classylady

No, the gospel of Jesus Christ does not crush my spirit. 
Well, I am not sure how to put this than bluntly, President Kimball provides a better understanding of salvation and exaltation. Not only does President Kimball already accept what you call a better understanding of salvation, he provides more knowledge.
1) "and that is simply that Jesus paid for your sins on the cross because you couldn’t do it yourself"
President Kimball, "I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that He was crucified for the sins of the world. He is my friend, my Savior, my Lord, and my God." I am pretty sure the crucified for our sins would also mean "paid for your sins on the cross."
President Kimball, "The purging out of sin would be impossible but for the total repentance of the individual and the kind mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ in his atoning sacrifice. Only by these means can man recover, be healed and washed and purged, and still be eligible for the glories of eternity. On the Savior’s great role in this, Helaman reminded his sons of King Benjamin’s comments:
“… There is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, who shall come, yea, remember that he cometh to redeem the world.” (Hel. 5:9.)
2) "And that is a gift to you, and it is a gift that will transform your soul and make you want to follow Jesus like you, perhaps, you never have before."
President Kimball, "It is because of Heavenly Father’s gift of His Son that all men—past, present, and future—can return to live with Him who is the Father of our spirits. But to insure that that can happen, it was first necessary for Jesus to come to earth in the flesh to teach men by His example the correct way to live and then to willingly give up His life and, in some miraculous way, accept the burden for the sins of mankind."
President Kimball, "[The Savior] died a propitiation for our sins to open the way for our resurrection, to point the way to our perfection of life, to show the way to exaltation. He died purposefully, voluntarily. His birth was humble, his life was perfect, his example was compelling; his death opened doors, and man was offered every good gift and blessing."
President Kimball, "The essence of the miracle of forgiveness is that it brings peace to the previously anxious, restless, frustrated, perhaps tormented soul. In a world of turmoil and contention this is indeed a priceless gift."
President Kimball, "It is not easy to be at peace in today’s troubled world. Necessarily peace is a personal acquisition. … It can be attained only through maintaining constantly a repentant attitude, seeking forgiveness of sins both large and small, and thus coming ever closer to God. For Church members this is the essence of their preparation, their readiness to meet the Savior when he comes. … Those who are ready will be at peace in their hearts. They will be partakers of the blessing the Savior promised to his apostles: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27.)"
President Kimball, "[One of the purposes] of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to call people everywhere to repentance. Those who heed the call, whether members or nonmembers of the Church, can be partakers of the miracle of forgiveness. God will wipe away from their eyes the tears of anguish, and remorse, and consternation, and fear, and guilt. Dry eyes will replace the wet ones, and smiles of satisfaction will replace the worried, anxious look."
President Kimball, "What relief! What comfort! What joy! Those laden with transgressions and sorrows and sin may be forgiven and cleansed and purified if they will return to their Lord, learn of him, and keep his commandments. And all of us needing to repent of day-to-day follies and weaknesses can likewise share in this miracle."
The summary provided dumbfounds me as I am not sure how you provided a "better understanding of salvation," did you not read all his words carefully?
 

Here’s what I’m hoping for—probably won’t get it by Christmas, but within a month or two thereafter:
 

As adults, for the most part, Christmas presents are kind of silly to receive. I mean I know there are exceptions, but really, if I want something...I buy it. If I can't afford to buy it...it's not like I expect my parents or wife will spring for the pricey stuff I can't afford. So sort of silly.
That being said, of course, I typically use Christmas as an excuse to get a thing or two I've been wanting -- trying to keep it reasonable (mostly...but sometimes not...). Now that I have a child, of course, mommy and daddy having something to open is part of the magic for the child too, I guess. Why, after all, would Santa not have brought mommy and daddy something? (Obviously one could take the approach that Santa only brings gifts for children, or the full on death-of-Christmas-magic approach...whatever suits you...)
So each year I typically getting something that's special to me that goes something along the line of,...research...research...research.... "Hey honey, do you want to get this for me for Christmas?"
Wife looks over my shoulder at computer screen and (perhaps after some discussion) gives approval.
I buy it, it ships, the wife takes it and hides it away, etc....
Then I sit and read reviews for a month or two while I wait to actually get said item to be able to use it. So that's the state I'm in right now...my gift for the year is sitting in a closet (wrapped) and I'm anxiously anticipating Christmas day when I can actually start using it.
What am I getting? Why, yes, I did plan on sharing that. I thought you'd never ask.

