Traveler

Some of the best “Christians” I know are Buddhist. I have a friend that is a Buddhist monk that is as “Christian” as anyone I know. To me it is not about what you say or what you say you know – it is about what you do and how you treat others. If someone has to tell others that they are a Christian then I do not believe that they are really a Christian. If you have to explain that you are a follower of righteousness it is because what you do speaks so loudly that no one can hear what you saying. Thanks for walking with me. The Traveler

Anthony B: Part of the problem is that in our modern societies we have departed from the understanding of what comprises a covenant citizen within a “Kingdom”. Even under our current forms of government there are difficulties understanding legal rights that define the differences between ownership and stewardship. The LDS church is the restored church of Christ and operates today to prepare the covenant citizens within that “Kingdom” for things to come in the same manner and order that was established anciently by Christ. There are examples in the ancient scriptures that demonstrate the true order and manner by which a person enters into a covenant with G-d to become a fellow citizen with the Saints in the “household” of G-d. For example; Jesus chose his apostles and ordained them with authority to represent him and to function in his absence within the ancient church. Therefore the first point I would make is that we believe that to covenant with G-d that we must either covenant directly with G-d (as did the apostles that were ordained by The Son laying his hands on them) or we must covenant with someone appointed by G-d to act as his proxy. This ancient order and manner of covenant has been forgotten and lost to traditional Christians that have changed this order in their traditions to conform to their respective wills and desires. I would point out to you that the proper use of the Name of Christ is according to covenant with Christ. Jesus tells us that he did nothing but that he was commanded, which demonstrates that he lived according to covenant. Using the name of Jesus Christ without the proper covenant is not binding. This is why Jesus warned that there would be many that would do things in his name that he did not know; which means that he did not authorize them. We see actual counterfeit examples in scripture of unauthorized using of the name of Christ. Like when Simon wanted to purchase the power to heal the sick and the seven brothers took upon them to cast out unclean spirits in the name of Jesus Christ. In short we are very serious about our covenants and we have been commanded to covenant – not according to our whims or to what suits us but that which is proper and acceptable to G-d. It would not have been acceptable to G-d to create a separate religious sect for making covenants if there was already a place properly authorized to represent G-d. There would be no reason for us to baptize if the Catholic or Protestant or some other baptism was acceptable according to G-d’s covenant. Also keep in mind that there is only one “way” of deliverance from spiritual bondage and that is by covenant with Jesus Christ that was appointed (by covenant) as the mediator with the Father. There is no other way and that includes the counterfeits that claim appointments from Christ that in reality were not done according to the ancient order testified to in the Holy Scriptures The Traveler

This commandment applies only to fallen man - that has the mediator Jesus Christ and the only means to the Father. Do you not understand the fall of man? The Traveler

One interesting fact that more Christians should be aware of is that when Communism fell apart in Russia - among the religious treasures documented and turned back to the Eastern Orthodox Church were New Testament documents that dated back to the 1st century. I was personally involved with some of my Orthodox friends to get these documents available to all Christians. As it turns out no documentation was released - not even a list of what scripture texts were involved. Many of us feel that these documents would be as or more important than the Dead Sea Scrolls. I would also point out the Catholic Church made attempts to keep 50 of the Dead Sea Scrolls from becoming public but an accident ended up getting all 50 missing documents sold on microfiche in 1993 that got the documents published. History indicates that traditional Christians have not been straight forward in disclosing the manuscripts that were available - and valuable documents that were genuine like the Book of Enoch and the Testaments of the Patriarchs claimed that they were medieval counterfeits. Which because of the Dead Sea Scrolls we now know was absolutely not ture. The Traveler

