rameumptom

The Holy Ghost, like the atonement, is always present. The problem is whether we are actively seeking it in our lives or not. How many members place themselves in spiritual experiences, versus waiting for one to happen? How many give due diligence to prayer, study, meditation and fasting? How many stop and listen for the Spirit throughout the day? Then, how many have ear buds on listening to music, watching tv, texting, etc., during what could be the quiet spiritual moment? We are commanded to "receive the Holy Ghost." It isn't given to us, as he is always present. But we are to bring him inside of us, so we can experience the constant companionship. Most of us do not notice it, because it usually is a quiet event or whisper. Sadly, many members live their lives with few wonderful spiritual experiences with the Spirit, because they only notice when a big manifestation occurs to them. But if we ever wish to have Jesus as the Second Comforter and Companion, then we must first become well-acquainted with the Holy Ghost as comforter and companion.

This happened in my stake. I know one of the missionaries. I know the area near DaPauw U where it happened. The area this guy is from is a bunch of rednecks, so I can definitely see this happening.

Free will does not require understanding all the results/possibilities. We do not know how what we do today will affect future generations. If I go into law rather than medicine, and it means my kid ends up being president, instead of a neurosurgeon, does that mean I do not have agency? Of course not. Free will does not require that a person have all possible choices. If I choose to jump off a cliff, wishing to fly, do I not have free will even though gravity prevents me from flying? Free will only requires that we are free to choose between alternatives. It does not mean we must be given all choices, only all available choices. It does not mean I have to have any knowledge at all regarding it, simply that I have a choice to make. The key to free will is that Christ atoned for our sins, so we can make choices and recover from the bad choices we make. We are not trapped to be demons forever by Adam's transgression (or anyone else's), but we can choose it for ourselves.

I RSS the lds.net forums into Google Reader, and so I can see all the new posts at a glance.

Dahlia, It is in how one frames the issue. For me, it isn't about drinking or health, etc. The issue is: has God called prophets in our day? If he has, then we should follow them so that we can follow God. So, it is all about gaining a testimony of the gospel, and that God has called Thomas S Monson as a modern prophet.

Gidgiddoni Note that the righteous depend upon their prophets, even having them lead them into battle. “Now the people said unto Gidgiddoni: Pray unto the Lord, and let us go up upon the mountains and into the wilderness, that we may fall upon the robbers and destroy them in their own lands. But Gidgiddoni saith unto them: The Lord forbid; for if we should go up against them the Lord would deliver us into their hands; therefore we will prepare ourselves in the center of our lands, and we will gather all our armies together, and we will not go against them, but we will wait till they shall come against us; therefore as the Lord liveth, if we do this he will deliver them into our hands” (3 Ne 3:20-21). Many Nephites wished to return to their farms. They did not want their lands trampled and laid waste by the Gadiantons. Their request to invade was not in seeking revenge, but in destroying those who had attacked many times before. Gidgiddoni taught them patience and faith on God. Here we have an interesting concept: the righteous should not invade their enemy’s lands. This can open up interesting discussion. Does Gidgiddoni’s statement apply in all cases, or just to the Nephites in this one instance? Did America have the right (re: God’s permission) to invade Germany, which had invaded the rest of Europe? Did America have the right to invade Iraq or Afghanistan? In which instances does Gidgiddoni’s statement apply, and will it apply in the future? There are many LDS who believe the day will come in America, and perhaps elsewhere, when modern day Gadianton mobs will force the saints to gather with other righteous people together for a defense. In that day, it is believed they will build Zion as a refuge from the storms. “And it shall come to pass among the wicked, that every man that will not take his sword against his neighbor must needs flee unto Zion for safety” (D&C 45:68). Will 3 Nephi 3-4 become a textbook for future Mormons to preserve their liberty, religion and families? Will Zion and her stakes be established as places of safety for the righteous of the earth? 3 Nephi 5 Mormon testifies Here we get an interlude. Mormon explains that he patched together much of the information so far from various texts, but mostly from the complete record written by Nephi, son of Nephi. “I am Mormon, and a pure descendant of Lehi. I have reason to bless my God and my Savior Jesus Christ, that he brought our fathers out of the land of Jerusalem,...and that he hath given me and my people so much knowledge unto the salvation of our souls” (3 Ne 5:20). He testified of Christ, and the restoration of not only the Lamanites, but also of all the tribes of Israel. 3 Nephi 6-7 The rich, proud and greedy fall again. For several years the Nephites and Lamanites lived in peace and harmony. They returned to their homes and built new cities. They became wealthy, and began to forget the blessings and promises of God. “ But it came to pass in the twenty and ninth year there began to be some disputings among the people; and some were lifted up unto pride and boastings because of their exceedingly great riches, yea, even unto great persecutions; For there were many merchants in the land, and also many lawyers, and many officers. And the people began to be distinguished by ranks, according to their riches and their chances for learning; yea, some were ignorant because of their poverty, and others did receive great learning because of their riches” (3 Ne 6:10-12). Note the common themes that again lead to destruction in the pride cycle: wealth, pride, boasting. Business and government both become very big entities. Education separates the people into rich and poor. Persecution of the poor occurs from all rich entities, including a big bureaucratic government with lots of lawyers and officers, who support the rich and condemn the poor. “And thus there became a great inequality in all the land, insomuch that the church began to be broken up; yea, insomuch that in the thirtieth year the church was broken up in all the land save it were among a few of the Lamanites who were converted unto the true faith....” (3 Ne 6:14). So terrible is the search for riches and getting gain that it destroys the Church of Christ! Christians today can see churches torn apart by pride and the search for wealth. It may be that many will leave the Church of Christ because they think they are smarter than the prophets, richer than their bishop, or no longer need anyone to save them. Again, the big lie occurs, and all it accomplishes is to separate people from their Savior. So wicked are the people, that government officials and the wealthy secretly condemn the prophets to death. Governor Lachoneus, son of Lachoneus, orders an investigation, which only leads to attempts on his own life. “Now it came to pass that those judges had many friends and kindreds; and the remainder, yea, even almost all the lawyers and the high priests, did gather themselves together, and unite with the kindreds of those judges who were to be tried according to the law. And they did enter into a covenant one with another, yea, even into that covenant which was given by them of old, which covenant was given and administered by the devil, to combine against all righteousness. Therefore they did combine against the people of the Lord, and enter into a covenant to destroy them, and to deliver those who were guilty of murder from the grasp of justice, which was about to be administered according to the law. And they did set at defiance the law and the rights of their country; and they did covenant one with another to destroy the governor, and to establish a king over the land, that the land should no more be at liberty but should be subject unto kings” (3 Ne 6:27-30). Government officials, religious leaders, and others combine to create a new secret combination. It seeks to defend their friends who slew the prophets, and to establish a new monarchy without the Christian God and his prophets. Again, we see Gadiantons taking another tactic to establish themselves. The lie is always the same: use whatever method to get gain, wealth and power. The Collapse of Government Chief judge Lachoneus is murdered on the judgment seat, as planned by the Gadiantons. But then something happened they did not expect. The government broke apart. The Gadiantons were forced to flee to the north country, blamed for bringing collapse and bankruptcy upon everyone. Great tribes of people gathered to form new nations, where the Nephite and Lamanite nations once stood. The people have an uneasy peace, but few are righteous. The sword of destruction hung over their heads. Again, could our modern nations collapse in such a way? We often think it impossible, but then give pause to how quickly the former Soviet bloc splintered into a variety of nations, some seeking freedom, others sinking back into religious extremism, and some putting new dictators in place. Bankruptcy is just a moment away for the United States and Europe. Will we see the modern Gadiantons in our governments, business, and even some of our churches, cause a collapse into chaos? Again, we may someday use the Book of Mormon as a classic textbook of cause and effect. Bibliography “From the East to the West: The Problem of Directions in the BoM”, Brant Gardner, 2012 FAIR Conference: http://www.fairlds.org/fair-conferences/2012-fair-conference/2012-from-the-east-to-the-west-the-problem-of-directions-in-the-book-of-mormon “What does the BoM mean by Skin of Blackness?”, Brant Gardner, FAIR article: http://www.fairlds.org/authors/gardner-brant/what-does-the-book-of-mormon-mean-by-skin-of-blackness “To the Boys and to the Men”, Gordon B Hinckley, Oct 1998 General Conference: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1998/10/to-the-boys-and-to-the-men?lang=eng This article at my blog: Joel's Monastery: Book of Mormon Lesson 36: “On the Morrow Come I into the World” 3 Nephi 1–7

