Traveler

You need to talk to a Greek historical scholar. Even visiting Greek historical sites with a professional Greek guide will suffice. The explanation that I was given is that pre-history as you are referencing were oral histories. Therefore, literature that had not developed beyond the style of oral histories is not sufficient to be considered as historical but rather a pre-historical record. Much like the designation in our modern library system of fiction and non-fiction. Have you never heard the argument among certain scholars that the Bible is not historical? The Traveler

I have attempted to help the homeless (and other poor) on a number of occasions. Each is an individual though there seems to be common threads. If recreational (sometimes prescription) drugs (including alcohol) are involved there is not much that can be done to help. There is a strong connection among the poor between drugs and mental instability. In my youth such mental instability was solved by committing those individuals to mental institutions. Individuals that resisted were medicated according to their level of resistance. There was a joke when someone acted stupid that the men in the white coats would soon be coming to get them. I wonder if that threat solved a lot of social problems that seem to have reared up in this era. There was a group we used to call the intellectual bleeding-heart liberals that determined that institutionalizing the mentally instable against their wishes was cruel punishment. Most mentally instable also suffer from degrees of paranoia and resist any intrusion ("helpful" relationship) into their life. I guess that such liberal intellectuals with bleeding hearts think that leaving the mentally instable and addicted to fend for themselves in society is somehow kinder and more charitable. I am not an expert, but I do believe that anyone that cannot manage themselves needs to be institutionalized. The amount of self-medication (like a DUI) ought to be an indication that institutionalization or at least some level of oversite is necessary. Most certainly they should not be registered to vote. The Traveler

So far, I have not discussed any particular passages of ancient Biblical scripture. I am still laying some ground work. The Greeks had a significant impact on ancient texts throughout western civilization. The Greeks are a little prideful about their contributions. The writings of Homer brought about a continental shift in the manner of literal methods. Homer changed how stories were told from subjective and symbolic representations to a literal capture of recorded history. The Greeks reference this as historic verses pre-historic. The Greek definition of pre-historic is pre-Homer and historic is defined as after Homer. This little literary definition is confusing to most that think of pre-historic as the era that preceded written language. Historic they think of as the era of written language. If anyone encounters someone referencing the Book of Genesis as not being historic – do not have a coronary over it and say for example the Noah was a real historical character that did build an actual ark. Your argument will appear as sophomoric ignorance to someone versed in scholastic textual criticism. Regardless of how you may feal about such thinking it is important to be aware of how expert scholars are translating and interpreting the ancient texts. I have posted that the Book of Mormon is not historical and says so in its own text with comments like many important elements are being left out and only important religious references are being included – that the history of the Nephites are recorded in other records. It is a technical definition used by scholars and it does not help to argue over technical definitions that are not understood or utilized. The reason I bring this up is because there is a great difference between the New and Old Testament Biblical scriptures. They belong to different eras and methods of storytelling. Perhaps, Hugh Nibley explained this best by encouraging people to worry less about technical nuisances and more about being spiritually in tune with divine light and revelation. LDS students of divine things, that are loyal to their covenants, have an advantage over others, especially because of the covenant we have with G-d at our baptism to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands by someone with authority directly from Christ. I would suggest that those that rely on any other means and especially scripture to settle disputes over doctrines will quickly discover that there is no resolution to disputes. Those that hope to settle religious disputes through Biblical reference will learn by experience that such efforts are seldom fruitful because there is enough ambiguity (especially in the Old Testament) to cause major problems in interpretations. I will now use an example in the Bible to demonstrate the ambiguity and the difference of interpreting Old Testament scripture from New Testament scripture. The Gospel of John highlights many of the interpreting ambiguities. In John chapter 10 Jesus highlights his relationship with the (his) Father. Jesus does this by combining both the Old Testament symbolism and New Testament literal meanings. This comes to a crescendo in verse 30 with Jesus declaring he and the Father are one. In the next few verses, the Jews reject both the symbolism and the literal interpretation as blasphemy. Because they interpret their scripture that to be one with G-d makes that man or person a G-d and that is simply unacceptable. In verse 34 Jesus already designates from Biblical scripture that men becoming g-ds that accept the word of G-d. This turns out to be a variant reading of scripture that previous to this moment no one had ever pronounced. Jesus uses scripture to prove that man belongs to the designation of a g-d through accepting the word of G-d. As I have discussed the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with other Abrahamic religions, this particular doctrine is the most criticized interpretation of the purpose of scripture and worship that we uphold as a premier purpose of G-d’s Plan of Salvation. What is the most important notion to realize is how foreign the idea is, to consider variant readings of sacred scripture. It is impossible to discuss the light and truth of G-d without the witness of the Holy Ghost. Not even the Son of G-d and the Redeemer of mankind is able to teach the meaning of scripture without the assistance of the spirit. We should not think of ourselves as a better convincer. The Traveler