The ultimate point, I suppose, is that I still get excited for Christmas despite the grown-up-ness of it all. Sure...secular...commercial...shallow. But dang...I'm excited about my new microphone.
Actually, it seems, the ultimate point is that I just wanted to talk about my microphone because I'm excited about it.
Please: feel free to share what you're buying or have bought or are excited about this Christmas or past Christmases (or b-days or Halloweens (What? You don't buy yourself gifts for Halloween?!?)) ! Or.........reprimand me for my secular commercialism. Or something.

More often than not the moderators are very much aware of the trolls that come on this site. There are many posts that never get approved. We’ve seen some doozies!!! Some of it is pure filth. Unfortunately, until the rules are broken, they are allowed to speak their minds.
This reminds me of Korihor in the Book of Mormon, Alma 30: starting with verse 6 “...there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets...Now there was no law against a man’s belief;... 9 Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege; or rather, if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him there was no law to punish him.... 11 Nevertheless, there was no law against a man’s belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds. 12 And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. ...”
The people of Ammon (Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s), which I liken to the stalwarts on this site, were more wise than many of the Nephites; and carried him to the high priest over them. And Korihor was removed from their land. Usually, the trolls eventually say something that breaks the rules and they will be banned. I’m so appreciative of the stalwarts on this forum who stand for truth and righteousness and do not waiver. You are all saints and angels in my eyes.
@Grunt,you are loved. You have been a breath of fresh air. Your posts have been a reminder that there are true seekers out there. Sometimes, we can get a little bit cynical when someone comes to the forums with an “honest” question, and then they become a troll. Thank you, for allowing us to be part of your conversion story. The gospel is true! I know it with every fiber of my being. I cannot deny the witness of the Holy Ghost that has confirmed to me the truthfulness of this church. I’m grateful to all of you on these forums who are not afraid to speak up in defense of the church and our leaders.

More often than not the moderators are very much aware of the trolls that come on this site. There are many posts that never get approved. We’ve seen some doozies!!! Some of it is pure filth. Unfortunately, until the rules are broken, they are allowed to speak their minds.
This reminds me of Korihor in the Book of Mormon, Alma 30: starting with verse 6 “...there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets...Now there was no law against a man’s belief;... 9 Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege; or rather, if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him there was no law to punish him.... 11 Nevertheless, there was no law against a man’s belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds. 12 And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. ...”
The people of Ammon (Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s), which I liken to the stalwarts on this site, were more wise than many of the Nephites; and carried him to the high priest over them. And Korihor was removed from their land. Usually, the trolls eventually say something that breaks the rules and they will be banned. I’m so appreciative of the stalwarts on this forum who stand for truth and righteousness and do not waiver. You are all saints and angels in my eyes.
@Grunt,you are loved. You have been a breath of fresh air. Your posts have been a reminder that there are true seekers out there. Sometimes, we can get a little bit cynical when someone comes to the forums with an “honest” question, and then they become a troll. Thank you, for allowing us to be part of your conversion story. The gospel is true! I know it with every fiber of my being. I cannot deny the witness of the Holy Ghost that has confirmed to me the truthfulness of this church. I’m grateful to all of you on these forums who are not afraid to speak up in defense of the church and our leaders.

I tend to believe scripture rather than the interpretation of men in these cases. The scripture in connection to this would be Nephi's words, who said the following, "hearken unto these words and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in these words believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in these words, for they are the words of Christ, and he hath given them unto me; and they teach all men that they should do good. And if they are not the words of Christ, judge ye—for Christ will show unto you, with power and great glory, that they are his words, at the last day; and you and I shall stand face to face before his bar; and ye shall know that I have been commanded of him to write these things, notwithstanding my weakness." (2 Nephi 33: 10-11)
A question I think we would have to consider in correlation with these verses and the ones you have shared, "Would a 'true Christian' reject any words from Christ"? For me I think the answer is obvious; however, @zil provided an excellent thought regarding who would make the judgement according to this when she said, "but man cannot grade the test (so to speak), nor even understand what test has been administered.  Mortal man simply doesn't have the capacity to judge the necessary details to make an absolute determination.  God will do that and we should leave it to him." I parrot the statement as it is accurate.

