rameumptom

I want a Surface Pro 3 for Father's Day.
 
Just sayin'.

In the classic Superman movie series (Superman 3), starring Christopher Reeve, we find that Superman is contaminated by some Kryptonite.  In an interesting scene, the evil Superman lands in an auto junkyard, screams, and then has his alter-ego, Clark Kent, emerge.  The two duke it out, until the real Man of Steel, his true identity, wins.

Today, we find people struggling with their true identities.  Bruce Jenner is now Caitlyn.  Rachel Dolezal insists she is African American, though her white parents dispute it. Some have green hair, multiple piercings and tattooes. Others may find their identity in their sexuality, drug use, religion, education, wealth, possessions, ethnicity, etc.  Many are coming forth to distinguish themselves from everyone else Facebook, Twitter and other online services help people come forth to say, “Here I am! Look at ME!”

Sadly, such focus on certain temporal particulars of ourselves actually cause us to lose our fully authentic selves.  The Book of Mormon actually talks of a time when the people knew their true selves:




 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happierpeople among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.. There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were inone, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God. (4 Nephi 1:15-17)


We see that the people did not distinguish themselves. They were not Nephites nor Lamanites, but found their true, secret identity: “children of Christ and heirs to the kingdom of God”

Satan wins when he divides us.  The divisions come when he confuses us over what our true identity is.  The Book of Mormon continually notes fine clothing as a sign of division, as we later see in 4 Nephi:




And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.  And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them.  And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ. (4 Nephi 1:24-26).


No longer equals as children of God, they sought out their own ways.  As Elder L. Tom Perry noted in General Conference,




We want our voice to be heard against all of the counterfeit and alternative lifestyles that try to replace the family organization that God Himself established.


Elder Perry explained that the family organization is an eternal and important component of who we really are.  To look at just one small part of who we possibly may be and to make it the center of our devotion to self, is to listen to the soothing lies of Satan, who is glad to give us the philosophies of men with some scripture mingled in.

Because of our culture of wrong identity, we see an America that is shrinking in its belief in Christ and goodness.  Even as with the apostate Nephites in 4 Nephi, many of the sins of their day are now becoming commonplace and accepted, even preferred.




 And it came to pass that they who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle….And it came to pass that two hundred and forty and four years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the people. And the more wicked part of the people did wax strong, and became exceedingly more numerous than were the people of God….And it came to pass that the robbers of Gadianton did spread over all the face of the land; and there were none that were righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus. And gold and silver did they lay up in store in abundance, and did traffic in all manner of 

traffic. (4 Nephi 1:38-46)Suddenly, we see that big business and wealth replaced charity and oneness. As they grew wicked, the law of God and the knowledge of being God’s children were replaced once again by envyings, strifes, tumults, whoredoms, lyings, murders, and any manner of lasciviousness (sexuality).


Marriage is diminished as people use no-fault divorce, live together, or change God’s pattern for something else. God’s plan of consecration and providing for the poor is offended by those who enrich themselves in false government programs that maintain a war on poverty that only grows the numbers of poor.  God’s love for his children and His desire for them to be like him are twisted by Satan’s counterfeit claims of radical freedom: justifying alternative lifestyles, dishonesty, and contention.

It isn’t something new.  Satan confused Cain into declaring himself unique:




 And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness.  And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him. And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying: I am free; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands. (Moses 5:31-33)

 


How many of us proclaim ourselves free of God, by taking up our own counterfeit identity?  And we see if increasing in America.  Satan is currently winning the battle of the hearts of men, so that “even the elect are deceived” in some cases.

Rather than encouraging alternative lifestyles, we should be encouraging all to reveal their true secret identity: children of God and heirs of his kingdom.

 
 

PC, you clearly look at all God's children as His children. You do not identify yourself as anything else than a friend to those of other faiths or beliefs, even when beliefs differ.  You serve God in the prisons and in society.  I think you have found the correct identity for yourself and those around you.

I'm not sure I want to wade into this whole identity thing.  After all, I'm a Pentecostal who dresses like a Catholic, and moderates at an LDS site.  My best friend is Southern Baptist, and I stole my wife from the Presbyterians. 
 
 
... I'll just play it safe, and keep my eyes on Jesus. 

