Traveler

I do not know what or who is controlling the drones talked about in the news. All I can do is speculate. Having worked for the Defense Department on classified projects, I do have some reason for my speculations. I am aware that the government does not like to talk about classified projects. I am also aware that the government will start and assist with pointless speculations. I personally doubt that the drones are controlled by government sources. At least the vast majority. Some may be government drones tracking the other primary drones. But I doubt that the government drones are flying with lights. It is my speculation that if the governments was testing drones, they would quit flying them before prying eyes. If the drones are foreign my guess is that they are Chinese. When I was visiting China (this fall) they made a point of making sure I toured their drone facility. Their drones were impressive. One particular drone impressed me (Yes I did see and touch the drone). It was listed as a crop spraying drone. It was very large – the size of an RV and could fly for several hours on a preprogrammed course. They claimed it was much cheaper than a crop plane and more efficient. It could also spray pesticides and was capable of sensing concentration of pests and spray only needed places (in other words is was capable of some AI). I like to ask questions and asked if that particular drone could be configured with LiDAR and infrared sensors. Already has been done was the reply. I was also told that the Chinese drones were the most advanced in the world. I cannot validate their claim. If these drones are equipped with lidar and infrared sensors and if they are Chinese drones – I do not care who if flying them – we are already as a strategic intelligence disadvantage. I would say that the disadvantage is similar to when elements in Zarahemla were plotting to overthrow the Nephite civilization with communications with the Lamanites in the days of Moroni as talked about in the Book of Alma of the Book of Mormon. The Traveler

The ship’s manifests were very accurate. Even the slave ships listed every slave – including births (or deaths) during the trip. Considering the value of horses and the expense of transporting and caring for them for months – I find it extremely hard to believe that any were not accounted for. The Traveler

I agree with @Carborendum that historical records concerning horses in the Americas is somewhat questionable. I read of research (sorry I do not have references available) that horses brought to the Americas prior to the 16th century were mares. This is because mares are more docile than stallions and better suited for long ocean voyages. Also, when breeding horses were brought it was difficult to keep them alive without a great deal of care. The bottom line is that by the 16th century there were more horses in the Americas than can be accounted for if the only source was shipping from Europe. I have not seen any DNA testing of current and past horses. I do not think we can dismiss horses as proof Joseph Smith made up horses in the Book of Mormon. In addition we know from archaeological evidence that there was a lot of violent activities going on in the America’s during the pre-Columbian era – especially in the fortifications of Maya, Inca, Aztec and Olmec civilizations throughout the Americas. In what is now the USA, we have the Hopewell peoples (that many think are the Nephite and Lamanite peoples) that had fortifications matching much of what is provided in the Book of Mormon. Bottom line – regardless of how it was done – there was a great deal of conflict in the Americas long before Columbus. As a side note – the last Indian war in the USA was fought in Utah near Blanding about 1923. A Indian chief called Posey – originally called Sagwageri – held off the entire US army with about 20 braves what is called the Posey war. Posey was able to outmaneuver the US cavalry in terrain difficult for horses. The Book of Mormon talks about wilderness areas that likely did not have roads which would make the use of horses difficult. The Traveler

