Tyler90AZ

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Everything posted by Tyler90AZ

  1. You didn't answer my question. We're smarter than the average primate, yes. The size of the intellectual gap is atypical, yes. But that doesn't change the fact our bodies perform the same basic functions as other mammals (I'm not just talking about primates here). We eat, we sleep, we breathe, we reproduce. And eventually we die. This same cycle exists throughout the animal kingdom. So I'll ask again, how does our intelligence alone make us immune from the biological process of evolution that shapes the natural world? Intelligence that is undoubtedly greater then any other animal proves that we were created for a greater purpose. It doesn't change the argument that we have the same basic functions as mammals. We are more intelligent then all animals even ones from the Great Ape family. God created us after his own image! The fossil record suggests otherwise "Despite the bright promise that paleontology provides a means of "seeing" evolution, it has presented some nasty difficulties for evolutionists, the most notorious of which is the presence of "gaps" in the fossil record. Evolution requires intermediate forms between species and paleontology does not provide them… " David B. Kitts PHD Zoology Can I get links for your fossil evidence, so I can research it? Evolution hasn't been debunked. As I said, it's actually been validated by new scientific discoveries that were far beyond Darwin's time. Some of the evidence and the exact conclusions that can be drawn from it is up for debate. Natural selection is as well, as I mentioned earlier. But the fact that a species undergoes changes through the passing of generations is virtually indisputable. I never said evolution has been debunked; I was merely stating other theories that have been proven wrong. My point was that the evolution religion isn't 100% right. It is not a fact; it takes faith to follow. I agree species do make changes, but my point is that humans are not from the Great Ape family. They were created in Gods image! You really like that intelligence argument, don't you? I love the intelligence argument. Look at all animal families and they have the same intelligence level. Even the Great Ape family has the same intelligence level. The only exception is humans. Which leads me to believe that humans are not part of the Great Ape family. You're missing the point. I'm saying that the ecosystem itself can adjust to changes. If a specific species can't adapt, it goes extinct. It's called "survival of the fittest". Evolution is the reason why organisms fit into their respective environments so well. I was waiting for you to say that, because this argument could be used either way. I just feel like intelligent design is the logical argument. The universe and earth in particular is just to complex. Many parts work together simultaneously. That is putting faith aside.
  2. What makes humans so special? We have the same basic biological structure as any other mammal and carry out the same biological functions, so why would we be immune to evolutionary processes while others aren't? The point is that humans are much smarter then any animal from the great ape family. If you look at any other animals from the same family they have the same intelligence level. Since animal families have the same intelligence level that is a pattern with evolution. Humans don't fit into that pattern. They are superior to all animals from Great Ape family as far as overall intelligence. Because that's our only real survival trait. Gorillas and chimps are physically built for jungle life, so a superior intellect isn't necessary. We, on the other hand, have only our intelligence to keep us from becoming extinct. We possess no other physical traits that could benefit us in a natural ecosystem (like a jungle). That is another reason humans don't fit into the Great Ape family. One of the big drawbacks of our advanced intellect and level of consciousness is the unfounded sense of importance that it's given us. We think that the laws of nature (like evolution and mortality) don't apply to us because we're smarter than the rest of the animal kingdom. In a sense, intelligence has made us cocky. I agree we are smarter then any animal from the Great Ape family. Science is built on and around theories. Could evolution be considered a law of nature like gravity? Sure. There's more than enough genetic and fossil evidence to justify that. I'm not sure why it hasn't happened yet, but I try not to get myself wrapped up in semantics. The fact that evolution is a mere "theory" doesn't take anything away from its importance in the study of biology (and medicine, and anthropology, and paleontology, etc). I agree with what MarginofError said below. I was simply pointing out other theories that have been debunked. Like I stated I understand what a scientific theory is. Evolutionary theory has been around for over 150 years and has been strengthened in ways that Darwin could never have begun to imagine by advances in genetics, molecular biology, and fossil discoveries. There's still a lot about evolution that's very theoretical (for example, some scientists are starting to put less emphasis on natural selection as a driving factor), but the fact that organisms do, in fact, evolve over time has been observed to death in both fossil records and biology labs. I agree animals do evolve, but my argument is that God created man in his image. You can see that humans don't fit into the Great Ape family like others in that family. Look at other animals from the same families and they have a similar intelligence level. Not really. An ecosystem could be drastically changed by the removal or introduction of a species, but that's not the same as being "messed up". Nature has an astonishing talent for adapting to change, and evolution is the driving force behind that adaptive ability. Some animals and plants can be adapted to certain ecosystems but some can not.