This could be a thread of interest and discussion or a thread of disinterest, little discussion and even some difficulties in understanding. I will initiate my thoughts on textual criticism with two terms of text. Extent of text and intent of text. The extent of text is all the possible meanings a word or phrase could have. The intent of text is a specific understanding that is being communicated. When Jesus taught, he made reference to eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear. It is generally understood in LDS theology that sacred things can only be understood (seen or heard) through one’s spiritual connection to the Holy Ghost. It is my belief that one must be spiritual connected to spiritual things to gain understanding of any divine truth. That there is no end to what one can glean with repetitive study and contemplation. With all this said there is also a great deal to be understood of scripture through the study of the word texts, language translations and culture from which we obtain our scripture. There is a problem in studying (especially Biblical) textual criticism. There are thousands of ancient Biblical texts that experts have divided into many “families” of similar text based on language, time period, culture and place. The reason our modern Bibles are called versions is because there is no specific ancient text that are translated into our modern languages. Rather many ancient texts are used and picked from in a smorgasbord style – often to give what is often a predetermined rendering. Despite the effort of the ancient Scribes there are no two ancient texts that are the same. There are no original Biblical texts. There are considered two kinds of original texts. The first and most accurate are called autograph text. These are texts written by the hand of the author. One would think that there would only be one autograph text but this is not often the case. Often the originator would make a number of copies for a variety of reasons. The other kind of original is call a autogram text. An autogram is a copy made by someone other than the author of the author’s autograph text in the same language. A translation or a copy of a copy is not considered an original text. It is sad that there are no original Biblical texts. There are ancient original text that predate the oldest Biblical texts available. Even original religious texts of other religions but for reasons that can only be speculated there are no original Biblical texts. This fact has caused a lot of uncertainty in the accuracy of our modern Bibles. Many devout Christians and Jews that have carefully studied textual criticism of the Biblical texts have become disillusioned and have become atheists or agnostics. It is my belief that Latter-day Saints who are loyal to their covenants and joyful recipients of the Gift of the Holy Ghost will find inspiration in a deep dive into Biblical textual criticism. It can be a most rewarding journey that will testify to the cycles of apostasy and restoration in human history. The Traveler

You are making assumptions that perhaps are inaccurate. Jesus was a Jew. Rabbis are also Jews that are expert in understanding Jewish traditions. Perhaps I should initiate a thread titled “Textual Criticism”. Perhaps one of the greatest failures in communications is assuming what seems obvious and missing what is the intent. For example, a simple English word of tree, may seem to have obvious extent of meaning but in reality, the intent, especially in certain forms like poetic or other literature (including humor), could be subjective and lost to a literal reader or listener. This little post has some literal content but there is also much that is subjective that will allow you a great deal of latitude depending on what you want to take from it. The Traveler

A Rabbi. The Traveler

I was called to a mission before there were name tags. So also, for my grandfathers, great grandfathers and great great grandfathers. My father was unable to be called to a mission because of WWII but he served later when there were name tags. A few things I would make clear about being called of G-d: First from the Articles of Faith Second – I disagree slightly with my friend @mirkwood. Just as the Plan of Salvation and Exaltation is for everyone so is serving a calling from G-d meant for everyone – including what it known as a mission. The problem is not with a mission but with those that only wish to serve in a manner that they desire for themselves. See Matthew 7:22-23 There is a varient reading of verse 23. In stead of "Inever knew you" it could be translated, "I never authorized you" The Traveler