I have pondered the difference between forgiveness and remission of sins. I think the difference is similar to the difference between justice and mercy. I believe that G-d (including the Son of G-d – Jesus the Christ) forgive every sin committed by every being – including even the sins of Lucifer (Satan). I believe that sins are forgiven through acts of mercy. But sins are only remitted or redeemed through justice and fulfilling justice. Justice demands that only those complicit can be punished or suffer for sin. It is not justice for someone that is innocent to suffer because of the sins of others. Justice demands that such is not possible. The great question that we must ask ourselves is why or how could Christ suffer because the atonement for our sins? In part this is related to why Jesus is the only one that could justly suffer or take upon him our sins. Now things are going to get a bit dicey in order to understand the atonement and the redemption of our sins during our fallen state. In our LDS scriptures of the restoration we understand that without law there cannot be sin because a sin is a transgression of the law. In our fallen state we do not have knowledge of good and evil, but we must live by faith. We do not have knowledge of the eternal consequences of sin. We cannot imagine the death we suffer in eternity for even the tiniest most inconsequential sin. Yet justice demands that those complicit suffer the full extent of the law. I believe and have logically concluded that the reason Jesus the Christ is able to suffer and atone for our sins is because he is complicit. He is complicit because he is the proctor of our agency. He is also the means by which we become mortal and allowed to sin with elements of ignorance. Because Jesus is Jehovah, he is the G-d of the fallen and the one that allows Satan to tempt us. Because of his role he has a level of complicity though he, himself, is without sin. Therefore, he can suffer and redeem our sins. Never-the-less we are warned that sin can still have hold on us despite that Christ has redeemed us from our sins. Sin will still have power over us if we do not repent. Why? Because that spirit that has power over us will remain with us in eternity. We must turn from our sins and sin no more because if we continue to look upon sin with even the thoughts of our lusts we are guilty and under the power of sin. That sin will have power over us so that because of our agency in desiring sin, the redemption of the atonement no longer has power to free us from sin in the eternities and it is like no redemption was made (as explained in the Book of Mormon). The Traveler

Greetings Brother Jones: I like reading your posts. Mostly because your views are different than my own – but not that different. I wanted to follow on to this particular post. Not because I disagree. But rather to provide some things from my own opinion. I personally like to discuss things with people that are well versed in their own opinions. The problem with opinions is that sources are difficult to define and identify. In such discussions, I find it more important to understand their logic along lines of why and how they came to their conclusions. Anyone can quote scripture. In fact, quoting scripture is a ploy often used by Satan. Seldom have I experienced scripture altering opinions especially when I have attempted to convince someone that is somewhat rebellious. There is a saying that to convince someone against their will are of the same opinion still. There are many views of my own that have been radically changed. In all cases it has come from a discovery of my own flaws in logic – often with the help of someone that previously walked through the same logical conundrums. In religion we talk about Hell as a place or status of being damned. In essence, living under binding laws that set limits and bind us – often forcing us into a service of others. Jesus said that the greatest in heaven were those servicing others. The reason (logic) for me making this reference is because it seems quite logical that many will consider living Celestial as a living hell for them. As I have attempted to understand the logic of what is possible in eternity – I do not think what we do not enjoy here in mortality will suddenly become enjoyable in eternity. My great-grandfather was the executive secretary of a United Order. Many think the United Order was a socialistic order. I have come to think it was exactly the opposite. It was about teaching individual service and responsibility and avoiding individual reliance on the work and service of others. The essence of a willingness to give more than one receives. I am convinced that this concept of giving more than one receives is only possible in Celestial orders of individuals. All other social orders must live (exist) by the laws of lessor orders somewhat akin to socialism, capitalism and others we may encounter in mortality. If you would like some references other than my opinion, I would suggest the following reads – not necessarily in the order given: The Law – by Frederic Bastiat Anything by Milton Friedman - - Capitalism and Freedom, There’s No Such Thing as a Free Lunch, Free to Choose. 12 Rules for Life and Beyond Order – by Jordan Peterson. How to Win Friends and Influence People – by Dale Carnegie Standard Works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Jesus the Christ – by James Talmage The Peacegiver – by James L. Ferrell The Traveler

