[April 2019 Conference Predictions]

I've heard some talk that missionaries will be able to pick the length of their mission anywhere from 18 to 24 months. Guess we'll see. 

[Us without our dead cannot be made perfect(?)]

10 hours ago, Fether said:

2) What does it mean when Joseph Smith said “they without us can not be made perfect - neither us without  our dead be made perfect”

We must receive the power of the priesthood as found in the temple. This can only be obtained through the Fathers who hold the keys to that power. Joseph earlier in the discourse said, "Now the great and grand secret of the whole matter, and the summum bonum of the whole subject that is lying before us, consists in obtaining the powers of the Holy Priesthood" (D&C 128:11). They alone hold the keys, they alone administer the power to those who will receive it. 

[We learned of a weakness at the Council?]

14 hours ago, theplains said:

I believe the source of all our sin is our fallen human nature, which we inherited.  This spiritual separation from God
occurred for Adam and Eve when they disobeyed Him in the Garden of Eden.  All their children were born in this state
where their relationship with God was dramatically different from what Adam and Eve enjoyed in the Garden before
they chose to follow Satan instead of God. 

Even a new born child has this inherited fallen nature.   This become much more evident as the child grows into what 
some have referred to as the "terrible twos" (ie. selfish, angry, etc 'brat-type' behaviour).  

So what do you think the weakness is that Gospel Principles talks about at this Council?

Before entering this mortal realm we had weaknesses of varying sorts and degrees. These weaknesses were not well exposed because of the glorious situation in which we found ourselves. In short, other people were good to us, we didn't deal with hunger or pain, death or disease. But make no mistake, we had weaknesses, we still needed to grow. Joseph Smith once said that, "He [God] has power to institute laws to instruct the weaker intelligences, that they may be exalted with himself..." (TPJS 354). We were and are those weaker intelligences. We are going through a portion of that instruction now. So Adam and Eve did not give us a sinful nature, they simply placed us in an environment where our weaknesses were exposed. Because of this fact our second article of faith states, "We believe that man will be punished for his own sin and not for Adam's transgression".

[Forgiveness and degrees of glory]

7 hours ago, Rob Osborn said:

Do you believe repentance means anything without baptism?

If one is to be saved with the just I believe both will be required. But any person, at any time, may change and turn to God and it will be well with them.  

[Forgiveness and degrees of glory]

2 hours ago, bytebear said:

Jesus paid for our sins. That's already done.

However, if we don't repent, we must also pay for those sins.

D&C 19

4 And surely every man must repent or suffer, for I, God, am endless.

5 Wherefore, I revoke not the judgments which I shall pass, but woes shall go forth, weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth, yea, to those who are found on my left hand.

So, repent now, or your forgiveness will not be easy and you WILL pay the price yourself.

While we may indeed suffer for our sins, I don't believe there is any such thing as paying for our sins by suffering. When a person sins he must repent, period. Suffering does not pay for sin, it never did, it never will. Repentance, or in other words turning to God and changing, is the only way to extricate ourselves from sin. When the Lord says, "repent or suffer" (D&C 19:4) he means that we will suffer until we repent. However, he is not saying that if we suffer we do not need to repent. That simply is not true.   

[Forgiveness and degrees of glory]

5 hours ago, Seeker of truth said:

I always understood that only those that obtained celestial glory had repented and were made clean through the atonement which is what allowed them to enter that kingdom. Everyone else failed to repent, thus remained unclean and could not enter  the celestial kingdom, they were consigned to terrestrial or telestial glories because of their uncleanliness, they didn’t repent, didn’t receive forgiveness, and thus not worthy to enter Celestial glory- no unclean thing can enter.

If everyone but those unpardonable are forgiven and cleansed what would keep them from the celestial kingdom? Why are they consigned to terrestrial and telestial if they are forgiven and cleansed (without spot)

All will repent who obtain a kingdom of glory, "And thus did I, the Lord God, appoint unto man the days of his probation - that by his natural death he might be raised in immortality unto eternal life, even as many as would believe; and they that believe not unto eternal damnation; for they cannot be redeemed from their spiritual fall, because they repent not." (D&C 29:43-44). As it says, those not redeemed repent not, all others will repent and obtain a kingdom. 

Just as others have said, the kingdom we receive is according to the glory by which we are quickened, "They who are of a celestial spirit shall receive the same body which was a natural body; even ye shall receive your bodies, and your glory shall be that glory by which your bodies are quickened" (D&C 88:28). That quickening has to do with who we have become. 

