Questions

[rosie321]

These may seem utterly crazy to ask but I have questions and would like to know what is what. Some are just random ones that have been on the back of my mind for a while and are the kind you feel intimidated to ask.

While I'd love to hear any responses scripture backing or church leader references, if possible, in your answers would be appreciated.

1. What are all the requirements to enter into the celestial kingdom? What is our goal?


2. What are some LDS things that are not necessary but people expect as though it is? I quess what is just LDS peer pressure and not actually demanded by the church?

3. What exactly are non-member chances to obtain the celestial kingdom?

4. If someone living worthy in this life but has not joined in this life will they most likely accept or be taken in after this life?

5. What will we be doing after we die?

6. If families are supposed to be forever but are continually breaking up how is everything going to be worked out.

7. How come so many people in the church are divorced or make it a choosable option. Especially in part member families. Then they encourage or get remarried. Sorry to offend anyone but isn't this considered adultery? The Bible seems to allow for it in extreme circumstances but then encourages people not to remarry.

8. How come the church seems to get bogged down in the little details but when it comes to the big picture it misses big things?



Sorry some of these may seem like some pretty basic questions but..

[rosie321]

Ok sorry just a few more questions to ask. I'm just spitting out all the questions I have ever had and never asked (or never got a satisfying answer) over these posts. Some are kind of deep. I have diligently tried to seek and have prayed but just get frustrated. So I'm just hoping to get some true answers, direction or assurance in what we believe that will be confirmed through the Holy Ghost.

The church strives to make one body so I can understand it not catering to the whims of everyone that comes along. Yet this world is made up of great diversity. How come we seem to teach with one style? Everything, even in the activities are talks. Sit down and listen. This is very hard on different types of learners and special needs. Some who learn better through action, or through the visual, etc.
I find it frustrating how the developmentally disabled are treated. If you question people will turn it around and either say that it is because of something the parents have done and this is their reward or the other side where they are automatically gained a place in the eternities. They are special children in God's eyes. I've even heard they don't need to be baptized. Shouldn't they still be taught in an understandable way. Don't we as members of the church have the obligation to see that everyone has the opportunity to learn and understand.


How far do you follow a leader? Everyone is prone to sin. No man has a perfect knowledge (even though he sometimes thinks he does). Man can get sucked up into pride and messed up with sin. Where do you draw the line and separate yourself to some degree from those things that are expected from the leader that may not be completely on trac for you and the expectation that you follow the leaders that have been placed before you?


How come facial hair is not allowed when all the pictures of Christ depict him with that? Even the pictures of Heavenly Father show that? Did men lose the right because they did not learn how to tame their facial hair correctly Seriously though what is the big deal if it is properly groomed or is that the problem. With the increased hygenic possibilities today you'd think that it would be easier. I don't get why this is an expectation for some of the "higher" or more involved positions. I would be more concerned about the content of the heart.

[Palerider]

Sorry folks....I can't resist......if the church is like the way you have described it....I wouldn't go either.....sounds like you have been reading some books....lets see....maybe by the Tanners.....Martin.....etc.....and I could go on....

[rosie321]

Pale thanks so much for your help -maybe you're right maybe I am in the wrong place.

I turned to the forum because I was doing as we are told over and over again. "if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God." " Ask and ye shall recieve -knock and the door will be opened unto you" So many times we are directed to seek answers.
Why is it that when you ask any questions you are made to feel like crap? How do we learn unless we ask. What questions are we not supposed to ask. Is it crazy to know -not just hear some sweet pacifying words, but really know as to what we are doing here. what we are actually supposed to do, what God wants from us and what waits in store for us after we die and leave this world? Maybe you don't know what its like to be tested and tried to the very core.

I don't know and care whomever it is that you're talking about. The only thing that I have been trying to do since I have been a member is find and follow the will of God. Obviously thats an evil thing to do.

I think you might be right. Why waste my time.

Soul Searcher thanks for understanding that not everyone has some evil plan that some people really do
diligently seek answers.

