11th Article of Faith

[Sunday21]

@Brother of Esau. Welcome!

[Brother of Esau]

32 minutes ago, zil said:

Welcome, @Brother of Esau!  (Can't add to Jane's post - AoF 11 is an expression of respect for / acknowledgement of the agency of all - just wanted to welcome you to the forums.)

Thanks @zil If i may regurgitate AoF in my own words to see if I have a better understanding. 

I can claim the privilege of the governing of my own thoughts to worship God. And I must allow everyone else to worship however they govern their thoughts.

Would you consider this an accurate understanding?

I still feel that it says that anyone can think however they want so how do I know that the dictates of my consciousness are in line with others who are on the path to eternal life? 

Does this AoF kind of explain why there are so many different sects of all types of religion?  

[Jane_Doe]

4 hours ago, Brother of Esau said:

So basically I have the right as a member of the LDS church to interpret God how my conscious sees fit. 

Everyone has that right, LDS or not.    (I think the word "understanding" is better than interpretation here)

4 hours ago, Brother of Esau said:

But at the end of the day I am responsible for the consequences of my interpretation?

You're responsible for everything: your beliefs, actions, words, thoughts, etc.  Obviously if you accept Christ you're not flying solo in this regard. 

4 hours ago, Brother of Esau said:

And how do I know if my interpretation of God is leading me towards God or towards the devil. And if my interpretation is different from other members how do you know which pertains to the straight and narrow iron rod and whose is leading them astray?

Ask God.  What does He tell you?

Obviously in the LDS church we believe in prophets and scriptures, so they have a firm say help guiding you as well.  On other things though, there is actually a lot of non-core beliefs that LDS folks have different opinions on and that's 100% ok.  And obviously non-LDS folks have a right to believe as they believe.

[zil]

3 hours ago, Brother of Esau said:

Thanks @zil If i may regurgitate AoF in my own words to see if I have a better understanding. 

I can claim the privilege of the governing of my own thoughts to worship God. And I must allow everyone else to worship however they govern their thoughts.

Would you consider this an accurate understanding?

I still feel that it says that anyone can think however they want so how do I know that the dictates of my consciousness are in line with others who are on the path to eternal life? 

Does this AoF kind of explain why there are so many different sects of all types of religion?  

I dislike rephrasing scriptures (though I've probably done it on occasion).

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11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

Nowhere in the above does it say that worshiping how, where, or what you may is correct, regardless of however, wherever, or whatever you happen to worship.  Nowhere does it say that regardless of what your conscience dictates, it's all good.  Rather, it says we respect your right to do whatever you're gonna do when it comes to religion.  Nowhere does it say we're not going to try to teach you the truth as we understand it, but if you don't wanna learn, or want us to go away, then we'll respect your choice.

As for how you know whether or not you're on the right path, you learn - you study scripture; you pray and listen to the Holy Ghost; when your conscience (the light of Christ) tells you something is wrong, you don't do it; when your conscience tells you something is right, you do it; when you find truth, you hold to it until and unless more truth tweaks old truth into something a little different (yes, I think this happens - we do the best we know, but sometimes learn better, and when that happens, we should embrace better).  If you're Mormon, you listen to prophets and apostles.

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James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

For some people, answers to prayer and discovery of truth and feeling the testimony of the Holy Ghost comes quickly - for most of us, it comes slowly as we try out the word of God:

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John 1:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

And, see Alma chapter 32 (chapter summary follows, recommend reading the whole chapter):

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Chapter 32

Alma teaches the poor whose afflictions had humbled them—Faith is a hope in that which is not seen which is true—Alma testifies that angels minister to men, women, and children—Alma compares the word unto a seed—It must be planted and nourished—Then it grows into a tree from which the fruit of eternal life is picked. About 74 B.C.