 

[Jesus Christ Savior of the Universe/Multiverse?]

1 hour ago, Rob Osborn said:

I used to think that way. A matter of opinion. Its a nice cookie cutter way of doing things, nothing wrong with that pattern. That said, I was turned on to the idea that we are part of something on a much grander stage where this "war in heaven" involved many many worlds and the forefront of that battle ended up here on this earth and will end here on this earth. 

It's an interesting idea and the war in heaven very well could be a glimpse of what is a much larger "war" for the souls of men across worlds. In fact, I'll think on that.  

But I am skeptical about the idea that the war in heaven will end here. This idea appears to partake of some of the same earth centric philosophy related to the Savior of the universe being born on this earth because it is the most wicked/righteous.

[Jesus Christ Savior of the Universe/Multiverse?]

Brigham Young believed that each world had it's own Savior:

Quote

Let me open the eyes of your understanding. There has never been a time when the creations of worlds commenced. They are from eternity to eternity in their creations and redemption. After they are organized they experience the good and the evil, the light and the dark, the bitter and the sweet as you and I do. There never was a time when there were not worlds in existence as this world is, and they pass through similar changes in abiding their creation preparatory to exaltation. Worlds have always been in progress, and eternally will be.

Every world has had an Adam and an Eve, named so simply because the first man is always called Adam and the first woman, Eve. And the oldest son has always had the privilege of being ordained, appointed and called to be the heir of the family if he does not rebel against the Father, and he is the Savior of the family. Every world that has been created has been created upon the same principle. They may vary in their varieties, yet the eternity is one: it is one eternal round. (GC Oct 8, 1954)

I personally believe that each Savior is also the creator of the world he is to save. After he has finished his work he will become a God and will have sons who will become Savior's of yet other worlds. This is how the worlds are exaulted.

[How Did You Find Your Answer to the BOM and Joseph Smith]

8 hours ago, clbent04 said:

I realized that my view of the BOM and Joseph Smith is so skeptical right now, that continuing to focus on these sore spots is not in my best interest under my current perspective.

I want to continue hearing about others’ experiences with things like discovering the BOM to be true, but I need to dial down my skepticism. The faith of others won’t build me up when my own lackluster experience with the BOM is preventing me from having an open mind.

So to put it more accurately, I realized my past perspective of the BOM and Joseph Smith needs to be changed for me to engage in healthy questioning. The answer that came to mind is that having faith is more important than getting every question answered the way I want it to be answered, and that the Holy Spirit will work within me if I allow it to 

I like your line of thinking. I would say that having belief or even a desire to believe is a good enough starting point. You have probably read or heard the below from Elder Holland but it bears repeating and consideration. He said: 

Quote

In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited. In the growth we all have to experience in mortality, the spiritual equivalent of this boy’s affliction or this parent’s desperation is going to come to all of us. When those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes. It was of this very incident, this specific miracle, that Jesus said, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know. ("Lord, I believe", GC April 2013)

 Pay particular attention to the last thought; it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have the the truth you already know that will really allow you to gain greater faith. I have, and have had, many questions about details in the BoM, about Joseph Smith, about church history, about stories in the Bible, etc, etc. But I have learned to ask them while firmly planted in the fertile soil of faith and belief. I can ask a question of the scriptures and the Lord can trust me not to throw all the knowledge he has given me away if the answer is not forthcoming. He answers many questions through his spirit, but if there are some questions I don't receive answers to when I ask, then I just move on. Perhaps I'll come back to them at some later date, but I know I'll find answers in time. What I have gained has been hard won and I'm not going to be so faithless as to give that up and crumble to bits if one of my many questions is not answered to my satisfaction or within a certain time table. 

So keep moving forward in the light you do have. By so doing your light will illuminate one area and then another area. Moving in this fashion, step by step and bit by bit, you will grow until your light becomes a flame of unquenchable fire leading to eternal life.

[When divorce seems to be the only option....]

Sorry for_our_experience my heart aches for what you and your children are going through. Most of the advice has been good. I would just make a few comments that I hope will help.  

• Determine what is within your control and what is not. For instance, your wife may try to enter a relationship with this woman at work. You can do very little to nothing about it. So don't take that on yourself. Let that worry go. 
• Don't personalize her problems. Not all of her problems are your problems. Her drinking will create problems for herself. Try and help her avoid them but she has made this decision of her own free will, so don't take the pain of her drinking on yourself. Unfortunately you will be forced to deal with the consequences of her actions but you are not the cause of the situations she has created.
• Focus on what you do have control over. Your children are going to need you during this time. These kinds of situations rock a child's life. Focus on them. They are going to need a soft place to fall.
• Keep the Lord in your life. Your world is crashing down, this is the time you need him. Don't make the mistake of pushing him away. Now, this does not mean you take on extra church responsibilities. I am talking here about your connection with him. Strengthen it. It will be of great help in the coming months and years.  

