scottyg

This is in reply to no one in particular. I have never had (up to this point in my life) a "faith crisis". I have been told by the spirit several times that Jesus is the Christ, and that His church was restored to the earth by His prophet Joseph Smith. Each succeeding prophet since that time has held the keys necessary to move His work forward. It doesn't matter if a policy in the church changes, or if the world as a whole moves farther away from the principles of Christianity. The spirit has conveyed truth to me in a very clear way. I have received a witness the work is true, so nothing else matters. I take what comes my way with faith, and don't worry about asking why...why would I question a loving God who knows more than I do? Why would I not trust the answers He gave me? The efficacy or truth in those answers do not lessen over time, so why should my convictions? Why would I allow the opinion of another person in regards to a topic that has no real impact on my life or how I worship sway my testimony? Who really cares? Let them think what they think. The gospel is simple, and it is the adversary who constantly pushes pointless questions into people's minds - they are pointless because their answers cannot possibly be answered in this life, and their answers would really have no meaningful impact anyway. The evidences of the restored gospel that we do have strengthen my faith, but they are not my foundation...it is the testimony of the Holy Ghost. Some may call me the prototypical sheep...just blindly following what the leaders of the church tell me to do. But, the fact remains that every single trial I have had in my life has been overcome as I put the Lord first and wait upon Him. When I follow the counsel from the living prophet, I am happy, and all things eventually work themselves out. Every part of my life is better because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and I have seen the lives of so many who leave the church fall into disarray, emptiness, and confusion. I try to help them as best I can, but I do not let their their lives or actions influence what I know to be true. The church's message is true or it isn't; so we as a people need to stop forcing some middle ground to appear. It is hard at times to be a member of this church, but life is ultimately harder when you are not a part of it. Think back to, remember, and trust in the answers that a loving Father in Heaven has given to you...not in the philosophies of men.

Pres Nelson's closing remarks of the most recent Sunday morning session of General Conference need to be read again by everyone. I will just quote one of his last sentences. "My dear brothers and sisters, as you choose to let God prevail in your lives, you will experience for yourselves that our God is 'a God of miracles'.” "Let God Prevail". Russell M. Nelson, Oct 2020 General Conference

When "a quick glance at an underage girl's breast" is not considered nudity, then what is? Young girls dancing to provocative music in skimpy clothes while cupping their breasts, twerking, slamming their hips into the ground, and moaning = PORN. This film, those who made it, and those who put their children in it are corrupt and evil. This garbage will only progress from here. In a few years full topless and bare bottom shots will be considered okay because the kids and their so called "parents" will consent to it. Film studios and those individuals who are progressive and enlightened, will tell us that pornography is only the actual engagement in sex, not just seeing a naked body. "Those who try to censor this type of storytelling and art are bigots, and are trying to prevent true freedom". If anyone (whether on this forum or not) still has doubts, you need to wake the heck up. This film is pornography; child porn, period. Satan is working in broad daylight. The line in the sand has been drawn and gets clearer every day. Everyone needs to get their rears in gear and choose which side they are on...you cannot serve both God and mammon.

Agreed. This question is not important in any way and is not pertinent to anyone's salvation or current standing in the world. The Lord has also asked that sacred things not be trifled with. Is the process ultimately important...yes. However, I prefer to ask questions whose answers will be able to help me grow and progress in the present. I have no reason to teach my 6 year old son about home insurance and income taxes...it doesn't matter to him right now. Plus, he wouldn't understand it if I tried to tell him...and even if he was able to comprehend it, he doesn't have a reason to apply that knowledge at this time in his life, so it would have no real value to him. God will teach us about certain "mysteries" when it is appropriate and applicable. Also, we all need to be able to tolerate milk before moving on to meat...otherwise you might choke on it. This is the reason for many a person's apostasy in the church.

It could be that eating the fruit was only labeled a transgression because it was only temporal in nature...that the effect would be allowing death to enter the world, and one day overtake their bodies. What was incorruptible was now corruptible, and it was because of this change that they could no longer exist in God's presence. Sin could relate to things more spiritual in nature...distancing ourselves from God spiritually when we practice behavior the Holy Ghost cannot abide. This is when repentance is needed, because we cannot overcome the spiritual gap that now exists on our own. Some temporal mistakes we make can mended, repaired, or even replaced. But the spiritual gaps that go along with many of our mistakes are unable to be bridged on our own...a mediator is needed. Another way to possibly look at it is this: there is a difference between free will and agency. All humans, and even animals, exercise free will every day; these are the basic decisions we make that have no real consequence. "Should I have corn flakes or fruit loops for breakfast?" "Should I wear Brown shoes or Black shoes today?" A dog may choose to sniff this tree instead of that tree...it makes no difference and has no impact, but he still makes a choice, even if it is done subconsciously. Agency on the other hand takes into account choices that have lasting effects in regards to our spiritual growth...choices that take place when we are enticed by the light of Christ, or the adversary. "Should I steal this or pay for it, hurt that person or turn the other cheek, lie or tell the truth, watch more funny cat videos on YouTube, or read from the scriptures, pray or not pray?" Or, it could simply be a scenario that Pres. Oaks mentioned when he said "These words are not always used to denote something different,..."

