Maxel

Bro. Rudick- I sent you a personal message and a friend invite. If either of them do not get to you, then there is a problem with your account (I assume).

I think that's a good idea. A good, spiritual LDS counselor does wonders. However, my own counselor pointed out something to me this week. In my own life, I'm going to need to draw on many sources to be fully healed: first and foremost the Atonement of Christ, but also my counselor, my psychiatrist, my bishop, and my older sister. Maybe, if you feel the need, you could see about taking some medication.You're on the right path! Keep it up- We're cheering for you!

I remember this happening to me. Time fixed the problem. Have you tried logging out and logging back in? I'm trying to remember exactly what happened...

I voted for President Obama, and I hope he does well. Personally, I think this thread is funny because it's poking fun at criticizing the President.Then again, this kinda sounds like 'doing evil that good may come'. I'll have to rethink my joviality...

Now I'm confused... How would bad publicity in the church ultimately deny your brother the same agency you have? I understand the argument about bad publicity, but in the Church's case, 2 facts are true: (well, at least 2)1) There has always been plenty of bad publicity for the Church. Hasn't stopped its rapid growth. 2) Any publicity in the end is 'good' publicity in that any fair-minded person following the Light of Christ who is introduced to the Church- in any fashion- will eventually join it (whether it be in 5, 10, or 500 years). Ultimately, the bad publicity is an unfortunate side effect of living in a fallen world. When God's people move in a direction ordained by God when the world is moving the opposite direction, people of the world decry the people of God. If you were talking about Prop #8 supposedly denying your brother the same rights you enjoy... let's not get into that here. I agree to disagree to whatever.

Dunno about your question's answer, but could you copy/paste the lyrics?

This bad publicity does not shut the door to any fair-minded person. In the least, it will not outlast a person's ability to overcome it and honestly seek the truth about the Gospel, which the Church proclaims. The door needs to be shut to the doctrines and practices of the devil.ON a side note- I'm assuming you were talking about Prop 8 when you were talking about bad publicity. If I'm wrong, please correct me and slap a big 'UR A NOOB' sticker on my forehead. I guess I'm all about Prop 8 today b/c of the debate.

Exactly. In fact, I often find the anti-Mormons arguing with 'facts' that are disproved by history and archeology. As time goes on, it seems that the science of archeology is drifting towards validating the Book of Mormon and the Church's claims completely.

I hope so... the OP has been answered, in my opinion. Now we can't help but draw fish that are trying to eat each other.

Congratulations! You have passed the Official Test of Christianity.

Forgive my ignorance. I'm not knowledgeable of American law.So, if the judicial branch sees a disconnect between the standing law and the voice of the people, it's their job to overturn the voice of the people in favor of standing law as they interpret it? I'm really confused about this. I do appreciate so many more knowledgeable than I explaining the situation.

Well, the purpose of the Church is to declare the word of God as revealed to us by the prophets- not to be popular with the world.

Of course- that kind of argument is the heart and soul of anti-Mormon arguments: misdirection and misstatement. Thanks for pointing that out.

I thought it was actually quite relevant and poignant in this instance...

I want to jump on the bandwagon with a witty joke reflecting the overly reactionary state of Obama-haters, but... I iz just not that gud. I lol'd at everyone else though!

lusciouschaos, Depending on the day I may be actually sad because of this. Sometimes my emotions run away with my life, lol. Although, it makes one think. How did it come to this? Isn't a democracy founded on majority rule? I understand the implications and need for judiciary review by professionals, but... When those professionals put personal agendas over the voice of the people, something's seriously wrong.

I think I can. Often, anti-Mormons will accuse us of believing in a 'different' Jesus than the one traditional Christians worship. From my experience, this accusation arises from one (or more) of two main sources: 1) The Book of Mormon is subtitled 'another testament of Christ'. Somehow, some antis believe that the meaning of the phrase 'another testament of Christ' actually resembles the meaning given by the wording 'a testament of another Christ', or some similar phrasing. In this case, the anti-Mormon forces the term 'another' to modify 'Christ', when it clearly modifies 'testament'. 2) We believe in doctrine about Christ (the Godhead) that disagrees with traditional Christian thinking (the Trinity). Apparently those who believe this believe that the doctrines espoused by traditional Christianity are set forth so solidly in the Bible that any other interpretation is 'of another spirit' or 'of another Gospel' (2 Cor. 11:4). In this case, the anti-Mormon is simply closing his/her eyes to the fact that many acclaimed and widely used Bible dictionaries (including the Harper's Bible Dictionary) plainly state that the complete doctrine of the Trinity is not to be found in the Bible itself, but is a post-biblical doctrine decided upon in the early Christian councils. Both points don't hold up to honest scrutiny. The 'Mormons believe in a different Christ' is, for a lack of a better term, the unlearned man's anti-Mormon argument. Here, Just_A_Guy was referencing that common accusation in a facetious response to LittleNipper's comment '[a]nd if it is true, why do so many seem to be harsh in their dealings with others professing to be believers?'

Lost_One: You're doing the right thing. I can promise you, 110%, that if you hold to the road you are on, you won't regret it. One thing I've learned that helps me stay for the whole church bloc (I also have mental health issues) is to pray in between every class for strength to survive the next one. It works. Are you seeing a counselor? If you could find an LDS counselor in the area, (s)he might be able to help you through a lot of the trials you're experiencing. And stick with the Addiction Recovery Program- it works wonders!

You could use the opportunity to take sacrament before you're baptized to learn to emulate the spirit in which you should take it. Although you're not baptized yet, the sacrament is also a time to reflect on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which does in fact affect you right now. Afterward, the sacrament will be that much more sacred because it will be the renewal of the covenant you made at baptism.

Just for good measure, thought I'd share this profound idea.

I thought this one was particularly funny. What do you think?

You're only a Christian if you think this guy is cute. BTW, why isn't this guy on probation since he's causing lots of problems and condescendingly calling all LDS not true Christians?

My ex-girlfriend's brother and sister-in-law provided the perfect example of what happens to a gaming couple that fails to regulate themselves. They both run their own businesses, and they took a 'vacation' one week and stayed home doing nothing. He decided to shave that week. Their vacation began on a Monday, and he shaved on Monday. On Friday, while stretching during a rousing round of World of Warcraft, she looked over and remarked: "Hey, when did you shave?"

My favorite hymn has always been 'A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief'. After that, 'I Know That my Redeemer Lives'. The numerous times I've felt the spirit due to listening to those two hymns, among others hymns and religious songs, have had an invaluable impact on my testimony. I'd share specific stories, but... I can't remember any. In this regard, I reflect the old saying, 'I can no more remember the books I have read than the meals I have eaten, yet they make up who I am today'- but for spiritual experiences and testimony.

I don't know about whether she was 'beguiled' or 'wise' in partaking of the fruit, but here's an intersting tidbit I picked up at the counselor's office yesterday. Children are more motivated and more likely to obey rules set forth in a 'do-this' fashion as opposed to a 'do-not-do-this' fashion. I wonder what the significance is that Adam and Eve were told to 'replenish the earth' (a do-this commandment) and not to partake of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil (a do-not-do-this commandment). My understanding has always been that the command 'replenish the earth' held more doctrinal 'weight' (if you will) than not partaking of the fruit. That is to say, it was more important that Adam and Eve multiply but the conflicting commandments set the pattern through which mankind could grow in immortality.