[Maureen]

Hi rosie, welcome.

I'm non-LDS so don't know if my answers to some will help, but I'll offer my 2 cents:

3. What exactly are non-member chances to obtain the celestial kingdom?[/b]

Speaking as a non-member, many would probably feel indifferent about obtaining a place in the CK. Many have their own ideas about life after death.

4. If someone living worthy in this life but has not joined in this life will they most likely accept or be taken in after this life?[/b]

This word worthy is used so differently between LDS Christians and mainstream Christians. Can a Christian be worthy by themselves, on their own, or do they need help from God? If we see ourselves as worthy through Christ than we have every hope of life with God in the here after.

5. What will we be doing after we die?[/b]

IMO, we don't really know. We can speculate but this question cannot be anwered with any certainty.

8. How come the church seems to get bogged down in the little details but when it comes to the big picture it misses big things?[/b]

Could you give an example of what you mean by this question?

M.

[Dr T]

Obviously thats an evil thing to do.[/b]

Do you really believe that or are you being sarcastic?

[Deazone]

How come facial hair is not allowed when all the pictures of Christ depict him with that? Even the pictures of Heavenly Father show that? Did men lose the right because they did not learn how to tame their facial hair correctly Seriously though what is the big deal if it is properly groomed or is that the problem. With the increased hygenic possibilities today you'd think that it would be easier. I don't get why this is an expectation for some of the "higher" or more involved positions. I would be more concerned about the content of the heart.
[/b]

I have not had anyone tell me I have to shave off my Goatee. Come to think of it, I think everyone is clean shaved. weird.. the Goatee stays though lol. (I am a rebel)

[Dr T]

Hey Deazone,

I have not had anyone tell me I have to shave off my Goatee.[/b]

They only save that for the truly saved! (Only joking)

These may seem utterly crazy to ask but I have questions and would like to know what is what. Some are just random ones that have been on the back of my mind for a while and are the kind you feel intimidated to ask.

While I'd love to hear any responses scripture backing or church leader references, if possible, in your answers would be appreciated.

1. What are all the requirements to enter into the celestial kingdom? What is our goal?
http://www.mormon.org/learn/0,8672,1295-1,00.html

2. What are some LDS things that are not necessary but people expect as though it is? I quess what is just LDS peer pressure and not actually demanded by the church?
You are going to have to be more clear on this. What has been said to you to bring this up? What has been done?

3. What exactly are non-member chances to obtain the celestial kingdom?
See answer to #1

4. If someone living worthy in this life but has not joined in this life will they most likely accept or be taken in after this life?
The only ones who can answer this truthfully are those the temple work is done for. We humans here on earth won't know that until we die and/or when Christ comes again. Example: During life my Grandmother was very antagonistic to the Church, she was rude to the Missionaries, to any of the members who came to my Mom's house. My Mother did Grandma's ordinances 5 years after Grandma's passing. When I pass on, and search out Grandma - then I will know for a surity if she did or did not accept the ordinance work.

5. What will we be doing after we die?
I have heard it said that we will be doing much the same as we did on earth, we will have callings from Jesus to teach His word among those who have passed on without knowing of the gospel while they were here on earth. I feel comforted that my oldest sister will be doing God's work. She was severly obese and she eventually could not teach in the Primary any more. She was a teacher at heart. She taught all of us (5 younger siblings) to read, write and do basic math before we ever got into the 1st grade! She was the best Primary Sunday School teacher - I learned more from her, than I had ever learned from my own Sunday School teachers in my teen years.

6. If families are supposed to be forever but are continually breaking up how is everything going to be worked out.
They are continually breaking up because they are being bombarded by Satan, and listening more to him than to the Holy Ghost. When we live the gospel- 24/7, then Satan can not breach the wall of rightousness that is around us. When we honor our covenants with God, then Satan can not get a strong hold on us.