Book of Mormon Lesson 36: “On the Morrow Come I into the World” 3 Nephi 1–7 3 Nephi 1 Beginning in 3 Nephi, we see that the Nephites have chosen Lachoneus as their governor and chief judge of the people. He is righteous and will lead the people well. Still, there was a great division among the people. Six hundred years had passed since Lehi’s departure from Jerusalem. Samuel the Lamanite’s and others’ prophecies are coming to pass. The wicked see them caused by natural events, and disbelieve Samuel’s prophecies, as they are not natural or easily explained away. While Lachoneus reigns in righteousness, those seeking to depose him are very powerful. They are so powerful, they are able to threaten the Christians with destruction if the signs of Christ’s coming do not occur on a certain day. Was Lachoneus’ support at the time too fragile to prevent such a threat by using arms beforehand to stop it? ...to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son—of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh (3 Ne 1:14) Nephi appeals to the Lord to save the believers. Christ answers, saying he will be born that very night. His mortal purpose, as quoted above, is to do God’s will. Here, Jesus notes he will do both his Father’s and his own will. These are not two distinct wills, but one will. Jesus submits his own to the Father, the two becoming one in doing so. That Father’s will is done in sending his Son to save the world. The Son’s will is to sacrifice his flesh for all mankind. In chapter 1:17, we see that Mormon notes that all the people “on the face of the whole earth” fell to the ground, describing the four cardinal directions to note just how many were amazed by the event. Yet, in verse 27, we find the Gadianton robbers still heavily infest the mountain wilderness. They had not been converted. Nor should we think that people on other continents saw the star and other signs and were converted, either. It shows the importance of understanding what the text actually says, and not to read modern concepts into the words. This concept shown here can also help us consider our reading of other events in the scriptures, such as the Flood. Many believe it was a global event. However, science disagrees. It is possible that it only seemed to be global to those involved in the great destruction. Regardless of how we believe, we need to recognize that an event that covers the “whole earth” may not technically mean the “whole earth.” As to the cardinal directions mentioned, the 2012 FAIR Conference included a lecture by Brant Gardner, explaining that for the ancient Mayans, the cardinal directions were useful only from the place one was speaking or writing from. North-South-East-West from Zarahemla would be different than NSEW from Bountiful, the land of Nephi, or the land of Desolation. It depended upon where one currently was to determine such directions. Verse 28 states, “there were many dissenters of the Nephites who did flee unto” the Gadiantons. Why would they have to flee? It is possible that after the great signs, the righteous Nephites had the upper hand again, forcing those who would not follow Jesus to flee in order to escape either persecution or the strict laws of the Christian Nephites. Even among the Lamanites, their children were deceived and led away by lyings and flattering words by the Zoramites and other apostates. The young were rejecting the teachings of their fathers, even though the signs of Jesus’ birth occurred only two years before. Why? Had the Zoramites come up with logical excuses for the signs in the heavens? Did they use the belief in another god to create another narrative? Or were promises of wealth, freedom from rules, and belief in the god of hedonism and materialism move them to defect? And do we see it today? “...thus were the Lamanites afflicted also, and began to decrease as to their faith and righteousness, because of the wickedness of the rising generation” (3 Nephi 1:30). 3 Nephi 2 “...people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen— Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing” (3 Ne 2:1-2). Here we get some answers to the questions just asked about the Lamanite youth. Signs do not convert people. Disasters, wars, plagues, angelic visitations, and other events may compel a person to be humble for a time, but will not sustain a true testimony. Eventually, the person will fall back to his/her old patterns and behaviors. Justification sets in, as things are explained away and there is a return to sin. Without a great significant emotional event to cause a sudden change in perception, one’s worldview tends to remain as it is. This new perspective lasts as long as the person believes. However, if the emotion of the event wears off, it can then be questioned and disbelieved. The event is like Ebenezer Scrooge’s bit of undigested potato, which he insisted caused the apparition of his dead partner, Jacob Marley. Sadly, mankind loves to live in a lie. We believe it gives us protection and safety from the unknown or unwanted. We toss people in prison to modify behavior. Once released, most will be on their best behavior. For a time. They marvel at being outside the fences and outside the view of prison guards. They happily greet their first steak dinner in years, and sleeping on a soft mattress. They want to make good on their lives, and begin working towards it. Unfortunately, after a while they become comfortable with their new found freedom and become complacent. Then, with the first snag or letdown, many will retreat to their former selves, which the lie tells them will protect them. It is a cycle that some never break out of in a lifetime of returning to prison. Only in facing the lies in our lives, can we meet face to face with the reality and truth. A person who can hear the word of God and humble herself is more likely to succeed in being righteous throughout her entire life. Gadiantons return to power The Gadiantons have attempted to gain power through religious preachings (Korihor), assassination (Kishkumen), war (Amalickiah), secret combinations (Gadianton), and overthrowing the government. Now they try another tactic: building their own nation into a power so great they threaten the Nephite and Lamanite nations. The Gadiantons did not immediately attack army against army, but used a hit and run terrorist strategy. They destroyed small towns on the borders and elsewhere that were not well defended. They probably carried off the women and children. Their efforts brought chaos and instability, until the Nephites and Lamanites were forced to take up arms against them. The war was so difficult that it threatened the destruction of the Nephite and Lamanite nations. The Lamanites join the Nephites. Some read 3 Nephi 2:14-16 as stating the Lamanites’ skin color changed from black to white. However, many LDS believe that this is a metaphor. Brant Gardner has an interesting article on the concept of the “skin of blackness” (2 Ne 5:21), and how it should really be viewed. He shows that there is a curse placed on the Lamanites, and then a separate change (skin of blackness). In regards to our Lamanites here turning white, he explains, “This reversal of the curse (not repeated here but “skin of blackness”) implies its opposite (articulated here): “skin became white.” The Lamanites have crossed the insider/outsider boundary, becoming those who were “united with the Nephites” and “numbered among” them. Because they have become Nephites, they therefore “became white like unto the Nephites.” This shift in skin of blackness to skin became white on the basis of a change from outsider to insider explains why the first appearance of the idea of the curse on the Lamanites has a different inception than this mention in 2 Nephi 5:21. In 1 Nephi 12:23, Nephi prophesies: “And I beheld, after they had dwindled in unbelief they became a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people.” This is a reference to the Lamanites who survive the wars that destroy the Nephites (1 Ne. 12:19-20). In prophecy, Nephi places the darkness of the Lamanites over 1,000 years later than we find it in 2 Nephi 5:21. Why the discrepancy in time? There is no discrepancy. The condition of darkness comes with dwindling in unbelief. When that occurs, darkness falls—on their hearts and metaphorically on their skins. It is not a physical change and therefore does not have a specific point of inception. It is as accurate when described in 2 Nephi as it is prophetically at the end of Nephite culture.” So, their skin metaphorically became white when they again returned to God, becoming Nephites. 3 Nephi 3-4 Giddianhi and Lachoneus The Book of Mormon often compares and contrasts people: Lehi as Abraham, Nephi as Moses, Jacob versus Sherem, Alma versus Korihor, Moroni versus Amalickiah. Here we see a major contrast between the two leaders. Giddianhi wrote a letter to Lachoneus, demanding the Nephite surrender. Included are some interesting concepts believed by the Gadianton nation, concepts that are lies they believed in. “knowing of their (his army) everlasting hatred towards you (the Nephites) because of the many wrongs which ye have done unto them....” (3 Ne 3:4). This is the story line given by Laman and Lemuel and their descendants. Nephi robbed them of their right to rule, along with the national treasures (Laban’s sword, Liahona, Brass Plates of Laban). Anyone could see that the Gadiantons did not have a claim on these things, as they were neither Nephite nor Lamanite. There was no wrong caused to them, but such is the big lie. “...yield yourselves up unto us, and unite with us and become acquainted with our secret works, and become our brethren that ye may be like unto us—not our slaves, but our brethren and partners of all our substance” (3 Ne 3:7). A moment before, Giddianhi noted the “everlasting hatred” his men had towards the Nephites, and yet are now ready to become brethren? As for the Gadiantons’ substance, their nation was based upon conquest and getting gain. There would be no substance, except new enemies arose from within, causing a deadly civil war, such as destroyed the Jaredites. “And behold, I am Giddianhi; and I am the governor of this the secret society of Gadianton; which society and the works thereof I know to be good; and they are of ancient date and they have been handed down unto us” (3 Ne 3:9). The continued lie that secret combinations are good. Even today, we see many who believe if they say the same lie enough times, people will believe it and it becomes the truth. Whether from historians, politicians, theologians, philosophers, or economists, a lie is a lie. Some would teach us today that a lot more deficit spending will bring us back to prosperity. $16 Trillion deficit is nothing to worry about, as deficits do not mean anything. It is like the Gadiantons saying that a life of conquest and getting gain will provide them with ever increasing substance! Both ignore the fact that if you kill the golden goose, there will be no more golden eggs. Yet, repeating the lie enough times until most people believe it seems to be the solution the wicked keep going back to. Modern prophets clearly speak the truth when they tell us to get out of debt and stay out of debt. In October 1998 General Conference, President Gordon B. Hinckley gave the priesthood a lesson in economics. He began by quoting Pharaoh’s dreams he spake to Joseph (Genesis 41). “Now, brethren, I want to make it very clear that I am not prophesying, that I am not predicting years of famine in the future. But I am suggesting that the time has come to get our houses in order. So many of our people are living on the very edge of their incomes. In fact, some are living on borrowings. We have witnessed in recent weeks wide and fearsome swings in the markets of the world. The economy is a fragile thing. A stumble in the economy in Jakarta or Moscow can immediately affect the entire world. It can eventually reach down to each of us as individuals. There is a portent of stormy weather ahead to which we had better give heed. I hope with all my heart that we shall never slip into a depression. I am a child of the Great Depression of the thirties. I finished the university in 1932, when unemployment in this area exceeded 33 percent....I repeat, I hope we will never again see such a depression. But I am troubled by the huge consumer installment debt which hangs over the people of the nation, including our own people....We are beguiled by seductive advertising. Television carries the enticing invitation to borrow up to 125 percent of the value of one’s home. But no mention is made of interest.....We are carrying a message of self-reliance throughout the Church. Self-reliance cannot obtain when there is serious debt hanging over a household. One has neither independence nor freedom from bondage when he is obligated to others. In managing the affairs of the Church, we have tried to set an example. We have, as a matter of policy, stringently followed the practice of setting aside each year a percentage of the income of the Church against a possible day of need.....I urge you, brethren, to look to the condition of your finances. I urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt to the extent possible. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage. This is a part of the temporal gospel in which we believe. May the Lord bless you, my beloved brethren, to set your houses in order. If you have paid your debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about your head, you will have shelter for your wives and children and peace in your hearts. That’s all I have to say about it, but I wish to say it with all the emphasis of which I am capable.” Those who paid attention to this warning were among those able to weather the crash of the housing and banking markets in 2008. They purchased modest homes and paid them off quickly. They saved. They built up their food storage. They did not allow the world to entice them into making unwise purchases. They did not buy into the big lie. In contrast to Giddianhi and his lies, we see that Lachoneus was wise and righteous. Gathering the people together, he determined they had seven years of supplies, including food. Smaller towns were being wiped out by the Gadiantons. Now they would have to deal with the full force of a unified body of Nephites. Lachoneus prepared the people. They gathered supplies. They built up fortifications. They left nothing in the de-occupied areas that the Gadiantons could use in their own favor. When Giddianhi’s army approached a month later, the Nephites were ready temporally and spiritually. They withstood the army, driving them off. In returning to battle later, the marauders found they could not sustain a siege. They were unprepared. Their lie was breaking down. The Nephites began dismantling them, piece by piece, until all the Gadiantons were destroyed. Only those robbers who would repent and believe in Christ were spared.

