mtman318
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Posts posted by mtman318
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Your priorities are out of wack, if you think that God's existence is based on your expectations of an answer.
Perhaps that would be true, if the scriptures and prophets didn't constantly say that we need to pray and ask God for our own testimony. So when we do pray genuinely, many times, but receive no discernible answer, wouldn't that be a good reason to believe that God doesn't exist? And if He does exist, but does not answer our prayers, then does He just not keep His promises? And if that is the case with prayer, why not with any of His other promises?
Now, I do believe in God, and I know He's answered my prayers directly and indirectly, but it annoys me when people take such concerns--and the people who have them--lightly. But on the other hand, it is important to remember to, if we struggle with prayer, keep in mind that we might be missing something. Perhaps we are not recognizing answers for what they are. Maybe we are misunderstanding God's promises (or covenants, rather) and are not fulfilling their conditions in order to receive the promised blessings. In any case, it's always good not to jump to conclusions too quickly.
As for why I stay, like others have said, I know it's true. I first gained (or perhaps discovered) my testimony after the first time I repented of my sins, when I was forgiven of them. I'm more "semi-active" right now, though, but I am repenting. In spite of my sins, though, I at least have enough integrity to not forsake what I know to be true, no matter what anyone else does (including myself).
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I suspect that the "theme" for conference is different for each person; likely it is whatever is most needed for the listener. For me, the theme was Peter, his overcoming the natural man and becoming the great Apostle that we know him as now. Of course this is one of those themes that we need to "liken unto ourselves," and it goes along with repentance, forgiveness, and conversion.
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I was in a similar situation; to be honest, I still struggle with these at times (and I'm 24 now). There's a good chance you will continue to be tempted with this throughout the years, more or less, but if you do things right, you won't need to worry either way.
First, confess to your Bishop, and follow his counsel. I truly understand the fear you feel, but trust me, you'll feel better once you do it. Also, if you haven't done so already, confess to Heavenly Father through prayer. He already knows your sins, but doing this is an act of faith, for which you will be blessed. Your Bishop won't punish you, meaning he won't hold a Church Disciplinary Council with you, but he might ask that you refrain from blessing and/or taking the Sacrament for a while.
Also, if you have a very strong, close relationship with your parents, you may consider sharing your problem with them. They will help you. If not, or if you're uncertain, just stick with confessing to your Bishop.
One more thing that I suggest you do (and everyone should be doing this) is to read from The Book of Mormon daily, at least 30 minutes or so, or by chapter. Do this no matter what else you do that day/night. Temptations will no longer seem so tempting after a while, and you will learn true doctrine on how to repent, as well as other gospel principles. You will naturally come closer to God in thought, word, and deed.
There are many other specific resources for help with these problems, both Church official and otherwise, though I admit I'm not too familiar with them.
Good luck!
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VERY true! Whenever I get the occasional twinge of doubt, I just remember everything that I've experienced, and the doubts soon evaporate.
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"Some people think we have Starbucks on every corner."
That sounds more like the US, or at least So Cal.
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The Philippines is still mostly Roman Catholic today. A lot of the traditions, including Christmas, is centered around the Catholic liturgical calendar. Therefore, official Christmas celebrations start at the beginning of Advent Season - specifically Advent Sunday which is 4 Sundays before December 25.
Christmas season officially ends on the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6 or the closest Sunday of.
But, unofficially, most people start putting up Christmas decorations when the months end in "ber" - that's as early as September! Live trees are not the norm there as fir trees are not abundant in tropical places. White Christmas is an alien concept but some people would spray foam on their trees to make it seem snowy like the American greeting cards. Sometimes they put white cottony mats on the base of the tree.
The main decor usually is the Nativity scene. This is where all the "grandeur" is concentrated on. My parents have a ceramic Nativity scene where the figures are at least a foot tall. It has at least 20 figures in it too including sheep!
Outside, it is common to see lighted stars made out of capiz shells like this:
9 Days before Christmas day, the Catholic church starts daily "Misa de Gallo" which are masses held at 4AM. They usually have lots of activities - like kids dressed as angels singing carols, etc.
