Traveler

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  1. I have a daughter that left the Church because she has concluded that women are 2nd class citizens within the society of Latter-day Saints. For a number of years this controversy caused divisions (sometimes angry exchanges) within our family and particularly between myself and my daughter. Over the years I have come to the conclusion that angry exchanges are harmful to both myself and my daughter so for a while I avoided such topics. Currently, I am able to discuss things without becoming angry or responding to her anger and things have gotten much better --- but there is another side to all this. Her 4 children (my grandchildren) have continually drifted and have become quite confused over morals. For a while the grandkids would attend church with us when we visited, or they visited us. It has been a long time since they have chosen not to go with us to church. It was decided by my daughter and her husband that kids should figure out their own moral directions and religious connections. This has been most difficult for the kids and as they are reaching adulthood in this confusing world they have not done well. Two of the children have become lost and developed addictions. The addictions have resulted in severe mental illness issues to the point that it is doubtful that they will ever be able to ever live on their own without some assistance. Sadly, daughter is coming to her senses and realizing that leaving the church and the moral mooring living standards bring – is the primary factor in her children succumbing to damaging temptations – just not enough yet to return to protections of living by covenant. It is important that each person develop their own faith in G-d but if a person determines to become an agent unto themselves – it is not just their lives that are affected. It is not uncommon for innocent children (or others) to suffer consequences sometimes for many generations. With such damage I marvel that the atonement of Christ is able to unravel whatever damage we can do to ourselves and others. The Traveler
  2. Thank you for your post. Some thoughts about the person Joshua. This is the same name by which Jesus was known. Jesus being the Greek translation of Joshua. Shortly after Joshua succeeded following Moses, he took the “children of Israel” down to the river Jordan and washed them before crossing the Jordan river over into Palestine. The nature of the Jordan river as it approaches the Dead Sea is what we call a meandering river – which means that as the river erodes the landscape its course can change slightly. It is interesting to note that when Jesus came to the river Jordan to be baptized (washed?) of John it was at the same place that Joshua washed Israel and crossed that river on dry ground. I appreciate your notion that the ancient epochs of faith are prophetic in nature to have relevance for what is to come (even in our day and time). The Hebrew word “Kippur” had no English equivalent so when Tyndale attempted to translate the first English Bible, he coined the word “Atonement”. Because he portended to make up a sacred word is one of the primary reasons he was burned at the stake for heresy. The word “Kippur” has two distinct parts to its meaning and purpose. The first is a redemption that is paid by G-d for sins. It is my understanding that this redemption does not supersede the responsibility of the individual for their crimes of sin except to pay for that which the individual is unable. The second part is purification to change or remove that which is dross so that whch remains is pure and without flaw. This insinuates to me that the Atonement of Christ is not completed in us until we (complete repentance and) are pure (perfect). In scripture this is often spoken of as complete or perfect – which can only be concluded through the completion of the first 4 principles of the Gospel of Christ. I believe there is symbolism in Joshua leading Israel into the “Promise Land” that has great meaning for the Latter-day Saints preparing (themselves and Zion) for the Messiah and His Millennial Reign. The Traveler
  3. It is still being made – just not here on earth. The Traveler
  4. Over a decade ago I had to register for Social Security. This was before such efforts could be completed online. I live in Utah that is somewhat white. Never-the-less, I was surprised that I seemed to be the only “white” person registering for Social Security. In addition, I seemed to be the only individual of retirement age as well as the only individual that spoke English. I did not think much about it at the time but since I have learned that if a person is disabled, they can receive Social Security funds even if they are not a senior citizen. In fact, even if they are not citizens. There are a few stipulations. If they were lawfully admitted, granted conditional entry, paroled into the US, refugee, granted asylum, a Cuban or Haitian entrant or deportation is being withheld. Are the democrats (liberals – progressives) deliberately attempting to bankrupt Social Security? Are the republicans doing anything to preserve Social Security? With the southern border as open as it is, and refugee or asylum granted without any validation – I do not believe Social Security is sustainable. The Traveler