You have a view of justice that makes no sense to me - more of an excuse than an explanation. It appears to me, from what you have implied, that Jesus as not the only possibility to meet the demands of justice. G-d the Father could easily have done so himself, because he is greater than and more able to pay for sins????? My understanding is that justice demands more than payment for sins - justice also demands those involved with the sin (even from a distance) are affected by the consequences. It also demands that anyone innocent and not involved not be made to suffer and restored or paid for any inconvenience. If a sinner does not understand the consequences, then who was in charge of the suitution, allowing the failure justly should shares in the responsibility. Kind of like a babysitter that allows the children to play with a deadly snake that would bite the them and cause their death. If justice is fulfilled the person responsible for the childrem that would allow the them to be bitten by the snake (though unbitten themself) could and should be involved with the payment that justice requires. But for someone that had nothing to do with anything involving the childrem being bitten to suffer, that is completely innocent in any involvement - I do not see justice in such thinking. The Traveler

It is not by faith alone but rather by faith in Jesus Christ that we hold to the iron rod to obtain the Tree of Life. In essence, it is by faith that we obtain knowledge. Jesus explained it this way – John 8:31-32 The Traveler

As Latter-day Saints we are given the privilege to know more about the Plan of Salvation and Exaltation of Mankind. I believe that we are given the understanding of such mysteries of G-d that we may better navigate “The Path” of righteousness (path of covenant with G-d) and assist other in that path. Perhaps the greatest mystery to me has been the fall of Adam. Because G-d is a just G-d, it has been difficult for me to understand how it was just that the fall of Adam justly brought about the fall of all mankind. Another great mystery for me is how a being without sin could justly be brought down low to suffer for the sins of many. It has been made known to me that justice in the only means through which G-d is able to bring about mercy and forgiveness and that the only way and means to understand the justice of G-d is through the divine councils of G-d, in what has been revealed to the Saints of the Latter-days, as the great events of our pre-existence. If anyone would like to participate in a discussion of justice preceding mercy – I would like to hear your ideas and share with you my own. For this post I would focus on a particular scripture in the Book of Job in the Old Testament. This scripture is in the first chapter of Job – verse 6: Initially there are two problems I had with understanding this scripture. First is that it is my understanding that Satan was exiled from Heaven and the presents of the L-rd. The second is that in Heaven no unclean thing can endure the presents of the L-rd. After much prayer, pondering and meditating on this scripture I have surmised much about what is going on here. I have come to believe that this scripture is not talking about that kingdom of Heaven where G-d the Father resides and presides over with his presents. Rather I believe that the partaking of the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil by Adam and Eve was an event that was participated in by all the children of the Father that exercised their Agency to participate in the Plan of Salvation and exaltation. That with the fall of Adam and Eve all the spirit children of the Father fell as well and were exiled from that Heaven to a place of exile where Jesus (the L-rd of the exile) reigned as the Mediator G-d of the exiled. Thus, Satan being an exiled spirit was able to present himself before Christ presiding in rule as the mediator with the Father over the kingdom of the exiled. Is anyone interested in discussing this and more as well as how this understanding enhanced our understanding of the path or way of covenants with G-d? The Traveler

Moroni 10:23 Mark 9:23 Romans 8:28 The Traveler

I think when we speak through the spirit of the things of Christ, rather than of things according to our opinions and liking, that whatever time we are given will be sufficient and memorable. Especially those that are listening through the spirit. The Traveler

I have thought about this for a while. I will not pretend to know or understand any more than anyone else, but plural marriage in the eternities may not be defined exactly as we may be defining or thinking. There is a possibility that not all wives in a plural marriage are equal. Both to each other as well as their husband. Since we are speculating and do not know anything for sure, the parameters may not be defined in the manner we are thinking that we are applying them. The Traveler

