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Found 21 results

  1. For the past few years, I have been reading many books and pamphlets issued by the church in an attempt to gain a fuller understanding of what we believe. In addition, I have attended the Temple at least once a week if not more bringing my own family names for the past nine months. Are there any books you would suggest? Here is a list of what I have read already. The Book of Mormon (Various Editions) The Doctrine and Covenants The Pearl of Great Price The Old Testament The New Testament Revelations in Context The Work and Glory (All books in the series) Preach my Gospel Gospel Principles Answers to Gospel Questions Vol. 2 by Joseph Feilding Smith The Holy Temple by Boyd K. Packer Melchizedek Priesthood Personal Study Guide 2 To Make Thee a Minister And a Witness Mormon Doctrine 2nd Edition by Bruce R. McKonkie The Kingdom of God by Oscar W. McConkie Jr. Endowed from on High: Teachers Manual The Joseph Smith Papers Revelations & Translations Facsimile Edition Mormon Doctrine 1st Edtion by Bruce R. McKonkie Handbook 1 Stake Presidents and Bishops (2010 Editon) (Harold B. Lee Library) Handbook 2 Administering the Church (2010 & 2019 Edition) General Handbook of Instructions (1899 Edition) (Harold B. Lee Library) The Book of Commandments Journal of Discourses: Volume 1 President Brigham Young's Doctrine on Deity Vol. 1 by Fred C. Collier Unpublished Revelations Vo1. 1 Fred C. Collier Homosexuality Second Edition 1981 Understanding and Helping Those Who Have Homosexual Problems Suggestions for Ecclesiastical Leaders 1992 2019 The House of the Lord by James E. Talmage Journal of L. John Nuttall Information and Suggestions for Patriarchs (2016 Edition) Come, Follow Me- For Individuals and Families (2019) Baptisms for the Dead in Early Christianity by David L. Paulsen and Brock M. Mason "Temple Pro Templore": The Salt Lake City Endowment House by Lisle G. Brown 'Not to be Riten': The Mormon Temple Rite as Oral Cannon by Kathleen Flake BYU Speeches, Patriarchal Blessings by James E. Faust The Development of the Mormon Temple Endowment Ceremony by David John Buerger The Fulness of the Priesthood the Second Anointing in Latter-Day Saint theology and practice by David John Buerger The Washing of the Feet by Richard Ware The Book of Anointings Temple and Cosmos by Hugh Nibley
  2. A McConkie-ism is something abrasive or difficult said by Bruce R. McConkie. It's his own special way of "putting it." Be it his own opinions or in doctrine. The most recent time I was broadsided by a McConkie-ism was in his talk "Our relationship with the Lord" (search for it at your own risk.) In this talk he lays out the proper relationship we are to have with each member of the Godhead, and along the way explaining how the sectarians are doing it wrong. At the time I heard it, I thought he made God and Christ sound pharisaical, over pious, untouchable, impersonal. (At the time I thought "only the Smiths get be friends with God, eh Bruce?") Needless to say, it went against my conception of things. Nevertheless, he was right in the end in his main point. It wasn't that God and Christ were pharisaical, over pious, untouchable, impersonal. It's that my treatment of them was too casual, their divinity reduced by my own inadequate reverence and perhaps foolish pride. Now I understand what he was talking about. And the fun thing is, the loving, personal, and intimate Father and Son which I envisioned before this particular McConkie-ism, is demonstrated in Scripture (obvious to everyone but Snigmorder.) There have been other McConkie-isms. For example, I used to sneer and rant and murmur every time I opened one of his books. But I got over that, and now I admire the man and can read him and hear him without being broadsided. Have you ever been broadsided by Bruce R. McConkie?