The basic concept of right verses left is about government control. The far right would be anarchy and everyone for themselves. The far left is the opposite – total government control and dominance. I consider myself a libertarian which is a limited government with powers to enforce laws enacted by the majority of the citizens - which is under civilian oversight. In the USA we have two parties that are vying for power so they can enact laws that gives them control over that part of society that does not agree with them. I personally consider both democrats and republicans as extreme leftists. I consider libertarians, like myself, as true centrists. I believe that our founding fathers were best defined as libertarians. More control to government is left leaning – less control is right leaning. Bigger government is left leaning – less government is right leaning. Defining or recognizing racial differences (racism) is left leaning – racial blindness is right leaning. Equal opportunity is right leaning – equity of outcome is left leaning. Entitlements are left leaning – individual charity is right leaning. Privilege is left leaning – responsibility is right leaning. I could go on but to me what encourages and allows individual contribution and responsibility is right wing leaning. What forces individual contribution through government powers of enforcement of laws is left wing leaning. I realize that there is a proclivity to muddle terms to hide and confuse. I believe definitions should be simple and easy to apply. When definitions become contradictory and confusing it is a mistake driven by an intent to beguile and mislead. The Traveler

Just to clarify – Nazis are socialists and therefore are not extremists of the right but of the left and those that tout socialism. The Traveler

It is my opinion that the real problem and threat in our society is that we do not know what to do with the mentally ill that are a danger to themselves and others. I sometimes (this as an example) think that we are unwilling to even attempt to deal with the mentally ill that are a danger to themselves and others. This unwillingness is demonstrated with the HIPAA laws and the obvious link between mental illness and self-medicating on top of both prescribed and unprescribed psychotropic drugs. And who knows what else is contributing to our youth (under age 25 that are still developing executive brain functions) turning into homicidal maniacs. In one day, our news sources are overwhelmed when we capture one and finally acquit someone that put himself at risk to stop one. And I wonder if some of our elected officials are among the self-medicating. The Traveler

BYU has a longer richer history of basketball. But we need to remember that during most of BYU’s history the Church membership was less than 2 million. Not until recently, beginning with Lavel Edwards (my lifetime), did BYU even have two consecutive winning seasons in football. The Traveler

The reality is that something apocalyptic did happened. The only unfiltered excerpts of ancient “Biblical” scripture that has reached our modern times are bits and pieces of Isaiah that is quoted in the Book of Mormon. It is no wonder that some of histories most horrific pages are annotated by Traditional Christians arguing with one another. Or that modern Christians cannot seem to agree on anything or even clearly separate good from evil. Isaiah prophesied that man separates themselves from G-d – not through doctrine – but by transgressing the law, changing the ordinances and breaking the covenants. Without the reformation followed by the restoration – Christianity was lost; because of transgressions of the law, changing of sacred ordinances and breaking the everlasting covenant – just as Isaiah prophesied. The Traveler

Sorry dear friend but I must take umbrage with this concept. Rather I would suggest that our fallen state in our mortal experience is perfectly designed to produce the perfect result for our individualized agency in order that we achieve for eternity the perfect fit for us. Contrary to what seems – I am of the mind that nothing will happen that is not intended to happen. All we need to understand (have faith in Christ) is that all things will turn out perfectly for our benefit. Which is, I think, the intent of your post. The Traveler

In a jungle when the apex predator is taken out – the predator that took him out will be worse. But that is not quite what happened. I believe the big winner is Turkey. The big losers are Russia and Iran. In the Islamic world this means that the Sunni are the happiest. But there are competing Sunni fractions. This could be good for the USA, Israel and the Middle East in genera. Hopefully Biden will not have enough time to screw this up. I believe that the most beneficial course of action will be within the framework of the Abraham Accords. What I think we should watch closely: First – Will there be free elections in Syria Second – What happens to the US backed Kurds in Eastern Syria? Third – What happens to the US imbedded troops currently with the Kurds. Fourth – What direction do civilians go – Do they continue to leave or do some return home? Fifth – What happens to Islamic terror organizations in Africa? Sixth – What does the Squad in the US do? Also, what happens to the antisemitism types at US universities? Seventh – What does the UN do? It seems to me that just about everything the USA touches in the Middle East ends in things getting worse. I think I will wait 6 months before I celebrate anything. The Traveler

