Gatorman

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Everything posted by Gatorman

  1. I would like to ask a question. Based on my understanding of 'discrimination', it means to treat a group differently than another. So, how are gays and lesbians discriminated when it comes to marriage? Is a heterosexual person allowed to marry another heterosexual person of the same gender? What difference is there? Is a pedophile allowed to marry a minor? Is a person of a faith that allows plural marriage <or non faith> allowed to have multiple spouses? The law has already determined that we can decide what is proper in marriage. We can decide to stop a group from doing what they believe is right, EVEN when it goes against freedom of religion. So, again, how is the G/L community discriminated against when they are under the same restrictions I am? NOW, do I believe that G/Ls should be able to go in and see their partner in the hospital? Yes. But, that is because I believe the marriage restriction there is stupid in itself. Further, do I think 2 people should be able to enter into a civil contract together to allow each other to take care of the other's business and legal matters? Yes, but that has nothing to do with G/L or not. 2 grandma's in retirement in Florida should be able to enter into such an agreement of support for each other. 2 widowed moms should be able to. It has nothing to do with marriage. But, I also believe the government should get out of the marriage business all together and only enter into the business of managing/recording those civil contracts, which 2 people who are getting 'religiously' married would generally enter into as well.
  2. This is true. My understanding of MO law is that they no longer do alimony. Instead, they do 'maintenance' which is intended to be a 'helping hand up' rather than a lifetime gift. Further, it is not normally awarded.
  3. hmmm...Maybe I was in another thread that compared socialism <forced by government charity> vs the united order <free will charity>. Was responding generally, because my response was to the general idea. Plus. it answers the question in the topic too. :)
  4. For me, it became simple. 2 plans were suggested. Their outcomes and goals were the same. There was one simple difference. One allowed choice, the other would force us to reach the goals. That, to me, is one of thedefinition of good vs evil. Choice vs coercion. In a socialist government/society, can we opt out of programs? Can we choose, as an individual, not to take part or fund part of it? In the United Order, can I opt out? So, which follows the Saviors plan and which follows Satan's plan? This is my understanding and my take. YMMV, of course. Only the answers each of us get individually, through our prayers, matters for each of us individually.
  5. "God did it" does not cut it in 'man's' world. But, just becuase it does not work for you does not make it real, or unreal. It simply means you do not accept it. Funny thing about reality, whether you accept it or not, whether you believe it or not, or whether you understand it or not, it is still reality. It just takes more time to find the truth, but, we believe that day will come.
  6. Recreational drugs are those whose PURPOSE is to remove you from a 'normal' connection with reality and the Spirit. They include, but are not absolutely limited to: What in the US we would consider illegal drugs, including marijuana* Drugs not used in the prescribed or intended manner Drugs used when not necessary So, no, Claritin is not. It is a drug used for a condition and as long as you use it as intended, for the purposes it is created, and do not abuse it, then it is fine. True of most anything.
  7. Ahhh...Good to know that in an evolutionary world, some things never change. Now, to the question, the options granted are not sufficient to provide my answer. And, since I can not POSITIVELY say yes, I would tend to utilize the negative answer, resulting in me being labled a denier and other negative conotations, which is the observed behavior of the poster of the question in the past. So, based on study, observation, and learning of the patterns, behaviors, and likely reactions to events of the poster, no answer. So, what is my answer...Though I have stated it before. I believe that evolution, via something similar to intelligent design, is a reasonable explanation for the method that Heavenly Father used to create life and man. However, since scripture is neutral, I also acknowledge the possibility that Heavenly Father's omnipotence would allow him to snap his fingers, wiggle his nose, or simply 'think' us into being. So, I can neither state unequivocably <sp?> that evolution is the answer to the question. I have observed and studied nothing that proves what methodology Heavenly Father deigned to use. Now, to a different point, since our OP is so busy placing 'labels'. Which is greater? The power of Heavenly Father or the power of science? Evidence, based on observation and studying of the writings of the OP, suggest that he believes that science is greater than Heavenly Father. Such a belief would appear dangerous to me, as it remove the omnipotence of Heavnly Father and suggests that he is bound by Science, making science a greater power in our lives. Further, continued observation of the OP indicates that science will trump the word of Heavenly Father, when it does not fit the OPs understanding of the world. Now, while these are all observeable and recorded indications through many posts and over a period of time, all they do is create a THEORY that the OP worships science over Heavenly Father. I will hope Heavenly Father is aware of a truth that the 'science' of observation does not bare out of the OP.
  8. As I understand it, the childs exco does not break the sealing. I believe the promise is that that bound cannot be broken
  9. Hmm...Perhaps, in our exetolling our brethren and sisters to do their X, we could put it thusly... 'Our leaders have asked us to support them and improve our X. So, the ward leadership has put together a plan to achieve it by Y. We need and ask your support, as promised in your commitment to Heavenly Father and in the Temple Recommend interviews. Please help us achieve the goals of our Heavenly Father, as provided by the leadership of the church.'