In the classic Superman movie series (Superman 3), starring Christopher Reeve, we find that Superman is contaminated by some Kryptonite.  In an interesting scene, the evil Superman lands in an auto junkyard, screams, and then has his alter-ego, Clark Kent, emerge.  The two duke it out, until the real Man of Steel, his true identity, wins.

Today, we find people struggling with their true identities.  Bruce Jenner is now Caitlyn.  Rachel Dolezal insists she is African American, though her white parents dispute it. Some have green hair, multiple piercings and tattooes. Others may find their identity in their sexuality, drug use, religion, education, wealth, possessions, ethnicity, etc.  Many are coming forth to distinguish themselves from everyone else Facebook, Twitter and other online services help people come forth to say, “Here I am! Look at ME!”

Sadly, such focus on certain temporal particulars of ourselves actually cause us to lose our fully authentic selves.  The Book of Mormon actually talks of a time when the people knew their true selves:




 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happierpeople among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.. There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were inone, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God. (4 Nephi 1:15-17)


We see that the people did not distinguish themselves. They were not Nephites nor Lamanites, but found their true, secret identity: “children of Christ and heirs to the kingdom of God”

Satan wins when he divides us.  The divisions come when he confuses us over what our true identity is.  The Book of Mormon continually notes fine clothing as a sign of division, as we later see in 4 Nephi:




And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.  And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them.  And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ. (4 Nephi 1:24-26).


No longer equals as children of God, they sought out their own ways.  As Elder L. Tom Perry noted in General Conference,




We want our voice to be heard against all of the counterfeit and alternative lifestyles that try to replace the family organization that God Himself established.


Elder Perry explained that the family organization is an eternal and important component of who we really are.  To look at just one small part of who we possibly may be and to make it the center of our devotion to self, is to listen to the soothing lies of Satan, who is glad to give us the philosophies of men with some scripture mingled in.

Because of our culture of wrong identity, we see an America that is shrinking in its belief in Christ and goodness.  Even as with the apostate Nephites in 4 Nephi, many of the sins of their day are now becoming commonplace and accepted, even preferred.




 And it came to pass that they who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle….And it came to pass that two hundred and forty and four years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the people. And the more wicked part of the people did wax strong, and became exceedingly more numerous than were the people of God….And it came to pass that the robbers of Gadianton did spread over all the face of the land; and there were none that were righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus. And gold and silver did they lay up in store in abundance, and did traffic in all manner of 

traffic. (4 Nephi 1:38-46)Suddenly, we see that big business and wealth replaced charity and oneness. As they grew wicked, the law of God and the knowledge of being God’s children were replaced once again by envyings, strifes, tumults, whoredoms, lyings, murders, and any manner of lasciviousness (sexuality).


Marriage is diminished as people use no-fault divorce, live together, or change God’s pattern for something else. God’s plan of consecration and providing for the poor is offended by those who enrich themselves in false government programs that maintain a war on poverty that only grows the numbers of poor.  God’s love for his children and His desire for them to be like him are twisted by Satan’s counterfeit claims of radical freedom: justifying alternative lifestyles, dishonesty, and contention.

It isn’t something new.  Satan confused Cain into declaring himself unique:




 And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness.  And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him. And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying: I am free; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands. (Moses 5:31-33)

 


How many of us proclaim ourselves free of God, by taking up our own counterfeit identity?  And we see if increasing in America.  Satan is currently winning the battle of the hearts of men, so that “even the elect are deceived” in some cases.

Rather than encouraging alternative lifestyles, we should be encouraging all to reveal their true secret identity: children of God and heirs of his kingdom.

 
 

I think he was saying that different truths are of varying levels of importance.  Truths can also be interpreted differently. Are we interpreting what the BoM says from our own perspective, or from the perspective of Nephi or Joseph Smith? Or God?  World views differ depending on how a person defines her world.
 
For me, Zion and "Promised Land" are all of North and South America, because that is what Joseph Smith told us. 

It could simply be a subtlety, such as new revelation from church prophets suggesting that the past LDS emphasis on the apostasy, and on the undue influence of Greek philosophy on traditional Christian theology, was necessary to establish the Restoration.  However, now, as Christian faith in general is under increasing attack, the time has come to build bridges of cooperation with the larger Christian world.  In such a context, professors and scholars, like Peterson and Millet, could be charged with doing even more to explain LDS commonalities with Evangelicalism (and Catholicism, for that matter).
 
