Maxel

Satan is alive and well in the entertainment industry... Thanks everyone for your insights.

Never fear, I'll never marry this man. Never, never, never!I'm a man myself. That being said- he's frustrated because he's sought competent medical help and things are still hard. Right now he wants to save some money and find a safe place, then get off of all medications and try natural remedies (like St. John's Wart). If that doesn't work, he'll go back to medications. (All this will be done under the watchful eye of medical professionals) It seems a good plan to me- he's been on various antidepressant medications since he was 12 and doesn't know if the medications are actually helping or making things worse.

Rachelle... With all the love I possess, I have to tell you that it seems you've been manipulated by him.My father was like this man, in that he was very good at manipulating people. That is not the kind of man you want your children growing up and emulating. There's resources to help people in your situation. Two cases of adultery is (I believe) enough to excommunicate someone, and just one case is (I believe) justification in God's eyes to get a divorce. Your husband isn't repentant- if he were, he would forsake his sin of adultery. When you feel stronger, it might be good to ponder your Patriarchal Blessing and see if it gives any advice pertaining to the situation. You don't have to be stuck in this situation, if you don't want to. There are people who can help you! Have faith and move forward- a path will open up. God bless you. I can't imagine what you're going through. You're in my prayers.

So, textual analysis has shown that the Book of Mormon was written by multiple authors? Who woulda thunk! (The faithful, who already believe the writings of a few different authors are present throughout the book)

One thing that Hemidakota pointed out- and that I want to emphasize because it was my thought as well- that the father's words to the faithful son was a lesson to him (the son). The faithful son was complaining about the party his father threw for the wayward son, saying that his father had never thrown HIM such a party despite his life of service. His father replies that all he (the father) has is his son's- to receive such a display of love and appreciation, all that is needed is the asking for it.

Oh wow... I didn't know President McKay talked about this two! Here's the section about Communism for anyone who's interested: I thought the whole "Communism being Satan's counterfeit of the United Order" was just an astute observation among the Saints. I didn't know it came directly from a prophet of God!

I'm gonna make my favorite argument for Benson's political views being correct: Benson became the President, thereby immortalizing his political views in LDS culture and history. If he never had become the President, his stances against Communism wouldn't have been nearly as widely known. Coincidence, or Godly wisdom...? It's open to interpretation, methinks. Also- does anyone know if any of the GA's of Benson's time actually favored or supported Communism? Not just were silent on the issue, but preferred Communism over Constitutional Republicanism?

"Representative of society" means whatever they want it to mean. It's one of those nice, ambiguous terms that can be skewed to fit whatever definition they want, to suit their current purposes. I hope the government doesn't seriously consider this...

I do. Although I'm too old to go trick or treating, and the past few years few kids came around to trick or treat... I like the candy at trunk'n'treating.

Doughnuts and milk = instant win. You'll have to try it at our interfaith potluck.

Congratulations Gargantuan! Welcome to the exclusive club. PM LostSheep for t-shirts.

My ex girlfriend went through this exact problem. The dress was too revealing around the shoulders and cleavage- she solved the problem with a shawl. I'd have a frank discussion with her and explain the situation and try to come to a solution. Whatever you do, don't forego wearing garments just to be a bridesmaid.

Probably, pam. Snow and I seem to be the only ones particularly concerned with discussing the topic, and we come from two irreconcilable positions. Go ahead and close it.

Christmas and Easter have both had Christian themes infused into them, and they become chances to set aside holidays to worship the Lord and commemorate pinnacle events in His life. Halloween hasn't been co-opted into Christianity in the same way. It's a secular holiday that has become a chance to celebrate... whatever one wants to celebrate. However, the historical obsession of the occult with Halloween is disconcerting to me. A good friend of mine who dabbled in the Occult in his teen years (before he converted to Christianity) doesn't let his children go out on Halloween and hates the entire season because he knows the things that some people do to celebrate the forces of darkness. Whatever its origin, it's become a largely benign holiday- except for the evil who rally around it.

