inthearmsofsleep

Could you explain to me what you mean by this statement, Travelor? I see what you are saying about Satan....that he was a liar (the BOM calls him the Father of all lies). No one would argue about that one with you. Traveler's just saying that we shouldn't be ashamed to emulate God. Everything of him is perfect, so why should we not seek to become like him?

I really hope this lets others see a little more of our devotion to our Savior and that he is the central figure of this whole church. It really is a beautiful site.

I think I see your point. Some people have a problem with the fact that we believe we can all become like God someday, and view this as a blasphemous doctrine and say that it's akin to what Satan desires. This is not true, of course, because God wants all of us to be perfect, to be like he is, and to be happy as he is. How could he want us to make righteous decisions and emulate him and at the same time believe that we can never become like him? What then, is the point of progressing through righteousness and living each day purer than the last?

I think this is really a question for your Bishop, and I'm not sure of your/your wife's working situation... but my advice would be that you should pay tithing on what you earn, and she wouldn't pay tithing on what she earns. If you're supporting the whole family, and you want to obey the law of tithing, you should. That's just my opinion, but your Bishop might tell you that family is more important and you and her should come to an agreement on this issue.

wow. Good work.

Good job! I guess it just goes to show that you never know who is watching or reading these posts... I'm glad I wasn't making a fool of myself I agree that it's probably just a small number of Catholics or LDS members that have that kind of hostility/misunderstanding... it's unfortunate because it gives everyone else a bad name.

That's very good insight. I think that those who understand the Bible as it is meant to be understood won't go against the Book of Mormon unless it is out of ignorance. These are very plain things once understood under the direction of the Holy Ghost, and clearly point to what we believe to be true. I'm not sure how they try to explain it... I'm not sure if they do at all.

I believe the "church of the devil" to be a collective organization of all the mobs, murderers, and anti-religion/anti-freedom groups, large or small throughout the world.

Also, the church keeps track of tithing to ensure that the money is getting into the right hands. If you know how much you paid and then you get your tithing settlement paper and it says you haven't paid any, then you know something's wrong. I've never been asked to provide a copy of my W-2... and I've never heard of anybody else having to do that either. As far as I know, that's just yet another anti-mormon rumor.

I'm pretty sure it's just all symbolism. As the Lord's house, that kind of symbolism seems appropriate, but I guess it's not always necessary (as with the Laie Hawaii temple). I really never noticed that it didn't have the angel Moroni... I've only been there twice though.

I'm gonna borrow this one from NateHowe in another thread:

The first edition of "Mormon Doctrine" was published with the implication that the Roman Catholic Church was the "great and abominable church" as stated in the scriptures, but this was part of the gospel according to Bruce R. McConkie. The RCC contacted our church on this issue, and in short...the first edition stopped production. Later on, after working with general authorities the book was re-published with that thing about the RCC removed with the "stamp of approval" from this church. It IS still in print, but you will not find anything about the RCC under "Great and Abominable Church". If yours says anything like that, you might want to consider selling it on eBay

My thoughts exactly. If you listen to the words of the sacrament prayer its purpose becomes apparent, as does the purpose of not taking the sacrament. If you are not currently keeping his commandments, nor observing your past covenants with God, taking the sacrament would serve as an insult to Him.

WANDERER, At the time that these things happened, did you know it was wrong? If not, since you've learned of its severity have you stopped? I think that's really what matters. We can't sin if we don't have the law first. In the baptism process, you will make a promise to God to keep His commandments, and start off with a clean slate. Bishops deal with a LOT of people's problems. They deal with embarassing issues of any magnitude, and I'm sure you couldn't tell him anything he hasn't already heard. One major tactic that satan uses against us is fear. Perfect love will cast out that fear, and that love will come when you realize the importance of your eternal state before God and the unending love that he has for you. It is a Bishop's calling to listen and to help. Do whatever you can to get over the embarassment and fear, and the world will be lifted off of your shoulders. When you go in for the baptism interview, it'll just be you and him. Whatever you tell him is confidential. I'm sure it would bring great joy to your bishop to hear that you've turned away from the bad things of this world and made a choice to do what's right. The past is past... just look at it like "this is who I was, and this is who I am." I think that distinction would help you get over some of the fear. I'm speaking from the standpoint of someone who had an ugly past, and overcame it... and the first step was seeing my Bishop. :)

Great video, I loved the end.

