/r/latterdaysaints

Photograph via snooOG

Welcome to /r/latterdaysaints, a sub for members and friends of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (formerly known as Mormons). This sub is dedicated to faithful discourse on church topics.

Welcome to /r/latterdaysaints, a sub for members and friends of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (formerly known as Mormons). This sub is dedicated to faithful discourse on church topics.


Rules

#1 - Topics: This sub is for fellowship and faithful belief in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:19-20). Please share faithful experiences, personal growth, successes, anything virtuous, lovely, praiseworthy, as well as struggles, seeking understanding, etc.

#2 - Civility: No disparaging terms, pestering others, accusing others of bad intent, or judging another's righteousness. This includes calling to repentance and name-calling. Be civil and uplifting.

#3 - Disallowed: No NSFW, offensive content (including usernames), persuading others against current church teachings, excessive criticism about its leaders (past and present), or temple ceremony details. Avoid explicitly advocating for changes in church policy or doctrines.

#4 - Off-topic: Please use other subs for politics, excessive debating, and other narratives about this church.

#5 - Moderator Discretion: Items may be removed for quality, repetition, perceived intent, or a user's lack of prior subreddit participation. Surveys, polls, and marketing require moderator pre-approval. Cross-posting may require NP linking. More details found in our wiki.

We are not officially affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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/r/latterdaysaints

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3

Why was Ephraim given the birthright over Manasseh?

I don't recall Manasseh performing any misconduct that prevents him from getting the birthright. [We know that Reuben (chastity issue), Simeon and Levi (murder), and Judah (chastity) were skipped because of their respective issues.] I know that Jacob was guided to cross his hands to give the birthright blessing to Ephraim over Manasseh, but why? I know that Manasseh will still be "great" but not as great as Ephraim. I know that there are responsibilities that come with the birthright, as we can see the latter-day "Ephraimites" in proclaiming the gospel to others. It seems that it became a trend for the younger to be favored of the Lord, despite the custom for the elder to be given the birthright (as in the case of Jacob over Esau, Nephi over Sam etc.)

2 Comments
2024/11/10
09:03 UTC

6

Should I serve as missionary now or I have to study the scripture a little bit more?

Hi! I am 18 years old from Madagascar and my bishop advise me to serve as missionary. However I feel like I am not ready I only have one seminary certificate.What I want to say is I feel like I need learn more scripture and I need to have more knowledge about the church and the covenant,gospe.... I was born in the church but I ignore many things about the church.My bishop said I don't need to know all the scriptures or the history of the church to serve and he said when I will be in mission I will learn them.

 SORRY FOR MY ENGLISH.
3 Comments
2024/11/10
08:14 UTC

8

Baptism

Hi I have 2 names ready they are my Dad and Grandpa. I did both of my Grandmothers but waiting for someone to help me with the males. Also what can I do to have my Mom's Stepdad done and my Uncle

1 Comment
2024/11/10
04:09 UTC

11

Trinity

I keep hearing that y'all don't believe in the trinity. Is that true, and if it's not, can y'all explain, please? Oh, and what's up with Martin Harris? Besides talking to the missionaries, the most i know about lds is from South Park.

31 Comments
2024/11/10
02:49 UTC

22

Some mission stuff…

I recently saw another post that talked about a strict mission president and the poster listed about 10 things that were super over the top rules from the mission prez. I had a similar experience. It was the end of the 90s so it was a long time ago and LOTS of things have changed for the better since then. Knowing that mission presidents are like bishops or other leadership positions where one uses their best judgment helps it make more sense now but still, it sucked.

Here are a few examples of stuff our mission president and the district leaders would do:

  1. mission president said that if the Jehovah witnesses were out on thanksgiving and Christmas that WE should also be out tracting those days for six hours. Many people yelled at us to “go home and be with your family” which of course added insult to injury for missionaries that were already missing their families.

  2. I had a discussion with my mission president about the purpose for missionaries. I was like there are many purposes. He said no, there are not. You are there to baptize. That’s it. He ended up later calling on me during a zone conference and asking me what was the purpose of missionaries was and he made me say “to baptize”. Which I did say but had to grit my teeth. Seems to me there are a lot of other things that missionaries are there for.

