DrewM

Congratulations! May this decision bless you eternally.

AutumnBreez, Congratulations on your baptism and also for going to the temple. As far as talking about what goes on in the temple: We generally speak pretty openly about baptism for the dead. It's in our scriptures (See D&C 127-128). We do not talk openly about the other ordinances. It is important to always speak reverently about the temple. Congratulations, again.

I have long understood this usage of "Gentile" to include all those who are not Jews (of Judah) or Lamanites, including the lost ten tribes. I'm from the "loins" of Ephraim. I am a descended from one of the lost tribes, and I'm no longer lost. I imagine you are too. I agree 100%.

Yes. This is thoroughly a Biblical doctrine that was also affirmed by early Christians. See here: http://en.fairmormon.org/Deification_of_man Strictly speaking, no. There is no official doctrine concerning what God was like prior to being God other than he was also once a man like Jesus was. So, what the nature of that existence was is unrevealed and therefore is not part of Mormon teaching at this time. "Eternal" probably doesn't have the same meaning as "for ever and ever." Psalm 90:2 says God is from "everlasting to everlasting." LDS scriptures say that those who become deified (made gods), will become "from everlasting to everlasting" as well. This implies that "everlasting to everlasting" means something other than "forever and ever." The scripture says "then shall they [those who are exalted] be gods, because they have no end; therefore shall they be from everlasting to everlasting" (D&C 132:20) How so? In a sense, yes. This is a Biblical doctrine that was also affirmed by early Christians. Please see http://en.fairmormon.org/Jesus_Christ_is_t...rother_of_Satan

Thanks, Ariel. I hope your family can come to understand. Be prepared for some harsh criticism of you and your new found faith. "Yea, and all that desire to live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:21). If you truly desire to follow Jesus Christ and live "godly," you will be criticized, even persecuted, for it. Sometimes our very own families persecute us when we try to do what is right. Do not let this sway you from doing what is right. Christ, with this principle in mind, said: "For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." Bible scholars have written that Jesus' own family often questioned him. It wasn't until after the resurrection that Jesus' brother James believed. I think this is why Jesus next says "he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:35-38) Like Jesus, the very people of our own home and family may very well turn against us when we try to follow God. However, it is my prayer that like Jesus, in the end, our families will also believe and follow after righteousness. May God bless you, Ariel. May you have the strength and courage to do what is right. I cannot tell you when to be baptized, or how to address the issue to your parents. Only you, through God's guidance, can know that. Pray about it. Think about it. Pay attention to what God tells you, and act upon it.

Primary teacher Primary pianist (did this for way too long) Executive Secretary. Any committee member (which is what I'm doing now)

Well, in my view, blessings are a sacred thing that shouldn't be given out like bandaids. I think if it's an issue that can safely be resolved by a doctor (like a cold or other minor illness) that seeing the doctor may be your first, and possibly you're only necessary, step. Of course, you have to let the Spirit dictate what you do. Sometimes something that appears to be minor could be serious. The Spirit will know that and will guide you in what you do if you listen. That's my view. That's understandable. It's an issue where you and your spouse need to make a decision and looking at things like what you can afford is definitely part of that! However, in my experience, sometimes the Lord might desire that we cough up the $53 (so to speak) and learn from out trials, etc. Life is full of bills we can't pay, and problems we can't always fix. So, you have to discuss it and seek inspiration. Not all priesthood blessings heal, but that surely isn't a reason to not give one either. One of the great things about blessings is that you can get such counsel and you don't do any harm by having a priesthood blessing that doesn't heal you directly. My only concern is the sacred nature of blessings. Right now, like I said, I think it's usually best to plan to expend all of your options instead of just giving a blessing unless the Spirit dictates otherwise. Right. You went to the doctors first and when it was shown to be helpless you turned to the Lord. I think often times the Lord expects us to try to do what we can before He will do what He can. If you had gotten a blessing before you went to a doctor, you may have been told in your blessing to go to the doctor first. The doctor may have still had no answer, but perhaps the Lord would have had a purpose in you going to the doctor to demonstrate his marvelous power after it was shown that the doctors could do nothing. I had a similar experience in the MTC. I'm not doubting the power of the priesthood nor am I going to tell you when it should be used. I do, however, believe that is an issue that should be discussed by spouses when it comes to their children. When it comes to you personally, you should be able to get a blessing whenever you ask for one since you're not a little child and can decide for yourself. I personally never turn down the request to give a blessing, but I have discussed with my wife my feelings about when they should be administered.

