Is It Possible?

[Traveler]

For some time I have been concerned with events involving odd violence directed at innocent people, the latest being the Winkler (minister killed by his wife). There is also the Hacking case and several disappearances similar to the Elizabeth Smart case. I saw a report the other day that such events are occurring at an accelerated rate.

Many years ago, in the neighborhood I grew up, nothing was locked. I never was given a key to our house, nor did I know kids that carried keys for their houses. I never remember our home being locked, even when we left for extended vacations. I also remember taking my father’s hunting rifle to school to refinish the stock and blue the barrel. The rifle would not fit in my locker so I took it with me to the classes before shop class, laying the rifle on the floor by my desk. No one even asked me why I had the weapon. I even remember taking a flight and watching a gentleman place a gun case in the overhead compartment.

Why have things suddenly changed in one generation? What is so different that there is fear and concern about some one doing something quite vile? Why are people doing horrible things to their friends and family (people that they know and should care about)? Has the nature of mankind changed? Are we safe – or can we be safe?

Here is one thought for you all to consider. There has been a change in how society deals with and thinks of Satan (the devil and his dark angles – “unclean spirits”). Most people today think of unclean spirit influence as being possessed. And such possessions cause people to float in the air, burn things up by looking at them, and moving stuff without touching it. But I wonder? I wonder if unclean spirits are far more subtle. I wonder if 99% of the time, that people being influenced by unclean spirits act and behave just like everybody else, then, they do something so vile no one (including themselves) can understand why. Does anybody believe in the devil? Do any physiologist?

I wonder if the Ted Bundies, the Jeffery Dalmers and others are enjoying the enrichments offered by unclean spirits. I wonder what roles unclean spirits are playing in some of the things we see happening.

The Traveler

[Outshined]

For some time I have been concerned with events involving odd violence directed at innocent people, the latest being the Winkler (minister killed by his wife).

So far they haven't told what her motive was, so I'm holding off on declaring him (or her) innocent. I'm waiting to see if it was abuse or just insanity that drove her to kill her husband.

On your subject, I think it may indeed be changing views of society as to what is acceptable, as well as a greater population (more people, more crime).

[Christos]

These are strange times we are living in.

It isn't practiced in England but is it true what I have heard about shoe inspections in U.S. airports?

I think that is going too far myself.

We are living in times not only of political and socialogical struggles but also huge religious struggles. The She'ites and Sunnis of Islam, the Protestants and the Roman church* and the general clash between belief systems.

Not only is there physical violence around us but also mental violence, with the internet came a huge threat of innocence both among adults and children, such things as pornography suddenly became hugely accessable. Credit card fraud made easier also.

I would say it is farfetched to say that we are living in the end times....but that has been said many times before.

*I always refer to it as the Roman church or "Roman Catholic" church because Catholic has a very different meaning.

[boyando]

This is not scripture, but my own thoughts on the subject. The Book of Mormon talks about the time when man will call evil, good and good, evil. We certanly live in those times. Maybe this increase in angry season is a byproduct of a lack of real punishment for crimes.

If the punishment for killing a rival gang member is three years (I beleive thats how many years one of the local gang member got, after a plea), then is it not saying to the public at large that live has very little value. And if live has very little value, how much is lost.

Hoping for the second coming soon-Allmosthumble.

[prisonchaplain]

These are strange times we are living in. It isn't practiced in England but is it true what I have heard about shoe inspections in U.S. airports? I think that is going too far myself.

Of course it's true, and it's not going too far. There was an actual attempt to set off an explosion on an airplain--one that was implanted in a shoe. In keeping with this string--yes the evil is accelerating.

We are living in times not only of political and socialogical struggles but also huge religious struggles. The She'ites and Sunnis of Islam, the Protestants and the Roman church* and the general clash between belief systems.

Maybe it's my bias, but I would argue that political conflict is much worse than before (no longer any foundational belief that in "loyal opposition.") My political enemy is not a goodhearted fool, but an unpatriotic "red diaper doper baby" etc. ad nauseum.

Religiously, it's a mixed bag. We read more about violence, but me thinks the level of cooperation between Christian denominations has increased, and that with the rise of nondenominational groups and independent works, there is much less emphasis on our difference.

Not only is there physical violence around us but also mental violence, with the internet came a huge threat of innocence both among adults and children, such things as pornography suddenly became hugely accessable. Credit card fraud made easier also. I would say it is farfetched to say that we are living in the end times....but that has been said many times before.