  3. He was an old southern man that wouldn’t let the sister missionaries pick up their own luggage. He would call an elder over and have him lift the bag. I said no I got it and he goes sister put. It. Down. And wouldn’t let me carry it. 😂

  4. The district leaders were horribly focused on numbers and hours of tracting. Each week with certain elders, they would make us go up to the chalkboard in the church and put up all of our numbers. If they were up to their standards, they would grill us for 20 minutes on what we were doing with our week and our time. It was seriously demeaning and unnecessary. I finally got fed up and told them to shove it and left the room. Another district leader came and took the fuse out of our car so we couldn’t have music in our car. 😂

  5. There was some serious bullying by elders in the mission other elders. Two elders went home after being treated so poorly. Reminded me of hazing in the frats. One time a nerdy elder was playing chess and this other elder was bored and came over and wiped the entire board and all the pieces went flying everywhere. There was a breaking in period when an elder got a new missionary and I feared for them.

  6. There was a lot of sexism. The first night I went to the mission, my companion made a phone call to report her day to the district leader (that HAS to be over by now right?!) he was saying things like flirt to convert and hike up your skirt to get our numbers up. It was gross. Another elder told me on the phone Have good CHIP AND DALE dreams and he wasn’t talking about chipmunks. 🐿️

  7. There was a lot of fear based stuff about not being 100% obedient. And if you didn’t have baptisms, it was because you were obedient. Apparently my mission had been really bad before the stricter president came in. There were rumors about how some missionaries were going to night clubs and sleeping around etc.

  8. We were grossly unprepared for half the stuff that happened to us. We were so naive and got into situations that make me shudder because “God will protect us”. We got ourself into some situations because we thought we should. I remember one young father inviting us to his home and he began to lecture us on how wrong we were and we were so stuck. Another man kept trying to get us to come into his house like the Hugh Grant horror movie w the sister missionaries.

I did have a lot of really good experiences and met some long time friends. I just wish I would’ve stood up for myself and others in these situations. I guess that’s 100% hindsight.

Did you have a strict mission president? Do you have trauma from serving a mission? I’d love to hear about it.

7 Comments
2024/11/10
01:43 UTC

3

Looking for Lds pop songs

Looking for pop songs by lds mormon singers kinda like those in gospel library app > music > youth music > youth album

Where can I find more of those kinda songs or where to find a list of lds mormon pop style singers

Thank you

3 Comments
2024/11/10
01:40 UTC

0

Do kids HAVE to go to their class or can they come to mine?

Hi! Non-LDS here.

My in-laws are LDS and I am looking for some information about weekly Sunday meetings that I would rather not ask them for - so, if you don't mind, I am reaching out here.

I have done (and continue to do) a great deal of study from the LDS standard works, LDS published materials, the LDS website, historical resources, public records, have lots of personal experience with LDS members, have sat with many missionaries and have read the book of Mormon, prayed with a sincere heart and real intent, having faith in Christ.

That being the case, God has clearly and strongly manifested the truth unto me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, in ways I am unable to deny. I KNOW that God Himself has given me a personal testimony that Joseph Smith was not a true prophet of God, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is not the true church, the Book of Mormon is not scripture and the gospel taught by that church is not the true gospel.

However, after having explained all of that to one of my in-laws, the response I have received includes a suggestion that I do not actually know the truth because, though I have the testimony I gave to you above, it has to be a false testimony because I have never actually tried to be a member of the church.

Therefore, I am considering attending the Sunday meetings. I would not be able to do so without my 8 year old son with me and, though I do not fear him attending a church I believe is false and hope that he would research and study all there is to believe and come to his own conclusions, I do not wish for him to be taught by a religion I believe to be false without my being present to know what is said. My son is very intelligent and studies scripture with me. He has a high level of understanding and is capable of attending adult classes without being lost in adult concepts. Therefore, I would be willing to attend with my son in tow but only if he is able to attend with me and will not be separated from me.

This leads me to my question: would it be possible, as an investigator of the church, to bring my child into the church with me and have him go wherever I go? Is it possible for him to attend everything I attend or would he be required to go to a separate children's class?

I thank you so much for your time and any effort you give in responding. May God bless you.

34 Comments
2024/11/10
01:39 UTC

35

“I know this church is true” — Why Do We Say This, and What Does It Mean?

WHY DO WE SAY THIS?

I heard this 8-9 times at fast and testimony meeting in my ward last week. It’s one of my pet peeves, especially in the absence of direct testimony of other things. If the church points us to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, shouldn’t they be the ones we testify of? Shouldn’t our relationship be more with God, than with the church?

