Behemoth

Members
  • Posts

    50
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Reputation Activity

  1. Like
    Behemoth reacted to krmarangi5 in Mormons and Bikinis   
    Hey, I am wondering the same thing too. Many families in my ward have sons who go shirtless at the beach, but also have daughters who have to shield people from their midriff. This is honestly causing me to ponder long and hard. If anything, the part of a woman’s body that should be covered is the chest area, and that can be easily covered with high cut bikini top, even paired with high waisted bottoms to shield people from the horror of seeing a woman’s entire stomach. But my point is last time i checked, both men and women have midriffs. And i don’t agree with the picture of the man or woman below. That’s very untrue. Guys will not always look like that and most cases they have and or something close to abs. 
  2. Like
    Behemoth reacted to NightSG in Selling Alcohol   
    I suspect that, like drug dealing, many of those who do it once because they legitimately need more money faster than they can reasonably expect to get it from any legal method, get dragged into doing it full time and/or long term by the promise of far more money for similarly little effort.
    On the other hand, a slight variation of prostitution is somewhat legitimized even in LDS and other cultures to the extent that a woman (or man, though off the top of my head, the two guys I can think of who did similar actually married the women then divorced them within two years, so they'd have gotten half the bank accounts anyway) isn't expected or required to return even relatively large gifts given by a suitor after the breakup; for example I know of one LDS woman who has admitted to dating guys she doesn't like for several months at a time just so they'll buy her new clothes and other things.  I know a non-member who brags about doing the same to get a car.  
  3. Like
    Behemoth reacted to unixknight in Selling Alcohol   
    You are too kind, sir.
    That's all true, which is why I don't judge.  (Ok, I feel inclined to judge but I know that's wrong so I try not to.)  
    I guess we each draw the line where it makes the most sense to us, and just try to be consistent.
    Kinda like so many issues, right?  'R' rated movies, modesty, dating nonmembers...
  4. Like
    Behemoth reacted to john4truth in Selling Alcohol   
    Just remembered your store will have a full time snake
  5. Like
    Behemoth reacted to askandanswer in Selling Alcohol   
    To not sell alcohol denies us of the opportunity to use our agency wisely and make righteous decisions. We grow by resisting sin and making wise decisions so if there are fewer opportunities to sin and make wise decisions there are fewer opportunities to grow. After all, it was God who placed the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the Garden of Eden and told Adam and Eve not to eat of it, thereby giving them an opportunity to use their agency and make a choice. What would have happened if that Tree, or for us, that bottle shop, was not there? So it could be a dangerous decision to limit the opportunities to buy alcohol. 
    And this sounds like a dangerous argument  
  6. Like
    Behemoth reacted to Just_A_Guy in gun control, Iran and North Korea   
    Sure.  The question is whether the governments of NoKo and Iran are more, or less, violent and sadistic than your average American citizen is.
  7. Like
    Behemoth reacted to askandanswer in gun control, Iran and North Korea   
    umm, no, I don't think so. Could you elaborate please?
  8. Like
    Behemoth reacted to askandanswer in gun control, Iran and North Korea   
    Do the objectives and arguments of those who want the US government to take weapons away from people have any similarities with the objectives and arguments of those who want the US government to take weapons away from Iran and North Korea?
  9. Like
    Behemoth reacted to Fether in Are WE working on a mobile app for MormonHub yet?   
    Now are you referring to the bracelets some women wear when surfing (my first thought) or the bracelets you get when in house arrest?
  10. Like
    Behemoth reacted to rpframe in Are WE working on a mobile app for MormonHub yet?   
    Hi. I'm the tech guy.
    We have had a MormonHub mobile app on and off the backburner. But we haven't had any plans in the near future for integrating the forums into it. While I agree that push notifications and such would be sweet, the amount of effort that would require to build and maintain that over what other things I could do is just not a priority currently (sorry ) , but I hope one day the forums get enough traction to merit that sort of special attention . Don't get me wrong, you guys are great, and good things happen on the forums all the time, but, tech resources are currently better spent on a number of other projects currently that will get more bang for our buck for spreading the gospel online. 

    Also, its just little ol' me maintaining and updating and coding for 100+ websites all the time (among other things). I work on the app occasionally, but other things are higher priority most of the time so, its very slow going.
     If you want to throw out app ideas, I'll read em  no promises they'll ever get implemented though, but always looking for inspiration.
  11. Like
    Behemoth reacted to pam in Are WE working on a mobile app for MormonHub yet?   
    I sent our tech guy a link to this thread.  He would be the best one to answer this.
  12. Like
    Behemoth reacted to Fether in Are WE working on a mobile app for MormonHub yet?   
    There really isn’t a good answer is there
  13. Like
    Behemoth reacted to Grunt in Are WE working on a mobile app for MormonHub yet?   
    Apps can be very costly.  Often it's easier to configure a site to work with an existing forum app like tapatalk.   I realize this doesn't answer your question, though.  As someone who has an app, I'm just providing insight.
  14. Like
    Behemoth reacted to priesthoodpower in STILL FLAWED!!   
    .
     
