tesuji

Was that the one about the gender-neutral planet and the person who thought she was female?
I don't care about a gay Sulu. It would be great if the movies kept to the canon, but once I saw Spock kiss Uhura, it was all over as far as keeping things the same. 
I used to go to the conventions and drag my son with me. I used ST references in my doctoral comps (failures of rational decision-making:see Vulcans). Given my background, I should be a purist, but I'm not. Although, as much as I like Benedict Cumberbatch, nowadays there's no reason not to use an ethnic person when the character is named 'Singh.'

I'm actually building a website that is an analysis of the imagery and meaning of every Star Trek episode, as well as a morality analysis.  My first few prototype reviews are up, all from the first season of Next Generation.
My motive, to be honest, is I've always wanted an excuse to re-watch them all and do a critical analysis.  I love Star Trek... so much...

The hymn, "If You Could Hie to Kolob" is doctrinal: please note that the First Presidency chose the hymns it includes and signed the completed tome.
'Tseems there is no end, nor any beginning, to the "generations" of God.
Lehi

You quoted me on this post.  Just to clarify... you didn't touch my nerve.  Although your question made me scratch my head.

I absolutely agree.
Another area is money in general. The US in general is a super rich country, compared to most of the world. We are happy to buy new cars, big houses, etc. for ourselves. But how much of that do we really need? Especially when we are surrounded by perishing and destitute people who we could really bless if we shared our prosperity more. (Maybe not literally surrounded - that's part of the problem, that we more and move live in homogeneous communities isolated from people who are not of the same prosperity level that we are at.)
 

It is possible that JS had children with other wives, but it is not well documented.  There is enough evidence to support his having been sealed to about 30 women.  He didn't necessarily consummate all of these, but there is evidence that some of them were.  However, since he was married to these women, there wasn't fornication or adultery.
As others have already said, 14 was old enough to marry in those days.  By that age, you were already considered an adult. So there really shouldn't be a problem there, either.
When sealings are performed in our day, they are for binding families, husband to wife, father to son, etc.
Source: https://www.amazon.com/Joseph-Smith-Rough-Stone-Rolling/dp/1400077532/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468465602&sr=1-1&keywords=rough+stone+rolling
People tend to forget the historical context when they find something in history that would be shocking by today's standards.  Critics love to exploit this tendency and get really hung up on this type of thing.

@nuclearfuels
@nuclearfuels
You ask a lot of questions here, which is good.  But may I suggest that some questions are more profitable than others.   For example, studying the Godhead and as examining revelation and what is/isn't cannon could be more profitable than the relationship between Hinduism and Buddism.  

All people have access to the light of Christ. The light of Christ is like lightning which from time to time gives you information from God.
The Holy Ghost can be with you always, if you keep the commandments, once you have been confirmed a member of the church.
Have you considered going to mormon.org and posting some questions?
https://www.lds.org/ensign/2005/04/the-light-of-christ?lang=eng
https://www.lds.org/ensign/1989/06/i-have-a-question?lang=eng

I am going to start with your last question first because it feeds into the the other questions.
Part of the confusion stems from us not being clear on our terminology.  We have the "Influence" of the Holy Ghost (or Light of Christ) and the "Gift of" the Holy Ghost.  Everyone is entitled to feel the Influence of the Holy Ghost.  It comes and goes based on a variety of factors... including faithfulness... willingness to obey... and the will of God.  It was through the Influence of the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith was prompted to pray and receive the First Vision...  It it through the Influence of the Holy Ghost that everyone who has ever converted started on the path and gained a testimony...  I would say that it is the Influence of the Holy Ghost that kept you circling about Mormonism... while other factors are what are pulling you away.
Now for the Gift of the Holy Ghost...   The goal of the Gift of the Holy Ghost is the constant companionship of it...  That it stops coming and going but stays.  However this only happens when we aren't acting contrary to the commandments and will of God.  Thus when hands are placed on our head and the priesthood holder pronounces  "We say unto you Receive the Holy Ghost"  It is in many ways a command for us to get and keep our lives in order so that we can enjoy the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost which God in returns, promises us if we do.
Of course each individual member can then be at a different state of getting that promised blessing.
Now lets talk about church authority...  In many ways our Salvation and Exaltation is a intensely personal thing between us and God.  Our faith in God, our willingness to obey, our sacrifices. etc...    But at the same time God commandments require us to interact with other people... Love your neighbor as yourself, forgive persecutors, help the poor and needy,  Receive ordinances form Gods authorized servants, and gather together support and strength each other.
Once you start involving others for ordinances and gathering... Well that effort needs to be organized, and since the Lord's house is a house of order he has organized it.  He organizes through his priesthood.   
Now these priesthood holders are mortal men with weakness and agency like all the rest of is, but they are also Gods anointed... So how do we balance this?  The Doctrine and Covenants teaches us this...  From the instance of Hyrum Page God teaches us that he will have only one man appointed to receive revelation for the whole Church, at the time it was Joseph Smith.  And that if Joseph Smith should fall that God would have Joseph Smith appoint another to replace himself and then God would deal with him.  We see this repeated in the Manifesto that stopped polygamy and we can see it play out in a few stories in the Old Testament.
Now to connect the dots...The Holy Ghost can teach you that the Book of Mormon is true...  The Holy Ghost can teach you that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God...  The Holy Ghost can teach you that we have modern day prophets and that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is lead by them...  What you do with that is up to you.
But don't confuse the idea of authority and priesthood with requirement for always flawless and perfect actions... because that has never been the way God works.
 
