Adomini22

If "calling and election made sure" makes it so...... Not sure whether that makes you sinless or whether sin is then a technicality only.

For everyone who responded, thank you for doing so. I understand all of the births and sudden deaths of infants qualifying for the CK. Its easier when one does not have a track record to allow choice on earth. They must have been very strong in the premortal existence. My guess of 90% failure rate is coming from the hundreds of millions that either lived in the past or live presently that will not choose to live like a celestial person here on earth. That is just a guess, however. I just feel that the number one purpose in life is to make choices and grow. (plus get a physical body). I feel that one should make choices, even wrong ones (when confused) to learn and grow. All other tests of obedience and even choice have been and potentially could be in a whole different realm. (premortal or spirit world) Am I making any sense to anyone? I have a terrible weakness in conveying my ideas, so apologies in advance.

Good afternoon everyone. I wanted to admit that I have a potential belief issue. It is hard for me to reconcile my beliefs on salvation and heaven. Some previous threads have already touched upon this subject, and I thank those that participated. Is salvation a gift? I would say so, because Jesus made it so. However, I have a hard time believing that the plan of salvation would be used if in fact 90% of Heavenly Fathers children will not make it. I mean, think about it. The path is straight and narrow correct? Why would someone put us on a path that will lead to such a high failure rate? On top of that, why would such a test be so critical when His children are laden with trials that ensure such a failure rate? I understand that we agreed to this before being born- as a way to learn though. I know each of us has to do our part and repent. This is true if one wants to become like deity. But those others that fail? I deep down do not believe that God will send them to Hell. Maybe a form of hell (aka, not be like deity) but that is it. And, I believe a lot of people will be fine with such a choice. I also believe that there are some who serve better Gods purpose while not being a member of this church. Just a thought. Am I way off base with this?

I know this thread is beaten to death already, but I just got on and started to read a little bit of it and wanted to give my two cents. (Even though my two cents are worth nothing, essentially) I feel confused on the issue, and struggle to reconcile all doctrinal points regarding SSA. I always have. I have friends both LDS and non-LDS who have SSA. Of course, all tell me it is a choice to live it, but it is not a choice to have that attraction. I do not see any error in that declaration. Regardless of what I do not know, I am assurred that God's grace is sufficient for all, He forgives all, and He gives us our weaknesses. Sure, we have our part to play, but He is behind alot of the "circumstancial" instances on this position. I dont know what else to say at the moment.

I agree with Moksha. There have been times when I did not get confirmation at all when praying/investigating on things I consider important. Whenever that has happened, I made a decision for myself based upon logic and knowing the right thing to do. It has always turned out well so far. Then, its later on when something spiritual hits me. Of course, (not to be devils advocate), but you could always go the opposite side of the argument, but I highly doubt you will find what you are looking for there. But you may stumble upon evidence of what you seek "playing the other side". Very rarely will this happen, but I am just saying.....

I swear sometimes (in rare emotional/accidental incidents). Yes, it gets the best of me, but I freely admit it. However, I admire the good chap that can hold a heated discussion without letting loose a string of vulgarity.

Right now I am at work with Comcast (I will leave this company soon to go to Bank of America in the next 3 weeks..) Lots of conversations going on at the same time, and it is cloudy outside. Its good weather in georgia overall, though. I love the southeast.

I dont know really what to say. I see your point, CK. Its obvious that the atonement was the sacrifice for sin which happened on the cross. Yeah, obvious. However I tend to stick GA's and what they say regarding gethsemane true. I believe it had a portion to play other than just the spirit withdrawing. It wasnt the sacrifice itself, but it was something.

Who said to cast this moment of Christ's life aside? There are many wonderful lessons to be learned from those moments that can help us out. That is one of the beautiful things of the LDS church, I might add. For the church really draws members to pay attention to those moments as well as the other moments in Christ's life. But that having been said, the point where "it is finished" was spoken and the blood poured out from the sinless sacrifice to offer cleansing-that was at the cross . The apostles and prophets may speak of the important moments such as the garden but none ever state that redemption was made possible through the moments there. True. The sacrifice for sin was done on the cross. I am not disputing that at all. The main reason for my post is that the last few posts have been over Gethsemane and the cross, and which does (or doesnt) consist of the atonement. The sacrifice was the cross. Jesus didnt sacrifice in the Garden, but he did suffer, and due to the atonement process, according to my belief. I personally dont like some of the tones used on both sides over this issue. As CK stated before, the discussion and references about the cross and Gethsemane have been discussed before. However, I hope that we can accept others belief irregardless of what references are shown.