  5. I relate to Enos and his struggle. Growing up in a righteous home well rooted in the gospel of Christ – I believed my parents, attended church, sought understanding and received conformations. As I grew towards adulthood and became aware of this universe of uncertainty and my own inability to reconcile seeming contradictions, I began to wonder what it was I seemed to be missing. Not so much doubts that what I believed was wrong – just that like the rich young man that came to Jesus – I wondered what it was that I was missing. I had spent time in the army during the Vietnam conflict and lost friends in that war. I had also served a mission but felt that I had been sent home at the end of my allotted time leaving critical things undone. There was a young lady that had waited faithfully for me to complete my mission, writing to me almost every week. I went out with her once on a date and could not connect taking her home early. I had a major conflict with a professor (that within a year was fired) and decided to drop out of college. I felt that the girls I met and attempted to date were seriously spiritually flawed. I had a companion from my mission that was a native American. I discussed with him my spiritual disconnect. He knew me from our experiences together and knew I was raised hunting for part of the food I ate and convinced me to take time off and go on a spiritual quest similar to Enos, Moses and Christ. I took a blanket, rope, knife, a coat, Book of Mormon and the clothes on my back and walked away from civilization into the desert of central Utah – living on the land as a 40 day fast. Just over 20 days into my experience I came across a fellow on a prison release program that had become lost and was in serious trouble. He had not eaten for a few days and has blisters, bleeding and was unable to walk without assistance and was more than twice my size. It took over two days to get him out and to safety and there was a time I did not think we would make it but were saved by a miracle. I thought that my spiritual efforts had been ruined. My personal Enos wilderness experience failed – or so I thought. After a few more weeks I left my wilderness without the spiritual manifestation I expected. I had a spiritual experience in my youth, somewhat similar to young Joseph Smith and believed that I could reconnect. But it did not happen as I expected. I came to realize that spiritual experience come through personalizing one’s covenants. The meaning and purpose of spiritual experiences is to galvanize one’s covenants. As we keep our covenants through faith and dedication the spirit strengthens that faith and opens greater spiritual possibilities. My time in the wilderness has become one of my greatest strengths leading me through life – reminding me of many things I was given during my quest and reminding me to remain faithful to covenants. It is my understanding that Enos’s life was not fixed through his wilderness experience but rather he came to a understanding of how his purpose in life is fixed through divine covenant that he had already made but not completed. The Traveler
  6. We need to realize that the context of this scripture is deeply rooted in the Hebrew culture and language even though the text is written in Reformed Egyptian. From the context of near Eastern culture, we learn that the preferred styles of government were patterned after their ancient understanding that the government of Heaven was properly called a “Kingdom”. That the kingdom of Heaven was ruled by a supreme Suzerain. From near Eastern kingdoms often had levels of citizenship. Only the “First Born” (Meaning the most noble or highest rank of citizens fell under the direct relationship with the Suzerain. As a side note here, these high citizens had a unique name by which they addressed the Suzerain that no one else was allowed to use. There are many references in scripture about the first-born citizens. One reference is referenced with the final miracle of Moses when obtaining the deliverance of the Israelites. Other classes of Citizens were under the jurisdiction of what was called the Servant Vassel. According to the law of the kingdom the Servant Vassel was said to have inherited all that the Suzerain had in dealing with their Jurisdiction within the Kingdom. As such they claimed to be one Suzerain or one with the Suzerain. Often, they would speak to their jurisdiction in the first person as the Suzerain. Under this law of a Kingdom, it was said that there was one Suzerain. The Hebrew word to designate “one” is ehad. This is the same Hebrew word that designates that a man and a woman become one flesh when married according to G-d’s law. The Hebrew word that designates a unique single individual is yahed. Whenever Hebrew scripture referenced the “oneness” of G-d the word ehad is always used. There is no reference – ever – that Hebrew scripture uses the term yahed in referencing one G-d. When the fall of man (Adam and Eve) took place all of the covenant spirit children of the Father (Suzerain of Heaven) became fallen or exiled citizens of Heaven and therefore were under the jurisdiction of a Servant Vassel that was the Messiah or Christ that was anciently known as Jehovah and the man Jesus of Nazareth. When the Apostles chosen by Jesus to oversee the kingdom of G-d (church) on earth there were lost to the Church there was a shift in the stylized government of the church. This shift patterned the church structure after the government of Rome. To justify this gross alteration a counsel met and created the doctrine of the “Trinity” that was forced on “Christians” under penalty of death and it has remained ever since. Perhaps the best witness in scripture of the proper concept of oneness is in the Gospel of John chapter 17 when Jesus prays in Gethsemane as part of his Atonement that those that believe on him (as the Servant Vassel to the Suzerain) would become one with the Father in the same manner that He is one with the Father. Obviously meaning that those that believe in Christ will no longer be exiled but full citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven as Servant Vassals of the Father. I would note that in John chapter 10 that when Jesus said he was one with the Father – the Jews clearly understood that Jesus was referring to himself as G-d and that is why they intended to put Jesus to death. Many Christians claim that they are one with G-d in one breath but then in the next breath claim there is only one (yahed) G-d and that the Trinity doctrine is valid. Obviously, they do not know what they are saying. The Traveler