 
 

@Veritas
Q: If they're men, aren't they weak, sinful, and fallible?
A: All of mankind is susceptible to sin and fallibility. We do not believe leaders are infallible. Weakness has been demonstrated various times throughout scripture. God still works with his leaders despite weaknesses. Here is a more in-depth link, enjoy: Mormonism and doctrine/Prophets are not infallible
Q: Isn't possible that any prophet, including Joseph, made mistakes and were not or are not always divinely inspired?
A: Prophets are not "always" divinely inspired. Choosing strawberry jelly vs. grape on toast in the morning is not a divinely inspired choice, therefore they are divinely inspired on certain subjects only. Not all words they utter are divinely inspired either. Again, please reference the link above for a better understanding.

As some of you may have noticed from my other post, I've been investigating for 8-9 years, despite being gay and agnostic. Not sure if my interest is academic or spiritual, but I don't seem to be getting much in the way of divine inspiration despite my pleas. I'm generally a skeptic and (overly) analytical.
 
For every pro-LDS thing I find, I find something negative (sometimes from former members). I'm not looking into getting into the issues about the historicity of the Book of Mormon, or litigate polygamy (personally, I don't really care so long as it's consenting adults who aren't leaching off the state), or bring up blood atonement or massacres or whatever sketchiness there may be.
 
What I'm curious about is the seemingly blind adherence to central authorities. I don't mean that to sound judgmental, but I don't understand how a church that advocates patriotism and thinks the Constitution and other founding documents were divinely inspired can demand such obedience and allegiance from members. It just doesn't seem like there's room for diversity of thought (like when it comes to feminism or homosexuality), and that bothers me. I remember having this discussion with a friend who is a member about the childhood baptism of married gays and despite knowing she is more liberal on homosexuality than many members, she was in lockstep. Her opposition didn't bother me so much as her stated reasons. The only response I could get was "Well, the general authorities say this, I'm a good Mormon, and I don't question it." I just don't understand such circular logic.
 
So here's my point:
 
The church is founded on the notion of apostasy, by men. It's restored through Joseph Smith, a man. The church teaches that neither Joseph nor any prophet are worshipped. They aren't God (exaltation aside, but that's another discussion). If they're men, aren't they weak, sinful, and fallible? Isn't possible that any prophet, including Joseph, made mistakes and were not or are not always divinely inspired?
 
There are things the church has evolved on that were deeply held beliefs but not widely socially accepted, like polygamy (desire for statehood) and barring blacks from the priesthood (because it was inherently racist). My understanding is even that in the early church, there were black members of the priesthood, so that didn't come from the Restoration. No current members rationalize or want to go back to those policies, but weren't those once believed to be from God? Does God really change his mind about that sort of thing after a few decades? I'm not trying to be flip or disrespect anyone's faith, I just don't understand.
 
I guess my general point is, is it possible that there has been apostasy since the Restoration and that any man, even a prophet or apostle, could be corrupted (or at least misinterpret or mistake signs)? Isn't that an inherent risk when relying on continued revelation from a living prophet?
 
Also, as a bit of an aside but as someone who is struggling with it, can someone explain why the missionaries advocate for listening to the Holy Ghost when investigating the church, and praying on things for understanding, but the Holy Ghost isn't conferred upon someone until they're confirmed and had the hands laid on them by a member of the priesthood, after they've been baptized? How can I listen to something I haven't been given? Or is it to degrees?

