The_Phoenix

I have recently found two things or sites that cause my mind to wonder. Both of these sites remind me of the scriptures, “I would rather ye be hot or cold, for if ye are lukewarm, I will spew you out of my mouth” and “No man who putteth his hand to the plow and looketh back is fit for the kingdom of God” (both the words of Christ), I quote from memory, (BTW, the new changes to LDS.org are not as good for research from the old format, IMHO. Growing up Baptist this was called “backsliding”. Are “lukewarm” members a stumblingblock too both the believer and non-believer? Is there a “middle way” and should someone “Stay LDS”, under any circumstance? All have their ups and downs, what are we to do if our doubts get the best of us? I would love to hear all opinions, even those of different faiths, and how they view this topic. Here is the links to both sites: Edit to add: Just thought of another scripture: Joshua 24: 15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

I just liked his books, did not know anything else about him.

I had no names in mind to mention, so if it does please stop it from doing so. I have names of scholars whom I admire, who are great defenders of the faith. Many who are BYU Professors.

Since I am not God and could not look into the hearts of men; yes I am in favor of waiting.

How did you know? Or is he the only one who returned?

Trolling?

With good cause.

Welcome to the boards, I am new here myself. Here to help if you ever need fatherly or grandfatherly advice.

Ditto to you sir, I hope sir. :)

Somehow I think no example would do and not warrant a rewrite of the events in a Catholic Apologetic form. I was not attacking Catholicism. I was speaking of an overall apostasy from the death of the Apostles into the 19th century.

Nor did what I said so imply.

Very true, respect must be earned. Trolls abound.

Heavens no, I have two very good friends who lean way left and are staunch believers in the Gospel.

Good points, Thank You.

His or Her comment, taken with the overall this is what i understood to be implied. If incorrect, I apologize.

No problem, this is how I understood the events. So we are on the same page.

I see, but that is why I used the above highlighted term.

Why would I? I would not have joined the Church if this policy was still in effect. I was not even a member at the time.

None of the 12 were members of the September six. I was not attacking the "six" much less all BYU Professors. I would be concerned if all 12 saw "eye to eye" (to use your term) on everything. I have no idea what this has to do with the OP?

I only mention the six, because I was a big fan of one of the six. He did return to full membership. Just a reminder to those who have forgotten what the word “Hyperbole” means. It is an effective tool as a literary device. It has become a word to shut down debate in religious debate. From Wiki, Since I am very pro-Mormon and not anti-Mormon, I used the following examples to see where the line is drawn in the minds of other posters. Are does the mark constantly keep moving. This Church has always encouraged us to seek out the answers for ourselves. Read, Ponder and Pray. I added my opinion to let others see that I too struggle with such issues. It is not my desire to do otherwise. Although our critics may disagree, we do have doctrines and beliefs that are set in stone.

Read the book. The questions were to spark debate, I am well aware of what the Church’s stance is on evolution. Evolution exists in all things. The point I was making is that “when we think we are learned, we think we are wise”, to use a scriptural term. The point of the OP is this, do we run the risk of out smarting ourselves?

I used left and right because it is a measurement people understand, not as a political tool. Leaning left does not make one more compassionate. True compassion is not giving someone a fish to feed them for a day; it is teaching them to fish so that they can be fed for a lifetime, to coin a phrase.

He is sneaky like that, just lie any loving parent He will use anything he can to call his children home. I would do the same for mine.

But in trying to do so, do we refuse to call "wrong, wrong", or do we call, "good evil and evil good". I used to be a member of a very conservative Church back in late 70’s when I joined, and I am not speaking politically, but it is becoming more liberal every day, at least among the rank and file. I stand firmly behind the Brethren on the “Proclamation on the Family”. I believe than man was created in the express image of God. I believe the words of “The Living Christ”, as taught and signed by the 1st Presidency and the Twelve. But I do know that the earth was not created in 6 days, and that the elements are eternal as JS taught. You are also correct, Creationism and Evolutionism are not mutually exclusive.

Not at all, I have many friends in the Church who sit on both sides of the fence. We all do to some degree. But should we do so to the exclusion of doctrinal issues?