Traveler

I have been doing some research and there is much more to the problem than drilling. Currently oil leases are sold to the highest bidder. Many current oil wells have been caped off while still in peak production. This is so the owner of the lease can maximize their profits as the cost of oil goes up.Current environmental laws in the USA make it next to impossible to build new refineries. Even if we had more oil we do not have the capacity to refine it.The two political parties in the USA are fighting for power and control and blocking each other from moving forward – we are like crabs in a pot pulling back each other from getting out.I suggest we do a couple of things while we open up more drilling possibilities. Oil leases should not be sold but rented. The lease should be for an amount of oil as well as a period of time. If the lease is not utilized for a period of time the holder of the lease should lose it. If a well produces more than expected a premium should be paid for the extra oil.No new leases should allow for the driller to export the oil to other markets outside the USA without government approval.New refineries need to be built using the latest and best technology even if the environmental laws need to be relaxed. This also needs to be done as a declared national emergency.I do not think that drilling right now will make a dimes worth of difference. I do not believe that congress is serious about doing anything for the people. I do not believe this will get better – but it will get worse. I do believe we are about to see some life style changes. And for what it is worth department – one of the results of not keeping the Sabbath holy is that the highways will become desolate. The Traveler

I believe that the problem with your logic is similar to many scientists trying to deal with the "event horizon" of the Big Bang. In essence the “event horizon” is the point in time before which we have no data – in theory or in reality. Let me help you with a few ideas that we do know: First is the condescension of G-d (as per the example of Jesus Christ) to take upon a mortal experience. We know this to be possible because of Jesus. Second is the condescension of man. We know that man also condescended for a mortal experience because this told to us in scripture as the fall of man. We also know that this was a fall from a divine place (with G-d – similar to the condescension of Christ but different because Christ did not transgress in his condescension) to mortal earth. Third is the eternal nature of the Son of G-d. From the gospel of John we learn that Jesus was with G-d in the “beginning” and was the means for creating all things. We also know that Jesus was begotten of the Father. Therefore we know from the example of Jesus that he being eternal and a creator was The Son of G-d. I submit that all should worship and emulate that G-d which is wise and powerful. That he is both smart enough and has the means to make G-ds like himself of men such as us. In fact everything he asks, commands and directs us to do is for that very reason – that we will become more like him. Therefore we can define good as that which helps man become like G-d and we can define evil as that which will direct us from becoming more like G-d. To say that man cannot become like G-d is to therefore limit G-d – and the only way to make such an assumption with limited knowledge in a fallen and mortal existence is in essence an attempt to “Damn” G-d by limiting his knowledge and power to do what he can in reality do. I do not mind that you want to do such a thing but for my logic as a scientist – I believe that even in this current universe it is both possible and likely that there are entities that exist that are more intelligent and advanced than man and if we would contact them we could learn and advance – much more I believe that anyone that in reality contacts that divine creator will also learn and advance beyond what others (which have not made such a contact) deem as possible. The Traveler

Thank you for reading and respoinding to my post. I agree with you in part but I think I would disagree with you concerning one simple principle - nothing changes until you do. I agree that in difficulty for various addictions help is useful but in the end it is only help. I believe the the most successful help is that which convinces that your life will only change when you do. I personaly believe that even Christ taught this principle. The Traveler

How does anyone know that anything is true? Should anything be different? As a scientist and engineer - I may start on a path for many different reasons but I know I am on a journey of truth when I begin to sense that I am engaged in something special. But it is not over in a moment. Each step opens wide to new and more understanding. Pieces of confused reality begin to fit and function. For me it is not a moment of enlightenment from a time of seeking and finely finding the answer. It is a journey of enlightenment and finding more answers years later to questions I was never wise enough to ask. The more I use the principles of truth the more offers and leads are given me to paths and new things of greater joy and understanding. I do not believe truth is a destination – I believe truth is an endless journey. I am indeed grateful for those that convinced me to take the first steps. If you do not discover something every day that changes you for the better (better being better toward others) – you are not on the path of truth but are in the process of being lead to paths of counterfeit truths. The Traveler

No other religious faith offers or even claims to offer a recent gift from G-d. The Book of Mormon is unique in scripture in that ancient prophets maintained their scriptural record specific for this day and time. Even the translation was done differently in that it is not the work of experts and scholars but one given power to translate from G-d. As Christians prepare for the return of their king there is no more important message specific to this marvelous time of preparation. There is no other scriptural text more important to the Last Days. What shalenfehl has posted is correct and true – In the mouth of two or more witness does G-d establish his truth. And now you have two that testify the Book of Mormon was given through a prophet and is from that G-d of mercy and love that gave himself as the last and great sacrifice. Prophetic in the Book or Mormon is the warning to all – both individuals and societies that think their wisdom greater than the servants called to prophesy by G-d to the peoples of this troubled time. Those that ignore the warning of G-d’s prophets will be swept from the face of the land. You may prosper for a season but you will not stand in the hour of trouble. If you have not sought G-d through reading the Book of Mormon then I urge you to do so now. The Traveler

