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Personal opinion is that if the issue isn't addressed explicitly in the interview questions it isn't really grounds to deny or revoke a recommend. I will point out that this is exclusively my opinion though as I have yet to hear anything doctrinally different. As for meeting attendance, as long as he goes often enough to be considered active, I don't think there is much the bishop can do. That said how often is 'active'? Last I heard it was once a month, but I have heard others in the past. Fully my opinion and thought.

1. What is your favorite color? Blue 2. Where were you born? Washington DC 3. Did you serve a mission and if so where? Yes, England Leeds mission 4. Married or single? Single so far. :) 5. What is your favorite food? Cheese and chocolate (not necessarily together but sometimes... 6. What is your favorite movie? So many to choose from. Depends on my mood. LotR 7. Who is your favorite band? Geisha, and similar. Any band that produces awesome soundtracks. 8. Do you have children? Not yet. 9. Who is your favorite author? J.K. Rowling 10. What is your hobby? organizing things for the heck of it. 11. What is your idea of the perfect vacation? Peaceful or reflective? Campout by myself if peaceful, a visit to England if reflective. 12. What is your favorite city? Norman OK. Its my current home town and its relatively small. 13. What is your favorite sports team? Leeds United 14. What kind of car do you drive? A junker. I mean an awesome '94 Toyota Corolla. :) 15. What was the first car you owned? Owned? The one I drive. Drove regularly? A 98 Ford Escort 16. What calling do you hold in church? Ward Missionary. Pretty interesting in the middle of Rexburg ID. 17. If you could travel anywhere in the world that you have not been to before, where would it be? Grand Canyon 18. What is your favorite tv show? House, or Criminal Minds 19. What is your current favorite restaurant? Arctic Circle. Fast food, but hey, its awesome. 20. What event in your life gave you the biggest rush? Almost hitting a stopped car while doing 50 mph trying to pass a car that was on my right. Man that stunk. There you have it. Possibly the best answer to every question up there. :)

The thing is, we all feel the spirit differently from others, and differently in different situations. There is a chapter in Preach My Gospel which discusses the various ways in which we may feel the spirit. Sorry I can't remember which but I think it is chapter 4. So it doesn't really place you in a different position from them/us. We must each individually determine how the spirit communicates to us, and rely on that. For Greek myths, I would say that feeling is a simple thrill (at least it is for me) and that the scriptures have a decidedly different feel when the spirit is witnessing truth. And even then, many of their stories and myths are actually simply skewed representations of truth themselves. Examples are their creation and flood stories. Very skewed, but still representing the truth. The Koran can be considered at least inspired by Christians as it holds largely the same doctrine as the Bible, just from a different part of the world. The only thing that prevents it from being scripture is that as far as most Christians are concerned it holds the same balance as the Book of Mormon, and by itself doesn't consider Christ the Messiah. The only reason that we as LDS don't consider it scripture is that it wasn't given by the type of prophet that holds the keys of the kingdom, but only one that has testimony of truths granted by the spirit, similar to us all. And the Christ not being a Messiah part holds reservation in our hearts as well.

Now now, chocolate doesn't count as an anti-depressant. Anyway, yeah my two bits are that there are great places all over to live, and there are not so great places all over to live. I've been to a few places in Utah and wasn't overly impressed with any of them. Course that may be because I'm Mormon, or it may be because I just don't like major cities. Either way, I agree with the others who have said that SLC has its share of worldy inclinations. Thing is though, where doesn't? Unless you become the wilderness family of course and go live in Alaska all by your lonesome. :)

The presence of the bishop isn't a problem. The only thing they need is to ask the bishop for permission. I speculated with extenuating circumstances in my last post, but if the bishop is available, he must definitely be asked. And there is still a large part of me that agrees with Just a Guy.