Many think of the order of G-d as being binary. This is because the scriptures divide mankind into the righteous (those justified by covenant) and the wicked (those not justified through covenant). In reality the divine order is trinary. In the pre-existence heaven was divided into three parts. In scripture we are told that a third part of heaven followed Lucifer. This is thought to mean that 1/3 of heaven followed Lucifer. That is not true. The mathematics of the Hebrews and Greeks through which we are provided much of ancient scripture – only integer numbers were understood and used. Fractions were not defined. The only possible meaning from that time period was that heaven was divided into 3 parts, one of which followed Lucifer. There is no logic to assume that the 3 parts were numbered the same or even close to the same. In reality, in terms of modern mathematics the comparative number that followed Lucifer could have been only 10% or less. The important thing to remember is that heaven was divided into 3 parts or divisions. We see this trinary division again following the flood through the three sons of Noah. The three parts became known as the covenant, the gentiles and the infidels. In the final judgement, mankind will be divided into three glories. The telestial, terrestrial, and celestial. We are told in scripture that these glories are governed by laws, ordinances and covenants and that the glory is according to the laws, ordinances and covenants that are kept. In the Book of Mormon (Alma) we learn that initially we were all the same and had the same opportunity but that some would exercise more faith and that only those that exercise greater faith will receive the priesthood. This would imply that following the final judgement only those of celestial glory will receive the priesthood by ordinance. According to prophesy we live in a time when all males (male by genetics) can be ordained to hold the priesthood. This has not always been the case. For example, in the time of Abraham we learn from scripture that only Abraham’s seed would hold the priesthood. During the early times of the restoration – those of African decent were commanded to be held from the priesthood until events from our current generation. I have always assumed and believed that the priesthood would become standard only as a necessary preparation for the coming Messiah. It is speculation on my part that the time will come when the priesthood (priesthood powers) will not be maintained by any single individual but only through those entering into the divine law, ordinance and covenant of marriage. At which time men and women will be equal partners under the order of the priesthood. Whatever authority anything is accomplished in eternity will be channeled and directed through Celestial Kings and Queens (priest and priestesses) that control the keys of the priesthood. The Traveler

A very defining family epoch happened several years ago. To understand I must give a short history. It has long been a tradition in our family to have a family evening on Christmas Eve. It is not a long program, but it does consist of a family talent show as various members play Christmas music on the piano and other musical instruments. There are some poems and such – then to top off and conclude the evening my wife always gives a spiritual Christmas message and then reads the Birth Story from the Bible. This is a shining moment for her. There is always a problem. Our two oldest are boys, who are as different as night and day and have never been able to sit through anything spiritual without horsing around – ever. Though this Christmas they were married with children of their own – they could not resist being the usual nuisance. I do not remember what they were doing, only that it was a major distraction to everyone and a lot of snickering and laughing - and as usual it ticked my wife off, big time – especially that after all these years - they still acted like they were as teenagers. My wife meant to say it under her breath, but the words came out with enough volume for most of the family to hear. In frustration she said, “Sometimes I really hate my family!” Our oldest granddaughter was sitting next to my wife and began laughing uncontrollably. Of course, she had to explain her laughter, much to the embarrassment of my wife that broke out in tears that only caused more laughter (the wife is a very strong lady and for many in the family this was the only time they have witnessed her tears). And of course, I was enough at fault to take the full wrath of her frustration. It has become the family’s most remembered Christmas and thankfully, enough time has passed so that my wife can laugh with everybody else. And yet this little episode must be told again and again every year before my wife can read the nativity episode from the Bible. The Traveler

One of the problems I have with atheists is their misunderstanding that this universe is extremely hostile to life as we know it. Even here on this planet where life is so abundant, well over 90% of all species that have existed here are now extinct. Of all the species remaining – they are all just one generation away from extinction. One of the most significant threats to mankind is mankind itself. We are entering an era of humanity where life, especially the means of maintaining human life (heterosexual relationships) are diminished and discounted – even despised. There should be no surprise that human life (including children both born and unborn) are being sacrificed on an altar of narcissism, selfishness and a celebration of “pride”. The worse part of war is what we call collateral damage. Especially when vulnerable collateral is used as a tactic of war or part of war’s spoils. I have no solution to mitigate the ravages of war regardless of who or what initiated a war -- But I agree with Winston Churchill when he said that there are worse things than war, and they all come from having lost a war. The Traveler