I agree with the school. Using a gun as his symbol is a terrible sign, even for a kid named "Hunter". His name could easily be "Killer" or "Shooter" with such a name. He should change his sign to a two-handed sign. With one hand, he simulates a bunny gracefully hopping through the meadow. With the other hand, he stalks the bunny and then pounces, dicing it up with a simulated hand machete. Clearly it depicts a "Hunter."

Oxymoron?

Part of the problem may be modern genetics or environmental. There are hormones and additives in our diets that may contribute to depression. That said, there is another component which I feel makes a major difference: people searching for happiness instead of searching for meaning. When we look for happiness, we spend our time working towards buying stuff. But these things never produce true and lasting happiness. Depression and boredom set in. For those seeking real meaning, they search to improve themselves, learn new things, develop skills and talents, serve others, and develop a meaningful relationship with God. Yes, they have difficult times, boring times and depressing times. But these are temporary and are part of the process of finding meaning. Next, People believe that Jesus died on the cross and was resurrected. They don't seem to believe that the death and resurrection of Christ was for them personally. They carry their burdens around on their shoulders as dead weight. They don't allow Christ to heal them, because they do not believe he can do it for them. Finally, people are miserable because they like holding onto their sins and pride. It is the big lie they keep telling themselves, which causes them to believe they are good and right. They cannot let go of their sins, believing the lie that they do not need to let go of their sin and pride. It may be as small as not forgiving others that keeps them miserable. It may be justifying a past or current sin. It may be blaming one's parents or spouse for the condition one is in. It may be refusing to live a life of humble gratitude, but instead being jealous of what one does not have. Some people have caused their own depression for so long that it is now a clinical depression. They have rewired their brains into traveling the easiest path - one of misery. They can rewire their brain and change the path they are on with gratitude, an active search for meaning (with happiness as a by-product), and repentance of all sins.

Your group C will not work. The prophet Jacob noted that those who do not gain bodies and progress are forced to become angels of the devil. I prefer to see them as those who accepted God's plan, but were not the noble and great ones (the divine council).

Your birth has nothing to do with a rumor or innuendo. Why should your parents or anyone else tell you about a rumor regarding it? Why base your belief on what is very possibly a false assumption? Instead, look at your adopted parents as your beginning. God placed you in a position to be raised by good people. You should be weeping for joy.