  3. I should preface this with a disclaimer: I don't care about the theory of organic evolution, I can take it or leave it. We know that creation ex nihilo (from nothing) is a false doctrine of apostate Christendom and is part of the philosophical construction which they call "the Trinity." We also know that matter, physical stuff which exists, is eternal and has no originator or origin. There is nothing which exists which is not material. If something is incorporeal, it doesn't exist. Think about the eternal nature of matter. Now think about what we are, and what the animals are, and what the plants are. We are living organisms, we might call it organic matter. Do you think that organic matter is uncreated and unoriginated the same way inanimate matter is? It seems apparent to me that biological organisms are not eternal, that they must be derived from unliving matter. We don't believe in a God that creates from nothing. We believe in a God which gives order and organization and law to pre-existing materials which he did not cause to be. This includes the laws upon which matter would change incrementally into a higher order. We know that living organisms can be derived from dead matter, because that's exactly what happened. Living things exist, so that is precisely what has happened. Matter has become living. How else would something as complex as our bodies be formed if not incrementally? Do you imagine Him causing dead matter to form all of the complex processes and materials of the body in one act of creation? In one moment? I'm not sure I do. Some have said that biological life on earth was brought from the eternal worlds and settled here on earth. I'm not sure what evidence there is in scripture for that premise. There are contradictions in scripture. Such as the idea that Adam and Eve are the first humans on this earth. I've heard a theory from a BYU biologist (I can't recall his name) wherein Homo sapiens pre-date Adam and Eve and what Adam and Eve are, are the first souls, the first parents of the race of Man. Meaning God took a male and female Homosapien and placed into them the spirits of Adam and Eve. The mind of gods were made flesh. I'm not sure what I think of this theory. Lehi also tells us that there was no death before the fall. Some people have said that this means no death in the garden of Eden only, meaning there was a death outside the garden. But Lehi is very clear that there was no death among all the things which were created. Organisms outside the garden of Eden are among those things created. People like Bruce R. McConkie and Joseph Fielding Smith (one of whom I admire) were very opposed to evolution. While men like B.H. Roberts and James A. Talmage took no issue with it. And those were just the golden oldies, I'm sure the same disagreements exist today. What do you think about evolution?
  4. In scripture we have been told, "And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God." (Alma 31:5) Elder Boyd K. Packer is known also for this quote regarding doctrine, behavior, and change, "True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior” (“Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17). How do, or how would, you focus on true doctrine to change behavior rather than focusing on the behavior?
  5. Hello! My name pretty much everywhere on the internet is Jethco. I don't know why I hadn't found this forum earlier but better late than never, eh? I found it due to an older thread from 2009 that was full of chit-chat and speculation about what curemoms and cumoms could possibly be identified as today. We read Ether 9 tonight in family scripture study and I was interested to see what the world had come up with for curremoms and cumoms. My interests include furthering my doctrinal knowledge through healthy conversation with other people. In the real world I'm studying to be a commercial pilot, I served a full-time mission in the Guatemala Guatemala City Central mission; the best mission in the world , I married a beautiful Colombian woman in 2013 who is now 11 weeks pregnant with our first baby, and life is getting pretty interesting all of a sudden. Lol. I'm pretty much an open book. Like most people, I like to share my opinion with people and tell my story. I also love to hear about other people and compare how life's experiences can sculpt each one of us differently. On that note I'm a little bit of an anthropologist at heart and a super-novice linguist having learned Spanish on my mission. I would love to learn more languages. I find the differences and similarities fascinating! I'm currently living in Bakersfield, CA but being raised an Air Force brat I've seen my fair share of moving trucks and we haven't planted firm roots quite yet.
  6. There's a part of me that is deeply saddened. Ministers, deacons, and other clergy--and most likely bishops, home teachers, etc., as well, will have to resign their callings because they gave into the lure of sinful sexual encounters via a supposedly secure website. Similarly, there is an organization called The Clergy Project that aims to help religious leaders who no longer believe in God to transition out of spiritual service. On the LDS side, most here are well aware that there are organizations that aim to help LDS do the same (some Evangelical, others secular). What to make of these incidents? Besides sadness, part of me feels anger. How dare Satan and his minions target God's choice servants?! Then again, of course they do. And, here's the rub: If you engage in sexual immorality, or if you do not believe in God (or the church's doctrine), it is time to leave. Christian churches have ways and means of offering restoration/reconciliation, should that be sought out. However, step one is honesty. Such folk must leave. As believers what are we to do with this news? Pessimism? Cynicism? The better path would be to fall to our knees and intercede on behalf of those who lead us. http://www.relevantmagazine.com/slices/expert-400-church-leaders-will-resign-sunday-because-names-surfaced-ashley-madison-hack
  7. We often have great strings here. Several here, including myself, have enjoyed the book "How Wide the Divide"--a published conversation between an LDS professor and an Evangelical one. Bob MIllet (BYU) and Greg Johnson (evangelical pastor) engage in public dialogues from time to time. Then there is this: http://janariess.religionnews.com/2015/05/22/mormons-and-evangelicals-answering-the-hardball-questions-about-our-faith/ These are great to see. Yet, I'm guessing most here who have engaged in religious discussions with those of other faiths would describe the encounters as awkward, defensive, angry, unkind, or, at least, unpleasant. We could spiritualize the descriptions by saying there was a spirit of contention, or that the other person's demeanor was un-Christ-like. Why is quality interfaith dialogue so rare and so difficult--especially in person?