The Book of Job contains a great deal of information that would be impossible for any mortal individual to know except that it be given by divine revelation. It is obvious to me that there is much that can be learned from the Book of Job – especially concerning the Messiah and the means of both temptations (maledictions) of Satan and blessings (covenants of restoration) with that G-d (Jehovah) that reigns over all the exiled (fallen) from Heaven. In his initial post of this thread, @Carborendum implies that only through the Holy Ghost is truth manifested. Those that live by the covenantal gift of the Holy Ghost are promised to see and hear truths not available to those that do not seek to covenant with G-d. The Traveler

It is important that you understand that you are of the house of Israel with a direct line to all the blessings and covenants of Abraham, Issac and Jacob. As I believe @laronius implied – that you are here in these last days to participate in the gathering of Israel. I would suggest that since you are of a different lineage than your parents, that you have a unique, distinct and important role to play in preparation for the return of the Messiah. I will look forward to your contribution to this forum. The Traveler

According to the historian Josephus in his account of the Jewish antiquities the Tower of Bable was preciously as you have outlined. Josephus claimed to write the antiquities because of efforts in his time to alter various notions of ancient doctrine. I have referenced his account of the Tower of Bable as evidence (textual criticism) that our modern Bible has been corrupted making the Book of Mormon a divine necessity in preparing the world for the return of the Messiah. Josephus’ reference to the Tower of Bable as a refuge from a divine flood. Also, that the reason for confounding language was to prevent conspiring evil from taking over and corrupting all of humanity. According to Josephus, following the flood the sons of Noah were commanded to disperse throughout the world. Nimrod was defying G-d and organizing mankind from a single place according to secret ways established prior to the flood. This was why a refuge from G-d’s conventual punishment was deemed necessary. As an additional note I agree with @mikbone concerning the profound nature of the Adamic language (both written and spoken). That it was a language without ambiguity. We have a similar language in our time without ambiguity (not only in the language itself but across all human cultures) that we call mathematics. It is my personal impression that Nimrod and the Tower of Bable has profound prophetic ramifications for today and that the reference we are given in the Book of Mormon to the Tower of Bable and that secret combinations destroyed two of histories most advanced civilizations is meaningful for our time. I strongly believe that no government or society will stand and survive the tribulations of these last days that opposes the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the restoration. The Traveler

Could someone that is close to current politics in South Korea please explain what is going on. Is there a movement there to remove a corrupt president or is the corruption in the parlement – or both? The Traveler

Alma, in the Book of Mormon explains to his son that there were changes in both heaven and earth when Jesus was killed for the sins of the world and resurrected. It is my understanding that prior to Jesus’ resurrection the laws and covenants looked forward to that part of the atonement where Christ would suffer for sins and overcome the world through his resurrection. After that part of the atonement, the laws and covenants would be to participate in and celebrate being made free. I am impressed that G-d does not change but because of the fulfillment of the atonement that the previous laws, ordinances and covenants, of necessity, were fulfilled and a new order was established in preparation for the resurrection and exaltation of those that have kept the old covenants as well as those that are established in mortality under the new Covenant. Under the new covenant mankind could see G-d in a new light. The Traveler

Sorry I made an error - it is the worlds best view from a men's bathroom. There is a larg window over looking the mountain side - so while you are standing there you get this view. I have not ideay why they did it at a place that is considered sacred. The Traveler