We've been in the "end times" since Jesus returned to the Father. However, it is increasingly looking like the generation in which he might return. The troubles are not really new, but they are increasing in frequency and intensity--like birthpains--like the Bible speaks about. No no...not farfetched at all to speak of the end times.

[Traveler]

We've been in the "end times" since Jesus returned to the Father. However, it is increasingly looking like the generation in which he might return. The troubles are not really new, but they are increasing in frequency and intensity--like birthpains--like the Bible speaks about. No no...not farfetched at all to speak of the end times.

The question I asked concerns the influence of unclean spirits and the relationship of such spirits to the events we see taking place. I was looking forward to your view of this concept.

The Traveler

[BenRaines]

I would like to participate but need a better understanding to reference of unclean spirits.

If we are refering to the spirits that followed Satan when they were cast out or are we refering to the spirits that inhabit the bodies they were born in to but have become unclean. All spirits born in to our mortal bodies become unclean, therefore need for repentance and baptism.

I think one of the biggest changes in my lifetime is the immediate delivery of news and graphic news at that. When I was a boy, back in the days of black and white tv, man I never thought I would say that, there was little in the way of news and it was only for 30 minutes a night. Now there are at least a dozen news channels and many are on 24 hours like CNN, Communist News Network.

It is not that the world has become so much worse is we are more informed about how bad it is.

Some of the greatest natural disasters have happened in the world happened before there was tv. That does not make it any less traumatic than the tsunami in Indonesia.

When the world stops for a police chase because a helicopter catches it on tv. I could go on and on and have.

I won't even start on the current music and video game craze and how that impacts everyone.

Ben

[Christos]

It is foolish for a man to tell when the end is.

The end will come when we are not expecting it, "like a theif in the night".

I would have assumed the end would have come shortly after Jesus left but obviously it didn't (otherwise we wouldn't be here).

Lets always be prepared but not assumptious.

[Christos]

18And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:

19And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:

20The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come:

K.J.V. Acts 2:18-20

Otherwise just read Revelations (I love Revelations or as it is sometimes known, "Apocalypse" :))

The end is so exciting, I feel like a child in the back of the car asking "are we there yet"

The Irish Saint, Saint Malachi prophesised the last ten popes before the end.

Here are the last three.

8. The Labor of the Son. JOHN PAUL II. 1978-2005. Pope John Paul II was the most traveled Pope in history. He circled the globe numerous times, preaching to huge audiences everywhere he went. He survived an assassination attempt. He has written a book which has enjoyed a large circulation. Like the sun which never ceases to labor and provides light daily, this Pope has been incessant. He was born on May 18, 1920. On that date in the morning there was a near total eclipse of the sun over Europe. Prophecy - The 110th Pope is "De Labore Solis" (Of the Solar Eclipse, or, From the Toil of the Sun). Like the sun he came out of the East (Poland).

9. The Glory of the Olive. The Order of St. Benedict has said this Pope will come from their order. It is interesting that Jesus gave his apocalyptic prophecy about the end of time from the Mount of Olives. This Pope will reign during the beginning of the tribulation Jesus spoke of. The 111th prophesy is "Gloria Olivae" (The Glory of the Olive). The Order of Saint Benedict has claimed that this pope will come from their ranks. Saint Benedict himself prophesied that before the end of the world his Order, known also as the Olivetans, will triumphantly lead the Catholic Church in its fight against evil.

10. PETER THE ROMAN - This final Pope will likely be Satan, taking the form of a man named Peter who will gain a worldwide allegiance and adoration. He will be the final antichrist which prophecy students have long foretold. If it were possible, even the very elect would be deceived. The 112th prophesy states: "In the final persecution of the Holy Roman Church there will reign Petrus Romanus, who will feed his flock amid many tribulations; after which the seven-hilled city will be destroyed and the dreadful Judge will judge the people. The End."

It is somewhat scary how precise Malachi was. I first came across these prophecies before Benedict XVI became Pope.

So according to that prophecy we have about 10 years till the end starts to happen.

http://www.crystalinks.com/papalprophecies.html

Mount Vesuvius is due to erupt again, this time it will cause a smoke cloud that will smother The whole of the East side of the Mediterranian including Istanbul. There will be great landslides and Tsunamis in that area.

Bird flu is due to be among us, scientists reckon it will kill about 1/4 of us but I wouldn't be suprised if it is the disease that is due to kill 1/3 of all human life.

There is also the volcano of Las Palmas on the island of "Gran Canaria" which when it next erupts will fall into the sea and destroy the east coast of America.

7The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

8And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;

9And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

K.J.V. Revelations 8:7-9

My interpretation

7 = Vesuvius

8 = Las Palmas

9 = great wave of destruction.

