The Folk Prophet

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  1. Like
    The Folk Prophet reacted to slamjet in "What did you expect would happen when you made that choice?"   
    Ok, well, TFP reiterated what one of my stake presidents said once "there are many people in this stake who are walking around thinking they have the gift of the Holy Ghost, but they don't."
     
    So, let me speak from experience having been excommunicated for over 9 years and rebaptised last year, the Gift of the Holy Ghost may be taken away, but one still has the Light of Christ and wow, the wonders and miracles that have happened to me with "only" the Light of Christ really changed my perception of it.  It's immensely more powerful than we give it credit.  And regardless of what anyone says, it doesn't take much at all to have the Grace of God bless one's life.
     
    So to say that everything is taken away is a falacy, only the ordinances and blessings that eminate from them that come with church membership are removed.  An excommunicant can still attend church, can still attend activities, can still fellowship with the saints, can still counsel and have the support of the Bishop and the Stake Presidency and the Relief Society President, and can still reap enormous blessings from reaching for the Light of Christ.
     
    So anyone that says that an excommunicant is banished from the church by the church not only is wrong, they don't know what they're talking about so anything more they have to say on the subject should be looked at with suspicion.
     
    Any banishment exercised is self imposed.  And, as I posted before, to return to the fold through rebaptism is difficult, but that's because there will be a lot of pride and behavior that will need to be stripped out before one can once again accept that ordinance.
  2. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from Just_A_Guy in History of the White shirt   
    Which part of "recommended" are you not understanding?
     
    Clearly you're reading the handbook according to your personal bias against white shirts. The intent seems clear. Wear white shirts and ties unless there is a good reason not to -- good reasons being things like " taking into account their financial circumstances and maturity in the Church."
     
    I have to ask, what is your good reason against them? Why is the wearing of a white shirt and tie a problem? Can you give a good, righteous reason?
     
    If it's not snotty or rebellious, then what is your point? Our point is clear, and right in line with the handbook. White shirts and ties SHOULD be worn (but they don't have to be if there is good reason).
  3. Like
    The Folk Prophet reacted to mordorbund in Read from the pulpit, not most righteous saints saved for our time   
    The quotes are still included in the current online teachers manual for the Old Testament (and, what's more, the video supplement contains the disavowed teaching applied generally (where it's safe I guess) and not specifically).
     
    https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-06-2130-foreordained?category=new-testament/acts-revelation&〈=eng&order=chronological
  4. Like
    The Folk Prophet reacted to mordorbund in Garden of Eden as an allegory, historicity of Adam   
    Why do we need to keep these ideas exclusive? John, who's gospel is filled with thematic elements (Judas leaves the supper to betray his Master, "and it was night" - cue thunder, lightning) sees the blood, water, and spirit elements of birth and rebirth in the Atonement. He clearly sees it as carrying an allegorical message. Elder Talmage, relying on the testimony of physicians, sees it as a literal elements witnessed at His death that testify to the manner of his death (a broken heart - which leads others to apply their own allegorical teachings to it).
     
    I'm not going to tell you to exclusively sit in either the allegory or literal camp here. I don't think you necessarily have to for other Bible stories.
  5. Like
    The Folk Prophet reacted to slamjet in What to give to ladies I visit teach at Xmas   
    Something that can be shared with their hubby, like, you know, ahm, COOKIES, FUDGE, CANDIES!  Nothing more is needed
  6. Like
    The Folk Prophet reacted to Just_A_Guy in History of the White shirt   
    Openly flouting an apostle's (or a group of apostles') recommended course of action based on nothing more than "you're not authoritative, and I don' wanna, and I don' haveta, and I'm not gonna" may not be rebellion.  But it's kinda snotty, if you ask me.
  7. Like
    The Folk Prophet reacted to Palerider in History of the White shirt   
    I always wear a white shirt and a tie with my suit. I personally have done this since returning home from my mission. My final interview with Mission President he challenged me to maintain a missionary image upon my return home. I accepted the challenge and have done so ever since. This is my choice.
  8. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from Palerider in "What did you expect would happen when you made that choice?"   
    I feel bad for her. I truly think she just doesn't understand. I believe she has honest and good intent. She's merely deceived and blinded by the wisdom of men (or...uh...women, in this case). 
     
