HEthePrimate

Um, France and Italy are not the "only" places old churches may be found. That said, I do really love the beautiful old churches, cathedrals, and basilicas I saw in France. Gorgeous buildings, and they can really evoke a sense of the sacred.Peace.

Goodness, I said 'Jesus' just this morning! When can I expect the police to knock on my door? One of the great things about the United States is that we don't have a state-sponsored religion, and people are free to practice any religion they please, or none at all. Allowing people of all different faiths, including non-Christian ones, would be one approach they could take. However, that doesn't take into account the sensibilities of atheists, so really the only way they could be accommodated is by not praying at all at public events. There is nothing to stop government officials from praying and seeking divine guidance in private, though, whether by themselves or in groups of like-minded associates. Peace.

If by "secret combinations" we mean people plotting and doing things together in secret for power and gain, then we have secret combinations practically coming out of our ears. However, I do not think they comprise a monolithic entity that is ruling the world. Different combinations have different interests, and often work against each other. IMO.

Actually it's true. I used to be a die-hard Democrat. Then one day, I saw a U.S. flag. Looking up at Old Glory, lit from behind by the sun, it was suddenly as though the sunlight itself filled my soul, and the pure love of country, God, and freedom swelled my breast. I knew that from that point on, I could never again turn my back on America by voting Democrat, and I've voted straight-ticket Republican ever since.

Well, then I guess Nephi is not going to the Celestial Kingdom, because he murdered an unarmed, unconscious man... Anyway, is baptism for the dead only for those who go to the Celestial Kingdom?

As mentioned in the article MichaelPAGuy linked to, they've been looking for a temple site for well over a decade. I remember hearing about this back then and being excited, but later disappointed that it hadn't yet come to fruition. I served my mission in France, and would be delighted to see a temple built there. And so close to Versailles, too! :)

Thanks, everybody! :)

Hi, I'll be without a car for a while, but would still like to be able to drive when necessary (work vehicles, or borrowed or rented cars). My question is, can a person get basic auto insurance (liability, at least) for lower prices if one does not actually own a car, or is it going to cost just as much as when you do have a car? Can you recommend a company/policy? Thanks! HEP

I agree with the others. The real problem here is not tithing, but your husband. If he continues abusing you, I suggest you get out. If he no longer abuses you, that's good, but the residual effects of past abuse are still there and need to be dealt with. Talking to the bishop might help, and you might also want to consider marital counseling. (I understand finances are tight, but there are often counseling resources available for people with low incomes--your bishop might be able to help you there, or point you in the right direction.) I understand you love your husband, and it's possible you can work things out, and that would be great. But if the abuse continues... well, that's just not right, and I hope you understand that there are other options. If you don't have enough money to both pay tithing and buy food and medical care, then get food and medical care. Taking care of your family's (and your own) basic needs is more important than making donations to a charitable organization. I know the TBMs will disagree with me on this for "lack of faith," etc., blah, blah, but tough beans. First things first. If you explain your financial situation to the bishop, however, he might be willing to offer temporary food and/or financial assistance. No guarantees, but that might enable you to both pay tithing and eat. Best of luck to you, HEP

Yeah, I know. I still regret all the times I stumbled and fell down when I was trying to learn to walk.I'm not trying to be a smart alec, here, but sometimes I think we even take our mistakes too seriously. We all do things that are wrong. We also grow and learn, and I think that in the next life we'll have a different perspective. I doubt very much we'll be doomed to regret for eternity all the failures we had during our mortal life. Unless we continue to make the same mistakes for eternity, of course. I don't know--call me an optimist!

Really? What about polygamy? The Book of Mormon condemns polygamy. None of the scriptures say a word about masturbation. (And don't bother telling me the story of Onan--that was not about masturbation. Read it again and see for yourself.) Then the early brethren started practicing polygamy, and many claimed it was necessary for salvation. Then they "repeal" polygamy, and these days it is an excommunicable sin.Masturbation doesn't hurt anybody, but polygamy caused a lot of distress to a lot of people. And yet people were promised exaltation if they practiced polygamy, but we harp on young boys and make them feel worthless and ungodly because they play with themselves? Explain to me how that makes any sense at all.

I think visions and God-sent dreams can happen, but most often it's just our mind working while we're asleep. Perhaps the mind keeps mulling over things while we're asleep that we're concerned about when awake. So it may be worthwhile to write down dreams (if I don't write them down, I'll soon forget them) and ponder their meaning, to see what our mind may have come up with. Or, of course, if the dream came from God.

So if I think a word but don't act or dwell on it, I'm ok. But if I think a word and then start a thread to discuss the matter, I am thereby dwelling on it, and that's a sin!

That's actually a pretty good commentary on our culture.

FutureMD, Because we're not allowed to use stronger language here, I'll say this: Your bishop is full of feces. (Seriously! Ask his proctologist!) Also, always remember that YOU are entitled to receive revelation in your own behalf. While I agree that family takes precedence over career (and I thank Vort for pointing out that a man's place is in the home, as well as a woman's place), I also think that women don't always need to sacrifice careers to that end. You mentioned that both of your parents were doctors. If they could make it work, I see no reason why you couldn't. And hey, when your kids get sick, you'll be right there, and know exactly what to do! Peace, and good luck in medical school!

Should I feel guilty if I think a swear word, but don't actually utter it?

Yeah, that's my favorite. Somebody tells me they "could care less," and I want to ask them, "Really? Pray tell!"

I'm glad to know it's so easy. You should write a book letting people know how easy it is--you could make a lot of money!

Can't speak for saintish, but I will speak for myself when I say that I honestly did not think that the Church had an official position. Saintish has shown me that maybe it does, but even if it does, I don't necessarily agree with it. Maybe I'm a heretic, but "I yam what I yam."

Fair enough. And like you, I'm not afraid to say that I don't necessarily agree with it, either.HE "The Heretic" Primate

Yes, but it would help if they taught their children to feel shame for something that is actually wrong. Don't just pick some random thing to make them feel shame for, or they'll never know the difference between right and wrong.

It doesn't occur to some people that telling kids they should feel shame for something is what causes the shame. A Jehovah's Witness kid might feel shame for celebrating Christmas, but that doesn't mean celebrating Christmas is actually sinful.

Holy mackerel! I haven't read every post in this thread--maybe it's a good thing I didn't, for that kind of stuff is waaaay over the top! Agreed. While it is possible to become addicted to masturbation, just doing it sometimes doesn't mean it's an addiction.

My coworker seems overly concerned with other people's weight. I can understand that a person might say to a friend that for health reasons, they're concerned about their weight. But my coworker makes comments about people being "fat" even if he's never met them, and I have a hard time believing he's really that worried about their health. He makes fun of a local TV station's meteorologist for "waddling," and this afternoon he pointed out a lady walking down the street and said she needed to lose weight. Well, I'm sorry if people offend his sensibilities, but it's really none of his business. Have to wonder if he's trying to compensate for something...

Ach, how could I have forgotten! Still, there is a difference between a General Authority talk/publication and official church doctrine. And like you said, the Church seems to be quietly letting it fall by the wayside.There's also the guide to overcoming masturbation often attributed to Mark E. Peterson, though the authorship is in question, and as far as I know the Church has never published that one. For a discussion, see the Mormon Expression podcast: Episode 132: Mark E. Petersen’s Steps in Overcoming Masturbation I'm an active member, but it seems to me there are far more important things to focus on than whether or not Brother So-and-So is "arguing with Henry Longfellow."