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.

I am amazed at the depth individuals go to justify their view of things thinking such view is final.  We are supposed to believe that there is more to be revealed concerning the Kingdom of G-d.  Is it a sin for someone to believe they have figured it all out?  And what happens to those that continue to sin and have no clue that they are sinning?
I also submit concerning those that think they know what will go on at the final judgment – they are lying to themselves (which is a sin).  There is a reason why the final judgment is not yet.  For those that think they have figured out the final judgment – why are you putting it off – do it now!  Then tell us how it went.  I am personally skeptical of those that claim to know everything and yet remain with us in the flesh.
 
The Traveler

Are you positive about this?
 
The Traveler

An identical twin is a clone - and yes twins (clones) have their own souls.  It was once thought (by traditional Christians) that illegitimate children did not have souls as noble as legitimate children.  In general, I think that those that believe in G-d should be on the cutting edge of science.  Not forever trying to catch up on “empirical things” they refuse to understand.
 
The Traveler

Are you positive about this?
 
The Traveler

Are you positive about this?
 
The Traveler

It is possible that the science of cloning is the solution of such things as cancer, organ replacements (without donners), limb replacements, type 1 diabetes and even aging.   Already many children are conceived and born because of various lab experiments.   I am unconvinced that such things are evil.
 
The Traveler

An identical twin is a clone - and yes twins (clones) have their own souls.  It was once thought (by traditional Christians) that illegitimate children did not have souls as noble as legitimate children.  In general, I think that those that believe in G-d should be on the cutting edge of science.  Not forever trying to catch up on “empirical things” they refuse to understand.
 
The Traveler

As I read through this thread – I think my opinion contains elements that I am not seeing in any of the other responses.  I agree with most (maybe all) of @Vort implications.  I will add some more thoughts.  Often, I make reference to the Law as a more important element than doctrine.  Connected to Law are ordinances and covenants.  There are two laws that I believe are applicable to this discussion is #1. The Law of Chastity.  Hopefully I will not have to explain this law = This despite the fact that the wording of the Law of Chastity as presented to the Latter-Day Saints has been slightly changed during our generation.  The second Law is the Law of Marriage which is referenced in the Law of Chastity.  The fact that one law mentions another should not be a surprise – especially in this case because the two laws are inseparably connected.  That is; that the law of Chastity is a preparatory or lower Law to the higher Law of Marriage. 
Sexual relationships are referenced in both the Law of Chastity and the Law of Marriage.  In the Law of Chastity, the covenant is obstinance.  I will now add something some may find controversial – perhaps even disagree.  In the Law of Marriage, the covenant is to have a long lasting (eternal) sexual relationship.  In Marriage a sexual relationship is necessary to “Multiply and Replenish the earth”.  I will now submit that a sexual relationship is necessary to fulfill the covenant of “one flesh”.
As always Satan seeks to prevent the benefits of Law – First by the temptation of sex before marriage – this can be manifested as fornication, pornography, masturbation or same sex sexual activity (activity which includes the entertainment of or indulgence in certain thoughts).  And then by either withholding sex in marriage or indulging in sexual activity (including pornography, masturbation or same sex sexual activity) without one’s covenant and lawful partner of one flesh. 
 
The Traveler

I'm all for cloning if it can be done.  Religious excuses should be NO REASON to hold back legitimate science. 
I think the purposes of Heaven can be seen via pure science (not pseudoscience).  If we eventually are able to clone humans, than perhaps it will be for a purpose.  Perhaps it will be a way to allow more of the children of our Father to come to this earth in numbers or otherwise which we are unable to do currently.
In regards to progress with growing organs, miracles in healing and medicine occur in many ways.  Things that we do in medicine today (organ transplants, blood transfusions) may have been seen similarly by religious groups of yesteryear (and still are by some, as there are religions against blood transfusions), but I and others see it as the Lord bringing science and progress to make the lives of his children, or at least some of them, better in this life on this earth.

It is possible that the science of cloning is the solution of such things as cancer, organ replacements (without donners), limb replacements, type 1 diabetes and even aging.   Already many children are conceived and born because of various lab experiments.   I am unconvinced that such things are evil.
 
The Traveler

An identical twin is a clone - and yes twins (clones) have their own souls.  It was once thought (by traditional Christians) that illegitimate children did not have souls as noble as legitimate children.  In general, I think that those that believe in G-d should be on the cutting edge of science.  Not forever trying to catch up on “empirical things” they refuse to understand.
 
