omegaseamaster75

Everyone's decision making process is different, and everyone's conversion is comes at different times. We do not know what is holding him back from serving a mission. President Monson's case is relevant because our earliest leaders taught us to follow their examples and serve missions. The mission of the church has never changed. "Go forth and preach the Gospel, gain an experience, learn wisdom, and walk humbly before your God, that you may receive the Holy Ghost to guide and direct you, and teach you all things past, present, and to come (DBY, 322)." We can go back and forth about if the OP's boyfriend should or should not serve and if his decision makes him a less righteous man in the eyes of the Lord. I happen to think that it does not, this is only my opinion. God knows our hearts and minds.

Thomas S Monson did not serve a mission, he chose military service. He enlisted, he was not drafted. Somehow he is now the leader of our church despite not having served as a youth. Since we know nothing about this young man I think we should assume the best. That he is a righteous priesthood holder who does fulfill his priesthood duties, but has simply chosen a different path that does not include a mission at this time. This does not make him unqualified for marriage. In fact his ability to stand in the face of the strong pressures that surround him make him an individual who will stand up for his convictions.

It would be odd and weird for me to celebrate his birthday, and yes I have a problem with "praise to the man"

I agree with the quote, President Monson is correct it is a priesthood duty, and worthy young men should be "encouraged" to serve. How effective will someone be as a missionary if they are pressured into going? Your better off not going. The OPs boyfriend has made the decision to not serve. I applaud him for it. He, his companions and the people he would have gone to serve are better off by him staying at home.

Not serving a mission will not make him any less worthy to exercise his priesthood or hold high offices in the church and perform his priesthood duties. Young men and women should go if they are in the correct mindset to serve faithfully, not because of pressure from their parents or church leaders.

Ztodd, I can see how my comments may be terse and seem harsh. The OP by his own admission is not doing the things necessary to change his pattern of behavior. Sometimes the truth is hard. If his feelings are hurt who's fault is it really? Let's be honest a mission is not for everyone, it's just not and it does not seem like it is for the OP based on his pattern of decision making.

We work together

You need to speak to your bishop, you are not the father and can prove it so no worries there...per handbook 1 Members are not eligible to serve missions if they: 1. Are not worthy as outlined in 4.5.2. 2. Would have to leave dependent children in the care of someone else. 3. Have been members of the Church for less than one year. 4. Are in debt and have not made definite arrangements to meet their obligations. 5. Are on legal probation or parole. 6. Are HIV positive. 7. Have been convicted of sexual abuse. Not your kid, not your dependent. Don't ruin your life go on a mission and if you come back and still feel the same way, well make an honest woman out of her.....

"whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. (D&C 1:38)

People are who they are, think about the jerk from high school, think about the most annoying person you know, think about the most selfish person you know. The jerk was always as jerk, the annoying person was always annoying and the selfish person was and will always be selfish. Can people change? sure but this requires a high level of self awareness which 99% of people don't posses.

Preface of the hymn book says this: "Know that the song of the righteous is a prayer unto our father in heaven"

You go to school on Sundays? I am sure that you can find services if you really want to. You are making the right decision by taking charge of your life. Based on what you have told us you need to do this in order to progress. People don't change, this needs to be a life lesson he had demons before you married and he had them after. You are young with your whole life in front of you. My advise don't be selfish. It's not just about you. You think you know better than your parents but in this case it is obvious that you don't/didn't. They want whats best for you and have your best interests at heart. At 22 you get to hit the reset button, take this opportunity to examine yourself and your life decisions. Make the effort to do better in the future.

You don't really want to go on a mission so you can stop saying that right now. A mission is not for everyone, and you can always serve later in life with your spouse. Dump her or commit to her. Those are your options.

I think it undermines his priesthood authority, I wouldn't tolerate it

I was wrong....I have admitted as much, I will be compliant with the rules, can we please move on.

prove I ever stated that Mormons didn't celebrate x-mas

I will state right now that ALL of our prophets were righteous men I truly believe that to be true. I also think that they led the church to the best of their ability under the guidance of Jesus Christ. My personal opinions are not relevant to any discussion about the Prophets past or present. I retract any statement that may have been accusatory or slanderous in nature. Thank you, Omega

Regrettably I am afraid that some do......

Per handbook 1 "Worthy single men ages 18 through 25 who are physically, mentally, and emotionally able are encouraged to serve missions. Missionary service is a priesthood responsibility of these brethren. They should be encouraged not to postpone missionary service to pursue educational or other interests. Single men ages 18 through 25 are called to serve for 24 months. Single men ages 26 and older are not called as missionaries." This is the actual policy of the church not a GA opinion given in conference. I highlighted encouraged because that's just what it is an encouragement NOT a commandment as others would have you believe. A mission is not for everyone and no one should feel obligated to go. I would not recommend asking him to wait, you will be a different person when you return

all sources are unreliable to be quoted, this is my belief circumstantial evidence points to my opinion being correct...

All other evidence is circumstantial I will admit to that, I have my thoughts on the matter and that is good enough for me. Brigham Young was divorced 10 times. your right alcoholism does rip apart families and destroys lives.

Brigham Young was a great man, a true prophet of God. You can stick your head in the sand about his flaws, but to me his flaws make him more real and the accomplishments of his life more important.

1) I agree 2) "Technically" I suppose you are right. This was his argument as well

examine the history of the civil rights movement and David O Mckay's timing. President McKay may have been a forward thinker and saw the political and social winds changing but was told to wait. Sometimes when a decision is made good or bad you have to stick to your guns until the time is perfect to make the change. 1954In Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, the Supreme Court overturns the principle of "separate but equal"1955Rosa Parks begins the Montgomery Bus Boycott1957President Dwight Eisenhower sends U.S. Army troops to Little Rock, Arkansas, to enforce the desegregation of schools1957Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) founded to coordinate localized southern efforts to fight for civil rights1960Sit-in at the F. W. Woolworth lunch counter in Greensboro, February 11960Hundreds of university students stage a sit-in at downtown stores in Nashville, Tennessee, to protest segregated lunch counters1960Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) founded to coordinate student-led efforts to end segregation1960Civil Rights Act reaffirms voting rights for all Americans