I wish you the best.

[Lost and scared about life.]

Here are my thoughts. I don't know you personally so take this with a grain of salt, but here are my thoughts. 

First the financial situation: Fill out the paperwork and apply for grants. I did this when I was 24 and was able to get some of school paid for. When I went to school I also worked part time at a place that paid for part tuition and books. Keep going to school and get that degree. 

Second the degree: While a lot of people say things like, "enjoy your career and you'll never work a day in your life" the fact of the matter is work is work (surprise)! It can be a bit monotonous, it can be hard, and it can wear you out. Even something you love can do this. Also note that a music degree generally does not take you very far in providing for yourself or a family in the future. But choose a field and get the degree. 

Third, the school: If you feel like you need to go to UVU then go talk to a councilor. See what credits will transfer and what it's going to take to make the move. You do not need to be stuck at LDS Business Collage. 

Social situation: I suggest you get involved somewhere. Maybe that's institute, maybe that's your singles ward, with music, or maybe some other group. Go do things. Twenty-four is a great age and you have the world ahead of you.

Don't get down, things will work out. Sometimes it feels life is dragging but you'll move forward. 

[The Meaning of Atonement]

17 hours ago, Grunt said:

Thoughts?  Are there other theories I should be looking into?

There are a number of theories on the atonement. Some are generic christian theories and some are specifically LDS. General theories include the moral influence theory, the ransom theory, the satisfaction theory, and the penal substitution theory (many LDS members talk in these terms about the atonement). Some specific LDS theories include the demand of eternal intelligences for justice theory, the empathy theory, the divine infusion theory, and the compassion theory. You could do a search for any of these to learn more. I myself am partial to the divine infusion theory as far as it goes. 

[Creation and Garden Story: Instructional Value?]

Part of the creation story in Abraham 4:26 contains the words, "Let us go down and form man in our image, after our likeness". It struck me one day that they indeed did come down, but perhaps not in the way I had imaged it. I realized that the story of their coming down might be a story I had heard a thousand times. It is the story told to Nephi by the angel. Nephi relates it as follows, "Knowest thou the condescension of God?" Or in other words, "Do you know how God came down?" Deep meaning in those words! Nephi continues, "And I said unto him I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things. And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh...and I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me; Behold the Lamb of God, yea even the Son of the Eternal Father!" 

So they indeed did come down and are in the midst of forming man in their image after their likeness. But the process is not yet complete and their coming was not just to Adam and Eve but to all of us that Christmas morning. 

[I want to believe, but I have a big problem trying to do that.]

12 hours ago, Shath said:

I came here to try to find hope that Mormons were different than what I see in my life.  I find that they are not.  There are some good, but many bad.  They do not understand charity.  They hate others.  Instead of reading their Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants and teaching that, they use far right analogies.  They seem to use Conservative thoughts as their religion.  It is not open to anyone.  It is only open to Far Rights.  It seems more exclusive to Far Right.  Why do they think a far right political ideas are their religion?  It excludes all others.

I am not far right.  I think I'm more in the middle.  I don't want it to end like this.  I would like a reason to find a Mormon church I could be a part of that lives the Book of Mormon and Bible.  I don't think I'm going to find that here though. 

I am sad, it is like there is no hope of finding a church that believes the Book of Mormon today.  I wish there was though.

You know C.S. Lewis had a very perceptive comment about becoming a Christian, it may apply to you and Mormonism:

Quote

 If what you want is an argument against Christianity (and I well remember how eagerly I looked for such arguments when I began to be afraid it was true) you can easily find some stupid and unsatisfactory Christian and say, ‘So there’s your boasted new man! Give me the old kind.’ But if once you have begun to see that Christianity is on other grounds probable, you will know in your heart that this is only evading the issue. What can you ever really know of other people’s souls—of their temptations, their opportunities, their struggles? One soul in the whole creation you do know: and it is the only one whose fate is placed in your hands. If there is a God, you are, in a sense, alone with Him. You cannot put Him off with speculations about your next door neighbours or memories of what you have read in books. What will all that chatter and hearsay count (will you even be able to remember it?) when the anaesthetic fog which we call ‘nature’ or ‘the real world’ fades away and the Presence in which you have always stood becomes palpable, immediate, and unavoidable? (Mere Christianity, p 216 - 217)

See, joining a church is not about "them". You do not know other people's struggles you do not know their challenges. Of course there are nasty people, there always will be. But there are also good people. In fact, you said one of the best people you know attends our church. So in the end It has, and always will be, about you. As C. S. Lewis says, in a real sense you are alone with God. Consider this and think on it. 