Hey, I live in Atlanta, and Chick-Fil-A is awesome. I used to eat there ALL the time. Better than KFC, by far. And they are closed on Sundays, due to religious reasons. Awesome

Latter Day Saints missing the importance of the cross? Maybe some do. The apostles and prophets, however do not. Yes, it is obvious to everyone about what "the Living Christ" says. Take a look at Conference talks, or heck, even the scriptures. Gethsemane was a part of it. Pivotal point was the cross, yes of course. Dont cast Gethsemane aside though. I wonder what He, who suffered in Gethsemane, would say to the person who discards that experience.

There are alot of good characters in this series. Alice is my favorite, by far ( throw my 2 cents in )

Good testimony. I liked reading. I, for one, think expressing your testimony online to others is not a bad thing at all.

Yeah, what he said.

Sixpack is right. We (the world) has watered down the sexual sinning. fornication is starting to be everywhere. Man, I hope the 2nd coming is on the horizon. I'd hate to raise kids in this world.

No, I'm talking about the Gospel of Mary, or in a reference I found it's called The Gospel According to Mary Magdalene. It is part of the Nag Hammadi library.If I understand it correctly, Mary says she is one of Jesus' apostles, and that Peter is angry that a woman would hold this position. Additionally, in the Gospel of Thomas, there is a short section where Peter expresses anger at Mary at her insistence that her position is more than just a follower of Jesus. Basically, my understanding is that, according to these two gospels, Mary considered herself an apostle, and Peter was angry about this. In fact, I've heard Peter may have started the rumor that Mary was a prostitute to keep her from holding the apostleship. I'm not sure I have these exactly right, and may even have pieces that are completely wrong. I welcome clarification from anyone who knows these particular scriptures. I also would like to hear anyone's thoughts. Elphaba I have read in a book by Hugh Nibley (I have 3 books of his, and cant remember which is the one I read this in), but it says that Jesus was affectionate openly towards mary, and Peter thought that was inappropriate. Jesus then taught him of celestial marraige, and that marraige is by God, and needed to enter the CK, etc. Hugh Nibley has alot of stuff on Gospel of Adam, Enoch, mary, Abraham, etc. All of these writings were found in the last 100 years or so, and are not found anywhere in our modern day scriptures. Fun stuff to read.

Why do you think there are more females than males?Elphaba This was a post once, I think, in of itself, but more females would be in the CK because the 1/3 that followed Lucifer were all males. (hi, elphie!)

Yes. An appointment must be set

Wow, those are awesome pictures. I liked the one in Ottawa, Canada myself. The statue in the middle.... awesome. Thanx for posting that. I love libraries!

I might be the only guy to post this, but my mother and sister read the series, and recommended them to me. Now I have read Anne Rices Vampire Chronicles, and a couple of those books are listed as my favorites (not all her books are that good, mind you). But Twilight series is soooo good. I read all three books in 4 days. Yeah, that doesnt happen often. I dont think they should be in LDS bookstores, though. While Stephanie Meyer is LDS, the books are not. My opinion only. Cant wait till the other books come out. Now, we can see Edwards side of the story (the first chapter on the new book is on Meyers website, and is downloadable)

Thanx a-train for bringing that up. I love reading Journal of Discourses, and it irks me to no end to see anti-mormon idiots twisting plain doctrine up. Whoever posted those references is a liar, in my eyes.

Yeah, Elphie, just say it like it is.

Ok, like half of that post doesnt even correspond with LDS theology.

Good point. My home teaching companion in Idaho( who is now the bishop), said the same thing about blessings. You dont know whats around the corner. Good thread.

I think its funny that every single discussion and thread, Mad Hatter posts a sign that says" Do not feed the Troll". Every post......... lol. As for her answer to that question, its in the BoM and the Bible.