    I actually really respect that in her statement she plead with others not to leave because of this. It's too bad her views (and others supporting her) are misguided because her passion and good will could be put to positive use instead.
     
    It is sad.
  9. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from Backroads in Earrings   
    I'm certainly not advocating fellow members telling other's they are sinning because they have double piercings. But following the counsel of the prophets is a commandment.
     
    I quote D&C 1:14
     
    and vs 38
     
     
    and D&C 21;4-6
     
     
     
     
    and D&C 112:20
     
     
    That's just some of the scriptures that say this. There are more.  I could also give hundreds of conference talk quotes on it too...of course you don't seem to accept those as "doctrine"...just people's opinions...so.....
  10. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from Backroads in Earrings   
    So this is out?
     

  11. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from Backroads in "What did you expect would happen when you made that choice?"   
    I feel bad for her. I truly think she just doesn't understand. I believe she has honest and good intent. She's merely deceived and blinded by the wisdom of men (or...uh...women, in this case). 
     
    I actually really respect that in her statement she plead with others not to leave because of this. It's too bad her views (and others supporting her) are misguided because her passion and good will could be put to positive use instead.
     
    It is sad.
  12. Like
    The Folk Prophet reacted to Just_A_Guy in "What did you expect would happen when you made that choice?"   
    Well, she was apparently on formal probation since early May, but neglected to inform her following about it until she got her notice of hearing earlier this month.  She has (or her supporters have) also claimed that her local leaders never discussed OW with her until April or May; whereas today's letter confirms that discussions were happening as early as last December.  The Church could never go straight to the press with a detail like that.  But by putting it into Kelly's letter--which they knew darned well Kelly would feed to the press--they were able to get the story out regardless.
  13. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from Just_A_Guy in Read from the pulpit, not most righteous saints saved for our time   
    It's right at the start, but here's the applicable quote, I believe (correct me if I'm wrong JAG), for those who don't have the time to read the entire thing. Awesome talk btw.
     
    "For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the Second Coming of the Lord. Every previous gospel dispensation has drifted into apostasy, but ours will not. True, there will be some individuals who will fall away; but the kingdom of God will remain intact to welcome the return of its head—even Jesus Christ. While our generation will be comparable in wickedness to the days of Noah, when the Lord cleansed the earth by flood, there is a major difference this time. It is that God has saved for the final inning some of his strongest children, who will help bear off the Kingdom triumphantly. And that is where you come in, for you are the generation that must be prepared to meet your God."
  14. Like
    The Folk Prophet reacted to Just_A_Guy in Read from the pulpit, not most righteous saints saved for our time   
    But see Pres. Benson's sermon at BYU, here.
     
    I don't think one has to discard it--or the sources TFP cites--to pooh-pooh the idea put forward in the bogus Packer quote.
  15. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from jerome1232 in History of the White shirt   
    This may shock some who know me on this forum, but I wore a dark blue shirt with a yellow tie to church this Sunday.
     

  16. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from AngelMarvel in History of the White shirt   
    This may shock some who know me on this forum, but I wore a dark blue shirt with a yellow tie to church this Sunday.
     

  17. Like
    The Folk Prophet reacted to Just_A_Guy in Gay Danish couples win right to marry in church   
    FWIW, TFP, it isn't just you.  In Googling, I found probably 8-10 news stories mentioning this as a 2014 development.  But in trying to ferret out the source, that old Telegraph article just keeps popping up.
     
    I do agree with your overall point, though, that the trend is troubling and is, I daresay, an indicator of where the American gay-rights lobby wants to take us next.
  18. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from omegaseamaster75 in Meetings Take To Long   
    Whereas you passing judgment on me is perfectly acceptable? How is it you are not seeing the hypocrisy?
     