I figure that it is similar to church. Whenever the Bishop can't attend, the councilors take over. And if they can't then the next individual down the chain presides. Note that it is presides and not simply conducts. I am slightly moved to think that it works the same way with the sacrament. Whenever the bishop is unable to give approval, I don't see why the next available in the chain couldn't. I don't know if it works the same way for us not being able to attend. Either way, please don't take this as doctrine or supportable. It is simply my 2 cents of speculation. :)

I'm not on trial anymore. The verdict has already been given. I am insane. :) Anyway, the quote reminds me of the book "the book of mormon on trial" In the context of this book, the book of mormon is on trial. For individuals who know nothing about the Book of Mormon, and don't presently believe it, it is on trial to them. It is also in some sense on trial to us, as are the words of every prophet, apostle, and general authority that has ever spoken for us to hear. We must determine by study, practice, and the spirit whether or not it is of God. Wise are the words "by their fruits ye shall know them." These would not have been spoken if we were to believe blindly. However, the opposite is also true. We are on trial. As we learn the gospel and come to a knowledge of various truths, we are on trial to determine whether we will follow or not. I prefer the word probation, however trial works fine to me as well. Anyway, thats my take on it.

FunkyTown: For disturbing the piece by being funky.

I smelled a homeless guy in an elevator because the voices in my head told me to.

All of the individual congregations (I think this is what you mean when you say churches) pretty much operate under the same rules. These are found in For the Strength of Youth. This pamphlet describes commendable attributes of LDS youth (and members for that matter, old and young), including dress standards, media standards, and so forth. The advice/rules established in this publication are largely followed by members everywhere.

Sadly I don't know enough about any of the specifics to comment on where what will happen. Personally I find satisfaction enough in knowing that He will come again, and that I need to prepare myself for this event through striving faithfully to obey His will. Most importantly I must repent as I do things that are not in line with his will. I think that when He comes, if we are to be numbered with the righteous then we will know by the spirit what is happening whether we are caught up in the air or stay right where we are.

I enjoy many styles and types of music, rock included. In general I really only don't like screamo as a genre, and music which is explicit, profane, or depressive in text. For worship itself though, I don't use any types with the exception of hymns, because I don't personally feel an increase of reverence with others. Remember though that these are my own personal convictions or ideas, and don't reflect every members ideas. This ties to bytebears reference to deciding for oneself.

Lostsheep: Arrested for being Baaaahd.

Whether or not He said it would be easy, He never specifically said the words "it will be worth it". But he did say other things that imply this. :) 1. What prophet hasn't had controversy surrounding them? Noah was rejected by all, and yet was still a prophet. We have to accept Joseph period cause if we don't then we don't believe in the restoration and thus negate the need to answer any of the other questions. 2. "Be ye therefore perfect..." Those ordinances are how we do this. Besides, if there is no law, there is no justice. If there is no justice, there is no mercy. If there is no mercy, there is no salvation. Aside from that, we have to do all of that because God said so. 3. Hmmm, though I can't quote any sources, I am of the belief that the masons picked it all up from the temple ordinances as they were back in the day. This particular argument is akin to asking 'why do we need to have faith since this is what the evangelicals preach?' 4. Again, God said so. Thing is though, when it comes down to the eternities, what do we own? Nothing. It already belongs to God. Technically, we aren't giving him anything since it is already his. He just asked for a bit back. 5. There actually is nothing 'so obviously wrong' with the book of mormon. No argument has been presented that hasn't been refuted. Some may argue that there is no physical proof. While I haven't been myself, I have friends who have been to the ruins and seen them, and they are proof. How else do you explain 2000 random distinct stone statues of young men? others may argue such trivial things as the use of the word 'cement.' This is done under the idea that cement was invented by the Romans. What other English word could replace it in an English book? Others may have issues with the doctrine. Honestly the BoM rarely disagrees with the Bible, but actually disagrees with the current teachings of men which happen to disagree with the Bible. I'm out of the argued imperfections, but if there are any more, I would be happy to offer my 2 cents on it. 6. Its about the whole truth. With only part, sure we would be happier than none of it. But if we have it and reject it or don't follow it, then we are less happy than even those who follow what little they have. Thats why they look so happy to us. 7. Organization of the church. Thats how God wants it to be done. Largely though, I think this is more so that any necessary disciplinary measures can be taken. We don't have to go to the Bishop with every little thing, just the big things. 8. They think they are happy with their part. They are deceived. 9. Same reason that the world thought the prophets were wrong in every time there has been a prophet. It makes them uncomfortable that they may be wrong. 10. What derogatory evidence? I have actually never heard of such evidence. 11. See #8 You might ask why he doesn't live it. He should understand why others don't if he doesn't. Not to be judgmental, but that's how I see it. 12. Yes they will. It is part of the gospel. So it is fair. I do agree with Hordak that we must be careful to jump to such conclusions. Personally though, I would be inclined to agree with your assumption that these questions are designed to become justification. It sounds like such an idea as 'I don't think its right to have to do all of this stuff so I won't' is coming along. These questions appear to be a pathway to that statement. But don't give up. If you are always there for him, then maybe he will remember that God is always there too. It may (will) take time though. All the best.

