raven2

So why note focus more on the council and guidances of the prophets and leaders of the church. The church just published an entire new webpage on the environment, conservation and things we can do in our sphere of influence. More than enough knowledge and guidance without listening to the government (both political groups) or private enterprise.

As i pointed out at the beginning of the thread, its a shame that either political group focuses on global warming instead of our stewardship and conservation of the earth. Too many use it to exploit gain or to justify not having accountability.

Response to Loudmouth_mormon Ezra Taft Benson - "In fact, we are morally obligated to turn this land over to those who succeed us — not drained of its fertility but improved in quality, in productivity, and in usefulness for future generations.” Ezra Taft Benson - "Pollution of one's environment and moral impurity both rest on a life-style which partakes of a philosophy of ‘eat, drink, and be merry’ — gouge and grab now, without regard to the consequences. Both violate the spirit of stewardship for which we will stand accountable.” "Thus, when God gave unto man “dominion over the fish of the sea, and over fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth,”[22] it was not without boundaries or limits. He intends man’s dominion to be a righteous dominion, meaning one that is guided, curbed, and enlightened by the doctrine of His gospel—a gospel defined by God’s love for us and our love for Him and his works. The unbridled, voracious consumer is not consistent with God’s plan of happiness, which calls for humility, gratitude, and mutual respect. In other words, as stewards over the earth and all life thereon, we are to gratefully make use of that which the Lord has provided, avoid wasting life and resources, and use the bounty of the earth to care for the poor." Elder Marcus B. Nash, 18th Annual Stegner Center Symposium, Friday, April 12, 2013 The idea that the `earth is hear for us to exploit for all our desires` is not in harmony with the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ (which is clearly stated above) and we are asked to improve it from how we received it. At this point i think i have supported my comments with quotes from the prophets, scripture, church publications and general authorities. Note just my opinion or political articles. With that said, i believe we each have agency to our opinion and respect your right to your opinion.

As I stated early on, its a shame people from both political view points get so rapped up in the political debate of global warming, they blind themselves to the real issue which is our stewardship and responsibility to care for the earth and leave it better than we received it. That includes doing what you can in you sphere of influence and that the earth is not just here for us to exploit for all our desires. With that said I get the main point of some the posts - the focus is on the political debate. Which in my opinion makes people miss the real issue.

Originally Posted by Loudmouth_Mormon "To put it another way, exactly who is God displeased with? Me? I didn't do anything to make anything go extinct. His children in general? I'm too big on "man will be punished for his own sins" to go there. Individuals who knowingly and willfully end a species? I'm not sure if any such individual exists." Loudmouth_Mormon, if you haven't taken the time to look at the what the church, prophets and scriptures have to say on this topic, it might be worth your time. The prophets have made it very clear that you do have responsibility and will be held accountable. Like everything in life, there is a balance, but it doesn't remove accountability. Ezra Taft Benson: “Surely you can see the inconsistency in the individual who insists that we be good stewards and not pollute our environment, and yet who is unscrupulous in his personal life. Again, physical and spiritual laws are interrelated. Pollution of one's environment and moral impurity both rest on a life-style which partakes of a philosophy of ‘eat, drink, and be merry’ — gouge and grab now, without regard to the consequences. Both violate the spirit of stewardship for which we will stand accountable.” “Stewardship in the Church is a very important matter. The Lord has mentioned it in the revelations. (See D&C 59; 104.) We are stewards over these earthly blessings which the Lord has provided, those of us who have this soil and this water. We have no moral latitude, it seems to me. In fact, we are morally obligated to turn this land over to those who succeed us — not drained of its fertility but improved in quality, in productivity, and in usefulness for future generations.” Brigham Young: "All that we possess and enjoy are the gifts of God to us, whether they be in earthly substance, physical constitution, or mental power; we are accountable to Him for the use we make of these precious gifts. ... It is not our privilege to waste the Lord's substance.” Spencer W Kimball: “We recommend to all people that there be no undue pollution, that the land be taken care of and kept clean to be productive and to be beautiful.” “When I pass through the lovely countryside or fly over the vast and beautiful expanses of our globe, I compare these beauties with many of the dark and miserable practices of men, and I have the feeling that the good earth can hardly bear our presence upon it. ... The Brethren constantly cry out against that which is intolerable in the sight of the Lord: against pollution of mind, body and our surroundings.”

