Grunt

Those aren't our rules. They're God's. People often CHOOSE to be insulted when no insult is warranted.

Even though this is related to my other thread, I'm hoping it answers a question or two. Thus, I'll start a new thread that is properly titled and searchable. The lesson I'm stuck on is Gospel Principles, Chapter 5. Christ as the creator of land and sky is a new concept for me, and I'm not solid on it. However, also in this chapter, they discuss the creation of Adam. God says unto Christ: His only begotten? I thought Christ was his "Only Begotten" through the miracle of Mary? This hadn't happened yet and it seems odd to foreshadow it. With me from the beginning? I understand some of this might get into deep doctrine, but it IS in the Principles class. Weren't we all with him from the beginning? He also calls to make man in "our" image. Our? Christ didn't have a body yet. He was in his pre-mortal image, just like us. Why would he say "our", when in Genesis he says His own image?

I would certainly do that if I had to. I would never mislead them. However, because this is a principles class I remember how I felt in those seats as a brand new investigator. Because I don't HAVE to do the topics in order, I feel it's best to do one I'm good with and study this in my spare time. I think since I don't have a testimony of it it's even more important that I be very familiar with the content and references. That will require more time.

Is a sign of bad things to come to struggle with my first Gospel Principles class? Since the text says they don't need to be followed in order, I think I'm going to shift gears even though it's late in the game. I'll pick the topic I'm comfortable with.

I'm sure most of you had had teaching callings, so hopefully, someone can relate. Have you ever had to teach something you struggled with? There are aspects of doctrine that I just don't have a testimony of. As of now, I think I'll just skip that subject until I have more time to study it. I don't think it's fair to anyone who may be in class if I try to teach something I'm unsure of.

Well, there is at least one mistake on that list. I started my first talk on open mic night with "Be forewarned, I'm long-winded, my language is at times inappropriate, and my wife says I'm not nearly as funny as I think I am". I felt it only fair to let them know what they were in for.

Again, doesn’t determine causation. People use anecdotal evidence to confirm their bias, ignoring the fact that the push to normalize deviant behavior encourages it, leading these kids to unfulfilling and difficult lives.

I think you're getting the attitude because of how you're interpreting some people's posts and how they're interpreting yours. I think it's a miscommunication.

This is what I was trying to say in the last thread.

It is disturbing, but it doesn’t speak to causation.

You’re making fallacious innuendos. Refusing to normalize sin isn’t exclusionary.

Did you just compare solitary confinement to following God's law?

There is an ocean of difference between "like" and "love". I love my brother. I think he's an incredible father. I think he is a hard worker. I have feelings of love for him. However, I don't like to be around him for more than a few minutes because he annoys the boloney out of me.

We talk and we're polite. I feel for him and wish him the best. He has little interest in having many discussions with me, though. I support everyone's right to live as they choose. I'm sincerely happy if they're happy. I just know what the eternal result of those decisions are and am sorry they don't see it. I believe true happiness isn't what they're experiencing. I didn't know the depth of a relationship or the happiness of God's blessings until I started receiving them.

No. I don't see a difference. If you do, it's likely my wording because it isn't my intent.

Play horse shoes? I'm a convert. People have low expectations from me.

He's not difficult at all. I didn't mean to imply he was. He, and most ALPHABET people I know, seem to have a driven sense that me as an individual or society in general needs to accept them as normal.

I absolutely disagree. I think they want more than anything for people to affirm that their behavior is normal. Particularly in the case of my family member.

I have a Trans in my family. I don't believe God wants me to tell him it was a great choice. I don't think pretending he is in a male/female relationship helps him, my family, or my community.

If it ever becomes good, you’re my first choice. I love your posts.

You’re staring at the stick. I’m reaching for the carrot. I think the difference is perspective.

This is what I believe. As a recent convert, I was attracted to the adherence to doctrine and unashamed declaration of God's truth and loving acceptance of sinners to listen to the word, even if they couldn't participate, with no apologies for following Christ. I don't know why, but seeing members openly declare they wish the church would condone sin bothers me.

Absolutely. I can think of many things I thought would never happen but did.

No, you don't! Prayer is individual. I didn't offer my "experiences" as an example of what's right. I honestly had never given it any thought until you posted this and it immediately caused me to think about the content of my last prayer this afternoon. That made me realize the bulk of my prayers end like that. I think I just go overboard ensuring He understands how grateful I am, which in turn causes me to realize how blessed I really am.

I can't envision that ever happening so don't see the value of questioning the church over a scenario I view as unrealistic. I also don't know why people would be "for" the church to support sin.