Christmas Eve is usually a family reunion and everybody goes to the church at midnight for the Christmas midnight mass. Then the fireworks start. Every single house has their "noise makers" and fireworks. It is supposed to be illegal to have fireworks at home but nobody ever pays attention to that law.
New Year's Eve fireworks is even bigger. We hold out our best fireworks for New Year's Eve. Christmas is just a "taste". The hospitals are full on New Year's day of all the people getting burned by fireworks. New Year's tradition is eating 12 different kinds of fruit. So, to make it easier, my mother makes fruit salad made out of 12 fruits.
When I was growing up, Christmas is such a big religious event that presents are almost an after thought. I did grow up with Santa Claus. The church is walking distance from my house, so on our way to midnight mass, my dad stays behind to put Santa's present under the tree before he walks to church. We open the presents when we get back from church which is around 1:30AM. We only get one present. So, it's only Santa's present - we don't get separate presents from mom and dad. My brothers and sister do not exchange presents either. When I was 14, I started making more money than my classes (I've been working since 12 years old to pay for programming classes). My chemistry teacher took me to her house one day to work on a project and I saw their Christmas tree with presents under it (she's rich). It was the first time I realized I can give presents to my parents too. So, I bought some small things for my parents and brothers and sister. That was the first time we had gifts which are not from Santa. We exchanged gifts from then on - little things - like my brother had a stamp collection - so I would go around my cousins' houses and raid their mail for unique stamps - especially international ones. Cost: Zero pesos.
I'm trying to keep that same religious flavor of Christmas in my house in Florida. It is more difficult with all the commercialization of Christmas all around. Even the Catholic Church is not as "festive".
I can't wait for Friday! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Midnight was insane. I was in the Quezon City Mission from 06 to 08, but since I spent the first Christmas in the MTC (Thanksgiving, Christmas, AND New Years!), I was only able to experience Filipino Christmas once. Sayang!
The other holidays I particularly remember were New Years, Holy Week, and All Saints Day (on my first All Saints Day I lived next to the Paraiso Cemetary in Montalban, so that was especially memorable). Not to mention all the random Fiestas. I miss the Philippines... It'd be nice going back as a non-missionary, since I wouldn't be constantly stressed!
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I say, next time anyone here's in a similar position (but before they ask anything), he/she should look the other person in the eye and ask as intimidatingly as possible, "Are you a Mormon?" So for a few seconds, people can see typical interfaith interactions from our perspective. Give 'em a taste of their own medicine!
And if they do happen to be Mormon, you can share a good laugh.
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"In D&C 49:18, a revelation is given directed to the Shakers saying that he who forbids to ABSTAIN from meat is not called of God. Which means that vegetarianism is not something you can say is bad. However, study aids were added in 1979 that uses a couple of random references to make it seem like there is reason to believe that the word 'forbid' is actually meant to mean the opposite, to bid. That's not how English works, and it is not how the Shakers heard it (who only forbade swine meat, though all other kinds were okay, though many did choose to live as vegetarians)."
The problem with this interpretation is that it contradicts the subsequent verse, which states as an explanation to verse 18 that meat is ordained by God for the use of man, in addition to other scriptures. Still, I agree that it doesn't say that vegetarianism is bad, just that it isn't ordained of God (i.e., nobody can say God commands it). I admit that this is an oddly worded, perhaps archaically worded, verse. It would make more sense if "forbiddeth" was changed to "constraineth," or something similar.
"I don't know what the Word of Wisdom is, but in the gospels, Jesus eats fish and lamb.
"So, WWJD? (What would Jesus Digest?)"
Fish isn't even mentioned in the Word of Wisdom, but both science and Church authorities say "Go fish!" I'm just glad that I love seafood. As for the lamb, again, meat isn't completely forbidden in the Word of Wisdom (plus the lamb was from the Passover, a God-ordained ordinance). I'm surprised you didn't mention wine (and no, I don't believe it was "grape juice" like some people claim). While prophets have always preached against drunkenness, and about other health related topics, the Word of Wisdom is specifically for our day, as stated in v. 2 of D&C 89--the revelation on the Word of Wisdom.