Correct. They knew that they were transgressing when they partook of the fruit...God told them specifically not to partake of it. I think Pres. Oaks puts it very well below... “The contrast between a sin and a transgression reminds us of the careful wording in the second article of faith: ‘We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam’s transgression’ . It also echoes a familiar distinction in the law. Some acts, like murder, are crimes because they are inherently wrong. Other acts, like operating without a license, are crimes only because they are legally prohibited. Under these distinctions, the act that produced the Fall was not a sin—inherently wrong—but a transgression—wrong because it was formally prohibited. These words are not always used to denote something different, but this distinction seems meaningful in the circumstances of the Fall” (Oct 1993 General Conference)

In the Book of Mormon we read that Christ came to the Americas in the Thirty Fourth year after the sign of His birth. In 4th Nephi, we read that the "great division" among the people came in the Two Hundred and Thirty First year, which is approximately 200 years after Christ personally instituted His church among them. Hopefully a great division doesn't occur among our people; but my mission president taught me several times that 4th Nephi is a type (or example) of both the last dispensation and the Millennium, even if the years don't add up or match exactly. I don't know how far away the Lord's coming is, but things are definitely speeding up, and it wouldn't surprise me if some who are now upon the earth live to see it. Everyone best get their homes in order.

The ability to bless the sacrament in the home is no longer a general or "blanket" thing that will be taking place. Stake presidents have been asked to start getting members back to church to meet together. Our Bishop is no longer authorizing anyone to perform the ordinance in the home unless there is a reason for it. (e.g. being in an age sensitive group, having newborn infants, past/current exposure to the virus, etc...) He had to tell some folks no yesterday and it was a difficult situation for him to be in.

Agreed. Consecration is not socialism...far from it in fact. All persons have complete control over their own property and earnings. People are not asked to give all of their earnings to the church, only to have the church divvy it back out "equally" while they keep much of it like governments would do. Once your own necessities are met, you are then asked to give your excess to those in need. Could the church ask for everything...yes. But the goal is not to have the church dictate everything to us. Rather, it should be a proactive cooperative mode between families. We should all be actively engaged in a good cause and help our Bishops in seeking out the poor and needy. And, those who are in need cannot be slothful...they must put forth true and honest effort in supporting themselves. The Bishopric doesn't look up your tax returns for the past year before issuing you a temple recommend to make sure that 10% was paid...all we ask is "are you a full tithe payer". If you say yes, then we move on. The law of consecration is a principle that is based off of trust and a covenant between you and the Lord. There are many people in the church who are already giving all of their discretionary income to others, and would give everything if it was asked of them. Abraham was truly willing to sacrifice anything and everything for the Lord, but ultimately did not have to. What he had sacrificed prior, along with his demonstration of faith and true commitment, was enough for the Lord. Are we just as willing as Abraham to do what we are asked? I scoff at those who say "bring it on" with regards to the law of consecration, when they themselves have never been able to magnify a simple church calling, never agree to help clean the church building, or never, ever, visit someone just one time for home and visiting teaching / ministering.

A very good point. I have never thought of that before.

It is a very hard thing to manage. In our ward we have tried to be sensitive to those who feel like everyone should wear masks, but do not want to be too heavy handed with those who feel otherwise...and vice versa. Most people who are scared about covid related stuff just stay home all the time anyways...they wouldn't come to our meetings even if they would be the only ones there. We want as many as possible to attend Sacrament meeting. For the most part, everyone has worn masks (begrudgingly), social distanced, and we have had little issue with anyone. There have been some problems, but overall it has been a good experience. However, since the brethren have asked us to wear masks in public in our area, the Stake President came out yesterday and said that until further notice, individuals must wear masks if they want to be present in Sacrament meetings. If you don't want to wear a mask, you will be asked to leave and watch the meeting broadcast from home. We are not looking forward to enforcing this next week, and know that there will be some drama with certain "don't tread on me" individuals. No one wants to be the "bad guy" telling someone that they are not able to come into the chapel to worship. Ultimately though, we came to the conclusion last week in Bishopric meeting that it isn't our job to make everyone feel happy. The brethren have given us guidelines, and we simply need to act like adults - have faith, be obedient, and follow our leaders. Hopefully this whole thing blows over by next year once the flu and RSV season (and the election) are over.