The Traveler

I tend to think pretty much the same - if you can't wait or that is sole reason your hurrying up to the married... something is wrong. However more than that, I personally would be worried about the fact that the two people in the relationship are not helping each other to hold up their commitments to heavenly father and instead are more being an encouragement to each other to abandon them. This is the person you are going to spend your life with and if you're going to keep on that narrow path, you need to support each other.

In my entire life – I think I have been asked by an officer of the law maybe on 4 occasions to see my driver’s license.   I keep my license and temple recommend in the same wallet pocket – I could understand how in the moment I may offer the wrong item.
BTW – I do not know why but it seems impossible to get a speeding ticket on my bicycle.  I did get one once – but I lost it (it was paid).  I have thought it would be cool to have a speeding ticket framed in my office beside some other cycling awards.
 
The Traveler

The Church when examined is generally not based on pure orthodoxy, but is more about correct behavior. This should not be understood in the extremes where there is no orthodoxy, it is just that there is a wide degree of flexibility. Think baptismal interview questions / temple recommend interview questions. Or Articles of Faith (remembering that there is this something about dogmatic creeds being an abomination)
Even within the above stated standards there is a difference, room for people and where they are at in life’s journey. Baptismal interviews require that people are willing. Then as people approach the temple it becomes more of a “are you doing” (or not doing in reference to certain sins). Different standards growth oriented.

Oh my – I think this guy is in my ward!  I may have even called him to repentance.
 
The Traveler

Oh my – I think this guy is in my ward!  I may have even called him to repentance.
 
The Traveler

Interesting view – I would add that I have never seen a depiction of G-d the Father or his Son Jesus Christ in a white shirt and tie?
 
The Traveler

Perhaps – but I do not think it is necessary that such condemnation have you or I as the source.
 
The Traveler

Some many years ago I thought I could write science fiction – at least better than what seems to be available and some actual science in the fiction.  There is a symposium called LTUE which stands for Life the Universe & Everything.  It us usually held in Provo at BYU sometimes in February.   It brings together science fiction and fantasy people from short stories, books, art work, movies (directing and acting).  I attended to make contacts.  As it turns out I have great ideas for stories but lousy or no ability for character development.  I sold some stories that may or may not become movies someday.  I also made some “friends” some of which are recognized in the industry. 
It has been a few years since my involvement but I was quite surprised how much LDS folks are involved in the science fiction and fantasy world.  But it is my general impression that most are somewhat weird.   Some may think me to be a poor judge of weird things – but just think – if I am impressed that someone is weird – compared to me – how weird that must be.  Also, many of the LDS folks involved are not what I would classify as from the strong core elements of our religion but I realize life takes in all kinds. 
As it turns out that lots of LDS folks (at least those that admit to being LDS or having been raised LDS) are involved in the science fiction and fantasy entertainment industry.   My guess is that 80% of what is out there has a direct connection to someone that thinks they are LDS.
 
The Traveler

Interesting. I must confess I've never tried that before. I always make my root beer floats with ice cream.

At some time or other, each of us serves as a bad example to others, to help them see what they should not do. These people you mention are just taking their turn. In this particular thing, please ignore them.

I am sorry - It appears to me that you are deliberately trying to provoke – especially with comments like “Mr. Rabbit Hole”.  Since I am not sure how to respond to such comments only to say I believe such speech appears to me to have hurtful intent unbecoming a Saint, “standing for the right”.  If I am wrong and this is not and has never been your intent I apologize.
I am not sure if you and I can peruse a friendly exchange – I would like to try some day but I think today is not that day. 
My comment was that "some things" can only be learned by experience.   I believe the spirit does confirm the truth of all good things that are true – but I do not believe that spirit can teach what a person is unwilling to experience.  So yes, I still believe that some (not all) things can only be learned by experience.
Some examples:
The Truth of tithing is only learned by paying tithing.
The joy of a holly Sabbath is only learned by conscious efforts to respect the sacredness of the Sabbath
The blessings of sacrifice can only be appreciated by making meaningful and real sacrifices.
 
And Yes!!!! I do regret and feel badly that you accuse such thinking as a “Rabbit Hole”. 
 
 The Traveler