Traveler

You are correct - the information I had was 6 months and older and can no longer be found The Traveler

I received a recent invite to participate in a 2 week tour of China and decided to take the opportunity with my wife. China was not at all what I expected. With us on the tour were some others from the USA, Russia and Ukraine. Those from Russia and Ukraine were not currently living in their homeland and are seeking to come to the USA. Up until 1993 private cars were not allowed on highways. Now the highways and city streets are jammed and gridlocked with privately owned cars. Most of the cars are less than a decade old. The middle class in China is growing and quite strong. The largest percentage of the growth of the middle class is in the upcoming generations. Owning a car and home are the two most prominent status symbols. The upcoming generations are educated and technical. They are crowded into cities and into homes (condo type) into high-rise apartment style complexes. Homes are purchased from the government on either a 50- or 70-year lease. When a lease is up, they are purchased again from the government. Other than the purchase there are no taxes paid. There are income taxes which are paid by everybody. No one is allowed to live free. Homeless are returned to their families and family communities for care – everyone in cities are employed. Since COVID the tourism industry in China has dropped over 80% - which I am sure is why we were invited to visit. Our tour took very good care of us, and we were referred to as guests. No one in China that I met spoke very good proper English. There is a language and culture barrier like I have not experienced anywhere else. For example, if at an eating establishment you ask for water – you will get hot water. It is almost impossible to get water with ice because no one understands why you would want ice in your water. China has been ruled by Dynasties for thousands of years. The current communists party is considered the recent dynasty. The people feel that under this communist’s dynasty they enjoy more freedoms, economy and safety than any of the previous dynasties. They seem to be more interested in safety than increasing freedom and liberty. The cities and streets are under tight surveillance with facial recognition. Crimes are punished with fines. There are no courts or jails – just the government electronically seeking payment. If enough is not in a bank account, wages are reduced until the fine is mitigated. Violent crimes are different – for that you go to prison – like wise if one is a “money rat”. A money rat is someone that embezzles money. There are a lot of privately owned businesses but if an enterprise becomes too big the government takes over the company’s primary shares. The company owns shares in all companies operating in China. So they do not need to be taxed. I do not know if anyone in the forum is interested in more. Let me know what you think. The Traveler

My opposition to Trump has nothing to do with anybody else. I do believe that his base is greatly misunderstood. Many call things “far right” or “extreme right” that have nothing to do with the right. In today understanding – the right (conservative) means anti-federalism, less government controls, and preservations of liberty, individual responsibility and freedom. Racial supremacy (Klansmen, black lives matter or any organization pushing for any privileges based in race or anything else that will bring distrust or division to a diverse community), Nazi organizations or whatever the left uses to demonize opposition all require federalism, government controls, limits to liberty and freedoms. None of these so called right wing organizations have that much influence. Trump’s problem is pride, and it makes him an easy target. Anyone that says that they cannot vote for anyone that is immoral is kidding themselves – such are the rarest commodity in our politics. The only reason to support anyone in government is because of their record and policies. There are some with good records and policies – none of them are long term politicians. They all seem to get into politics thinking to make a difference and get out quickly because of the tole it takes on them and their families. Kind of like the military. We either have a civilian military or a professional military – you cannot have both. There is a reference to COVID and there is a lot about COVID that upsets me. I am an old guy, and I caught COVID during the first year when there were no treatments for the public. I know this because I had daily contact with medical professionals following all the CDC and government protocols. I produced antibodies and had no symptoms. Interestingly I have a brother with serious arthritis that when Trump caught COVID and claimed to be cured by a common cheap drug – my brother was very familiar with the prescription. It was prescribed for Lupus patients. Now that COVID is not a problem we learn that lupus patients were not threatened by COVID (only if they had severe (chronic) respiratory problems. And that they had been using the same treatment – effectively for almost 100 years without side effects. Trum was accused of being reckless and recommending a drug as a cure when it was not approved and with the danger of harmful side effects. I apologize for this long post, but this is critically important. Trump was criticized by the medical professionals for recommending an unapproved drug with dangerous side effects. It turns out that those medical experts were lying – but why would they do that? I suggest it was all about money. 13 new billionaires were created because of COVID in the pharmaceutical corporations for the vaccine. Pharmaceutical companies cannot receive government funding to develop a vaccine for a pandemic if there is a known cure or treatment. If anyone wants a source just Google for Lupus COVID data. I want to ask a specific question, and an answer would be nice. What is the greater threat to American citizens (in general people in this world) – the entire whatever is labeled as right-wing extremists or medical experts lying about COVID to make billions? And how about those in government willing to lie before a FISA court for political gain – getting rid of an annoying troublemaker to them? The Trump base prime directive is to end government corruption. I am not a Trump supporter – I really do not like the guy but the government corruption part of his campaign I do support. Your final statement: I find this very troubling because I believe if this country continues down the path it is currently taking with such division over what half this country wants to achieve politically – we are not far from a civil war. And that would be the worst of all possible scenarios. The Traveler