  8. “Some time ago a newspaper in a distant town carried an Easter Sunday religion editorial by a minister who stated that the presiding authority of the early-day church fell because of self-confidence, indecision, evil companions, failure to pray, lack of humility, and fear of man. He than concluded: Let us as people, especially those who are Christians and claim to abide by the Word of God, not make the same mistakes and fall as Peter fell. (Rev. Dorsey E. Dent, “A Message for This Week.”)As I read this, I had some strange emotions. I was shocked, then I was chilled, then my blood changed its temperature and began to boil. I felt I was attacked viciously, for Peter was my brother, my colleague, my example, my prophet, and God’s anointed. I whispered to myself, 'That is not true. He is maligning my brother.'”Elder Spencer W. Kimball There is no problem with the story of Peter. The way we traditionally read the story of the Apostle Peter might be an incorrect narrative of his character and misrepresentation of the scriptural account. For all the great our beloved Peter did, we often focus on the story of his “fall” and how quickly he repented and became the “Rock” upon which the church was built. It is a miraculous story: the power of the Atonement, a story of how even the best of us can fall away, even deny the very Lord who has given us life. But yet, even with such denials and sins brought on in a time of fear and loneliness, pain, or laps in faith, the poignant power of the Atonement reaches beyond our despair and can redeem. Not to just restore us to what we once were but propel us to greatness and unshakable faith. President Gordon B. Hinckley's heartfelt description of the Apostle Peter is as follows: “My heart goes out to Peter. So many of us are so much like him. We pledge our loyalty; we affirm our determination to be of good courage; we declare, sometimes even publicly, that come what may we will do the right thing, that we will stand for the right cause, that we will be true to ourselves and to others.“Then the pressures begin to build. Sometimes these are social pressures. Sometimes they are personal appetites. Sometimes they are false ambitions. There is a weakening of the will. There is a softening of discipline. There is capitulation. And then there is remorse, followed by self-accusation and bitter tears of regret. …“… If there be those throughout the Church who by word or act have denied the faith, I pray that you may draw comfort and resolution from the example of Peter, who, though he had walked daily with Jesus, in an hour of extremity momentarily denied the Lord and also the testimony which he carried in his own heart. But he rose above this and became a mighty defender and a powerful advocate. So, too, there is a way for any person to turn about and add his or her strength and faith to the strength and faith of others in building the kingdom of God” (“And Peter Went Out and Wept Bitterly,” Ensign, Mar. 1995, 2–4, 6). Read the entire article at Scripture Guided Life
  9. "FULFILLING OUR DUTY TO GOD" Below are some important topics pertaining to the church. These topics are from the book, "For the Strength of Youth." Fulfilling Our Duty to God ------------------------------------- *AGENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY Your Heavenly Father has given you agency, the ability to choose right from wrong and to act for yourself. You have been given the Holy Ghost to help you know good from evil. While you are here on earth, you are being proven to see if you will use your agency to show your love for God by keeping His commandments. While you are free to choose for yourself, you are not free to choose the consequences of your actions. When you make a choice, you will receive the consequences of that choice. The consequences may not be Immediate, but they will always follow, for good or bad. Wrong choices delay your progression and lead to heartache and misery. Right choices lead to happiness and eternal life. That is why it is so important for you to choose what is right throughout your life. You are responsible for the choices you make. You should not blame your circumstances, your family, or your friends if you choose to disobey God's commandments. You are a child of God with great strength. You have the ability to choose righteousness and happiness, no matter what your circumstances. You are also responsible for developing the abilities and talents Heavenly Father has given you. You are accountable to Him for what you do with your abilities and how you spend your time. Do not idle away your time. Be willing to work hard. Choose to do many good things of your own free will. *GRATITUDE The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. Doing so will strengthen and bless you. In your prayers, before you ask for blessings, pour out your heart to God in thanks for the blessings you have already received. Thank Him for your family, for friends and loved ones, for leaders and teachers, for the gospel, and for His Son, Jesus Christ. You can also express gratitude to the Lord by the way you live. When you keep His commandments and serve others, you show that you love Him and are grateful to Him. Express appreciation to everyone who helps you in any way. *FAMILY Being apart of a family is a great blessing. Your family can provide you with companionship and happiness, help you learn correct principles in a loving atmosphere, and help you prepare for eternal life. Not all families are the same, but each is important in Heavenly Father's plan. Do your part to build a happy home. Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of others. Many problems in the home are created because family members speak and act selfishly or unkindly. Concern yourself with the needs of other family members. Seek to be a peacemaker rather than to tease, fight, and quarrel. Remember that the family is the most sacred unit of the church. Honor your parents by showing love and respect for them and by being obedient. Be willing to help in the home with chores that need to be done. Participate in family activities and traditions, including family prayer, family home evenings, and family scripture reading. These traditions strengthen and unify families. Set a good example for other family members. Strengthen your relationship with your brothers and sisters. They can become your closest friends. Support them in their interests and help them with problems they may be facing. *DRESS AND APPEARANCE Your body is God's sacred creation. Respect it as a gift from God, and do not defile it in any way. Through your dress and appearance, you can show the Lord how precious your body is. You can show that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ. Prophets of God have always counseled His children to dress modestly. The way you dress is a reflection of what you are on the inside. Your dress and grooming send messages about you to others and influence the way you and others act. When you are well groomed and modestly dressed, you invite the companionship of the Spirit and can exercise a good influence on those around you. Never lower your dress standards for any occasion. Doing so sends the message that you are using your body to get attention and approval and that modesty is important only when it is convenient. Immodest clothing includes short shorts and skirts, tight clothing, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and other revealing attire. Young women should wear clothing that covers the shoulders and avoid clothing that is low-cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner. Young men should also maintain modesty in their appearance. All should avoid extremes in clothing, appearance, and hairstyle. Always be neat and clean and avoid being sloppy or inappropriately casual in dress, grooming, and manners. Ask yourself, "Would I feel comfortable with my appearance if I were in the Lord's presence?" Someday you will receive your endowment in the temple. Your dress and behavior should help you prepare for that sacred time. Do not disfigure yourself with tattoos or body piercings. If girls or women desire to have their ears pierced, they are encouraged to wear only one pair of modest earrings. Show respect for the Lord and for yourself by dressing appropriately for Church meetings and activities, whether on Sunday or during the week. If you are not sure what is appropriate, ask your parents or leaders for help. *DATING In cultures where dating and courtship is acceptable, dating can help you find lasting friendships and eventually find an eternal companion. Date only those who have high standards and in whose company you can maintain your standards. A young man and a young women on a date are responsible to help each other maintain their standards and to protect each other's honor and virtue. You must honor the sanctity of the priesthood and of womanhood. Do not date until you are at least 16 years old. Dating before then can lead to immortality, limit the number of other young you can meet, and deprive you of experiences that will help you choose an eternal partner. Not all teenagers need to date or even want to. Many young people do not date during their teen years because they are not yet interested, do not have opportunities, or simply want to delay forming serious relationships. However, good friendships can and should be developed at every age. When you begin dating, go in groups or on double dates. Avoid going on frequent dates with the same person. Make sure your parents meet those you date. You may want to invite your dates to activities with your family. Plan dating activities that are positive and inexpensive and that will help you get to know each other. Do things that will help you and your companions maintain your self-respect and remain close to the Spirit of the Lord. *SEXUAL PURITY Physical intimacy between husband and wife is beautiful and sacred. It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love between husband and wife. God has commanded that sexual intimacy be reserved for marriage. When you obey God's commandment to be sexually pure, you prepare yourself to make and keep sacred covenants in the temple. You prepare yourself to build a strong marriage and to bring children into the world as part of a loving family. You protect yourself from the emotional damage that always comes from sharing physical intimacies with someone outside of a marriage. Do not have any sexual relations before marriage. Satan may tempt you to rationalize that sexual intimacy before marriage is acceptable when two people are in love. That is not true. In God's sight, sexual sins are extremely serious because they defile the power God has given us to create life. The prophet Alma taught that sexual sins are more serious than any other sins except murder or denying the Holy Ghost. Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotions that must only be expressed in marriage. Do not participate in passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private, sacred parts of another person's body,with or without clothing. Do not allow anyone to do that with you. Do not arouse those emotions in your own body. In cultures where dating or courtship is acceptable, always treat your date with respect, never as an object to be used for your lustful desires. Stay in areas of safety where you can easily control your physical desires. Do not participate in talk or activities that arose sexual feelings. *REPENTANCE The savior gave His life for us and suffered for our sins. This great sacrifice is called the Atonement. Through the Atonement, you can receive forgiveness and be cleansed from your sins when you repent. When you do what is necessary to receive forgiveness, you will know for yourself the power of the Atonement and the love God has for you. You will feel the peace of the Lord Jesus Christ, which will bring you great strength. Satan wants you to think that you cannot repent, but that is absolutely not true. The Savior has promised you forgiveness if you will do what is required. The sooner you repent, the sooner you will find the blessings that come from forgiveness. Some people knowingly break God's commandments, expecting to repent before they go to the temple or serve a mission. Such deliberate sin mocks the Savior's Atonement and invites Satan to influence your life. Repentance for such behavior is difficult and can take a long time. If you sin this way, you may lose years of blessings and spiritual guidance. You may become trapped in the sinful behavior, making it difficult to find your way back. You always need to confess your sins to the Lord. You should also confess your sins to those you have wronged. If you have committed serious sin,such as immortality, you need to confess them to your bishop. *HONESTY Be honest with yourself, others, and the Lord. When you are honest in every way,you build strength of character that will allow you to be of great service to God and others. You will be blessed with peace of mind and self-respect. When you are honest, you will be trusted by the Lord and by those around you. Dishonesty hurts you and usually hurts others as well. When you lie,steal,shoplift, or cheat, you damage your spirit and become less able to do good things. Be honest in your job, giving a full amount of work for your pay. Don't rationalize that wrong is right, even though many people around you may think there is no harm in being dishonest. Being honed requires courage and commitment to do what you know is right. *TITHES AND OFFERINGS The law of tithing is an important commandment that you should obey throughout your life. A tithe is one-tenth of your income. Paying tithing shows your gratitude for all that God has given you. It is a way to help build God's kingdom on earth. Tithing is used to build temples and meeting houses, translate and publish the scriptures, provide Church materials to members, do missionary work, perform temple and family history work, and support seminaries and institutes. Your attitude is important in paying tithing. Pay it because you love the Lord and have faith in Him. Pay it willingly with a thankful heart. Pay it first,even when you think you don't have enough money to meet your other needs. Doing so will help you overcome selfishness and be more receptive to the Spirit. At the end of each year, schedule a time for tithing settlement with your bishop. This is a meeting in which you review your contribution records and declare whether you have paid a full tithe. Obey the law of the fast by fasting once each month (if health permits), usually on the first Sunday of the month. A proper fast day observance includes not eating or drinking to help care for those in need. Begin and end your fast with prayer, asking for special help with a specific need. *PHYSICAL HEALTH The Lord has commanded you to take good care of your body. To do this,observe the Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Eat nutritious food,exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. When you do all these things, you remain free from harmful additions and have control over your life. You gain the blessings of a healthy body,an alert mind,and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Never use tobacco products, such as cigarettes, snuff,chewing tobacco, cigars, and pipe tobacco. They are very addictive and will damage your body and shorten your life. Also, do not drink coffee or tea,for these are addictive and harmful. Any form of alcohol is harmful to your body and spirit. Being under the influence of alcohol weakens your judgement and self-control and could lead you to break the law of chastity or other commandments. Drinking can lead to alcoholism, which destroys individuals and families. Any drug,chemical, or dangerous practice that is used to produce a sensation or "high" can destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. These include hard drugs,prescription or over-the-counter medications that are abused, and household chemicals. Never let Satan or others lead you to think that breaking the Word of