  15. Like
    Behemoth reacted to anatess2 in STILL FLAWED!!   
    Maybe your neck of the woods can't fulfill laws.  I don't see this.  In my neck of the woods Church membership is expanding so fast that we are the only country outside of Utah that is about to get 2 Temples within 20 miles of each other.  We don't have ladies that get up in SS and berates her Stake Presidency over homosexual marriage.  Divorce is illegal here, let alone SS marriages...
    You misunderstood my usage of "rigid laws".  Less rigidity doesn't mean less strict.  They don't correlate.
    The Church means - the Church as a whole, not each individual within the Church.  When the Church teaches homosexual marriage is a great thing, then the Church has "devolved".  The Church is BETTER. 
  16. Like
    Behemoth reacted to anatess2 in STILL FLAWED!!   
    This is so disappointing that I'm ashamed that an LDS person thinks like this.
    Here you go... this is my chapel.  See that broom and dustpan sitting in the middle?  That's how we clean the place - broom, dustpan, and rags.   Do you see the ceiling fans?  That's a "wow!  luxury!" factor.  Not many people here can afford ceiling fans.  It's the middle of summer and it's 90 degrees inside this chapel on a good day empty - add about 80 warm bodies during sacrament meeting and that ceiling fan is like manna from heaven.  Of course, A/C here is like unicorns.

    This is the back of the podium.  See those plastic chairs?  Yes, that's what we all sit on, including the branch presidency.  

    This is the view out the chapel's side door.  That fence is only about 10 feet away from the door.    Those are the neighbors in those houses flush against the other side of the fence.  They may look like slums but we have members that live in houses half the size of those.  All windows and doors are always open even during sacrament meeting and so we have chatty neighbors, crowing roosters, barking dogs competing with sacrament prayer.  Our members visit those houses a lot and they invite them to their houses too  - the best way to improve our sacrament meeting is to have every single one of those people in those houses come to Church every Sunday.

    Our members are so good at Ministering here that there were 6 of us cleaning the chapel instead of only 2 of us assigned to clean because 2 "ministerers" assigned to the sister who was assigned to clean the building came to help and 2 other "ministerers" of one of the "ministerers" also came to help.  Then at 4PM, another "ministerer" who passed by to check on one of her sisters who was cleaning found out we were not done yet (lots of talking while cleaning)... all of a sudden sweet bread and coca-cola appeared for all of us.  All of these sisters except me are new converts of less than 3 years.
    Now, tell me again how your 900 sqft house is a barrier to Ministering.
  17. Like
    Behemoth reacted to anatess2 in STILL FLAWED!!   
    I'm not chastising you.  I'm telling you why you think Ministering - a God-inspired program -  is flawed.  There are too many people, including you, who operate according to their mortal limitations rather then their spiritual potential.  When God gave the commandment to love your neighbor, He didn't mean - just Brother Jensen but not Brother Mack.  The problem is not the program.  The problem is the people.  You don't fix the problem by changing the program, rather you work to trigger a change in people through the program.
  18. Okay
    Behemoth reacted to priesthoodpower in STILL FLAWED!!   
    .
  19. Like
    Behemoth reacted to wenglund in STILL FLAWED!!   
    No offense intended, but I don't think it is all that brave to speak about alleged "fake friends" while posting under a fake name.
    Yet, if I may, I believe you have confused "neighbor" with "friends." The second and great commandment says nothing about friends.  And, most any home owner may tell you that you typically don't get to chose your neighbors. They tend to be "assigned" (by market forces, etc.). What you do get to chose is whether to be a good neighbor or not.
    Furthermore, choosing to be a good neighbor doesn't make one "fake," Rather it makes one civil, if not obedient to both of the two great commandments.
    But, maybe I am just as flawed in my thinking as the ministering program of the Church. If so, we are blessed to have someone of your elevated understanding to correct us.

