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This is speculative. There have been many leaders of the church who have stated such, however, there is not currently any evidence to support this. I believed it myself for the longest time. It would be very interesting if it is true, but it makes no difference to me now, either way. I presume this fact may have bearing in your discussion with @Vort, as it pertains to using masonry as an example.

I think your computer was recently deceived as to what you meant to type. Either that or you were deceived by your grammar teacher. Switching to serious mode, I think that the last verse you posed (D&C 43:6) really hits home for me because of the verses that precede and follow it: This informs us that true messengers will follow the prescribed patterns revealed to us in the latter day revelations we have, and will be properly appointed. I believe that most deception will occur when people follow 'revelation' that comes from a seemingly true pattern, but is not from the pattern and process laid out to us for the latter-days. There are already many Snufferites and others in the Church who have been deceived by following people who make a good case, but who are not authorized according to the revealed method. I think many will be deceived more because they will be convinced that certain doctrines are false or non-doctrines are true and will make decisions based on a few verses or statements. As Neil L. Anderson put it: Personally I have pondered this topic as it related to the fruit of the Spirit. I believe Satan works very hard to mimic the fruit of the Spirit as closely as possible to deceive as many as he can. Below are some of the things I have considered in terms of how he mimics them (in addition to the evil fruits already listed in Galatians). Fruit of the Spirit | Satan's Alternative (or some of them at least) Love | Physical and emotional intimacy / Lust Joy | Fun / Laughter / Entertainment, etc. Peace | Tranquility (I first noticed this when I spent a day working carpet cleaning in a meditation temple for a far eastern religion) Longsuffering | 'Wo is me' - those who 'patiently' wait for an evil end (i.e. homosexual couple suing business - awaiting reparations and societal acceptance) Gentleness | 'Tolerance' / Acceptance or approbation (esp. of wickedness) Goodness | Financially Charitable, 'nice', Mainstream Faith | Conviction / Confidence (Saul was steadfast in his beliefs before he converted to the truth; most 'salesmen' are confident in their products) Meekness | Resignation/Submission/Apathy (i.e. giving up and 'accepting your fate') Temperance | 'appropriate' moderation of bad things (i.e. alcohol, drug use, porn, extra-marital sexual conduct, etc.) Many of us would immediately recognize the wickedness of many actions of our fellow men. However, I am constantly being reminded and watching the elect be deceived on a daily basis as I see what some who are 'active' members of the church are posting on Facebook, saying in sacrament meeting, advocating for, etc. All that said, I believe the most effective protections against deception are a continually nourished testimony of true and established principles and doctrines of the gospel; an inner testimony and commitment to follow the prophet and apostles; and following the prescribed patterns revealed to us in existing latter day revelations. All easier said than done.

I am reminded of when I see a child take a handful of bread from the sacrament tray. It could be viewed as more offensive to us who view it as sacred than it is of consequence (spiritually or otherwise) to the child, except that said behavior is inappropriate. Also, I've seen my fair share of baptisms where the 8 year old might have done it for the right reasons, but still couldn't resist the temptation to try and stay in the water as long as possible afterward.

My ancestor once tried some fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, I hear it's delicious but have not yet tried it myself.

I would say that is the key to your dilemma. I can play out multiple different scenarios in my mind of reasons why he may have been staring. I would say the best course of action would have been to politely confront him about it a long time ago, it could have prevented the issues you now face. That said, I agree with @Vort in terms of the current best course of action:

Well, I'm sure you'll get to meet him one of these days. It will probably be a slightly shorter line than those waiting to meet Jesus! Welcome!

If Christ were to actually participate in the communion of a church that did not have the proper authority, he would be acting in political correctness rather than love and respect. Likewise, those of us who are members of the Church gain nothing from participating, except polite appeasement. Do we have a problem when people don't take the sacrament in our church? Pretend you were a member of a local protestant congregation and Christ visited your church and participated in the communion. Immediately you as the member of that congregation would interpret that the ordinances in which you were participating were correct and valid. The same would happen as a Latter-Day Saint, I would be immediately convinced that my religious beliefs had been substantiated by His act of participation. If this were to occur in an unauthorized and non-authoritative church then the result of Christ's action would be to lead people away from him to a sense of security in their incorrect beliefs and practices. Christ will never do anything that will lead people away, except allowing by their own agency. I would say, more likely, Christ may attend the service and intentionally not participate in the communion. This would allow for those who have 'ears to hear' (or eyes to see) to ask Him why. He would then lovingly rebuke them and instruct them that the ordinance was false and that if they will follow Him, He will lead them and instruct them in the truth.