(It also reminds me of another thing people say: “the church is perfect, the people are not.” But what is a church, other than its people? “Ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” 1 Cor 12:27)

Why do we say and repeat this phrase so much?

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

Forgive my analytical nature, but “I know this church is true” requires us to define two different things: ‘church’ and ‘true.’

What is ‘the church’? Is it:

  1. The people within it (and all of us, or some of us, or just the Q15)?
  2. The teachings?
  3. The buildings?
  4. The amorphous concept of an ‘organization,’ and if so which aspect? The handbook, the organizational structure, etc?
  5. Something else?

What does it mean to say the church is ‘true’? Does it mean:

  1. The church is perfect? (And what does it mean to say an org is perfect, anyway?)
  2. Its origin story and truth claims are objectively true? (And does that mean every last shred of it, down to every last hair-splitting detail? Or just, like, in general?)
  3. Ordinances performed therein are the only ones recognized by God? (i.e. priesthood authority)
  4. The core doctrines and teachings are true? (What about the non-core teachings? And the policies? And the cultural aspects?)
  5. Pres. Nelson is God’s prophet (and what does that mean exactly? That everything he says in administrative meetings, church meetings and councils and letters, and at GC is God’s “thus saith the Lord” dictation? Or that he may receive such a revelation on occasion but is otherwise a good and wise steward exercising mostly his own often-but-not-always-inspired direction? And if so, how are we to know the difference?)
  6. It is the only church God works in or communicates to through His Spirit? (Or that it is a church, or one of the churches in which He may do His work or be involved?)
  7. It is true to the one who says it, meaning it is sweet and precious and makes them feel good (like when people say “that rings true to me” i.e. that sounds good/acceptable/beautiful)?
  8. Something else?

Which one or more of these things does it mean? Which does it not mean?

”I AM THE VINE, AND YE ARE THE BRANCHES.”

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5)

Why are we spiritually testifying of an organization administered on earth by mortal and fallible men, notwithstanding their being inspired and guided by Jesus Christ? The Apostle Paul still admitted rightfully that “we see through a glass darkly.. [and] know in part” (1 Cor 13:12) and even now declare “He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” (A of F 9). This can only mean we don’t have all the truth yet. (And to be direct, for many it also becomes a very slippery slope over time.)

In the end though, we’re still just the branches. The life in the branches comes from the vine. Without Him we can do nothing.

So why are we testifying of the branches? Shouldn’t we be testifying of the vine, even Jesus Christ? Of His life and teachings directly? Of His love? Of how He has blessed or changed our life? Of specific truths or aspects of His gospel, such as the miracle of forgiveness of sin, or of the resurrection, or of a particular doctrine or prophetic teaching or verse of scripture?

Wouldn’t that be better than just saying “the church is true?”

(edit: formatting)

45 Comments
2024/11/10
01:29 UTC

4

I have two questions about fasting

I accidentally drank water after starting to fast, what do I do? It was a mistake and I had totally forgotten that I was fasting. Since it's my first time.

Am I allowed to chew gum while fasting ?

12 Comments
2024/11/10
01:04 UTC

49

Offended in the Temple

Hey guys!

Any recommendations on being quick to forgive? My branch president went with us to the baptistery today and I wanted to do my names in Spanish even though my ancestors aren’t of Hispanic decent (they’re German).

Me and the baptiser both speak fluent Spanish and wanted to do the ordinances in Spanish. We were told by our branch president (acting as the recorder; he is also a former member of the temple presidency) that we weren’t allowed to do it Spanish because “these are English names”

I’m an OW and told him that we as patrons wanted to do it in Spanish to which he said it wasn’t our choice.

I feel kinda offended at this. I know that he is against temple policies and that all ordinances can be done in whatever language the patron understands (it is not even necessary the recorder understands, only the patron understanding is important). I even confirmed this with the Baptistry coordinator.

What can I do to be “quick to forgive” and “choose not to be offended”? Should I tell him that it offended me as the patron? Should I seek his understanding?

Any advice is welcomed!

66 Comments
2024/11/10
00:19 UTC

11

Where do you go when you are in need of immediate comfort?

I am currently at the vet with my cat right now, extremely worried, as she is exhibiting symptoms of something being severely wrong. I am the most broke I have ever been in my life right now, and just agreed to pay almost $800 in fees for the xray and visit. I dont have enough to pay my bills this month, and I am so worried about my cat.