[Is There Forgiveness for Apostates After Death?]

16 hours ago, Rob Osborn said:

We do t have much doctrine concerning the millennium. We do know that Christ will be on the earth to perfect the kingdom during that time. So, as logic points out, what are we to do for a thousand years if not to become perfect? Its not so much about "another shot" as it is a place to continue to progress.

Christ will not dwell on the earth but will visit it from time to time as Joseph said, "“That Jesus will be a resident on the earth a thousand [years] with the Saints is not the case, but will reign over the Saints and come down and instruct, as he did the five hundred brethren [see 1 Corinthians 15:6], and those of the first resurrection will also reign with him over the Saints.” (https://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-joseph-smith/chapter-21?lang=eng#note23-). Note also that the righteous saints will not dwell on the earth but will likewise visit righteous individuals on occasion. 

Sure those born during the millennium will have a chance to work and progress as did we in our time. But there is no doctrine stating that we will redo mortality during the millennium.  

[Elder Holland Shares the Powerful Rebuke He Received While with His Dying Father on Christmas Morning]

I have always loved this message from Elder Holland. I first saw it back in 1996 published by Bookcraft under the title, "Christmas Comfort". It really hit home in 2001 when my own father suffered and heart attack and was in the hospital over Christmas of that year. They were bleak days. But his more thoughtful message, not just of good times but of hard times and the balance life offers, helped carry me through. 

[Original Book Of Mormon]

@Blossom76, As was previously noted a very detailed analysis of the Book of Mormon variants was completed by Royal Skousen. He wrote four volumes comparing and discussing all the differences. Here is a link to the online version of the first book: http://interpreterfoundation.org/books/volume-4-of-the-critical-text-of-the-book-of-mormon-analysis-of-textual-variants-of-the-book-of-mormon/part-one-1-nephi-1-2-nephi-10/. Most of the commentary is rather boring since it discusses very minor scribal errors or printer errors but I suggest you turn to it when you are wondering about why there is a difference. 

 

[Creation and Garden Story: Instructional Value?]

15 hours ago, wenglund said:

In his presentation, Peterson reminds us of the tie between Gen. 1:1 and Jn. 1:1-2, which suggest that "the beginning" may be an existence that predates the creation, or even time, though it may mark the point in time (or otherwise) that gave rise to the creation.

Peterson suggest that "the beginning," psychologically, is in reference to the emergence, and thus primacy, of consciousness, the place from whence creation, of sorts, can occur.

I like this suggestion because it can apply not only to the genesis of consciousness for all of mankind, but, as a way of likening the scriptures to ourselves,  it may refer also to our own individual consciousness, both in terms of our cognizant presence in the material world, but also our human awareness of the spiritual world. "The beginning" can then refer to all of the following: the creation of the earth, the creation of conscious mankind, our own birth, our awakening from sleep into consciousness each day, our rebirth from spiritual sleep to consciousness through baptism, and finally our awakening from physical death unto eternal consciousness through the resurrection.

From these first three words ("in the beginning") of the creation and garden narrative we may find that there is much that may be learned about ourselves (our past, present and future) from the biblical narrative.

Wonderful stuff. This portends to make going to the temple all the more enlightening and endowing.

Joseph in the King Follet discourse has much to say about the mind of man. I have tried to understand his thinking. He tells us, "I take my ring from my finger and liken it unto the mind of man - the immortal part, because it has no beginning." Note here that he is speaking of the mind of man. He distinguishes separate parts of our mind. He terms one portion the "immortal part" because there is no beginning about it. Perhaps today it might be termed consciousness. It is the portion of our intelligence that is aware. If we go back and back in time I believe we will find that we always had some unique awareness. Perhaps at some point it was almost completely undeveloped, but it was there. This part had no beginning! As Joseph tells us, "the soul - the mind of man - the immortal spirit. Where did it come from? All learned men and doctors of divinity say that God created it in the beginning; but it is not so: the very idea lessons man in my estimation. I do not believe the doctrine; I know better." And so do I. 