Samuel foresees the coming Messiah He tells them that in a day of iniquity, the signs of Jesus’ birth would come forth. They would be amazed and fall to the earth. In this moment, Samuel tells them, “And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall believe on the Son of God, the same shall have everlasting life. And behold, thus hath the Lord commanded me, by his angel, that I should come and tell this thing unto you; yea, he hath commanded that I should prophesy these things unto you; yea, he hath said unto me: Cry unto this people, repent and prepare the way of the Lord.... And if ye believe on his name ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits.” (Hel 14:8-9, 13). Faith and repentance are declared. Only in embracing the atonement of Christ may anyone be saved. Note that it is through Christ’s merits, and not ours, that we receive a remission of sins and are saved. Samuel explains the death of Christ and its importance: “ For behold, he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord. Yea, behold, this death bringeth to pass the resurrection, and redeemeth all mankind from the first death—that spiritual death; for all mankind, by the fall of Adam being cut off from the presence of the Lord, are considered as dead, both as to things temporal and to things spiritual. But behold, the resurrection of Christ redeemeth mankind, yea, even all mankind, and bringeth them back into the presence of the Lord” (Hel 14:15-17). Without the death of Christ, there is no salvation. While Latter-day Saints tend to separate out the resurrection and the atonement, the Book of Mormon generally keeps them as one redemption. In this instance, resurrection brings us back into the Lord’s presence. It redeems us from spiritual death, not just physical death. Note that ALL mankind are redeemed and brought back into God’s presence. Herein lies the near universal salvation that Mormons believe in. All are resurrected. All are brought back into God’s presence. These are absolutely free gifts of Christ. The only question is whether we wish to remain in God’s presence. In Alma 12, we see that many will wish they could be hidden from God’s presence. Mormon 9:4 tells us that the wicked would be happier in hell than in the presence of God. “Yea, and it bringeth to pass the condition of repentance, that whosoever repenteth the same is not hewn down and cast into the fire; but whosoever repenteth not is hewn down and cast into the fire; and there cometh upon them again a spiritual death, yea, a second death, for they are cut off again as to things pertaining to righteousness” (Hel 14:18). The very wicked do not wish to be in God’s presence, and are cast out. These are they who refuse to ever repent of their sins. These are the sons of perdition. They will die a second time, as they refuse to remain in God’s presence. As I study the Book of Mormon, I see that even the Telestial are in God’s presence, though perhaps at a great distance. They may not be able to enjoy his full glory from up close. They do have the fulness of the Holy Spirit, a member of the Godhead with them. As noted before, in Isaiah 6, the prophet stands immediately in God’s presence and is invited into the divine council. For Lehi, who was an average Jew before his prophetic calling, in 1 Nephi 1, he sees God on his throne from a distance, and has the divine council descend to give him his calling. For the wicked Alma, he sees them from a distance: “Yea, methought I saw, even as our father Lehi saw, God sitting upon his throne, surrounded with numberless concourses of angels, in the attitude of singing and praising their God; yea, and my soul did long to be there” (Alma 36:22). Alma, who had barely repented, was in God’s presence, but at a great distance. Only later after much repenting and good works would he be allowed to join the divine council, when the angel returned to him and told him he is now blessed, or worthy to be part of the divine council (Alma 8:14-15). “He hath given unto you that ye might know good from evil, and he hath given unto you that ye might choose life or death; and ye can do good and be restored unto that which is good, or have that which is good restored unto you; or ye can do evil, and have that which is evil restored unto you” (Hel 14:31). Salvation is an issue of restoration. We started with God and he seeks to restore us back to his presence. However, we have agency to choose. We can choose to return fully or partially back to God. Or we can choose to reject him totally. We are restored to that which we desire. If we truly desire good, then we will be restored to that same good we desire. But if we love evil, it will be restored to us, instead. We get the reward we desire most. Samuel praises the Lamanites, condemns the Nephites For me, one of the evidences that the Book of Mormon is true, is how it deals with the people within. A novel tends to have one group as the good guys, and another as bad guys. The good guys almost always win. Here we see again that the Book of Mormon is very complex in its relationships between God & man and man & man. The Nephites began as a promised people of God, who worked well with one another. Now, Samuel tells them that their contentions are tearing them apart, and that they will shortly be kicked out of the presence of the Lord, if they do not repent. Meanwhile, the Lamanites, who had no special promise to speak of, have repented of their sins and become a people of the Lord. They are at peace with one another, and with God. For their faithfulness, the Lord will bless them that they are never destroyed as a people. The Lord promises a restoration of the Lamanites. He is ready to embrace them and bring them back into his presence, when they are ready to return. It amazes me to see the mighty promises made to the Lamanites. God has not cast them off forever. The promises of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob await them as they learn of Christ, repent of their sins, and become true disciples of Jesus. What will we choose? The Nephites had a decision to make. Were they to believe Samuel the Lamanite? Or reject his words? Sadly, most of them rejected his words, and sought to slay him as they had done with other prophets. Only a few were willing to humble themselves sufficiently enough to believe, repent, and then seek out Nephi and be baptized. We live in a day very much like those in the book of Helaman. We have prophets that call us to repentance and to prepare for the coming of the Lord, which is not far off. We have much of the world mocking the prophets and missionaries. The wicked seek wealth, and use it to make themselves more powerful. They seek to get gain, joining secret organizations of murder and plunder. They gain control of governments, hoping to impose their will and gain even greater power and wealth by using the power of their office. Some hide in the mountains and wildernesses of the world, pushing drugs or religious violence upon the rest of humanity. The common factor is the search for wealth and power, getting gain. Instead of humbly turning to Christ, they turn to themselves to deliver themselves and their own. They do not realize that they shall destroy themselves and the world, even as the Nephites. The only solution is for people to humble themselves and fully come unto Christ. Believe in the words of the prophets. Repent and believe. Spend your wealth on blessing others. No other worldly solution, whether from bankers, psychologists, doctors, lawyers, scientists, politicians, etc., will bring to pass a world of peace, where poverty no longer exists. Only in Christ can we learn to have charity and love, in order to heal the world and its inhabitants. All other “solutions” are only plugging holes in the dike with our fingers. It is time for all of us to look closely at our lives and determine where we stand with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Have we truly given ourselves to Him? Or do we just give lip service, and then return to worshiping Mammon, the god of money and gain? Bibliography Home sizes in Europe: http://www.architecture.com/Files/RIBAProfessionalServices/ResearchAndDevelopment/Symposium/2008/MikeRoys.pdf Median wages: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_average_wage International poverty numbers: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_percentage_of_population_living_in_poverty Book of J, Harold Bloom: http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-J-Harold-Bloom/dp/0802141919/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1345494137&sr=8-1&keywords=bloom+book+of+j