First of all, prayers obviously would be so appreciated!! 🙏

Second, I have a really hard time when panicked to even focus on praying, let alone reading scriptures. I immediately feel challenged to even listen to soft music. Can anyone give me suggestions on your go-to when you are in a significantly stressed headspace?? I am open to anything! Thank you!

7 Comments
2024/11/10
00:10 UTC

14

Welcome to the Church of Joy

What are some things that bring you joy in the church? Small or big.

My relationship with Jesus and the covenants that bind me to Him bring me joy.

My garments bring me joy.

Studying my patriarchal blessing brings me joy.

The gift of repentance made possible through Christ’s atonement brings me joy.

Serving brings me joy.

General conference and the scriptures bring me joy.

Teaching in my calling brings me joy.

Every blessing I’ve received big or small, spiritual or temporal brings me joy.

The sacrament and sacrament meeting brings me joy.

The temple, brings me joy.

Sharing my faith with others brings me joy.

I’m just so grateful for this church and my Lord Jesus Christ. I’m lucky that I’ve found the restored gospel and decided to commit to it, not everyone has what we have. I’m so grateful and I want to do more to invite others into the joy I have in Jesus Christ. I hope you feel that way too :)

5 Comments
2024/11/09
22:42 UTC

18

Question For Converts!

How did you ask for confirmation that the church is true? Struggling a bit to convert due to doubts at times, just a second ago I asked “Show me a green car if The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is true”, and I was shocked to a bright green truck… but why do I still question it? Why do I still doubt?

7 Comments
2024/11/09
22:03 UTC

2

Concerns about missionaries Focusing too much on the Book of Mormon and Not enough on the Bible

Is the Focus on the Book of Mormon Making Things Harder for New Investigators?

I’ve been thinking a lot about how the missionaries teach, and I wanted to share some concerns. It seems like they focus way too much on the Book of Mormon and not enough on the Bible, which I think is off-putting for people who aren’t familiar with Christianity. I’ve noticed that they hardly ever encourage people to read the Bible, even if they’ve never heard of Jesus. Instead, they emphasize how the Book of Mormon is “the truest book on earth” and “the only book that can change your life.”

Here are a few issues I’ve noticed: 1. The Bible should be the starting point: For people who don’t know much about Christianity, the Bible is where they should begin. It’s the foundation of Christian beliefs, and it teaches us about Jesus. The Book of Mormon is important for us in the LDS church, but it should be seen as a companion to the Bible, not something that replaces it. 2. The pushiness around the Book of Mormon: I’ve seen missionaries push the Book of Mormon on people like it’s the only way to be saved. This doesn’t sit well with people, especially if they’ve grown up in a different faith. I’ve even heard them say that the Book of Mormon is “the only true book”—and that’s just not a good way to approach it. It can come across as disrespectful to the Bible and other people’s beliefs. 3. One missionary tried to say the Book of Mormon is more valid than the Bible: This didn’t go over well at all, and it ended up making things awkward. A recent convert even told me how uncomfortable it made him feel. I felt the same way, and this is one of the reasons I stopped having lessons with the missionaries. Some of them can go as far as to make me bear testimony on what they assume I believe, such as we know you did this and that or “The Book of Mormon is the only book that can change my life “, which makes me feel uncomfortable since I don't believe it is the only book that can change my life. 4. The rush to baptize: I’ve seen missionaries baptize a lot of people in a short amount of time (sometimes in less than 3 weeks), but the problem is that most of them end up being inactive. It seems like missionaries are more focused on numbers and goals than actually making sure new members are spiritually ready. They don’t seem to be figuring out why so many people aren’t staying active, and that’s a huge issue. 5. We need a balanced approach: I think teaching should be more about helping people discover what they believe at their own pace. If someone’s new to Christianity, they need time with the Bible before diving into the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon is important, but it should never be the first thing that’s pushed on people.

Has anyone else felt like the focus on the Book of Mormon is a bit too much? I really think it’s turning people away rather than helping them understand the gospel.

Note that I am just a concerned member who is worried about their Ysa ward. Many people are becoming inactive, which is alarming. There are also individuals who oppose the church and spread false rumors about us not teaching the Bible and using a different gospel. This is made worse because many of the missionaries do not use the Bible when they teach, which gives the impression that the rumors are true.