Here is some parts of an article from the Ensign that was 'republished' in November 2013 on the Church's new webpage on the environoment and conservation that I posted above. Earth—A Gift of Gladness "At one time, there may have been reason to be skeptical about the idea that we are damaging the earth on a global scale. But no longer. The evidence is mounting that we are doing ourselves and our mortal home serious damage. An observatory on Mauna Loa in Hawaii far away from large industry has recorded a rate of 1.5 to 2 parts per million increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide since 1958. Similar observations were made at the South Pole. A continued increase in carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere, produced by our vast consumption of oil, coal, and other fossil fuels, appears to be responsible for a general increase in temperature worldwide. (See Sylvan H. Wittwer, “The Greenhouse Effect,” Carolina Biology 163:8.) That increase threatens possible major changes in climate around the world, potentially causing drought in some areas and greater rainfall in others." "Another consequence of our burning large amounts of fossil fuels has been a condition called acid rain. Forests, streams, and lakes have all been seriously damaged in regions where pollutants in the atmosphere are converted into mild acids that are brought back to earth through rain and snow. As the acid accumulates, it kills both plant and animal life." "At the same time, we are combining that indirect and largely unintended attack with a more direct attack: deforestation. As forests are cut in many parts of the earth, the effect they have on slowing global warming decreases, and the loss of animal and plant habitat increases." "In Doctrine and Covenants 104:17, the Lord said, “For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, and have given unto the children of men to be agents unto themselves.” [D&C 104:17] My impression on reading those words is that the Lord is an ample provider—but he did not plan that we waste the gifts he has given us. The scriptures make it clear that we have dominion over the earth, but they also make it clear what that dominion means: We are to care for our planetary home and use its resources wisely. It was never intended that we abuse it." Earth—A Gift of Gladness - Ensign July 1991 - ensign

Very timely information from the church on the subject we were discussing. Mormon church makes new push for environmental stewardship "The Earth and all things on it should be used responsibly to sustain the human family. However, all are stewards — not owners — over this Earth and its bounty and will be accountable before God for what they do with his creations," the main essay says. "Approaches to the environment must be prudent, realistic, balanced and consistent with the needs of the Earth and of current and future generations, rather than pursuing the immediate vindication of personal desires or avowed rights. The Earth and all life upon it are much more than items to be consumed or conserved. God intends his creations to be aesthetically pleasing to enliven the mind and spirit, and some portions are to be preserved." Mormon church makes new push for environmental stewardship :: The Salt Lake Tribune

It was a very well done celebration, very informative and moving at times.

James 2:17 - "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." I guess I think its important to have more than a desire in life, but to take action on things that you have stewardship for. What about, recycling multiple items, turning off the light when you leave a room, controling water usage, etc. They do add up and are all within your 'sphere of influence'. But you probably first need to believe their is a need or a problem, before you would take action. Which goes back to my original point. Focusing on weather or not there is Global Climate Changes and debating it misses the real need and point.

Are you saying that things like recycling efforts have no impact or would not be a way to 'impact your sphere of influence'?

I didn't say he was mad, I said displeased and I said nothing of sin. I also totally agree that "...number of species on earth ebb and flow naturally across time." But, their are species that have become extinct in 'modern time' that was because of humanities lack of caring for the earth. I do believe we individually have responsibilites to do what we can in our sphere of influence. There are many things in our sphere of influence we can do (without becoming extreme in our efforts) that can show are desire too take better care of what we have been given) and show charity towards our fellow brothers and sisters. My main point was, just jumping on the Global Climate change bash wagon or going extreme in the other direction as well, is probably not a productive approach that helps us take responsibility for our 'sphere of influence'. Nor does it help improve the availability of clear water or air for you, me or the next generation.

It’s a shame that people have become so focused on the Global Warming/Global Climate debate and the politics behind both sides (which I am sure Satan just loves and supports). It masks a much more needed conversation. We know as members of the lds church that we have a responsibility to take care of what we have been given by Heavenly Father. Polluting the waters of the earth to the point that many of our brother and sisters don't have clean water to drink or clean air to breath, etc. (both issues cause mass illness and death across the earth each year) is a serious issue. So much of these problems come from our lack of caring for what we have been given and having our hearts set upon the things of the world. I also don't believe Father in Heaven is pleased with the extinction of many of his creations, that are cause by his children. Maybe it would be better if we focused on our responsibilities to our brothers and sisters and to Heavenly Father’s creations and less on politics (left/right). If we did we would see that we need to be more mindful of maintaining the earth we and future generations inhabit.