I'm not predicting or prophesying such an event.  However, if something like that happened, might we not be one or two generations away from LDS being perceived much like Adventists--having unique teachings, but being within the family?  God's done bigger things before.

In the classic Superman movie series (Superman 3), starring Christopher Reeve, we find that Superman is contaminated by some Kryptonite.  In an interesting scene, the evil Superman lands in an auto junkyard, screams, and then has his alter-ego, Clark Kent, emerge.  The two duke it out, until the real Man of Steel, his true identity, wins.

Today, we find people struggling with their true identities.  Bruce Jenner is now Caitlyn.  Rachel Dolezal insists she is African American, though her white parents dispute it. Some have green hair, multiple piercings and tattooes. Others may find their identity in their sexuality, drug use, religion, education, wealth, possessions, ethnicity, etc.  Many are coming forth to distinguish themselves from everyone else Facebook, Twitter and other online services help people come forth to say, “Here I am! Look at ME!”

Sadly, such focus on certain temporal particulars of ourselves actually cause us to lose our fully authentic selves.  The Book of Mormon actually talks of a time when the people knew their true selves:




 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happierpeople among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.. There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were inone, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God. (4 Nephi 1:15-17)


We see that the people did not distinguish themselves. They were not Nephites nor Lamanites, but found their true, secret identity: “children of Christ and heirs to the kingdom of God”

Satan wins when he divides us.  The divisions come when he confuses us over what our true identity is.  The Book of Mormon continually notes fine clothing as a sign of division, as we later see in 4 Nephi:




And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.  And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them.  And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ. (4 Nephi 1:24-26).


No longer equals as children of God, they sought out their own ways.  As Elder L. Tom Perry noted in General Conference,




We want our voice to be heard against all of the counterfeit and alternative lifestyles that try to replace the family organization that God Himself established.


Elder Perry explained that the family organization is an eternal and important component of who we really are.  To look at just one small part of who we possibly may be and to make it the center of our devotion to self, is to listen to the soothing lies of Satan, who is glad to give us the philosophies of men with some scripture mingled in.

Because of our culture of wrong identity, we see an America that is shrinking in its belief in Christ and goodness.  Even as with the apostate Nephites in 4 Nephi, many of the sins of their day are now becoming commonplace and accepted, even preferred.




 And it came to pass that they who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle….And it came to pass that two hundred and forty and four years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the people. And the more wicked part of the people did wax strong, and became exceedingly more numerous than were the people of God….And it came to pass that the robbers of Gadianton did spread over all the face of the land; and there were none that were righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus. And gold and silver did they lay up in store in abundance, and did traffic in all manner of 

traffic. (4 Nephi 1:38-46)Suddenly, we see that big business and wealth replaced charity and oneness. As they grew wicked, the law of God and the knowledge of being God’s children were replaced once again by envyings, strifes, tumults, whoredoms, lyings, murders, and any manner of lasciviousness (sexuality).


Marriage is diminished as people use no-fault divorce, live together, or change God’s pattern for something else. God’s plan of consecration and providing for the poor is offended by those who enrich themselves in false government programs that maintain a war on poverty that only grows the numbers of poor.  God’s love for his children and His desire for them to be like him are twisted by Satan’s counterfeit claims of radical freedom: justifying alternative lifestyles, dishonesty, and contention.

It isn’t something new.  Satan confused Cain into declaring himself unique:




 And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness.  And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him. And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying: I am free; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands. (Moses 5:31-33)

 


How many of us proclaim ourselves free of God, by taking up our own counterfeit identity?  And we see if increasing in America.  Satan is currently winning the battle of the hearts of men, so that “even the elect are deceived” in some cases.

Rather than encouraging alternative lifestyles, we should be encouraging all to reveal their true secret identity: children of God and heirs of his kingdom.

 
 

With Vort, I am also a strong believer in evolution and an old earth.  The Bible does not require a young earth, nor does it require that there be no evolution. It only requires that there was an Adam and Eve. Even then, it does not require that the are the DNA ancestors of all mankind, just the spiritual/cultural ancestors of all people, just as Lehi is the cultural ancestor of all modern Indians in the Americas.
 