Book of Mormon Lesson 35: “Repent and Return unto the Lord” Helaman 13–16 Samuel the Lamanite foresees destruction Again, the Nephites have fallen into great sin: pride, secret combinations, etc. Many prophets are sent to them, and here we will see that a Lamanite, Samuel, is in particular sent to Zarahemla to preach from its walls. “Therefore, thus saith the Lord: Because of the hardness of the hearts of the people of the Nephites, except they repent I will take away my word from them, and I will withdraw my Spirit from them, and I will suffer them no longer, and I will turn the hearts of their brethren against them” (Helaman 13:8). Here we see four things that the people will lose because of the hardness of their hearts. In this, it includes the Lord taking his word from them. We can imagine this would mean losing continual revelation through living prophets, but also the written and perhaps oral records, as well. They will lose the Spirit, meaning they will no longer have a member of the Godhead to direct them. In rejecting the Spirit, God will no longer suffer them - they are no longer in his presence, under his divine protection. Therefore, their brethren will turn against them, becoming their enemies. Amazingly, the Nephites just do not get it. They have recently been stricken with war and famine, and yet continue in the ways of disbelief and ruin. So, does Samuel tell them to repent or be destroyed within the next year? “And four hundred years shall not pass away before I will cause that they shall be smitten; yea, I will visit them with the sword and with famine and with pestilence” (Hel 13:9). Why would a threat of destruction 400 years from now cause people to repent of their sins now? The righteous may be concerned with posterity, but the wicked often think only of the here and now. They are not focused on how today’s actions may impact the prosperity and happiness of future generations. Why would they be concerned with a distant future of possible destruction? “Yea, wo unto this great city of Zarahemla; for behold, it is because of those who are righteous that it is saved; yea, wo unto this great city, for I perceive, saith the Lord, that there are many, yea, even the more part of this great city, that will harden their hearts against me, saith the Lord. But blessed are they who will repent, for them will I spare. But behold, if it were not for the righteous who are in this great city, behold, I would cause that fire should come down out of heaven and destroy it” (Hel 13:12-13). Samuel shows that while the fourth generation will end in utter destruction for the Nephites, it will be a symbol of what can happen even sooner. Zarahemla is implicitly compared to Sodom and Gomorrah. When the Lord promised Abraham that he would not destroy Sodom if there were but 10 good people within it (Genesis 18-19), Abraham did not understand that Lot and the handful of other righteous would soon be escorted out, leaving the cities without any righteous people within. They were ripe for destruction, and fire came down from heaven to destroy them. Sodom and Gomorrah were very wealthy places, probably built upon trade in the area. In Genesis 14, we read where several kings in the area gathered and ransacked the place, taking treasure and people (as slaves). Only intercession by Abraham prevented the destruction of the cities. Yet, Sodom and Gomorrah did not learn from their wicked ways. They focused on becoming wealthy and using their power in whatever ways needed to get what they wanted. Harold Bloom suggests they were inhospitable. The Lord destroyed the cities not because there were homosexuals abiding there, but because the wicked chose to forcibly impose their will on the righteous. When mobs collected demanding to see the two men/angels at Lot’s house, they had crossed the line with the Lord. Instead of destroying their own souls in sin, they now sought to destroy others’ souls by force. Their secret combination had reached its climax. They were ripened completely in iniquity. For the future generation of Nephites that would invade Lamanite territory in search of revenge, and who raped girls and then cannibalized their bodies, their ripening in iniquity would also be complete for a total destruction. Samuel wanted his listeners to be clear that complete destruction could only be a few generations away, and perhaps sooner if they did not repent of their sins before it was everlastingly too late. As long as the righteous were not cast out of the cities, the Nephites would be spared a mortal destruction. So, what is their main crime, worthy of destruction? “And behold, a curse shall come upon the land, saith the Lord of Hosts, because of the people’s sake who are upon the land, yea, because of their wickedness and their abominations.... And the day shall come that they shall hide up their treasures, because they have set their hearts upon riches; and because they have set their hearts upon their riches, and will hide up their treasures when they shall flee before their enemies; because they will not hide them up unto me, cursed be they and also their treasures; and in that day shall they be smitten, saith the Lord” (Hel 13:17-20) Again, it is not a sin to be rich. It is a sin to set one’s heart upon riches. Such wealth turns people away from God and good works, and into selfish, greedy, proud monsters. Instead of using wealth to bless others, they use their wealth to keep themselves higher than others, to push down those who oppose them, and to have others treat them as royalty. Who can afford the best lawyers, tax attorneys, accountants, etc., to ensure they have the upper hand? If a city condemns a neighborhood and forces its sale to a corporation, simply because the company will pay higher taxes, is that legitimate use of government? If large banks are given a bail out, but then turn around and quickly foreclose on those struggling to stay in those homes, are we guilty of preserving the wealth of the very rich at the expense of poorer peoples? This is not to say all companies or rich people act in such a manner. But it is a warning to all not to behave in such a manner. The matter is, the majority of Americans have a nicer lifestyle than most people living in Europe and the rest of the world. The average square feet in a house in the United States built since 2003 is 2300 sq/ft. The average European home size is on the rise, but generally is still below 1000 sq/ft. Disposable income for the United States averages $40,550. The median for European nations is $27,500. Fifteen percent of Americans were living in poverty in 2010, according to our national poverty level. Compare this to the approximately 100 nations that have large percentages of people earning less than $2 per day. Clearly there is a need for the wealthy, which includes most Americans (even many of our “poor” have cars, cable tv, cell phones, computers, and homes larger than most Europeans), to take a hard look at ourselves and determine what are we actually doing with the wealth we have. Focusing too much on leisure, entertainment, and comfort can create a nation that is heading down the path to destruction. “Behold ye, the people of this great city, and hearken unto my words; yea, hearken unto the words which the Lord saith; for behold, he saith that ye are cursed because of your riches, and also are your riches cursed because ye have set your hearts upon them, and have not hearkened unto the words of him who gave them unto you. Ye do not remember the Lord your God in the things with which he hath blessed you, but ye do always remember your riches, not to thank the Lord your God for them; yea, your hearts are not drawn out unto the Lord, but they do swell with great pride, unto boasting, and unto great swelling, envyings, strifes, malice, persecutions, and murders, and all manner of iniquities. For this cause hath the Lord God caused that a curse should come upon the land, and also upon your riches, and this because of your iniquities” (Helaman 13:21-23). Clearly, all nations, but especially the United States, needs to refocus ourselves. Instead of focusing on getting richer, we need to remember God and his blessings. Then we need to share those blessings with others. Otherwise, the land will be cursed, as will our riches. We are warned about ignoring such things. The Nephites, as with the Jews in Lehi’s day, rejected the prophets’ warnings. Instead, they heaped to themselves those that would flatter them. They would say they were rich because God had blessed them. Samuel is teaching us that God may bless us with riches, but we can tell by the humility of the person. Does the person give thanks for his wealth? Does he use it to move forth God’s will, or does he use it for selfish purposes. Is he angered by the teachings of his Church leaders regarding wealth, modest dress, and modest living? “And behold, the time cometh that he curseth your riches, that they become slippery, that ye cannot hold them; and in the days of your poverty ye cannot retain them. And in the days of your poverty ye shall cry unto the Lord; and in vain shall ye cry, for your desolation is already come upon you, and your destruction is made sure; and then shall ye weep and howl in that day, saith the Lord of Hosts. And then shall ye lament, and say: O that I had repented, and had not killed the prophets, and stoned them, and cast them out. Yea, in that day ye shall say: O that we had remembered the Lord our God in the day that he gave us our riches, and then they would not have become slippery that we should lose them; for behold, our riches are gone from us” (Hel 13:31-33). Samuel now shows a partial fulfillment of this will occur in the destructions just prior to the Lord’s resurrection (3 Ne 7-10). We will see that the people will cry in their poverty, especially in the three days of darkness, but also in the time that follows. Here is where symbolism in the scriptures is important to understand. And Samuel shows it quite plainly. There is a complete fulfillment of the prophecy scheduled 400 years from his day. But there will be similar events even sooner that will cause the people to mourn and reflect. The only difference is that many of these will repent when utter destruction stares them in the face. In the end time for the Nephites, none will repent.

Emma and Brigham Young had some hard feelings. When Brigham asked Emma to go out west with the Saints, she said she would do so only if she were given a privileged status, as Joseph's wife. Brigham Young didn't see it in that way. Also, polygamy was an issue between the two of them. He insisted that Joseph Smith began polygamy and was very supportive of it. She insisted that Joseph never had plural wives.

The reality is, Vort is just a sock puppet. The rest of us are real. Sad thing, he doesn't yet realize that neither he nor Jean Paul Sartre actually exist....

I must protest! Unlike Jemima, Betty and others, I am not virtual. I am Mythical! Even Legendary. Never virtual.