"And for the record, most vegans and vegetarians do what they do because they're opposed to the abuse that goes on in factory farms, not because they have something against using animal products."
For a good summary on this issue, among other things, I recommend Fast Food Nation. There are other books more specifically about this, but I haven't read them yet.
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Personally, I'm convinced that Shem and Melchizedek are one and the same. And I agree with the following Ensign explanation of D&C 84 posted earlier, especially if the verse in question is read with the two following it:
"On the other hand, there is a case for their being two distinct personalities. Many persons believe D&C 84:14 is proof that there are perhaps several generations between Melchizedek and Noah. The scripture says, 'Which Abraham received the priesthood from Melchizedek, who received it through the lineage of his fathers, even till Noah.'
"If it does turn out that Shem and Melchizedek are the same person, this scripture should prove no stumbling block, because it could be interpreted to mean that priesthood authority commenced with Adam and came through the fathers, even till Noah, and then to Shem."
Also, one of the more obscure definitions of "even" is "or more exactly" (taken from the Encarta Dictionary via Microsoft Word). Hence, the passages could possibly be reworded as "Melchizedek received it through the lineage of his fathers, or more exactly, from Noah to his fathers, including Enoch, Abel, etc," or maybe, "through the lineage of his fathers, starting at Noah..." These interpretations seem more plausible also when you compare verses 14-16 with the more precisely worded verses 6-12.
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Yeah, I understand the whole "fake" aura people have about them for the first few dates, hence the reason why I have hated dating. I guess I'm too honest and I'm just myself and since I don't come across as this stuck-up rich guy it doesn't go farther than there. So I get lumped into the "nice guy" group, which I am, but I can't feel bad for some women when they say they get treated poorly or get dumped because the guy was a jerk? What about me? Oh wait, I'm the nice guy . . . move along . . . And and far as being where girls are . . . yeah, I've thought about that. I'm big into service and it has been recommended to me to take a dancing class, not for the dancing more for the pairing off and dancing with the girls. Hopefully with ones that know as little as I do, haha. So I'm really considering that. Any other suggestions of places to be besides bars? (not that I would haha) But you know, zenbones has a point regardless of the j/k. Don't be ugly. That's something I do need to work on. I'm not ugly but I'm not gorgeous either. I need to workout but there are things that I can't change like my height or skin tone which girls don't like me for anyways, so those kinds of things are hard to accept. Try accepting the fact that some people won't like you for what God gave you (and I'm NOT looking for philosophical/spiritual/religious retorts to that comment). So I guess those could be some of the "worst reasons" that I was talking about. Not to mention "nice guy" syndrome, lack of money and a nice car, and the LACK of (which I see as a good thing but who knows) overall cockiness that most guys who get women easily, have. (That was poor grammar, haha). I've been on dating websites for years, had some luck and some really BAD luck, and then no luck. So I'm probably gonna leave that behind and let people mature and grow up a bit. Just because I'm not a model and I don't snowboard, travel the world, or consider myself sarcastic, doesn't mean I'm a bad guy. Patience, its true I need it, don't we all. But I can't help feel rushed when first it was my friends getting married, now its people posting kiddy photos and ultrasound photos on their FB. It drives me nuts. I guess I'm just tired of immaturity in people and their lack of honesty in what they are looking for. Here's a guy that wants commitment and that seems to be what girls say they want, but when they find a guy who's like that, I'm too good to be true. haha please! haha skippy740, can you expand on what you mean?
You sound a lot like me. Too bad we're both guys!
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One of my favorite stories from the OT is where the Lord sends serpents to to bite the Israelites, then Moses makes the brass serpent, and whoever looks on Moses's serpent is healed (Numbers 21:6-9). In vs. 7, the Israelites ask that the serpents be taken away. I guess it struck me that, rather than removing the serpents as requested, the Lord provided an alternate "salvation." The serpents remain, but the Israelites need not be killed, by looking to God for deliverance.