Both Mormons and Evangelicals (along with all Christians) tend to add layers of requirements onto the religion that do not need to be there. Nowhere in the Bible or LDS scripture does it require us to believe that God is a Trinity or a Godhead. These are additions we add. The scriptures only require us to believe in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost - without defining what those persons are necessarily like. Yes, the D&C tells us about physical bodies, but we still do not know what that means entirely.  Our minds cannot comprehend what a glorified physical or spiritual body really is like.  So our brains fill in details, whether they are correct or not.  While knowledge is important, I truly do not think God cares one way or the other if we know he is 3 persons in one God, or 3 persons in one Godhead.  Regardless of which one is more correct, our understanding still falls very short of what/who God is.
 
As mentioned in a talk in General Conference, a person was angry with another person who did something terribly wrong and so complained to the Lord.  The Spirit whispered to the complainer: "From where I stand, you two look pretty much the same."  From where God stands, Trinity and Godhead are both lacking in a fullness of understanding and knowing God.  

In the classic Superman movie series (Superman 3), starring Christopher Reeve, we find that Superman is contaminated by some Kryptonite.  In an interesting scene, the evil Superman lands in an auto junkyard, screams, and then has his alter-ego, Clark Kent, emerge.  The two duke it out, until the real Man of Steel, his true identity, wins.

Today, we find people struggling with their true identities.  Bruce Jenner is now Caitlyn.  Rachel Dolezal insists she is African American, though her white parents dispute it. Some have green hair, multiple piercings and tattooes. Others may find their identity in their sexuality, drug use, religion, education, wealth, possessions, ethnicity, etc.  Many are coming forth to distinguish themselves from everyone else Facebook, Twitter and other online services help people come forth to say, “Here I am! Look at ME!”

Sadly, such focus on certain temporal particulars of ourselves actually cause us to lose our fully authentic selves.  The Book of Mormon actually talks of a time when the people knew their true selves:




 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happierpeople among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.. There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were inone, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God. (4 Nephi 1:15-17)


We see that the people did not distinguish themselves. They were not Nephites nor Lamanites, but found their true, secret identity: “children of Christ and heirs to the kingdom of God”

Satan wins when he divides us.  The divisions come when he confuses us over what our true identity is.  The Book of Mormon continually notes fine clothing as a sign of division, as we later see in 4 Nephi:




And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.  And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them.  And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ. (4 Nephi 1:24-26).


No longer equals as children of God, they sought out their own ways.  As Elder L. Tom Perry noted in General Conference,




We want our voice to be heard against all of the counterfeit and alternative lifestyles that try to replace the family organization that God Himself established.


Elder Perry explained that the family organization is an eternal and important component of who we really are.  To look at just one small part of who we possibly may be and to make it the center of our devotion to self, is to listen to the soothing lies of Satan, who is glad to give us the philosophies of men with some scripture mingled in.

Because of our culture of wrong identity, we see an America that is shrinking in its belief in Christ and goodness.  Even as with the apostate Nephites in 4 Nephi, many of the sins of their day are now becoming commonplace and accepted, even preferred.




 And it came to pass that they who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle….And it came to pass that two hundred and forty and four years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the people. And the more wicked part of the people did wax strong, and became exceedingly more numerous than were the people of God….And it came to pass that the robbers of Gadianton did spread over all the face of the land; and there were none that were righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus. And gold and silver did they lay up in store in abundance, and did traffic in all manner of 

traffic. (4 Nephi 1:38-46)Suddenly, we see that big business and wealth replaced charity and oneness. As they grew wicked, the law of God and the knowledge of being God’s children were replaced once again by envyings, strifes, tumults, whoredoms, lyings, murders, and any manner of lasciviousness (sexuality).


Marriage is diminished as people use no-fault divorce, live together, or change God’s pattern for something else. God’s plan of consecration and providing for the poor is offended by those who enrich themselves in false government programs that maintain a war on poverty that only grows the numbers of poor.  God’s love for his children and His desire for them to be like him are twisted by Satan’s counterfeit claims of radical freedom: justifying alternative lifestyles, dishonesty, and contention.

