Were you opposed to Elder Christopherson's talk providing counsel on the harmful effects of gambling and its exponential growth through online means?
I’m against all wastes of money including the LDS promise of reward after death for an obscene amount of money.
At least with gambling there is a non zero chance of something in return in the only life we know exists.
Those that have a testimony of Christ and His gospel see it from a different perspective. I'm happy to agree to disagree with what concerns you.
Many members of the church, not all of course, pay tithing for the reasons I've already mentioned. Outsiders are going to see things with different eyes. The "eyes to see ears to hear" concept taught in the scriptures.
I’m against all wastes of money including the LDS promise of reward after death for an obscene amount of money.
At least with gambling there is a non zero chance of something in return in the only life we know exists.
Those that have a testimony of Christ and His gospel see it from a different perspective. I'm happy to agree to disagree with what concerns you.
Many members of the church, not all of course, pay tithing for the reasons I've already mentioned. Outsiders are going to see things with different eyes. The "eyes to see ears to hear" concept taught in the scriptures.
Regards
MG
I happen to believe full salvation, if Christianity is true, isn’t gated behind payments made to a Utah corporation.
The vast majority of Christians do not make payments to that corporation and I think the Jesus described in the New Testament will accept them unconditionally and completely.
Those that have a testimony of Christ and His gospel see it from a different perspective. I'm happy to agree to disagree with what concerns you.
Many members of the church, not all of course, pay tithing for the reasons I've already mentioned. Outsiders are going to see things with different eyes. The "eyes to see ears to hear" concept taught in the scriptures.
Regards
MG
I happen to believe full salvation, if Christianity is true, isn’t gated behind payments made to a Utah corporation.
The vast majority of Christians do not make payments to that corporation and I think the Jesus described in the New Testament will accept them unconditionally and completely.
I agree that in the Father's House there are many mansions. Everyone will receive a reward/place in the kingdom Of God. He has a deep love for ALL of His children. All are alike into God.
If I understand you correctly are you saying everyone who has ever lived on the earth will be in heaven with God? Jesus, as judge, will give a free pass to all as long as they confess Him as Lord and Savior?
If so, are you...in turn...saying that this life is NOT a testing ground? What we do doesn't really matter to God?
I’m against all wastes of money including the LDS promise of reward after death for an obscene amount of money.
At least with gambling there is a non zero chance of something in return in the only life we know exists.
It’s interesting isn’t it. Imagine a bookie offering to give you eternal life if you place a stake of 10% of your annual income for life. How many Mormon’s would take that bet? And yet, that’s exactly the bet they’ve placed, and the bookie is an executive board of very old men in Utah who have been caught defrauding the SEC.
Why do people think those 15 old men in Utah know better than they themselves do? I find it fascinating that people abdicate their own responsibility and instead just agree to do as they’re told. I had a Bishop, during a discussion about why I didn’t trust those 15 old men with my charitable donations, trot out the old line that I’d still be blessed for donating to the Church even if the Church misused those funds. That’s a man telling me to abdicate my responsibility for the dispersement of my “talents”. I explained that I thought the parable of the talents was advocating that we take responsibility for how are resources are used, and not to abdicate that responsibility by “burying” it in the coffers of a church that may or may not use it for that which it was given. The poor Bishop had nothing except to tell me he knew the Church was true. Which is the equivalent of putting his fingers in his ears and repeatedly yelling “la la la la” to avoid hearing anymore.
Most people are more sophisticated adults than the Church gives them credit for. It’s why the membership number quoted bears no similarity to the number of people that actively participate in it.
Premise 1. Eyewitness testimony is notoriously unreliable.
Premise 2. The best evidence for the Book of Mormon is eyewitness testimony.
Conclusion. Therefore, the best evidence for the Book of Mormon is notoriously unreliable.
Most people are more sophisticated adults than the Church gives them credit for. It’s why the membership number quoted bears no similarity to the number of people that actively participate in it.
Many people in the church and active are more sophisticated than the critics give them credit for. Certain neighborhoods in the online world make it appear that the "smart ones" leave. Here, for example.
It's difficult for some folks to accept that people willingly give their tithes to the church because it's a commandment from God. The bitchin' and moanin' will continue from the peanut gallery. And questions will remain unanswered.
Most people are more sophisticated adults than the Church gives them credit for. It’s why the membership number quoted bears no similarity to the number of people that actively participate in it.
Many people in the church and active are more sophisticated than the critics give them credit for. Certain neighborhoods in the online world make it appear that the "smart ones" leave. Here, for example.
It's difficult for some folks to accept that people willingly give their tithes to the church because it's a commandment from God. The bitchin' and moanin' will continue from the peanut gallery. And questions will remain unanswered.
Regards,
MG
Hiring a part-time news entertainment anchor as SecDef, what could go wrong?
I happen to believe full salvation, if Christianity is true, isn’t gated behind payments made to a Utah corporation.
The vast majority of Christians do not make payments to that corporation and I think the Jesus described in the New Testament will accept them unconditionally and completely.
I agree that in the Father's House there are many mansions. Everyone will receive a reward/place in the kingdom Of God. He has a deep love for ALL of His children. All are alike into God.
If I understand you correctly are you saying everyone who has ever lived on the earth will be in heaven with God? Jesus, as judge, will give a free pass to all as long as they confess Him as Lord and Savior?
If so, are you...in turn...saying that this life is NOT a testing ground? What we do doesn't really matter to God?
Regards,
MG
I’m saying the answers are probably more likely to be in the New Testament than from the men who call themselves prophets presiding from the Church Office Building in Salt Lake.
I honestly don’t know why you put any faith in a corporation or its businessmen when you have the gospels. You might as well add L. Ron Hubbard too while you’re at it. And the Watchtower. And Muhammad. Cover all your bases since the words of Christ written 2000 years ago aren’t sufficient for VIP heaven.
Many people in the church and active are more sophisticated than the critics give them credit for. Certain neighborhoods in the online world make it appear that the "smart ones" leave. Here, for example.
It's difficult for some folks to accept that people willingly give their tithes to the church because it's a commandment from God. The bitchin' and moanin' will continue from the peanut gallery. And questions will remain unanswered.
Regards,
MG
Now I remember what brought me to this place to begin with. The sophisticated nature and erudite contributions of some of its long standing academic scholars.
The good doctor brings depth and breadth to these discussions that I haven't found anywhere else. Thanks doc for your presence. This place would not be what it is without you!
If this Apostle’s discernment can miss child abuse happening by his own family while claiming divine authority, the honorable thing is to step down and not lecture someone about gambling.
Now I remember what brought me to this place to begin with. The sophisticated nature and erudite contributions of some of its long standing academic scholars.
And here I thought your sole purpose on this board was to troll, break the rules, lie, and relentlessly harass a dying man and his family.
"I'm on paid sabbatical from BYU in exchange for my promise to use this time to finish two books."
Now I remember what brought me to this place to begin with. The sophisticated nature and erudite contributions of some of its long standing academic scholars.
And here I thought your sole purpose on this board was to troll, break the rules, lie, and relentlessly harass a dying man and his family.
And of course we can't forget our good man, gentleman, and scholar...Mr. Wang Chung!
Mr. Erudite himself!
Thanks for being here Wang. The board would not be the same without you and your deep thoughts and understanding.
I think posting a picture of a philanthropist who's efforts along with her husband will help children for years to come is a noble gesture on your part doc.
