Backroads

How does Satan's deception work into the exact date of the birth of Christ? I think Satan's deception would come in when overreacting and basing a testimony on an exact date!

That old? Wow! Welcome!

Good friend just returned from serving in Australia... different mission though.

That's a fair thing to say. You can't get by on the church alone without having your own thoughts and experiences. Thanks for sharing.

May I ask where you served?

I love your positivity. Welcome!

Official greeting to Kurt. Eh, some religion sites really bug me. SOme are great, but you always seem to have those people who are so closed-minded.

Welcome! Late as we've already conversed, but I'll make it official. Love comparing faiths.

EMT! Thanks for doing that!

Aloha!

Now I can see where he might not want you to rush into anything for him, but if you want to have the discussions, have the discussions! The worst case scenario would be it doesn't interest you, and it seems that you two plan on being hitched regardless! Welcome!

Greetings! You seem very nice!

I hope the place proves informative!

Welcome. I'm engaged to a military man.

WHat's your favorite flavor of ice cream?

It doesn't hurt to check things out! It can at least give you some perspective with what you want to do. I have yet to see the movie of the "The Last Mimzy" but I adore the short story.

Welcome! It's amazing out useful it is just to be around people who will encourage you.

I like your stuff! Welcome!

I guess I don't see what you're saying here. I'm getting the impression you're saying you don't believe anymore because all these bad things are happening to you. If that's correct, I have to be honest: It's a little silly. You either believe something or you don't. Whether or not something is real has nothing to do with emotional states or reactions of others or yourself. You can't just believe in something when it's convenient or feels good. If you just don't believe anymore, there's nothing any of us here can really do. If you're having doubts and difficulties because of these negative things in your life, then I think a lot of good advice has been given.

I do believe in ghosts. From an LDS doctrinal standpoint, I'm not really sure how it works. Heck, I'm not sure how it works at all, but I do believe in ghosts. From my perspective only... ~I think the Spirit World is very close to this one. ~I think spirits can cross over to this world. ~I think there are spirits, good and bad, who for whatever reason can be part of our world. ~I think emotions can be imprinted onto places, as in how quartz crystal absorbs energies. ~When I die, I fully intend to ask permission to go haunt places.

My advice: hang in there a little longer. I actually joined this forum because I was going through something similar. The forums were not major in helping me get on the right track again, but it was inspirational and did help me in the right direction. I had to do some serious prayer and pondering, and I advise you to do that. Don't end all of it just because of a hard time. Don't "Well, today I don't feel like I have a testimony so I'll walk out of the church forever". Hang in there, take some time to really think about what you believe, and who knows what will happen? I think a little doubt and trials are good for spiritual growth. Here's a story from a friend of mine. She was the only LDS person in her family and circle of friends. She did get some crap from it, but when she talked about just forgetting all of it, these very people that weren't happy with her beliefs asked her if she really cared more about their opinions than her own. They might not have liked Mormonism, and they shouldn't have been telling her what they did, but when it came right down to it they did respect her choice. Do what slamjet suggested. Do the things you are supposed to be doing. Fake it until you make it. Use this time to really consider what you believe and feel. Best of luck to you.

I don't know if I really react. It's as good a belief and date as any. To me, however, the scripture is rather unclear that is was Christ's exact birthdate. I want to know if they had personal revelation themselves that the scripture meant precisely that.

ALl right, but I'm still not seeing where they actual revelation is, just that they are referencing one.

Well-said. I think there are a lot of things we believe without official revelation that God is up there shaking His head and laughing over. I think when all is known, we will be surprised at some things and have other things where I get to say "I was right! Hah!" There are times when prophets speak by the power of God. There are plenty of other times where they are just searching and pondering and thinking and studying and coming up with ideas and theories. I do not have a testimony of random prophet musings. I do not have a testimony of various church books. I do not have a testimony of church history, even. I have a testimony that God exists, the Book of Mormon is true, and that prophets speak today.

I agree; when was that said? If he's referring to Joseph Smith's piece, that has been discussed in the subject article here.