Conclusions about the Church and a Thank You to the board...

[_Franktalk]

Hey, Darrick, do you know where I can find documentation regarding Walker Lewis, and Brigham Young's subsequent ban in 1848? I would be very interested in reading anything you have. Thanks!

I would like that as well.

[_ldsfaqs]

And to think you and others used to belittle me . . .

No one has stopped belittling you . . .

I'm talking about the other LDS over at MA&DB who were fooled by your wolfs in sheeps clothing, thus falsely condemning my criticism of you. Of course, most later realized who you actually were, and I was vindicated.

I already expect anti-mormons to be ignorant and falsely belittle me. It's your national past-time.

[_Runtu]

I'm talking about the other LDS over at MA&DB who were fooled by your wolfs in sheeps clothing, thus falsely condemning my criticism of you. Of course, most later realized who you actually were, and I was vindicated.

I already expect anti-mormons to be ignorant and falsely belittle me. It's your national past-time.

Nah, you don't need any help.

And Liz, good for you for making things work. I know it's not easy, but I'm glad you're at peace.

[_KevinSim]

This caused me to seriously reevaluate the Church I had grown up in.

Overall, the Church has blessed my life. My family is deeply involved in the Church, my husband, in particular. Since my husband and I had recently reconciled after nearly divorcing (over matters unrelated to religion), I did not want to "rock the boat".

Through all of the little twists and turns, my friends on this board have been here for me, and I want to thank all of you for that.

I feel like I am finally at a place where I am at peace with how I feel in regards to the Church.

I have been able to establish a way to still be an active member, and participate on my terms. That is, in a large part, due to the support I have received here.

My path is not for everyone, and I completely respect those who decide to go a different direction. Everyone has to do what is best for themselves and for their family.

I am comfortable with my choice, and with the opportuniity I have to voice my concerns here.

Liz, I understand the reasons why some people doubt that Joseph Smith or any of his successors as presidents of the LDS Church actually were divinely inspired. Frankly I don't blame them for their skepticism. But if one is bound and determined to believe a good God exists and controls the universe (as I in fact am bound and determined), then what exactly is the conscientious alternative to believing in the divine inspiration of the presidents of the LDS Church?

[_Runtu]

Liz, I understand the reasons why some people doubt that Joseph Smith or any of his successors as presidents of the LDS Church actually were divinely inspired. Frankly I don't blame them for their skepticism. But if one is bound and determined to believe a good God exists and controls the universe (as I in fact am bound and determined), then what exactly is the conscientious alternative to believing in the divine inspiration of the presidents of the LDS Church?

For me, the alternative is simple: if there is a God, who's to say He doesn't work through all those who seek to serve Him? Why would Mormons be any less deserving of His love and blessings than anyone else?

[_Yoda]

Liz, I understand the reasons why some people doubt that Joseph Smith or any of his successors as presidents of the LDS Church actually were divinely inspired. Frankly I don't blame them for their skepticism. But if one is bound and determined to believe a good God exists and controls the universe (as I in fact am bound and determined), then what exactly is the conscientious alternative to believing in the divine inspiration of the presidents of the LDS Church?

For me, the alternative is simple: if there is a God, who's to say He doesn't work through all those who seek to serve Him? Why would Mormons be any less deserving of His love and blessings than anyone else?

Exactly, Runtu.

I believe in Jesus Christ; I honestly don't think it matters where I worship him. It could be a meadow; it could be in a Mormon chapel. As long as I worship him, it doesn't matter.

[_Shulem]

Liz,

I ain't ever going to worship jezzus again. No way. No power on earth or in heaven can make my knees bend. I don't accept blood atonement and dieing for people's sins. That's just silly. Heavenly Father can bite me. I won't do a goddamn thing he says.

In the meantime, I'll be having joy! Freedom from jezzus is really cool. You should try it.

Paul O

[_KevinSim]

For me, the alternative is simple: if there is a God, who's to say He doesn't work through all those who seek to serve Him? Why would Mormons be any less deserving of His love and blessings than anyone else?

The world is full of faiths based on no obvious answer to, "Who's to say God doesn't" do something or other. If all you can do is ask "who's to say He doesn't work through all those," and not expect a quick reply, does that really tell you anything about God?

[_Daheshist]

Jesus reincarnated as Doctor Dahesh...the miracle working PRophet of Lebanon, and He taught, yes, exactly, it does NOT matter what religion or church one belongs to. Simply "do the will of the Father". We are judged by our "works" (how we treat others) and absolutely nothing else. If we can do His Will BETTER as Mormons than as non-mormons, we should be Mormons.



Exactly, Runtu.

I believe in Jesus Christ; I honestly don't think it matters where I worship him. It could be a meadow; it could be in a Mormon chapel. As long as I worship him, it doesn't matter.[/quote]

[_Runtu]

The world is full of faiths based on no obvious answer to, "Who's to say God doesn't" do something or other. If all you can do is ask "who's to say He doesn't work through all those," and not expect a quick reply, does that really tell you anything about God?

Apparently, you're unfamiliar with the concept of a rhetorical question.

How and where a person worships is between that person and God. It's not my answer that is important.