  3. I watched some of the assembly(conference) and Gill isn't that great of an orator. The thing that makes everybody who talks at our conferences so great is the spirit. This religion is obviously a copy and paste version of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The only difference is we have Heavenly Father. We need to pray for all members of that church.
  4. I completely agree with evolution for all animals except humans. I don’t find it hard to believe that a creator would want animals to adapt in order to survive. Where evolutionists and I start going different directions is when humans are involved. I do not believe that humans have the same ancestors as apes. Question to ask yourself if you believe humans have the same ancestors as apes: Why are humans so much smarter than any other animal from the Great Ape family? If you look at other animals with the same ancestors they have the same intelligence level. The second question you need to ask yourself is: Why is evolution only a theory and not a law? I understand what a scientific theory is, but the fact remains evolution is not a law. There have been many scientific theories that have been proven wrong, to name a few the Expanding Earth theories, Blank Slate theory and Einstein’s Static Universe theory. Dr. Menton says about evolution, “evolution is not observable, repeatable, or refutable and thus does not qualify as either a scientific fact or theory. Evolution must be accepted with faith by its believers, many of whom deny the existence, or at least the power, of the Creator.” The reason for this post is that my Environmental Biology Professor is an evolutionist and is trying to convert me harder than any religious person to her beliefs. The same argument that evolutionists use against religious people I can use against them. The Theory of Evolution has holes just like the Creation Theory. The only difference is that Creation makes more sense to me. The fact that animals and plants fit perfectly into their environment is amazing. If you move one animal or plant away from its original habitat it could potentially mess up the whole ecosystem. Also humans can move anywhere and thrive because they are leaps and bounds smarter than any animal. That is one of the many things that point to intelligent design. I also have a spiritual testimony of God which is far more valuable than an intellectual testimony.
  5. You have come to the right place! Welcome aboard!:)
  6. Bottom line President Obama gets done what he says in the State of the Union. Maybe this is better for some "get-r-done." Obama State of the Union 2011 - CNNMoney.com
  7. I take calcium supplements. It is the easy way.. Maybe not the best though, but if you need it.:)
  8. “That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world” What is meant by the weak and simple? Humble?
  9. Luckily circumstances do not determine destiny. "Decisions determine destiny" Thomas S. Monson. We need to rise above our circumstances. Look at the birth of Jesus. The Savior of the world was born in a manger. You need to set goals for the future. Then go out and put your whole heart into achieving those goals. Never ceasing till they are accomplished.When you achieve the goals you set it will be a great day. You will look back on your circumstances and be thankful. For your circumstances are what shape you. That's how I look at it anyways. God Bless!
  10. Thank you for the clarification! I am glad I am still a Leo and yes it is just for fun.
  11. Sorry to pull up an old thread. I was doing some research on the atonement and stumbled across this. The Cleon Skousen talk was great! I also want to touch on the Planck comment. The Planck comment holds no bar with me for this reason. Mortality is a Planck in eternity, but within that Planck we make multiple decisions. With the decisions we make in mortality Heavenly Father can get a good gauge of who we are. Now I will touch on the analogy with your kids. Yes, a second in mortality is much longer then mortality in eternity. The problem though is the decisions made within those two time frames. Within a second you make one decision. Within mortality you make many decisions. Any thoughts on this would be interesting to hear or counter arguments.