It isn’t something new.  Satan confused Cain into declaring himself unique:




 And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness.  And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him. And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying: I am free; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands. (Moses 5:31-33)

 


How many of us proclaim ourselves free of God, by taking up our own counterfeit identity?  And we see if increasing in America.  Satan is currently winning the battle of the hearts of men, so that “even the elect are deceived” in some cases.

Rather than encouraging alternative lifestyles, we should be encouraging all to reveal their true secret identity: children of God and heirs of his kingdom.

 
 

In the classic Superman movie series (Superman 3), starring Christopher Reeve, we find that Superman is contaminated by some Kryptonite.  In an interesting scene, the evil Superman lands in an auto junkyard, screams, and then has his alter-ego, Clark Kent, emerge.  The two duke it out, until the real Man of Steel, his true identity, wins.

Today, we find people struggling with their true identities.  Bruce Jenner is now Caitlyn.  Rachel Dolezal insists she is African American, though her white parents dispute it. Some have green hair, multiple piercings and tattooes. Others may find their identity in their sexuality, drug use, religion, education, wealth, possessions, ethnicity, etc.  Many are coming forth to distinguish themselves from everyone else Facebook, Twitter and other online services help people come forth to say, “Here I am! Look at ME!”

Sadly, such focus on certain temporal particulars of ourselves actually cause us to lose our fully authentic selves.  The Book of Mormon actually talks of a time when the people knew their true selves:




 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happierpeople among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.. There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were inone, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God. (4 Nephi 1:15-17)


We see that the people did not distinguish themselves. They were not Nephites nor Lamanites, but found their true, secret identity: “children of Christ and heirs to the kingdom of God”

Satan wins when he divides us.  The divisions come when he confuses us over what our true identity is.  The Book of Mormon continually notes fine clothing as a sign of division, as we later see in 4 Nephi:




And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.  And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them.  And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ. (4 Nephi 1:24-26).


No longer equals as children of God, they sought out their own ways.  As Elder L. Tom Perry noted in General Conference,




We want our voice to be heard against all of the counterfeit and alternative lifestyles that try to replace the family organization that God Himself established.


Elder Perry explained that the family organization is an eternal and important component of who we really are.  To look at just one small part of who we possibly may be and to make it the center of our devotion to self, is to listen to the soothing lies of Satan, who is glad to give us the philosophies of men with some scripture mingled in.

Because of our culture of wrong identity, we see an America that is shrinking in its belief in Christ and goodness.  Even as with the apostate Nephites in 4 Nephi, many of the sins of their day are now becoming commonplace and accepted, even preferred.




 And it came to pass that they who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle….And it came to pass that two hundred and forty and four years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the people. And the more wicked part of the people did wax strong, and became exceedingly more numerous than were the people of God….And it came to pass that the robbers of Gadianton did spread over all the face of the land; and there were none that were righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus. And gold and silver did they lay up in store in abundance, and did traffic in all manner of 

traffic. (4 Nephi 1:38-46)Suddenly, we see that big business and wealth replaced charity and oneness. As they grew wicked, the law of God and the knowledge of being God’s children were replaced once again by envyings, strifes, tumults, whoredoms, lyings, murders, and any manner of lasciviousness (sexuality).


Marriage is diminished as people use no-fault divorce, live together, or change God’s pattern for something else. God’s plan of consecration and providing for the poor is offended by those who enrich themselves in false government programs that maintain a war on poverty that only grows the numbers of poor.  God’s love for his children and His desire for them to be like him are twisted by Satan’s counterfeit claims of radical freedom: justifying alternative lifestyles, dishonesty, and contention.

It isn’t something new.  Satan confused Cain into declaring himself unique:




 And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness.  And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him. And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying: I am free; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands. (Moses 5:31-33)

 


How many of us proclaim ourselves free of God, by taking up our own counterfeit identity?  And we see if increasing in America.  Satan is currently winning the battle of the hearts of men, so that “even the elect are deceived” in some cases.

Rather than encouraging alternative lifestyles, we should be encouraging all to reveal their true secret identity: children of God and heirs of his kingdom.

 
 

In the classic Superman movie series (Superman 3), starring Christopher Reeve, we find that Superman is contaminated by some Kryptonite.  In an interesting scene, the evil Superman lands in an auto junkyard, screams, and then has his alter-ego, Clark Kent, emerge.  The two duke it out, until the real Man of Steel, his true identity, wins.