  7. Since we are keen on speculation for this thread, I will offer some speculation based on research that I followed and speculated myself. Among the Dead Sea Scrolls was a copper scroll that was also called the temple scroll. We know that in the ancient world that records were kept on metal for special reasons. There were also various levels upon which records were kept. A special breed of sheep and goats were maintained for what was called the scriptorium scrolls. The Isaiah scroll found with the Dead Sea Scriptures is one example of the higher quality scriptorium scrolls. One of the non-LDS scholars associated with the Dead Sea Scriptures speculated that the most important copies of the scriptures were kept at the temple. Prior to 600 BC. the stone plates that contained the Ten Commandments was kept at the temple in the Holy of Holies and inside the Ark of the Covenant. It is my personal speculation that the Brass Plates were kept in the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies of the Temple according to the law and covenant. That the removal of the Brass Plates by Laban was a gross disobedience of that covenant. That one of the primary purposes of the temple of ancient times was to maintain and keep sacred artifacts. It is my speculation that the temple is intended to house the most sacred artifacts obtained through covenant with G-d. Specifically in the Holy of Holies. There these most sacred covenants artifacts are protected by divine covenant. That if circumstance was required that G-d would inform his covenantal garden to remove such artifacts by divine calling – as according to Nephi concerning the Brass Plates. So, my speculation is that certain artifacts (including the Golden Plates) are in possession of our Apostles. That there are safe places to keep such artifacts in the Holy of Holies or if necessary, a special prepared vaults carved into granite stone mountain sides (known or secret). I find it most interesting to me that the L-rd has found the means in our own day and time to have many of the most sacred artifacts (including buildings – temple and otherwise) back into the control and protection of his covenant Saints. Not only are these artifacts being returned they are being returned without the Saints demanding it so or by their forced efforts. I do believe this to be a divine witness that the only true and living G-d is providing witness to the world concerning his only true and living covenant (authority church). And also a witness to the Saints (with eyes to see and ears to hear) of the preparations for the returning of the Messiah. The Traveler
  8. I am by no means an artist, but my father was, and I was schooled in the arts. There is a lot of the artist in their art. In essence, all art at its core (meaning and purpose) is a self-portrait. The Traveler
  9. Thank you for responding. I believe this is a most serious matter and needs a lot of discussion. A few years ago, my wife and I spend some time in Saint Petersburg, Russia. We had a guide that took us to several off the tourist grid places where we encountered a cross section of Russian citizens. I was quite surprised to discover that Putin has more popularity and support in Russia than any President in the USA has had for decades among citizens here. I realize this was hardly scientific but the feed back that I had was that the citizens enjoyed more freedoms and economic benefits than any of them ever realized in their lifetime. Included in their freedoms was attending religious institutions of their choice and being able to walk (or jog – including young ladies) in public places (or ride public transportation) without fear of being molested or robed. In general, it was my impression that Russians attribute their improved status (a significant rise in their middle class) to policies instituted by Putin. I am not a fan of Putin – especially politically or of his methods and I have no desire to live in Russia. But the people there have it better than they ever have. According to my recent research – up until 2014 Russia either controlled Ukraine or relied on them (politically and economically) as a trusted ally. Ukraine was an important economic and political partner to Russia. At the time the President of Ukraine was a guy named Yanukovych that was most famous for corruption. Under pressure from Russia, Yanukovych backed off from increasing trade with the EU. As I stated earlier – and this can be verified by a Google search. A movement started to remove Yanukovych from power because of his corruption. The most violent element of the revolution was a Nazi movement (not my interpretation) that received monies from the USA and NATO. My research indicates that Senator John McCain was