Behavior cannot conterdict belief. Sometimes I have the impression that many like to say they believe something they cannot live just to look good to others but if they do not demonstrate belief as well as to say it then they are both speaking and living a lie. The Traveler

Sometimes I get the impression many do not understand the justice and mercy of G-d. To those that seek justice in dealing with their fellow man (others) will be given justice and to those that extend mercy to their fellow men (especially those that do not deserve it) shall mercy be given. Thus mercy follows mercy and justice follows justice. Another point that I believe is not understood is that there can be no mercy without sacrifice. Thus to be merciful one must sacrifice. It is my impression that one thing Satan wanted was give mercy without sacrifice. The Traveler

Just so that I am clear concerning your beliefs. Do you believe Peter was allowed to perform a marriage (sealing)? How did the sealing power given to Peter relate to the Law? Did Peter really have to power to seal on earth and that all things he sealed would be sealed in heaven? The Traveler

Do you have a probleming believing that it is possible for G-d the Father to have had a mortal experience? Could you explain why you think he must forever lack that power or ability? The Traveler

You did not understand my post. Jesus testified that to know Him was to know the Father. Because of the Fall of man we learn all things pertaining to G-d through Jesus Christ. There is nothing that can be known of G-d without knowing it through the example of Jesus Christ. You speak of this as the progression of Christ - You do not understand. It is a statement of the condescension of the Son of G-d, Jesus Christ. The statement is both a reference to the work (sacrifice) of G-d and the destiny (exlatation) of man and that the two are eternally related and cannot be separated. The Traveler

Most people think the greatest thing about G-d is his great power. I believe that is a mistake. The greatest thing about G-d is his love. A love so great that he would make what-ever sacrifice is necessary. I regret that so many think about G-d and exaltation in the wonderful benefits they will have. Exaltation becomes a very selfish thing. That is another mistake. Exaltation is not about you and what you will get. It is about loving others and what you can sacrifice. If you do not understand sacrifice - you do not understand G-d or his Son Jesus The Christ. If you look beyond the need for your sacrifice thinking the sacrifice of G-d is enough you are too lost in selfishness to see the forest for the trees - you do not know G-d or have a personal relationship with him - you have deceived yourself and fallen for the oldest temptation of eternity. The Traveler

I served during the Vietnam era and when I got out of the army I had many of your same feelings - I had also served 2 years as a missionary. I do not know that I had all the same issues that you are having. My main problem was with ladies that I was dating. I did not feel that they understood anything or had a clue about "real life". It got to the point that I did not like to talk to them about anything. I still do not like talking about some of my experiences. I did not like my professors at college. I thought they were unqualified to teach any subject. There were two events in my life that helped a great deal. One was a young lady that despite of my cruelty was kind and despite the fact that I hurt her she was still kind. I have never really experience someone that would return kindness when none was ever given them. The other event was a Native American friend that convinced me to seek my spiritual guides for life by going on a 40 day journey in the wilderness and living on only what the earth and G-d provides. There are no hidden secrets that I ever found. Sometimes you must find a way to move beyond what you have become and it is not an easy road. Let your experiences go. Do something kind to a stranger every day. Forget yourself and your problems and dedicate yourself to a cause or calling. Read the Book of Mormon – If you must, do not start at the beginning – start in Mosiah but read every day. Pray lots and count your blessings. The Traveler

1. What doctrine - The doctrine of Christ 2. It is pure revelation. 3. It is taught by the LDS Church and every true Christian. Now let me explain something as clearly as I can. Jesus the Christ is the example and mediator of G-d. Everything that man can learn about G-d is given as example in Jesus Christ. Now let us review. As man is G-d once was. {As man is Jesus Christ was - he came and lived as man in perfect example} As G-d is man may become. {As Jesus Christ died was resurrected with a physical body according to many witnesses including 11 of his apostles. Jesus Christ was exalted and sat at the right hand of G-d. So can man be resurrected and exalted to live and dwell forever with G-d at his right hand}. As Jesus Christ is heir to righteousness so can man inherit all that G-d has. The Traveler