    Yeah...you all are always trying to "help" me. My opinions are judgmental but yours are only a sincere effort, coming from a good place, just trying to help out the poor, sinful "jerk"?  
     
    There are a few who take everything I say this way. And surprise, surprise, those few are those who have issues with conservative Mormonism.
     
    Still...fair enough. I can admit that MoE's viewpoints often brings out the worst in me. I can work on that. I will try and express my responses in ways that are less likely to come across "like a jerk".
     
    This will be my last post on this. I'm trying hard to avoid hostility and contention.
  19. Like
    The Folk Prophet reacted to Blackmarch in Heavenly Mother   
    don't know precisely why we aren't to pray to her, however we do have someone that we do know exists who does deserve prayers being sent to but we are told to pray to the Father instead (by this Person), and this is Christ. i'd imagine the reasons would be the same or very similar.
    From 3rd Nephi;
     17 And it came to pass that when Jesus had spoken these words unto his disciples, he turned again unto the multitude and said unto them:
     18 Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always lest ye enter into temptation; for Satan desireth to have you, that he may sift you as wheat.
     19 Therefore ye must always pray unto the Father in my name;
     20 And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.
    My Guess is the reason revolves around who is the highest in authority, or who presides.
  20. Like
    The Folk Prophet reacted to mdfxdb in Meetings Take To Long   
    Update. I spoke with the Bishop this morning about the meetings. He agreed with me that we should be more respectful of others time. He also said we would see how things went. To which I responded that he was the one with total control over the meeting. I also had the ex sec change up the agenda a little bit to leave of the calendar items.
    WC took 1 hour 15 min
  21. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from skippy740 in Meetings Take To Long   
    STAY...ON...TARGET.

  22. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from Sunday21 in Excommunications on the Rise.   
    One true church with exclusive authority is non-doctrine? What about the "racist" teachings in the scriptures? Are those non-doctrine?
     
    I agree with you that half-truths are effectively leading people away from God. You're interpretations of what qualifies as a half-truth seems a bit askew.
     
    How about things like, love your neighbor means total tolerance of sinful behavior, or the prophet is fallible so we can pick and choose what we follow, or following the prophet means your a mindless sheep, or the leaders of the church are fallible so that means the church is under condemnation, or nobody's perfect so we don't have to worry about it if we're not doing our home teaching, or pornography isn't that bad of a sin because it's so common, etc., etc.
     
    I have never known anyone that translated "the one true church with exclusive authority" into "we're better than you, neener neener" and the implication that there's a half-truth in there leading people away from God is a half-truth in itself. I am also not aware of anyone who took some of the mistaken thoughts about race and the priesthood once taught (now disavowed) and turned into the spawns of Satan from it. The imperfection of our leaders does not lead us away from God. If we humbly follow those He has set to guide us we will be blessed and brought closer to Him, in spite of imperfections they may have.
  23. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from bytor2112 in Excommunications on the Rise.   
    I'll state it stronger. STAY AWAY FROM THIS!!
     
    Even Satan can make well done and thoughtful communication. Well done and thoughtful is not the same as right, good, and true.
  24. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from Sunday21 in Excommunications on the Rise.   
    News outlets only pick it up if the person recieving the letter notifies them.
  25. Like
    The Folk Prophet got a reaction from Sunday21 in Excommunications on the Rise.   
    Yeah...this thought makes me want to clarify mine a bit. I absolutely agree. Questions, concerns, doubts. I've had them. Everyone does. But I have always given the benefit of that doubt to the teachings of the church even if I do not understand or agree. Because I know the church is true and is led by God.
     
    This has particularly come into play with me in the last few years as the church has addressed certain hot-button issues. My personal feeling is that some of the approach is mistaken...but I do not allow my personal feeling to translate to a determination that the church is wrong. I translate it to my weaknesses and inability to understand, and I trust the Lord will help me understand as I remain faithful. I'm also smart enough to know that the church, may, actually be mistaken in some things. But I also believe that I will be more blessed eternally by following the church even when it is mistaken than by rebelling against it, even in my own thoughts. So I sustain and support even when and if I don't agree.