Traveler

I would say that what impresses me the most about the LDS church is acceptance (by most) of truth even when it goes against traditional thinking.  I began to appreciate this notion studying math and physics in college and the discovery of the great divide between traditional Christianity and the scientific community.  Because I am a 5th generation Mormon – I encountered a lot of traditional kind of thinking by some LDS members but I also had personal relationships with a couple of “general” authorities as well as Hugh Nibley and a divinely inspired patriarchal blessing; all which encouraged me to personally pursue science as a divine spiritual gift and a promise that through the gift of the Holy Ghost I would have an advantage in my studies over others in my field without this divine gift.
I am also impressed in the general notion that when someone joins with us (new converts) in our LDS faith that they are encouraged to bring with them all the good and true things they have learned before they became a “covenant” member.  This expanding knowledge base and the idea that we LDS are not trying to live in some long past era but are constantly thinking to expand our understanding, knowledge and faith – both spiritually and scientifically. 
 
The filan notion I love and will point out about the church is a very different concept of G-d and the leadership within his kingdom.  All other organizations are based on the pyramid concept – that is with all the power, inspiration and guidance at the top that trickles down to the lessor beings at the bottom.  That the bottom exists to adore the top but to never ascend above their place.  Where as in the LDS Church the entire concept is turned upside down.  That the purpose and glory of G-d himself is to lift and inspire other to be like him.  And so, the entire effort of the LDS church is established to strengthen and maintain the family unit as the supreme goal and purpose of each individual.  Instead of heaven being the reward of good individuals – we learn that heaven is family – the turning of hearts of the fathers (and mothers) to children and vice versa.  That family is (or at least should be) heaven on earth.
 
The Traveler

I will tell you two stories, both of which I have told on this forum.
Story #1.  When I was 17 I joined the army under a special program that would allow me to serve a mission when I turned 19.  When I left home for the service I requested a blessing from my father.  In my blessing I was promised that if I was obedient to the Word of Wisdom (no coffee, tea, tobacco or alcohol) that I would be blessed and protected from injury.  I was put to the test several times – one time when there was nothing else to drink but ice tea and we were suffering from intense heat.  I turned down the ice tea.  Others knew that I was Mormon and thought I was foolish – but then a miracle occurred and I was able to get fresh water.  A couple of my comrades were converted to the LDS church.   There are blessing beyond what you think possible for living true to your covenants with G-d.  If you do not live true to the Word of Wisdom – you will lose blessings.
Story #2.  40 years ago, I met a really good guy – he and his wife were new converts to the LDS church.  But my friend just could not live the Word of Wisdom (among other things).  He was good and kind to everyone.  He became a life time friend of mine.  But he would not take his wife to the temple.  He just did not think living all the commandments was for him.  As time went by he was unfaithful to his wife while traveling for business.  He did not think it was such a big deal and was sorry and promised he would never do such a thing again.  But his wife had had enough and divorced him.  Some years later she married a wonderful man that took her to the temple.  This new husband was a really good guy and the children of my friend decided that they wanted to be sealed to their mother and new father.
A few years back my friend decided to repent and come back to the church – when we would visit I would encourage him to go to the temple – he would say it was too late for him.  A few week back I went to his funeral.  I was talking to his wonderful daughter that still loved him and she told me that my friend had finely made it to the temple not much before he died.  Talking with his children they had forgiven him – but even though he had repented he had lost the blessings of his wonderful wife and children in eternity – they were all sealed to another.  I am sure he will be blessed and forgiven but the price of putting off his repentance is great.
 
My recommendation is that you repent – if you are not converted to the Word of Wisdom – pray with all your heart to know the truth – and whatever truth you are given – be true to it.
 
The Traveler

If it were up to me - the answer would be no.  A temple worker would and should be assigned.  A dog cannot help them with things necessary for temple covenants.  I am concerned that too many people want to deal with G-d on their own terms and resist humility.
 
The Traveler

If it were up to me - the answer would be no.  A temple worker would and should be assigned.  A dog cannot help them with things necessary for temple covenants.  I am concerned that too many people want to deal with G-d on their own terms and resist humility.
 
The Traveler

If it were up to me - the answer would be no.  A temple worker would and should be assigned.  A dog cannot help them with things necessary for temple covenants.  I am concerned that too many people want to deal with G-d on their own terms and resist humility.
 
