todd520

Wow, that was very well done. I imagine she went back to each location and took a similar shot, just to get the lighting and body position correct.

Yes, it can feel right and good to support gay marriage, especially outside a religous context. The Catholics who support it do so with the best of intentions. I see two problems - historically, people have hated the sinner. Catholics are right to acknowledge the injustice of this hate, but may be confused in their response - many Catholics no longer see the same sex act, or sex outside of marriage as a sin. This is where they depart from the Vatican and LDS postion As an ex-catholic I would say the LDS put significant effort into educating the flock on their beliefs and teachings. This will lead to more unity on controversal topics such as this

I'm not sure what you mean by "allowed personal stances on social issues?" If Catholics don't believe the teachings of their church, then I question if they really understand those teachings. With a weak understanding of the teachings, it's easy to disagree with them. In LDS we are taught to love the sinner but hate the sin. I'm intrigued that you make a distinct difference between Catholic laity and the Church, saying layity are lead by the spirit and change aocordingly. What is the CAtholic Church led by? I think leadership in both LDS and Catholic churches claim to be guided by the Holy Spirit

lol, can I add my cousin to the list? He calls himself JC and even has a bank account with that name. I guess he figures that if he can cash a check to JC, it makes it authentic

As a recent convert from Catholicism, - take your time - expect a bumpy road with ups and downs (don't give up) - connect with adult LDS as well, for perspective - remember the mishies don't have all the answers and aren't trained in apologetics.

Now I'm confused. Is this your first or second marriage. If this is your first marriage and you did love him for the first year, then you should give the marriage a chance, and seek outside help to work through the issues.

I'm a convert from Catholicism. IMO, the changes are more gradual. If you were investigating then you were already losing attachment to some of your prior beliefs. I only found a few things that flipped like a light while others were more gradual and in some cases, deeper study actually showed me that LDS beliefs were shared with Catholics, like the teaching "man might become God"

Yea my language was not clear. In my experience I've found investigators frequently leave after the first hour, thus missing bible study

I thought the above advice was excellent. I know of couples where only one was a member. In one case, the husband did not convert until after 20 yrs of marriage. BUT he was very supportive of her church activities and also performed service work. I suggest you take a similar attitute and support his faith, but don't feel rushed to convert.

There is a very big difference between these two terms to be in-love with someone is about how they make you feel 'gaga' and it is wonderfully selfish (when it works) and horribly painful when it doesn't. In either case it's really about your feelings and not the other person. Passion is a great way to start a relationship but it never lasts. to love someone. Love here is a verb, it's something you actively do to someone else. When you verb love your spouse or children, it's a selfless act and not about the passion.

The second hour, after the sacraments meeting. I found it presented a great opportunity to meet and question other regular members, beyond the missionaries.

Laurzie, I suggest your husband schedule a meeting with the Bishop before he has his formal interview. It presents a great opportunity to discuss this topic as well as others that may be on his mind. I converted less than 1yr ago myself.

Are you certain you met with LDS? You would not be 'lured' from a restaurant and taken to the temple. For the rest of the reply, I will assume you just used the wrong terms. I urge you to consider the following and then speak to the local Bishop about your questions. In no way should you become baptized until you are ready. Since Gay marriage has not been allowed historically, are you asking for it to be made legal? Are you concerned about civil union legalities or full recognition as a married couple?Have you studied the concept of Natural Man? SSM and masturbation fall under this teaching.There is nothing explicitely sinful about drinking tea or coffee. The sin for a mormon is if they made a promise to follow the Words of Wisdom and then broke that promise.Again, please meet with the local Bishop and please attend the weekly bible study after sunday service, to ask your questions of other members.

I am puzzled by your question. Are you being instructed by missionaries or local chuch members? They will be able to help confirm when you are ready and then make arrangments for this very special event.

I'm a new member and can sympathize with your friend. After making the plunge, I keep an open mind and study these 'pot holes' that surface as we deepen our knowledge of our faith. New members really need someone to talk to that they trust, someone who can help them work through something instead of asking for acceptance on blind faith. With some study and contemplation, I 've been able to effectively work through many early roadblocks.

Hi Don, I agree becoming a new member is all about learning. But a serious investigator must be a good student, and good students do their homework in addition to raising their hand in class. I strongly urge you to first spend time on Mormon.org to read up on the fundamentals, where things like tithing and temple ceremonies are covered. You'll ask much better questions here if you start from a position of fundamental knowledge. No forum can't substitute for self study on the fundamentals. Now to your questions: - The OT said 10%, and you do have the choice of giving 0-100%. - Temple answers

As a newbie, I would say LDS has some real issues because of word choice in their faith. When you dig into what the Mormons mean, it doesn't sound so scary. It can turn people away before they get close enough to read the text.

I would think churches have high expecations, at least compared to their achieve levels Some churches have a culture or system in place that drives up the actual achieve levels. I also think this varies a great deal by community or Parish/Stake/etc.

Only been in the chruch for a month, - There is a rush to Baptism which means people that aren't ready are baptized. - New members are often left hanging, as noted by other converts Also, if you were another Christian denomination, you are not shown the differences that may latter be a problem for you. Joinging seems like moving across the street instead of across the country. On international growth, I can only specualte that the sincerity and fellowship provided here are just as attractive, and in short supply, in their country.

Hi Dahlia, I'm an ex-Catholic who was baptized last month I felt the same way about getting all my answers from Missionaries - nice guys but GREEN. As you investigate I suggest attending the second hr Bible study. I was able to connect with other members and have more heartfelt discussions. The Elders can also arrange a meeting with the Bishop when you are ready, I found this helpful. Finally, download some of the programs below and listen to them while you drive Why I Believe Mormon Identity

To get this back on track, I'm an ex Catholic recently Baptized LDS I went to Catholic school but then lapsed for several decades. Since I was a lapsed Catholic and am new to LDS, my theology is weak but growing. I only see similarities between the two faiths and am shocked how some feel we are incompatible.

Just curious but I'm not seeing any conflict here. Doesn't the LDS believe in Genesis 3, which for Adam and Eve, was a really bad day? Then our additional revelation put's the whole incident in perspectvie, that it was a really good thing for us - If they had not done it, we would not be here.

Hi from Washington. I'm new here and to LDS, baptized last month I have alot of learning to do and appreciate a resource like this site. Todd