Great – we can be friends! I was never one of the cool kids but my friends all were. The Traveler

It is almost always the case that hiding a sin turns out to be a greater sin than the initial sin. The problem is that we tend to forgive our friends and family and pretend that it was not so bad. Then turn on those we do not like so much – in hopes they will never recover. The same holds for churches. Seldom is a church at fault but rather someone or several someone’s that cannot admit they are wrong. Churches make mistakes – hiding the truth and sweeping anything under the rug is worse than taking care of the dirt. I agree that revenge only makes matters worse. But it seems to me that trying to get around laws is worse than suffering the consequences of the law in the first place. As far as religion goes – is this not where we learn to admit our sins and seek mercy as always being better than hiding our sins? If a law is not broken, then what-ever spiritual discipline is required is up to those that officiate for that religion. I believe that Jesus often criticized officials shepherding the Jews for not doing their job. The Traveler

It has been almost 60 since I was on the high school debate team and I must admit that I did not endure the entire debate, but Trump was horrible, and Harris won while I did watch. The worse sin in debating is to show up unprepared. As always Trump thought himself the smarter and that all he needed to do was show up and blurt out a bunch of opinions, rhetoric, finger pointing and blame. And that is exactly how he came across. Harris said nothing but the typical political nonsense – “I care, and I will work 24/7 to solve the problems.” We may know that the great lie is – “I am from the government, and I am here to help.” Never-the-less it is still the most believed lie. All the belly aching by the republicans is true – the debate was rigged. But everybody in the world already knew that. Though the debate was rigged Trump behaved like a winey rich kid and played directly into Harris’s rhetoric. And the Republicans conceded the debate so they could whine about democrat dirty tricks. This is all the oldest trick in the high school debate instruction book. Distract your opponent and get them complaining about stuff that does not matter and has nothing to do with the reason for the debate. I would say we are doomed because the only possible candidates are stupid idiots. Except this is more the norm throughout history than the exception. The Traveler

It is a door that must be opened. Not for revenge (that some think is justice) but to learn and change behaviors. The scientific definition of intelligence is the ability to learn and power to alter outcomes. It is time to be intelligent about these things. The Traveler

I believe that it was David O. McKay that said, “There is no success in the world that can compensate for failure in the home.” The Traveler

My point is that there is the idea within the LGBTQ+ that think (and argue) the LGBTQ+ community are better with children than the worst (or undesirable) of het couples. I am saying– that argument is flawed. Justifying something (or anything) as better than something worse is not logical for what ought to be or what is okay or just. Selldom or never is the last resort what is good for anyone. The Traveler

Why should LGBTQ+ have equal access to children? You do understand that sexual preference are learned? We also know that preferences are completely reliant on exposure – especially exposure to trusted individuals. Parents (gardens) are the most likely example that a child will learn to prefer. This is why under the law that a parent abusing their child has the added charge of aggravated. The Traveler

I have heard this before but there is a problem. That is that the LBGTQ+ community seems to have difficulty reporting sexual abuse. They will say they are against grooming, but the question lies with what preventive actions do they take. Mostly there is silence. I do agree with your post in general. Though I am not deeply involved with the LGBTQ+ community those with whom I converse are not interested in children. Some say there is a stigma of hidden abuse when same sex individuals show interest in children. In the scientific community examples are classified as higher than lowest levels of learning but even at the lowest levels of learning it can be argued that examples play a critical role. I realize that we walk a fine line with children and the examples they are given. We do not want to instill bitter resentments towards the LGBTQ+ community and at the same time we should not (intentionally or unintentionally) portray LGBTQ+ as equal or desirable. It is my opinion that this conundrum of sexual preference has an ebb and flow about it and that we are currently at a point where, as a society, we have crossed the Rubicon and that the dangers the prophets (both ancient and modern) have warned are crossing barriers much to rapidly. Gender dysphoria is not so much an adult problem as it has become a major problem with children in school. I see no effort in the LGBTQ+ community to curb introducing vulnerable children to things they are not mentally equipped to handle -including and especially pornography and masturbation. The Traveler