Hmmm, yep I agree with that. As far as the mormon-evangelical relationship goes, I think the biggest problem is that we as members of the church misrepresent ourselves when discussing the issue. We actually literally believe that we can't do anything to save ourselves. Just like them. We really do emphasize faith. Just like them. Sadly, we aren't so great at explaining that we actually act because of our faith and don't believe that our works themselves save us. And I don't actually excuse myself from this slip-up. I tend to present it just like all the other mormons. The problem that evangelicals have is that they don't quantify the active demands of faith in their arguments. If they did we wouldn't disagree so much. But we are all at fault in some way. As for the billboard group, I admit that I simply get tired of arguments that aren't well thought out (though I make plenty :) I admit hypocracy and spelling errors since I can't get this thing to tell me I am spellin hypocracy right. :)). Which is better? Being a slave to God through obedience? Or a slave to Satan through a lack of obedience? I think they should have thought about that. And I think they need an attitude change towards serving God. We get no blessings when we have a bad attitude. As for proving ourselves, I agree thoroughly. When we measure ourselves against man, we stop fearing God and will never gain nour full potential. And as for the video game comment I made, sorry, I was just being snide. :) Actually my whole comment was meant as a crack against the billboard. Honestly I don't really know what to make of the whole weariness thing. I'm neither a woman, nor married so I may never experience what the actual topic of this thread encompasses. Though I do plan on being married some day so maybe I will get somewhere. :)

I agree and have seen them myself (probably wrote one or two :) ), I just can't even remember the topic. For the fig tree scenario, I can definitely agree with the liberties possibly taken, or small mistakes made in recollection or perception. I will definitely keep this thread in mind when I read or write claims which imply apocalyptic corruptions of the Bible. I have rather enjoyed this thread and it has definitely been some good food for thought. Thanks Snow and others

Lostsheep: Sheep was found. It was trespassing on forbidden pastures. And just for the sake of it it was cited for looking too happy too.:)

Sure there is a short blunt billboard answer. Symptom: I am weary Diagnosis: Lack of sleep/too much repetition Solution: Try to take a nap. Ask husband for help. Add more variety to life. I personally enjoy video games. Okay so these don't necessarily go together, I am sure there are other causes of weariness. But obedience to God isn't necessarily the cause and if it is then there may be need for a change in perspective. Look at the missionaries. They wear themselves out going all over the place looking for people to teach and yet they find plenty of joy even in the less successful times. It sounds to me as though the individuals who wrote that billboard haven't really experienced the joy of serving the Lord with hard work.

Hey Snow, I was wondering if you knew of a specific thread that we could look at as an example of your claim. And actually, I am personally interested in this particular subject since I do believe it is important to source claims such as changes to scripture. So even if it is one where I am the culprit, would you happen to have a couple in mind we could look at?

Which leads me to be on my knees asking that we not actually close the thread yet.

You do have a point. I don't think we have actually discussed any concerns with specific textual changes yet in this thread. I would be interested to see some myself. Thats not to say I don't think they exist, I just can't remember what subjects they relate to.

need4peace. Arrested for obtaining peace via the bursting of weather balloons full of laughing gas over the nation.

Interesting. I've never really thought about it before. I am unaware of any doctrine that specifies though it would probably be a question best forwarded to the temple president.

Makes me glad I attend BYUI.

Even things like catastrophic events bring various feelings. Take major WW2 battle sites for example. People always talk about the things they feel in such places. It wouldn't surprise me if Satan and some of his minions take advantage of these things to replace faith with fear and break us down. Thankfully we are blessed with the presence of the authority as it was in the days of Christ and can thus deal with them. Personally I can't think of a time when I was exposed to such things, however I have had conversations with very sincere people about it and so I still figure they happen.