Are you thinking of the same Christ who said this about other churches?

I agree with you, but there is no rule explicitly to not do it. Anecdotally, we all participate in false priesthood 'ceremonies' all the time; have you read Leaders to Managers: The Fatal Shift by Hugh Nibley? Hey, I just looked it up. . . I always though that other church's did communion just as a thing they do, not really a big deal, because I went to a service once and that's basically how it seemed to me, and because of how rarely they did it. Also, I imagined someone being passed the tray and taking it just to be polite (which is still not the best course of action). Just found the Methodist communion FAQ page. Looks like if a member of the Church were to participate they would be going out of their way to engage in said activity: If one must go out of their way and present themselves to participate in a false ordinance and do so, then they are doing something inappropriate, if not flat out wrong.

Feminism by its lexical root supports a concept which is evil. Feminism inherently represents a focus on women rather than equality of women and it is clearly visible in the actions and motives of modern feminists. The only appropriate way to enact the few righteous goals that modern feminism supports would be to abandon the title of feminism completely in taking on the title of equalism. Feminism is to Equalism as Black Lives Matter is to All Lives Matter. Too many people feel they deserve to be compensated because of the wrongdoing and suffering of people from the past, but what would that accomplish? Equality is what we need, not trying to right the wrongs of the past with wrongdoing of the opposite sort. Weren't we all taught at some point that two wrongs don't make a right?

There generally would not be a problem in participating (except for what @DoctorLemon noted). However, just as someone who takes the sacrament at our church without being baptized does so with no benefit, there would be no spiritual advantage to take the sacrament with another religious institution. When we partake of the sacrament we renew the covenant we make at baptism to follow Christ. Those who bless it have authority to do so. From a doctrinal perspective (no offense intended), the sacrament at any other institution would just be plain bread and water as those who prepared and prayed over it would not have the proper authority to do so.

Of course they are allowed to pose naked (especially if they are overweight and ugly) because they are empowered by unabashedly revealing their true physical self to the world! Duh! Besides, pornography isn't bad, its only bad because the men looking at it that will like it for the wrong reasons! If it was just women watching, and only female or trans female actresses then its good! Because, you know, empowerment! (all sarcasm on the off chance someone can't tell)

God's symbolism, Christ's body (he paid for it, remember), your covenant. The fact that she deals with mental health issues is a factor she should discuss with her priesthood leaders and competent medical professionals as it relates to wearing the garment. In relation to the discussion at hand, the fact that she purchased the garments and has agency over her body is false conjecture.

I served my mission in Florida. I wore the 50/50 cotton poly garments always. I had a couple of drilux but they were way more uncomfortable for some reason. Now I still wear the same type of garments.

I agree that he should not tell his wife the complete specific nature of what is happening, nor at this point should he bring up the specific person that is bothering him. However, I strongly disagree that confiding in his wife that he is being plagued with sexual thoughts/temptations in general is an incorrect course of action. If his wife is so spiritually or emotionally feeble that she can't be there as a help meet for him through general temptations that affect men everywhere all the time, then I'm not sure I have much hope that he would have the personal motivation to stop what he's doing at all (except for personal worthiness). If he can't lean to or rely on his wife to want to be there as a support to help keep him a strong and worthy priesthood holder, and can't trust her to be capable of handling a simple truth of life (that guys are attacked with temptations of women all of the time), then he has some serious relationship issues that need to be addressed in addition to stopping what he's doing. He said things in his marriage are boring, not that they are bad. If his attraction to this other women becomes problematic enough and he cant stop thinking about her, his wife may eventually have to know all the details so they can get special permission to attend a different ward, that would be so much worse than her knowing a tiny piece of it right now and being there to help him focus. Discussing a generic concept with his wife should not cause a problem, unless there is a worse problem already there. This is something so common that once he has a plan he should be able to tell his wife nonchalantly, "Honey, I've been having a lot of bad thoughts bothering me from time to time recently. I'm so grateful that the Lord has blessed me with you in my life; I can just put you right into all those bad thoughts and make them real good!" A nice follow up could be,"You want to know what I've thought about doing with you today?" If he actually does something like this, not only is it open and honest with his spouse, but it also opens the door for an easier transference of those fantasies to his wife, and her possibly even coming home expecting him to talk to her about his fantastical thoughts. Sorry for the rant, but I'm a big believer in as much spousal communication as can be reasonably achieved.