The aspect of becoming a Zion people has been a topic of interest, especially while I served in leadership positions in the Church. When the Church was first established within a couple years The United Order was introduced. Joseph Smith sought diligently to help the people to reach this pinnacle of discipleship. We know it failed, and it failed for the same reasons we are failing today. A notion I ponder, the Lord tried to institute his order within 2 years and it going on 200 years since then and the Lord has not yet again instructed, via his prophets, to move forward.
The Pure in Heart: We are failing (collectively), while individually there are many members who are succeeding. Clearly, there are traditions (false doctrines) which spread among the Saints that inhibit us from becoming "one heart, one mind." One of which, members who forget, although God wants us all to be prophets, there is only ONE seer who speaks for God. Far too many members think they are a seer, as they reject counsel from the Lord's servant (privately and publicly). Example, look at how many of our brothers and sisters responding negatively (publicly on social outlets), to recent decisions made by a united brethren of the Lord's anointed.
Church and Membership: We are growing, not as rapidly as we could. We also know, the Lord clears in the inner vessel before moving toward the outer vessel, which has me to believe there is still yet a cleansing and as the Church continues to progress (in light of this natural world, the natural man) we will see this cleansing. As a Church membership we enjoy visiting more than ministering and as we come to understand "ministering" the Church will continue to grow. In some aspects, we fear man more than God which is why we still "visit" rather than "minister."
The United Order: Why haven't we been instructed to establish this again, and yet the Church was instructed to build while still in its infancy during the restoration? My personal thoughts, our personal desire in paying a generous fast offering is evidence of our personal belief in the United Order. Your example is a great example of decisions that show some understand.
The Temple: We all know it is important, but how often do we go? We will make time for sports. We will make time, and sacrifice of money, for vacations. What sacrifices are we making for the temple? I think in some degrees we are failing and in others we are succeeding as temples are continually being built. I remember a few years ago now, an anti-Mormon said, "The Church is bleeding, and soon the Church will not be building anymore temples. He said in 10 years, no temple will be built, and we will see a decline in temples being built." I took him up on the challenge, and unfortunately, I am not able to reach out to him anymore. At that time there were only 126 temples. We now have 150 or more and more being built. The natural man doesn't know what he is talking about. His prophecy was in that many years we may see a couple more temples, but that is it. Yep, just a couple
Home: As priesthood brethren I believe we are failing. We have far too many homes where the husband, priesthood leader, does not lead out in prayer, scripture study, and other important aspects of what it means to preside in the home. Fathers are providing, but not presiding. The mother, wife, is leading out encouraging her husband to do what he has been called to do, and many are just to happy to let the wife lead. When the statement can no longer be said, "women are more righteous than man," I think we will be in a better spot because righteousness is a matter of choice, not fate. How many homes have FHE (consistently)? How many church members believe, "Well, I take my children to church," and that is it? We have far to much Sunday worship, and then we forget about the Lord during the week.
Tradition: We are far to steeped in tradition that inhibits our progression toward Zion, and yet the Church is moving forward and hopefully we all choose to keep up. This means we are living both the spirit and letter, not the well provided definition of the spirit that is prominent today through tradition but actually living by the spirit as understanding that living the spirit of the law is living the letter in the right spirit, not some form of disobedience, but a higher obedience.
 

The simple answer is "yes" God blesses all of his children as the rain falls on the just and the unjust. The sun shines on the just and the unjust. All we have are blessings from God, whether a man/woman rejects deity doesn't matter. He blesses them, which is also why in the end all will exclaim "They ways are just" even atheists, because they will then see his hand throughout their lives, where he blessed them, where he sought after them, and still they rejected him.
An increase of intelligence is a gift from God. If an atheist has a child, that child is a gift from God. Whether or not, they claim it, reject it, matters very little. He blesses them within the bounds of predicated laws as already mentioned, and what we sow we reap, and sometimes we sow and don't reap.

Trying to go to the safest geographical place might end up being like Jonah taking a ship to Tarshish to hide from the Lord.  Calamities can find us anywhere.
I think a good way to prepare is to study what prophets are focusing on today while asking God to let us know through his Spirit what we should concentrate on in our lives.
Personally, I hear a lot more spiritual preparation focus than physical preparation from prophets.  I think that tells me where the balance of my focus should be.
As far as how to do physical preparation, I think following the counsel of prophets is wise there too.  The most recent thing I could find that mentioned food storage from President Monson was from a first presidency message in September 2014.  The focus is more toward provident living and financial preparation than just food storage. (https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/09/are-we-prepared?lang=eng)
 