Wisdom Wil make you happier or more attractive. *GO FORWARD WITH FAITH The standards presented in this article (pamphlet) will help you make correct choices. Review them often and ask yourself, "Am I living the way the Lord wants me to live?" To help you become all that the Lord wants you to become, get on your knees each day and express to Him the desires of your heart. He is the source of all wisdom, and you need His help. He will hear and answer you. Read the scriptures daily. They are a powerful strength to your testimony. Remember and keep the covenants you made when you were baptized and that you renew each week when you partake of the sacrament. You young men should keep the covenants you made when you received the priesthood. Keeping these covenants now will help you prepare for the temple covenants you will make in the future. Be true to the Lord and to His Church in all circumstances. The authorities of the Church will lead you in paths of happiness. Be grateful for your membership in God's great kingdom. Be humble and willing to listen to the whisperings of the Spirit. Place the wisdom of the Lord above your own wisdom. Above are some of the most important principles and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This article was designed to teach new-comers the central teachings and beliefs of the church as well as the lifestyle and cultural backgrounds. It should also benefit members by strengthening their faith and reminding everyone to read the scriptures daily and to be strong as we endure to the end. FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH Fulfilling Our Duty to God Scriptures related to the topics at hand: AGENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY "Wherefore,men...are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men,or to choose captivity and death", 2 Nephi 2:27). (Matthew 25:14-29) GRATITUDE ("He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious", D&C 78:19). (Luke 17:12-19) FAMILY ("Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith,prayer,repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work,and wholesome recreational activities" ("The Family:A Proclamation to the World"). Also look up: (Ephesians 6:1-3) DRESS AND APPEARANCE ("Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?...The temple of God is holy,which temple ye are" 1Corinthians 3:16-17.) (Alma 1:27) DATING ("The Lord has made us attractive one to another for a great purpose. But this very attraction becomes as a powder keg unless it is kept under control. ..it is for this reason that the Church counsels against early dating" -President Gordon B. Hinckley (2 Corinthians 6:14) SEXUAL PURITY ("The sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and women, lawfully wedded as husband and wife")- The Family: A Proclamation to the World (Genesis 39:1-12);(D&C 38:42) REPENTANCE ("He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more")-D&C 58:42 (Alma 36:6-24) HONESTY ("Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness")-- (Exodus 20:15-16) (Alma 27:27) TITHES AND OFFERINGS ("Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, . . .and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the Windows of heaven,and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it") -- (Malachi 3:10;3Nephi 24:10) (D&C 119:3-4) PHYSICAL HEALTH ("All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings. . .shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;and shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;and shall run and not be weary,and shall walk and not faint")--- (D&C 89:18-20) (Daniel 1:3-20) SERVICE TO OTHERS ("By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another")--- (John 13:35) (Luke 10:25-37) Hope everyone enjoys this article. Took me a full 4.5 hours to complete!!! Enjoy!!!!! ------------------------------------- ***THE END*****
  10. My daughter came home from her singles ward combine Sunday School meeting this last Sunday and was very discouraged with the topic of the lesson. The bishops wife gave the lesson, she along with many of the men in the class emphasized how it is the responsibility of the women to dress modestly to prevent men from having inappropriate thoughts and actions. This is not the first time I have heard this concept taught. This is neither doctrine or appropriate. In fact it communicates a very unhealthy message and ignores our personal agency and responsibility over our own thoughts and actions. Have you heard this message taught and how how you responded? I really enjoyed this article it communicated, in my opinion, the correct concept. "If you want your daughter (and hopefully son) to dress modestly because you want them to value their intrinsic self over their outer self? Fabulous. If you want your daughter (and hopefully son) to dress modestly to create healthy attitudes toward sexuality? Great. If you want your daughter (and hopefully son) to dress modestly to glorify the Creator of all things? Boo-ya. If you want your daughter (and hopefully son) to dress modestly because it is a long standing tradition of your church/synagogue/people/culture/or group? Awesome possum. But don’t you dare say it is to protect my son. Because I am teaching my son that he is responsible for each of his thoughts and actions. I am teaching my son that he needs to treat females and males respectfully, no matter what they wear. I am teaching my son that the media uses sex to sell things and that he’s strong enough to not be manipulated by a woman’s body. I’m teaching my son to use his mind over his groin and I’m teaching him that women are more than just their body parts." http://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/modesty-police-hurting-son-jvinc/