If we always existed as a conscious entity in some form what did God do for us? Joseph again says, "All the minds and spirits that God ever sent into the world are susceptible of enlargement." And that is what God has done and is attempting to do, namely, enlarge and enlighten our minds. He is taking our nascent awareness and  adding light and understanding to it if we will accept it. The scriptures testify of it again and again. Paul says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2). Or Alma, "And now, behold, because ye have tried the experiment, and planted the see, and it swelleth and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow ye must needs know that the seed is good. And now behold, is your knowledge perfect? Yea, your knowledge is perfect in that thing, and your faith is dormant; and this because you know, for ye know that the word hath swelled your souls, and ye also know that it hath sprouted up, that your understanding doth begin to be enlightened, and your mind doth begin to expand." (Alma 32:33-34). 

The beginning then as Genesis defines it, is a round of this enlightenment. The Lord creates an earth where we may dwell and be tested that our consciousness may expand. The first words we here from God are these, "Let there be light", and of course there was light. Perhaps this ties well into the way John speaks of the beginning. He always links the beginning with one who comes to this earth who has reached the pinnacle of awareness and enlightenment, this of course is Jesus Christ. He is and was a light shinning in darkness. He came to give us light and life. This then is the beginning. Perhaps not primarily in terms of time, but in purpose.

[Depression, testimony stuggles.]

On 11/15/2017 at 1:26 PM, MariDemure said:

I have an unhealthy thought process that if I had been a better Mormon that we wouldn't have lost our first daughter and I know that simply isn't true but I can't stop those feelings from welling up inside of me I feel as though I'm doing something wrong all of the time even though I haven't. I feel like it's a really unhealthy self punishment I've prayed, looked for counsel and each time they simply say that "it's not your fault and you haven't done anything wrong etc"

Our feelings are largely a result of our thoughts, and our thoughts are based on how we interpret the events that happen to us. When some event occurs we run it through a mental filter. This mental filter is simply the automatic thoughts that we entertain to explain the event. Over and over we allow these thoughts to define the event, even if our thinking is incorrect. When our thinking is distorted, it is as if someone were sitting next to us telling us how bad we are. 

In your case it sounds like your automatic thoughts revolve around what Dr. David Burns called "presonalization" and "should statements" (see "Feeling Good" David D. Burns, p 42-43). Work on these distorted thoughts and you will start to feel differently. To personalize some negative event means to see yourself as the root cause of it, even if you are not responsible for it. In your case it is the loss of your daughter. You are not at fault for this but in your mind, you tell yourself you are. That is such a heavy load, and if you let it, that distortion will weigh on you until you can hardly move forward.

The other distortion you may be dealing with is "should statements". It may work something like this for you: since your unrighteousness caused your daughters death you "must" be even more exact in your obedience. This type of false reasoning does not motivate. Instead it leads to quite the opposite. Since you are pressuring yourself about what you "must" do you feel weighed down by guilt and shame. Perhaps you can carry on like this for a time but the weight will build over time until something has to give. 

So let me suggest a starting point that has helped me from time to time. Its a tool called "Daily Record of Dysfunctional Thoughts". If you look it up on the internet you will find a template you can print out. This tool allows you to analyze the situation, your emotions, the distorted and automatic thoughts, the rational response, and the subsequent outcome. At first you may need to use this every day. If you are feeling the weight of life on you use this form to analyze why. It can help. As you start to see your situation more rationally you will be able to see where you can step back. You will give yourself permission to let go of the weight you carry. 

This is of course does not happen overnight and a good therapist will help in this effort. But if you start to correct your thinking I believe you will begin to find a more complete joy in life and in this gospel again. Keep your chin up, there are brighter days ahead!

[Damnation]

On 11/9/2017 at 2:43 PM, brlenox said:

In a nut shell in the avenger of blood concepts, The avenger of blood is God the Father who is honor bound to avenge the death of the innocent blood of his nearest kin. His role precludes the extension of mercy at this point. His nearest Kin is Jesus Christ who plays 3 roles. He is always the one of innocent blood but for some he is intentionally slain, others a complete and unintended accident. However, he also plays the role of the High Priest that atones for the sins of those who unintentionally slew the one of innocent blood. Every single person who seeks the sanctuary of the city of refuge and thus hopes to be protected by the high priest is a murderer.  It is also the High Priest’s role to turn those determined as intentional slayers upon their arrival to the City of Refuge back to the law of the Avenger who has decreed an unalterable death for those who would knowingly shed the innocent blood of the Savior. They are the sons of perdition. We are the accepted into the city of refuge as acknowledged slayers of innocent blood, whether intentional or accidentally, is determined by our lives as the evidence is collected to validate the nature of our hearts. If we are not willing to stay near the high priest, the Avenger can take us at anytime. This earth and our lifetime is the City of refuge. We have been sent from the homes of our inheritance in the celestial kingdom until we can be atoned for by the High Priest. After this then we have the opportunity to return back to the home of our inheritance.