D&C 119 says you pay tithing on "interest" whatever that means. The brethren have called this "increase." So, I figure a gift is an increase unless it's my wife buying it for me with my own money. So, I pay tithing on gifts. The brethren haven't told us specifically on this.

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm sure there are some men who are hiding sin and therefore are unwilling to give blessings, etc. That's a difficult issue indeed. As far as when blessings are needed, etc I really think that is something couples should discuss as we very likely have different views. I'm more of a "lets go to the doctor" kind of person first. My reasoning is that the Lord gave us doctors and the technology and we should use it. That's my opinion and people feel differently (and that's fine! :) ). So, it's important to discuss these things and to try to understand each others' views. Now, you have absolutely no obligation to let your child suffer because of your husband's iniquity. If he won't give a blessing because he is unworthy and unwilling, I think the first thing you should do is try to resolve the issue. If you can't, then you should start with simply the prayer of faith on your part. God hears the prayers of mothers! If you still feel you need a blessing, it might be best to seek counsel in private from your church leaders on the issue. Perhaps they can help your husband resolve the issue. However, if it's a case where you really think the kid needs a blessing and he really thinks he/she doesn't, you should never go behind his back as that will only create more problems.

I don't think the church really cares what people think about caffeine either way. However, they sure don't want to offend anyone they don't have to offend. Thus the policy.

Sometimes the angel just faces the direction that is most aesthetically pleasing. For example, the spire is on the west side of the Nauvoo temple. Moroni faces west as well. He would look funny facing east because he'd be backwards.

Because the Church doesn't want to offend the self-righteous bigots who believe caffeine is evil. That's why. Some people come up with their own version of the gospel and then when the church isn't teaching it they start to think the church is in apostasy (when really it's them!). You can get guarana on BYU campus, and it does have caffeine. Why? Because the Church doesn't want to offend the Brazilians who think guarana is part of the gospel. :)

Caffeine is not an issue officially with the church. As a matter of fact, almost all of the members of the church in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay and some in Chile and Brazil drink "yerba mate" which contains caffeine. Anyone who tells you otherwise [ie. that caffeine is prohibited by the word of wisdom] is probably straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel, in my opinion. The following story may be helpful: Does caffeine violate the spirit of the word of wisdom? Probably so, if we're looking to live it perfectly and strictly. But so does chocolate, eating meat in times other than famine or winter, eating food out of season, over eating, etc. It's hypocrisy, in my opinion, to avoid caffeine while you're at McDonald's eating your 1/2 burger when the WoW actually says something about meat but nothing about caffeine. If you're not living what it already says strictly, why start adding other things to it? My views, however, are probably controversial, but you asked. :)

I think you can suffer for your sins, but I do not believe you can pay the price for them or redeem yourself unless you were first unconditionally (excepting blasphemey against the Holy Ghost) sealed up to eternal life (see D&C 132:26). Only Jesus can redeem us from our sins. We can suffer for them, yes, but never can we pay the price. No human sacrifice can pay the price, only an infinite atonement could do that (Alma 34:10).

My testimony is to you that if you get married, repent, and be baptized (both of you!) that even if you don't have the money to pay your bills, somehow things will work out. If you do everything you can to make ends meet, there will be those who can help. There are church and government programs that can help. I have two children and am in school. I make about $800 a month. Rent is $668. After tithing and bills we have nothing, not even for food. Yet we have everything we need for now. Nothing can compare with the blessing of membership in the church. It's worth more than all the money in the world. If you want to know how it is that we survive, PM me and I can give you some ideas. Whatever you do, don't let money come between you and God. Well, while I'm not God and can't judge, D&C 76 says those who are immoral go to hell until the end of the millennium, then they go to the lowest kingdom. You don't want to suffer like that and loose those blessings. Trust me.