Today, we find people struggling with their true identities.  Bruce Jenner is now Caitlyn.  Rachel Dolezal insists she is African American, though her white parents dispute it. Some have green hair, multiple piercings and tattooes. Others may find their identity in their sexuality, drug use, religion, education, wealth, possessions, ethnicity, etc.  Many are coming forth to distinguish themselves from everyone else Facebook, Twitter and other online services help people come forth to say, “Here I am! Look at ME!”

Sadly, such focus on certain temporal particulars of ourselves actually cause us to lose our fully authentic selves.  The Book of Mormon actually talks of a time when the people knew their true selves:




 And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people. And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happierpeople among all the people who had been created by the hand of God.. There were no robbers, nor murderers, neither were there Lamanites, nor any manner of -ites; but they were inone, the children of Christ, and heirs to the kingdom of God. (4 Nephi 1:15-17)


We see that the people did not distinguish themselves. They were not Nephites nor Lamanites, but found their true, secret identity: “children of Christ and heirs to the kingdom of God”

Satan wins when he divides us.  The divisions come when he confuses us over what our true identity is.  The Book of Mormon continually notes fine clothing as a sign of division, as we later see in 4 Nephi:




And now, in this two hundred and first year there began to be among them those who were lifted up in pride, such as the wearing of costly apparel, and all manner of fine pearls, and of the fine things of the world.  And from that time forth they did have their goods and their substance no more common among them.  And they began to be divided into classes; and they began to build up churches unto themselves to get gain, and began to deny the true church of Christ. (4 Nephi 1:24-26).


No longer equals as children of God, they sought out their own ways.  As Elder L. Tom Perry noted in General Conference,




We want our voice to be heard against all of the counterfeit and alternative lifestyles that try to replace the family organization that God Himself established.


Elder Perry explained that the family organization is an eternal and important component of who we really are.  To look at just one small part of who we possibly may be and to make it the center of our devotion to self, is to listen to the soothing lies of Satan, who is glad to give us the philosophies of men with some scripture mingled in.

Because of our culture of wrong identity, we see an America that is shrinking in its belief in Christ and goodness.  Even as with the apostate Nephites in 4 Nephi, many of the sins of their day are now becoming commonplace and accepted, even preferred.




 And it came to pass that they who rejected the gospel were called Lamanites, and Lemuelites, and Ishmaelites; and they did not dwindle in unbelief, but they did wilfully rebel against the gospel of Christ; and they did teach their children that they should not believe, even as their fathers, from the beginning, did dwindle….And it came to pass that two hundred and forty and four years had passed away, and thus were the affairs of the people. And the more wicked part of the people did wax strong, and became exceedingly more numerous than were the people of God….And it came to pass that the robbers of Gadianton did spread over all the face of the land; and there were none that were righteous save it were the disciples of Jesus. And gold and silver did they lay up in store in abundance, and did traffic in all manner of 

traffic. (4 Nephi 1:38-46)Suddenly, we see that big business and wealth replaced charity and oneness. As they grew wicked, the law of God and the knowledge of being God’s children were replaced once again by envyings, strifes, tumults, whoredoms, lyings, murders, and any manner of lasciviousness (sexuality).


Marriage is diminished as people use no-fault divorce, live together, or change God’s pattern for something else. God’s plan of consecration and providing for the poor is offended by those who enrich themselves in false government programs that maintain a war on poverty that only grows the numbers of poor.  God’s love for his children and His desire for them to be like him are twisted by Satan’s counterfeit claims of radical freedom: justifying alternative lifestyles, dishonesty, and contention.

It isn’t something new.  Satan confused Cain into declaring himself unique:




 And Cain said: Truly I am Mahan, the master of this great secret, that I may murder and get gain. Wherefore Cain was called Master Mahan, and he gloried in his wickedness.  And Cain went into the field, and Cain talked with Abel, his brother. And it came to pass that while they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel, his brother, and slew him. And Cain gloried in that which he had done, saying: I am free; surely the flocks of my brother falleth into my hands. (Moses 5:31-33)

 


How many of us proclaim ourselves free of God, by taking up our own counterfeit identity?  And we see if increasing in America.  Satan is currently winning the battle of the hearts of men, so that “even the elect are deceived” in some cases.

