clbent04

Here's another reference in addition to those already provided: "The National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families, an Ohio-based nonprofit organization working to promote Christian values, says an estimated 47% of families in the United States report that pornography is a problem in their home." https://mormonhub.com/blog/faith/defending-the-faith/mormons-watching-porn/ Where I got the 33% estimate was more from personal interaction with various bishops in the church. Every bishop I've visited or worked with says the statistic is actually higher in the church for men who watch pornography (closer to 50% in most wards). Saying at least a third of LDS men have a problem viewing pornography is a conservative estimate based on the discussions I've had and statistics I've come across like the statistics previously mentioned in this thread

@estradling75 random question. I'm assuming your last name is Stradling. Do you have a relative living in Mesa, Arizona, named Louis?

I'm going to trademark the phrase "I know the Church is true" just like Donald Trump trademarked "You're fired"

This did truthfully surprise me. Now when it comes to other topics I've posted on and people voice differing opinions, I'm not so much surprised there. But this particularly topic, yes, I was surprised. Especially how much out of context it became in relation to the original intent of discussing it

Of course there's diversity out there, but when it's something that seems straightforward to you (treat your body as a temple), it's all the more surprising when you read different interpretations as to what that means - especially when it's members in your own church who you thought you were on the same wavelength with

Now I know what the "F" stands for on your Gator shirt..... Fabulous

PS - just wanted to say sorry to @LiterateParakeet (and anyone else) for making you upset earlier on the discussion on obesity. Wasn't trying to get under your skin, and my intent wasn't to be mean. Mostly I like discussing various topics of the gospel and reading others' opinions. As for the obesity discussion, I primarily became interested in how we as members can interpret something differently that seems to be straightforward to me. It's very interesting how we have access to the same material, but yet still have various opinions. But it's also that diverse perspective I enjoy. I've had a lot of questions for so long without ever having a chance to discuss them with others. My friends and family never liked talking about gospel related questions so I was left with no good discussion or improvement of my own religious thoughts by comparing notes with peers. So anyway, I know some feathers were ruffled eariler, and again, I'm sorry for upsetting you especially considering this is a personal struggle for you. I hope you know my posts weren't meant to be cruel or inconsiderate (except maybe that one to @MormonGator, only because his opinions never make sense to me). Anyway, I enjoy reading your other posts and hope you don't hold this one against me!

Exactly

"I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves." - Joseph Smith Does God not also teach us correct principles in hopes that we may govern ourselves? Treat your body as a temple. Use this guidance to govern yourself however you want to. If the principle is correct, it should help guide all of us to treat our bodies as the Lord wants us to

You can interpret treat your body as a temple however you want to. I've made it clear what my interpretatation has been the whole time

I think I've voiced my opinion sufficiently on obesity being a sin. I'm also going to not comment anymore on this as I don't see the value in it, and it's obviously a sensitive issue for many

For most people, healthy dieting and exercise invariably lead to weight loss

@LiterateParakeet I'm not fat shaming anyone here. There's a difference in fat shaming someone and voicing what you consider sinful. If I say the viewing of pornography is a sin, does that automatically make me lack compassion towards all those who struggle with it? No. Of course not. I don't see how that can be inferred without asking me for more information. I've only told you I think viewing pornography is a sin based on what I understand from church doctrine. Now, have we already covered in this thread how the Lord judges all of us case by case? Yes, we have, and it's something I agree with. My view on the subject remains the same. The majority of obese people out there have a choice to do a better job treating their bodies like temples. What does in it mean to treat your body like a temple? I think it includes the following: 1. Healthy dieting 2. Exercise 3. No tattoes 4. No toxic substances (drugs, alcohol...) 5. Not engaging in sinful sexual activity thus desecrating your own "temple" 6. No piercings beyond simple ear piercings or whatever is the current church guidance As for your particular situation, I DO have compassion for you, and not only for you, but anyone struggling with any challenge in their life who is putting up the good fight. How can you not have compassion when we're all in this boat together, trying to figure out life as best we can?

And I still don't know if you're messing with me! @Vort you're either a sly fox or Sheriff Woody in the flesh!