There are major differences between roundabouts and traffic circles. A lot of what you encounter on the east coast are traffic circles, which don't function as well and are almost never built anymore.

The church has tried very hard to balance its approach to this issue with the following principles: 1. The breaking of the law of chastity is a sin, always has been always will be. 2. People should not have basic right taken from them. (example: right to work, to have shelter, and to have agency - despite your viewpoints) 3. That we should love all people, even if we disagree with their actions. 4. We should support the basic concept of marriage and family as a core principle to the plan of salvation. I think they are doing a very good job at clarifing this position while balancing all 4 of these things.

See comment above for my reason for the date request.

ElectofGod, Thanks for the info. My following comment is meant to be in general and not all inclusive. As I have studied modern day comments on iniquity, secret combinations, etc. Many of the more direct comments seem to have started trailing of by the late 1980s. It makes me wonder if Satan had gained such great hold by that time (over government and institutions) that any effort to stop the 'takeover' would no longer be successful. Not saying we can't make changes in our sphere of influence, but Satan's hold was solidified and would remain so until the second coming. This has led to focusing on efforts and teaching of the gospel in areas and ways that can still help bring salvation to as many of Father's children as possible and less focus on stopping evil influences in government and institutions.

It mattered to me, because I wanted to know.

What year was that quote from?

I think we will see an announcement that the full time missionaries will start doing genealogy work and they will have the youth put more effort in doing genealogy/work for the dead. I know our elders said just in the last week they received training on genealogy. I guess we will see tomorrow.

I can tell you some of what they have said in the past related to our government and secret combinations. Would today's leaders say the same, I don't know. I agree with other that the Book of Mormon focuses a lot on these issues and their impacts on society. Secret Combinations by Elder Ezra Taft Benson Of the Council of the Twelve Apostles General Conference, October 1961 (Note this talk focuses on socialistic-communism) "Concerning the United States, the Lord revealed to his prophets that its greatest threat would be a vast, worldwide "secret combination" which would not only threaten the United States but also seek to "overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations." "One of the most urgent, heart-stirring appeals made by Moroni as he closed the Book of Mormon was addressed to the gentile nations of the last days. He foresaw the rise of a great world-wide secret combination among the gentiles which " . . . seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; . . ." (Ether 8:25. Italics added.) He warned each gentile nation of the last days to purge itself of this gigantic criminal conspiracy which would seek to rule the world." Other quotes: (I find this one interesting in the use of single secret combination.) “I testify that wickedness is rapidly expanding in every segment of our society. (See D&C 1:14–16; D&C 84:49–53.) It is more highly organized, more cleverly disguised, and more powerfully promoted than ever before. Secret combinations lusting for power, gain, and glory are flourishing. A secret combination that seeks to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries is increasing its evil influence and control over America and the entire world.” Ezra Taft Benson November 1988 Ensign “Gadianton robbers fill the judgment seats in many nations. An evil power seeks to overthrow the freedom of all nations and countries. Satan reigns in the hearts of men; it is the great day of his power.” (Bruce R. McConkie, “The Coming Tests and Trials and Glory,” Ensign, May 1980, p.73) “Unless those in authority in the United States can be influenced to abandon the suicidal course on which they have embarked–or unless they can be replaced by men who will–we cannot hope to restore in our nation the kind of domestic peace and order which has made our many generations proud to be Americans . . . The crisis we now face is the most serious, the most dangerous, in the history of our country. Each of us must diligently employ our influence and our effort–in speech, letters, and at the ballot box–to help set straight the way.” The facts are clear. Our problem centers in Washington , D.C. And this applies to the administration of both political parties.” (Ezra Taft Benson Americans are Destroying America, General Conference, Apr. 1968)

We had a brief interuption

It`s a great movie.

I lived in south Florida for years. You sweat a lot, its hot, that is life. I would wear my garments unless I was at the beach or pool. It was that simple. If we left the beach for the day I changed back into my garments before we went to dinner or shopping. You will not have a heat stroke from wearing your garments in a high humidity heat environment. Drink lots of water and take baby powder with you - you will need both.