tesuji

That would be fine if Toy Story were going to be a movie just for me. When its primary target audience is my daughter and the like then it's a different...um...toy.....story.....

I expect this is what we'll hear for a while...the edge just moving ever so slightly each time...until the frog is well boiled to death. Sorry. I'm jumping out now.

"Separating from entertainment -- has the time fully come"
I think about this question a lot. I am a huge movie and TV geek. I live in a rural place, and there's not much to do for entertainment. Movies and TV are a way to escape into another world. Also, I think human stories are inherently entertaining. There's something very meaningful and engaging in hearing (or seeing) a story.
At the end of the day I'm pretty stressed out and just want an escape. I think, I should read a book, etc. but I always feel too tired. Netflix et al are my default way to recuperate each night.
I like to joke that one of the perils of the last days is excellent TV. TV shows have gotten very good in recent decades. By "good," I mean engaging and well done. Many top actors are moving from movies to TV, since movies are now largely brainless action flicks intended for a global audience. I have a long list of great shows I love - if we were talking in the 1980s I wouldn't even' be talking about TV.
As you have pointed out, though, the worldly media is getting worse. I honestly feel that in too many cases the entertainment industry is basically the church of Satan, preaching worldly doctrines. Particularly disturbing to me is how "dark" shows have gotten more popular. Dark in this sense means "gloomy; cheerless; dismal; evil; iniquitous; wicked," according to the dictionary. Seriously, this is not what I want going into my mind.
So, what to do?
Well, obviously, I am selective. There are still a lot of good things to watch out there.  Also, VidAngel is great. If you don't know about it, you can set filters to filter out whatever you want. Some things are still R-rated to the core and can't be fixed (*ahem* Game of Thrones *ahem*) but most TV and movies are 98% decent, after you remove the poo from the cookie batter (see below, if you don't know the story). My wife says BYU TV channel keeps getting better. I need to check it out. Obviously, the ideal solution is for good moral people to produce enough stuff for us to watch. Keep an open mind. Personally, I am absolutely against LGBT marriage, because of the what I believe marriage is and should be. But the world has a different view - basically, we've got two types of marriage, two meanings for that word now, it seems to me. However, LGBT people are children of God too. Do I enjoy watching their relationships? - no, it's not entertaining to me. But I feel I can also learn to accept and love them and how they live, even if I don't think it follows the gospel teachings as I understand them. Keep thinking about Plan B. Eventually, I think even Vidangel will be overwhelmed by the tide of just plain evil stuff, and I'll have to give it all up. (Also, Vidangel might go out of business - every other such company has. Evil Hollywood.) Any suggestions for my Plan B?  
P.S. I just asked my wife about the two moms in Toy Story 4. She loved the movie and didn't even realize it was in there until she asked someone who saw it with her. So it's not "in your face," but you know that sort of thing will get worse in the future.
 
The story of poop in the cookies, if you don't know it (this version is annoying but makes the point)
. 

"Separating from entertainment -- has the time fully come"
I think about this question a lot. I am a huge movie and TV geek. I live in a rural place, and there's not much to do for entertainment. Movies and TV are a way to escape into another world. Also, I think human stories are inherently entertaining. There's something very meaningful and engaging in hearing (or seeing) a story.
At the end of the day I'm pretty stressed out and just want an escape. I think, I should read a book, etc. but I always feel too tired. Netflix et al are my default way to recuperate each night.
I like to joke that one of the perils of the last days is excellent TV. TV shows have gotten very good in recent decades. By "good," I mean engaging and well done. Many top actors are moving from movies to TV, since movies are now largely brainless action flicks intended for a global audience. I have a long list of great shows I love - if we were talking in the 1980s I wouldn't even' be talking about TV.
As you have pointed out, though, the worldly media is getting worse. I honestly feel that in too many cases the entertainment industry is basically the church of Satan, preaching worldly doctrines. Particularly disturbing to me is how "dark" shows have gotten more popular. Dark in this sense means "gloomy; cheerless; dismal; evil; iniquitous; wicked," according to the dictionary. Seriously, this is not what I want going into my mind.
So, what to do?
Well, obviously, I am selective. There are still a lot of good things to watch out there.  Also, VidAngel is great. If you don't know about it, you can set filters to filter out whatever you want. Some things are still R-rated to the core and can't be fixed (*ahem* Game of Thrones *ahem*) but most TV and movies are 98% decent, after you remove the poo from the cookie batter (see below, if you don't know the story). My wife says BYU TV channel keeps getting better. I need to check it out. Obviously, the ideal solution is for good moral people to produce enough stuff for us to watch. Keep an open mind. Personally, I am absolutely against LGBT marriage, because of the what I believe marriage is and should be. But the world has a different view - basically, we've got two types of marriage, two meanings for that word now, it seems to me. However, LGBT people are children of God too. Do I enjoy watching their relationships? - no, it's not entertaining to me. But I feel I can also learn to accept and love them and how they live, even if I don't think it follows the gospel teachings as I understand them. Keep thinking about Plan B. Eventually, I think even Vidangel will be overwhelmed by the tide of just plain evil stuff, and I'll have to give it all up. (Also, Vidangel might go out of business - every other such company has. Evil Hollywood.) Any suggestions for my Plan B?  
P.S. I just asked my wife about the two moms in Toy Story 4. She loved the movie and didn't even realize it was in there until she asked someone who saw it with her. So it's not "in your face," but you know that sort of thing will get worse in the future.
 