I don't want to judge anybody. I'm just voicing my opinion of what I interpret treating your body like a temple means. I have become more interested in talking about this weight thing than my original post. I didn't even start the weight discussion, but it amazes me what a hot topic it is. What is even more amazing to me is how many people aren't being honest with what it means to treat your body like a temple. If you read this thread, you will see several people trying to rationalize obesity into anything but a sin. Can we just be honest what it means to treat your body like temple? I'm not fat shaming anyone here. I'm not trying to invent doctrine that doesn't exist. Stop pretending these are the issues. It's not. Don't take posts out of context, even if this is a sensitive issue for you. YOUR BODY IS A TEMPLE I don't think it's a serious sin if you let yourself go over time and you wake up one day and realize you haven't been taking care of yourself like you should. But it's still a sin, even if in the slightest degree

You just did a double whammy on me right there by bringing up that analogy again AND using the former/latter referencing. Well played

@Vort I figured enough time has passed where I can ask you this. Were you messing with me in this thread by pretending you didn't understand what I was saying and having me rephrase everything over and over again? You almost had me commit myself to the looney bin. Be honest now. God is watching. 2 Nephi 9:34

Ok, this is getting out of hand @estradling75. Are you suggesting different temple architectural designs justifies someone willingly letting themselves go and becoming obese? This logic is getting a little scary

I did specify I consider obesity to be sinful only to those who have a choice. Are we not saying the same thing here?

While I'm not sure if I've ever prayed to God specifically asking if the Bible is true, the Atonement of Jesus Christ has been very real in my life. The Bible is the earliest record we have today of Jesus, and it's credibility is validated by multiple witnesses saying the same thing (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). It's through their accounts I learned about the Savior's life and who he was. So even if I never get a solid "Yes" from the Lord upon specifically asking "Is the Bible true?", I already feel like I have an answer. I never get that voice of doubt in the back of my head when I read the Bible, even when I read some of the crazier parts in the Old Testament or the later parts in the New Testament like Revelations

It just depends on what you consider a sin. If you do accept obesity to be a sin for those who have a choice, then whether you become obese over a long period of time or short period time is irrelevant

My only problem with that is I also get happy, peaceful feelings reading the words of Mother Teresa, Gandhi, and this inspirational quotes calendar someone bought for me

I actually found out today that the Phoenix, Arizona area has a program called "ARP", the Addiction Recovery Program. I asked the bishop if this was a stake initiative or church-wide. He said it was church-wide but it is implemented at the stake level, but even then, the program and how it's implemented is fairly consistent across the board. I also asked if it's just a group of alcoholics and if I'd be the only one showing up with a pornography program. He said no, there's a lot of different type of problems for which someone would want to attend like infidelity and so forth.

I enjoy reading the Book of Mormon, but there’s this weird thing that often happens to me when I do. As I’m reading certain passages, it’s almost as if I hear a voice in the back of my head say something like “Good one, Joseph Smith.” It’s as if my subconsciousness is suggesting to me Joseph Smith fabricated the Book of Mormon. This doesn’t happen all the time. A lot of times I just feel positive from reading it. It also doesn’t help I haven’t received confirmation from the Holy Spirit that Mormon scripture is true. Take for instance the following Mormon scriptures that I’ve struggled with, and that pesky voice in the back of my head: 1. Jacob 7:27 “And I make an end of my writing upon these plates, which writing has been small; and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that many of my brethren may read my words. Brethren, adieu.” Reaction: Nice touch with the French word 2. Story of Alma the Younger Reaction: Is this just the Book of Mormon version of Paul? 3. The Olive Tree Reaction: Mirroring the New Testament once more? 4. Doctrine and Covenants 124:1 1 Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, my servant Joseph Smith, I am well pleased with your offering and acknowledgments, which you have made; for unto this end have I raised you up, that I might show forth my wisdom through the weak things of the earth. Reaction: Nice pat on the back 5. Doctrine and Covenants 41:7 7 And again, it is meet that my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., should have a house built, in which to live and translate. Reaction: Is this of the Lord or Joseph’s way of having his personal agenda fulfilled? Has this happened to anyone else before? Do I just need to continue praying to God until I receive a confirmation from the Holy Spirit the Book of Mormon is true? Anyone else have thoughts like these subside or stop altogether after receiving confirmation from God that the Mormon church is the one and only true church of God?

hahaha I'm glad we have diversity in this world. Other cultures can call each other fat and no one gets all uppity about it. You being fat is an attribute people just as easily describe as if they were saying you were tall or blond. In Mexican culture, couples will sometimes even refer to each other as "mi gordita" or "mi gordito" meaning my little fat one