Last year the PBS show Arthur made Mr. Ratburn gay. He had a gay wedding with his husband and all of the kids were so happy for him saying it was a great thing. Drives me crazy how so many shows, people, and associations are now forcing this issue with no visible outside pressure to do so. Sexuality has no place in elementary school programming. Arther is no longer watched in our home, and PBS will be cancelled if another show does the same thing. It will not be many years until pedophilia us not viewed at as evil. It will of course start with celebrities and those who have pull in the media. We will be told that we should better understand those who are attracted to children. We will hear "they are such good people, and they can't help the way they feel." More freedom will also be encouraged among young children, including things sexual in nature, and the mixed messages will in turn cause more mental illness. I'm not trying to be preachy, but I feel strongly about protecting our children due to the damage I have seen from pedophilia and gender confusion. A family in our stake has left the church because they wanted their daughter, who thinks she is a boy, to be given the priesthhood. We also had a brother in our ward have his membership revoked last month due to child pornography. The world will soon be a much more difficult place to live.

Our ward has held three meetings since June, and each has had more and more people return. Our first however only had 13 present...16 if you count the 3 of us on the stand. It was one of the most spiritual sacrament meetings I can remember. Lots of hustle and bustle take place with cleaning the building and regarding masks and whatnot, but the purpose of the meeting is the sacrament, and it has been worth it.

Ours is done as well....I will never again sign up for it. Just look at the rotten tomatoes score...currently 88% for "critics" and 3% for average people who still have a conscience. I read a few reviews of it and am appaled at how this is being hailed as an "extrordinary" film. No, this girl doesn't have what is considered a proper upbringing, but that is no excuse to swing the pendulum the other way in the extreme. The way the media are trying to portray the world and what is considered moral and desireable is disgusting. It is also quite suprising to me how quickly our society has openly forgone moral standards. Morality is now seen as something subjective...but when you read the scriptures, those people repeatedly fell quite quickly as well. Our day and age are no different - especially if the adversary is quadrupling his efforts.

He will likely be leaning on you heavily over the next few months as he gets his feet wet...especially with the holidays and tithing settlement coming up. I generated almost every food/service order for needy families several years ago while he got used to things. Ours has received notice that he will be released in the coming months and to wrap up anything major that he can to make the transition smoother.

Signed them all. Sadly, I don't think it will make an impact at all to be honest. I compare this to the porn industry...you have tens of thousands of "actors" and "models" in our country getting paid for what they do, not to mention those who are on film crews, photographers, editors, publishers, etc... Yet all of it is available free of charge online. Almost no one really pays for a subscription to a website or magazine anymore...so where does the money come from? Yes, they make some money doing advertisements I suppose, but that isn't really enough if you look at all of their overhead costs. It isn't about making money - it is about the message. I bet many folks would be surprised if they truly knew where money was coming from for some of these garbage industries. One CEO of a porn company also owns several "Christian based" businesses. Many others are child companies of broadcasting networks owned by large corporations that partner with many well known media networks. The adversary has all of the money he needs, and he can get it where he wants it to be fairly easily. He is an expert money launderer. Netflix will simply continue to push their agenda and will be able to remain in business even if many cancel them...their money to continue on will come from other sources that are connected to them.

Alexander Pope said it well: “Vice is a monster of so frightful mien As to be hated needs but to be seen; Yet seen too oft, familiar with her face, We first endure, then pity, then embrace.” The adversary will slowly lead people along with a flaxen cord; over time getting them numb, and used to hearing about various illicit behaviors. Then, they will one day find that they don't believe that such behavior is necessarily "bad", but normal...it just depends on your "point of view". "If all parties consent to it, regardless of age, then surely it can't be wrong." "Who are you to say that they don't love each-other - that this child doesn't really know what they want?" "They are happy this way. We are all different, and should accept each other for who we really are on the inside." People, including leaders of nations, are already saying these things in isolated cases. Soon it will absolutely become more mainstream, and eventually the norm. Look at what Canada did to this poor father...and the poor child, who is much too young to make such drastic decisions. https://globalnews.ca/news/6399468/bc-gender-change-court/ This same scenario will soon happen here. It will start with mainly child celebrities who have much media and internet attention. Over the years in the spotlight they will identify with different behaviors and movements; and today's youth who idolize them will follow. They will have a sob story about their past and how their new progressive lifestyle makes them happy and free, and the person/people doing it with them are so happy and loving. "So-and-so from such-and-such a TV show cannot be wrong...they are such a good person." "You are bigot for trying to stop them from being themselves, and from doing what makes them happy." It may be coincidence that the whole Epstein saga is going on at the same time, but I doubt it. In the grand scheme of things, this is all a part of the adversary's plan. Prophets have said that the world will be more wicked than it has ever been in it's history before the Lord finally comes again, and the acceptance and even encouragement of pedophilia in all it's forms will definitely be one part of that wickedness. Time is running out to get our homes in order.