One of the most profound and effective talks in all of history was given by President Lincoln at Gettysburg (The Gettysburg Address). His talk was completed in two minutes and contained a total of 272 words. Over 150 years later it remains the most memorable talk ever given in the entire history of the USA. The main speaker (Edward Everett) at the event spoke for two hours. No one remembers him speaking nor anything he said. I had to look him up because I did not remember him though I have heard several times that someone else also spoke and was the main speaker. Here is a thought: Suppose that later today you received a phone call from President Nelson that asked you to prepare a short 5 minuet talk to be given at the next semiannual general conference in October of a topic of your choosing. I would personally be most anxious to hear from @Vort or many others on this forum. I also believe that anyone accepting such an assignment would quickly learn what is meant to earnestly study and ponder the scriptures with a truly prayerful and humble heart. The Traveler

Wow! I had no idea that my teachings as a missionary 60 years ago had reached so far. The Traveler

I love the Church of Christ. However, it is not exactly what many think it is. One of the first things one learns is that 95% or more of the church functions around dealing with problems and failures. Even on my mission (my mission at the time was the top producing mission) I would often be asked how many missionaries are serving in our mission. My response was about half of them. I personally became very quickly disillusioned with the mission leadership as I discovered that missionary leaders spent most of their time dealing with missionary problem (this could also be said as, problem missionaries). This was a great disappointment to me personally because I had saved up and was financing my mission. I felt that I was called to teach the gospel to those that were seeking truth and not yet found it (my patriarchal blessing specifically stated that would be my primary calling and mission). I did not want to waist my time and finances with missionaries that did not want to be missionaries. I felt the same about teaching investigators as a missionary. I had no desire to teach someone that was not interested in seeking light and truth – I still don’t. I realize that I do not speak for anyone but myself, but I have greatly been disappointed in leadership callings. I do not like dealing with other people’s problems, especially when they are not interested in dealing with their problems themselves. I do not mind at all helping those in need of help because they are not capable. We had a family move into the ward a while back and I went to help. They had 3 teenage children that disappeared and did not even move their own stuff. The parents sat in lawn chairs and watched while directing traffic never lifting anything – however so small or light. All the family members were significantly overweight. Some of the stuff was obviously loaded by non-family members and was garbage that we were asked to hall off for them. My general impression was that our service was not really service. I do not mind helping others, but I do not believe that relieving others of their responsibility is help. I was taught that taking care of oneself and being independently industrious is the first act of love and compassion. I realize that there are individuals that do not possess the ability to take care of themselves but that consistently doing for others what they are capable of doing for themselves is not an act of love and compassion and is definitely not helping them. Back in the day when we had a High Priest group, and I was the group leader – I did not have a signup list for specific service projects. At the beginning of each year, I had a signup list for the hours one was willing to be involved in and the months they were the most willing to fulfill their service covenants. Generally, I think our sisters will volunteer but brethren mostly require assignments. I let the high priests know that my job would be to make sure they had ample opportunity to fulfill their commitments and encourage (cry) repentance. One last note about callings. As a brother among the saints – I have learned by sad experience that our sisters, especially our single sisters will or may ask for help once. If the brethren involved do not fulfill their promise of help – that sister will likely never again rely on the priesthood brethren for assistance, regardless of the need. The Traveler

I have a long history with the JW’s. What I have learned applies to all religions. Jesus has called his disciples to be a witness of him in all places. Initially I thought this to be, in many places, a confrontational witness. It is not difficult to confront a JW – like so many Christian (and other religious) sects they lack logic and reason in their applications of scripture and sacred things. Those that lack the power of the gift of the Holy Ghost and ignore logic are sadly adrift – especially in this post-modern intellectual era. It seldom helps to employ logic with someone whose dogma deliberately avoids logic. The only hope is that they are touched by the spirit. There is nothing we can say or do that will make any difference. If they insist on confronting anything we believe, I believe the best response is to simply say, “I do not believe what you are specifically telling me of these things.” If they ask me why, I will tell them the truth. That what they are telling me comes across as illogical and the spirit does not touch me with the same understanding they have. I do have a copy of their New World Translation of the Bible. It is the only Bible that claims to be a translation and not a version. Technically, that is not true – it is a version like all the other modern offerings of the Bible. Never-the-less, it is an honest human effort to create a version from the vast array of the many variants of ancient Biblical scripture text. I am willing to engage and invite anyone to come unto Christ through the more sure scripture of the Book of Mormon – especially if they have never read it for themselves and sought for understanding from the spirit. If they will read the Book of Mormon, I am willing to discuss with them any thing they wish and answer, as best as I am able, any question they have. The Traveler

