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And so it happened again last night. Repeatedly being told that I’m a loser and will always be a loser. Being told that I’m unmotivated, gay (whatever that means), lazy, and extremely stupid. Told that she doesn’t love me and hates her life with me. Went on to say that I’d never see my grandmother alive again because I’ll never be successful in anything and would not be able to afford to attend her funeral. Even went as far as to bring up my sexual performance (which judging by her reactions during it, doesn’t seem to be the worst thing in the world for her). I hate it. I don’t like to think about what the breaking point is. But I’m afraid we’re approaching rapidly.
turinturambar wrote:thomas, do you have any close friends at work, in church, or near home? This site is a good place to get virtual support, but nothing can match the power of having a friend, buddy, confidante, co-conspirator, or what have you.
Peace out
Unfortunately, no.
Thank you, everyone, for your replies, support, comments, and perspectives. It really has helped. I have no intention on giving up, at least not now. There are just a lot of things that need resolved. Other issues, I didn’t mention, and probably won’t unless need arises. It is just very hard, and though I should always turn to the Lord first, it is nice to know that I have another place to turn if need be. Thanks again. I know of a sister like that in Sunday School who irks me to no end. But to the point; you are correct in what you said. Besides, wars and rumors of wars, men’s hearts failing them, natural disasters etc. is sort of the least of our worries. Read and study the Book of Revelation. That is some brutal stuff going down in that book and I think we tend to turn away from it because it isn’t going to be very pretty.
This is wonderful news. Just wonderful news. In fact, my heart did leap for joy when I read this. Mountain Meadows was one of the major things that started my downward spiral in the Church. I wish it had never happened, but I wished more that they would just apologize so all could move on. I’m glad this finally happened. It depends on the context for me. When I am talking about doctrines or beliefs, I say “The Church teaches..” but generally I believe the Church refers to the body of believers as a whole. I think that the Book of Mormon is absolutely inspired of God. Historically correct? I don’t know, I think that remains to be seen. However, the book is full of inspiration and while it may not be the most correct of any book on earth, I believe you can get nearer to God by studying it. I guess I would say I agree with number 2. Or SilentDawning’s option of a number 4. Mainly I just hate that everything has to be so black or white in the Church. All or nothing, is or isn’t, of God or Satan etc. I do not believe one can earn God’s blessings or favor. He is, after all, no respecter of person. I hate hearing people say things like “I’m doing such and such a thing to get a blessing” or “I did such and such a thing and got such and such a blessing.” Doesn’t boasting in your “good works” the very thing that causes all of our righteousness to become as filthy rags (menstrual cloth) to the Lord? I love this and love that you were able to bring the point home that even people like him can change, and can be saved. Johnny Thunders was the lead guitarist (who put out at least one fantastic solo album called LAMF). The singer was David Johansen (who has appeared in such great movies as Scrooged as the ghost of Christmas past/taxi driver and the Tales From the Darkside movie and also went by the name Buster Pointdexter, from whom we have the terrible, awful song “Hot Hot Hot”).
Don’t mean to be a accuracy Nazi, just a big Dolls fan!
Thanks for the advice so far! See, I am teaching from the Gospel Principles manual, which has been so dumbed down and has had many plain and precious things removed or at least de-emphasized.
The next lesson I am to teach is the Law of Chastity. I am going to struggle with this. Not because of the subject matter so much as because there is such an emphasis on sexual sin being next to murder. I remember a recent thread about this with a lot of great perspectives. Especially how it appears that the “next to murder” line has been taken out of context. I just don’t agree that it is next to murder, and I think training young minds to believe that it is can cause some serious psychological issues if such choices are made.
It also discusses homosexual sin. I tend not to agree with most member’s views on the subject.
I will definitely put your advice to use and thank you for it!
I think it is supposed to be a no go for single members of the bishopric. Especially if we are going to use the scriptures as a guide for qualifications. But my personal feelings on this: I think this is a great thing. It could definitely be a step in the right direction concerning tolerance and acceptance of those who are not necessarily correlated.
I think it is generally is best to let the scriptures define what something means. Paul does a great job in 1st Corinthians stating: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:
After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.
After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.
There is also an interesting article on this subject. Both quotes, actually. It can be found at the BYU-I website. I don’t believe in the notion that God helps those who help themselves. I believe that God helps those who cannot help themselves. There are many a scripture to make this point but a couple of examples that come to mind are the thief on the cross and the publican in the temple with the Pharisee (Luke 18). Relying on your own strengths and feelings of righteousness (self-righteousness) is a concept I see often among members of the Church. Sure, its not an excuse not to perform. We should try to keep the commandments. We should love God and our neighbor. But there is nothing we can do to “help ourselves.” Christ died for us while we were yet sinners, dead in our sins and trespasses, etc.
If we try to resolve everything ourselves, are we not relying on the arm of the flesh and not on God, as you said?
As for the quote in question, I have never seen anything official stating Brigham Young said it.
In the Old Testament days, atonement, or sacrifice for sin could only be made under certain conditions. The lamb (or whichever animal) had to be pure and spotless. Jesus was pure and spotless. He was the only one who could make such a sacrifice on our behalf. It was not just because it was part of the plan. Christ came to fulfill the law, and as such, had to be offered not just as a sacrifice of being put to death. That could have been done in any number of ways. It had to be a blood sacrifice. I don’t have time to get into all the scriptural references about this at the moment, but he came to fulfill the law and the prophets, so the way he died was as important as the fact he had to die.
