Grunt

That doesn't answer my question, though.

Not really. In some ways, I view it as an accurate depiction of the Church. I just don't necessarily view it as a negative thing. Yeah, but it's not like they're the Bangles or Bananarama

I'm not quite sure what you mean by this. What is the moral argument against defining the limits of government?

My feelings about the word "cult" have changed over the past few months of studying.

Why? What does "cult" actually mean to you?

I suppose this depends on the individual and how you look at it. I'm inspired by the desire and commitment of an individual to live the gospel. Nobody achieves perfection.

That's mostly accurate. While the initial phases of training mostly cover the same material, the manner in which that material is taught can be different. Some Soldiers go through BCT (Basic Combat Training commonly referred to as "boot camp") at one location then upon graduation they all split up to go to training in whatever job they will have. Other Soldiers, like infantry, go to One Station Unit Training (OSUT) which incorporates BCT and infantry training into one big butt-kicking mess. Officers don't go through the same training as enlisted, typically. Priests typically direct commission as Chaplains. They don't just help Catholics, though. They minister to all faiths.

They still do.

Exactly.

Of course, it is. States move to take guns from non-violent people all the time. I know many non-violent people who legally can't own firearms. Don't let dangerous people back on the streets. Leave my guns alone.

I'm a big fan of not providing a reason. What I do or do not own is not anyone's business.

As an investigator, take this with a grain of salt. The LDS I know spend a lot of time talking about their testimonies. As I look into the church, I’m not so much impressed by the words of their testimony as I am by the testimony of their life and actions. You live to be more Christ-like, correct? I submit that the Gospel certainly does not need defense. A defense by nature is off-putting. The Gospel needs expression. It needs to be embodied. I fail at this daily. My carnal nature is strong. I’m often rude and argumentative. Defensive. I struggle to be better, though. It’s the delivery, content, and attitude of your words that presents the best “defense”. I see some of you attacked here and your beliefs diminished, yet you respond with kindness, understanding, and clarity. I’m in awe of some of the people on this forum. You just seem to be genuinely incredible people. In my opinion, that is the best defense you could have.

I hope I get her for Secret Santa!

The first two I understood. I just wouldn't consider the marriage successful until that occurs. The second is odd to me, but wouldn't it not be considered successful, or even sealed, until accepted after death in the spirit world, the same as baptism?

I wasn't aware of that. Thank you.

Isn't the goal to have an eternal marriage? Unless I'm not understanding, which is typical, anything less than a Temple sealing isn't successful, right?

As LDS, how can you have a successful marriage with someone who is not LDS?

See, I just want the aliens to break out ray guns and get this party started.

I watched Arrival last night. Meh.

I have no idea what that means.

There are also education specific accounts that offer tax breaks and decent returns. I have them for my children but I'm not sure how they would work for short-term savings. It may be worth looking into.

This is what I like about the church and hope to see continue. It is open to everyone who wants to attend, but they don't beat around the bush as to their beliefs. That is only if asked, it seems. They rarely speak about specific sins but instead talk about the blessings of following Christ. I'm offered the Sacrament every single Sunday, but I pass. Nobody has ever asked me about it or even mentioned it. I've never seen anyone else not take the Sacrament, but in all fairness, I never look.

I've never been one to hide my sins. Everyone has it in one form or another.

One is judging the obeyance of God's law. That is for him, or those he has given authority, to do. The other is judging man's law.

That's so true. I was talking to a friend in Texas last month who is involved in something similar. I researched it to find it was run by an LDS member. I found it odd, but not for me to judge. I have box of keurig pods on the counter. I'm too busy with my own sins.