[Traveler]

I would like to participate but need a better understanding to reference of unclean spirits.

Ben

Unclean spirits are those spirits that were cast out of Father's presents for rebellion. They are the spirits that intend to influence mankind to turn from that which is sacred and of the Father. Since man is fallen and also removed from the Father's presents - man is most vulnerable to such spirits.

I would summarize that a righteous spirit must be sought for; but unclean spirits seek us out at ever opportunity.

The Traveler

[boyando]

[

Maybe it's my bias, but I would argue that political conflict is much worse than before (no longer any foundational belief that in "loyal opposition.") My political enemy is not a goodhearted fool, but an unpatriotic "red diaper doper baby" etc. ad nauseum.

Sure we are in the end of times and no one knows the actual day and time that Christ will return. It seems that the Aposles seemed to think it would happen in ther life time and early mormons thought that the end would have come by now, having seen some of the leaves fall off the fig tree, in the 1830's.

Politics seems to ebb and flow, with the dirty ricks that go on, behind the scenes. Although it might be safe to say that the loyal opposition has disappared, it could also be said that the children of the sixty's have never been the loyal opposition but a generation seeking power by opposing everything that is traditional rather than what is good for our countries or people.

I was a teenager by the end of the sixty's and saw alot things that didn't make sences. Growing up in So Cal, it seemed like my neighbors were hippies and bikers. I was met by drug dealers everyday on the way to jr high school. Now I live safe and sound in Utah were I raised a family. I learned a lot from were I grew up were I saw politics take over a school in the fith grade (being a student in the California school system explains why I can't spell). Thank you P.C. for doing your best to keep safe and sound in the world-Allmosthumble

[M98Ranger]

Unclean spirits are those spirits that were cast out of Father's presents for rebellion. They are the spirits that intend to influence mankind to turn from that which is sacred and of the Father. Since man is fallen and also removed from the Father's presents - man is most vulnerable to such spirits.

I would summarize that a righteous spirit must be sought for; but unclean spirits seek us out at ever opportunity.

The Traveler

Here is a thought by Hugh B. Nibley. In this excerpt he is of course refering to the wonderful miracle written about in Moses Chapter 1, where Moses see's and converses with God. Moses, tired with physical exhaustion after having conversed with the Lord gets accosted by none other then Satan himself. I believe that the information given in the following quote outlines the "power"...(or perhaps lack there-of) that "Satan's Angels" have over righteous individuals.

Weakness is his present condition, glory his everlasting birthright. It is in this moment of man's greatest helplessness and vulnerability that Satan chooses to strike, attempting first by persuasion and then by intimidation to get Moses to worship him as the god of this world. But Moses has not wholly forgotten who he is, "a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten," and denounces Satan as a sham, while professing himself awaiting further light and knowledge: "I will not cease to call upon God, I have other things to inquire of him." (Moses 1:13, 18.) The humiliating exposure of Satan becomes unendurable when Moses announces that he actually is what his adversary falsely claims to be, "a son of God, in the similitude of his Only Begotten; and where is thy glory that I should worship thee?" This is too much for Satan, who casts aside his celebrated but now useless subtlety and launches a frontal attack of satanic fury, a tremendous tantrum, as he "cried with a loud voice, and rent upon the earth, and commanded, saying: I am the Only Begotten, worship me." (Moses 1: 19.) The whole scene is presented in dramatic form as a ritual combat, a stychomachia [I think he meant stychomythia... meaning basically "greek dialogue"], and true to the ancient pattern, the hero is momentarily bested, overcome by the powers of darkness, as he "began to fear," and "saw the bitterness of hell." But with his last ounce of strength he calls upon God from the depths and is delivered: he has won the fight, he has prevailed against the power of him who "sought to destroy the world, for he knew not the mind of God."

[M98Ranger]

[Here is a thought by Hugh B. Nibley. In this excerpt he is of course refering to the wonderful miracle written about in Moses Chapter 1, where Moses see's and converses with God. Moses, tired with physical exhaustion after having conversed with the Lord gets accosted by none other then Satan himself. I believe that the information given in the following quote outlines the "power"...(or perhaps lack there-of)

, and commanded, saying: I am the Only Begotten, worship me." (Moses 1: 19.) The whole scene is presented in dramatic form as a ritual combat, a stychomachia [I think he meant stychomythia... meaning basically "greek dialogue"], and true to the ancient pattern, the hero is momentarily bested, overcome by the powers of darkness, as he "began to fear," and "saw the bitterness of hell." But with his last ounce of strength he calls upon God from the depths and is delivered: he has won the fight, he has prevailed against the power of him who "sought to destroy the world, for he knew not the mind of God."