More often than not the moderators are very much aware of the trolls that come on this site. There are many posts that never get approved. We’ve seen some doozies!!! Some of it is pure filth. Unfortunately, until the rules are broken, they are allowed to speak their minds.
This reminds me of Korihor in the Book of Mormon, Alma 30: starting with verse 6 “...there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets...Now there was no law against a man’s belief;... 9 Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege; or rather, if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him there was no law to punish him.... 11 Nevertheless, there was no law against a man’s belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds. 12 And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. ...”
The people of Ammon (Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s), which I liken to the stalwarts on this site, were more wise than many of the Nephites; and carried him to the high priest over them. And Korihor was removed from their land. Usually, the trolls eventually say something that breaks the rules and they will be banned. I’m so appreciative of the stalwarts on this forum who stand for truth and righteousness and do not waiver. You are all saints and angels in my eyes.
@Grunt,you are loved. You have been a breath of fresh air. Your posts have been a reminder that there are true seekers out there. Sometimes, we can get a little bit cynical when someone comes to the forums with an “honest” question, and then they become a troll. Thank you, for allowing us to be part of your conversion story. The gospel is true! I know it with every fiber of my being. I cannot deny the witness of the Holy Ghost that has confirmed to me the truthfulness of this church. I’m grateful to all of you on these forums who are not afraid to speak up in defense of the church and our leaders.

Finn didn't. Be like Finn.

One of my pet rants in elders’ quorum is that, speaking as someone whose job inclides picking apart “testimony” in a legal context and showing that people don’t really “know” what they thought they knew—an effective testimony must be competent, meaning (among other things) that it is not by nature conclusory or hearsay; it simply relates a person’s direct experience.  It is one thing to stand up in court and say “I know beyond a shadow of a doubt, with every fiber of my being, that John killed Fred”.  It is another to say “I saw John lift up a gun and aim it at Fred, and pull the trigger, and I heard a shot, and then Fred slumped over and I could see blood coming out of a wound to his chest that hadn’t been there earlier; and then I knelt beside Fred and observed that he had no pulse and was not breathing; and sure, maybe there’s some other explanation for the fact that we buried Fred a week later; but my experience leads me to believe that  Fred was in fact dead and John killed him.”  The second variant is less certain, but more articulate and ultimately more persuasive.  
I’m like @bytebear:  My “testimony” of President Nelson is based less on a direct revelation saying “yes, he is definitely a prophet”; and more based on a series of inferences that begins with earlier relevant revelations and considers their natural implications for the current question in order to draw a tentative conclusion—and then a sort of feeling in the heart that the logical process I have followed has drawn me to truth.  
In this case I have had a spiritual confirmation of the Church as an institution, I have had spiritual confirmation of the principles of succession within the highest echelon of Church leadership,  and I continue to receive spiritual confirmations of the wisdom of many of the changes President Nelson’s administration is enacting.  Given all that, could President Nelson be a false prophet?  Sure—and for that reason I won’t say I “know” he’s a prophet—but given what I have experienced, that possibility seems almost comically remote; and I’m comfortable saying that I strongly believe in his prophetic call. 
I wonder whether the effectiveness of a spiritual testimony lies less in what we think we “know” about a hyper-specific topic, and more about our ability to honestly and articulately leverage whatever we have experienced into a series of logical conclusions on which we feel comfortable staking the rest of our major life-choices.  You gather the evidence, make some educated guesses, draw a conclusion, make sure you can sleep at night—and then you go to trial with the evidence you have, not necessarily the evidence you wish you had; and through the whole process you try to maintain a sense of humility about what you may not know while still seeing through your adversary’s attempts to blow smoke and get you off-track. 
Perhaps the ultimate proof in the pudding is what we do with our testimonies, and it strikes me that there are few better witnesses than a life well-lived.

I have long felt this way. I think I must repent, though. President Nelson himself urged us to gain a testimony of his calling and the actions of the First Presidency. I think I've been a bit lazy not to have done this more proactively.

When I was growing up, my mom used to put out her cigarettes in her cold coffee.  Then I had to clean the coffee cup.  Honestly, neither the smell of cigarettes or coffee really do anything for me.  That's one way to keep the WoW - just be disgusted every time you see or smell something from which you're abstaining.

