Suzie

Also, on the topic of members here who claim that they have seen Christ. I don't want to sound bad, I mean if it's true it's great, I'm very happy for them. A dream come true, truly! However, I just find it odd that someone with such sacred experience would share it in a public internet forum. I understand sharing it with close relatives but complete strangers? I'm a bit weary.

Umm...and how do you exactly want me to do that? Not sure what you mean. If the average member doesn't know this for a fact because it hasn't never been share, please tell us how do you know this and who said it. I am very interested in the topic because of the modern Apostles I never read anyone claiming who have seen Christ face to face. Witnessed the Savior in what way? Dream? Vision? You know Apostles are called SPECIAL witnesses of Christ and in my view they have to see Christ face to face (doesn't mean that's the case) as well as receive revelation in a different way than just a feeling like the regular member does. I recall reading Elder Packer I believe who said that Apostles receive revelation in the same way than the average member. Truly, I don't get it.

Just curious do you have an statement or know for a fact that the Brethren have seen Christ face to face to know how he looks like?

Not sure if ironic but extremely surprising to me.

It's basically a group of people whose job is to maintain consistency in Church doctrine found in books, magazines, etc. Basically, everything is approved first by the Church Correlation Department.

Well if he has a beard and long hair as many pictures portrait him then he won't be able to pass the sacrament in my ward.

Wow after that pharisaic statement....I forgot for a minute that those of us who pay "tithing" are automatically considered religious and of course we're assured a little place in Heaven, too no?

Sorry I am a little confused, are you asking who decided the standard questions for a temple recommend? Basically how it started?

It wasn't an advice, it was an statement (opinion).

This is how I see it. There is no way to know how Christ looks like unless we have seen him (and if we did, I am not sure if we would be saying it so casually to everyone). Del Parson's painting is just HIS interpretation, an artist interpretation. No more, no less.

I attend a ward where the Bishop speaks every single Sunday (no, I am not exaggerating) in sacrament meeting (and goes over time, possibly 15-20 minutes over) and I see a dramatic decrease in attendance. I think members love him and he loves us but even too much love can kill.

Being chastise for that? Wow. This is one of those things to me where we focus on things we shouldn't when there are bigger and more important issues to deal with in each one of our wards.

Wow, things have truly changed with regards to political talks in Church meetings since 1966

Yes I agree. I think is important to ponder about these statements. However, it is clear that the present Church does not tell people how to vote or what political affiliation to have and we don't go around excommunicating people whose political ideology may not match with the one that the Church has taught in the past.

You mean particularly about political issues or generally speaking? (all the words of the prophets of a few decades ago) because if that's what you mean, we are in hot water.

Like I said before, personally I do not support Socialism. But I DO know people who does so really, the quoting part is kind of irrelevant in this particular situation. One, because I believe each one of us have the freedom to choose our political affiliation (regardless of the opinion of our GA) and I am grateful the present church does not get involve in these matters anymore.

Just to clarify eh, let's not generalize and say LDS folks don't believe in Socialism/Communism. Just like there are lots of Democrats and LDS, there are many LDS folks who believe in Socialism.

Really? I never read anything like that before. Link?

I take it like an interesting "story". Nothing more.

I would say yes and no. For many members, everything the Prophet says is doctrine and cannot lead us astray. For other members, the Prophet can share both opinion and doctrine and they think that if he cannot lead us astray then why when he receives a revelation he then must presented to the Quorum of the Twelve who anonymously must accept it in order to be considered doctrine and binding upon the Church. Make your pick.

I don't agree with socialism, however to each it's own. I think our political views shouldn't be mixed with religion and if some folks believe in socialism, good for them! I just don't want my religion to influence what political stand I should have.

My bet is that Big Mike is out tonight.

Sorry, I don't understand what you mean exactly. Do you mind to expand? :)

I don't think we should have low expectations for the people we serve with in the Church but I think we should take the time to get to know them AND their circumstances before start asking them things that maybe are beyond their situation.

Wow. I just wanted to say that this is not a competition for me but I just wanted to make the point (and hoped others could see it by giving an example) that general authorities are humans just like us (no better or worst but people having challenges and trying their best like most of us) and that not everything said in GC by them is necessarily doctrinal. They DO share their opinion and that's okay. Also I can understand why people who aren't members think sometimes we're a cult because unfortunately, we assume that just because someone happens to be a GA, suddenly everything they said is inspired and again, that's not necessarily the case. It worries me when I read that people have complete "faith" in the Brethren. That's huge. There is only ONE person we should have complete "Faith" on and who will never disappoint because he IS perfect and that's the Lord. I just wanted to say that and I will leave this thread alone since the purpose is not to cause contention. Peace.