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Esteemed LDS, I find the core values outlined very interesting, though am very interested to learn about particular topics (and please forgive me for unlearnedness of these question as I am very new) ; *Perhaps most relevant to me, I am wondering if there is a stance/view on animals? I am a vegetarian and strongly believe in animal rights, and I know different faiths view this differently (for example some believe 'Unconditional love and compassion is the foundation of our peaceful means of accomplishing this goal for all of God's creatures, whether human or otherwise' whereas some belive in 'human dominion over other species' and that animals exist 'altogether for our sakes'). Is there a LDS viewpoint or is it up to the individual? Is vegetarianism and belief in animal rights permissible? *Missionary - this is something which is written about a lot, however, I am painfully shy and have severe depression which impedes my poor social skills - so this means I could not be a member because I would be unable to fulfill missionary attributes? Or active missionary work is not a mandatory part and different ways of participating exist for people who are too shy? *"Modest appearance" - this one I also worry about - how precisely is this one defined? I would never wear immodest clothing skirts always go at least to ankles, etc, however, my hair is unnaturally dyed blue and purple and short in the back (Nina Hagen and Nightwish are examples of females who look "Punk" but are and have Christian values). Would my hair be frowned upon or it would be okay so long as I am conservative otherwise (which I assuredly am)? Thank you very much for your time.

Hi my name is Kevin and i am new here to lds.net. I have lurked around for a bit but finally decided to create a profile. Let's see what to say about myself... My family joined the Church in California when I was 7 years old. So I have been a member most of my life. We moved to Utah when I was 11 and have lived here since then. I am the oldest of 5 kids in my family. I was homeschooled a good part of my life. I am by nature very philosophical and always trying to learn new things. I have researched and looked into all the major religions and philosophies in the world. I try to be very open and accepting of people from all walks of life. I served a mission in the Canada Halifax Mission, which is Eastern Canada, which covers the provinces of New Brunkswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, and Aroostook County in Maine. I am really big into health and the Word of Wisdom. I am a vegetarian and have been for 4 years now, and have been a strict vegetarian (no dairy or eggs) since Nov '10. I also have been doing a lot of studying into consecration and the United Order. I have a girlfriend and I hope to get married sometime later this year. I think that covers the basics, if anyone has any questions or wishes for me to eloborate of anything just let me know.

I was reading about the word of wisdom today and I remembered the class room discussions about eating meat sparingly. I noticed that the classes never talked much about verses 13 & 15. I know vegans & vegetarians have a negative rep., but the lord in chapter 13 states: And it is pleasing unto me that they should not be used, only in times of winter, or of cold, or famine. Since we are not in the same situation as the people in 1833, we have warm homes, and are not experiencing famine... would it not please the lord to avoid meat completely? And #15: And these hath God made for the use of man only in times of famine and excess of hunger. Refering more to wild animals. I am not vegan or vegetarian, but I thought it was interesting nobody goes much into it.