What is the argument you have heard from the LGBTQ+ community as to why adoptions should not favor heterosexual couples whenever possible? The Traveler

Not sure what is meant by other ways? Even with IVF, an egg form a female and a sperm from a male is required. Every person that has ever lived on earth has a biological mother and a biological father. For whatever reason, the LGBTQ+ community avoids the science that sexual preferences are learned or acquired. For example, sometimes saying – G-d made me this way. Or saying with all the problems do you really think I would choose this? Not everything we learn is by what means some would define as a choice. There is a logical conundrum when individuals that consider themselves LGBTQ+ decide to be parents of children. Since we know that sexual preferences are learned or acquired – I have a difficult time with the logic of those in heterosexual relationships that support and encourage those that are LGBTQ+ to raise children. Usually the argument is because there are heterosexual parents are doing a horrible job of it. Using a negative to support a conclusion is not logical. Saying that something is better than feeding children to crocodiles is not a good argument for that something because we all know that there is something much better. The Traveler

Lucifer has often presented himself as the Messiah or Christ. It is not uncommon for those that were once enlightened to think they have increased in enlightenment after they have left the fold. In short, the worse apostates are those that think themselves the more enlightened. The Traveler

I am a mathematician and the source. I have used Chaos theory and fractals to develop projections for material handling and robotic loading in large complex manufacturing. Here is a little exercise for anyone interested. Do a Google search on “chaos theory and fractals” and read to your heart’s content. The Traveler

A simple internet search will provide information: Science has proven that preferences (including sexual preferences) are learned or acquired. We have known this for decades. It is a scientific fact that anyone can learn or acquire a different sexual preference. It is a fundamental principle of LDS theology to allow agency – even though it is likely misused. I am not against an adult choosing LGBTQ+. I am (as a scientist) against anyone lying that sexual preference is not a choice. I am against the beguiling of children (under age 25) that they have not choice or any control concerning their sexual preference. Obviously sexual preference is not genetic – no one is born outside of heterosexual relationships. If there is an argument for LGBTQ+ sustainability – I would like to see that data. If current trends continue (the math is fractals, and the scientific model is Chayos Theory – the same that is used to prove Climate Change) – the USA society will eventually die off because of changes is sexual behavior. It is simply not scientifically possible to support changing human behavior because of climate change and not support changing human behavior to heterosexual for the exact same reason – preventing the extinction of species. The Traveler

Traditions are seldom as clear cut and defined as advertised. Especially if they are preserved through oral traditions. Even written records carefully scrutinized by scribes have strong variances but with written records it is easier to trace variation s. I will give a quick example concerning the temple garment. I recall in my younger days decades ago going to the temple for the first time. My grandparents talked to me about the “traditional” use and attitude concerning the garment. Back then all garments were one piece but there were variations. There was an old style that was the only style authorized for use at the temple. I kept one of those in my temple clothing bag. It was a one piece with long sleeves to my wrists and long legs to my ankles. My grandparents would not wear any other style and felt strongly that anyone using the modern styles were spiritually corrupt. They were so devout in wearing the garment that they would never take it completely off. When bathing or changing they would keep an arm or leg on until an arm or lag was in the new garment. I have not researched this garment tradition, and I doubt anything was written other than in some journals. And I am quite sure that journals in various areas will have slight differences. Even with written records there are differences in the text. There are over a thousand different types of ancient Biblical text that are labeled as different because they are differences. I have done research for such things be contacting the local rabbi and discovered that they are delighted that someone is interested in Jewish traditions. But I have also discovered that you can get different information from different Rabbis. I have also discovered that you can discover different Christian traditions talking to Christians in different areas of the world – even of the same denomination. I also discovered a oral tradition concerning the saying “No man knows the hour or the day, not even the angles of heaven but G-d alone knows”, And that tradition presents a very different meaning concerning what day or hour something will happen. Converts with a strong Jewish background have a great deal to add to our understanding of scripture – especially the Book of Mormon but few of us generational LDS types seem to care much – basically thinking that because we have prophets to explain everything we do not need to listen. I am of a different mind and reference Moroni chapter 10 – especially following the favored missionary verses at the beginning of the chapter. I think that is great importance concerning spiritual gifts and that everyone has their own spiritual gifts and something to add to the whole of understanding. The Traveler