Solution to all things In speaking with the people, Nephi tells them of their wickedness and impending destruction. He explains that the only recourse for protection in mortality and into the eternities, is faith on Jesus Christ and repentance. “And now behold, Moses did not only testify of these things, but also all the holy prophets, from his days even to the days of Abraham. Yea, and behold, Abraham saw of his coming, and was filled with gladness and did rejoice. Yea, and behold I say unto you, that Abraham not only knew of these things, but there were many before the days of Abraham who were called by the order of God; yea, even after the order of his Son; and this that it should be shown unto the people, a great many thousand years before his coming, that even redemption should come unto them” (Hel 8:16-18). The answers to all the questions on the test of life are: faith in Jesus Christ. Too many of us are spending our lives enriching or entertaining ourselves. These are our gods. We believe believe that Jesus is the Christ, but we do not believe IN Jesus Christ to the point that it moves us to action. Nephi’s acceptance into the Divine Council After being released from prison, Nephi ponders on how wicked the people have become. The voice of the Lord came to Nephi. The Word of God spake to him of his faithfulness. “Behold, thou art Nephi, and I am God. Behold, I declare it unto thee in the presence of mine angels” (Hel 10:6). God not only testifies of himself, but also of Nephi. God brings Nephi into the divine council, “the presence of mine angels.” As with Isaiah (Isa 6), Nephi speaks with the Lord and receives his divine commission. He is empowered with the power of the divine council. God knows that Nephi will not say anything contrary to the Lord’s will, and therefore is now a trusted member of that exclusive club. “...ye shall have power over this people, and shall smite the earth with famine, and with pestilence, and destruction, according to the wickedness of this people. Behold, I give unto you power, that whatsoever ye shall seal on earth shall be sealed in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven; and thus shall ye have power among this people. And thus, if ye shall say unto this temple it shall be rent in twain, it shall be done. And if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou cast down and become smooth, it shall be done. And behold, if ye shall say that God shall smite this people, it shall come to pass: (Hel 10:6-10). Here is the true power promised by God. It is not from riches, fine clothing, worldly power, etc. It comes from becoming one with God and his divine council. The Nephite Destruction Satan is the father of lies and contention. That is his doctrine. While he gives his followers a lot of power, eventually they are so far from the Spirit of God that they are ripened for destruction, and Satan opens the door for that, as well. Lies and contention breed chaos. Eventually, chaos causes the collapse of society. People get pushy for their piece of the pie. The one Gadianton band separated into several, who fought amongst themselves until war broke out. One of the problems of war is that it does not always humble people. Instead, they grasp tighter onto the big lie that holds them down, and keeps them from repentance. It emboldens them to fight for their lie. Nations destroy nations over defending the national lie. For Nephi, his goal was not to see the Nephites destroy themselves, even though he clearly had warned them. His goal was to get them to repent. War was increasing their hatred and love of sin. Nephi used his divine power to call down a famine. He knew it was the only thing to stop the war. If people are too hungry to fight, they will stop fighting and seek for a way to survive. Eventually, they realize that survival and success only comes through humble repentance and faith in Christ. Some must be humiliated and brought down to the depths of despair before they will repent. We find that the wars began in the 72nd year of the judges. After the famine and the people repented, there were a few years of righteousness, but by the 80th year, people returned to wickedness. How could they forget so quickly and so often? It doesn’t seem possible, until we consider our own day. In the 1990s, America was awash in wealth and greed. The terrorist attacks on 9/11 shocked the nation, and what was a very contentious nation (remember the Bush-Gore Florida election?), suddenly became a nation united in humility. People prayed together. Many people returned to church. Democrats and Republicans actually got along. Then, after just a couple years of peace and a prosperity that was again growing, the contentions began returning. War became an obsession with many Americans, as they sought not only to defend the nation, but to obliterate the enemy. Some viewed all Muslims as the enemy. Recently (2012), a Sikh church in Wisconsin was attacked, with several killed, by a man who hated Muslims (Sikhs are not Muslim). Even the 2008 collapse of the economy did not humble the nation. Instead of returning to prayer and repentance, many Americans demanded the government take care of their problems, approving of the deficit spending of trillions of dollars so they could continue living their high lifestyles. We must ask if the United States may be on a collision course with its own destiny, simply because the majority of the people and its government will not repent and return to modest lifestyles and righteousness? Alma taught that we are blessed when compelled to be humble, but more blessed if we humble ourselves (Alma 32). It seems that many who are compelled to be humble have short memories. They are humbled and repent, but only until they get rich again, wherein they return to the secret combinations of Gadianton that have made them rich before. The Gadiantons build their own nation Once the Nephites have become humbled enough to return to righteousness, the Gadiantons realize they must try a new tactic to gain power. This time, they form their own nation of terrorists in the mountains. With America’s technology and military prowess today, it has been near impossible to root out Al Qaeda from its mountain strongholds in the wilderness of Afghanistan, Pakistan and other nations. Imagine the struggle for the righteous Nephites and Lamanites in trying to destroy them without such a technological advantage. When America first invaded Afghanistan in 2002, no one could imagine it would take almost 10 years to find and kill Osama Bin Laden. However, we see that with the assistance of a large network of friendly nations and tribal leaders, Al Qaeda has been difficult to root out. We see this same problem with the drug lords in Mexico. The Mexican government has struggled for decades to end the drug trade with little results. Today, the Mexican-American border is a place of great violence. Thousands are killed yearly. Some Americans have died in the crossfire. Towns along the border have emptied for fear of attacks from rival gangs. Some drug gangs are better armed than the Mexican army! In the United States, we have a plague of Gadianton robbers in a numerous assortment of gangs. Chicago has at least 68 thousand gang members. When we consider that America had under 100 thousand troops in all of Afghanistan, we can see the size of such a number. Gangs rule many neighborhoods in many cities. Some neighborhoods are so dangerous, the police do not travel through them at night, unless they must. Some gangs started out as peaceful groups, but fell into the hands of violent robbers. They promote and are involved in drugs, prostitution, theft, robberies, and other violent crimes. They have their sworn oaths, just as the Gadianton robbers of old did. And, as the Gadianton robbers had signs to show who were their members, American gangs today each have their signs and symbols. Sadly, our own kids often flash gang signs, listen to gangsta rap music, and get gang tattoos, sometimes not realizing that these signs and symbols and music are connected to a specific gang. Today, it becomes the first step to becoming an official member of a Gadianton robber club. People are Foolish “O how foolish, and how vain, and how evil, and devilish, and how quick to do iniquity, and how slow to do good, are the children of men; yea, how quick to hearken unto the words of the evil one, and to set their hearts upon the vain things of the world! Yea, how quick to be lifted up in pride; yea, how quick to boast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to walk in wisdom’s paths! Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide. O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth” (Hel 12:4-7). We must see the lie that is in each of us. As Mormon and King Benjamin note, we are nothing. Only in Christ can we find true joy and worth. Yet, we are too quick to set the counsels of God at nought, thinking that the Gadianton ways are easier or better. Our Self Pride requires we do not humble ourselves to the dust. “...if the Lord shall say—Because of thine iniquities thou shalt be cut off from my presence—he will cause that it shall be so. And wo unto him to whom he shall say this, for it shall be unto him that will do iniquity, and he cannot be saved; therefore, for this cause, that men might be saved, hath repentance been declared. Therefore, blessed are they who will repent and hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; for these are they that shall be saved. And may God grant, in his great fulness, that men might be brought unto repentance and good works, that they might be restored unto grace for grace, according to their works” (Hel 12:21-24). We cannot both be in God’s presence and out of it. We can be as Nephi and join the Divine Council club, or we can be as the wicked Nephites and join the Gadianton club. God’s club is easy to join. We just humble ourselves and repent of all our sins. The final cost of joining the Gadianton club is just too expensive. Time to see the wickedness around us and repent now. Bibliography Chinese middle class growth, CNN Money: http://money.cnn.com/2012/04/25/news/economy/china-middle-class/index.htm “An Other Testament”, Joseph Spencer: www.saltpress.org “Approaching Zion”, Hugh Nibley: http://maxwellinstitute.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=75 “Why are there so many Gang Members in Chicago?”, Chicago Magazine: http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/The-312/January-2012/Why-Are-There-So-Many-Gang-Members-in-Chicago/