7. How come so many people in the church are divorced or make it a choosable option. Especially in part member families. Then they encourage or get remarried. Sorry to offend anyone but isn't this considered adultery? The Bible seems to allow for it in extreme circumstances but then encourages people not to remarry.
Because they are living OF the world rather than just IN it. In Other Words (yikes I am sounding like Ray! ) they are not upholding/honoring their covenants with God. Why would it be adultery if you are divorced then remarry? That makes no sense. I divorced from my first husband. Until that divorce was legally binding, i.e. the Law of the Land said that we were no longer husband and wife, I did not date or see any man on a one to one basis. No man entered my home without an accompaning man or woman! Three years after my divorce I am remarried to an active, worthy Priesthood holder. We just recently were sealed in the Temple in May of this year. No way would the Stake President had given us our Temple Recommends for this if we were commiting adultery. No way would our best friend who is also the Stake Patriarch been one of our witness's at the Temple if we were commiting adultery.

8. How come the church seems to get bogged down in the little details but when it comes to the big picture it misses big things?
Do you want to clairify this? I think you really mean: Why do some Members get bogged down in the little things, but miss the big things? In answer to that: Because they are human, because they are blessed with agency. Because they are more concerned with living IN the world rather than living the Gospel.

Sorry some of these may seem like some pretty basic questions but...
Yes they are basic questions, so ~ you have asked them. Apparantly you have not heard all of the answers that you want to hear. [/b]

Ok sorry just a few more questions to ask. I'm just spitting out all the questions I have ever had and never asked (or never got a satisfying answer) over these posts. Some are kind of deep. I have diligently tried to seek Where have you sought the answers? From the internet, other chat/forums? From the Standard Works, Ensign, Conference talks? and have prayed but just get frustrated. So I'm just hoping to get some true answers, direction or assurance in what we believe that will be confirmed through the Holy Ghost. Do you listen to the Conferences? Do you read them again and again? Do you go to your Ward and Stake Conferences? Are you active in your Ward/Branch? Do you participate in your Sunday School and RS classes? Do you really listen to the Sacrament services, from the sacrament prayer to the very last talk that is given, along with every hymn that is sung? Do you listen to the prayers that are offered each Sunday? When you pray - do you stop and ponder and offer up yourself to listen to Heavenly Father before you end it with Amen?

The church strives to make one body so I can understand it not catering to the whims of everyone that comes along. Yet this world is made up of great diversity. How come we seem to teach with one style? Everything, even in the activities are talks. Sit down and listen. This is very hard on different types of learners and special needs. Some who learn better through action, or through the visual, etc. The Church is Jesus Christ's church, it is run the way He says, not according to man's whims. We teach according to how Christ has set forth.

I find it frustrating how the developmentally disabled are treated. If you question people will turn it around and either say that it is because of something the parents have done and this is their reward or the other side where they are automatically gained a place in the eternities. They are special children in God's eyes. I've even heard they don't need to be baptized. Shouldn't they still be taught in an understandable way. Don't we as members of the church have the obligation to see that everyone has the opportunity to learn and understand. The retarded, who do not have the mental capabilities for discernment, are like unto little children, they do not require baptism. They do require to be sealed to their parents. I don't know what has occured to you within your ward, but remember this if you remember nothing else, this church is made up of human beings, they are imperfect, they are sinners. Why else would they be coming to church to gain salvation? These people who have treated the disabled wrongly will be judged by Christ. They will have to answer for their actions, words and INactions. I think you know better than to believe that the children are being punished for their parents sins. That is such an archaiac attitude, and totally against the Church's doctrine. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has one of the best teaching programs for the disabled. They go above and beyond the norm for teaching, and assisting the disabled. As for your last sentence here - members of the church having an obligation to see that everyone has the opportunity to lsearn and understand. Every member is a Missionary. The three-fold mission of the Church—to proclaim the gospel, to perfect the Saints, and to redeem those that have passed on.

