Third Hour Forum Rules - Please be familiar with these rules before posting

pam

Administrators
 View Profile  See their activity

  • Posts

    58056

  • Joined

  • Last visited

  • Days Won

    153

 Content Type 

Posts posted by pam

  2. Last Days' Timeline

    in LDS Gospel Discussion

    Posted

    Has anyone ever read the Left Behind Series?  While it was written with the mainstream Christian beliefs concerning the rapture I thought it was an excellent series.  Fictional mixed in with biblical of the last 7 years.  It did go right along with the Bible and revelation.  

  3. Last Days' Timeline

    in LDS Gospel Discussion

    Posted

    2 hours ago, zil2 said:

    If I understand what you are saying, then the scripture in question doesn't quite say that:

    Joseph Smith - Matthew 1

    Two main points here:

    1. The world will not be expecting it (v 40 and 43).

    2. The world will be going about its usual business as if it were just another day (v42).

    Yet I can see the similarities.  Noah warned the people and they didn't believe him or they didn't heed his warning.  So they went about their business like nothing was happening or going to happen and then the rains started.  They probably thought it was just the usual thunderstorm going through.  But we know it wasn't.  We have been warned and many will not believe it or will fail to heed the warning.  They will go about their regular business.  So yes...  I see the similarities from that time with Noah to the time Christ will come again.

  6. Last Days' Timeline

    in LDS Gospel Discussion

    Posted

    2 hours ago, Maverick said:

    I think the Covid pandemic will turn out to be a drop in the bucket compared to the coming tribulation and destruction that precedes the Lord’s return in glory. If anything the recent pandemic should have been a wake up call for all of us to get our acts together, both temporarily and spiritually. 

    I'm sorry to hear about your sons leaving the church. My oldest is 17 and I often worry about him. He’s a good kid, but I worry sometimes that he doesn’t have a real testimony. I would consider it to be a tragedy if he or any of his younger siblings left the church and went after the ways of the world. But we must remember, hard as it is sometimes, that we all have our agency and must learn by our own experience to choose the good from the evil for ourselves. 

    Oh I totally agree.  I can't even imagine what those in the future will have to endure.  Covid 19 was definitely just a small drip of water in the bucket.  

  7. Last Days' Timeline

    in LDS Gospel Discussion

    Posted

    I was at dinner with my sons over the weekend.  Now mind you they both have nothing to do with the Church any longer.  But we were talking about pandemics and such and how COVID had pretty much died down.  One son said he expects there will be another major pandemic in his life time.  I told him, unfortunately there are going to probably be many things such as that and much much more during his lifetime.  

    My life is winding down and I don't expect to have too many more years on this earth.  But I feel sad for the things that my kids will have to go through.  I just wish they had not left the Church.

  12. I need help writing an article

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    46 minutes ago, askandanswer said:

    From the entry on Temples in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism at eom.byu.edu

     

    Temples: Temples Through the Ages

    Author: RICKS, STEPHEN D.

    The center of the community in ancient Israel and in other parts of the ancient Near East was the temple, an institution of the highest antiquity. Its construction regularly represented the crowning achievement in a king's reign. Thus, it was the central event in the reign of king Solomon, far overshadowing any of his other accomplishments (1 Kgs. 6-8), and it was a crucial event in the establishment of the Nephite monarchy (2 Ne. 5:16-18). The presence of the temple represented stability and cohesiveness in the community, and its rites and ceremonies were viewed as essential to the proper functioning of the society. Conversely, the destruction of a temple and the cessation of its rites presaged and symbolized the dissolution of its community and the withdrawal of God's favor. The fall of Jerusalem and its temple (586 B.C.), along with the rifling of its sacred treasures, symbolized, like no other event, the catastrophe that befell Judah. Following the return of the Jews from exile in Babylon (c. 500 B.C.), the prophets Haggai and Zechariah persistently reminded their people that no other achievement would compensate for their failure to reconstruct a temple. Temples were so important that, when distance or other circumstances made worship at the Jerusalem temple impractical, others were built. Thus, Israelite temples were built at Arad near Beersheba, at Elephantine and Leontopolis in Egypt, and a Nephite temple was erected in the land of Nephi.