The Traveler

Service dogs are not allowed in the temple. If a person needs that kind of support then a temple worker is assigned to replace the dog while the patron is in the temple.
I would suggest calling the temple you plan to attend to ask if they have any suggestions for kenneling the dog while you're there.
applepansy

Well the relevant scriptures are Alma 11:45 and D&C 138:17.
Whereas what you're saying is theoretically correct, I think it a dangerous precedent to presume exceptions to scriptural plain-speak where no exceptions have been given or revealed. To what end would we randomly apply exceptions, and for what value?
The scriptures use the plain wording, concerning post resurrection, that the spirit and body are "never to be divided" and "never again to be divided". I see no reason why we should make any assumptions based on nothing but pure, random speculation, that this reality doesn't apply to some.
And whereas scriptures do speak of the idea that "endless torment" and the like are expressed as they are to work upon the hearts of the children of men (essentially -- put in those terms to scare the devil out of us...literally)...logically, why on earth would that apply to other instances of the words "eternal", "endless", "never," etc., when the promise of the resurrection given to all for having kept their first estates is a good thing and randomly taking it away, philosophically, both flies in the face of the statement "never to be divided", but also in the face of the free gift of immortality that has been promised. Moreover, how would that "work upon the hearts of the children of men" for their salvation?
Which, as I think of it, the scriptures that state things like:
" Even this mortal shall put on immortality, and this corruption shall put on incorruption, and shall be brought to stand before the bar of God, to be judged of him according to their works whether they be good or whether they be evil—" (Mosiah 16:10)
...and several others of a similar vein, also clearly speak to God's word on the matter -- unless we presume that immortality doesn't mean what it means -- as in "never to physically die again" -- as in "never to have the spirit and body separated again". If they can die again (have their bodies and spirits separated), then they are not immortal.
As to the Book of Mormon prophets not having the full "perspective as laid out in D&C 76", I say phooey on that.

I believe there are two distinct problems going on in this thread.  I will call the first – theoretical physics and the second – theoretical theology.
Theoretical physics is the attempt to explain empirical evidence that falls outside of all our known physical laws and principles.   For example – there has been some talk in this thread about Black Holes.  The problem is that the term Black Hole is something outside of all our understanding of the principle and laws that we have observed and defined in the physical (empirical) universe in which we think we live and defines our existence.   But beyond the event horizon of what we call a Black Hole is a complete and total mystery.   The mathematical model that we have developed with a great deal of sophistication applies so very well in the space-time that we empirically experience – falls apart, goes completely berserk and contradicts not just itself but everything else that we thought we knew.    
The scientist that face the conundrum of our universe in all their humility that we can muster - have calculated that, at a minimum – the sum total of all we understand amounts to no more than 5% of what we are smart enough to realize is out there as of now.  Theoretical theologians are not so humble – They think they have the answer to everything but explain nothing – sometimes worse than nothing by denying principles of empirical things we all experience as otherwise.  Some are so blatantly vile that they define ignorance as pure knowledge and blame all that cannot be understood or explained - as G-d and the nature of G-d.  Thus, they pronounce faith in G-d by glorifying their ignorance and the worship of their ignorance – which is a far cry from pure light and knowledge that they say defines their actual G-d and the way true believer worship Him.
I have spent most of my life thinking I am smart.  Thinking that I am smart because I can make a living as an engineer and scientist – plus I can and have functioned in the religious community as a missionary (among other forms of ministering) converting (as I thought) many to Christ.  But my beloved wife could care less about science – she cannot even do simple algebra.  Yet she appreciates and loves the miracles that G-d sends our family daily and cannot explain why or how of anything.  She cannot debate doctrine even with the most foolish – and yet she loves them and they cannot help but love her back.  They put up with me to bask in her kindness that exists outside of being able to explain any gospel principle.   She brings more to Christ with simple love and charity than all the experts in doctrine that, like myself argue endlessly about doctrine on forums like this one.  She is the smart one – despite all the science and doctrine – she believes in and exercises love.
I do not believe the light of G-d is electromagnetic radiation nor is the darkness that Satan loves so dearly the lack of electromagnetic radiation.  Just because G-d teaches something as a metaphor does not meant we understand the whole of it.  I am concerned that many – if they could see Satan and “outer darkness” would think it the Celestial Kingdom just because of the amount of electromagnetic radiation it may use up, expel and waist.
 