Brlenox, Although long, I have taken the time to read through your posts on this thread. Above is what I believe to be your summary of why we are guilty of a broken law and why we need the Savior. It is an interesting premise, however, I have a few concerns with your line of reasoning and I'll present a few questions. 

1. How are we culpable of shedding blood and thus deserve the death penalty? I can see how you may use this "avenger of blood" concept to argue that Adam is culpable for all those that would be born into this fallen world, but how is it that we are culpable of death? 

2. Why is it that you believe this strange Law of Moses death penalty requirement equates to the law of the Celestial Kingdom? Even today we would not use this refuge law as a basis for justice. It is archaic. It would be much better just to determine someones innocence by interviewing them and others and find motive, intent, etc. Don't you believe God has an even better system then ours, and one that far exceeds this "avenger of blood" law? 

Now just one other note, please put the bottom line up front in your posts. You can then add supporting evidence afterwords but for clarity and ease of understanding it would go a long way. Thanks.

[Is There Forgiveness for Apostates After Death?]

1 hour ago, Sunday21 said:

@CuriousStudent101 In addition to the second changes described above, those who are not liars and thieves will get another shot at life during the milennnium. https://www.lds.org/topics/millennium?lang=eng

I'm not sure where this idea of getting another shot at life during the millennium is coming from. This is not doctrine. 

[Old former missionary still searching - I think]

I have read parts of ACIM and skimmed the rest. I believe it contains some profound truths while other parts are confused ramblings. Helen Schucman who I believe was a psychology professor says she heard an inner voice from Jesus who gave her the words. Here are a few quotes I like: 

"Father forgive them for they know not what they do" in no way evaluates what the do. It is an appeal to God to heal their minds. There is no reference to the outcome of the error . That does not matter (ACIM 2:16)

Wherever there is fear, it is because you have not made up your mind... Only your mind can produce fear. It does so whenver it is conflicted in what it wants, producing inevitable strain because wanting and doing are discordant. This can be corrected only by accepting a unified goal. (ACIM 2 VI 5-6)

[Perceive the body as a temple]. The next step, however, is to realize that a temple is not a structure at all. Its true holiness lies at the inner alter around which the structure is built. (ACIM 2 III 1)

There are also some concepts that I have considered based on what I have read. These are not exact quotes, just combinations of thoughts I have had based on the book.

Sin - A mistaken idea not in accordance with the law of cause and effect. Sin allows illusion to take the place of truth.

Repentance - Turning from error in thought and action to correct thinking. Or in other words from sin to God.

Forgiveness - A healing of the mind, made possible through the oneness of the spirit, wherein Christ is the mediator between us and God.

Faith - Confidence that one is doing the will of God.

[The Three Levels of Heaven]

Anatess2 and Traveler,  I'm not misunderstanding how other religions view baptism. I realize they see it as serious. But this is an issue of control, and comparing baptism to someone shooting themselves in the head is a terrible analogy. 

I see you both don't agree. That's fine. 

[The Three Levels of Heaven]

5 minutes ago, anatess2 said:

No, the Catholic assumes the spouse is about to make a terrible mistake (like killing herself) that will send her straight to hell.  A loving husband would do everything in his power within righteousness to prevent that (his wife going to hell) from happening in the same manner that a husband will do everything in his power to prevent a wife from shooting herself in the head.

Except that an otherwise healthy individual would not kill themselves unless they had some serious mental disorder. If a Catholic husband believes baptism in the LDS church is like his wife killing herself, then he must assume she has some mental disorder. Right?

If this is how he thinks then there is no Bible discussion that will change his mind. He must first accept that she is a rational , fully functional individual.  

[The Three Levels of Heaven]

3 minutes ago, Traveler said:

It is not impossible that someone is devout in a faith that they do not understand in principle all that much.

Yes that could be, and it would be worthy of a short discussion between husband and wife to insure there is mutual understanding on significant points of doctrine (though not necessarily agreement). But my comments are particularly directed at the analogy of selecting a different baptism being compared to shooting oneself in the head.