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Good morning. For the past few days, I’ve had the priviledge to read through many of your posts. I’ve enjoyed them immensely. By way of introduction, my name is Scott. Historically, I am a 5th generation LDS (now former). My roots are both wide and deep in the LDS faith and tradition. I served a full time mission to Virginia, as have each of my five brothers to various parts of the world. My family (brothers, sister, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, ect) are, with minor exceptions, strong stalwart members. In fact, I have an uncle who is on the current quorum of the seventies. Growing up, my father was bishop several times, in various states that we lived, my mother was relief society president multiple times as well. Personally, I was the model of a young LDS man. Deacon’s, Teacher’s and Priest’s quourm president, Missionary at 19, senior companion, then district and zone leader. Returning home, I was sealed and married soon after in the Salt Lake Temple. Graduated from Rick’s college (now BYU Idaho), continued on to Arizona where I served in my wards in various callings from Scout master through Ward executive secretary. Through all of this, however, I struggled with many aspects of my faith. I struggled with the conflict of science vs religion. I struggled with the historical aspects of Christianity in general. I struggled with the need to just accept and belive. Eventually, these conflicts have driven a wedge between myself and my faith. After several years of floundering, I am beginning to look back to my roots. There is much good in the LDS faith. As with many things, it has evolved in something other than what it began. I am starting to accept that. I’m starting to separate Church from Culture. It’s a long process, but an interesting one.
I look forward to the trip.
Thanks for reading,
Scott
Welcome, Scott. We had just been having a discussion on faith vs. science over at Mormon Matters. Perhaps that will be interesting as well: http://mormonmatters.org/2009/07/21/science-vs-religion-a-poll ” class=”bbcode_url”> http://mormonmatters.org/2009/07/21/science-vs-religion-a-poll Welcome Scott. Science v religion, describe our world v meaning in life, knowledge and faith….all good things to discuss on this forum. Glad you are here to add your views. I look forward to reading them. Welcome, brother. I love applying the scientific method to my spiritual journey. It rocks! And zoweee! are the results ever unexpected! I look forward to having your participation here as you discover your future. Tom
Welcome! You might find my post on the Documentary Hypothesis interesting as well. See http://www.mormonheretic.org/2009/07/19/the-documentary-hypothesis Oh man, science vs. religion is one of my favorite topics. Can’t wait to hear what you have to say!! Science, schmience. 
Dear Justme, I understand those who are conflicted with “Science and Religion” debate.
I was once reading about a scientist who believed in Christ because “They have never found His body”. His thesis was that Christ had to have been resurrected because no person had ever found the actual Body of Christ,ego some supernatural event must have taken place. If, per chance, the physical Body of Christ were to be discovered, he would abandon his belief in Christ.
Obviously, this man’s entire belief is based on “proof” and not on faith. It is hard to explain that a 14 year old Virgin, bore the Son of God – in science things like that just don’t happen.
The resurrection is even more counter to what science would teach.
What I do know is that there are forces, powers and laws in the universe that we don’t yet understand. Today, for example, a virgin giving birth is NOT so incredible – if you work for an infertility clinic and have a sperm donor available. Science has also discovered genes within the human genome that if activated will direct the cell to repair itself. A substance called trans-resveratrol can bind to human DNA and activate the gene of cellular repair. We could then, theoretically live forever, constantly repairing our own cells. Our bodies are actually designed for immortality and eternal life, not mortality and eternal death. Trans-resveratrol is found in wine.
Note: that wine is used in the scriptures as a symbol of eternity. Christ performed His very first miracle at a wedding, changing water into wine. To me, that is a symbol of changing something temporal into something eternal. Wine is now a symbol of eternal life and recreation. I have learned to simply use science to affirm my testimony, rather than destroy it.
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