The Traveler

Just because you did not think you observed any effect does not necessarily mean there were none.  Also - your friend may be thinking the same thing.  One great lesion I have learned in life as well as discussions - the only thing that you can change is yourself.  Thus, the realistic goal is not what you can teach others as much as it is what you can learn and apply from them.
 
The Traveler

I saw a comic sketch once - of a college course titled Failure 101.  The teacher asked the students if they knew how to fail.  One student responded with – we fail when we make a mistake.  The teacher responded making a mistake was not true failure.  It was not enough to guarantee failure – to truly fail one must take a mistake and compound it many times over.  It is not as easy to fail as some think it is – it actually takes repeated effort.  Not only do I find this funny – I think there is some truth to it.
BTW - thanks for your inputs
 
The Traveler

I like what you have said – may I add something.  What is true is not a matter of proof – what is right and true is independent of any proof.  Seeing or comprehending truth is a matter or a process that must be learned.  Some call it “Desire”.  Jesus often said that as we desire in our heart – so shall we be”.  But in this context, many – especially in religion confuse desire with want.  So, they think they can be or understand what they want.
I will purport that desire is very different than want.  Want is undisciplined and ungoverned where desire is disciplined and obtained only through effort (practice) to achieve.  I will use the example of playing a musical instrument and a wealthy lady after a profound and wonderful solo violin concert met the violinist and said, “I would give my life to play as wonderfully as you”.  To which the violinist responded with, “I did”.  This illustrates the difference between want and desire – the wealthy lady wanted to play but the violinist desired to play.
What I believe is missing from our discussion about repentance is this difference between desire and want.  There are some – and in this discussion, it would appear that @Rob Osborn is our best example (at least here on this forum) – that wants eternal Celestial life.  They may want to so badly that they confuse their want with desire – so in the case of Rob – his want is so great he had defined all that he studies and reads to that end.  Any information contrary to his want – only confuses him and so he thinks it pointless and argues endlessly according to his “want” or ignors it.
And so, want changes what is seen or perceived to conform that ever it is that is wanted.  Desire is different – desire changes us to conform to whatever it is that we desire.  So, it is that repentance is different than guilt.  Guilt leaves us as we are and disconnects us from what could or should have been (changing only how we perceive or define things).  Repentance on the other hand changes us from the inside out and allows desire to make discipline us into becoming something that – in the words of scripture – is reborn into a new creature. 
 
The Traveler

I find it very, very strange how much I am in agreement with you here. It's a weird feeling.

I saw a comic sketch once - of a college course titled Failure 101.  The teacher asked the students if they knew how to fail.  One student responded with – we fail when we make a mistake.  The teacher responded making a mistake was not true failure.  It was not enough to guarantee failure – to truly fail one must take a mistake and compound it many times over.  It is not as easy to fail as some think it is – it actually takes repeated effort.  Not only do I find this funny – I think there is some truth to it.
BTW - thanks for your inputs
 
The Traveler

I agree - putting off repentance - regardlss of the excuse is a sin.  I have never read any scripture that suggest now is not the time to repent.  I am of the notion that putting off repentance is a greater sin that whatever it was that was done in the first place.  I am not sure we will ever have another chance (other than now) to repent of any we are aware of.
 
The Traveler

I like what you have said – may I add something.  What is true is not a matter of proof – what is right and true is independent of any proof.  Seeing or comprehending truth is a matter or a process that must be learned.  Some call it “Desire”.  Jesus often said that as we desire in our heart – so shall we be”.  But in this context, many – especially in religion confuse desire with want.  So, they think they can be or understand what they want.
I will purport that desire is very different than want.  Want is undisciplined and ungoverned where desire is disciplined and obtained only through effort (practice) to achieve.  I will use the example of playing a musical instrument and a wealthy lady after a profound and wonderful solo violin concert met the violinist and said, “I would give my life to play as wonderfully as you”.  To which the violinist responded with, “I did”.  This illustrates the difference between want and desire – the wealthy lady wanted to play but the violinist desired to play.
What I believe is missing from our discussion about repentance is this difference between desire and want.  There are some – and in this discussion, it would appear that @Rob Osborn is our best example (at least here on this forum) – that wants eternal Celestial life.  They may want to so badly that they confuse their want with desire – so in the case of Rob – his want is so great he had defined all that he studies and reads to that end.  Any information contrary to his want – only confuses him and so he thinks it pointless and argues endlessly according to his “want” or ignors it.
And so, want changes what is seen or perceived to conform that ever it is that is wanted.  Desire is different – desire changes us to conform to whatever it is that we desire.  So, it is that repentance is different than guilt.  Guilt leaves us as we are and disconnects us from what could or should have been (changing only how we perceive or define things).  Repentance on the other hand changes us from the inside out and allows desire to make discipline us into becoming something that – in the words of scripture – is reborn into a new creature. 
 