More often than not the moderators are very much aware of the trolls that come on this site. There are many posts that never get approved. We’ve seen some doozies!!! Some of it is pure filth. Unfortunately, until the rules are broken, they are allowed to speak their minds.
This reminds me of Korihor in the Book of Mormon, Alma 30: starting with verse 6 “...there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets...Now there was no law against a man’s belief;... 9 Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege; or rather, if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him there was no law to punish him.... 11 Nevertheless, there was no law against a man’s belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds. 12 And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. ...”
The people of Ammon (Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s), which I liken to the stalwarts on this site, were more wise than many of the Nephites; and carried him to the high priest over them. And Korihor was removed from their land. Usually, the trolls eventually say something that breaks the rules and they will be banned. I’m so appreciative of the stalwarts on this forum who stand for truth and righteousness and do not waiver. You are all saints and angels in my eyes.
@Grunt,you are loved. You have been a breath of fresh air. Your posts have been a reminder that there are true seekers out there. Sometimes, we can get a little bit cynical when someone comes to the forums with an “honest” question, and then they become a troll. Thank you, for allowing us to be part of your conversion story. The gospel is true! I know it with every fiber of my being. I cannot deny the witness of the Holy Ghost that has confirmed to me the truthfulness of this church. I’m grateful to all of you on these forums who are not afraid to speak up in defense of the church and our leaders.

See, I actually agree (to a point) about cooking with alcohol. I have used wine and beer before in cooking various pasta sauces and doughs, and I haven't felt guilty about it. But I have never felt any need to brag about it or rub someone else's face in it. I'm quick to tell my bishop if the subject comes up, so that if he has any problems with it, he can tell me. Other than that, it's a private thing, not hidden shamefully away, but not widely talked about.
If my bishop told me I shouldn't use alcohol in cooking, I would stop. (I actually do very little cooking, and my wife only very rarely uses alcohol, usually in the form of vanilla extract. So it's not a huge issue for us either way.)
I guess what bothers me is people stamping their foot and insisting that there is nothing wrong with their favorite method of consuming alcohol. The whole mindset is rebellious, prideful, and kind of stinky, something I associate more with my preteen children than with adult Saints. Is it really that big a deal to sustain your leaders by e.g. avoiding rumballs? (Which are flat-out nasty, anyway. Good riddance.)

I don't cook with alcohol or eat anything coffee flavored.  I'm not saying that's the way it's supposed to be done, I'm just more comfortable playing it safe.  

More often than not the moderators are very much aware of the trolls that come on this site. There are many posts that never get approved. We’ve seen some doozies!!! Some of it is pure filth. Unfortunately, until the rules are broken, they are allowed to speak their minds.
This reminds me of Korihor in the Book of Mormon, Alma 30: starting with verse 6 “...there came a man into the land of Zarahemla, and he was Anti-Christ, for he began to preach unto the people against the prophecies which had been spoken by the prophets...Now there was no law against a man’s belief;... 9 Now if a man desired to serve God, it was his privilege; or rather, if he believed in God it was his privilege to serve him; but if he did not believe in him there was no law to punish him.... 11 Nevertheless, there was no law against a man’s belief; therefore, a man was punished only for the crimes which he had done; therefore all men were on equal grounds. 12 And this Anti-Christ, whose name was Korihor, (and the law could have no hold upon him) began to preach unto the people that there should be no Christ. ...”
The people of Ammon (Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s), which I liken to the stalwarts on this site, were more wise than many of the Nephites; and carried him to the high priest over them. And Korihor was removed from their land. Usually, the trolls eventually say something that breaks the rules and they will be banned. I’m so appreciative of the stalwarts on this forum who stand for truth and righteousness and do not waiver. You are all saints and angels in my eyes.
@Grunt,you are loved. You have been a breath of fresh air. Your posts have been a reminder that there are true seekers out there. Sometimes, we can get a little bit cynical when someone comes to the forums with an “honest” question, and then they become a troll. Thank you, for allowing us to be part of your conversion story. The gospel is true! I know it with every fiber of my being. I cannot deny the witness of the Holy Ghost that has confirmed to me the truthfulness of this church. I’m grateful to all of you on these forums who are not afraid to speak up in defense of the church and our leaders.

