  For those that insist that the Book of Abraham is literal and not to be interpreted as using symbolism - I would point out that unknown to many experts (especially when Joseph produced the Book of Abraham) but the Book of Abraham utilizes a ancient Egyptian writing style. Otherwise known as an Egyptian colophon - which by intent of the format is intended to project symbolism.  Also associated with the text are a couple of facsimiles - in fact facsimile #2 is specifically related to Abraham chapter 3.  Please note the importance in symbolism both with the text and the facsimile - also note that there are no "literal" stars represented in the facsimile.
     
     
  7. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from LeSellers in Lottery tickets/raffles/draws   
    Raffles teach you to be charitable for selfish reasons, hoping to get something in return.  It is not true charity.
  8. Like
    bytebear reacted to Just_A_Guy in Probably a "different" kind of Christian...   
    Absolutely despicable.
     
    I remember a couple of years ago, a fellow LDS.net member was deeply upset because I likened our national abortion epidemic to a second holocaust.
     
    I still don't regret what I said; and I continue to believe that we are a society of the damned. The face of evil isn't always a heavy-set cigar-smoking politician or warlord, sinisterly twirling his moustache in a darkened room.  Sometimes evil comes in the form of a blonde, perky, youthful twenty-something with an endearing smile and a medical degree.
  9. Like
    bytebear reacted to Jane_Doe in Non-LDS view of God   
    I've often been "informed" by creed-believers that I'm "not a Christian" because I don't follow the creeds (particularly Nicene).
  10. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from MrShorty in Non-LDS view of God   
    One thing to be clear about though, is that in LDS view, Jesus is the only begotten. We are not unique in the way Jesus is unique. We are spirit children, not the begotten children of God. And Jesus' atonement and his role (per-mortally, mortally and post-mortally) are not replaceable by any one else.
  11. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from Jane_Doe in Non-LDS view of God   
    I think I've said this before.  God is a term that is singular, but describes a collection.  Closest thing is Family.  There is only one Family but the family contains a father, mother, children.  Similarly there is only one God, but there is a Father, Son, Holy Ghost, and potentially countless other members that we have no direct association with. And we, one day, if found worthy will become one with God, and be God.  But there is still only one God.  So, I go with monotheism, but am not offended by other interpretations.  In fact, I see the Trinity being far more similar than different in concept.
     
    Adding to this notion, we often say "one in purpose" but it is deeper than that. A family may also be "one in purpose" the relationship of a family is deeper than just a business arrangement, and so is the relationship of the Godhead. It's more than just agreement, but a true oneness that cannot be expressed in human terms.
  12. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from LeSellers in Non-LDS view of God   
    I think I've said this before.  God is a term that is singular, but describes a collection.  Closest thing is Family.  There is only one Family but the family contains a father, mother, children.  Similarly there is only one God, but there is a Father, Son, Holy Ghost, and potentially countless other members that we have no direct association with. And we, one day, if found worthy will become one with God, and be God.  But there is still only one God.  So, I go with monotheism, but am not offended by other interpretations.  In fact, I see the Trinity being far more similar than different in concept.
     
    Adding to this notion, we often say "one in purpose" but it is deeper than that. A family may also be "one in purpose" the relationship of a family is deeper than just a business arrangement, and so is the relationship of the Godhead. It's more than just agreement, but a true oneness that cannot be expressed in human terms.
  13. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from Vort in Great movie -- "Primer"   
    The plot is interesting, but it's also very confusing.  Once you "get" what's going on, you feel like you need to start the movie over to understand what you figured out.  (which is why Vort wants to rewatch it).
  14. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from Vort in Great movie -- "Primer"   
    That is the most complicated time travel movie ever.  After you watch it, you need to get the timeline chart, which has at least six parallel times going on at once, and try to figure out which person is in which timeline with who.
  15. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from Just_A_Guy in **SPOILERS** If The Force Awakens, why was I going to sleep?   
    Well, the argument was whether Vader was worthy of being equal to Yoda.  I think clearly the parable of Star Wars, says yes. And barring covenants (which can be made postumously via proxy), there is nothing that says otherwise doctrinally (IMHO)
  16. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from Crypto in **SPOILERS** If The Force Awakens, why was I going to sleep?   
    You sound like the brother of the prodigal son, jealous that the son was redeemed with forgiveness that you didn't think he deserved.  Sounds to me, the lessons of Star Wars are deeper than you think.
  17. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from Just_A_Guy in **SPOILERS** If The Force Awakens, why was I going to sleep?   
    And Episode VII was a retelling of Episode IV but with a twist in the nature of the antagonist.  Darth Vader and the Empire were competent and ruthless.  The First Order and Keelo Ren were inept, amateurish and immature.  That was obviously by design, and will likely be explored in future movies.   But the message of the Dark vs Light side is really the message of love vs hate, and that hate is very powerful and easy to use, (and it was interesting that the female protagonist won the battle on the emotion of hate), so it will be interesting to see how they explore these themes. 
     