The Traveler

I think I see what you may be saying and agree.  Sometimes I think words like fully and completely confuse the matter.  I honestly do not see how "full" or "complete" remission of sins is any different from a remission of sins.  At the same time - it would seem to me that since someone may not know the difference between Terrestial and Celestial Glory that they would argue that there is no difference - so one is the same as the other.  In essence if they obtained the Terrestial glory - they would think it Celestial and see no reason change anything.
 
The Traveler

This is only true in that those who are pure in heart will accept ordinances and participate in Christ's true "religion".
This is flatly FALSE. Jesus cared about obedience to God -- adherence to the true "religion". What He didn't care about is adherence to false, man-made, things.
That depends on what is meant by "wants".
The way it works is thus. Two things are place before us, both enticing (good and evil). We choose which we want MORE. That doesn't mean we didn't want both. If we didn't...one or the other would not be enticing.
https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.16?lang=eng&clang=eng#p15
Yep. Just what "you" or anyone believes has no bearing on the teachings of the church and the truth of Christ's gospel.
Now what the scriptures and the living prophets and apostles teach...that does make a bit of difference...and ignoring such in favor of what one "believes" is only to one's own peril.

The only thing that gives me concern is your last statement.  You would rather spend a brief time with someone than attain celestial glory...  Eternal Celestial glory....  That doesn't make any sense to me at all.  It makes no sense to trade an eternity for a fraction of a moment.
Does that mean you shouldn't marry her?  I am not saying that.  If I were you, I would still probably marry her and hope that she joins the church.  Treat her with love, kindness and gentleness throughout your marriage and she will probably come around.
There are no guarantees in life.  My friend married in the temple.  A couple of years later his wife stopped going.  It became harder and harder for him to go.  He ended up stop going as well.  Later she ran off with her boss and the two got divorced.  He is remarried, but the church really isn't part of his life right now.  His only consolation prize is that his wife while married to him was smoking hot.  After she left she let herself fall apart and his new wife is gorgeous in every way inside and out.  Oh, and his new wife let him spread his entrepreneurial wings and has ended up doing very well financially because of it.
keep God first in your life.

I live much of my life dealing with atheists in the scientific community.  I would make some comments that I have learned in talking with those that have set aside religion because of scientific alignments (which I believe defines most atheists).  Science is base in empirical evidence – not opinion.  This trust of empirical evidence should not surprise anyone.  In our society, it is the complete definition of truth and justice.  Even the most ardent religious person would be most unhappy if convicted of a crime in our courts based on opinions when the all the empirical evidence proved otherwise.   We would rightly claim to be convicted unjustly. 
If a religious person intends to have a discussion with any person – it is important to understand their reality structure.  Unfortunately, we have all learned by sad experience that belief in Biblical scripture is not common ground.  The vast differences in interpretations of Biblical scripture has been the single most important least common denominator of wars and conflicts in Western civilization for at least 1500 years. 
Another great problem in Western civilization is the deplorable lack of education including history.  To make this simple – few even understand that the classical definition of historic verses pre-historic.  Pre-historic is defined with Homer and his writing of the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey”.  Before Homer is defined as pre-historic and anything after Homer is Historic.  Most pre-historic literature (stories) were maintained by oral tradition and are consider legend or fables – not as a matter of fact or not facts but of definition.
It is important when conversing with someone scientifically based (empirical and educated) to have your ducks in line.  That is to understand the empirical evidence at least as well as those we converse with – otherwise you will be discarded as not being very intelligent – especially if you want to establish a different interpretation or understanding of “things”.  
It is also important to understand that the Old Testament is “pre-historic”.  Interestingly the New Testament is “historic”.  If you are talking to someone that does not understand this distinction – you are talking to someone that really does not understand their opinions of history.  This will not provide any advantage in talking to someone religious (I will not explain why - especially if it is not obvious) – but to someone that claims to have discarded religion because of science – knowing this information will give you a great advantage – at least it will demonstrate that you have actually considered and studied history and you are not some religious nut job that holds to unfounded opinions despite empirical evidences.
Before I continue I would point out that scripture – including pre-historic scripture has two important elements – One is that by intent such is intended to be symbolic and the second is that such is intended to be prophetic – or point to somewhere in the future.   Anyone with any realistic studies of ancient pre-historic literature understand these two points dominate almost all pre-historic literature in Western civilization.   If they want to argue against these point – do now waist any more time with them – it will be just that – a waste of time because it will not be about empirical evidences as much as it is unfounded opinions.  Usually pre-historic literature dealt with the after life and the prophetic notion.
Since this post is getting overly long – I will now point out that there are common elements concerning all the Messiah type (demigods) that preceded Christ that included Zoroaster, Baal, Alexander the Great and many others.  I would also point out that most scholars do concede that there is some thread of “truth” in pre-historic literature – even if disguised in symbolism that we may not completely understand.  The fact that such stories of a Messiah exist in so many societies does point to a greater possibility of the truthfulness of the epoch story and that just the number of such stories that there is something important to the idea.  My suggestion in talking to athiests is rather than to dismiss the entire idea (as they may suggest) that we realize the importance of the Messiah story – not only to the building of morals and justice in human society but as prophetic; to look forward to the future - if nothing elase - as the means to resolve conflicts rather than commit them.
 