I guess in someways, life is like that. Rather than removing/eliminating sources of sin or difficulty in our lives, God provides a way to overcome the trials and temptations that we face. As described so well by Alma (Alma 33), the serpent created by Moses is symbolic of Jesus.
With this particular event, it's noteworthy that had God simply answered their requests in v. 7, those who had been bit would still die. However, with His answer/way provided, everyone could be saved.
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Cool! I'll put these on my "To-read list." Regardless of my profile pic, I've had many doubts as to how "right" the US now is.
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How about a very simple but different miracle. I was very addicted to pepsi. One day I was talking to the missionaries and they were talking about overcoming habits. My addiction had been bothering me for some time so I decided on the spot to quit. After a week and a half of withdrawal I was clean. Now comes the miracle.
My husband stilll drank pepsi. I accidently grabbed his drink and took a swallow. And promptly spit it out. It was the most revolting thing I had ever tasted. Seriously, it made me gag. Not to mention the odor of a long dead body emanating from the drink.
Now I do not know exactly what was going on but there is no way I am going to ever drink that foul stuff. Sometimes I think I was able to finally smell and taste what it REALLY tastes and smells like. ^^
Allow me to thank you for this story, as I drink my Wild Cherry Pepsi!!
I'm having way too much fun with these smilies!
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In order to believe that God is intellectually untenable, you must believe that your mind can comprehend everything -- indeed, that it already does comprehend all of the facts of the universe necessary to make the determination that there is no God. Which is an absurd position; no one can have such knowledge. In sum, you would have to know pretty much everything to make sure there is not some knowledge somewhere that shows that God exists.
And if you know everything, and are thus omniscient, then you are God.
So from an intellectual or logical point of view, it is impossible to disprove the existence of God. -
I'll separate these into specific events or time periods, and patterns/topics in history. Each group will be presented in no particular order of importance. Also, these are my interests, not necessarily areas of expertise:
Time periods and places:
-Anything after the Joseph Smith period. Now, I like that first period, but it's simply been done (and being done, with the Joseph Smith Papers), and in my opinion it has been covered disproportionately with the rest of Church History. If you don't believe me, look at the institute manual (or any Church History manual/booklet).
-Regional studies, particularly after the 19th century. Especially the Philippines, since I served my mission there.
-Brigham Young's presidency. I know it falls under the first one, but it holds particular interest to me.
-The Apostolic Fathers. I know this isn't part of our dispensation (or probably any dispensation), but I think it serves as an important link between us and the New Testament times/teachings.
Patterns/topics:
-Scriptural history, including apocryphal and pseudopigraphical writings, versions and editions of scriptures, etc. Also, important works of the latter-days that aren't necessarily scriptural (Lectures on Faith--though that technically used to be scripture--, Voice of Warning, etc).
-Biography of prophets and apostles, and perhaps important scholars.
-Missionary work/programs.
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I have certainly found a positive correlation between joy and caring for others, which I suppose is our ultimate duty.
Boy, wasn't that an emotional way of putting it, ha!
I think the times I have cared more for/about others (either God, people, animals, etc; especially God) than for myself have been the most joyful times for me.
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The one common factor I've noticed about anti-Mormons (not necessarily former members) is that they all deny the Holy Ghost in some way or another. I can't say that they all commit the unforgivable sin, but they all try to cast doubt on the workings of the Holy Ghost. I guess it's their last offense, seeing as how our testimonies are our last or ultimate defense.
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:deadhorse: If I understand correctly, society in general used to view sexuality more in terms of behavior and action, rather than feelings and attraction (at least this was according to my sociology textbook). Eventually this changed, probably around the 60's. For some people however, including me, the old definition is still being used when talking about sin; hence the many misunderstandings that come up. I'm sure some people still think the attraction itself is the sin, but I believe people are becoming more informed in this regard.
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jb789...