    And, by the way, Lucas' first Star Wars (Episode IV) was a rehash of this movie.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hidden_Fortress

    and all the space battles were lifted directly from WWII dogfight footage, frame by frame.

    And Lucas consulted "Power of Myth" author Joseph Campbell on how to weave his story with mythical cues.
  18. Like
    bytebear reacted to Just_A_Guy in **SPOILERS** If The Force Awakens, why was I going to sleep?   
    Deathbed repentance--and thereby gaining a greater reward than that received by the consistently faithful (how many of Alderaan's residents were able to come back as force ghosts?)--has no place either in the parable of the prodigal son or in the gospel as a whole.But, to the larger question: Star Wars never did a whole lot for me, so meh. (Then again, I thought Episode I wasn't half-bad and Jar Jar Binks at least mildly funny, so what do I know?)
  19. Like
    bytebear reacted to An Investigator in Hi from England   
    Not a big smiths fan has to be said bit too miserable for my liking haha.   I love Motley Crue tho I went to see them for their final tour a few months ago.
  20. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from An Investigator in Hi from England   
    I loved them both. And the Smiths (but not Morrisey solo)
  21. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from An Investigator in Investigation on line   
    One thing I like about the LDS clergy, is they do have experience just being a regular parishoner, and will be one again after their calling is complete.  And although, you occasionally have "questionable doctrine" taught from the pulpit (since talks are given by anyone, including youth), we are taught life is a learning experience, and so it's taken in stride, and we really are mostly on the same page doctrinally, even with the "deep" stuff, and we fully acknolwedge that we don't have everything figured out yet (Articles of Faith #9)
  22. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from Jane_Doe in Investigation on line   
    One thing I like about the LDS clergy, is they do have experience just being a regular parishoner, and will be one again after their calling is complete.  And although, you occasionally have "questionable doctrine" taught from the pulpit (since talks are given by anyone, including youth), we are taught life is a learning experience, and so it's taken in stride, and we really are mostly on the same page doctrinally, even with the "deep" stuff, and we fully acknolwedge that we don't have everything figured out yet (Articles of Faith #9)
  23. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from Vort in Investigation on line   
    One thing I like about the LDS clergy, is they do have experience just being a regular parishoner, and will be one again after their calling is complete.  And although, you occasionally have "questionable doctrine" taught from the pulpit (since talks are given by anyone, including youth), we are taught life is a learning experience, and so it's taken in stride, and we really are mostly on the same page doctrinally, even with the "deep" stuff, and we fully acknolwedge that we don't have everything figured out yet (Articles of Faith #9)
  24. Like
    bytebear reacted to pam in Cool idea for 2016   
    I happened to see this on pinterest and I really like the idea.  So I thought I'd share it with you.
     
    Get a jar.  At the end of each day write down on a slip of paper something positive that happened to you that day or a major event in your life that happened on this day.  Make sure to mark the date down on the slip of paper.
     
    On New Year's Eve, take the time to read each of the slips.  
     
    I also thought it would be a great way to assist you in journaling your life and the events that happened during the year,
  25. Like
    bytebear got a reaction from Crypto in Sometimes you gotta stop and do your research   
    I think the French version says Ciao.