Book of Mormon – Alma 40:11-14: 11: Now, concerning the state of the soul between death and the resurrection – Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are taken home to that god who gave them life. 12: And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow. 13: And then shall it come to pass that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil – for behold, they have no part nor portion of the spirit of the L-rd; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house – and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil. 14: Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of G-d upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise until the time of their resurrection. It is my understanding that the “wrath of G-d” is your description of the “justice of G-d – without his mercy”. I agree in part but I believe that even in his justice that G-d is merciful and kind. It is the darkness in a person’s soul that is the source and cause of sorrow which cannot be overcome by G-d’s mercy, love or anything else. However, I believe that even in such a state that if a person would turn to G-d and seek his mercy and forsake the evil that is in them that G-d would deliver them from their sorrows. I think that the concept of “accepting G-d’s grace” is too weak and incomplete unless accepting his grace means to change one’s heart (which is the meaning of repentance) and become a covenant Saint of Christ. Like you, I do not believe in doing something half or part way. If you do something – you do it with all your heart, might, mind and strength. The Traveler

You are not a horrible person. You are a beautiful and spritual person trying to do too much on your own. Start by praying for a little help - Even Enos started there and then realized the benefit in praying for others after. The Traveler

I think Satan has an influence in Hollywood - and yes I believe in and practice censorship, mostly for myself. Having some connections in Hollywood even actors find more joy and fulfillment in playing evil or at least the dark side of characters. I have yet to understand why? The Traveler

Jesus came and appeared to Paul (in a similar manner to coming to Joseph Smith) and the world did not end. The Traveler

The point I tried to make is that it is good to give offerings to G-d - even for the poor. Something else I find interesting - the poor of our society today would be considered wealthy by the standards that existed in the days of Christ. The Traveler

How do you reconcile Acts 9:4 - 5? The Traveler

I find Dogbert in the Dilbert comic strip interesting in the discussion of Karma. Dogbert says something like he believes in Karma. So that when he treats someone badly he is satisified that they diserved it. The Traveler

The main reason I am so optimistic is because I cannot find any type and shadow or any other indication in scripture that when anyone turns to G-d that G-d would answer that they had their chance and blew it. One example is the prodigal son. Note the significance of the imagery in Luke 15:32 “It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad; for this thy brother was DEAD, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. The whole parable is intended to be symbolic of someone that had gone too far – passed the point of no return. Yet even a faint hope in G-d opened up a way. Especially as we live and breathe there is no one that we will ever meet are talk to that it is too late for them to accept G-d’s grace. Even if there is a someday some place that it is possible that G-d will not be merciful there is no one here and now that is not a beneficiary of his grace and that includes those that refuse, for the time, to recognize it. The Traveler

It is not really a rejection when someone does not understand or know what they are doing. I believe Jesus forgave those that did not know what they were doing. As I understand the "prophesy" in the Book of Revelation - All will come to understand and none will reject G-d. I do not believe that anyone that desires to be with G-d will be denied - regardless of how many times in ignorance they unknowingly rejected him. I believe the warning is to those that know G-d and then reject him - which would mean that the only possibility of someone that rejects his love and grace is someone that knows enough to pretend and claim to be saved. The Traveler

Interesting use of the word "one" - then nothing can be "one" with the "only one Omnipotent in the universe". Again this contradicts scripture and the notion that Jesus is "one" with the Father. The Traveler

Thank you for indicating the most important concept concerning Zion. That there is a Zion covenant. The notion of covenant, I believe to be more important that Zion as a place, idea, dream or people. To those that understand the covenant of Zion and strive to keep it - I honor you. The Traveler

Here is a link: The Lost Books of the Bible - The Hidden Truths If you google "lost books of the bible" you will find all you seek in links. The Traveler

Interesting - According to the ancient covenants and symbols there is a symbolic name given to someone who's rightful place is at the right hand or right side of G-d. The name of that symbol - I will leave as a exercise for the reader (a comment that comes from my math background). The Traveler

The main objection I have to many in their expression of being saved is that they think they will get G-d's love and grace and that someone else will not. For the record I believe that all are saved from the fall and will be resurrected to a state of great happiness - that is everything that they desire. If anyone is not happy - I do not believe it is because they did not get G-d's love and grace. The Traveler