I will take on your reference – rather than depending on religious notions, I will start with scientific notions. In science one of the critical notions of life is the ability to reproduce. This definition is not necessarily a singular notion but as a species or type of life. In labs there have been various scientific experiments to duplicate life but the conclusion is that if chemical reactions are incapable of rejuvenating offspring – it is not life. Human life is the most advanced intelligent species we have ever encountered. The propagation of the human species is only accomplished through heterosexual relationships. Traditionally we have attempted to define this heterosexual relationship that successfully produces offspring in successful societies as a family. Some have suggested that it takes a community to raise a child. But if that community is operating under the notion that a child does not need to respect heterosexual relationships and heterosexual families as the necessary element of sustaining that community – then that society (community) is pursuing a unstainable theory of families that sustain communities. We have concluded by scientific studies that preferences are controlled by various areas of the cortex part of the brain. Because preferences are controlled by the cortex we know that preferences are learned or acquired. We also know that executive level capabilities of learning are not fully developed in the cortex until a child reaches the age of 25. Sexual preferences are known in science to be learned preferences along with all the other preferences learned in humans. The teaching or allowing the teaching of unsustainable sexual preferences to individuals under the age of 25 must be forbidden is a society is to be sustainable. Science and logic clearly demonstrates that LGBTQ+ families are unsustainable. Logic clearly indicates that including a definition of LGBTQ+ as family friendly will reduce the rate of reproduction in a society and if rate of reproduction drops below an average of 2 per heterosexual couple that society is doomed unless attitudes are changed (sexual preferences altered). Our current society in the USA has crossed the threshold of sustainability. Currently the only way our society can continue is to either change the teaching of sexual preferences or import populations from other societies – which will change the fundamental dynamics of our society. The Traveler

We are told in the Book of Mormon that when we understand the Hebrew traditions that we will understand Isaiah better. We are also told about the importance of Isaiah. I have often pondered this particular insight into scripture study. The idea that part of scripture study includes study of things other than just any particular scripture by itself. Then it seem inevitable that I will come across someone that will not consider any idea without a direct scripture source. Most hard-core Traditional Christians will say that if it is not in the Bible – they will not believe it. Of course, the great exception is the various creeds – especially the Trinity. If it is as they say (such thinkers) – creeds, sermons, Bible classes, discussion, opinions and all such things would not take place or be expressed. Only scripture would be read and referenced without embellishments. I find that including ancient traditions to be extremely eye opening to scripture meaning – often pointing to a understanding 180 degrees in directional understanding from what the casual reader concludes. I have found that the ancient traditions of Middle Eastern Kingdoms – especially the Suzerain Servant Vassel treaties extremely enlightening in understanding the fall and exile of Adam (man) and the relationships of mankind to the Father, and Son. I will not add something that can be taken as just my opinion. I believe that there are critical caveats to understanding and studying scripture – regardless of whatever method or construct one uses: Caveat 1. Prayer. I believe scripture and study should be pursued in the attitude of prayer and whatever impressions one has ask directly if the understanding is correct. Caveat 2. The gift of the Holy Ghose is given and maintained by covenant. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ we receive the covenant of the Holy Ghost, and that covenant is renewed when we take the sacrament. Someone without this covenant may not have a complete understanding of scripture. Caveat 3. Meet with and discuss your studies with other Saints often. Especially those that are loyal to their covenants. Family and friends, I believe to be a good source. But the key is listening – especially to new ideas. On occasion, I have found even atheists to have useful ideas. As Latter-day Saints, I do not believe that contentious exchanges of ideas are ever needed or useful. It is not up to us (as an individual) to convince anyone of anything. There is a saying that a person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still. I have come to believe that if in any discussion you find that you are getting angry or upset – that you are being dominated by a dark unclean spirit. If someone is angry or upset, it is best to apologize for speaking to them and leave them to deal with whatever darkness has angered them. The one exception is if a loving spirit convinces you to provide a witness. If a loving spirit is so influencing, you – not only can you remain calm but in that calmness you can accept whatever is the outcome. The Traveler

An idea from my wife that worked wonders for our family – started when I was in a bishopric and she had all the kids (quite young) to deal with on her own. In essence, it was a 3-tier reward system that she came up with: First tier. There were 5 things each child was expected to do for church and they got a reward (candy) for each one. Not sure I remember all five but they were like 1. Be ready for Church 5 minutes before expected. 2. Bring your scriptures. 3. Sing the hymns 4. Be reverent and not disruptive – especially during the passing of the sacrament (up to 3 warnings max from mom) 5. Attend class without complaints from instructor. Second tier. If all 5 were completed and achieved an extra much larger treat was achieved. Third tier. If all the children achieved the second tier a big treat was given to the whole family. I think it worked because each kid wanted the second-tier treat. And the family reward got enough attention that the older kids became shepherds of the younger. It became easy for the wife to be on time and she got many comments on how reverent and good our kids were Two caveats – 1. When kids were small (infants) the wife would hold training sessions at home teaching the infants to sit quietly for an hour in the front room. We never took kids our of church meetings. 2. When youngest son returned from his mission – first day back from church he expected and asked for his treat thinking it was a perinate family tradition. Last note – this got us through raising our kids but 2 have gone inactive and not returned. It is my theory that parents can only have influence for so long. Eventually kids will determine their path. Our family in heaven experienced this reality as well. One last note - we only had 5. If you find something for 11 - I am sure your reward will be much greater.😇 The Traveler