45 Comments
2024/11/09
20:59 UTC

5

"The Restoration" by Sister Amy Robbins, a poem on faith

I was researching Black history in Community of Christ and came across this poem I thought some here may appreciate reading.

Sister Amy Robbins, born in 1884, was a Black Latter Day Saint. As a young woman, she joined the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and became passionate about the gospel and restoration. Due to institutional racism in the church and racism from white members, Sister Robbins faced a lifetime of challenges and abuses. Yet, she remained firmly rooted in her faith while boldly advocating for a church where ALL people are welcome.

Sister Amy Robbins' poem, "The Restoration" gives us a glimpse into her steadfast faith and what the Restoration meant to her.

The Church was brought out of the wilderness,

The gospel gifts have all been restored.

Showing forth God’s love and great tenderness,

To all those who put all their trust in the Lord.

If man will have faith and truly repent,

Be baptized and his sins washed away,

The gifts from above will surely be sent

As promised in this latter day.

True to form the prophet in this latter day

Gave his life as a martyr for Truth.

He searched in the scriptures to find the true way

And God called him while yet in his youth.

And so God has in these latter days,

Made available to man a new birth,

Faith, repentance, baptism, just as in old ways ~

When Jesus was here on the earth.

Let us spread glad tidings of the restoration

And work while it is yet called today

Until we have reached out into every nation

And spread the gospel of truth all the way.

0 Comments
2024/11/09
19:38 UTC

22

Are you still sealed to parents after you get married?

I'm not a member of LDS church so I hope it's okay that I post here to ask a question. I know that when you get married in the temple, you get sealed for time and all eternity to your spouse. And that all children are sealed to their parents when they are born if the parents were sealed.

So what happens after you die? Are you with all your family who you got sealed to? Say you are 3 generations LDS. Your grandparents were sealed, so their kids were sealed to them. Your parents got sealed, and you were sealed to them when you were born. So your parents would be with their parents after death, and you would be with your parents, so you would also be with your grandparents. Whose family do you go to? Do you get a new heaven just with your spouse, that your unmarried kids go to as well, and married kids go with their spouse?

24 Comments
2024/11/09
18:58 UTC

7

How to print temple names for full family sealings?

Fiveish years ago I went on a family history bender where I found a bunch of full families buried in my line who didn’t have any ordinances done. Over the last five years I’ve been getting all their ordinances done. I’m about done and ready to seal them all… but what’s the easiest way to get that done?

There are a lot of names, a lot of them are related and it’s all a big jumbled mess.

The only way I can see this getting done is by making a spread sheet and sorting through it by hand (there are about 100 names).

Is there an easier way?

8 Comments
2024/11/09
15:47 UTC

22

What was that talk, "every time someone speaks of a blessing, someone in the audience thinks why not me"

It was something about how we shouldn't feel bitter that we don't all get the same blessings as everyone else.

6 Comments
2024/11/09
15:01 UTC

35

How do you make peace with and/or justify the ancient American civilisations from the Book of Mormon with the mounting archeological evidence of Indigenous societies/peoples dating back further than what's in the Book of Mormon? (Discussion)

I personally know Heavenly Father to be an all powerful being. My personal belief is that the Book of Mormon is true, so I also believe those societies existed. However there is archeological evidence and carbon dating that says there were people farther back than what's stated in the Book of Mormon.

I believe that Heavenly Father placed that archeological evidence there to force us to think about it and pray for His guidance in that. That it's there to confuse us to put faith in Him. If we can believe He is an all-powerful being, we can also recognize that He changed the Archeological evidence to require us to have faith in the full restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

What are your thoughts and personal feelings on that?

Edit: wow I'm receiving a lot of new info. When I converted (5 years ago in January next year) the sisters who taught my baptismal lessons told me that Nephi and his family were the first and only people in the ancient Americas. I guess it's a misconception I didn't catch on my first read through of the Book of Mormon after I converted. Thank you to everyone who helped clear that up for me! This helps a ton ❤️

93 Comments
2024/11/09
13:25 UTC

27

Missionary reached out

Hi! I had a missionary reach out to me via Facebook messenger. She's very nice, and from what Google has told me (and herself when I asked about her mission) she reaches out to people in person and on facebook to teach them about the church and Jesus. She also helps anyone who wants to get baptized do so, so the can also join the church and lead a life dedicated to God.

