mikbone

Well I'll be. Just listened Trump's address to the RNC. Such an imrovement.

Alma 26:10 And it came to pass that when Ammon had said these words, his brother Aaron rebuked him, saying: Ammon, I fear that thy joy doth carry thee away unto boasting. Who was correct? Ammon, Aaron, both, neither? Someone made a mistake. It wasn't a big mistake but it was a mistake. I'm not condemning Nephi. I have made much greater mistakes. I am blessed to have his words, insight and example. And I have put my foot in my mouth too many times to count... But he wasn't perfect.

Thank you Vort. I knew this would strike a cord. It offended me at first, but then I just kept thinking about it. And this verse came into mind. Mormon 8:17 And if there be faults they be the faults of a man. Is it possible that Nephi and Mormon made a mistake and used words that were not inspired in a few cases? No doubt there are racially inciteful passages in the Book of Mormon. Similarly as there are found passages in the Bible that are racially or culturally unsavory. There are terms like loathsome and delightful and maybe those terms misled the early saints. Maybe passages in the first edition of Mormon Doctrine were supported by these inciteful words... As a surgeon I have had times when I took care of a patient that many would describe as loathsome: morbidly obese, infested with maggots or gangrene. Body odor that would bring a delightsome person to their knees. IV drug abusers with abscesses, and oral care that is beyond foul. If you are not careful, when taking care of these people, you can have a feeling of superiority and treat them as if they are sub-human. I admit that I have done so in the past. The scriptures list many passages that treat people with leprosy the same. And there are many passages about uncleanness. With time, I have come to the recognition that these people are not loathsome. Maybe their circumstances are, but the people are not. In 3-4 days after these patients come into the hospital and have baths, treatments, surgeries, amputations, haircuts, regular meals, etc. They change dramatically and are no longer loathsome. So after many of these experiences, I have learned to temper my senses and feelings, so that I picture them as if they have already been cleaned. You know what, it makes a difference. These people are some of the most grateful for the care. And every instance that I can recall about Jesus Christ coming into contact with these 'loathsome' people his interactions are similar. That I can recall, he never treated anyone as if they were loathsome. The Book of Mormon does not offend me. So, is it ok to think that perhaps Nephi or Mormon or Alma could have chosen better words? "Words matter" - Ronald A. Rasband

I have been enjoying Grant Hardy’s perspective and particularly his academic work - When I listened to the following conversation, start @ 38:30 for the meat of the discussion, he relates that Nephi was struggling with discrimination and racism. Initially after hearing the comments I was taken aback. But after having some time to reflect, I think he is correct. I also listened to this podcast And then from his advice purchased the following It is a Hebrew and English study with extensive commentary on the Torah from the conservative Jewish point of view (1500+ pages). It is wonderful. In the first 15 pages of material I already see that Joseph Smith was influenced by jewish tradition / studies. The book reads from right to left and showed up from Amazon on the same day I ordered it. A miracle.

Biden’s support is wearing away at an increasing pace. The political donations are drying up. The dems are afraid that they will lose down ballot votes and likely the House. I still think he pulls out of the race next week. Is he going to abdicate and let Kamala Harris become President? I don’t think they want Kamala Harris on the top of the 2024 ticket either. Their leadership has some checkers to play. Would be nice to hear Trump deliver a unifying and positive speech. I just can’t imagine him exercising any particle of humility.

Oh boy. Its over. Get Kamala warmed up. I bet he officially pulls out of the race next week.

YES! This is the doctrine. No one would ever strike-thru the scriptures, highlight yes. The Handbook and Preach my Gospel are policy. Sufficient time is a judgement call. Sounds like Bishops and Mission Presidents have been having some disputes.