So much has changed during my lifetime. I remember in high school 4 friends went to Mexico on a SCUBA trip. We were all members of the Church so wanted to attend Church in Mexico for the experience. Back then there were less than 1 ½ million members worldwide. We found a little branch to attend and the members there went nuts to welcome Utah Saints (especially the youth). Many were so poor they were barefoot (we were way overdressed) and yet they wanted to feed us and go without themselves (back then there was no block – church was an all-Sabbath day event so those that had long distances to travel brought food to eat between morning and afternoon sessions). Nowadays many places are overwhelmed with visiting members. A few decades ago, my family was welcomed to a ward but asked to only attend sacrament meeting because there were so many visitors we could not be accommodated in classes (including priesthood). I was somewhat surprised because I grew up thinking priesthood meetings were mandatory for priesthood holders. In a visit to my ancestry home in Demark the wife and I attended a ward that was so overwhelmed with visiting members (thanks to a cruse ship) that they ran out of headphones for listening a translation. The wife and I attended a ward meeting listed on the church website while visiting Glacier National Park. Come to find out that the entire ward had only 3 members – a bishop and two counselors. Their whole purpose was to provide a sacrament meeting for visiting members. All normal functions (talks, prayers, music, sacrament etc.) were selected for visiting members with temple recommends. Note to other travelers – if you are on vacation and want spectator only status – do not get to Church until the last minute. If you are willing to participate show up early – the earlier the better. The Traveler

I will take a little exception. First off what you have referenced were all voluntary conditions. In the case with Peter and the death that was brought – it was not quite as you have expressed. The reason for the death was for lying to G-d through lies to his servant. There was no edict to become a disciple of Christ – that was all voluntary. I personally am not sure that it was because they held back but rather that they lied and said that they had given. In all cases that I am aware all forced “charity” by government has failed. I do have some personal knowledge about the United Order because my great grandfather was the executive secretary (CEO) of a United Order in Utah. No one was forced to join the order. I published a while back on this forum all the rules of the United Order from a copy that hung in his office. It was common for new individuals (families) to join or leave. Any death penalties were either exaggerated or for crimes subject to public laws outside of the Order and not according to Order rules. I thought to offer other examples because I know of a United Order that was purchased by a family when the Church divested itself. But the real issue is the Principle of Agency – which I believe was the prime directive of our pre-existence and still a most important principle. Which brings me to one final very important principle – the people under the conditions you referenced were one. It was not just the matter of the wealthy making a sacrifice – there was a change of attitude at all economic levels. Scripture tells us that they were all of one mind and heart. With all this in mind – take note who in a ward regularly shows up for various service opportunities like physical facility clean up or welfare assignments or disaster relief projects. In my mind these are the only ones that would actually work out well in a City of Enoch or United Order type of society. It is my personal experience that most of this category are at the lower levels of the economic ladder. I say most because there are always those few exceptions. The Traveler

The problem is not Nike but the people the run it. The Traveler

I have a friend that was having problems with everything in his life. He could not keep up with all his bills and his car, boat and house were being repossessed or closed. His wife was leaving him, he was in danger of losing his job because of stress – it seemed that everything was falling apart. I was talking to him and brought up that when I have serious problems, I just open up the Book of Mormon and suddenly find the answer. I suggested he try that. Within a few weeks all his problems seemed to disappear. He bought a bigger house, and new car and even a bigger boat. His wife was no longer leaving him and purchased several new outfits. I asked him what had happened – he said he followed my advice. Wow, I asked what did you open up to in the Book of Mormon and read? He said he opened up the Book of Mormon and right there in big bold letters it said, “Chapter 11”. The Traveler

If Jack Frost is responsible for turning all the leaves on the trees to colors and making them fall off the trees in the fall – who is responsible for putting the leaves back on the trees in the spring? Answer – The Releaf Society - my wife agrees and says that men by themselves cannot be responsible for anything. The Traveler