As a disclaimer, that was a result from a real quick search. Maybe there's something in this month's Ensign that I already forgot about.  
Also, the Church doesn't call for a "12 month supply" or a "year supply" anymore.  In 2009 the counsel became to gradually build up a 3 months supply of some foods that are in your regular diet, water, and a financial reserve.  Then after that's in place you build a long-term supply of food staples like wheat, rice, beans, etc. These long-term items are the types of things that last at least 30 years. No set time period is specified for your long-term supply.  I think the Church's current counsel is easier to implement and more practical and useful.  Also, if you tell someone to "get a year supply of food" they would probably do it differently and have different items than what the church recommends.  A year supply of freeze dried strawberries sounds nice and go for it if you want, but it's outside of what the current counsel suggests.
The current guideline is found here: https://www.lds.org/topics/food-storage?lang=eng  I find it interesting that money is one of the 3 main components of "food storage".  An article introducing it is here: https://www.lds.org/ensign/2009/03/family-home-storage-a-new-message?lang=eng 
Although this came out in the previous decade some areas of the Church have local leaders that aren't really aware of this.  I think that's because food storage in general has not been a focus from the prophets.
 
Another thought is that we have to be careful to not look beyond the mark.  If we put aside the plain and simple counsel in favor of wanting something more complex we may become blind and stumble as did the Jews.  This is from Jacob 4:14:
 

We are all children of God, so it's logical that he loves and helps us all as much as we will let him. Atheists would be no different, especially if they are obeying the measure of goodness and light they have so far received.
I fault no thinking, agnostic person for looking around at the world, and at all the false religions, and deciding there is no God and that religion is fiction. That is the most logical conclusion, if you do not understand true Christianity or Mormonism (most people don't understand).
However, if they continue to seek the light, and try to obey what light they understand, I believe God will lead them back to him. At that point, if they are humble enough, they will acknowledge the reality that God exists. Maybe not in this life.
I do believe there are atheists who live more "Christian" lives than some Christians are. You can follow Jesus without realizing it, if you are following the light.

We know no details about how God lives.
I personally assume that God, being God, can visit and spend time with all his children. But that non-Celestial children can't dwell where he does in the Celestial Kingdom. They can't live in that realm and live that kind of life, but that does not mean God can't be with them if he wants.
Think of it this way: God wants his children to rise as high as they themselves want. The more blessings his children can qualify themselves for, the more joy he has with that child.
Watching children make mistakes and suffer is hard. It's the same in this life. But don't you want them to learn and progress and find joy in that process, and become all they can be? The alternative is to wish they remain babies. That would be nice  but that's not what people are for, to remain babies to please their parents.
Earthy parents don't live moment of every day with their grown up children either. That would probably annoy them and stifle their growth into independent beings.

It is the best offer possible. Better than we can imagine or  currently understand
I think whatever reservations the OP has at the moment will fade away once he realizes what it is 
We have to trust God, as you said
 

We know no details about how God lives.
I personally assume that God, being God, can visit and spend time with all his children. But that non-Celestial children can't dwell where he does in the Celestial Kingdom. They can't live in that realm and live that kind of life, but that does not mean God can't be with them if he wants.
Think of it this way: God wants his children to rise as high as they themselves want. The more blessings his children can qualify themselves for, the more joy he has with that child.
Watching children make mistakes and suffer is hard. It's the same in this life. But don't you want them to learn and progress and find joy in that process, and become all they can be? The alternative is to wish they remain babies. That would be nice  but that's not what people are for, to remain babies to please their parents.
Earthy parents don't live moment of every day with their grown up children either. That would probably annoy them and stifle their growth into independent beings.

Very pleased that you are here! Welcome!

Forgive me for the length of this...
 
I'm not even really sure how to start this post other than that I've been an investigator, intermittently, for the better part of a decade. I'm 28. When I was in college, I thought it would be a facinating social experiment to join the church, get a temple recommend, and record my experiences. I was into journalism at the time and critical of the church. I was never very serious about it, but enough that I started to do a lot of research. That changed my mind and heart.
 
Growing up with an LDS meetinghouse just down the street from my elementary school, I grew up around a lot of Mormon kids in the neighborhood. It was never an issue or anything and I was only vaguely aware, but I fell into the whole ridiculous cult mindset. I never had any close childhood friends who were LDS, but certainly acquaintances  I'm only still in contact with one.
 
Ive had this weird intrigue, almost fascination, with LDS for years. It isn't constant or anything but comes in waves, and I would pretty consistently watch Mormon movies, read about LDS news, turn on BYUTV, watch YouTube videos, etc. so I'm more aware of the culture, history, apologism, and criticisms leveled against the church.  I know enough to probably get me into trouble, but not so much on scripture. Still, I've become pretty defensive of Mormons, since I think they get a bum rap, but also critical of some of he social policies.
 