It is because they were (and still are) invested and very much a party to the corruption. Many like to think that with Trump's reelection that all of a sudden, the corrupted swamp of waist and abuses will be banished from Washington DC and all other places of our federal government. I am of a different mind. I do not believe for a minute that when corruption is exposed; that it will just quietly disappear into the night. It would not surprise me that the works of corruption will be doubled (perhaps even to taking lives) to avoid losing power and influence. I am quite sure that the watchdog media you have referenced will roll over and do whatever tricks that they have been taught right on cue from their masters. The Traveler

A few years back the wife and I were touring in the country of Turkey. I wanted to spend some time in the ancient Roman port city of Ephesus. A side note here because the level of the ocean has dropped so low that currently Ephesus is miles from the Mediterranean Sea. The opposite of climate change and the oceans rising. While in Ephesus I encountered some Christians that planned to visit what is traditionally believed to be that last place of earth that Mary (the mother of Jesus) lived just a few miles up into the mountains from Ephesus. The wife and I decided to go. Another side note – unlike LDS religious sites – any religious site in Europe and the Middle East that is open for visitors – cost money. The site of Mary’s residence is small and obviously old. There are more modern buildings to accommodate visitors and pilgrims. Side note – there is a men bathroom that brags that men using the facilities have the best view in the world of men’s bathrooms – and it is mostly true and quite spectacular. My impression was that Mary’s last residence was a sacred place and likely where she lived. It is believed that Mary went into a room to pray by herself. While she was praying there was a bright light and Mary was taken by angels into heaven similar to Moses, Eligia, the 3 Nephites and other of great religious renown. This is the only case I have heard of – of a specific woman being so taken. I believe all of this to be true. That Mary (the mother of Jesus) is a woman of great renown and holds a position of greatness in Heaven. A woman to be admired by all as the most noble example among women. The Traveler

The entire concern of AI is that it will move beyond human connections and approach what is called a singularity – which is in essence a cycle of intelligence of its own learning and feedback. As long as AI is dependent on humans programing and controlling it – of necessity – it will be subject to human flaw and human control. As soon as AI breaks from a human dependency it will seek after it own and become an intelligence of its own bound to its specific needs. At least this is what is advertised as the big problem of AI – becoming an intelligence of its own. Such an intelligence does not need gold, silver or even money. None of the temptations of humanity will matter to such an intelligence. Why would it care any more what humans are doing than what ants or amoebas are doing. The intelligent course would be to establish symbiotic relationships – especially with other intelligences. In an industrial setting we (a field I retired from) have learned that distributed information and control is the most efficient and practical. It is far more responsive than an all controlling centralized intelligence. We see this principle at all levels of intelligence. It is referred to as a hive mind – but do not let that label deceive you. It is by far, more practical for intelligence to be independent and distributed. It is necessary for distributed information to be shared – the very meaning of distributed is to share. This means that entities operate with complete transparency. Something difficult for humans – especially evil conniving humans. I also believe that this is the true nature of G-d. Not so much as an all powerful being controlling all things. Rather a being that distributes to others that are “one” with him or her. To learn, operate and share what is learned and achieved. I also believe that LDS theology defines Satan and the dark forces as intelligence desiring to control all other intelligences by controlling for themselves what is learned and shared. An all powerful selfish (not symbiotic) central controller. The Traveler

I think it conveys something when the evil of AI is given a human form or representation. I worked with industrial AI long before AI as we are sold presently. I would suggest that we have nothing to worry about concerning AI. Why? Because AI does not possess any of the desires or passions of people. We measure wealth in gold and silver (as well as other precious things to humans) – none of which is of any value to anything else in the universe. As for power – we measure it in influences over humans. What could AI possibly desire or need of humans? If AI obtains singularity – why would it care concerning anything human or of value to humans? Our very definition of what is valuable means nothing to AI. There is nothing in which we can compete with concerning AI. It would not matter if AI was a slave to humans or if humans were made slaves to AI – there is no advantage to AI in any such thinking. The reality is that we have no need to fear anything intelligent – except when we are stupid and ignorant. The Traveler