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that you draw a salary from the state for your service as a prison Chaplin. I believe you serve many religions – even non Christian denominations. Also do not worry my friend if we find each other on the other side and you are having difficulty, I will personally see that your work is done. If I am troubled I will still rejoice in your blessings. The Traveler

Everyone that is blessed of G-d is rich. The Traveler

Many area authorities that are not US citizens are also employed full time by the church and receive a comfortable living. It is my personal speculation that the city of Enoch society does not operate on a money based economy. The Traveler

I believe that if we could see a person and understand their eternal destiny that in our present state we would fall down and worship them. To not forgive someone or not accept their efforts to repent - regardless of their past is to not accept Christ and to deny the very Christ. The Traveler

Any Biblical scripture written in an ancient Hebrew poetic form should be understood to have deep symbolic meaning and often the form indicates multiple understanding. The Book of Isaiah is the most complex of all ancient Biblical text and thus the most difficult to understand in our time. All of the Old Testament scriptures were maintained as variant scriptures during the time of Christ – we know this because of the Dead Sea Scriptures found by the Dead Sea. Only by understanding why there were versions of the scriptures can we understand the depth of the message. For example: the prophet Moses leading the children of Israel from Egypt to the promised land has symbolic meaning to believers leaving the things of the world and taking a journey to an eternal promised land (heaven). Jesus in his teachings taught with parables for the very reason that his teaching were to reach beyond literal meaning. Thus we have the word of G-d being represented symbolically as a seed. I for one think if someone read the scriptures for literal meaning – they do not have nor do they want a relationship with the G-d spoken of in the scriptures. The Traveler

I would add that this is not as deep or hard as it may seem - the very definition of intelligence is the ability to learn by experience which implies that a intelligent being can change both attitude and behavior by learning. If a person cannot change their attitude or behavior it is because they lack the intelligence to do so. The argument that G-d made me this way is resistant to the very intelligence that G-d gave man. It is a denial that G-d gave the person in denial the power of intelligent reason. The Traveler

There is no mediator between man and the G-d of the Old Testament. If man fail and required a mediator in order the address the same G-d he fail from then the ancient scriptures have a serious flaw. Only if man must deal with a mediator since the fall was there really a fall. If Jesus is the pre-fall G-d of heaven then how is it that Jesus could live among men (including thoses that are not cleansed from sin) that were cast out of his presents because of transgression? The Traveler

One does not learn if they only converse with those that they agree. The Traveler

It is only simple at the surface - the nature of the G-dhead plays into many other doctrines was well. For example the doctrine of the fall: If there is only one G-d both before and after the fall and that one G-d is the same G-d then there was no fall and man needs no mediator. The Traveler

It is the nature of the internet that if something enlightening and intelligent is posted for various readers to read - readers will read and nod their head in agreement. If on the other hand something really stupid and foolish is posted it is the nature of internet readers to read that and respond over and over and over again. So in you want to be noticed and get a lot of response - post something stupid and foolish - almost everyone will know who you are. It is like a misbehaving child that does so just to get the parents attention. Many would rather have a negative response than no response. We tend to feed the beast and ignore the beauty when it comes to responses. The Traveler

We know from many studies and from much history that what is best for children is to be raised in a loving marriage of their biological father and their biological mother. Often there are attempts to justify something by saying it is better that something that is known to be bad. This kind of illogic or insanity would justify any treatment or abuse of children for being better than feeding them to crocodiles. If we care about caring for children it is not about what adults want – especially if what the adults want is not really the “Best” for children. There are many reasons for the failure and destruction of loving biological families. But let us not lose sensibility and sanity and forget that loving biological families is what is best for children. That must and should always be the primary and first goal for every child. The second goal should be to maintain and keep intact the next best thing which is a marriage that is as close as possible to the loving biological family. Only the insane would argue against a loving biological family for children. As we attempt to justify one thing or another or to put our personal feeling and “passions” above what is beneficial to society – let us be aware and diligent in recognizing the benefit that loving biological families have to the human society and that such a benefit is both needed and more important than any other possible fabrication of what can be called a family or use or exploration of children to fulfill adult desires over the best benefit of children. Let us not dilute the best marriages of society. Especially now and today – let us recognize the best possible and call that marriage and everything else, let us label as something less than the best. Let’s not put our personal wants, desires, passions and feelings above reason, sanity and what is the very best. Let us reward and praise loving biological families joined in legal and beneficial marriages. The Traveler

I have had many regretful experiences trying to converse with evangelicals. I have had a very positive experience conversing with Prison Chaplin on this forum. If it was not for PC – I would advertise that it is not worth the effort. I would gladly discuss any doctrine or concept with PC or any evangelical of his nature. The Traveler