In the World, not of it.

[_moksha]

Torres was never the Dalai Lama, but his monastic upbringing was certainly not worldly. Buddhists have less regard for worldly goods than Mormons, but there is a shared desire to accumulate Celestial points or Karma, that can both be cached for a future reward.

[_Ray A]

For Mormons being "in the world but not of it" means "refraining from sexual sin". This religion is morbidly obsessed with sexual sin. Witness the gay-bashing now going on at MAD. As if a person's eternal destiny resides in a dick or a pussy. How much more "of the world" can you get?

[_Gazelam]

I think the old Christian term of being the "Salt of the Earth" applies here.

We're not intended to be Ivory Tower members of Christ's Church. There is no such thing as a faithful Ivory Tower member. We are meant to associate, enjoy our time with, and socialize with those who are not members of the faith. We are supposed to laugh, cry, and prepare and share a meal with those who either have no or are struggling with their faith.

Part of our mortal struggle is maintaining our morality in the face of immorality. Can we stand on our own and remain faithful even when those around us are not. Can we be a good example of how the Holy Ghost affects a person so that those who know us will desire to have that inner faith that we have that makes us a pleasant person to be around. ( And if we are not pleasant than we are doing it wrong).

The gospel is intended to make us happy. Those of us who have the Spirit in our lives and can maintain it know the peace and understanding that the gospel can bring. It can be easily lost though if we allow too much worldy influence into our lives. Its a daily struggle. Is it ok to watch a sitcom if its shown on broadcast television? How many crude jokes can I listen too before its not ok? What if the movies only R rated for violence? They play this song on the radio, how bad can it be?

Its a struggle, and filled with choices we have to make for ourselves. The Saviors use of moral agency during his lifetime is an instructive example for us. At one point in His teaching he revealed the principle that guided his choices: "He that sent me is with me; the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that please him."

[_solomarineris]

Its a struggle, and filled with choices we have to make for ourselves. The Saviors use of moral agency during his lifetime is an instructive example for us. At one point in His teaching he revealed the principle that guided his choices: "He that sent me is with me; the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always the things that please him."[

It doesn't have to be a struggle. Try this once; create your own world, your own rules, based on your understanding of humanity, I guarantee you; you'd come up with much better, compassionate standards than anything Judeo-Chriastian creed laid down for humanity.
Personally, reading Ten Commandments, parts of preachings of Jesus give me creeps. Do you really think there's fairness in them?
Yet imaginary God tells me he'll smite me down if I worship other Gods.
Jesus tells me if I look other beautiful women in lustful manner I'm already a sinner. One thing I perfectly understand is, I am not going to prevent having lustful thoughts when I see a beautiful woman, I frankly don't think anybody can. The way our brain is constructed it is impossible to discard some thoughts automatically, however acting upon them is totally up to us.
If you don't see how childish these rules are I don't know how else you can see that your brain is capable of discerning , separating BS from reality.
Put your trust in yourself for a change, why should you let somebody else play Quarterback, Captain for your own team?

[_AlmaBound]

Jesus tells me if I look other beautiful women in lustful manner I'm already a sinner. One thing I perfectly understand is, I am not going to prevent having lustful thoughts when I see a beautiful woman, I frankly don't think anybody can. The way our brain is constructed it is impossible to discard some thoughts automatically, however acting upon them is totally up to us.

I think that was exactly his point.

Well, with some quibbles about whether it is the brain or the heart that is "constructed" that way.

[_why me]

Let me humbly educate you guys a little. To be in the world and not of it is quite simple in meaning: To live actively in the world but do not take part in activities that can lead to a separation from god. It is nothing more than that.

It comes right out of the new testament. I think that you guys are letting out a wolf howler for no reason.

[_why me]

Jesus tells me if I look other beautiful women in lustful manner I'm already a sinner. One thing I perfectly understand is, I am not going to prevent having lustful thoughts when I see a beautiful woman, I frankly don't think anybody can. The way our brain is constructed it is impossible to discard some thoughts automatically, however acting upon them is totally up to us.

Let me help you deal with lustful thoughts. When you see a beautiful woman walking down the street instead of having lustful thoughts admire her beauty and thank god for such a creation. It is a sure fire cure for lust but not desire since we all seem to desire beauty.

[_why me]

For Mormons being "in the world but not of it" means "refraining from sexual sin". This religion is morbidly obsessed with sexual sin. Witness the gay-bashing now going on at MAD. As if a person's eternal destiny resides in a dick or a pussy. How much more "of the world" can you get?

Not really. I explained what it meant. It means attempting to refrain from something that would lead someone away from god.

[_Ray A]

Not really. I explained what it meant. It means attempting to refrain from something that would lead someone away from god.

Like what? Pride? Contention? Boasting? Drinking tea?

[_Mercury]

Not really. I explained what it meant. It means attempting to refrain from something that would lead someone away from god.

Like what? Pride? Contention? Boasting? Drinking tea?

Critical thinking? Questioning stupid advice?