She, however, hasn't outright asked me if I was interested in joining their church. She opened the conversation just asking how I was doing and what I did over the weekend, and then when I reciprocated, she told me she's a missionary without telling me exactly what that meant. I asked what that involved and she gave me more details.

Now that I understand what her mission is, it seems that she likely reached out to me to try and recruit me. I don't want to be rude, but I also don't want to waste her time either. Should I just tell her outright that I appreciate her reaching out and she's really nice, but if she's wanting me to join her church that it's unfortunately a no go for me? Or should I wait and see if she asks me directly? I just feel a little rude outright making that statement when she's never actually said that's the purpose of her talking to me.

3 Comments
2024/11/09
09:59 UTC

5

Does your leave date on your mission portal affect when you get your call assignment?

I finally turned in my papers and have had my talk with my president. While we were talking he said he'd leave my leave date as is(Dec 30th) and I am wondering if your leave date has any impact on how quickly you get your mission call.

4 Comments
2024/11/09
09:56 UTC

25

Im scared and I feel like my testimony is in a weird spot

(Im 16 and was raised in the church by the way) Im reading my scriptures more than I ever have and doing seminary and trying to build my faith, but yet my faith feels like it's the weakest it's ever been, I'm having intrusive thoughts of "but what if it's wrong, what if im burning for all eternity, what if x religion is actually right" by this point I know there is a God, im not doubting that, im just not feeling God and I don't feel like I have been for a while, even though there's not really any major sin im committing that would be making me push myself away from him, and I don't know if this Church specifically is true, I feel like it's the one with the most evidence but at the same time when I haven't been getting a response even when I pray asking for wisdom/answers like in James 1:5, ive felt like this for a decent chunk of time

I know I know, my faith shouldn't be rooted in feelings. It should be rooted in my soul, but it's still difficult (just for clarification, I dont plan on "leaving" the church, im just confused and dont feel like God is giving an answer so I'm coming here)

23 Comments
2024/11/09
08:04 UTC

7

Mission Calling - Japan.

Hey everyone,

I've recently got my calling to serve a mission in Japan Tokyo South mission and I'm looking for advice from those who've served and hopefully those who've served the same mission. What did you wish you had brang with you before leaving? How did you adapt to Asian culture? (I'm Australian for example), what are some other general tips for serving as a missionary? I'm anxious and excited, and looking forward for what's to come.

Any resources about mission serving and homesickness would be much appreciated, too.

Thank you!

7 Comments
2024/11/09
07:49 UTC

34

hello everyone!

sorry i’m not sure what flair to put! anyways the other day i was walking home with my 3 kids and 2 missionaries stopped me and asked for a minute of my time m, of course i didn’t want to be rude so i agreed! it was 2 young men and they were very nice. anyways we talked for about 2 minutes, they then asked if they could stop by saturday ( today ) for a word. i agreed, now usually i would say yes but not answer the door when the day comes, i’m actually going to answer for them ( LOL ) anyways they invited me to church on sunday and i agreed. i haven’t been to church in years. i’m a single BLACK mother and i have 3 children out of wedlock. i looked up their church and as soon as i seen “ latter day saints “ i ran to google. honestly i’m scared to go there, i’m scared i’ll be judged and not welcomed as i know nothing of their religion

21 Comments
2024/11/09
07:42 UTC

11

Why are missionaries not allowed to have permed hair?

I don't see the reason of prohibiting it if it appears 'relatively short' and is tidy.

36 Comments
2024/11/09
04:32 UTC

4

Help from tech savvy Saints?

Y’all. I’m trying to order a quad but I’m not sure what’s wrong. I’ve tried to use my phone and my laptop 🙃

9 Comments
2024/11/09
02:41 UTC

10

Mission Call

As the date is coming closer to submitting my missionary application, I’m growing increasingly anxious about being disappointed in where I’m called.

It’s kind of like an expecting couple wanting their child to be a girl, but they end up having a boy. I’m scared that when I get my call (the parents finding out that it’s a boy), I will be disappointed in where I’m placed (wishing it was a girl). If that makes sense. Of course, regardless of where I’m called, I’m going to be excited because I know that my mission itself is not about the place but rather who I’m able to serve.

I’m just scared that wherever I’m called to, I will be disappointed because I think we can all agree that there are some places we’d rather go or not go to (sorry if that’s not everyone’s mindset).