    Thanks, -Wade Englund-.
  20. Like
    Behemoth reacted to seashmore in STILL FLAWED!!   
    Ministering assignments aim to connect the hands that hang down with the hands that may be able to lift them up.  Have you ever played the human knot game, where everyone makes a knot with their hands and the group attempts to get everyone into a circle?  That's ministering.  That exercise works best if there's a leader giving directions.  "Suzy, you slide under Sally's arm.  Now, Billy, can you step over Steve's arm?"  That's the EQP and RSP making ministering assignments.  If everyone went about trying to untangle themselves by only conversing with those in their immediate vicinity, it would be a lot less effective.  (I realize that's oversimplified.)
    Sometimes you're the one who needs help, and sometimes you're the one who gives it.  Why would you deny someone the blessing of serving you to the best of their ability?  For me, I've convinced myself that everyone is too busy to visit with me.  Doesn't matter how many times I've said, "Literally, all I do is come home from work and crochet.  If you need some quiet, come on over: I've got plenty to spare!"  It wasn't until I was called into YW after three years here that I was able to convince people that I wanted to go to their kids' musicals, concerts, games, etc.  The best way for someone to serve me is to allow me to help them.
    I'm just going to leave this right here.  Ask yourself if you've ever been a poor, wayfaring man of grief, hungry, thirsty, caught in one of life's storms, beaten, scorned.  Then think about it from the narrator's perspective.
      Lyrics
    A poor, wayfaring Man of grief Hath often crossed me on my way, Who sued so humbly for relief That I could never answer nay. I had not pow'r to ask his name, Whereto he went, or whence he came; Yet there was something in his eye That won my love; I knew not why. Once, when my scanty meal was spread, He entered; not a word he spake, Just perishing for want of bread. I gave him all; he blessed it, brake, And ate, but gave me part again. Mine was an angel's portion then, For while I fed with eager haste, The crust was manna to my taste. I spied him where a fountain burst Clear from the rock; his strength was gone. The heedless water mocked his thirst; He heard it, saw it hurrying on. I ran and raised the suff'rer up; Thrice from the stream he drained my cup, Dipped and returned it running o'er; I drank and never thirsted more. 'Twas night; the floods were out; it blew A winter hurricane aloof. I heard his voice abroad and flew To bid him welcome to my roof. I warmed and clothed and cheered my guest And laid him on my couch to rest, Then made the earth my bed and seemed In Eden's garden while I dreamed. Stript, wounded, beaten nigh to death, I found him by the highway side. I roused his pulse, brought back his breath, Revived his spirit, and supplied Wine, oil, refreshment--he was healed. I had myself a wound concealed, But from that hour forgot the smart, And peace bound up my broken heart. In pris'n I saw him next, condemned To meet a traitor's doom at morn. The tide of lying tongues I stemmed, And honored him 'mid shame and scorn. My friendship's utmost zeal to try, He asked if I for him would die. The flesh was weak; my blood ran chill, But my free spirit cried, "I will!"  Then in a moment to my view The stranger started from disguise. The tokens in his hands I knew; The Savior stood before mine eyes. He spake, and my poor name he named, "Of me thou hast not been ashamed. These deeds shall thy memorial be; Fear not, thou didst them unto me." Text: James Montgomery, 1771-1854 Music: George Coles, 1792-1858, alt. Hymn sung prior to the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith. See History of the Church, 6:614-15.  
  21. Like
    Behemoth reacted to JohnsonJones in R-Rated Movies   
    There have been talks about not seeing R-rated movies in the past, but I got a better recommendation at General Conference one year (I cannot remember which one or the speaker, only that it was at General Conference, I think it was from a Seventy) where the speaker gave the suggestion that if we would not let our little children watch it, then we should not be watching the movie.
    Of course, there are those out there that will subject their little ones to all sorts of depravity, but in general I think most are more careful about what they will let their little children watch.  Adhering to that same principle can keep us watching what is moral and respectful.
    Originally the word pornography applied to excessive violence, language, and sensuality.  Today it normally is referred to only blatant and abundant sensuality in an item rather than just excessive.  However, many decades ago when one referred to pornography, it referred to the original idea.  The Censure bureau was not just a matter over sensuality, but also violence and language.
    Interestingly enough, I think a majority of what we see on TV and movies today would qualify as pornography if we utilized the standards from the 1940s. 
    So, how can we avoid pornography (using the older definition than what we use today).  We can apply a standard (such as the one suggested above).  This idea to only watch what we would allow our little children to watch has no bounds based upon rating, but more upon content and quality.  This makes it easier to determine what one should be watching in foreign lands as opposed to what one should not be watching in foreign lands.
    I travel quite a bit during the summers (and in fact, soon will be once again abroad) and using this basis keeps me analyzing what I should or should not watch when in other lands and other places.  It is rare to find myself watching anything over what would be rated PG in the US when in other nations when using this metric on whether this would be something I would let my littlest grandchild watch or not.  When applied to myself, it keeps me watching more uplifting and spiritually resounding shows typically.