It may be a harsh reply, but Matthew 5, 29-30 seems to sum it up perfectly for me. If something you do distances you in any way from the Spirit of the Lord, then you should stop seeing, hearing, saying, or doing that thing. No one wants to see you go, but we need to do what is necessary to keep our fire burning bright. (I'm not insinuating that yours isn't btw)

Those would have been very rewarding visits...it would be interesting to know the things that those who are both so temporally and spiritually advanced, like Hugh Nibley, learn in the temple. I certainly hope that's the case.

I agree. One possible benefit of this inability to do temple work is that in our stake the first steps of temple work has increased, namely, family history. The number of people doing indexing and submitting names (especially the youth) has gone up. I too have "gone through" a session or two, and have not always been as alert, attentive, or reverent as I could have been. When it comes time for the Temple doors to reopen I will definitely have a different level of appreciation for it.

No, Bishops and Stake Presidents were asked by area authorities to begin prayerfully developing plans on how to hold meetings again. Stake presidents were then asked to have those meeting plans (created with Bishops) approved by their Area Seventy, and be incorporated into the area plan. The practices vary between church area and stake, but all of their plans are approved by church headquarters. Again, local leaders were told to start holding meetings again. They are not doing this on their own, but are given the freedom to develop some parts of their plan. Some aspects of plans have been approved, some rejected, and other aspects are requirements from the First presidency. The individual stake and area plans may be different, but all are approved by the General Authorities. We have one Bishop in our Stake who is very much opposed to meeting again, but he is following the guidance of his leaders to meet, and his ward has been greatly blessed. Other in-person Sunday meetings outside of Sacrament Meeting, such as Relief Society and Priesthood meetings, are not approved by the First Presidency at this time. Other church functions, such as Baptisms and Weddings, can be held if the maximum number of participants in less than 20, and weekly youth meetings/activities can be held if the number is also under 20, and if social distancing is practiced throughout the activity...this has not yet happened in our stake as we cannot trust the kids to practice social distancing yet. Wards here are not going rogue. Church leadership is fully aware of all meetings taking place. If you want to know why the church would open wards in certain areas, or want to comment on how legally stupid you think our leaders are, I recommend you write to church headquarters and share your feelings. Be sure to let them know how you know better than them, and how people in Utah want to do anything and everything to risk others.

Really? Only people in Utah have bad attitudes about this? Worse than anywhere else? Church leaders are absolutely careless and disregard everything related to the general consensus? Really? I mean, it's not like the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have multiple doctors and lawyers serving...oh wait...they do.

I agree, the numbers don't seem to make sense. Currently Utah deaths are under 1%...so why would our next door neighbor be hovering around 5%? Colorado has half the confirmed cases as Nevada...but 200 more deaths. New Mexico on the other hand has 8,200 less reported cases than Utah, but 315 more deaths. About half as many confirmed cases with 3x the deaths is odd. I feel that different state leaders and hospitals are reporting stats to the CDC in a different manner. Also, this has been said before, but just because someone dies while having the virus doesn't mean it was the virus that killed them. If you are an obese diabetic, who also has heart disease, and lung cancer, and you happen to get covid-19 and die a few weeks later, it will be reported as a covid death. If they died instead from getting Pneumonia, or the flu, or the common cold, the death would be reported as Lung Cancer...so why is everyone treating covid differently? It drives me nuts.

Call me a conspiracy theorist, but I feel that one of the reasons the media has been over-hyping the coronavirus, "racial justice", and of course, Trump, has been so that other things would not be reported or noticed by the public at large, but rather be drowned out and passed by. I get the feeling that a lot of evil and secret works have gone unnoticed in the world over the past 3-4 months. Similar to a magician's sleight of hand, or "pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!"

Best of luck to you my friend, but we are all done here.