I have personally prayed, studied, and had personal revelation that I should be going on a mission, and that’s where He wants me to be. There is no doubt in my mind that serving a mission is the best path for me. I just feel bad because I feel as though where I’m called may seem boring or be a place I don’t want to live and be for the next two years (and I guess in part it’s due to embarrassment and societal expectations to go out of the country).

I know that where I’m assigned is received through direct inspiration of the Holy Ghost. But I also know that they are humans; they will have a bias based on what they see on my paperwork; missionaries in certain areas need to be replaced; they have new missions open and need to fill them in, all of which makes me feel like my assignment is not as personal.

I have read so many talks, devotionals, scriptures, and quotes that all say that leaders strive to align these decisions with God’s will, believing that each assignment is inspired to serve a purpose for the missionary and the people they’ll teach. Maybe I am lacking trust in this idea? In God?

I need people who have gone to what’s perceived as a “boring” mission call. I need people who were disappointed in their call. What is your perspective on the matter? Anything to put my anxiousness at ease?

If anyone has advice, I’d love to hear it. This is not to discourage anyone! I have a testimony the church, its history, Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, our prophet(s), all of it. I’m not here to dismantle anyone’s testimony or faith.

30 Comments
2024/11/09
00:27 UTC

10

What are your thoughts on caffeine use?

I understand we aren’t supposed to drink coffee or tea, but I am curious about your thoughts on drinking energy drinks such as monster?

The church website says: The Word of Wisdom, given in its early American context, did not anticipate or specifically address many substances that have since become common. Over time, Church leaders have emphasized the underlying principles of the revelation, such as caring for the health of the body and avoiding addictive substances. In some instances, they have given specific guidance. For example, recreational drugs are forbidden by the Word of Wisdom, while authorized use of prescription drugs is permitted. The use of some substances, such as caffeine, has been left to the judgment of individual Saints and is not prohibited as a requirement for receiving a temple recommend.

I understand this explains that it is up to the individual saint, but what are your thoughts?

103 Comments
2024/11/09
00:25 UTC

4

Saints V4 Podcast

I just finished listening to the first episode of season 4 of the Saints podcast ("A 13-Year-Old Primary President in Uruguay"). Honestly, I didn't enjoy it as much as season 1's episodes. I loved the discussion and organic flow of conversation in season one, and I feel like that is missing in season 4. It feels very scripted to my ears. The narrator, James Perry, lacks the eagerness and emotion of Steven C. Harper from Season 1.

Having said all that, I really don't mean to diss on the podcast project. I love that I can listen while I'm at work, it feels more "alive" than listening to the Book of Mormon or Come, Follow Me. Additionally, I am reading chapter 4 of Saints V4 and love it so much!

I'm just curious, does anyone here have thoughts on the Saints podcast?

1 Comment
2024/11/08
20:08 UTC

11

What's up with the lower case "g" or "gods" vs the upper case "G" at the end of D/C 76:58?

Every time I hear a member or non-member bring up the whole "gods" thing, I cringe. Somebody asks about "ruling" our own planet, etc. Holy moly. I hate that it feels presumptuous—even arrogant. Anyone else wrestle with this?

It isn't so much what Joseph, Brigham, or John Taylor said. The verse that gets me is D/C 76:58-59: “They are gods, even the sons of God—Wherefore, all things are theirs… and they are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” The lowercase “g” feels deliberate, and so do the upper case "G's", and it makes me wonder: What’s really being said here?

Jesus referenced it from Psalms, too: “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’?” (John 10:34). I've read all kinds of commentary on this verse from LDS and Christian scholars. So, what does it mean for us to be called “gods”? There's the line in vs 36, "Son of God". Is this upper case "G" written deliberately in the Old/New Testament and in LDS scripture to distinguish between God, the Father, and what he intends on doing with inviting us into his Glory?

To me, it feels less about cosmic rulership and more about being invited to share in God’s Glory which dozens of verses state. The lowercase “g” is humbling—it’s like we’re being reminded that we aren’t the source, but we’re invited to be part of something divine. At best it is audacious, but, what sticks in my mental craw is that idea of being given rulership. Yet, it seems that this idea of exaltation needs a LOT more examination and revelation. But are we missing something here?

How do you see it? Is this “gods” concept about becoming a GOD like God, the Father, or is it about being a partner with him in his Glory with added power and authority to create -- yet still be subservient to him? power.

Or could it be about something far more relational? Would love your thoughts.>!​!<

23 Comments
2024/11/08
18:21 UTC

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