ferretrunner

You asking the question allowed for a mature discussion about homosexuality. Thank you for asking the question. Perhaps it helped someone else.

I agree. Marriage should be a religious institution. The legal/ state aspect of it should be separate. Not everyone is religious. Let the religious instutitions decide who they will (or won't) marry and have a union offered by the state for those who want the legal status without the religious ceremony. (General): A few months ago, there was a rash of suicides by gay teens and young adults. That song offers encouragement to keep going- that if you're gay, you're ok. You're not something nasty, sinful, awful, horrible. The aong offers encouragement that you're just a normal human being like everyone else. Everyone is different in some way. Same sex attraction isn't a "choice." You can also see same sex attraction in the animal kingdom, besides humans. There does seem to be some sort of biological connection. However, people can choose how to act. From the religious perspective, they could choose not to act on their same sex attraction. This is hard and basically cuts people off from having relationships. Many people with same sex attraction choose to marry traditionally anyway. Unfortunately, they are living a lie. Often they are unhappy and the relationship is strained. Many end in divorce. Therapy to help someone turn from being gay is controversial. There is no evidence it is effective. Perhaps, if the person is bisexual, he/she can focus the attraction only on opposite sex pairing. But, for the people who are homosexual, there's no evidence the therapy is effective. There are some ancedotal reports of it working. But, it's not evidence based practice.

Would a recording of a blessing be possible if the recipient is blind? I suppose it could be transcribed into braille. But, there needs to be a machine to do that. Just curious.

I would hope the teacher asked the student prior to giving the example if that was ok with his beliefs/ comfort level. I don't see a problem with it at a basic level. No one is forced to believe or participate beyond observing. If I were teaching a lesson on Islam, I might have someone explain the motions, the purpose of the rug, etc. I might also ask him to demonstrate the Call to Prayer (if appropriate) or bring a recording and explain it. I would love to see a world religions class taught in schools. Nothing in the way of trying to convert people but rather help people understand others better.

I don't see a conflict between evolution and creationism. Is the creation story meant to be taken literally or is it an allegorgical story to teach the lesson "God created this...." How? Perhaps God guided evolution to its outcome. There is scientific evidence that evolution does happen. As for reading material: IMO, it matters what the reader is looking for. If he/she is looking for information about religion/ church, then anti is not where to look. If the person wants to know something of what the "other side" thinks, then reading their literature might be a good way. Personally, I don't ccare much for anti literature. It tends to be distort things.

If he feels it is spiritually holding him back, then serving a mission will be more difficult with that hanging over his head. It's not so much about "go and sin no more" but the completion of the repentance process, including healing how he views himself. It's part of a growth process. The bishop can help provide some guidance and reassurance.

This is an uplifting thread for me. I have lost many of my "furkids" over the years. I always thought they would be in heaven as well. After all, they are part of the creation. And have been a valuable part of so many lives... I couldn't see a heaven without animals of all kinds.

K reative, I understand how you feel. I have a tattoo, am an older single, not what you'd call "Molly Mormon," serve in the military, am a convert, often feel out of place at RS. I think where some of your struggle lies is in reaching out. Try talking to one person at insitute and/or RS. Sometimes ppl don't think to say hi but will respond to someone else. Don't sweat not knowing everything- this is a learning/ growing process. You'll learn more about the CHurch by watching, asking questions, participating. People do care- they just may not know you need an extended hand. Hang in there

Your Pokéname is: Hypnochu Profile You live in the blazing deserts of Hawaii, and your diet consists mostly of daisies, fruits and coffee. Characteristics (Combat and Non-combat) You can breathe broken glass. You have mafia connections. You can shoot slime. You can spit ice bolts. You can throw 8-track tapes. You can resist tahini. You can breathe hot death. You have a fear of Dr. Pepper. You can resist force bolts. Natural Enemies Your natural enemy is Bertwhirl. Hey, so far I'm the only Mafia connected pokemon. I rule!

Go to church and Temple by yourself. It may be hard and you'll probably feel like a piece is missing. You'll still feed your soul without the stress of the arguments. When you get back from church, politely and enthusiastically share what you learned with him. Try to bring him in discussion with you. If he doesn't want to, respect that. You can't force someone to be a good priesthood holder and/or attend church. He has to decide that on his own. Pray for him. I know this must be hard. I watched my parents go through something similar. Fighting won't resolve it. Maybe, if he's willing, talking to a counselor might help. Good luck.

How is the blessing recorded?

Yes, there is. But, the concept remains the same. It's legislating morality. What about non-believers? Do they have a responsibility for others in the community as well?

Ok, given that position... abortion should remain legal. As it is viewed as a morality issue by the majority of the pro-choice group. I think sometimes we have to legislate morality. There are people with no conscience or weak self-control. Is murder a moral issue? Theft? Drug use? Where do we draw the line between morality and the safety and well-being of the public? Why should the United States have some of the worst health care availability in the developed world? We have great resources, only people can't pay for them. Is it ok to let someone die of cancer or go bankrupt because they don't have health care? What are our responsiblities?