Book of Mormon Lesson 34: “How Could You Have Forgotten Your God?” Helaman 6–12 In the Book of Helaman, we see the dark works of the Jaredites that were brought into Nephite society through the Mulekites (who dwelt with the Jaredites for 3 centuries before the Jaredite destruction), would develop into several different and dangerous methods to infiltrate the religion and government. In the last lesson, we see how Gadianton created his band of robbers, who threatened to destabilize the government through assassination. We will now continue the development of such secret societies as some take control of the Nephite government, while others will build their own nation. Nephites = Wicked, Lamanites = Righteous The world turns upside down, as the Nephites grow wicked and many of the Lamanites join the Church. Here, we see the first time when righteous Lamanites will have to serve missions to the Nephite nation. Many of these Lamanite missionaries, along with Nephi and Lehi, also go into the north to preach the gospel. Because there was no longer enmity between the Nephite and Lamanite nations, free trade opened between the two lands. People quickly became rich through trade. Not only food was traded, but gold, silver and other materials spread forth. This changed the nations from agricultural economies into trade economies. As we have seen in the 21st century, free trade can open up many new markets for goods developed in many areas. It raises the general economic status of many people. Such development of wealth is a two-edged sword. In the last 20 years (1992-2012), China has moved from a hard communist economy to a more capitalist economy. In that time, they have developed a middle class of about 300 million people, about ¼ of their population. Twenty years ago, almost no one had a car. Now there are millions of cars on the roadways in China. Because of international trade, China can now not only feed its people, but give many of them a comfortable lifestyle. In many other older developed economies, however, we see that corruption has set in. People have sought to gain wealth not only from their own hard work, but by obtaining it from illegal and illicit methods. We will discuss this more in a moment. Gadiantons at Large The rightful chief judge, Cesoram, is murdered. His son was appointed by the people to replace him, but was also killed that same year. Such intrigue and murder by the Gadianton robbers achieved its purpose, because the majority of the Nephite people supported them. “ But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the Nephites, insomuch that they did unite with those bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants and their oaths, that they would protect and preserve one another in whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed, that they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings, and their stealings” (Helaman 6:21). In establishing the reign of the judges, King Mosiah II noted that when the people are good, they will always pick good leaders to guide them. Now we see that they prepared themselves for destruction, as they actually supported the secret groups. We must ask ourselves, why? What was so wonderful about the secret groups that the majority of the Nephites would protect and support them? The outlaw and bank robber, Jesse James, was considered a hero in Missouri, where he was from. He would go out of state to northern states to rob, and bring the wealth back to his home state, benefiting the people who helped protect and hide him. Drug dealers provide jobs, schools and health services to the people in the areas they live in. In the United States and parts of Europe, bad people sometimes are kept in office because they promise to spend taxpayer money on people’s favorite things. Being promised a very comfortable retirement at 55 years of age in Greece is a very enticing thing. To suddenly be told that the economy is crashing and so Greece can no longer afford such luxurious bribes to the voters often enrages them into riotous mobs, who think protests will change the reality. Mormon explains that these secret combinations were placed in Gadianton’s heart from Satan, who placed the same secret in Cain’s heart. Gadianton was raised by the code of his ancestors, which would include the Jaredite secret combinations. Satan often finds a way to pass his teachings down from one generation to the next. “he doth carry on his works of darkness and secret murder, and doth hand down their plots, and their oaths, and their covenants, and their plans of awful wickedness, from generation to generation according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men” (Hel 6:30). The god Mammon When the people become exceedingly wicked, we can see a pattern to that wickedness. The Nephites “did trample under their feet the commandments of God, and did turn unto their own ways, and did build up unto themselves idols of their gold and their silver” (Hel 6:31). Their god is money. Mammon. While they may still believe in the God in heaven, their focus is in building up their treasures on earth. Fine clothing is one of the first signs of this pestilence. People become proud, and it shows in how they use their wealth. They no longer care for the poor and needy. Where they once had integrity on how they worked and lived, any method to get gain becomes acceptable. If one can get a politician to bribe him or his company with taxpayer money, then it is even better. If a big bank is careless in taking extremely risky chances, and loses everything, only to be bailed out by government, then we have corruption going on. There are secrets being passed in the corridors and deals going on in back rooms to make the rich richer. Gadiantons in our day Doesn’t it amaze us anymore that we have huge government programs, like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, corporate welfare, etc., that keep growing at ever faster rates? When people are asked about it, they agree that government is too big, and it should be cut, but do not touch their entitlements! And so government continues to grow ever bigger. Since 2002, we have seen the federal deficit grow by more than $12 Trillion! There is clearly a co-dependency between politicians who need to be re-elected and constituents who need their entitlements. An honest politician or constituent would recognize that we are bankrupting America and so are glad to sacrifice to save the nation from collapse. They do not recall the teachings of Jacob, King Benjamin and others, who taught that having wealth is not a sin, but is expected to be used to bless the poor. They do not seek the kingdom of God first, but instead seek to have the wealth without worrying about the kingdom of God. Amazingly, as with the baron robbers of the 19th century, many of these people think that God gives them their wealth to spend upon themselves, and justify the evil methods used to get that wealth. Hugh Nibley noted that many people seek to have a foot in Zion and in Babylon at the same time. It may work for a time, but eventually we must choose. Often, we wait until imminent destruction is upon us to finally repent and choose God. This is what we see happens with the Nephites in the book of Helaman, several times. Nephites began protecting the Gadiantons, while the Lamanites sought them out to preach to them or destroy them. The Spirit withdrew from the Nephites, while the Lamanites basked in its light. Perhaps we can see a similar thing happening in the world as happened with the Nephites and Lamanites. The world was amazed 20 years ago when the Berlin Wall fell. For decades, the Iron and Bamboo curtains held its people captive to the wicked traditions of Marx, Lenin and Mao. Within a period of just a few years, the Soviet Empire collapsed, with millions of people who were once enslaved, given the opportunity to be free. Where atheism attempted to snuff out religion, faith now finds a foothold. There are LDS temples in the Ukraine and the former East Germany. Meanwhile, we see religion dying in western Europe, and in parts of the United States. Atheism, humanism, and materialism are the new religions replacing the Judeo-Christian faiths. Economically, China and Russia are moving up, while Europe and the United States dangle their toes over the precipice of bankruptcy and collapse. The United States is ranked among the lowest of developed nations in math and science scores for students. More big technologies are being developed in Asia, as America loses manufacturing and technology battles with other nations. Some believe that the 21st century will be China’s century of power, as the USA risks becoming another third world nation. Gadiantons in government In “An Other Testament”, Joe Spencer discusses the decline in Nephite government, from Nephite kings to Nephite chief judges to Gadianton robbers as chief judges. In the Book of Helaman, we see the final change. “And it came to pass on the other hand, that the Nephites did build them up and support them, beginning at the more wicked part of them, until they had overspread all the land of the Nephites, and had seduced the more part of the righteous until they had come down to believe in their works and partake of their spoils, and to join with them in their secret murders and combinations. And thus they did obtain the sole management of the government, insomuch that they did trample under their feet and smite and rend and turn their backs upon the poor and the meek, and the humble followers of God” (Hel 6:38-39). Integrity vs Lies In my day job, I am a hearing officer/judge in a state prison system. I see offenders on charges ranging from disobeying an order to escapes to assaults to trafficking. In the years I’ve done this, I’ve begun to see patterns in the way people think. “I’m not a bad person”, is a common statement made by someone defending himself. My thought process then assesses such a statement. Compared to Hitler, most of these offenders are not bad people. However, compared to Mother Teresa, they are bad. Each of us has lies we tell ourselves to defend and protect our world view. Whether we are discussing politics, religion, wealth, etc, we all have some views that are downright lies. Yet, we defend the lie so much that we believe it as truth. “Condemning the righteous because of their righteousness; letting the guilty and the wicked go unpunished because of their money; and moreover to be held in office at the head of government, to rule and do according to their wills, that they might get gain and glory of the world, and, moreover, that they might the more easily commit adultery, and steal, and kill, and do according to their own wills—” (Hel 7:5). In politics and religion, some will teach the lie so often that others will also believe it is true, even though a good look at the facts may show otherwise. Until we are ready to humble ourselves and look at the lies we hold as truths, we cannot let go of our worldly gods. These gods teach us that we deserve things we haven’t earned. They teach us that our methods are okay, because they are a means to an end. They teach us that Christ will forgive us, perhaps hitting us with a few stripes and then saving us afterward. “And there shall also be many which shall say: Eat, drink, and be merry; nevertheless, fear God—he will justify in committing a little sin; yea, lie a little, take the advantage of one because of his words, dig a pit for thy neighbor; there is no harm in this; and do all these things, for tomorrow we die; and if it so be that we are guilty, God will beat us with a few stripes, and at last we shall be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Ne 28:8). So it is with Gadiantons. The hard question for each of us is: are we supporting modern day Gadiantons in our lives? Are we, in essence, Latter-day Gadiantons? Can we support today’s robbers and still be Saints? The scriptures clearly say, ‘no.’ Each us then, must take a long hard look at our beliefs and behaviors and determine whether we truly are following Christ’s path, or a path of sin leading us to destruction. “...except ye repent ye shall perish; yea, even your lands shall be taken from you, and ye shall be destroyed from off the face of the earth” (Hel 7:28). Do we not see right now that many people in America are losing their lands, their homes, their jobs, etc., because of the wickedness of those in power in government and business? Isaiah also warned of such things in his day: “Woe unto them that join house to house, that lay field to field, till there be no place, that they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth!” (Isa 5:8) “The Lord will enter into judgment with the ancients (elders) of his people, and the princes thereof: for ye have eaten up the vineyard; the spoil of the poor is in your houses. What mean ye that ye beat my people to pieces, and grind the faces of the poor? saith the Lord God of hosts” (Isa 3:14-15).