The story of poop in the cookies, if you don't know it (this version is annoying but makes the point)
. 

My sister lived in San Antonio for many years. They loved it there.

JosephCyrus,
I'm a little late to this party, but I am amazed at how much you have read. I exactly agree with mikbone:
 
You are obviously beyond the basic "Sunday School" level in your learning. I'm going to offer some of my ideas. I'm not a scholar, but I've been in the church all my life and I like to learn. What follows are of course my opinions from my own limited perspective.
"What we believe" is an interesting concept for us LDS. We believe in continuing revelation, so we don't yet know all that we believe. Also, it seems to me that some things we have believed in the past we now no longer believe in the same way. I think as we grow in understanding, we are ready to move from "milk" to "meat" (D&C 19:22).
I have always loved this quote by Brigham Young:
"'Mormonism,' so-called, embraces every principle pertaining to life and salvation, for time and eternity. No matter who has it. If the infidel has got truth it belongs to 'Mormonism.' The truth and sound doctrine possessed by the sectarian world, and they have a great deal, all belong to this church. ... All that is good, lovely, and praiseworthy belongs to this church and kingdom. ... 'Mormonism' includes all truth. There is no truth but what belongs to the gospel."
Joseph Smith made similar statements. All truth belongs to us in this church, wherever it may be found.
 
As far as my recommendations, I would say use the 1) four standard works of scripture and the 2) current prophet as the surest guide to what we believe.
The farther you get from those, the more you will be into the realm of opinion or the gospel from someone's limited perspective (all humans have limited perspective).
My own core short list, which I see you and others have already mentioned:
Scriptures
Current prophet's teachings
Current 12 apostles' teachings
Gospel Principles
Preach My Gospel
These alone are enough to keep someone busy their entire lives. The simplest doctrines such as faith and love are so deep you could study them forever.
However, I'm not saying stop with this short list.
Some other books I like:
"Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith," by Joseph F. Smith. 
This is being superseded by more accurate documents coming out now, as I see you have already discovered with the Joseph Smith Papers.
Jesus the Christ & The Articles of Faith by Talmage
These have already been mentioned. If you didn't know, a BYU scholar has come out with a revised edition of Jesus the Christ, to update the scholarship: "Jesus the Christ: With Revised and Updated Notes" by Thomas Wayment, Gaye Strathearn, et al. , 2015
"Wrestling the Angel: The Foundations of Mormon Thought: Cosmos, God, Humanity," by Terryl L. Givens, 2014
This is like a graduate class in the gospel. I'm still working my way through it. Lots to think about (and lots of academic terms to look up). There are additional volumes of this coming out now too.

All of Nibley's works I love, for his maverick but highly learned viewpoint, and most of all his entertaining writing style. Be aware, though, that current Mormon scholars will tell you that much of his specific research is a bit out of date. I have learned so much from Nibley. Be sure to check out his video "Faith of an Observer." He says nothing really matters down here in this life except forgiving and repenting.
A few talks that have been most influential of my understanding of the gospel:
"Beware of Pride," Ezra Benson
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1989/05/beware-of-pride?lang=eng
After this talk, I feel like I understand how the world works and what I need to do every day.
"In the Strength of the Lord," David Bednar speaking at a BYU devotional before he was called as apostle.
https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/david-a-bednar_strength-lord/
Thomas Monson talk a few years ago, where I finally got it, that the gospel is about loving God and your neighbor - the rest is details (and don't forget your saving ordinances along the way). Sorry, I don't know which talk.
Talk - I think it was by Dallin Oaks called "To Have and To Be" but I cannot find this anywhere, so I must be mistaken about the title. But the point was: Getting into heaven is not about racking up brownie points, or adding enough good deeds into a heavenly bank account. It's about becoming a Celestial person who will be happy being around other Celestial people and living a Celestial lifestyle. The church and the gospel exist to help us grow to become this kind of person. In short, learn to love God and your neighbor.
 
