reflexzero

I was under the impression that the highest degree of exhaltation was reserved for those who fulfilled the blessing of Abraham as indicated in D&C 132 with plural marriage. "The only men who become Gods, even the Sons of God, are those who enter into polygamy. Others attain unto a glory and may even be permitted to come into the presence of the Father and the Son; but they cannot reign as kings in glory, because they had blessings offered unto them, and they refused to accept them." - The Prophet Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol 11, p. 269 The practice of plural marriage may have been taken out of play, but the doctrine has not been altered as far as I can tell.

Auto-pen machine has been used since the 70's. Computers aid the rest of the process. See General Conference, April 2010, and Church news June 2, 1979.

Of course you realize that the cross is a symbol. The device that would have actually been used at the time would have been either a Y shape or an upper case T. Over the centuries the symbol evolved into the shape recognized today, as there was a more sturdy place to hang the sign at the top of a lower case t shaped cross, rather than just a small stick that might have been used at the time of the crucifixion. Now, the symbol, rather than the actual device, is what Christ carries and hangs upon in depictions. So, it's not a diagram of the device of crucifixion, just a generational tradition that associates the two things. As a symbol of those who believe in Christ, it seems appropriate, and is instantly recognizable. Personally, I don't mind them. I am not fond of the crucifix statues however, I find them unsettling. Maybe that is the way it should be.

We still have agency, and God says no all the time. If I am to be like him, I should say no too. Some leaders feel that agency is something that we should just talk about, but not actually exercise. If someone feels that the calling is not for them, that it is not something they could fulfill, then they should be able to refuse without being hounded or pressured by the leader who extended the call, especially if it is a bonehead call. Hugh B. Brown said that we should resist all demands for unthinking conformity. I sustain that.

Well, kind of a moot issue, as immortal spirits cannot be killed, there probably wasn't conflict in the romantic way we like to think about it.

The perception of what is beautiful or attractive is highly centered on the culture we live in. I highly doubt standards of beauty in the next life will be based on Elle magazine. Personally I just want to not have to worry about wearing glasses anymore. And maybe not suffering the ill effects of consuming baked beans.

the Tea classified under 'hot drinks' refers to products of the camellia sinensis plant, such as green tea, black, tea, white tea, etc. Some concoction made of orange rind and lime leaves is only called tea because there isn't another word for it. The difference is camellia sinensis derivatives are not permitted by the WOW. It is never explained what is in Tea that Heavenly Father finds offensive, although a lot of people assume it is caffeine, as that is a convenient justification to their friends. "oh sorry, it has caffeine in it'. That argument doesn't hold water, it's like saying pork was not allowed under the law of Moses because it had bacon in it. Tea is not permitted because it is a commandment of our creator, nothing more, nothing less. Personally, I would stay away from tea products that are consumed.

I attend Church to worship and learn, not for the social requirements. When my work is done, I go home. How much time you spend frolicking and gossiping in the hallways is not a temple recommend question.