I would make a record of my understanding through the spirit concerning the Atonement (Kippur) of Jesus Christ. The atonement was not an event beginning in Gethsemane and ending on the cross. It began before our sun gave forth light, before any planets of our solar system were formed. It began even before what Genesis calls the beginning and the atonement will not be completed until we are resurrected and stand face to face to G-d the Father to make known our agency. Before the begging spoken of in Genesis there was in that heaven where G-d the Father reigned as King, a great council of all the intelligent spirits of that kingdom. In this great council the divine “Plan of Salvation” of the Father was explained. Among the spirits there were many that were like the Father that were called and designated as His children. Among his children there was one that was greater than them all (Jesus). Jesus offered to take upon himself the role of the only begotten Son of the Father and was accepted of the Father (though there was some disagreements among the Sons of G-d). Jesus had already secured for himself sufficient position that this offering was a sacrifice in which Jesus suffered in order to do the will of the Father (See 3 Nephi 11:11). It was the will of the Father that the children of the Father receive their agency by covenant. This covenant required that Jesus become the proctor and G-d of the agency covenant. Jesus knew that through this covenant of agency that many would use their agency to commit various sins. He knew that not one would receive their agency without committing sin. And that all would deny Jesus and his love for us. The only possibility for us was for Jesus to suffer for the sins he allowed us to commit. Because he allowed our agency knowing that we would sin he was also somewhat accountable. But Jesus would not sin but never-the-less suffer for all the sins he allowed. This would complete the fullness of justice. I have wondered how it was that a sinless person could justly suffer for the sins of others. It was made known to me that this is possible for someone that gave power for the sin to be committed knowing in advance that by so allowing agency that such sins would result. The Father and the Son both knew my sins as well as your sins before we were given our agency. Because Jesus fulfilled the demands of justice it made mercy possible. That through the mercy of Jesus Christ we could be forgiven and redeemed of our sins. There is more. Jesus created for us our earth and solar system (heavens) that we may know by our own experience the good from the evil. Every human person born to mortality on this earth chose to do so by themselves partaking of the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. To suffer for our sins, Jesus was required to both suffer and die, because suffering and death are the wages of sin that must be paid to fulfill justice. But because Jesus was innocent himself of any sin and being the Son of G-d the Father, he had power over sin and able to raise himself and us from sin, suffering and death (both the physical or first death and spiritual or the second death). I present this witness of Jesus Christ, the Messiah that frees us and gives liberty to all – but there is a caveat. That we can remain liberated and free from sin we, of necessity, must repent, become a new creature to see differently beyond the clutches of sin to be a creature to remain free by the exercise of our divinely given agency. This is the reason that Jesus Christ and only Jesus can redeem us and save us to everlasting life if we will repent. I have not spoken of all that Jesus did create and accomplish for us through his love for us despite all the pain, suffering and death we did cause to come upon him. I declare that every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ – the very Messiah. I also declare that we will only be raised in eternity above those sins from which we turn away from and no longer look upon with lustful eyes to possess (which is the meaning and essence of repentance). The Traveler