He's going home and will probably be married before you even get a chance! Even if he likes you, think's you're cute, he may get home and fall for someone fast. There was a sister missionary of whom I thought highly, when I was serving. She was very spiritual, very attractive, and all around a great woman. I got her email when I left the mission, but only ended up emailing her 2 or 3 times. I got home and was engaged to my wife within only a few weeks! You should wait till he's home from his mission, then contact him if you want, but don't hold your breath. Good luck though, you never know what could happen!

At first I was going to tell you to just marry her and then enjoy a sexual relationship with her, because that would be better than eventually falling into sin. . . but then you wrote almost at the very end that you are already married. Sexual thoughts happen from time to time, try to ignore them and move on. You are fantasizing about your thoughts which is not going to help you, ever! It is also telling that you waited until the end to state that you were married. You need to stop playing these little 'games' immediately. Try to find ways to serve your wife, that will strengthen your love for her. Also, feel free to explain to your wife that you are being plagued with sexual thoughts about other women and are working to rid them from your mind (you don't have to tell her the specific person/people). Between service and open, honest communication, you could take your relationship to a whole new level. For all you know, serving her could turn her on by her feeling more loved and close to you; open communication would lead to trust and closeness leading to more turn on. Hmm. . . wife turned on = happy happy fun times! You won't know unless you try!

I like what @zil said about just not giving a reason for why. I think people are wrong to treat you differently or to be cruel to you in any way because of your decision. That being said, I also believe that your decision is wrong. As you pointed out, it is against the teachings of the Church, and the commandments of God. I'm sure you are likely well familiarized with this topic and will leave it to the single quote. My wife and I are unable to bear our own children. As a result, it is hard for me to have any sympathy for you, because I know we would do almost anything if it meant she would be able to bear children. My wife can definitely empathize with you; she has always received a similar, albeit slightly different, form of ousting among the women at church. Most of the women seem to only talk about their children, and even now that we have adopted children, they all talk about giving birth and taking care of babies and she is still left out of the conversations. People are flawed and make mistakes. I believe it was a mistake in the first place to make the decision to not have children, if you have a healthy, capable, body that would function to do so. It is also a mistake for people to treat you unkindly,or to harass you as a result. I don't think you will ever escape it until you are aged beyond the years where you would be expected to have children in your home (even then only possibly), because people everywhere mess things up. I do sincerely hope that you find something that works to help lessen the backlash, but I think you will find few in the church who will condone your decision.

You are absolutely correct. I am fairly certain that in the case of this hot sauce it is less the pepper that is used and more the concentration. It is a thick sludgy hot sauce because it is very concentrated. That being said, there are hotter hot sauces, the Sudden Death company even makes a hotter sauce called Ultra Death.

On my mission we had a challenge given us by one of the members to eat a chip with a glob of Sudden Death Hot Sauce on it! This stuff is highly concentrated and comes with the following instructions and warnings: "WARNING: This product contains the hottest known ingredients on the planet earth. Please use with extreme caution. . . SUGGESTED USES: Use a micro drop on your favorite dishes to enhance your taste sensations. . . Use Sparingly. Not recommended for use without dilution." So, of course I took the challenge! After partaking, I consumed a half gallon of ice cream in about 10 minutes to try and dilute, after which I vomited profusely. I have never had anything nearly that spicy since, but vomit or not, I'm a 'real man' for trying it! That being said, I always have and continue to love very spicy food to this day. My wife's chili is too spicy for most people we know, but I still love it. I once ate 7 stuffed jalapeños with corn tortillas and it was amazingly delicious and I could easily handle the spice (definitely not fun the next day though)! I dislike the flavor of 'chile de árbol', but that's the only spice I have tasted that I dislike so far. So, are you up for the Sudden Death 1 Chip Challenge?