The reason I put the list together is because I find comfort in knowing that much of what goes on in the temple is hinted at in scripture. Some troubling phrases ("reign from the rivers to the ends of the earth") are also found in scripture (see above). The scriptures give context to help us understand the temple, and the temple helps us understand the scriptures. I really think the endowment was put together for people who had and read and loved the scriptures and the other way around.

That's a great question. :) To which there is no answer other than "stupidity" or something else as unfortunate.

Great point. I don't think so. I think we can suffer for them, but never atone for them. Those who thus suffer in hell before the resurrection suffer for unrepentant sin. However, many will eventually repent and be cleansed by Jesus' atonement, in my view. If any one goes to any kingdom of glory, it is through the grace of Christ and in no other way.

I might add that there are some who even after the resurrection will remain in their sins and who will be cast out with Satan and his angels. These are perdition.

searcher, Have you looked at any of the material on www.fairlds.org or en.fairmormon.org ? That might be helpful for you in digging through the lies of anti-mormonism.

I'm glad to be here :) I haven't a clue who you are right now, though. haha I like to hide and guess. Don't tell me just yet

That depends on who you ask :) I've wondered about that too. I guess it depends if you consider the nail in his hands and wrists as two instead of four. Either way, the 5 wound idea is not uncommon in the church. I just read it somewhere in one of Maxwell's books... hmmm. Don't ask me for the reference, I'll never find it.

thanks! I'm glad to be here.

This is what the Church says: Obviously, the Spirit should dictate above all what any individual or family does. I think this principle is applicable to all aspects of our life. Whatever God commands is right. On one occasion he said "thou shalt not kill." On another he said "thou shalt utterly destroy." etc, etc However, generally, God doesn't make lots of exceptions to the rule. Some people think they are ALWAYS the exception.

I have to be honest, at times I do not feel worthy to use my priesthood. I think strictly speaking, no one is worthy since we all fall short of the glory of God. A few months ago, one of our children was really sick. My wife asked that I bless him. The thought immediately came to my mind that I wasn't worthy. Then I thought "it doesn't matter. I hold the authority and I will bless him anyway!" I laid may hands on his head, commanded him to be made whole, and he was. Now, I think what happens is that Satan tries to convince us that we're not worthy. Well, he's right, we're not. However, God has given us this authority even though we do not deserve it and he has authorized us to use it even though we are not worthy of it. So, I think that just because a husband doesn't feel worthy doesn't mean he shouldn't do it, per se. Also, I think it doesn't mean that he isn't really authorized or capable of doing it in the eyes of the Lord. I hope that helps. On to something else, I think sometimes there are just differences in perspective. My wife usually is quicker to suggest a blessing than me. I grew up in a home where blessings were given, but usually only in extreme cases. She grew up in a home where blessings were given for ear aches, tummy aches, etc. So, when there is a problem with the kids she wants to bless them before I feel like it is necessary. I am more reserved and would rather see a doctor first, whereas she would rather give a blessing and not go to the doctor. So, it might be good for a wife to ask about her husband's feelings as to when a blessing is necessary, etc. It might be necessary for him to readjust his view on it or for her to do so, so that there might be harmony. One last thing, while mothers are welcome to suggest blessings for their children and to encourage their husbands to do so, ultimately it is his decision, I think. If he doesn't when he should, it's to his own condemnation (or vis a versa). In most cases, I don't think it is proper to take your child to someone else without his consent as that would overstep his authority as the patriarch of the home. I don't mean to sound anti-feminist, but that is my understanding of the issue of presiding. If he does wrong, he'll be damned, not you. You should encourage, persuade, and help him, but never override or ignore him even if he's wrong (obviously this doesn't apply in issues of serious moral nature, etc I am only speaking of giving priesthood blessings here). These are my views only. I think also, that if he is unwilling and you feel strongly otherwise, you should make it a matter of prayer. If you still feel strongly and can't convince him, perhaps you should pray for the health of your child and that he/she be cured. The Lord hears mothers' prayers. Your husband has no right to turn down a blessing to you, however, if you ask for it. Likewise, he shouldn't turn down a request from a child for a blessing if the child is old enough to understand what she/he is asking for and when it is appropriate, etc. To do so would be to violate his priesthood covenant. The only exception, of course, is that he really is completely unworthy in which case he should be clear about it and make sure you still get a blessing from someone who is available.