  10. My take is that a person who truly has faith will do works. Not because the works will accomplish anything, but because they have faith in Christ and his mission to teach <work> and provide comfort <work> and to perform healings/miracles <work>. If works were important for Christ...Well, how can they not be important for us?
  11. <== Bill Gates Plan of Education... I will not ever knock down education that is used for good purposes. When education and intelligence are used to prove someones superiority and greatness and put others down, like so many of the 'elite' out there, it is a waste of money. However, I have no degree, no full college education, and I do quite well. I am able to articulate myself well to people who have a desire to understand, rather than simply pass judgement. So, the answer to your question becomes a ROI question. Can you repay this amount in a short period of time and will it allow you to do something you truly want to do that could not be achieved in other reasonable ways?
  12. Let me ask a variation. Let's say the following: Salary - 3000 per month Post Taxes - 2500 per month Mortgage on Rental Property - 1500 Rent Received - 1000 So...What would you pay in tithing?
  13. But, if he doesn't post it, then he can't prove his point. It does not matter that our own articles of faith suggest that the bible is not translated completely correctly. Since we can factually, scientifically, and according to Snow prove certain problems or mistranslations, then clearly we are intelligent enough to know that those are all the issues there are. Faith has not place in understanding where the bible may have been mistranslated. For me, it is rather simple. If the bible removes me from Christ, tries to color his teachings, or otherwise destroy someones faith, then I believe it is a mistranslation or mistake. Same as if a person attempts to do the same thing, either by attempting to destroy my faith directly or prove themselves superior.
  14. Puts a new 'purpose' to global warming and polar ice cap melting...
  15. I haven't read the WHOLE thread, but, would perhaps a more accurate statement be 'Human Caused Global Warming a Hoax'?
  16. My point was not to get off topic. It was a passing comment on the situation. This thread is not meant to address the direction, whether you consider it good or bad, that this nation has taken since its founding.
  17. I understand what you mean. My point is this, and it does tie to the other thread. How can Heavenly Father 'punish' people? My suggestion is, he doesn't. People receive the promise Heavenly Father has made of the actions and choices they make. So, the 'people' of Egypt allowed a wicked man to rule them. They used and abused the slaves. The 'promise' for such treatment of the people was what they were rewarded with. They asked for such a 'reward' with their choices and actions. And, yes, innocents often suffer because of the choices and actions of 'evil/mean/mistaken/whatever' people. Heavenly Father's promises can not be withheld once he has made them.
  18. So, what is the difference between the witholding of great rewards and the use of just punishments. We use those terms, but, I try to teach my children differently. Our actions/choices of results/outcomes. If we 'choose' to be faithful, the outcome is a great reward. If we choose to be basically good, the outcome is a basic reward, but not as great a reward. If we choose to be evil, then the outcome is a lesser result. Heavely Father rewards us appropriately for our choices. He rewards the faithful with the promises he has given of returning to him, etc. He rewards the wicked with the promises he made to them. They chose those paths and he keeps his promise to them.
  19. I grew up being taught the Trinity. I grew up reciting the Nicean Creed. I grew up with my own testimony of it being hogwash. That is not meant as an attack, this is my own knowledge and faith.
  20. Not a 'religion'. It is a faith. A religion or church, as utilized at the time the founding documents were written, would refer to the Church of Christ, teh Church of England, the Catholic Church, the First Baptist Church of the United States, etc. If I can find one who can answer based on the Constitutional intention of the founding fathers, I would be happy to. :) In fact, MOST atheists do not particularily care. It is the zealot atheists who do. Amazing, that a group who suggest that 'faith' is mistaken, they have a mighty strong group of extremist zealots of their own. :) Okay, what number comes just before infinity? :)
  21. Can someone please tell me what religion celebrates Christmas that would be promoted by stating Merry Christmas, etc? Then, please explain how Seperation of Church and State means seperation of God and State? And, when you are done with those, go ahead and tell me what number to stop on to reach infinity. :) LOL Oh...Wait...Lazy typing. Hmmm... IDK...
  22. Well, I am frustrated that the original poster is gone, but, my question would be, if there is only 1 being 'God', then why the 3 different 'personas'? And, if God can not abide any unclean thing, why can the Holy Spirit reside with us today? Why could Jesus walk among us? If Jesus is God in 'being', then Jesus could never have walked among us, for God can not abide...You get the point.
  23. And, here is a thing to remember. As great and as much better than 'now' as the lowest kingdom is supposed to be, it is still a punishment to be stuck in it versus the greater glories and the presence of our Heavenly Father and our Savior. So, tying this and the judgement thread together, we WILL be punished if we do not practice our faith sufficiently.
  24. Given that we are taught men can move mountains and perform Heavenly Father's acts, then, why can't you be 'Superman'? So, the TOUGH question is, why AREN'T you Superman? And, for the record, neither am I. :)
  25. *says prayers for all, especially Snow. At least in this way, I am not wasting my time.