As far as the spirit world, I would love to know more about this too. The best two sources I know are:
D&C 138
"Three Degrees of Glory" by Melvin J Ballard
I don't know how official this doctrine is, but it's definitely something you should check out. Elder Melvin J Ballard, an Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints gave this discourse in the Ogden Tabernacle on September 22 1922. It was published under the direction of the Mount Ogden Stake Genealogical Committee. I believe is has been published since by Deseret Book.
 
Be aware that some books are more "doctrine" than others. For example Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie is no longer sold by Deseret Book, as far as I can find out. My personal opinion is that this book was very valuable and helpful at the time it was published, but its time has passed.
Also, I don't believe many LDS scholars would recommend the works of Cleon Skousen. However - I heard a mind-blowing talk by him on the Atonement that has forever changed the way I think. I would say take it with a huge grain of salt - some scholars have written rebuttals. I think this may be the one: https://josephsmithfoundation.org/audio/the-meaning-of-the-atonement/
 
I recommended the scriptures above all. However, there are many books that will help you understand the scriptures better. For example, the following by BYU scholars are excellent introductions to the Bible:
Jesus Christ and the World of the New Testament: A Latter-Day Saint Perspective, by Richard Holzapfel, 2006
Jehovah and the World of the Old Testament Hardcover, Richard Neitzel Holzapfel et al., 2009.
The King James Version is highly problematic. Read about it, if you don't know why; I won't go into it now. So check out reputable modern translations. The standard version used by Bible scholars is the New Revised Standard Edition. There are also recently great translations by BYU professors.
The NRSV is free on the web, including here: https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-Revised-Standard-Version-NRSV-Bible/. Do an experiment - compare some of Paul's epistles in the KJV and the NRSV. The NRSV has made it possible for me to actually get through Paul...
 
As you learn, you will have questions or run up against anti-Mormon or just "WHAT THE--??" information.
The LDS Gospel Topics Essays are the place to start. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/gospel-topics-essays?lang=eng

Then, check out https://www.fairmormon.org/answers/Main_Page

In general, when I come across something like this, if I don't freak out but instead research it more, I find there are answers and reasonable explanations out there. And the church and gospel are still true, but they may not be exactly the church and gospel I thought they were. It appears we have many simplistic and naive understandings of things. Sometimes, you will just have to hang on in faith until you discover the answers you want. I'm still looking for many answers or explanations....
If you start to get more into history, scriptures, scholarship, other questions the publisher Greg Kofford has many reputable books: https://gregkofford.com/
 
Most importantly - In addition to studying, even more important is to live the things you have learned. Also, gaining spiritual knowledge is based on your obedience, as the D&C says. In other words, try to love God and your neighbor foremost in your life.

If I remember correctly...Mormon Doctrine 1st edition was the edition that had incorrect doctrine and had to be changed.  Someone can correct me if I am wrong.  Plus I wouldn't use The Work and the Glory as official teachings either.  It's a historical setting with fictional characters so not everything in the books are historically accurate.

What a beautiful witness by a sweet, good man.
I like his quote: "Once you leave this church, it ruins you for any other church, because you just know too much." 
http://www.ldsliving.com/Watch-Tad-Callister-Gives-Evidences-of-the-Book-of-Mormon-How-It-Brought-His-Friend-Back-to-the-Church/s/91166

This appears to be a very poorly researched book, and to be full of misleading teachings about the Book of Mormon.
"A Review of the Annotated Edition of the Book of Mormon" By Stephen Smoot
https://www.plonialmonimormon.com/2019/06/a-review-of-the-annotated-edition-of-the-book-of-mormon-part-1.html

Interesting article
A journey into the Holy of Holies — in a Latter-day Saints temple
https://www.jweekly.com/2019/05/14/a-journey-into-the-holy-of-holies-in-a-latter-day-saints-temple/

Interesting article
A journey into the Holy of Holies — in a Latter-day Saints temple
https://www.jweekly.com/2019/05/14/a-journey-into-the-holy-of-holies-in-a-latter-day-saints-temple/

Interesting article
A journey into the Holy of Holies — in a Latter-day Saints temple
https://www.jweekly.com/2019/05/14/a-journey-into-the-holy-of-holies-in-a-latter-day-saints-temple/

OK, this question is straying into politics, which I am trying to generally avoid. But --
Of course Muslims and Jews have a lot of trouble now getting along, based on what I read in the news. What would it take for them to ever be reconciled? Perhaps a lot of Jews and Muslims might not be able to imagine this ever happening. But what would it take?
I like to idealistically believe than any conflict can be resolved. Certainly, the world would be a safer and more peaceful place if tensions in the Middle East went away.
I also understand that this is an emotional and frustrating question for many Jews and Muslims. I apologize if this question causes distress or offense. I guess for fairness we could hope both Jews and Muslims might drop by to give their thoughts on this...