    Several studies have shown that certain characteristics regularly recur in the temples of the ancient Near East. Among the features that have been identified that distinguish the temple from the meetinghouse type of sacred structure such as synagogue or church are: (1) the temple is built on separate, sacral, set-apart space; (2) the temple and its rituals are enshrouded in secrecy; (3) the temple is oriented toward the four world regions or cardinal directions; (4) the temple expresses architecturally the idea of ascent toward heaven; (5) the plans for the temple are revealed by God to a king or prophet; and (6) the temple is a place of sacrifice (Lundquist, pp. 57-59).

    Latter-day Saints recognize among these features several that are characteristic of ancient Israelite temples as well as their own. For example, the sites of ancient Israelite and modern Latter-day Saint temples are viewed as holy, with access restricted to certain individuals who are expected to have "clean hands and a pure heart" (Ps. 24:3-6; cf. Ps. 15; Isa. 33:14-16; see Temple Recommend). Like the tabernacle and temple in ancient Israel, many Latter-day Saint temples are directionally oriented, with the ceremonial main entrance (indicated by the inscription "HOLINESS TO THE LORD" on modern temples) facing east. Ancient Israelite temples were divided into three sections, each representing a progressively higher stage, reaching from the netherworld to heaven; similar symbolism can be recognized in the LDS temples as well. The plans for the temple of Solomon were revealed to King Solomon. Likewise, plans for many Latter-day Saint temples were received through revelation.

    What occurred within temples of antiquity? The temple is a place of sacrifice, a practice that is well attested in ancient Israel. Animal sacrifice is not to be found in temples of the Latter-day Saints because blood sacrifice had its fulfillment in the death of Jesus (3 Ne. 9:19). Still, Latter-day Saints learn in their temples to observe the eternal principles of sacrifice of a broken heart and contrite spirit (3 Ne. 12:19). In addition, inside the temples of the ancient Near East, kings, temple priests, and worshippers received a washing and anointing and were clothed, enthroned, and symbolically initiated into the presence of deity, and thus into eternal life. In ancient Israel-as elsewhere-these details are best seen in the consecration of the priest and the coronation of the king. LDS temple ordinances are performed in a Christian context of eternal kingship, queenship, and priesthood.

    The features of temple worship described above are also found among many other cultures from ancient to modern times. Several explanations of this can be offered. According to President Joseph F. Smith, some of these similarities are best understood as having spread by diffusion from a common ancient source: Undoubtedly the knowledge of this law [of sacrifice] and of the other rites and ceremonies was carried by the posterity of Adam into all lands, and continued with them, more or less pure, to the flood, and through Noah, who was a "preacher of righteousness," to those who succeeded him, spreading out into all nations and countries…. If the heathen have doctrines and ceremonies resembling…those…in the Scriptures, it only proves…that these are the traditions of the fathers handed down,…and that they will cleave to the children to the latest generation, though they may wander into darkness and perversion, until but a slight resemblance to their origin, which was divine, can be seen [JD 15:325-26].

    When Jesus drove the moneychangers from the temple-which he referred to as "my Father's house" (John 2:16)-it reflected his insistence on holiness for the sanctuaries in ancient Israel. Neither Stephen's nor Paul's statements that "the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands" (Acts 7:48;17:24; cf. Isa. 66:1-2) imply a rejection of the temple, but rather an argument against the notion that God can be confined to a structure. Solomon, at the dedication of the temple in Jerusalem, said similarly, "The heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?" (1 Kgs. 8:27; 2 Chr. 6:18). As late as the fourth century A.D., Christians were able to point to the spot on the Mount of Olives "where they say the sanctuary of the Lord, that is, the Temple, is to be built, and where it will stand forever…when, as they say, the Lord comes with the heavenly Jerusalem at the end of the world" (Nibley, p. 393).

    While the idea of the temple was somewhat submerged in the later Jewish-Christian consciousness, it was never completely forgotten. As Hugh Nibley points out, the Christian church sensed that it possessed no adequate substitute for the temple. Jerusalem remained at the center of medieval maps of the world, and the site of the temple was sometimes indicated on such maps as well. When the Crusaders liberated the holy places in Jerusalem, the site of the temple was visited immediately after that of the Holy Sepulcher, even though no temple had been there for over 1,000 years (Nibley, pp. 392, 399-409).