involved in the legislation to obtain the monies to finance the Nazis and the Ukraine conflict. Our involvement (USA) can easily be justified as means to curtail Russian influence and end a very corrupt regime. However, there is little indication that the rampant corruption of Ukraine was in any way hampered – but Ukraine as a nation made moves towards Western (EU and USA). Prior to the Russian invasion there are rumors that Zelenskyy’s administration did not deal kindly with opposition (including certain religious groups). It is my understanding that the mane means of Russian financing is through their petroleum industry and exports. It appears to me that the current policy in the USA that governs the USA petroleum industry gives strong advantage economically to Russia (despite all other so-called sanctions). Thus, it looks to me like the USA, either indirectly or directly is financing both side in the current Russia Ukraine conflict with increased petroleum costs. The Traveler
  10. Having spent some time trying to talk with some liberal friends – I have concluded that it is unlikely that a contest between Trump and Biden will in anyway calm the troubled waters brewing politically in this country. If anything, I believe it will boil over. I doubt that we will reach November without open violence and an impossible political divide. I do not think either party has the means or desire to deal with the opposition that is building. Though I believe the Democrats to be the more wicked of the two; I am also convinced that the Republicans are more the buffoons that are clueless and unprepared. I wonder if the stupidity of the Republicans is somewhat by the design of their leadership. At this point, I cannot say I trust any political process. My hope is in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I had hope of the religious community of America coming together but since that community still cannot (as a whole) accepts us as Christians – I am very concerned for how much longer G-d will protect this government. For now, I will support anyone or anything that can delay what seems to me to be inevitable. I believe the Democrats will not only win but will win by much more than the Republicans (and other conservatives) can possibly imagine. The Traveler
  11. Just a note. With all the divisions within the Community of Christ it has been a surprise to me that few of those leaving have joined with us. And then even the few – it seems to have been the next generation to find itself joining with us. Perhaps it is the past bitterness. The individual I met with seemed to have a defeated presents – I would think somewhat like Moroni experiencing the end of the Nephits. I did feel that he was a good person expressing a sincere sorrow. Typical to my problems with little compassion I did tell him he has a home with us. His grace precedes mine with his thank you. The Traveler
  12. It is not uncommon to give familiar names to places. I know of a few cities called Paris, London, Main, Portland and Bountiful just to name a few. I have given up attempting to determine the land of the Book of Mormon – thought I have thought to have figured it out a few times, only to realize problems with the narrative within the Book of Mormon. I have concluded that there are a number of places that Jesus most likely visited in the Americas – as well as several other places in this world. I believe that there is sufficient evidence to convince me of visitations to many places other than the Americas (including in India, Persia and Northern Japan). As a side note – does anyone know why Japan has a flag denoting the land of the rising sun? The Traveler
  13. The Church is already the single largest owner of property in Missouri. There are two temples in Missouri. One in St Louis and one in Kansas City. There are several temples (24 – mentioned in your link) that will be built in Independence. My personal theory is that none of this will be built by the Latter-day Saints but will be either returned or constructed by the Saints of Enoch when they return as prophesied. I speculate this will be at the same time that Melchizedek returns with his Saints to restore the temple to what is now Jerusalem. The Traveler
  14. It was never completed. The Traveler
  15. Just a little bit of history – as I have experienced. In my college years I, with a few return missionary friends, embarked or a Church history vacation one summer. Our encounter with our religious LDS neighbors was bitter and disappointing and left a very bad taste in my mouth. In my youth, I blamed everything on who we called the Reorganites. Over the years this bitter relationship has softened. One of the doctrines that has sustained some bitterness has been our stand on the priesthood being exclusively for men. The Community of Christ currently has women apostles. There was some bitterness over blacks and the priesthood. Not so much concerning the blacks and the priesthood but the Community of Christ suffered a great division over women and the priesthood. They have never been solvent economically since that division. The LDS Church has financed the Community of Christ to maintain our common interest in historical properties. It was never sustainable – especially for the Community of Christ. A few years ago, my wife and I (with some local friends) again made a trip through Church History. My personal encounter with the Community of Christ was like meeting with beloved long separated family members. I spent a day with one of their general authorities (president