The VA system is understaffed. ANd we're making new veterans every day. I work at a rural VA facility. It's small. We can take care of routine appointments. But, every day our doctors are booked fully, often double booked. We have problems getting anyone in for anything other than their regular physicals and routine check backs. We used to have an urgent care service. Funding.... gone. It's frustrating for both staff and veterans. We also have no hospital. Same day, simple surgeries only. No ortho. If you need a prosthetic limb,you travel. We have to send these vets to other VA facilities- that are also overcrowded. Because some bean counter decided that we weren't serving "enough" veterans for it to be cost effective. And having them wait 2-3 months and pay for travel and hotel IS cost effective??? I really don't think the gvt is saving any money by closing our hospital and paying contract services for ER and hospitalization when our vets need more advanced medical care. GRRR. Sorry, thread hijack.

Well, I haven't been to the Temple yet. But, I am soooo thankful I DON'T have to sew my own undergarments like they used to before they were commercially available. I shudder to think what would happen... you think a sleeve sewn to a stomach is bad, just wait until you see my TRY to make undergarments. I'd probably end up with three leg holes and no place for the waist. LOL

How do things like teachings by the General Authorites during Conference fit in? I was told once that their writings are considered like scripture- divinely inspired. This always confused me.

I rather like the concept of Lent. It's a time of prayer and reflection leading up to Good Friday and Easter. It can be a very spiritual time.

Rachelle, I'm somewhat a religious mutt, too. I have found the knowledge and understanding I have received very helpful in my life. Original topic: Wicca/ Neo-Pagan: They celebrate balance in life, have a goddess and a god (or goddesses and gods), are very nature focused, tend to accept others' beliefs.

Maya, Good post. I am not against healthcare reform but I don't like President Obama's plan. There are too many compromises that, in the long run, will harm the quality of healthcare in the US. Personally, I think a sliding fee scale for insurance is more practical. But, let's administer it on the state level, not national. The larger the beauracray (however that's spelled), the more complicated it is to receive care. They also dropped the public option. Part of the plan right now would require everyone to carry (and pay) for health coverage. Some of our lower income workers would be harmed by this decision. One consideration is taxing our "deluxe" insurance. It would cost workers whose employers pay part of their premium money in taxes. I am also concerned that many employers would drop health care from their benefits altogether, thus leaving more expenses on the backs of the workers. I think part of the outcry also reflects American pyschology- some good, some bad. America is more individualistic than many other nations. Unfortunately, this often goes the way of selfishness. "Me, then family, then maybe community- but only if I don't have to pay more in taxes." The individualism is also what encourages us to strive. We're brought up to believe "work hard enough, you'll succeed." THat's not necessarily the truth, because in reality, everyone is not made equally. Some have more talents and more opportunities than others. And some people's skills lay in more manual labor- needed, but not high paying. So, if you need financial support- or government health care- you're not "working hard enough." Or so goes the logic. I agree there needs to be some sort of reform in healthcare. But, I don't agree with how President Obama is going about it.

The British Cadbury's is the best! I hope they still produce with that recipe. Whenever I hit the PX, I always stock up on Ritters and Cadbury's. ANyone ever try the Aero Bar? It's a British chocolate with a whipped, airy center. It's milk chocolate and a bit sweeter than some of the other British chocolates. There's nothing like it in the US. Good stuff!

idk. I think she should have to turn in her Woman's Union Card. I mean, a woman who doesn't like chocoloate?! Shocking!

Four Square- They have great Praise and Worship music and very energetic services. I miss worshiping through joyous, modern, upbeat music. One thing I miss when attending Sacrament Meeting is some of the upbeat music. I understand and respect that our more tradition hymns are chosen to show respect and reverence. Baptist- They do great fellowship. They know the Bible and are very concerned about having a good relationship with Jesus. Lutheran (ELCA)- Encourage questioning and growing in your faith. Catholic- reverence the Sacrament.

For me, it comes down to seeing how the Church is already helping to make my life better- bring me closer to Heavenly Father. I also agree with most of the teachings, although I still struggle and have questions about some of them. Yes, I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith. But, even before I did, I saw myself growing in the Church. Does your faith (or religion) encourage and assist you to be a better human being? Does it bring you closer to God? Can you see the good in others? I think those are questions to ponder.

Great... let's get Utah, Oregon, Idaho, and Washington together and all recede. :-) The Civil War II, the Sequel. Seriously, local currencies can boost the local economy, depending on how many of the retailers will accept it. And what the process is for changing it back into US dollars for non-local bills. I rather doubt US Bank would accept local currency to pay your mortgage, for example.

According to the DSM-IV, a rapid cycle in bipolar disorder is more than 4 identifiable mood shifts in 12 months. Very rarely, the mood shifts can be more frequent. But, when you're talking daily or more frequently, most likely it's a mixed mood. There is no formal diagnosis of "ultra rapid cycling" in the DSM IV. Perhaps this designation is one of the ones that will be added in the DSM V. Rapid cycling occurs more frequently in individuals who had their first break younger, teens or early 20s. It also occurs in the population who have more severe symptoms. Ironically, the vast majority of the "rapid cycling" (daily or weekly) patients I've seen also tested positive for meth, heroin, or some other illegal mood altering substance. I am certainly NOT saying that Wolfboy is using and in no way mean to imply that he is. However, the roommate is using. Given the information at hand, I'd be rather surprised if he is one of the roughly 1% of the population who is a rapid cycler. Perhaps my experience has led me to be a bit jaded. But, as Wolf pointed out, it's hard to say. Either way, the man has significant issues.