The Traveler

I believe that more often than fulfilling a need, miracles done by Christ are symbolic of his mission in some way. 
In the case of the water to wine, there is something really beautiful happening here. These containers of water are the water pots used by Jews as part of their ritual cleaning. People would enter the feast and dip their dirty hands into this series of water pots one by one. 
Imagine, now, Jesus christ saying to the servant, "pull a cup full of this disgusting, filthy water that has had the hands of EVERY PERSON here in it, and give it to the guy in charge." 
I imagine that the servant would believe this would be a deadly insult.
But instead, the water isn't just cleansed, it is improved. It is changed into the finest drink available. 
This, of course, is an allegory for Christ's mission. To take what was filthy, to cleanse it, and improve it - to transform it into something far better.

I will tell you two stories, both of which I have told on this forum.
Story #1.  When I was 17 I joined the army under a special program that would allow me to serve a mission when I turned 19.  When I left home for the service I requested a blessing from my father.  In my blessing I was promised that if I was obedient to the Word of Wisdom (no coffee, tea, tobacco or alcohol) that I would be blessed and protected from injury.  I was put to the test several times – one time when there was nothing else to drink but ice tea and we were suffering from intense heat.  I turned down the ice tea.  Others knew that I was Mormon and thought I was foolish – but then a miracle occurred and I was able to get fresh water.  A couple of my comrades were converted to the LDS church.   There are blessing beyond what you think possible for living true to your covenants with G-d.  If you do not live true to the Word of Wisdom – you will lose blessings.
Story #2.  40 years ago, I met a really good guy – he and his wife were new converts to the LDS church.  But my friend just could not live the Word of Wisdom (among other things).  He was good and kind to everyone.  He became a life time friend of mine.  But he would not take his wife to the temple.  He just did not think living all the commandments was for him.  As time went by he was unfaithful to his wife while traveling for business.  He did not think it was such a big deal and was sorry and promised he would never do such a thing again.  But his wife had had enough and divorced him.  Some years later she married a wonderful man that took her to the temple.  This new husband was a really good guy and the children of my friend decided that they wanted to be sealed to their mother and new father.
A few years back my friend decided to repent and come back to the church – when we would visit I would encourage him to go to the temple – he would say it was too late for him.  A few week back I went to his funeral.  I was talking to his wonderful daughter that still loved him and she told me that my friend had finely made it to the temple not much before he died.  Talking with his children they had forgiven him – but even though he had repented he had lost the blessings of his wonderful wife and children in eternity – they were all sealed to another.  I am sure he will be blessed and forgiven but the price of putting off his repentance is great.
 
My recommendation is that you repent – if you are not converted to the Word of Wisdom – pray with all your heart to know the truth – and whatever truth you are given – be true to it.
 