Another part of the communication from my current missionary son… Preach my Gospel Chapter 12 "Confirmations are under the direction of the bishop. However, he does not conduct a separate interview for confirmation." -President McNabb "Take a look at 18.8 in the general handbook. They recently just made a big update. The full-time missionaries coordinate with ward leaders to plan the confirmation of converts as noted in 18.7.2. Converts may be confirmed at the baptismal service or in sacrament meeting in the ward where they live as soon as possible after their baptism. We now have the keys over confirmation for converts. And that is to be done as soon as possible after their baptism." I had them (the missionaries in my district) cross out that "Confirmations are under the direction of the bishop." And I had them write in, follow the council of the Mission President

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/07/17/teamsters-rnc-union-biden/

To tell truth. I haven't read the entire text. But I was a missionary from ‘89-91. I was taught to teach the gospel in an abnormal and un-natural way. Memorize the discussions and encourage the investigators to keep their questions till the end of the presentation. I was encouraged to roll-play and try to manipulate the spirit and try to encourage investigators to identify the spirit even if they did not feel it. I didn’t particularly like the book Jesus the Christ. And found much of the other missionary prep books uninspired. There is great difference between scripture and current policy material. At least there was during my mission. The Holy Ghost does the conversion not the missionary or the material. I find that I receive much more inspiration from the scriptures than textbooks. Why do we ask the investigators to read the Book of Mormon instead of Preach my Gospel? For missionaries that don’t have a testimony or a reasonable grasp of the scriptures a textbook is probably a good idea.

I think it’s none other than the beatified and ripped Jeffrey Epstein.

Pretty funny

Thanks for all the responses. I knew it would hit a nerve and get some responses. I’m just happy that he is starting to study the scriptures as the primary source. I related that he should probably not make such a big fuss between the terms spirit prison and spirits in prison. Also that he is better off sharing scriptures particularly D&C 138. I not a big fan of dumbing down the scriptures for a text like preach my gospel. I was encouraged to prepare for my mission by reading the missionary prep books I read them, and for good reason they are no longer recommended…

Been 5 days since we had a comment on gospel discussion. “It says Jesus preached to the Spirits in Prison but it doesn't call it “Spirit Prison”. I hate whoever came up with the idea of calling it Spirit Prison it should be referred to as Hell or Outer Darkness because that's what it's called in the scriptures but whoever called it Spirit Prison made that up and I'm never saying Spirit Prison again because of that. Not only do I hate the name Spirit Prison but I really don't like how all this time I thought it was different from Hell/Outer Darkness. IT'S THE SAME! as missionaries were asked to teach that Spirit Prison/Spirit School/ the State of limitations is just a place where we learn of God and have the opportunity to accept him, first of all that's wrong. Number one is because once again we're still not calling it by name instead we're asked to call It names that aren't found In the scriptures “Spirit Prison/Spirit School/ the State of limitations'' were asked specifically to teach that it's a state of Limitations because that's what it's referred to in Preach my Gospel so that's probably number one. Number two stating that it's a place where we experience limitations which is true but that is a huge understatement! The scriptures say that “there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth” Now I understand that saying these things are scary and probably won't be as comforting/receptive to hear as “a state of limitations” but I don't want to be teaching something that's only partly true. I'm still going to because I'm told to but I don't like doing It.” Apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

I always upvote Star Trek. “There are times, sir, when men of good conscience cannot blindly follow orders. You acknowledge their sentience, but ignore their personal liberties and freedom. Order a man to turn his child over to the state? Not while I am his captain.“ - Jean-Luc Picard

The Teamsters President is now addressing the RNC. Its been 121 years since this has happened…

Anyone else feel the wave coming? The Supreme Court is conservative. Trump is likely going to win the presidential election and this will be his final term (nothing holding him back). I can't wait for the Vice Presidential debates... Republicans own the house. With Trump's coat-tails, the Senate may turn Red as well. Gonna be a wild ride.

Trump just won Ohio.

I don’t try to change people. I work on making a better me.

We can do it here.

Just to be clear, I don’t think that this assassination attempt was an attack on democracy. More likely just a confused 20 year old with some mental health issues hoping to get some attention. But the vitriol and incendiary political commentary should chill out. Im not happy with either choice. But our country will weather the storm.

The dems are doing everything they can spin the narrative. Oh, there is no way he got hit by a bullet. It was probably just a shard of glass from the teleprompter. Looks like a bullet to me.

The dems are in full freak-out mode. This reminds me of the evening commentary of the Hillary Clinton presidential loss. All woe is me. The sky is falling. And how could this happen here. My heart grew 3 sizes that night. Not because Trump won. But because Hillary and her supporters lost.

Homeschoolers!

Her platform to starve high school athletes… I get angry just thinking about the stupidity and arrogant nanny platform. I likely spent 1500 calories during daily football practice. Some people don’t need calories…