If only more people understood this...

I generally agree.
However, having been through what you seem to be going through several times over now, I've gotten to the point where I realize that I also have a responsibility to my own sanity. Even battle hardened warriors don't fight 24/7. They go on leave. They sleep. They dance with the pretty girls at the USO. Etc.
I believe my interactions here, while perhaps valiant and stalwart as a defender of the gospel, were hurting my own soul too badly. I've left several times. I recall @Vort took a "sabbatical" once several years back where we didn't see him for many a month. He'll have to speak for himself as to the why (I technically know what he shared with me but it's not my place to speak for him). The last time I left it was going to be for good. Why did I return? Interestingly enough (maybe), for the same reason. For me. I realized that this forum is relatively safe way for me to be anxiously involved in gospel discussion. (By "safe" I mean as compared to other online places). I realized I was going through the week with, other than Sundays and scripture study, focus on mostly work, TV, hobbies, shopping, etc....you know...life. -- all wholesome with the exception of my over-dependence on TV for entertainment -- but not what I need and want in my life. I need and want daily gospel discussion. And, yes...with the family is good...but there's only so much I can repeat myself to my wife, and my youngster doesn't exactly fill my need for intellectual gospel discourse. So I returned for me more than anything.
Therefore my approach has softened. That may not always be readily apparent in my individual posts. I am who I am. I speak like I speak. And I will defend the gospel unapologetic. But I post a lot less. I let things go. Certain posters I simply won't interact with unless what they state is truly egregious. I let the minor garbage go with them. With others I might comment, but when the trauma really gets rolling I tend to walk away sooner, etc.
I tell you this as someone who understands. I came to this forum for the purpose of defending the gospel. I was all about that in the first place. And I went at it...hard. You can ask the others who've been around longer. I'm confident they'll back up the reality...a few years back and I was in it...all...the...time..... Deep in it. Battles, blood, and bad feelings! And the fact of the matter is, I backed out of it because I couldn't handle it any more...not because I decided I was in the wrong. (Don't get me wrong...I was often in the wrong (meaning rude, sarcastic, etc). But not position-wise) I simply couldn't take the soul crushing reality of being constantly told by "progressives" how horrible I was. And when push comes to shove, my primary circle of influence should not be random people on the internet. My ward, my family, my neighbors, my fellow employees, and the people I actually interact with sans-fake-inter-web-world is where I really need to be going about my Father's work.
So, yes, as you will see...I'll still defend the gospel here. But I believe there needs to be some balance. I suppose you're simply in the process of finding balance. You'll get there. I'm probably still finding it too. But....I'm more balanced than I was. I think.

There's no shortage of places where one can go to get differing opinions - including discussions of them.  But as near as I can tell, there is no public forum for faithful discussion better than this one.  So yes, I wish those who don't support the Church, its leaders, and its doctrine would go find somewhere else to congregate / voice their disagreement, frustration, "alternate" beliefs, etc. (Frankly, it baffles me why some of the posters here are here - I cannot imagine any reason for it other than a desire to make it easier for those who are "on the fence" to leave the Church rather than stay.  Why not go live your life and leave the Latter-day Saints to their weird delusions?)
Meanwhile, I expect you would like an online, asynchronous "Sunday School"-like class, and so would I.  Interestingly, I think we have a unique opportunity to make that happen next year.  Up until now, trying to start an in-depth doctrinal discussion has been hampered not just by the existence of detractors, but also by our own differing interests, study-schedules, understanding, etc.  But next year's curriculum change will put us all, regardless of local conference schedules, on the exact same scripture study schedule (at least for part of our study), using the exact same manual (at least in English-speaking countries).  If ever anything could make it easy for us to come together to share insights, experiences, and testimony on the same topic, it's the changes coming next year.
Perhaps we can discuss whether everyone is game to try this.
Finally, this (yes, I repeated the quote on purpose) is why I despair when one of the people I consider solid members (of the Church and the forum) disappears for a while, or talks about leaving.  I think we need each other to stick around, to call out or counter false ideas, to clarify for those who are weak in the faith, or learning - or even to support those who are strong in the faith, so that faith doesn't wane.  And I fear that the balance will be easily tipped from "mostly faithful members" to "mostly disgruntled (ex)members".