Once again, I am disappointed with some relatively young fellow that has turned homicidal, and no one seem to have seen it coming. I have a theory that I have expressed. That drugs are involved. I believe it is time to put HIPPA aside and make public a full toxicology report of individuals involved in “mass shootings”. I strongly believe that marijuana is involved as a minimum and that mixed with psychotropic drugs could be a play. Why do I suspect marijuana? While employed at Boeing I worked with a sharp young engineer that tried marijuana and fell in love with it. He believed it was harmless, but I watched over less than a year that marijuana rotted his brain and cognitive functions. I first noticed something was odd when he attempted to convince me he could fly. I have wondered if the “Wicked” Broadway show and movie play into the beginning of someone losing touch with reality because of marijuana. Soon afterwards this fellow started to express paranoia (someone was after him to get flying secrets – not related to our project) and then within a month he disappeared. He was working under me on a classified military project. I was contacted by the FBI a couple of times, but I had no idea what happened to this guy. One day at work I got a call from this guy. He said he was in Hawaii living on a beach with some extra-terrestrials planning a revolution to take over the world to save humanity. He wanted me to get the keys to his truck and take his truck so the bank could not repossess it – he wanted me to have it. I contacted the FBI. They did not find him (at least that is what I was told) and I was to contact the FBI if he contacted me again – he didn’t. I have known two other individuals develop a chain marijuana habit and that have lost contact with reality with paranoia tendencies. I do not believe it is that far from pushing someone into homicidal tendencies – especially if they have previous mental problems and have been prescribed psychotropic drugs. But I cannot investigate beyond speculation because of HIPPA. The Traveler

I think this discussion is shallow and lacking dimensions. Especially when considering the service industry, it is my opinion that the vast majority of those paying for services are on the wealthy side of economics. I will explain my position. I was raised in a wealthy home but in a very independent and self-reliant family. We never ate at a restaurant. When we went on vacation we camped and cooked or prepared all our meals. In high school I did not take a date to a restaurant but prepared a meal in my home – usually for a group and the meat was specially prepared game meat. I still have a difficult time allowing someone to wait on me or provide services – I can grind my own cheese and pepper on my own food – thank you. Currently I do not tip based on a meal’s percentage cost but rather on the service, friendliness and ambiance of the place. My thinking is that anyone that can afford services are not poor, certainly not by the world standards. They may not be filthy rich, but they are not anything close to poor. I have provided fringe services in that I have business in residential housing – both long and short term. I have come to the conclusion that there is something far more critical than rich or poor at play. It is the difference between those that control their finances and those that are controlled by their finances. It is a matter of financial discipline. There are some poor that resent the wealthy but in my opinion the greatest hatred are in the hearts of those who make a decent salary but are in so much foolish debt that they cannot afford even a fraction of the standard of living that prudent workers much below their earning capabilities are able to maintain that have avoided debt. I have heard the mantra of the foolish over and over how they became overwhelmed by debt that was not their fault and that they are forever trapped in debt that is beyond their ability to deal with. They honestly believe that they have a right to be forgiven for their debts – even at the expense of everyone else – especially those who are not trapped in debt. My general experience is that the more people make the more they think they can afford to spend foolishly. I believe it is a foolish kind of selfishness that concludes that they are owed a better life. Generally, those at the lower end of the financial spectrum learn financial discipline because they do not have much of any other choice and lower their expectations of what they can afford. Ther manage their money more centered on realistic needs rather than exorbitant expectations, hopes and dreams just beyond the reach for their prodigal counterparts that believe it can be achieved now with credit (debt). And so it is that many of those at the lower end of the financial food chain have more disposable income when needed and appropriate. The Traveler

Let me update a possible overreach. NPR (who I do not trust) reported that any woman who has married and assumed the last name of her husband will have difficulty voting in the next election. This is because her last name will not coincide with her birth certificate. As it turns out this can be mitigated with a marriage certificate. It is argued that this is discriminatory because it requires these married women an additional level of difficulty to register. However, there is more to this that meets the eye, and this is in part due to NPR and how they go about covering the news they broadcast. Before Trump took office there was a law passed concerning what is called a “Real ID”. Some states include this real id with a driver’s licence by adding a star in the upper right corner of the driver’s license. As of May 7th a real id will be required to board any flight in the USA (domestic or international). In addition, a real id is required to enter any Federal Government Building or apply for any Federal Government service (like food stamps). What the new law for proof of citizenship to vote requires is tied directly to what is called a “Real ID”. A passport is also a real id. I realize that women who are married with a different last name on their birth certificate will have to supply additional documentation for their “Real ID”. That is just a fact and does not have all the blame of the Trump administration and NPR is attempting to imply. If there are other issues – please, lets be sure to hear both sides of the issue before we go ballistic. I am still trying to find out how it is that front line nurses taking care of veterans are being fired when more are needed. The Traveler