I think you have the right ideas, personally, but I will add a little more. Like Traveler said, any resistance we have to temptation will be through the grace of God (the Atonement). So the Atonement and the gospel (faith) are definitely the "escapes" mentioned by Paul. Like Paul said, God provides the means (if we have faith in Him).
This can be considered the "enabling" power of the Atonement, so we never have to fail or give in. But if we do fail at times, we need not give up (though that itself is certainly a powerful temptation).
Also, when you examine those two scriptures together, we can also consider prayer, humility, vigilance, etc, (all acts of faith) as the escape which happens to come before the temptation occurs. Remember also this scripture:
"And they said unto me: What meaneth the rod of iron which our father saw, that led to the tree? And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction." --1 Nephi 15: 23-24.
Hence, if we aren't committing sins of omission, then we will constantly be receiving grace day by day, and when the temptations come, we might not even consider them to be tempting anymore. I believe we will always need the power of the Atonement in this life, and we ought not even worry about if we are "strong" enough of our own accord. We will never be truly "independent," like the Lectures on Faith describes, until we become like God Himself, and that certainly won't be in this life.
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In reply to the OP... I understand the distinctions you are making, and I will respond according to my understanding. First, God is certainly infinite as far as His existence is concerned, and so are we, as others have pointed out.
Second, I'm not sure if "immortal" is the right word to use for what you are describing (actually I'm not sure if any such word exists, in English at least). Whatever the word is, I think it accurately describes God's position as God, as well as His attributes, power, etc. In other words, as Joseph Smith taught, God was not always as He is now, but He went through the experience of mortality on another world (probably in another universe entirely), resurrection, etc. So His Godhood had a beginning, but it will not end.
I suspect there's far more that we don't know about these things than what we do know, like Arnolt pointed out.
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I know this was a year ago, but I'll reply anyway.
"The priesthood is there for us to do god's work, I doubt that if Moses wanted to part the red sea just to part the red sea, the red sea would obey him."
Doesn't the same hold true for all of Christ's miracles and prayers? Surely He never did anything contrary to the will of the Father. The same rule applies to both Christ and ourselves, so it cannot be an adequate argument that Christ was not fully human. And honestly, I think finding any distinction between us and Christ is ultimately moot. God, mankind, angels, in our belief system are these not the same species? The differences lie in quality of attributes, rather than type of being.
Also, the Roman soldier pierced the Savior through the heart after He was already dead.
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I definitely agree about the East Germany chapters. I read the book a while ago, so I don't remember many of the details, only that I enjoyed it. It sounded like (if I remember correctly) most of his family, growing up, was less active, and some might have been nonmembers; fortunately, they also sounded like good, genuine people, much to his (and our) benefit.
My favorite thing about him is that he has his head on straight. In other words, he knows what the most important things are in life, and we could definitely use an example from someone like that. How many of the worlds problems could be solved if more people had the same priorities!
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Actually, there are two resources. The first is Cumorah.com - International Resources for Latter-day Saints., a great site for international info on missionary work. If you're familiar with some countries, though, you can see that some of the data are several years out of date, and I'm not sure how often things are updated; I guess it depends on feedback demand or something. Still, the site is worth it.
Included on the site is the book "Law of the Harvest: Practical Principles of Effective Missionary Work," available in both html and pdf. I ended up buying a hard copy via Amazon, since I prefer reading an actual book (and ironically it smells like cigarette smoke
). It's 400+ pages long. The two main drawbacks are that it can be repetitive, and there's no index:mad:; still, the content more than makes up for this. The most interesting, sometimes revolutionary, parts are the ideas on how to use the Book of Mormon, and the entire 3rd section of the book on leadership. I'm about 75 percent done with the book, so if I find anything else noteworthy enough, I will add it later.In conclusion, I think the book should be mandatory reading for leaders, or at least mission presidents. Any other members would certainly benefit from it. Enjoy!
To be alone or to not be alone...
in Advice Board
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I second what Mahone said. Also, have you heard of Temple Grandin? She's a great inspiration on how to find your strengths and use them, particularly with someone diagnosed with any form of autism.