Change will only happen at Salt Lake Inc. if the Geezers who run the show conclude it serves the Prime Directive (survival, growth, and power). If it is something in the interests of members, but does not serve the Prime Directive, then I wouldn't hold your breath. The needs/wants of members is an afterthought to the conservative, out-of-touch LDS power structure.
Gazelam wrote: Yes Brack, the great God of the universe, along with his desire for you to form worlds and people them and educate them on how to be happy also wants you to allow your glands to have complete control over your body, for you, who he created to be like unto himself, to be no better than a dog down on all fours and sniffing.
Remember the words of Joseph Merrick, you are not an animal, you are a man.
Gaz, The God of the Universe does NOT condemn the Practice of Masturbation.
Here is Conservative Christian Dr. James Dobson on Masturbation:
Masturbation is not much of an issue with God:
Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, a Fundamentalist Christian advocacy organization, has written:
"It is my opinion that masturbation is not much of an issue with God. It is a normal part of adolescence which involves no one else. It does not cause disease. It does not produce babies, and Jesus did not mention it in the Bible. I'm not telling you to masturbate, and I hope you won't feel the need for it. But if you do, it is my opinion that you should not struggle with guilt over it. Why do I tell you this? Because I deal with so many Christian young people who are torn apart with guilt over masturbation; they want to stop and just can't. I would like to help you avoid that agony." 1
See also a Q&A section in the Focus on Your Child web site. 2
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References used:
The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.
1. James Dobson, "Preparing for Adolescence - Straight talk to teens and parents," Regal (1979). Believed to be out of print. James Dobson, "Challenges in the Teen Years: Masturbation," Article, 2. Focus on the Family, at: http://www.focusonyourchild.com/
Gadianton Plumber wrote:It is fair (the first part) as evidenced by you (in the second part). You made my case.
I am not considered a "reasonable person" by TBM LDS here, GP. And I will never rise to leadership in my stake because I am a convert. We're kinda second class citizens here.
(Nevo, Jan 23) And the Melchizedek Priesthood may not have been restored until the summer of 1830, several months after the organization of the Church.
Gaz, The God of the Universe does NOT condemn the Practice of Masturbation.
Teachings against masturbation in the church are the commandments of men. If the brethren want to put their money where their mouth is let the prophet stand up and add to the Doctrine & Covenants. Otherwise, let them hold their peace.
We clearly see that the brethren choose not to add to the D&C. Why? Because they are not inspired to do so. Let every man govern his own body in his own way. It his between himself and God.
Gaz, The God of the Universe does NOT condemn the Practice of Masturbation.
Teachings against masturbation in the church are the commandments of men. If the brethren want to put their money where their mouth is let the prophet stand up and add to the Doctrine & Covenants. Otherwise, let them hold their peace.
We clearly see that the brethren choose not to add to the D&C. Why? Because they are not inspired to do so. Let every man govern his own body in his own way. It his between himself and God.
Paul O
Well, finally! Something I can wholeheartedly agree with Paul about!.
(Nevo, Jan 23) And the Melchizedek Priesthood may not have been restored until the summer of 1830, several months after the organization of the Church.
Gadianton Plumber wrote:It is fair (the first part) as evidenced by you (in the second part). You made my case.
I am not considered a "reasonable person" by TBM LDS here, GP. And I will never rise to leadership in my stake because I am a convert. We're kinda second class citizens here.
Yes, it's all to do with you being a convert; nothing to do with your heretical views and general apostasy. What calling do you think they should give you? Primary or Young Women's President so you can spread your unorthodox views amongst the young? Relief Society President so you can rail against the Priesthood?
Not gonna happen and never should happen.
"Surely he knows that DCP, The Nehor, Lamanite, and other key apologists..." -Scratch clarifying my status in apologetics "I admit it; I'm a petty, petty man." -Some Schmo
harmony wrote:I am not considered a "reasonable person" by TBM LDS here, GP. And I will never rise to leadership in my stake because I am a convert. We're kinda second class citizens here.
Yes, it's all to do with you being a convert; nothing to do with your heretical views and general apostasy. What calling do you think they should give you? Primary or Young Women's President so you can spread your unorthodox views amongst the young? Relief Society President so you can rail against the Priesthood?
Not gonna happen and never should happen.
Nehor, try to get a clue. My views aren't all that unorthodox nor are they heretical about the basics of the gospel, but they are my views, and not for general consumption.
The reason I will not be asked to be RS president is because I am not part of the good ol' boys network here, because I am a convert. I didn't grow up with these guys. And that's okay. I don't want to be RS president. I'd have to go to church every Sunday, if I was RS president, and that's simply not going to happen.
(Nevo, Jan 23) And the Melchizedek Priesthood may not have been restored until the summer of 1830, several months after the organization of the Church.
Do you think that your views are different because you're a convert? I had a hard time buying into the "meaty" Mormon doctrine, since I was not (conditioned) taught from an early age.
"Assuming your analysis is correct....the temple rites were changed because it served the Prime Directive of the Church to do so. The survival, growth, and power of the Church is funded on members wanting to attend the temple. When there was enough disgruntlement that the endowment ceremony was too cult-like for members to feel comfortable, it became a concern. After all, why should I pay 10% of my income to have the ability to attend a service I don't really want to attend in the first place?"
What you want has nothing to do with "revealed Truth" as in the original Temple Ceremony given to Joseph Smith from God. It was revealed in all its glory, not to be changed, added to or taken away from. Maybe all the naysaying would disappear if the 8 hour ceremony was still in practice? :)
Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you do criticize them you'll be a mile away and you'll have their shoes.
Nehor, try to get a clue. My views aren't all that unorthodox nor are they heretical about the basics of the gospel, but they are my views, and not for general consumption.
Your views are unorthodox (do you know what this word means?) and heretical. Someone who serves in an organization under me (I'm President) came to me with concerns about a member's apostasy yesterday. The views the member was expressing were not as extreme as yours. I informed the Bishop and he took it seriously. Virtually every active member in the Church would judge your views the same way.
The reason I will not be asked to be RS president is because I am not part of the good ol' boys network here, because I am a convert. I didn't grow up with these guys. And that's okay. I don't want to be RS president. I'd have to go to church every Sunday, if I was RS president, and that's simply not going to happen.
Then why are you complaining about it? Another fun idea. Have you ever considered that your sporadic attendance would also make you an unlikely candidate for most callings?
I guess to sum up the reason you feel like an outsider is that you have chosen to be one. I've heard complaints like yours before about how there is a network of people who get all the prominent callings. There is. They join that group because they're staunch believers with faith who do what they're asked and some more. Converts routinely join this group within a year of baptism.
"Surely he knows that DCP, The Nehor, Lamanite, and other key apologists..." -Scratch clarifying my status in apologetics "I admit it; I'm a petty, petty man." -Some Schmo