  11. Having a thriving, happy, eternal marriage in today’s world seems to be more and more difficult. As a student of gospel doctrines and as a Marriage and Family Therapist I find it my passion and joy to work with couples and guide them on a path to increased success and happiness in marriage. During my time working with clients and teaching the gospel I developed a questionnaire to help individuals and couples explore their individual readiness and marriages. I would value your insight and feedback on the questionnaire. You can remain anonymous if you would like. Or feel free to post your ideas here to this thread. Please rate and comment on the questionnaire here. What are your thoughts on the questionnaire? Where the question relevant? Helpful? Thought provoking? Dumb? Would love to know what you believe makes your marriage or future marriage joyous, exciting and profoundly enduring and loving. My Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dbmft
  12. I just got asked some very curious questions about the church by an Ex-Mormon. Any help in researching and/or shedding some light on these would be much appreciated--I don't even know where to start. This is what she asks: "My question revolves around the fact that you keep saying that the only reliable source of information is within the Church, regardless of historical and scientific evidence that is out there. I'm going to go out on a limb here and ask a few questions that I have about doctrine and history and I'd really love to have anyone answer since I haven't found anything on the topics on lds.org, in any talks, or other Church approved materials out there. 1. The Book of Abraham: a few years back the University of Chicago found some of the transcripts that Joseph Smith used to translate the Book of Abraham with a letter from Emma verifying this. Egyptologists, both LDS and not, studied it and found that the facsimiles in the Book of Abraham and the actual papyrus had literally nothing in common. Is modern Egyptology completely wrong? 2. Polyandry: out of Joseph's approximately 33 wives, at least 9 of which were married to living, healthy, worthy members. This contradicts celestial marriage. Which leads me to: 3. Evolving celestial laws: if this life is but a single grain of sand in eternity, why has God changed his mind about celestial marriage (doesn't he say that there is no commandment that he gives that won't prepare a way for us to accomplish it?), the blood atonement (Brigham Young), African Americans and the priesthood (was God a racist or does he bend his will to what's popular at the time?), or the numerous changes and editions in every Church material out there (history of the church, the Book of Mormon, editing sermons, and removal of the journal of discourses). 4. And last but not least in the History of the Church volume 6 Joseph Smith boasted he did more than Jesus Christ to keep the church together. In my eyes, a man that has not only seen, but talked with both God and Jesus could never EVER boast like that under ANY circumstances. Why would he say this?" These questions are very difficult and I'm absolutely at a loss of how to answer them. If anyone can spend even a few minutes helping me research and find material that can help, I would appreciate it endlessly. Links to talks by general authorities or church-approved published material would be most helpful.
  13. On the second coming: Children shall grow up without sin...(D&C 45:57-59) But yet, "for it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things" (2 Nephi 2:11) Also so...when children are born in the celestial kingdom while parents are in a "resurrected state" will children be resurrected at that point? Will they have flesh and bone? If so they just skipped mortality and went straight to immortality. We were all promised resurrection for choosing our first estate and following God's plan. So for all the children we have after the 2nd coming will they just be those who get resurrection without living through mortality? Do all the infants who die before birth or right after share in this? Notes: (D&C 137:10) children who die b4 accountability are saved 4 celest. kingdom. (D&C 63:51) children shall grow up until they become old Keep this going. Post your most thought provoking discoveries and let people offer their ideas as well as sources to why they think that way. Citing scripture,prophets, or GA's words.
  14. This is really two questions in one thread, but I feel they belong together. Could you maintain your faith in Mormon doctrines using only the Holy Bible? Also, what exactly in the Holy Bible is considered to be incorrectly translated?
  15. I'm doing my very best to accept the doctrine of the LDS church and become a member. Unfortunately, I come from an atheist background and I work as a scientist, so I tend to deal poorly with logical inconsistency. Must I believe in a literal Garden of Eden and a literal Adam and Eve to be LDS? Because, being a biologist, that would be a deal-breaker.