The Traveler

I will tell you two stories, both of which I have told on this forum.
Story #1.  When I was 17 I joined the army under a special program that would allow me to serve a mission when I turned 19.  When I left home for the service I requested a blessing from my father.  In my blessing I was promised that if I was obedient to the Word of Wisdom (no coffee, tea, tobacco or alcohol) that I would be blessed and protected from injury.  I was put to the test several times – one time when there was nothing else to drink but ice tea and we were suffering from intense heat.  I turned down the ice tea.  Others knew that I was Mormon and thought I was foolish – but then a miracle occurred and I was able to get fresh water.  A couple of my comrades were converted to the LDS church.   There are blessing beyond what you think possible for living true to your covenants with G-d.  If you do not live true to the Word of Wisdom – you will lose blessings.
Story #2.  40 years ago, I met a really good guy – he and his wife were new converts to the LDS church.  But my friend just could not live the Word of Wisdom (among other things).  He was good and kind to everyone.  He became a life time friend of mine.  But he would not take his wife to the temple.  He just did not think living all the commandments was for him.  As time went by he was unfaithful to his wife while traveling for business.  He did not think it was such a big deal and was sorry and promised he would never do such a thing again.  But his wife had had enough and divorced him.  Some years later she married a wonderful man that took her to the temple.  This new husband was a really good guy and the children of my friend decided that they wanted to be sealed to their mother and new father.
A few years back my friend decided to repent and come back to the church – when we would visit I would encourage him to go to the temple – he would say it was too late for him.  A few week back I went to his funeral.  I was talking to his wonderful daughter that still loved him and she told me that my friend had finely made it to the temple not much before he died.  Talking with his children they had forgiven him – but even though he had repented he had lost the blessings of his wonderful wife and children in eternity – they were all sealed to another.  I am sure he will be blessed and forgiven but the price of putting off his repentance is great.
 
My recommendation is that you repent – if you are not converted to the Word of Wisdom – pray with all your heart to know the truth – and whatever truth you are given – be true to it.
 
The Traveler

I will tell you two stories, both of which I have told on this forum.
Story #1.  When I was 17 I joined the army under a special program that would allow me to serve a mission when I turned 19.  When I left home for the service I requested a blessing from my father.  In my blessing I was promised that if I was obedient to the Word of Wisdom (no coffee, tea, tobacco or alcohol) that I would be blessed and protected from injury.  I was put to the test several times – one time when there was nothing else to drink but ice tea and we were suffering from intense heat.  I turned down the ice tea.  Others knew that I was Mormon and thought I was foolish – but then a miracle occurred and I was able to get fresh water.  A couple of my comrades were converted to the LDS church.   There are blessing beyond what you think possible for living true to your covenants with G-d.  If you do not live true to the Word of Wisdom – you will lose blessings.
Story #2.  40 years ago, I met a really good guy – he and his wife were new converts to the LDS church.  But my friend just could not live the Word of Wisdom (among other things).  He was good and kind to everyone.  He became a life time friend of mine.  But he would not take his wife to the temple.  He just did not think living all the commandments was for him.  As time went by he was unfaithful to his wife while traveling for business.  He did not think it was such a big deal and was sorry and promised he would never do such a thing again.  But his wife had had enough and divorced him.  Some years later she married a wonderful man that took her to the temple.  This new husband was a really good guy and the children of my friend decided that they wanted to be sealed to their mother and new father.
A few years back my friend decided to repent and come back to the church – when we would visit I would encourage him to go to the temple – he would say it was too late for him.  A few week back I went to his funeral.  I was talking to his wonderful daughter that still loved him and she told me that my friend had finely made it to the temple not much before he died.  Talking with his children they had forgiven him – but even though he had repented he had lost the blessings of his wonderful wife and children in eternity – they were all sealed to another.  I am sure he will be blessed and forgiven but the price of putting off his repentance is great.
 
My recommendation is that you repent – if you are not converted to the Word of Wisdom – pray with all your heart to know the truth – and whatever truth you are given – be true to it.
 
The Traveler

@NeuroTypical's answer really pretty much covers the bases. If the bishop truly is such a spiteful man that he would take your temple recommend based on an innocent but misunderstood text, that's shameful. I rather suspect there's more to it than that, and that if we got "the other side" of the story, it wouldn't be so clear-cut.
The stake president is in a position to override the bishop, but is unlikely to do so unless there is obvious evidence of bad action on the bishop's part. I advise you to treat this all as an honest misunderstanding, humble yourself, assume the best of the bishop, and ask him (and the stake president) sincerely, "What must I do to be worthy of a temple recommend?" Then do as they instruct.

It's not a sin to marry a non-member. But marriage is far more complicated than identifying what isn't sin, and eternal life and exaltation are far more desirable than simply identifying what isn't sin. Decide what you want more than anything else and then you will be able to identify who or what will empower and enable you to obtain it.