How far do you follow a leader? Everyone is prone to sin. No man has a perfect knowledge (even though he sometimes thinks he does). Man can get sucked up into pride and messed up with sin. Where do you draw the line and separate yourself to some degree from those things that are expected from the leader that may not be completely on trac for you and the expectation that you follow the leaders that have been placed before you?
If you follow a Bishop or Stake President and he has led you in an unrighteous path, he is held responsible and you are not. When you live rightously, and you follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and you exercise the stewardship you have over yourself, Heavenly Father will guide you as to what and how you should act in regards to unrightous leaders. Heavenly Father will not let any of the Prophets lead His children astray. How you publicly respond to what you feel is an unworthy leader is at the forefront here. When you raise your arm to the square and covenant to sustain your leaders, you are sustaining their calling. If you feel that they are unrighteous, then you must have a serious conference with God and humbly discover what you should do. Remember, you only have stewardship over yourself and no one else when it comes to this.

How come facial hair is not allowed when all the pictures of Christ depict him with that? Even the pictures of Heavenly Father show that? Did men lose the right because they did not learn how to tame their facial hair correctly Seriously though what is the big deal if it is properly groomed or is that the problem. With the increased hygenic possibilities today you'd think that it would be easier. I don't get why this is an expectation for some of the "higher" or more involved positions. I would be more concerned about the content of the heart.
This is such a crock of swamp mud! I have been a member for 39 years, and I can not count the men I have known and seen at church who have facial hair, because there have been a LOT of them. From Stake Presidents, to Patriarchs, to Bishops, to any other calling you want to name up to and including Temple workers. As for the 'Higher' Posistions, lets take a look at Big Business. How many CEO's, Corporate Presidents do you see with beards? Not many. Why? Because in the world of Big Business they equate beards with dishonesty, uncleanliness, shiftyness. Why? Who really knows. Who really cares. This is one of those little things that really isn't that important to the fulfilling of the Gospel. [/b]

I turned to the forum because I was doing as we are told over and over again. "if any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God."
Asking us here on the forum, and in your ward is one thing - but it shouldn't be the only asking you do. You need to ask of the scriptures. All of them, Bible, Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, Doctrine & Covenants. Along with the Ensigns, ALL of the Conference Talks and any other books that are given as references in the talks and stories int he Ensigns.
" Ask and ye shall recieve -knock and the door will be opened unto you" So many times we are directed to seek answers.
Why is it that when you ask any questions you are made to feel like crap? How do we learn unless we ask. What questions are we not supposed to ask. Is it crazy to know -not just hear some sweet pacifying words, but really know as to what we are doing here. what we are actually supposed to do, what God wants from us and what waits in store for us after we die and leave this world? Maybe you don't know what its like to be tested and tried to the very core.
I am sorry that you have been made to feel like that. Some of your questions and statements have me thinking that you have not been a member for very long. Why don't you go to the Gospel Principles class in your ward? Any one can go to them, just like any one can go to Gospel Doctrine classes. Go to this link here
there are lots of resources for you to purchase through the Distribution Center for a fraction of the cost that a bookstore would charge. It is easy, you do it online, just fill out the information that they ask. Shipping and handling is FREE in the US.
When you "knock" you have to be prepared to "recieve" the knowledge. It isn't going to be handed to you on a silver platter - you are going to have to search it out. In books, talks, scriptures and also from discussing what you are learning with others of like mind. <<<That is where this forum comes into play>>> [/b]

Rosie, how much of this forum have you read? It will take you some time to read all of the threads, but you really should do it. Some of your questions have already been answered elsewhere on this forum. Don't be shy about responding to what might appear to be a "dead" topic. Reply to it and activate it once again.

[miztrniceguy]

Hey Deazone,

They only save that for the truly saved! (Only joking)
[/b]

even if i shaved my goatee, which ive had for about 6 years, i don't expect to get called to a higher position than ive had. was Elders quorum secretary, now SS teacher of 16 yr olds.

besides, my wife hates when i shave it off.....usually due to razor slippage.