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I'm reading a book by Gary C. Lawrence, a long-time LDS Church member, who offers a summary of LDS teachings. While his book is not an official publication of the church, his writings track well with what I've encountered here. Concerning Jesus he says: "We believe Jesus Christ is the literal son of God ..." Concerning the Father and us he says: "We believe God is the Father of our spirits and that we lived with Him in heaven before being born in our earthly bodies." So, is there a sense that Jesus is our brother, and yet different. He is "literal" and we are spiritual. My question: How do LDS distinguish our relationship to the Father with that of Jesus, the only begotten?

Oh dear, I truly am terribly sorry to bring such negativity in what seems to be an exceptionally bright and lively forum, however I'm afraid that my husband and I are quite lost. As devout members of the Mormon church, truly, our wishes have always lied in the saving of young souls, through although, recently, our son of fourteen years has declared himself as atheist, through a rather lengthy letter which described why he felt a disconnect towards the Mormon religion. Included within it, he mentioned that he felt as though our consistent Mormon outings were rather harmful to him, and the cause for his often sullen and irritable mood. Also mentioned, were several debunked pieces of Mormon evidence (such as Nahom, how joseph smith could have written the Book Of Mormon, the witnesses, ect.), as well as what he felt were logical flaws in the book of Mormon (linguistic troubles, "anachronisms", population, "impossible" events, ect.) . He fears that a continuation of his Mormon practices might result in terrible pain, however, my husband and I worry for his soul if we do not force him to attend the Mormon church, and believe in our religion. Would anyone happen to have any recommendations or advice?

My 18 year old son just joined the Marines. Will ship out for basic training middle of June for San Diego. His activity in the Church is not totally dedicated now. What chance has he got of making it religiously?