OK, buy why not build a temple in other places? And, can there be more than one, rather just one place in the world?

From what I understand, the temple in Jerusalem has always been very important to Jews. Why haven't they built a temple in modern times?

Welcome back, @tesuji!

Hi, I see lots of great comments here so far already, so I'll just throw out my two cents.
The main doctrine here as I see it is about growing to become a better person.
Also, a core doctrine or our church seems to be that we are spirit children of God. So what we are growing to become is specifically to be like our divine parents - full of love, knowledge, wisdom, joy, self-mastery, etc. This concept isn't so hard to understand - in the natural world, things that are born of parents naturally grow up to be like their parents.
God wants us to have the unimaginably (to us currently) wonderful kind of life he has. If we are willing to qualify for it through hard work and obedience. 
We will all eventually become resurrected beings and "adults" to some degree. But we won't all reach our highest potential (to be like our divine parents) if we aren't willing to live according to the laws required to reach that state.
As far as specifics about how all this works, how God began, etc. - I don't think we have a lot of information yet. The veil - right? So while I think it's important to keep pondering and learning, it can also be unproductive to speculate too much or to assume that we have answers about things that we really don't know yet.
To the OP - in my view some of the things you state as known or obvious facts are not really known to us that degree.
Peace

This is cool, but it's not entirely true that God always protects his temples. For example, the Tongan temple burned to the ground a few years ago.
It is a Mormon myth, in my opinion, that temples fall under 'magical' protection. Hugh Nibley said Mormons are too likely to see their temples as a 'fetish', in the anthropological definition of 'an object regarded with awe as being the embodiment or habitation of a potent spirit or as having magical potency.' 

I think your purpose was to share the joy at how the Houston temple was spared the flooding. I don't want to detract from that intent.
However, I just think it's dangerous to put faith in myths, because they are a sandy foundation. If the myth turns out to be false, then misplaced faith can be shaken. And, hey, I could be wrong and God usually does protect his temples.
I also saw another apparent myth recently that concerned me. I attended Sunday testimony meeting at a native American tribe. They talked a lot about being descendants of Lehi and got strength from that. I am not sure, however, that many Mormon scholars would say it's certain that a tribe in Utah was definitely descended from Lehi. So if that turns out to be false, I'm afraid their faith may be shaken, if it was founded on a myth.
But, I'm overreacting to the title of your post, I agree
 

I have struggled with depression for years. It's unfortunately a pretty common thing - they say it's the "common cold" of mental health.
There are many causes of depression. But it is real. And it is indeed hard to just "snap of it." Depression is not just a bad mood.
Other people have discussed the many possible causes. It can certainly have a physical cause. For example, some older men have low testosterone, and simply getting a shot can fix the problem.
Usually, in my experience, depression is not so easily fixed. A person with more than mild depression should definitely get medical and psychological help. Despite some of the negative experiences expressed here, a competent doctor and a competent mental health counselor can help a lot. 
One thing that helps many people is CBT (Cognitive Based Therapy). The basic idea is that your thoughts determine your feelings. If you have distorted thoughts ("I am no good," "I'll never get married," etc) then you will naturally feel bad. CBT can also help with anxiety.
I've posted these before, but the two books that helped me most personally were:
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, by David D. Burns (a CBT approach) The Complete Idiot's Guide to Zen Living, by Eve Adamson and Gary McClain But as I said, there is no one fix for depression. It depends on the person's situation.
 
If you have no experience with depression, then please do everyone a favor and don't try to imagine how to fix it. It's not something you can understand unless you've seen or experienced it.
 

OK, thanks.
Personally, I would love to see a Politics forum, and then all political discussions be limited to there. Do you really want this site to be mostly about politics? It seems that's how it is.
Then I would personally hide the Politics forum. Whenever that feature became available. Maybe you would want to make it hidden by default. I've seen sites do that. And the moderator then moves threads to there when/if any thread ever gets too political.
Just my ideas.

It's good to be wisely cautious. But in general I think followers of Christ should speak the truth and let the chips fall where they may.
D&C 76: Only those who are valiant in their testimony will inherit the Celestial Kingdom.

It's good to be wisely cautious. But in general I think followers of Christ should speak the truth and let the chips fall where they may.
D&C 76: Only those who are valiant in their testimony will inherit the Celestial Kingdom.

I now live a block from the meetinghouse.
Yeah, we're late every week

I now live a block from the meetinghouse.
Yeah, we're late every week