Have you received a witness from the Holy Ghost testifying of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon? If not, that is 100% okay, however, you definitely want to start there, in seeking and receiving that. Whatever personal assurances you have of the truthfulness of the gospel (as presented in the LDS Church) will always be a source to rely on for strength. Building that personal testimony of the truthfulness of the restored gospel should be priority number 1. Eventually, your perception of everything else should fall into place as long as you don't harden your heart against it. Regarding your other concerns, there are few here who would not highly value eternal (temple) marriage, and families. My father, who is Muslim, did not speak to me for three years following my marriage (however, I was initially told it was going to be forever). This was not because he couldn't attend, but because he felt that there was no longer a real hope that I would ever convert to Islam. My wife and I are unable to have our own children and eventually decided to foster/adopt. I would never have been able to make these significant life decisions without a strong testimony of the restored gospel. The truth is the truth, there is nothing you or I or anyone else can do to change it. Either the commandments you have asked about are true, or the are not. Each of us must determine this for ourselves. It is not really a decision, more so preparation and revelation. God will tell you if it's what he wants for you or not, and in His time. Focus on your testimony and things will fall in line as they should. For all you know, you may never be called to marry in this life anyway, or, God may bestow upon you a drastic change of heart and you will actively start to desire and seek it.

While I am not a mental health professional, I am very confident in saying that what you are experiencing is not OCD, but is actually anxiety. The two are related as obsessions and compulsions lead to anxiety when not satisfied. Masturbation is a sin, and sin should cause anxiety for a sincere God fearing individual. If you are sincerely striving to repent and overcome, you do not need to be anxious when you fall, but instead contrite and persevering in continuing the repentance process, and fighting each battle. You should definitely consult with your Bishop about the masturbation, and then proceed knowing you will not be barred from the Celestial Kingdom as long as you are actually continually trying to overcome it. In terms of scripture study, the only anxiety you should feel should be that of the missed opportunity to gain further light and knowledge. Those who read the scriptures to say they read them, without seeking to gain from them are not really better off than those who don't read (except that they can say to themselves that they read). It is not a sin to not read the scriptures, it is merely a disservice to ones self. For thousands of years people could only learn the words of the scriptures from their priesthood leaders. You should be reading them, but should not feel anxious when you don't. God rarely punishes his children for their mistakes. You will never be punished because of your sins, unless you are committing them intentionally, with the desire in your heart to rebel against God. If you were doing that, however, masturbation would be the least of your problems, I presume. God does, however, allow natural consequences to befall those who sin, and those affected by the sin. You do have some things to work on, but you do not need to burden yourself with crippling guilt and shame. If a therapist is needed to help you apply these concepts, by all means, please do so. It is also possible that you may suffer from anxiety in other aspects of your life, yet it manifests itself the most in your religious observance. If that is the case, you could potentially be benefited by medication, which could possibly allow you to better recognize the difference between sincere repentance and unnecessary, overburdening guilt, shame, and fear. I truly hope you can find the help you need. Regardless, don't stop trying to live a clean and faithful life, but don't take life too seriously. God loves you and wants you to succeed!

On my mission I was given raspberry iced tea to drink by someone when tracting. I drank it, completely oblivious, and so did my companion. The whole time I was wondering why it tasted a bit weird. Then upon leaving I finally realized what it was because I have had iced tea a couple of times since my grandmother used to drink it. I told my companion that I'm pretty sure we had just drunken tea. We both shrugged it off because we could not reasonably have known. I'm pretty sure situations like this generally fall under the Corinthians 10:27 rule, and I just keep on going with a clear conscience.

@Bini In response to the OP: It depends. The best course of action would probably be to repent for getting divorced in the first place and to get remarried to the same person. That is, going on the assumption that if you are able to maintain a relationship as described with an ex, you probably shouldn't be divorced in the first place, as @yjacket pointed out. I actually grew up with a girl who's parents were both members, they got divorced when the daughter was 9, two years later got remarried (to each other), and are still happily married (and sealed) to this day. On the other hand, if you end up remarried to another individual, you should probably never be alone with your ex. Who knows what situation might kindle old emotions and bring about problems, or at the very least, tedious annoyances, even if nothing happens.

Thank you. It's good to be back and participating again.