G-d cannot be omnipresent and omniscient and omnipotent and be the only one of his "kind". The flaw of the Traditional Trinitarian (monotheistic) G-d is that he can only deal with that which is inferior and flawed and G-d therefore, lacks the power, intelligence, grace and everything else needed to deal with another being like himself - yet he demands that all his creation do this very thing that he cannot. Personally I like the concept that he deals very well with things that are like him and he does not lack the intelligence or the power to bring man up to his level (with no limitations). Not only can G-d come and live among us (Jesus is this example) but it is possible for man to be exalted and live (quite comfortably and happy) with him. I always wonder when someone thinks they have a personal relationship with G-d and yet they also believe that they have nothing truly in common with him. I guess being personal with someone means something different to me. The Traveler

Should the poor pay tithing? I find it interesting that some are so disrespectful of the poor to think otherwise. Even the poor have every right to participate in and pay tithing. It is always an honor, privilege and an indication of great love and compassion to offer a true sacrifice to help others. I personally am grateful that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints encourages and allows all to enjoy and participate in demonstrating gratitude and thanks for what they have – be it an abundance or a pittance. That every member (regardless of their station) can in full conscience be a part of giving and paying tithing. And those that receive can also know that the gift they take was given, not just by the rich to whom such things matter little but also by someone that gave out of their of their all in poverty as well. I know of no better way to allow the giver and the receiver of tithing to be of “one” heart and mind and to avoid an attitude that one is “better” than the other. If anyone has a better idea to maintain dignity, love, trust and honor with G-d’s covenant children, both the rich and poor; I await the example of a “more excellent way”. The Traveler

They are symbols of a covenant. The Traveler

The LDS doctrine is that because of the fall there is only one G-d of slavation that can help mankind. That is Jesus Christ who was with G-d the Father in the beginning and is "one" (ehad - by covenant) with the Father. Jesus is the only Mediator G-d that can deal with man who has fallen. Jesus is the G-d of both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Note that prior to the fall all scripture references to G-d are plural and after the fall all references are singular. The only way Jesus could open up the way was to give himself as a sacrifice. Something the Father could not do because the Father (who is perfect - Matt 5:48) already has a perfect eternal body, he could not suffer any pain and could not die - no evil can effct him or cause him pain, ever. Therefore the Father gave his Son for the sacrifice to redeam mankind. Who ever believes on the Son and his sacrifice will have eternal life. The Traveler

The question is not about doctrine in general but in understanding the prophecies regarding the signs of the times. Those that have sought for understanding of prophesy concerning the sign given to specify the times as defined by G-d by sources other than the prophets have never found the correct answers but were always lead astray. Perhaps someone has a contrary example from the scriptures? The Traveler

It is very interesting how “rights” are defined. Here is a link in today’s news: FOXNews.com - Activists Target Mormons for Gay-Marriage Ban's Success in California - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News Some organizations within the gay movement are currently being investigated for hate crimes (torching of a Book of Mormon on a church doorstep) – as well as the use of postal delivery for substances in a threading manner – attempts at preventing peaceful assembly. Very interesting – On this issue we may see who respects the law and who fosters and upholds those willing to break the law in order to force (by whatever means, even illegal means) their morals. If it is really about civil rights – why encourage or allow anyone to violate the civil rights someone else because there is disagreement? In truth it never really was about civil rights; it is about taking control and making all conform and about taking away the freedom of speech from everyone in disagreement. The Traveler

Wow!!! Your post is a most interesting commentary on the First Amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. I find your point of view a direct violation of the right for American citizens to assemble as organized through the Boy Scouts. You are talking about the core freedom of speech. Please understand that there are many that want to silence such free speech. When have the Boy Scouts not assembled peaceably? I see a strong precedent to destroy basic freedoms of all that do not agree in Gay morality in the name of “Gay-rights”. I could not disagree with your point more. The Traveler