  16. Has anyone ever heard of, or have any information relating to "The Book of Covenants and Commandments"? I know that it was published around the same time as the "Book of Commandments", prelude to D&C. I would really like to know as much as possible about this book, and so far have been unable to learn much about it.
  17. Hello LDS.net Forums! I am new here and am basically looking for some advice. I am not Mormon, but my friend Michelle is. Her parents are both faithful active LDS as well, but there is a problem. Michelle's mother has been growing distant from her father... She has been spending far more time learning about the gospel than she has just talking to her husband. Whenever anyone tries to talk to her about how "removed" she has been she will either ignore them or walk away... My thoughts are that since she seems to be infatuated with her faith, is there anything that could be cited from LDS theology that would stress the importance of the family? Specifically husband and wife relationships? Or what priority that relationship should take in light of the gospel? That might be a horrible way to approach this, but that is why I am here. Looking for good advice to ease the tension and discord in their present home. Thank you, -Paul
  18. There is an article on Main Page - Mormonism, The Mormon Church, Beliefs, & Religion - MormonWiki (specifically at Blood Atonement - Mormonism, The Mormon Church, Beliefs, & Religion - MormonWiki) called "Blood Atonement" and it quoted a Church statement about blood atonement. Can someone direct me to the Church's original statement? All I can find is the Deseret News article about it. Shouldn't the Church have it on an official Church site?
  19. Prior to being baptized on 10 March 1998, I told the missionaries that were teaching me at that time that I would not be baptized until after I had read the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price in their entirety. I was blessed in that the Lord inspired me to develop a 40-Day Reading Schedule and so for forty days prior to my baptism, I read the Book of Mormon in its entirety followed by the Doctrine and Pearl of Great Price each in their entirety. Please come and join me starting on 1 July 2009 for forty days of reading the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. You can view the 40-Day Reading Schedule that I developed by going here. I will be posting about some of the things that I learn as I read and hope that some of you will also.
  20. Hello all! I have some questions about some doctrinal points my dad and I have been discussing lately. I would appreciate some expert answers or links to expert answers. The questions are as follows: Why did the old testament god ask Joshua and the israelites to kill everybody innocent or not? Why did the soldiers have to cleanse and isolate themselves for awhile after killing people? Was that a form of repentance? If so, why did they have to repent if God told them to do it in the first place? When an alcoholic or other such addict dies, can he posses a human body in attempts to regain the feeling of being under the influence of thier addiction? Are the spirits in prison, paradise, and the 1/3 of the hosts of heaven cast out with satan, mingling in the spirit world? If so, why? What rules are there in the spirit world, if any, that might impede the spirits from possessing, haunting, or interacting with the physical world? When people say that they have felt a cold hand on their body, is that a spirit actually touching them, a physical reaction due to your spirit trying to connect with the spirit world, or is this all just phooey? Again if any of you would like to answer these questions please tell me how you got the answer (like a talk reference or LDS book/manual reference)? Here is another: Can anybody tell me who gave a talk about something to do with molecules and the science of miracles (It had something to do with how Christ walked on water by in a sense talking to the molecules of the water and that those molecules responded because they recognized the authority of the voice. There were other examples of miracles in this manner too)? Thank you all :) dashb78
  21. about January 16, 1838 Norton Township, Ohio. Fleeing mob violence in Ohio, Joseph Smith traveled to Dublin, Indiana, where he tarried nine days. He was then given $300 from the sale of Brother Nathan Tomlinson’s farm, which allowed him to continue his journey. Sources: History of the Church 3:2–3 January 16, 1834 Chardon, Ohio. Joseph Smith visited his sister Catherine’s husband, Wilkins Jenkins Salisbury, and spent the night. Sources: History of the Church 2:4 January 16, 1839 Liberty, Missouri. Joseph Smith wrote a letter to Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young from Liberty Jail. Sources: Personal Writings of Joseph Smith, 423–25 January 16, 1841 Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith taught that men have power to resist the devil; he explained the consequences of murder; and he spoke on Adam, the priesthood, and several parables from the New Testament. Sources: Jan Shipps and John Welch, eds., The Journals of William E. McLellin, 516–17 January 16, 1844 Nauvoo, Illinois. Joseph Smith attended a city council meeting and forgave Francis M. Higbee for writing a slanderous letter on January 10. Sources: History of the Church 6:178