of the 70’s). I was privileged to go with him through their private vault of artifacts accumulated form the beginning and dating back to the time we were not separated. With their new focus on “The Community of Christ”, he tearfully confessed to me that they did not have the resources to maintain the artifacts of history. It was not just the finances but the human resources as well. We openly discussed the possibility of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints carrying this baton to the finish line when the Messiah comes. The bitterness between our religious institutions seems to be the one factor no longer a concern. I am grateful that our brethren in Christ have carried this burden so well and nobly for so long. I am grateful that the properties will now be restored to what they need and ought to be – a treasure for the Saints to enjoy during the millennial reign. The Traveler
  16. This thread is to highlight what posters are learning from their current study of the Book of Mormon. I will begin this with 1Nephi 5:16. Here Lehi learns that both he and Laban are direct decedents of Joseph. Thus, Laban inherited from his father the right to “keep” the records. As a direct descendent of Joseph Lehi was next in line to be a keeper of the convent – Nephi becomes the first son (most noble) and therefore the keeper of the covenant which explains why Nephi was instructed to behead Laban and take possession of the brass plates. This fulfills the prophesy that a remnant (righteous branch) of the house of Joseph will be broken off (See 2Nephi 3:5). The rest of chapter 3 prophesies that all this will commence the great work (from those that receive the Book of Mormon) in the last days to prepare for the Messiah. I understood that the Nephits carried the covenant of Joseph until their fall, but I never saw the symbolism of the beheading of Laban like unto the fall of the Nephits and the transfer of the covenant to Nephi symbolic to the transfer of the covenant to Joseph Smith and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Traveler
  17. There are two things that come to my mind. The first is that it is possible that there are individuals alive today that know where artifacts associated with the Book of Mormon are. They may even have access to them. However, if such is the case that knowledge is as carefully guarded as the artifacts themselves. The second I would relate to a spiritual manifestation I received as a youth concerning the divine origin of the Book of Mormon. For much of my life I have thought that experience to be sufficient testimony. More and more I am realizing that this sacred work (marvelous work and a wonder) is not an end in and of itself. That it is necessary to study and ponder the Book of Mormon to be spiritually ready for things happening currently in our day. Study and ponder does not mean to read and read hundreds of times. Our prophets have testified on many occasions that we need to (as individuals) carefully study and ponder the revelations and prophesies in the Book of Mormon – including the inclusions in the Book of Mormon from the great prophet Isaiah. Though there are many good people with good intensions is all the religions I have encountered – there is nothing on earth like or comparable to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. No other society or individuals have greater access to divine purpose and calling than the Latter-day Saints. Key to our calling and mission as Saints in preparing for the coming Messiah is the Book of Mormon. We ought to and must become spiritual experts in the great secrets and revelations contained in the Book of Mormon as well as all our standard works and words spoken by our prophets. But the Book of Mormon is paramount. This year under the instructions of “Follow Me”, all the saints worldwide are encouraged to study, ponder and openly discuss with one another what we are gleaning in our study. In all honesty I do not believe that speculations of where artifacts are currently located is contributing to anything useful. The Traveler
  18. After listening to what Putin had to say – I thought to look a little deeper into things. Of great concern to me was the Civil conflict (note that I did not call it the Civil War) In Ukraine in 2014. It looks that the then president of Ukraine was quite corrupt. He was cited as being a puppet of Putin, but he did not always go along with Moscow. Seems he liked some things about the West. However, he was not a good friend to the West. It seems to me that Ukraine was both politically corrupt and as in who should hold the reins of government as the USA currently is. It also looks like the West, primarily influenced by the USA gave strong support (lots of $$$ and perhaps arms) to the Nazi National Socialists (self-proclaimed Nazi, white supremacist) that were the most violent sector in the 2014 conflict. For many reasons this did not go well with Russia that took the most deaths in WWII at the hand of the Nazi Party in Germany. Since the civil conflict things have not been settled in Ukraine. It would be hard to say with conviction that Ukraine is a democracy. In addition, Ukraine is not known for dealing well with its own internal corruption. And whatever efforts were made internally to deal with corruption have a direct link to Biden family corruption and direct link to actions taken by President Biden – then vice President – to keep his son on the payroll for the corruption being investigated. NATO has not helped much with the problem with Ukraine in