Rather than encouraging alternative lifestyles, we should be encouraging all to reveal their true secret identity: children of God and heirs of his kingdom.

 
 

With Vort, I am also a strong believer in evolution and an old earth.  The Bible does not require a young earth, nor does it require that there be no evolution. It only requires that there was an Adam and Eve. Even then, it does not require that the are the DNA ancestors of all mankind, just the spiritual/cultural ancestors of all people, just as Lehi is the cultural ancestor of all modern Indians in the Americas.
 
Both Mormons and Evangelicals (along with all Christians) tend to add layers of requirements onto the religion that do not need to be there. Nowhere in the Bible or LDS scripture does it require us to believe that God is a Trinity or a Godhead. These are additions we add. The scriptures only require us to believe in the Father, Son and Holy Ghost - without defining what those persons are necessarily like. Yes, the D&C tells us about physical bodies, but we still do not know what that means entirely.  Our minds cannot comprehend what a glorified physical or spiritual body really is like.  So our brains fill in details, whether they are correct or not.  While knowledge is important, I truly do not think God cares one way or the other if we know he is 3 persons in one God, or 3 persons in one Godhead.  Regardless of which one is more correct, our understanding still falls very short of what/who God is.
 
As mentioned in a talk in General Conference, a person was angry with another person who did something terribly wrong and so complained to the Lord.  The Spirit whispered to the complainer: "From where I stand, you two look pretty much the same."  From where God stands, Trinity and Godhead are both lacking in a fullness of understanding and knowing God.  

In every group of great cops, there will be a few bad ones. Sadly, those are often the ones that get all the attention, sucking the air and attention out of the room for the good cops.
 
We need to work to support the good cops, while protecting citizens against the bad ones, who use their shield and weapon as a reason to bully and break laws.  I spent 4 years in the USAF as a cop, and saw both types.  One of my supervisors spent 6 months in jail (along with a dozen others) for using their power and authority to create a theft ring around base.  Not easy to enter into the desk and see your old supervisor sitting there.

I'm a libertarian, and so do not care whether a person chooses to change his gender or not.  That said, I do not believe that Jenner really wanted to be a woman.  Instead, The Vanity Fair front cover proves she really wanted to be Kim Kardashian.  Bruce Jenner could not get attention as a man, so she is now seeking attention as a KK impersonator.

I think there is a major problem with many young men in society in general. Fewer are attending college, many are staying longer in the parents' home, many are delaying marriage, many are getting hooked on video games and porn, many are reluctant to take on any responsibilities whatsoever. 
 
This is now affecting the Church, as well. Young men are delaying missions or choosing not to serve. A large number go inactive, rather than seek a spiritual conversion and accept the responsibilities.
 
Young men should not serve for solely cultural or social reasons. But they should learn to step above the world and find the spiritual witness that will move them to serve.
 
I joined when I was 16 of my own volition.  The gospel answered a lot of questions of life for me. When I met Elder S. Dilworth Young (presidency of the 70), who asked me if I was planning on serving a mission - something I never before was asked, nor had I considered - the answer was easy.  I promised him I would serve, because I had/have a testimony of the prophets and servants of God, and I knew this is what God would have me do.  Such requires accepting a witness and the responsibility of carrying that witness into the world.

But biogenesis is not a theory; it is a logical necessity. Questions of biogenesis must necessarily arise in any discussion of evolution, or indeed of genetic reproduction or even of the finite age of the universe.
 
I have been forced to acknowledge that I'm some what of a minority among Latter-day Saints, an odd duck who accepts organic evolution without any cognitive dissonance. I'm actually in agreement with many of the arguments made by those who want to see real science taught in our schools instead of pseudoscientific Creationism ideas. But the implicit smirking at and loathing of religion, especially Christianity, by people such as Bill Nye and the unabashedly hypocritical Neil deGrasse Tyson, make me pretty much dead set against them furthering their agenda.
 
I homeschool my kids, so what is taught in the public schools is more of secondary than of primary interest to me. My children know my viewpoints and, hopefully, understand at least the rudiments of fundamental scientific principles of physics, chemistry, and biology, including evolution. But if I had to make a choice, I would much rather they be exposed to the eye-rolling claims of the Young Earth Creationists than the smirking, lying mockery of the Neil deGrasse Tysons.

