Why would I choose not to accept the gospel?

[Elphaba]

Read her posts VOL...She's rejected God...

I thought you were not labeling me?

No, I have not rejected God.

Elphaba

[Misshalfway]

Hey Elphie,

Just a little question....

You know so much of this (LDS) religion. What inspired such a thorough study? And have you done the same with other churches inside and outside christianity?

[Elphaba]

Hey Elphie,

Just a little question....

You know so much of this (LDS) religion. What inspired such a thorough study? And have you done the same with other churches inside and outside christianity?

Hi Miss,

As you've probably read, I was BIC and a member for 25 years, so that gave me a good background.

Reading is my first passion, and Mormon history comes in a close second. In fact, I live in a part of Utah that is, unfortunately, now starting to be developed. But it wasn't for a very long time, and so I would be driving home, going past the very fields and foothills the pioneers had lived on, and I would feel as if I couldn't drink it all in.

In 2004 I was officially disabled, though I had been ill for the two years prior. I could not work and had to lie down most of the day. I lived alone, so my only connection to the outside world was my computer. My fascination with Church history led me to a number of sites where I was eventually able to determine if the information was accurate or not.

I spent a couple of years on these boards, soaking up everything I could, but only making about 150 posts total, just the opposite of my posting history now.

However, the absolute best source of information were the journals of the Church's earlist members and the pioneers'. Hundreds of them are online, and if I am able, I will find one to read, as they as they are like magic to me. The history is so real and raw, and they bring alive the nuances, beliefs, relationships, hardships, and always the strong and abiding faith that got them through the difficult times, and which they celebrated through the better times.

The journals tell the history of the Church better than any book can. However, I do buy every book I can about the Church's history, and have read them from cover to cover, some more than once. I continue to purchase books as they become available, if I can afford them.

When I need to research an issue, I often look for articles in BYU Studies, Dialogue or Sunstone. The last two are sort of looked on with subtle scorn by many believers, but their better articles are full of information about the Church's real history, as well as doctrinal issues.

And of course, there is lds.org. I go there often to see what is going on with the Church, and to pull up articles about things that interest me.

Because I have a good knowledge of the Church and its doctrines, though obviously not as comprehensive as I'd like, I usually can detect when someone has posted something that isn't accurate.

The "perdition" comment was one of them. So I went to the source--lds.org and found the quotes I needed to explain what 'perdition" is, and links to verify them. I recommend lds.org as a source for any inquiries you might have.

No, I do not have any interest in any other church, and would not know a Baptist Church from a Lutheran from a Protestant, etc.

Let me know if this does not answer your question in full.

Elphaba

[Hemidakota]

There is no Celestial "Ground Hog's Day"...we don't get to do it over and over and over...till we get it right...(although, there are times I wish we could <vbg>)

Has nothing to do with the Celestial Kingdom but those of the lower order from the Spirit prison. Even those are already sealed within this life, meaning, receiving the Second Comforter, those who do not live up to that promise will also suffer at their own hands. They will after spending time in their own repentance, come forth after the Second Resurrection to receive the Celestial Glory.

We must be careful on whom we think is not worthy of such since Alvin who was Joseph older brother, whom never received baptism, temple ordinances, or marriage, is now in the Celestial Kingdom.

Even Emma is there [Celestial order] with Joseph.