that nearly every treaty that NATO (USA) has made, has been deliberately and openly broken with Russia. The conclusion that I have come to is that Putin has as much right to violently be involved in the overthrow of the government of Ukraine as the USA and NATO does. Sadly, there are innocent Ukrainian citizens (especially women and children – the actual genetic kind) caught in the middle of this and not all of them support the current president of Ukraine. Most importantly – I am not pleased with our news service – including Fox News – for coverage of the whole matter. I honestly believe this current bloodshed could have been easily prevented – it seems to me that this current war is the result of either carful evil planning within our own government or possibly incredibly stupid policies from both political parties for at least a few decades. I do not know where to put my trust. The Traveler
  19. Even the Democratic appointed justices agree that the Democratic Party is more of a threat to Democracy than the Republican Party when it comes to properly interpreting the law. This should be of great concern for those hard core members of the Democratic Party that cannot even consider voting republican – let alone going to lunch are being a friend to a MAGA Republican. But not to go overboard with embarrassment; stanch Republicans are seldom embarrassed when they politically come down hard of the wrong side of good sense and have trouble realizing that the USA really is intended to stand for the UNITED States of America. The Traveler
  20. I have been pondering this thread and decided to post some more thought about spiritual influences. I avoided using the term visitations because I believe the connotation of the word visitation is misleading. I can only speak of my own experiences – realizing that there are differing spiritual gifts (Moroni 10) – it is possible to some do not recognize ministering of spirits. There are two distinct kinds of spirit influences. One being the influence of light and the other that of darkness. I believe it is extremely easy to decipher certain dark spirit influences of anger. Some may say “you make me angry” but I strongly believe anger only comes through the ministering of a dark spirit. I also believe that such influences are limited and that we as individuals must give ourselves over to anger before anger can be realized. We cannot be forced to be angry – only tempted, influenced or coerced. I believe in the subtle influences of spirit. Sometimes listed as whisperings. For me such influences come as distinct thoughts. I have learned to identify thoughts that are uniquely my own and thought beyond my understanding and abilities. Jesus talked of eyes that cannot see and ears that cannot hear. I believe he was spinking of spiritual influences and ministering. It is my experience that the subtle influences of a spirit of light are most difficult to recognize if someone is not loyal to their covenants. It is also my experience that anger is a unmistakable indication that someone is being influenced by a dark spirit. As a side note there is a poster on the forum ( @prisonchaplain ) that I have never seen influenced to anger. This is a strong witness to me of his devotion to be faithful to his promises and covenants to G-d. In the Book of Mormon, the brother of Jared, because of his faith, saw the finger of G-d during an occasion of spirit influence. This indicates to me that visual encounters are rare compared to strong spirits of light ministering. Preceding his first vision, young Joseph Smith encountered a powerful influence of a dark spirit the bound him and caused great fear. Yet, Joseph did not see what was binding him. My point is that we can be visited by spirits, both spirits of light as well as darkness and not see or hear anything with our physical eyes and ears. I do not think I can even count the times that I have felt the influence of a spiritual being in my presents, but only twice have I seen and heard anything with my physical eyes and ears. One such occasion was while I was in the Celestial room of a temple during the dedication of that temple. Many of us are worried about the influences of darkness in the world around and about us. My main purpose for this thread is to raise the awareness that there are more and greater influences of light on the side of those that see light during these last days before the return of the Messiah. If this is hard or difficult for anyone reading in that you are not experiencing comfort – I would suggest you recommit yourself (through behavior) to covenants of righteousness. The Traveler
  21. I attended Roots Tech here in Salt Lake City and came away quite inspired. I have attended Roots Tech several times. Jimmer (BYU basketball star) was there, and I had a chance to chat with him and his wife. But that was not what inspired me. The main purpose of Roots Tech is to inspire making connection to our ancestral roots and providing records for our posterity. There are some things I do not talk much about. With the emphasis on ancestral roots and posterity I thought to open a discussion about angles. I have experienced the influence of angles. I feel somewhat restrained and would point out that it is not uncommon that such visits are for the purposes of correction rather than congratulations. My experiences are mostly centered on warnings. I am the name’s sake of my great grandfather that died shortly before I was born. There were a number of times I encountered the assistance of a guardian angel. On one