"Jesus the Christ" is an amazing book. I'm reading it right now, I'm only on page 125 though. It's pretty thick but I'm far from bored with it.

Shadow, Yes, we believe the Bible to be the word of God, as well as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. The key here is that the KJV of the Bible isn't translated correctly, but for the most part it's the most accurate of those translations that we have. The message of the Bible does not contradict LDS doctrine. Some verses and phrases taken out of context might, but not the message that's contained within its pages and the message that is spoken to you by the holy ghost if you're in tune with it. This is why we use both. The Book of Mormon supports the teachings in the Bible and the other way around. This is why we cross-reference them, use them both in talks, in our lessons, in missionary work, etc. As for the priesthood... it is entirely necessary to be on this earth in order to govern Christ's church. By what other authority would baptism, blessings of healing, and other great blessings be brought about? It IS Christ's priesthood, but he has given it to those who are worthy to bear it in his name.

I'd say we have about 11 here in my home (my parents are divorced). I think this is great, though. I'll keep it in mind when I have a family of my own.

Zing! You got me, Shadow. Actually, I don't understand the point of preaching stuff contrary to LDS belief on an LDS forum. I'm not trying to be mean in saying this, but you aren't going to convince anyone that their religion is wrong. There's no need to "educate" us or "enlighten" us.... we believe what we believe because we think it's true. Some of us will even go as far as saying we know it's true, and not out of arrogance or self-affirmation... but out of conviction and in the spirit of sharing what's made life a joy to live. There are many things in this faith that the world would say are controversial, but that's where the principle of faith comes into play. Start from scratch. Read your scriptures. Pray about them. Offer up all the desires of your heart to God and he will tell you if what we believe is true or not. The Holy Spirit is the bearer of ALL truth, so have no shame or fear in seeking what you really need to know.

Before you go to church next Sunday, fast and pray for the Holy Ghost to let you feel that spirit that is missing from the meeting. I've found that through that approach, even the most mundane of children's pre-written talks can speak to my soul. We're entitled to feel that spirit in the most chaotic of settings, so why not in a moderately quiet room full of people who aren't paying attention? Don't let them deprive you of a great Sunday... our members aren't perfect but in this church we all have the resources available to strive for perfection and grow as close to God as possible while in this life, no matter what anybody else is doing with their time. Be their example.

I was going to give you our standards in a nutshell, but in doing so realized that it's much better explained in the link the_jason provided. I believe you need adobe reader (or acrobat reader) to open it.

You've never seen the Restoration DVD? It's very moving and a beautiful depiction of the events leading up to the first vision. Missionaries see it probably a million times throughout their missions because they show it so much (I've probably seen it about 10 times and I'm pre-mission) but it gets me every time. I remember we watched it about 3 weeks ago in a combined Elder's Quorum/High Priests meeting and they asked me to give the closing prayer. I was so choked up I could barely get through it.

Hahaha.... thank you, Still_Small_Voice. Your post lives up to your name. I hope this as well, because we have a great Gospel Doctrine class (though some people my age find it boring) and I have yet to see any big issues arise. I've heard of stuff like this happening in my ward, but I haven't experienced it.

This is a great topic. I didn't know everyone is entitled to this gift... I feel that in some sense I have had it my whole life, but it's very subtle and undeveloped. I can literally feel the moment the Holy Ghost leaves me and when it returns, and I can feel the good in people who other people don't want to associate with. I remember in high school there was a guy who none of my friends liked, and for obvious reasons, but I saw that there was a great amount of good in him. He always put on a "tough guy" act but I always knew he was different. Since then I've worked with him and talked to him more. One day I said to him "I think you have a really good heart.", which probably caught him off-guard, but he didn't bother to contradict me. I also can sense the mood of a room, be it good or evil (or anything in between) without knowing why it should be that way. I don't know if that means anything to you, but it does to me... I hope I can develop this gift and use it more in my life.

I don't want to get off-subject, but I heard something like that recently too, about plural marriage in the Celestial Kingdom. Aside from it being "at least 7 wives each", is there any truth to it having to be practiced at all? It really bothered me when this girl told me about it, and she seemed kind of bothered by it too. I think she still is, but if there was no official truth to it then I (and she) could feel a lot better about it.