    Jews and Christians who take the vision of the reconstruction of the temple in Ezekiel seriously-and literally-anticipate the place in God's plan of rebuilding a future temple, as well as the reConstitution of distinct tribes of Israel (Ricks, pp. 279-80). While Jewish life proceeded without the temple following its destruction by the Romans in A.D. 70, it retained a significant role in their thought and study. In the modern period, the temple remains important to some Jews, who continue to study their sacred texts relating to it.

    Bibliography

    McKinlay, Don E. Review of Solomon's Temple: Myth and History, by William J. Hamblin, David Rolph Seely. BYU Studies 47:4 (2008):154-157.

    This really helps.

     

  13. I need help writing an article

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    I'm going to open this up to the general group.

    I've been tasked to write an article for Third Hour on a subject that I really don't know anything about.  

    It's to be titled: 10 Ancient Connections to Modern Day Temples

    I can start a google doc and share it with anyone that is interested in helping.  BTW, they want it ASAP.  Like next week.  

    Here are a couple of references we can use:

    https://thirdhour.org/blog/faith/mormon-temple-ceremonies/

    Also a ChatGPT:

    Initiation - Endowment

    Christianity and Mormonism are two of the most prominent religious movements in the world, each with a rich history and unique traditions. One area of overlap between these two faiths is the initiation ceremony or ritual that marks the beginning of a person's religious journey. In this article, we will compare the similarities between the early Christian initiation ceremony and Mormon temple rituals.

    Early Christian Initiation Ceremony

    The early Christian initiation ceremony, also known as the sacrament of baptism, was a symbolic act of purification and initiation into the Christian community. The ritual involved the pouring of water over the head of the individual being initiated, symbolizing the washing away of sin and the rebirth into a new life. This ceremony was performed by a priest or bishop and was accompanied by prayers and hymns.

    In addition to baptism, early Christian initiation also included the sacrament of confirmation, which involved the laying on of hands by a bishop or priest, and the receiving of the Holy Spirit. The newly initiated Christian was then welcomed into the Christian community and given access to the Eucharist or Communion.

    Mormon Temple Rituals

    Mormon temple rituals are a series of ceremonies that are performed within the temple and are designed to help individuals progress spiritually. These rituals include baptism for the dead, endowment, and sealing. Like the early Christian initiation ceremony, these rituals are symbolic and are performed by priesthood leaders.

    Baptism for the dead is a unique Mormon ritual that involves the living being baptized on behalf of deceased ancestors. This is done to help the deceased gain access to the blessings of the gospel. The endowment ceremony involves symbolic clothing, instruction, and covenants with God, while the sealing ceremony is a marriage ceremony that binds families together for eternity.

    Similarities between Early Christian Initiation and Mormon Temple Rituals

    One of the most significant similarities between the early Christian initiation ceremony and Mormon temple rituals is their symbolic nature. Both involve the use of physical acts, such as baptism or laying on of hands, to represent spiritual rebirth and initiation. Both also involve the use of prayer and hymns as part of the ritual.

    Another similarity is the involvement of priesthood leaders in the initiation ceremony. In both the early Christian and Mormon traditions, priests or bishops play a significant role in performing the initiation ceremony and leading the individual through the process.

    Finally, both early Christianity and Mormonism place a significant emphasis on the importance of the family unit. The early Christian initiation ceremony welcomed new members into the Christian community, while Mormon temple rituals are designed to strengthen familial relationships and ensure that families are united eternally.

    Conclusion

    Despite the differences between early Christianity and Mormonism, there are significant similarities between the initiation ceremonies of both religions. Both involve symbolic acts of initiation, the involvement of priesthood leaders, and an emphasis on the importance of the family. These similarities demonstrate the universal human need for spiritual initiation and the importance of community and family in religious traditions.

    Regenerate response

    Is anyone interested?  I would just need your email address to send you an invite to edit the document.  I can do the final clean up on it once we have what we need.

    Thanks in advance.  

     

  17. All the transgender hullaballoo

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    17 minutes ago, mirkwood said:

    I think the death of their sales outside of a sponsorship speaks for itself.