    I know my take and attitude on this is probably an anathema to many in the LDS church.  It seems among the members of the LDS church watching R-rated shows and movies (or PG-18, or other ratings in other nations) is trending more towards the normal attitudes of Saints the world over.  I know the church currently has lower standards than in the past with it's membership in the US and Europe, and as I stated, most of what is out there would have been considered pornographic 70 years ago, but there is no condemnation that I know of in regards to people watching R-Rated (or PG-18 or M rated) movies and shows today.  It is largely up to the individual on what they feel is spiritually uplifting and is commensurate with their own standards in relation to the LDS church's teachings and principles.
    The things I do on the matter are not what the church is judged upon today, and as such it becomes more of a personal choice by each individual member on what they choose to watch or not to watch. 
  22. Confused
    Behemoth reacted to Vort in Spouse Swapping   
    Yes, and that is EXACTLY the point. What is the Church's current stance on necrophilia? Does anyone really know?
  23. Like
    Behemoth reacted to dellme in Spouse Swapping   
    Oh please.  This perceived "shaming" crap has gone way to far.  I'm sure there are hundreds of "personal" accounts of the perceived harm done from premarital sex shaming too!  
    I mean really where exactly does it end?  Admonishing that M is against the law of Chastity as shaming?  Asking a teenager (who may or may not know what exactly is against the LoC) if they do that as shaming?? I suppose leaders shouldn't ask whether they've ever drunk alcohol either for fear of "shaming".
    And in general any "creepiness" comes b/c the leader doesn't address things head-on in a clear, concise, matter-of fact way.  If a Bishop asks sheepishly "well, umm, do you, umm, do you umm, self-stimulate", of course that is going to come off as bad, b/c the leader himself is making it that way. 
    Just clearly, precisely, with no fear address the issue head-on, explain it is not acceptable, ask if they do and then address it if they do.  This isn't hard, complex or complicated. The parents who feel the need to sit in an interview with the Bishop with their poor little Billy are probably the ones most oblivious to the actual problems and things the kid is in reality doing.
    I personally think inside Church culture this "shame" confusion has grown so much that people can't tell the real difference between when your conscience gets pricked by God telling you that you screwed up and delivering that message through a leader and real shame-which is an "I'm worthless" message vs. "I screwed up" message.  And no where in the message of the Church, no in GC, not in Bishops, not anywhere has there ever been the shame message of "I'm worthless".  No, what people want today is to NOT feel guilty and that's a big, big change.
  24. Like
    Behemoth reacted to BJ64 in Spouse Swapping   
    Asking about masturbation is a big issue right now. The church has changed its worthiness interview process to include a parent in the room if desired. Those parents who pushed for this change also do not want any questions asked about masturbation and they want to be in the room to insure that such questions are not asked. It remains to be seen how this is going to work out and whether the church will someday ask that there  be no questions about masturbation. 
    The crux of the issue is that these people feel that masturbation shaming is more spiritually damaging than the act itself. 
    I won’t link you to the page but there are many hundreds of personal accounts of the perceived harm done from masturbation shaming. 
    It seems like leaders on the general level get this. But many local leaders press far beyond what is outlined in the handbook as far as questioning is concerned. 
    I have said that there seems to be no clear cut stance on the issue. This is evident by accounts people relate of never being asked about masturbation and happily living their life doing it as desired without guilt or concern to the accounts of people being asked to give every detail of exactly what they did and going through this process with every interview. As they say it’s a matter of leadership roulette. 
    I will add that my stake president asked me if I do it when I was interviewed to be ordained a high priest. We discussed it and I asked whether it was okay to stimulate yourself while making love with your spouse. He thought about it and answered “that would be for you and your wife to decide”. He answered in the appropriate way since church leaders are counseled not to get into the private sex lives of couples. 
  25. Like
    Behemoth reacted to dellme in STILL FLAWED!!   
    You are clearly deflecting to avoid the root of the problem.
    You complain about "fake friends" and low HT numbers, you complain " Christ was not assigned to minister to people. He casually went about his travels and anyone he met along the way he shared the message. " Yet you yourself will not allow yourself to be ministered to.
    Do you see the problem?  The only people who can effectively minister to you are a few close friends whom you trust.  No one in your ward can minister to you b/c you won't allow them to minister to you. You are projecting your own failure to allow yourself to be ministered to upon others and you are therefore extremely critical of the program.
    Your "solution" is totally unworkable-it would fail horribly-it would cause cliques to develop within the Church.
    And quite frankly, with your attitude you will never be an effective ministering angel.  If you don't know how to be ministered to (which involves letting someone into your life), then you will never be able to minister to others . . .b/c quite frankly giving someone a ride home from school one day-big deal-that's just called being kind.