I think it is interesting that Satan MOMENTARILY gets the best of Moses as he saw the bitterness of hell, but then God doesn't give trials to man that they do not have the way to overcome. Moses uses all of his might that is left to ask God for help. That was the lesson that Moses was taught, (perhaps other lessons were taught too, who am I to say definatively) that God delivers the righteous and their cause. All the righteous need do is fear Him and have faith that when called upon, Heavenly Father not only has the power to best Satan, but WILL best him if that is in keeping with His ultimate plan.

[Lindy]

<div class='quotemain'>I would like to participate but need a better understanding to reference of unclean spirits.

Ben

Unclean spirits are those spirits that were cast out of Father's presents for rebellion. They are the spirits that intend to influence mankind to turn from that which is sacred and of the Father. Since man is fallen and also removed from the Father's presents - man is most vulnerable to such spirits.

I would summarize that a righteous spirit must be sought for; but unclean spirits seek us out at ever opportunity.

The Traveler Traveler~ I encountered what you call an "unclean spirit" it was the worst thing I had ever felt in my life come over me....

LDSENGINEER~ Welcome to Ldstalk!

I do agree with you

I think it is interesting that Satan MOMENTARILY gets the best of Moses as he saw the bitterness of hell, but then God doesn't give trials to man that they do not have the way to overcome. Moses uses all of his might that is left to ask God for help. That was the lesson that Moses was taught, (perhaps other lessons were taught too, who am I to say definatively) that God delivers the righteous and their cause. All the righteous need do is fear Him and have faith that when called upon, Heavenly Father not only has the power to best Satan, but WILL best him if that is in keeping with His ultimate plan

I think that we are all given a momentary grasp by satan in our lives.... some more than others. It really does depend on if and how we use our might to ask God for help.. .... and that 6 words in your quote....."in keeping with His ultimate plan". And in keeping that in mind....we have to accept somethings as to God's plan... not our own. I mention this thinking about the missionaries who are killed while on their mission for their Heavenly Father. Righteous (I hope) and a cause for the Lord...... we would think that they (as missionaries) would be watched over and kept safe... but it is "in keeping" to a plan we may not have control over.

[matilda]

"I would summarize that a righteous spirit must be sought for; but unclean spirits seek us out at ever opportunity.

The Traveler"

Sorry I don't know how to do the quote thing yet.

I agree that at times I feel that a "swarm of bats" (a better thing to say it so I don't have to give them power if you get my meaning) have swept down and are attacking me even though I can't see them.

At one time I was told I must be doing something wrong in which I quickly responded NO, I'm doing something right and they don't like it and they are trying to stop me. -and they never will-

I don't have the quote but I believe it was President Woodruff who stated that there will become a time where the evil will finally see the good that is being done and will swoop down upon us trying to destroy us and the work we do. I think President Hinckley stated this very well in conference a few years back, he said that evil has found it's way into the church. (This isn't a direct quote but I could find it.) I do believe this is what he was saying that evil was trying it's best to destroy us and our faith.

I Don't know about you guys, but I think we have been swooped upon like never before. No matter what religion you are if you walk with Christ, duck! and keep up the Good Work!

[Traveler]

I do not intend to touch on all the diverse kinds of experiences but I thought I would relate one. I travel a lot because of my work. Over the years I began to notice rather odd things that would occur in my hotel room when I was alone. For an example when ever I would turn on the TV their would always appear a program without any moral standards. In time it got so bad that I quit turning on the TV at all.

I mentioned this to a friend that had experienced the same thing that advised me that since I hold the priesthood that I should bless my hotel room to clean it when I arrived. This I have done and have found this to be a most effective pre-emptive action on my part.

The Traveler

[Lindy]

I do not intend to touch on all the diverse kinds of experiences but I thought I would relate one. I travel a lot because of my work. Over the years I began to notice rather odd things that would occur in my hotel room when I was alone. For an example when ever I would turn on the TV their would always appear a program without any moral standards. In time it got so bad that I quit turning on the TV at all.

I mentioned this to a friend that had experienced the same thing that advised me that since I hold the priesthood that I should bless my hotel room to clean it when I arrived. This I have done and have found this to be a most effective pre-emptive action on my part.

The Traveler

That is what is so great about the power of the priesthood..... even the little things that we don't think about can be helped with just a blessing.

[Palerider]

Thats great Traveler........its always important to have the spirit with you......don't lower your standards for anyone.....