    I've seen numerous high school friends of mine stating they are boycotting BL and AB.  But at the same time most of those same friends aren't the type that would go to a concert with Alice Cooper and Gobsmack.  Not I'm not saying there is something wrong with going to those concerts. There's not.  Just not the thing for many in my generation.  We enjoyed a lot of soft rock.  Though we did throw in a bit of Led Zeppelin.  

  18. All the transgender hullaballoo

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    The thing for me it has now become demeaning to us who were actually born women and have lived a life as a woman.  I feel like we have taken so many steps backwards when it comes to our roles and how women are perceived.  

    Another thing for me is the whole issue with gender neutral bathrooms and locker rooms.  I'm sorry but having a young teenage girl in the same locker room and shower with another who still has male genitalia for all to see is just wrong on so many different levels.  Not to mention the whole competing in sports thing.  Plus videos of men (wanting to be women) doing videos of how they went shopping for tampons.  For what?  A video of Dylan Mulvaney doing an exercise to the chant, "We must, we must, we must increase our bust."  What bust?  You are a male.  The most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of.  

    One of the things that sickened me with the Dylan Mulvaney thing was one of the commercials he (yes he) did for Bud Light.  Acting all stupid with "I know it's a sport but I'm such a silly girl I don't know anything about what sport and what they do."  Is that what their marketing department really thinks about women? That we are just stupid silly girls that don't know a thing about sports.  Well I'm here to tell you that I know a heck of a lot more about sports than many of the men out there.  Also with Dylan Mulvaney he always talks about being a girl.  Not a woman.  That is just strange to me.  

    If someone wants to change sex more power to them.  But I won't be forced to have to accept that they can enter a bathroom or a locker room at the gym when I'm there.  I won't be forced to have to use pronouns just because that's how they identify.  People have actually been getting fired from jobs for refusing.  

    People can disagree with me.  I don't really care.  Just saying you identify as a female doesn't make you a female.  Or identify as a male when you are a female doesn't make you a male.

    I'm just sickened and disgusted over all of this and it feels like it just escalated so quickly.  

  19. Is anyone else confused?!

    in Current Events

    Posted

    On 5/17/2023 at 12:20 PM, NeuroTypical said:

    Honestly, I've been trying to learn what "dog whistle" means for a year now without success.  When I'm off battling in culture wars on anonymous social media sites, I routinely get accused of blowing a dog whistle, and I really don't understand what's being said.  Usually I'm good at understanding meaning behind levels of ironic sarcastic meta-speak (like Vort is showing here), but with the term dog whistle, I'm still trying to find out what it actually means.

    @Godless, can you help me?  Here are some examples of things people say to me in online arguments.  I'd love a plain English translation:

    "Nice dog whistle, you jackbooted nazi thug."
    "[[alt-right dogwhistler has entered the chat...]]"
    "Oh hun, that's a nice yt nationalist dog whistle, but bless your heart I'm going to have to tell you to f**&^ off."

    I'm doing things like asking someone to give me the definition of a woman, or arguing in favor of capitalism/against socialism or communism, or questioning/criticizing gender-affirming care surgical options for youth.

    I mean, I don't think I'm a jackbooted alt-right nazi white nationalist, but I get comments like this directed at me at least weekly.  The recurring invitations to go drink bleach and d*e in a hole I can understand.  But there's some nuance here I'm missing.

    I'm not sure that those that used it in the examples you gave actually know what it means or use it correctly.

    Dog whistler is basically someone trying to frame their words to garner support from one side by not offending the other side.

    Kind of like how only a dog can hear the high pitch of a dog whistle.

  23. Loose House Cats

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    4 hours ago, scottyg said:

    Believe it or not I knew a man who had a pet skunk. His house didn't smell bad since skunks only spray in self-defense...but I wouldn't take that risk.

    I don't blame you one bit on that one. But out of curiosity, did they name it Sylvester due to the coloring?  :)   

     

  25. Loose House Cats

    in General Discussion

    Posted

    2 minutes ago, LDSGator said:

    I know the UK has a dangerous dogs act, where they ban certain breeds. Do you guys down under have that?

    I know many apartment complexes won't rent to you if you have certain breeds of dogs.  I haven't heard if there is an out and out ban of any certain breed.