I am currently away from home (in the mid-west). I was with a friend (and wife) celebrating their 50th anniversary. Among those attending was a lady that is currently a nurse working for VA. She is a supervisory nurse that has worked mostly from home since COVID. She told me that she had to weekly send in a status report with 5 accomplishments. She felt that a month of doing so ought to be sufficient. She is not a Trump and Musk fan. I defended Trump and Musk that under the current government circumstance a status report was hardly an overreach. She agreed. There is another problem. This dedicated nurse (VA nurses are paid less according to her) serving our veterans informed me that nurses are the most critical service to the veterans needing medical care (I agree) but that the VA budget and been cut and at the VA hospital where she worked 20% of the front-line nurses had received termination notices. They are already woefully short. There are a number of seemingly overreaches taking place by the Trump agenda. These overreaches are touted only by the Trump opposition (like NPR) but are never-the-less serious and needs to be addressed (true or not). Though I am a veteran, I am healthy and utilize my benefits acquired as a civilian – so I am unaware of any VA problems. It is my belief that as a nation we need to listen to one another without a spirit of anger. But more so we must be charitable as Saints. I a-d m of the mind that if we waver from our covenants with G-d – to love one another – things will not go well. The Traveler

This is technically flawed and easily proven to be false. The Church was organized on April 6, 1830. The number of members were 6 and they were all men. The Traveler

I am of a different understanding. It is my understanding that presiding is very different than authority. It is my understanding that the father does preside in a family but has no more authority than his wife. I believe that to execute any authority in a family, the husband and wife must both agree. For either a father or mother to assume authority without the other would be no different than an individual apostle to assume authority over the others. It is not allowed and out of order. The Traveler

Greetings @Ann. I will make an attempt to respond. I am an old guy that is at least a generation ahead of you. I am a super nerd that is retired in the field of automation and robotics. Rather than say I disagree with some of your thoughts – may I add to them some of my own thoughts. I am concerned with this generation concerning marriage. I strongly believe that there is much more to marriage than a covenant between a man and a woman. At a minimum we need to remember that a Celestial marriage of necessity needs to also include G-d in the covenant. I am also of the mind that a marriage includes a covenant of children and generations. It is also my understanding (according to the Prophet Malachi) that the marriage sealing connects generations and includes all of G-d’s convent Celestial children. I am unable to comprehend how any Celestial covenant includes any act or intent of the LGBTQ+ community. I agree that we are commanded to love all of G-d’s children and to honor them as His children. But I do no know how it is possible to include such in any Celestial covenant. As for polygamy, I have to little understanding to be of much help – except that if G-d commands us so, that we ought to comply. My great grandfather was a polygamist. But when he first commanded, he and his wife refused. Only after meeting personally with the prophet did my great grandfather and his wife include a second wife in their covenant. Both recorded that they did not understand polygamy and its importance. Unfortunately, neither he or his wife ever explained what was important about polygamy. My one wife has been enough of a challenge for me. I do not feel I have sufficient understanding to make any recommendations to anyone beyond having faith in G-d and his commands. Concerning the roles of men and women concerning the priesthood. I take my understanding from what is taught in the scriptures and the temple. Mainly that in scripture a man is not without a woman nor is a woman without a man before G-d. In the temple we are taught about G-ds and G-ddesses, priests and priestesses. Anciently that title of g-d and priest could be given to the same individual. I assume that plays out as well for g-ddesses and priestesses. I conclude that there is no G-d without a G-ddess and no priest without a priestess; and vise versa. I do not believe it possible to pray to our Father in heaven without including our Mother in heaven. Since Jesus commanded that we address only our Father in heaven, I do not believe we should not specifically address our Mother in heaven. That is unless or until we are commanded otherwise. I am open to discuss any point or possibility. The Traveler