And Satan's purposes are furthered. Yep. The wolf in sheep's clothing thing is, in many ways, much more insidious than the straight up anti.

I have a fondness for this forum as it played a big part in building my testimony.  However, the more I learn about the faith, the more frustrating this forum can be.
Having been on this forum for a short while I've noticed several types of posters:  
We have some VERY faithful and intelligent posters here.  Some know the doctrine inside and out.  Others just do their best to follow Christ.  While they debate opposite sides of some pretty interesting topics, they don't seem to be important to progression, just interesting topics.  
We have intelligent and thoughtful non-members who add opposing insight or confirming testimony.  They're respectful of our beliefs and I love reading their posts.
We have trolls, which I discount and ignore.
We have investigators and drivebys seeking answers to specific questions.
Then we have members of the Church who aren't active, challenge doctrine, are openly vocal in their opposition of church leaders at times, yet post as though they are authorities on topics of doctrine, often with misleading information.  At times they dance around what I consider apostasy.
This last group is what frustrates me.  I have a hard enough time as a new member absorbing doctrine and culture.  Some of my original understandings, that I received from this type of poster, has turned out to be quite false.   It's concerning and detracts from my spiritual growth.  Sadly, I'm sure that makes some of them happy.  
There's my semi-annual whining.

With the former you have less money stolen from you.  With the latter you receive someone's stolen money.  

I get it.  Introverts of the world unite!  And by unite, I mean sit in seclusion and think similarly, but no actual interaction happens.  
It's only a problem when a) you want more interaction, and b) you start blaming everyone else for your lack of interaction.
This meme is a lighthearted attempt to describe the issue:

"One foot in" seems dumb.  Do you know the Book of Mormon is true?  Do you know the Church to be the restored Church of Christ?  Did you covenant with Heavenly Father?   Then honor those covenants and support your fellow Saints.  
Is the above not true?   Then why do you need the church?   I was teaching my children morals and values long before I knew what The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was.  

This is probably not what you want to hear, but it's straight from the scriptures
Revelations 3: 15-16  I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Alma 30:8 8  For thus saith the scripture: Choose ye this day, whom ye will serve.
Jeremiah 50: 4-8 might also be worth pondering about
4  ¶ In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: they shall go, and seek the LORD their God. (Are you not now seeking the Lord?)
5  They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward, saying, Come, and let us join ourselves to the LORD in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten. (Are you contemplating joirning yourselves to the Lord, to some extent?)
6  My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their restingplace. (Have you been as a lost sheep and did shepherds in your past contribute to your going astray?)
7  All that found them have devoured them: and their adversaries said, We offend not, because they have sinned against the LORD, the habitation of justice, even the LORD, the hope of their fathers. (Has your faith and spirtuality and testimony been devoured in the time you have been lost?)
8  Remove out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the he goats before the flocks. (Should you not remove out of Babylon, and back to the fold?)
 

 

Consider: Both stake presidents gave permission for the sealing to proceed, yet the OP claims ABUSE.
Seriously? ABUSE? Because the stake president wanted to make sure the young man was morally clean and worthy? "Abuse" because the fiancée's stake president gave well-meant if awkward marital/sexual advice?
At some point, people need to Grow The Heck Up and quit getting so deeply offended by stupid little things. Yes, I do mean the OP. Grow up.
To answer your question: No, there is no "one-foot-in" program that caters to those individuals who want the benefits and blessings of Church membership but don't want to actually put any effort into bettering themselves and honoring/sustaining their leaders—human beings who have jobs, spouses, children, mortgages, and all the complications and problems that go with them; human beings who make decisions and give advice, sometimes turning out to be wrong; human beings who put their pants on one leg at a time, JUST LIKE YOU.
No. If you want the benefits of membership in the kingdom of God, then BE A MEMBER OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD. That means putting your shoulder to the wheel and pushing along with everyone else. That means forgiving others their trespasses, including (perhaps especially) your leaders. Silly, meaningless crap like this? Sorry, not sorry. I have no sympathy for someone who gets what he wants and then moans about how people didn't genuflect sufficiently while serving him.
There is a place reserved for you at Church, JustCurious, but only if you're willing to accept it. Whining about an awkward moment with a stake president ten freaking years ago is not the way to accept the gift you've been offered.