vitaminwater120

In what ways do you think the church downplays the significance of Joseph Smith? Just wondering.

I am interested in the badge-wearing type of missionary work. Can you tell me anything more about those rare exceptions? What factors made it so they were exempt from the regular cut-off age? Was it age? If so, then I think I may have a shot because I am only 27. Are you sure the cut-off age really has to do with encouraging men to become husbands and fathers? Women do not have a cut-off age. Does this mean the church is not encouraging them to become wives and mothers?

I joined the church after the cut-off age for men to serve a mission, but I have a strong desire to do missionary work. My questions are, (1) why are men over the age of 26 not allowed to serve missions?, and (2) can any exceptions be made?

I pointed out a contradiction in the OP.

According to the October 2016 edition of New Era, "nothing has been revealed about evolution" and "the Church has no official position on evolution." But the Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith and the Prophet Ezra Taft Benson spoke plainly against evolution. The Prophet Joseph Fielding Smith taught: "It has been truthfully said that organic evolution is Satan’s chief weapon in this dispensation in his attempt to destroy the divine mission of Jesus Christ. It is a contemptible plot against faith in God and to destroy the effective belief in the divine atonement of our Redeemer� There is not and cannot be, any compromise between the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the theories of evolution. Were evolution true, there could be no remission of sin. In fact there could be no sin. (Ibid., p. 184)" And the Prophet Ezra Taft Benson taught: "Now, we have not been using the Book of Mormon as we should. Our homes are not as strong unless we are using it to bring our children to Christ. Our families may be corrupted by worldly trends and teachings unless we know how to use the book to expose and combat the falsehoods in socialism, organic evolution, rationalism, humanism, etc." If the teachings of our own prophets don't constitute an "official position" for a given topic, then the church doesn't have an official position on anything.

you're missing out on learning opportunities - which is the whole purpose of mortality. imo, there's simply no good reason to turn down a first date (assuming the person who asks you out is an active member of the church).

Random church member: "Did you serve a mission?" Me: "No." Them: "Are you leaving soon to serve a mission?" Me: "No." Them: *proceeds to look at me as if I have two heads* Any advice on how to deal with conversations like this? FYI, I converted to the church after the cut-off age for men to serve a mission so I have a legitimate reason for not serving.

interesting point. i, too, have given up all video games, tv, and movies for years now but the girl from the op is really into that kind of stuff.

can you give some examples of shared values and goals? not sure why you think i'm trying to tell her that she can't trust herself. i'm not. and i'm not sure why you think i'm not listening to her. i am.

thanks for all the responses. so I decided to stop pursuing this girl because I've noticed she doesn't bring out the best in me (this thread is evidence that she doesn't bring out my best) perfectly put! i'm pretty sure this is one of the main lessons Heavenly Father is trying to teach me. it's quite true. if you have to convince someone you're compatible, then that means you're definitely not compatible. she's had 27 years to improve her decision-making approach! she's getting blown around like chaff in her life because everything she does is based on feelings. i'm starting to feel sad for her.

i know it's not a good sign if you have to try and convince another person you're compatible with them, but bear with me. a few months ago I met a girl with whom I have so much in common. we both love the gospel. we both love the holy scriptures. we both love reading. we're both intellectually curious. we both feel like we can be honest and share intimate details of our lives with each other. we both have strengths that complement each other's weaknesses (examples: she is strong when it comes to dealing with people, which is a weakness for me. And I'm strong when it comes to decision-making, which is a weakness for her). we both love science. we both love dancing. etc. I also really enjoy her quirks too (her fidgeting, incessant apologizing, ramblings, etc.). to me, it is blindly obvious that we are supposed to be together but, for her, our commonalities aren't enough because "the feeling isn't there." what are some ways I can explain to her ‘feelings’ alone are not a good basis for choosing an eternal companion?