particular occasion I inquired who it was. It was my great grandfather who’s name I carry. That particular occasion was the last time I encountered him. A few years later I encountered my brother that was lost to an accident a couple of months after completing his church mission. There are strong connections to families. As I understand, the influence of our family members in our lives that have proceeded us is quite common despite the possibility that their influence is or may be often unrealized – including not realizing that many such influences are family relatives. Sometimes our prayers are answered through various family relationships. So I will stand as a witness that we do live in an age of angles. I have often wondered if there are occasions where important encounters are with angles that we do not know other than a stranger we encounter during a time of need. I am inclined to believe that such encounters are not limited to member of the LDS Church. The Traveler
  22. As I understand a conspiracy requires the basis of two elements of group intent – in essence, intent derived by two or more individuals. The first is an element of secrecy. The second is the element of unlawfulness or harmfulness. Both of these elements ought to be clear and without ambiguity. Keeping something secret does not require that the secret be directly hidden. Secret, in my opinion, includes lying or not divulging the entire truth of a matter. There is another element of misdirection that has many possibilities including gas lighting efforts to highlight or divert attention to something else. This element of misdirection is very popular in religious and political conspiracies. The second part of unlawfulness or harmfulness, though seemingly easy to define can become clouded. Especially attempting to determine what is harmful. When I was working for the Defense Department, I encountered a lot of classified information that seemed to have no other purpose beyond keeping the citizens in the dark about what was really going on. One could easily argue that no harm was intended and too much information would be confusing. Often when an error is discovered or committed by accident there is often and effort to correct or cover up the error to prevent unintended consequences. Very often the effort to coverup or misdirect is more harmfull than the initial action or intent. Perhaps it is possible that conspiracies are created to diminish the unlawfulness or harmfulness or to focus or channel minimize what one thinks is harmful. There have been some on this thread that use the notion or term denoting conspiracy theories. I am inclined to think that especially in religious and political circles – denoting something as a conspiracy theory is an odd characteristic in that without proof of what one is claiming to be theory (fantasy) without proof – the logic of label without proof is no different from what is being criticized. There is one last problem concerning what is proof verses evidence and who is allowed to stack the deck of proof and evidence. I do believe that under the law – individuals should be considered innocent until proven guilty. However, when it comes to any group keeping secrets – I believe that it is best to assume guilty (harmful intent) until innocence is proven or demonstrated. The Traveler
  23. I understand that many are striving to do good things and I do not want to criticize any efforts, but the truth is that the only true and living coat tails capable of bringing soles (even their own) into heaven are those of Jesus Christ. The Traveler
  24. I will add what I have come to believe to this thread – for what it is worth. I believe that the logic for one true and living church is no different from the logic used for the doctrine that there is only one true and living G-d. There are, in my mind, many misconceptions both in attempts to explain what is true and living as there is in understanding what is and what divergent thinkers say on the subject. Here is my effort. If there is a true a living G-d – that being is the supreme Suzerain of law and order, especially the law and order of the kingdom over which that being resides. Note that the term “Kingdom” is not my term, but the term used in scripture to describe that which G-d defines as his standard for his realm. I understand that we are flawed beings and therefore have flawed understanding of things. Especially things pertaining to G-d and his kingdom. It is my understanding that because we are flawed beings what happens between birth and death of any individual is not sufficient to understand or prepare for that which is eternal. This is a primary reason why I understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and temple work and worship to be the only true and living church on the earth. It is the only church doing work to redeem the dead and seal on earth that which will be sealed in Heaven. It is also the only church I have encountered that has a good grasp on why there must be a pre-earth life existence as there needs to be post-earth live existence to prepare for eternity (though some come somewhat close). There is one other principle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that I believe demonstrates why it is the only true and living expression of the true and living G-d on this earth and realm of fallen beings but that is another discussion that ties into this principle that I have already presented. Such that if one is doubtful of what has been described thus far – there is no logic to continue. The Traveler