I've always held the opinion that the devil and his angels play large roles in tempting us and instilling fear in our souls. I think the fact that, when you prayed to Christ He saved you from the attack, shows the source of the attack. Thank you for sharing!

Could you post without these little rude asides? I'd appreciate it. Well, the account doesn't say the donkey spoke Hebrew (though it can be assumed). The donkey may have spoken some sort of language that Balaam's ears were opened so that he could understand. However, we'll assume the donkey spoke in Hebrew.Since the story appears in the LDS canon, I think it's safe to say the story of a literal donkey that speaks literal Hebrew is canonical- unless you want to change the definition of "canon". Snow, your idea of "rational" and mine are different. You've yet to provide any cogent argument that would sway me. I understand that you and I have different opinions about what's "rational" and what's not. I'm trying to see if you have any argument other than the "irrationality" argument or the "God did other things I disagree with in the Old Testament, therefore He never actually did them- therefore, this story is suspect". So far, you've forwarded none.

I'm not sure how stating other attributes and actions of God counts as an argument against His giving a donkey the ability to talk- except that you don't believe God did any of it. Not a very good argument. Thank you. Your rudeness is duly noted- unless you meant this as "teasing"? I don't appreciate it if you did. Yes, but the story about Bigfoot can't be found in the scriptures. Not true- canonical LDS scripture includes the story about the donkey. Did Joseph Smith have firsthand knowledge of the events contained in the Book of Mormon? (Answer: no) Are we justified in dismissing the events contained therein? (Answer: also no)Firsthand knowledge isn't required to write or preserve a true story. No. Then again, the life of my son isn't hanging in the balance. If a man only accepts something when the hard evidence for its veracity is enough for him to stake his child's life on it, then these scriptures apply to him.I don't want to be accusatory or attacking, but I don't know how else to say it.

Also, the idea that the Old Testament contains some "baby stories" isn't canonical- no more canonical than the Adam-God doctrine that Brigham Young also taught. So, we're not bound to believe that, as much as it might make sense to some people.

What is it about God that makes you think that He does not make barnyard animals talk to prove a point to His prophets?I've still seen no defense- consistent with the scope and intent of LDS doctrine- that supports the notion that God won't give animals the ability to communicate with humans when it fits His purposes. Snow, if you think it's POSSIBLE for the Lord to make animals talk- in which situation do you think He would do so? Are there any?

I tried coffee when I was three (my non-LDS grandma gave it to me). The memory is enough to turn me away from it forever (I HATED it and can still clearly remember the instant when I drank it).However, the glazed donuts sound good... Maybe we can have an inter-faith potluck and swap delicacies?

I did think that was an odd question. I clarified it within the confines of official doctrine (that it's a reasonable assumption, but there's no hard, doctrinal evidence for it).If anyone tries to trick us into answering the survey so they can tear down the Church, they'll literally have Hell to pay (unless they repent ). However, I didn't think the survey seemed threatening- just long and a little hazy on some of the questions. I could see the intent being "what % of Mormons understand their theology correctly".

How many members understand the issues the survey covers, however? I think the point is to gain an understanding of the members' understanding of the Church.

This is a long survey. Some of the questions also seem unclear- such as "what's the difference between laws and commandments". Perhaps it's just my lack of knowledge, however. Filling it out now.

I avoid jello with carrots like the plague. Jello with cottage cheese, however, isn't bad...

Nikki- Church discipline is for our own good. You'll regret your decision for eternity if you don't go in and admit your mistake to your authorized Priesthood authority. In the meantime, you can show the Lord you're serious about repenting by breaking up with your boyfriend. I know it's hard, but it's the safest way to avoid repeating the mistake. I've gone through this sort of thing before- trust me, all will be well if you keep on the path predesignated by Priesthood authority. Good luck! Keep us informed. God bless.