But here's the deal. I'm agnostic, so I'm not even sure God exists. When I pray, which I've tried to do steadfastly for years, I can't shake the feeling that I may be talking to myself. I really wish I could have faith and clarity but it eludes me. Moroni's Promise? Not so much  quite frankly, reading the Book of Mormon has kind of bored me. I think it's the old English  I've always been a skeptic and embraced playing the Devil's Advocate.
 
I'm also gay, and I'm not apologetic about that even if I "pass" and keep conservative politics. The closet is an awful place and I will not subject myself again to to the anguish of that. I realize SSA is not a deal breaker, but being an observant Mormon would require celibacy, a lack of love, etc. and preclude me from many things. I know it isn't unheard of but it does complicate things. I've always joked I'd make a good Mormon if it weren't for the gay thing, since I already don't smoke, drink alcohol or coffee, etc.
 
Im also an introvert, and as I've seen in other threads, I know that can throw a wrench into things. 
 
And of course, the tithing thing is challenging to absorb.
 
For or the sake of wrapping this post up, I will say that I'm in the middle of an upswing of intense interest. I'm not sure if it's academic or spiritual, but I'm trying to be open minded and open hearted. My family recently moved away, so I don't want to mistake loneliness for the Holy Ghost. I actually went to sacrament for the first time this Sunday. It was daunting because of my issues with social anxiety (which I mostly manage but makes new environments and people a little overwhelming). The LDS friend from elementary school has been very affirming and a great resource, and invited me to go with her family while she's in town (but we haven't seen each other since middle school). Her father is e bishop. She also invited me to dinner later this week, across town. I guess they're feeding the missionaries. 
 
I'm not really sure what the point of my post is or what I'm asking, other than to get it out there. Other than my one friend, I don't really feel like I can talk to anyone about it who might understand.

I think son of perdition like mankind is meant to encompass women as well.

We are all children of God, so it's logical that he loves and helps us all as much as we will let him. Atheists would be no different, especially if they are obeying the measure of goodness and light they have so far received.
I fault no thinking, agnostic person for looking around at the world, and at all the false religions, and deciding there is no God and that religion is fiction. That is the most logical conclusion, if you do not understand true Christianity or Mormonism (most people don't understand).
However, if they continue to seek the light, and try to obey what light they understand, I believe God will lead them back to him. At that point, if they are humble enough, they will acknowledge the reality that God exists. Maybe not in this life.
I do believe there are atheists who live more "Christian" lives than some Christians are. You can follow Jesus without realizing it, if you are following the light.

Remember that mortal life isn't the total of our existence.  Everyone on earth at one time accepted God.  And, I'm sure everyone prayed and pleaded for his help to some degree.  Some people just aren't aware of this because they have forgotten.  All blessings from God are because of obedience.  Some of the obedience was before this life.
On a related note, keep in mind that while on earth everyone rejects him to some degree.  
 
Here are some scriptures related to your questions.
D&C 130:20-21
 
Matthew 5:44-45
 
Galatians 6:7
 
I wish I could add more scriptures and provide commentary explaining how they answer your questions, but I'm short on time.  Maybe you'll learn some things pondering these or maybe someone else will provide good answers before I get back to it.
One other thing to remember -- a heart changed and intelligence gained is much more valuable than any short term prosperity we experience.

A small child may complain that they don't want to grow up because grown-ups don't get to do certain childish things that kids love. Of course that's not true. Adults could do such things. They just don't care to.
Why can't we trust God when he tells us that exaltation will bring a fulness of joy? Why would we presume that our mortal views of what we enjoy and do not will apply? A child may not be able to understand that when they're a grown up they probably won't be interested in childish things any longer. Despite the fact that our mortal maturity compared to God is significantly greater (away from) than a child's compared to ours, I would still hope that we could be reasonable and mature enough about things to understand that our views as gods will not be the same as our views as limited, childish, weak mortals.
God has said what His glory is. He has proclaimed we will have a fulness of joy. Let's believe him.

Lectures on Faith, Lecture 4, Pg.43
All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience, Chapter 2 "The Omniscience of an Omnipotent and Omniloving God", Neal A. Maxwell.
http://www.mormoninterpreter.com/understanding-genesis-and-the-temple/
IMO, exaltation, for those who obtain it, will come after they have learned all things (prior to completion, it will be the path to exaltation).  Thereafter, they will engage in the same work God is engaged in now, and their rest will be much like that described by Walton in the quote immediately above - using their creations for their intended purpose.  That, of course, is all speculation on my part, as I agree with Paul, that we cannot imagine what it will be like - this is just as close as I can come given what I know.