You are looking in the wrong places to avoid being lonely, etc. Only looking to Heavenly Father through Christ's atonement can we feel true peace, comfort, and love. No individual can supply enough to sate our need, although a spouse may come close. I'm glad you feel remorse. It is the beginning to looking at the lie you have been telling yourself for a long time now. In seeking and playing with other relationships, you have lied to yourself until you believed your own lies. Only once you stepped too far over the line, did your conscience finally get your attention. You need to focus on relating to God and your husband. Stop focusing on sex. The world focuses on sex, as if it is the great source for love in the universe. It is not. Many people go a lifetime without sex, but have a superbly intimate and loving relationship with a spouse. Why? Because they seek the form of relationship that may include sex, but is not dominated by it. Alma taught his son Shiblon to "bridle all your passions that you may be filled with love." You chose to allow your passions to control you. It is as if you were on a fast horse, exciting at times until you lose control and it bucks you off. Then, you are left alone in the dust, hurting. To bridle your passions means to take conscious control of them. You can choose not to be lonely. You can choose to be fulfilled and fulfilling in a life of giving, rather than taking. But you first must learn to control and bridle the passions, which can include loneliness and sexual desire. If we are miserable, it is most likely because we have allowed Satan to interfere in our happiness. We've allowed him to deceive us with a lie that is enticing and pleasing to us, even until we believe the lie. While you feel remorse for your sins, I would imagine that part of your loneliness now stems from the fact that you know you cannot have sexual relations outside of your marriage. Again, this is a deception of Satan - to make you miserable over the things you cannot have, but feel you deserve. God calls us another way: to focus on the covenants we've made, serving those around us, and showing true love of Christ, expecting nothing in return. As we do so, we are filled and fulfilled by the Holy Spirit, which is a constant companion for those who seek Him, and does not leave us alone. We then must choose happiness on God's terms, and not our own selfish terms. A therapist may be helpful here. However, the greatest therapist is Christ and his atonement is the solution to your problems. I suggest you join an LDS addiction recovery program for sexual addictions. Information is available at providentliving.org They will teach you how to bring the atonement of Christ into your life, how to make the changes you need to have true happiness, and how to regain control of your passions.

Vort, I told you that you didn't have to ask for me! Don't you know that if I bribe Pammy enough, she changes my infractions into fractions, so I get more than three?

We are created from the matter that has existed co-eternally with God. He formed our spirits from intelligent matter - matter that had been infused with order, or the light of Christ. Instead of a myriad of particles bouncing around, God organized them into atoms, molecules, elements, compounds. Each grouping became a higher level of intelligence, with more qualities and characteristics than the intelligences it was created from. Eventually, God created spirits. I believe that spirits are intelligences with individuality and the ability to think for themselves. In Abraham 3, we find God surrounded by the intelligences that were organized. We find that God cannot create intelligence, but the inference is that he can mold intelligence into something new, like spirits. Being that we are made somewhat independent of God, means that God did not have to create evil. Evil is just the natural force that tries to destroy order and return everything to chaos. This is Satan's understanding of "free". That a 1/3 part of heaven chose to follow Satan suggests that his plan was tempting. There would be no difficult test. There would be no need for any trials. Anyone could do what they want with the secure knowledge that they were "saved" as Satan's definition of saved would mean. Since God is a God of order, he would have to be replaced, and so Satan also insisted in having the glory. How did God know Lucifer would do it? How do parents know their kids are going to choose mischief or good or evil? Once you've known a child for a long time, you can see their behavior and determine a lot about them. Lucifer had grown powerful and proud. He was probably questioning God and Christ on many parts of the plan. The pattern was there. All God needed to do was give Lucifer enough rope to hang himself. As for Adam and Eve, they were brought into the Garden in an innocent state. They did not know good from evil. They had to be given some rules, whereby they would be forced to choose. The rule to multiply and replenish the earth was not possible while they remained innocent in the garden. The rule to not partake of the fruit of the Tree of knowledge of good and evil, prevented them from leaving their innocent state and be able to procreate. It was a Catch 22 that God allowed them to work out. God knew they would eventually have to eat of the fruit, so that their eyes would be open. In doing so, they would be able to multiply and replenish the earth. Allowing Satan to tempt them in the Garden was part of the plan. They would transgress the law, falling from innocence into a telestial state. The plan for a Savior was always Plan A, and there never was a plan B. God planned for them to fall. It is part of the process necessary to obtain exaltation. One is born in innocence, loses her innocence as she gains knowledge in the world. Eventually she seeks out the Lord and his atonement, which lifts her up to a terrestrial state, where she can speak with angels, feel the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, and choose good. In this higher state, she is now ready to partake of the Tree of Life - the fulness of Christ's atonement. The process finally brings her into the presence of the Lord again in the celestial realm. Each of us must follow the path of Adam and Eve in our own lives. We are born innocent. The day arrives when Satan is allowed to tempt and try us, and we invariably fall into sin. We then must seek out the Lord through faith and repentance, which allows the atonement to cleanse us and make us guiltless/sinless. From there, we begin to receive ordinances and covenants that lift us to higher levels of holiness. Eventually, through partaking of the Tree of Life, Christ's grace, we are then ready to return home to the God who created us.

What do you expect from a gangsta?

Skalenfehl Salvation does not require baptism. Salvation requires faith and repentance. Baptism is the doorway into the Celestial Kingdom, yet salvation is given to those in the Telestial and Terrestrial kingdoms, as well, without baptism.

Obviously the onions on Vort's hotdog are giving him acid reflux.....