I think there is a major problem with many young men in society in general. Fewer are attending college, many are staying longer in the parents' home, many are delaying marriage, many are getting hooked on video games and porn, many are reluctant to take on any responsibilities whatsoever. 
 
This is now affecting the Church, as well. Young men are delaying missions or choosing not to serve. A large number go inactive, rather than seek a spiritual conversion and accept the responsibilities.
 
Young men should not serve for solely cultural or social reasons. But they should learn to step above the world and find the spiritual witness that will move them to serve.
 
I joined when I was 16 of my own volition.  The gospel answered a lot of questions of life for me. When I met Elder S. Dilworth Young (presidency of the 70), who asked me if I was planning on serving a mission - something I never before was asked, nor had I considered - the answer was easy.  I promised him I would serve, because I had/have a testimony of the prophets and servants of God, and I knew this is what God would have me do.  Such requires accepting a witness and the responsibility of carrying that witness into the world.

In every group of great cops, there will be a few bad ones. Sadly, those are often the ones that get all the attention, sucking the air and attention out of the room for the good cops.
 
We need to work to support the good cops, while protecting citizens against the bad ones, who use their shield and weapon as a reason to bully and break laws.  I spent 4 years in the USAF as a cop, and saw both types.  One of my supervisors spent 6 months in jail (along with a dozen others) for using their power and authority to create a theft ring around base.  Not easy to enter into the desk and see your old supervisor sitting there.

I went broke trying to get my self-help business book published. Sorry.

I kind of get tired of people throwing out the "What would Jesus do" for so many things of the world.  

Vort, et al,
 
Yes, it is a Rame sighting. I've been busy in different/other venues, such as Millennial Star blog. Thought I'd stop by more often here if I can.
 
If a young man does not have a testimony, or at least a desire to believe, he should not serve a mission.  Even a weak testimony may be strengthened on a mission. However, preparation makes a big difference on whether a young man has a successful mission or not. It determines whether his mission will be to refine him, or so he can bless and refine others.  Mission presidents hope for the latter.

I think there is a major problem with many young men in society in general. Fewer are attending college, many are staying longer in the parents' home, many are delaying marriage, many are getting hooked on video games and porn, many are reluctant to take on any responsibilities whatsoever. 
 
This is now affecting the Church, as well. Young men are delaying missions or choosing not to serve. A large number go inactive, rather than seek a spiritual conversion and accept the responsibilities.
 
Young men should not serve for solely cultural or social reasons. But they should learn to step above the world and find the spiritual witness that will move them to serve.
 
I joined when I was 16 of my own volition.  The gospel answered a lot of questions of life for me. When I met Elder S. Dilworth Young (presidency of the 70), who asked me if I was planning on serving a mission - something I never before was asked, nor had I considered - the answer was easy.  I promised him I would serve, because I had/have a testimony of the prophets and servants of God, and I knew this is what God would have me do.  Such requires accepting a witness and the responsibility of carrying that witness into the world.

...ram...?
 
Wow. It's like a Three Nephites sighting.

I work in a state prison system. I personally do not have a problem with legalizing marijuana (in the same way alcohol is). That said, I recognize that neither alcohol nor marijuana is as "safe" as some claim.
I can't tell you the numbers of people I see come in for issues of: DUI, assault, theft, burglary, rape, child molestation, and murder, simply because they were stoned on marijuana.
Working with our Substance Abuse counselors, I've learned that marijuana affects short term memory, cognitive abilities, and in a few cases can cause paranoia or mental disorder. It is about as carcinogenic as tobacco, and as addictive as alcohol.
So, while I see it as useful as a prescription medicine for pain, I also see it as being misused by many people who use the excuse of self-medication for pain, instead of learning to deal with pain in other ways. It is no better than being addicted to Vicodin or Oxycontin.
As for the Word of Wisdom, it is up to the Prophet to determine what falls under the WoW, not Bigernflo. The prophets have mentioned illegal drugs as part of the WoW ban, and have warned us about misusing prescription medications, as well. Coffee and Tea are less harmful than marijuana, yet we have a strict ban on those substances. His claims do not make logical sense, outside of using MJ under the guidance of a doctor.