  12. Thank you for all your advice it helped me so much!
  13. I believe everybody is inherently born good and by good I mean follows our cultural beliefs what is good and evil or right and wrong. Everybody is born good with a natural inclination to do what is right. Though what shapes good and evil or right and wrong is our culture. So everybody is born good, but what is good is different to all. For instance around the world other people do things we see as taboo. Are they evil for it? I don't think so if we were put in that same situation we would be the same way. As far as most people being good I actually agree with what your saying. We are all sinners, but when I say good I mean a productive member of society, not a criminal. Sorry for the bad word choice because they really aren't good in your sense because they are anti Christs. I believe what makes them want to be good(my definition) is what Intrigued said."Atheists have goals, loved ones, careers, highs and lows, etc." To say these people are evil is not true they just don't understand the light.
  14. Everybody has a different set of morals and how far they will push them. The way you feel about doing something right is different then what somebody else would feel. For the general population yes you are correct, but not everybody feels that. Some people will just be happy they got the job. Atheists "live their life like it matters" because they know it is their only one so they do as much as they can in their life. The reason they keep going is because no one wants to die(sane people). As LDS we know there will be an after life so we accept death with a smile, but no one wants to die. Most people even Atheists are good people who want to live a good life. Good and evil is subjective though based on the culture you were raised in. To most it is subjective but we know what good and evil really is as LDS.
  15. The mere existence of good and evil does not mean there is a higher power it is created and etched into our mind from birth so it is cultural. If you are a Atheist or Deist you have your own opinion of good and evil, but societal norms would dictate what morals you have to live by.
  16. I am on the fence I think kids need to get in shape and not be fat. I agree this program would definitely help initiate a new trend in eating habits. The only part I don't like is that America is the land of the free and that program is taking away freedom from the people.
  17. Since nobody has answered some of your questions I will explain why we practiced polygamy for awhile. There is polygamy all throughout the bible namely Abraham and Jacob so if you believe the bible to be true then you must understand that g-d gives polygamy and takes it away. It is not like a gift given it is done for righteous reasons when Joseph Smith was first given the doctrine of plural marriage many saints didn't even want to abide by it. A time when g-d didn't authorize polygamy is in the Book Of Mormon so you can find times scattered throughout all the scriptures where it was authorized and wasn't. So if you accept the Bible then you must accept that g-d does authorize polygamy at certain times for righteous reasons. As far as LDS being the new kid on the block when a church is established should have no baring on the truth of it. The way this church is expanding is magnificent do you think g-d would let a false church rise like this? Godhead is three separate beings all with one purpose to save and exalt us. Matthew 3 16-17 clearly show that they are separate beings. We only know a little bit about g-d's plan for us there is more that we don't know then we do know. Researching information will not show you the truth of the gospel the holy spirit will do that to enable him to do that you need to open your heart, pray diligently, read the Book Of Mormon and attend church. You will feel the holy ghost and you will be so happy a joy that's incomprehensible I assure you of that.
  18. Enjoy! If you believe the Book Of Mormon which is hard to deny you have to accept all of it.
  19. As a convert to the church I had many of the same questions that you have. I am sure they will all be answered better by other people then me so I will leave it at that. As far as the Book Of Mormon goes I suggest you watch Safety For The Soul a talk by Jeffrey R. Holland the holy spirit touched me deeply when I watched that and when he said "no bad man could write such a book and no good man could write it unless it be true". That is when I really started having faith that LDS is the true church and just like it states many times in Alma that once you gain a testimony you will be given things to strengthen it. God will assuredly reach out his hand to you that is a promise that is given in the Book Of Mormon and I can testify to that. I suggest you pick up the Book Of Mormon and read chapters 2-6 of Mosiah the message is so strong I am sure you will feel the spirit. I testify to you that the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints is the true restored church of Jesus Christ. That Joseph Smith did discover the Book Of Mormon as a BOY that Thomas S Monson is a true and living prophet that will guide you in the right direction that Jesus Christ is our savior. I promise you if you read the Book Of Mormon with a open heart you will see that is another testament of Jesus Christ
  20. I'm glad there is still good people in this world! Tyler