SquarePeg48

Another perspective on this is something I gained from the 12-Step program (not the LDS version). In the process of confessing what seems to us terrible things to another human being and having that person accept us anyway, we gain a sense that we are not the terrible and lost souls we may have thought ourselves to be. It also allows us to feel as if we have metaphorically cleaned house and can start with a clean slate. It also allows us to get the perspective of another person that gives clarity. In the 12-Step program, we confess first to our sponsor, a person who acts somewhat as a counselor and guide. This person can be a friend who understands, another person who has walked the path of spiritual growth, or a bishop/priest/minister. I have found this to be an invaluable aid in the repentence process. Often, I find that my own idea of how to make amends has been way off the beam, and the objective view of someone else has helped me see where I was either lacking or going way overboard. Confessing also helps me see myself accurately. It takes me down a notch or two when pride steps in to tell me that I'm not that bad...or help me feel better when I tell myself I am worthless because of the weakness or act that I think is so bad. It's not a bad practice to get into on a regular basis. There are so many advantages to confession--though it is hard at first, soon you might find it to be as helpful as I have.

Very helpful...where would I find the LDS Infobase? I used to have Gospellink disk, but it kept crashing my computer so I gave it up and haven't been willing to pay the monthly fee for the online subscription for that database currently required. Thanks.

One of my favorites that I have read many many times. I've got a copy I've had since 1995...I've given copies away, it's really a wonderful primer in the Atonement. Thanks!

The correct spelling is "Lehi". He was a man. If you would like to know the answer to the question, I suggest a reading of the Book of Mormon, readily available for free from the LDS church... contact them at www.mormon.org and good luck.

I suppose it depends on whether you interpret "all you can do" as "all you are able to do given your mortal limitations such as genetics, poverty/wealth, parenting, life's circumstances" or "all that is possible to be done." If you are thinking the interpretation is the latter, you exclude even the Lord...since He doesn't do all things Himself, and didn't do all things during his earthly time. It seems much more reasonable to interpret this as "all you are able to do given your life's situation." As has been pointed out, Stephen Robison's book Believing Christ outlines this doctrine very beautifully. One of my favorite parts is the Parable of the Bicycle. His daughter saved up all her money for a new bike, but it was clear that she would never have enough, at least not at that point in time. So dad bought her a bicycle, taking "all" that the child could give (possibly a few cents) and making up the difference. Thus it is with our Savior. We cannot meet the requirements. It is in the design. We are supposed to allow the Savior to make us whole and meet the demands of justice. Why do GA's and prophets emphasize the doing part? Possibly because part of our fallen nature is to say to ourselves, "Well, I don't have to do 100% because the Lord will take care of it. I can (in Nephi's words) lie a little, take advantage of my neighbor because of his words, and still be eligible for the Kingdom because the Lord will make up for what I don't do." This is one of Satan's great lies. We MUST be giving our best. If our best is poor, then that is acceptable. If our best is very, very good, then that is what is required. "Of him to whom much is given, much is REQUIRED. (emphasis mine)." Not, "much is expected", not, "much is asked"...the words are: much is REQUIRED. We are REQUIRED, as a condition of continuing spiritual growth and eventual exaltation, to give our very best. We know, the Lord knows, just what that is at any given time in our lives.

Thank you all for the ideas...actually some of these books I already own, and some are exactly along the line I've been pondering...And agreed, JohnBSociety that the Book of Mormon (and indeed any of the scriptures) are incredible resources. I also love to read and ponder them and have not found a lack of information in the Lord's word. I'll be keeping this list, and adding to it...and trying to purchase a few books every month. Thanks again!

I'm wondering if there is anyone who can give me a suggested reading list for someone who has been a practicing, scripture studying, faithful, and relatively knowledgable member of the LDS church? I'm beginning to purchase books for my personal library, and am a lover of authors such as Hugh Nibley, the Yorgason brothers, Orson Scott Card (fiction, of course)...hopefully this gives an idea of the level and type of books I'm interested in learning about and adding to my library. Thank you!