sanctuaryave

I have spent hours answering questions, researching finding scriptures and church history only to have them come out and slam the church. Therefore, I guess I’m a little touchy. There are those of you who have had the same experience? So don’t you wag your finger at me. Your explanation and your apology wouldn't have been neccessary had read and included the full quote the first time you posted it. Just as there are "sheep in wolfs clothing" around every bend, I have found there are "conspiracy theorists" behind many friendly attempt to answer questions. Could this be one???

So to paraphrase something I think snow said. Jesus who is the God of the Old testament sent himself to earth and became the God of the new testament. That at least sounds like Jesus and God are the same. If Christ is the head of our domain and Christs father is the head of Christs domain wouldnt Christ father also have Dominion over us? The only way for Christ to have dominion over us is if he is God as Mosiah 3 says he is. Yes....Jesus and God are the same: 2 Ne. 26: 12 12 And as I spake concerning the convincing of the Jews, that Jesus is the very Christ, it must needs be that the Gentiles be convinced also that Jesus is the Christ, the Eternal God; If you can see these as titles of positions...such as Bishop, President etc...it is easier to understand... 2 Ne. 11: 7 7 For if there be no Christ there be no God; and if there be no God we are not, for there could have been no creation. But there is a God, and he is Christ, and he cometh in the fulness of his own time. I agree that Jesus and God are the same. I misunderstood...I thought you believed they were not.

So to paraphrase something I think snow said. Jesus who is the God of the Old testament sent himself to earth and became the God of the new testament. That at least sounds like Jesus and God are the same.If Christ is the head of our domain and Christs father is the head of Christs domain wouldnt Christ father also have Dominion over us? The only way for Christ to have dominion over us is if he is God as Mosiah 3 says he is.

Okay then. Who is the God of the New Testament??

How then would you explain this:MOSIAH 3:5-8 5 For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases. 6 And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men. 7 And lo, he shall suffer temptations, and pain of body, hunger, thirst, and fatigue, even more than man can suffer, except it be unto death; for behold, blood cometh from every pore, so great shall be his anguish for the wickedness and the abominations of his people. 8 And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things from the beginning; and his mother shall be called Mary.

For a board that preaches tolerance this seems an ugly and intolerant remark.

Hmmm, I have never been asked my views of the Godhead/trinity, nor have I ever gotten the impression that anyone care, though I am sure that it is assumed that I am fairly orthodox in that regard. Also, I have no idea what "member in good standing" means. If you were to be given a calling, say, as a Sunday School Teacher or Auxillary function president, you would probably be asked if you sustained your Church leaders. If you were want to attend the Temple you would be asked if you sustain the President of the Church as prophet, seer and revelator and perhaps by extension that might mean that you accept doctrine as taught by him but there is no acid test such as a required agreement with a 4th century creed that defines you as a member in good standing. "member in goodstanding" is a term I've heard used when talking about Temple-worthiness. I may have misused it. If I have I'm sorry. I've always looked at the "mormon" church as a very "law " driven church. By that I mean one that had definate beliefs and a rigid structure that demanded compliance to even the most minute detail of that belief. To not agree with the group on anything would be to turn your back on the church. What I'm learning is that there are some very basic beliefs and to understand the church one would need to grasp and hold onto these core beliefs. There are also many areas where intrepretation guides a members personal walk with his savior. I am surprised by that. I am not sure why.

Is the belief in 3 seperate beings critical to the "Mormon" belief or could I be a member in good standing believing as I do now?

It's Christ... and a new "title" of "condescension of God" ~serapha~ I was raised believing in the Trinity, 3 in 1 Father, Son and Holy Ghost. I have struggked with the concept that these are 3 seperate entities. As I read the scripture it appears to be saying that Jesus is not a separete entity but rather a lower form of the same god which seems to support the 3 in one. what am I missing?

When It says" Look and behold the condescension of God! 27 "and I looked and beheld the redeemer of the world, of whom my father had spoken..." There are other questions I have as well depending on the answer.

Boy you guys cant even manage civility to your own.

While I cant say I have had the "testimony" regarding the BOM, and some of the beliefs I have had discussions on I cant buy into, It breaks my heart that people who claim to be christian would behave in such a manner. I had no idea that your general conferences(if that is what they are called) were met with such viciousness. I am truly sorry. I will pray Gods protection upon all of you. please know that there are many of us who do regard you as christian and look forward to meeting you in heaven.

I guess I treat this in much the same way Jesus dealt with the adultress. "Let he who is guiltless cast the first stone." He valued her enough then to say..."woman where are your accusers? Go now and sin no more"

You also quoted galations which tells us that the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace etc. Aren't these things feelings? I would argue they are activity...The Mormon church down the road from me demonstrated their love recently when my mother died. They stepped in and helped us send her home. They were kind and compassionate and loving.

Snow.. I don't know how I can convince you that my questions are genuine, my intentions, though understandably suspect, are pure, and my desire to learn the truth is honest. I have apologized for the way I started out since that seemed to be a problem for you and apparently others and even the apology was recieved and dismissed as someone with an agenda. I appreciate your feedback and will attempt to ask questions that draw less fire in the future. I would be interested in knowing specifically what I am wrong about. Could you expand?