Calm

One of my husband’s favorites. I got him matching socks.

How is growing not changing?

I have a very difficult time trying to understand why anyone would interpret God in this way. I would hope there was no God before God damning people to infinite punishment based on nothing they did or could do. Even if for some reason I was confident I was saved, what of those who were not? How sad and awful an existence for them. Want to add I quoted that description and only that description to deal with that belief, not any other or any system of doctrine that belief might be part of or thought to be part of, including any Calvinists of any stripe. If someone wants me to comment on a particular faith, I would prefer they actually quote an official website of that faith rather than give a paraphrase of what they think k someone believes…because that is so often wrong in my experience.

In the sense of not wanting to exclude anyone, yes, I agree. But we don’t take them as they are, they must convert to who we are…though I see the conversion as pretty broad. But I believe that is what Christ intends, only his process is much more intensive. He is creating all of us into a ‘new man’, taking the best parts and making them better and purging the stuff that is holding us back from being who we want to be as we align our wills with his…which we want to do since God wants the best for us.

The board was very different. I greatly appreciate both versions. I do miss a lot of posters, so many I wanted to know better than I did.

I see what happened, clicked peacefully’s link while thinking it was bluebell’s post. But it does often work…using reader option will sometimes allow you to read an article, such as the Trib’s. I thought it was a glitch and felt guilty originally, but it’s been many years now, so it must be an intentional choice to leave that option, so I am going to use it.

You lost me, Ken. (Very easy to do these days.)

Why would it be? FAIR is not a department of the Church nor does the Church vet our stuff. Pretty sure Brother Parry does not claim his translation is anything but the work of a scholar, not a prophet.

Clicking the reader option shows this

Schedule (I pasted it as plain text as it was massive otherwise, best just to use link): https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference_home/2026-fair-conferences/august-2026-fair-conference#Schedule August 2026 FAIR Conference Schedule DAY 1 – WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2026 7:10 PM – Scott Gordon: “The Church Has No Borders” This presentation explores the global growth of the Church and what it means to belong to a worldwide faith community. It highlights how the restored gospel transcends cultural and geographic boundaries. Scott Gordon has served as President of FAIR since 2001 and teaches business at Shasta College and BYU Pathway. He has served in many Church callings, including bishop and seminary teacher. 7:40 PM – Anthony Sweat: The Need for a Restoration This keynote addresses why a restoration of the gospel was necessary and how it fits within God’s ongoing work. It provides doctrinal context for understanding the Restoration in today’s world. Anthony Sweat is a professor of Church History and Doctrine at BYU and department chair. He is a widely published author and artist focused on Latter-day Saint history and theology. DAY 2 – THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026 9:10 AM – Mark Ashurst-McGee: Joseph Smith and Treasure Digging This presentation examines historical questions surrounding Joseph Smith and treasure digging, providing context and faithful responses to common criticisms. Mark Ashurst-McGee is a senior historian in the Church History Department and a leading contributor to the Joseph Smith Papers Project. 9:40 AM – Brian Hales: Joseph Smith: A Reluctant Polygamist This talk explores the difficult topic of plural marriage, drawing on primary sources to better understand Joseph Smith’s experience and motivations. Brian Hales is a retired physician and leading scholar on Joseph Smith and plural marriage, with multiple publications on the subject. 10:10 AM – Brett Dowdle: “Here is Brigham”: The Private Character of Brigham Young This presentation offers a deeper look at Brigham Young’s personal life through his correspondence, revealing insights into his character and leadership. Brett Dowdle is a historian in the Church History Department and has worked extensively on the Joseph Smith Papers. 10:45 AM – Gerrit Dirkmaat: Joseph Smith’s Miraculous Translation of the Book of Mormon This session explores the translation of the Book of Mormon and addresses questions about how the process occurred. Gerrit Dirkmaat is a researcher and speaker on Latter-day Saint scripture and translation. 11:15 AM – John Thompson: Framing the Facsimiles: The Book of Abraham’s Relationship to the Egyptian Vignettes This presentation examines how Joseph Smith interpreted Egyptian facsimiles and what that reveals about his prophetic role. John Thompson holds a PhD in Egyptology and researches ancient scripture and temple symbolism. 11:45 AM – John Gee: Book of Abraham Research Since the Pandemic This talk surveys recent scholarship on the Book of Abraham and addresses ongoing questions surrounding the text. John Gee is a professor at BYU specializing in Egyptology and ancient scripture, with extensive publications in the field. 1:15 PM – Casey Griffiths: Approaching Hard Questions in Church History and Doctrine This presentation provides tools for understanding and addressing challenging questions using principles of epistemology and historical method. Casey Griffiths is a BYU professor and co-host of the Church History Matters podcast. 1:45 PM – Thomas Alexander: The 1844–1847 Succession Crisis This session explores how Church leadership transitioned after Joseph Smith’s death and the role of the Twelve Apostles. Thomas Alexander is a renowned historian and professor emeritus of Western American history at BYU. 2:15 PM – Josh Coates: Black Saints and the Priesthood and Temple Restriction This presentation examines historical context and frameworks for understanding the priesthood restriction. Josh Coates is Executive Director of the B. H. Roberts Foundation and a former tech CEO. 2:45 PM – Janiece Johnson: Unravelling the Story of the Mountain Meadows Massacre This session analyzes the complex history of the massacre and how narratives about it have been shaped over time. Janiece Johnson is a historian specializing in Latter-day Saint history and the Mountain Meadows Massacre. 3:25 PM – Jasmin Rappleye: Sacred, Secret, or “Cultish”? Demystifying the Latter-day Saint Temple This presentation addresses criticisms of temple worship by placing it in ancient and biblical context. Jasmin Rappleye is a content creator and scholar focused on explaining Latter-day Saint beliefs and history. 3:55 PM – Keith Erekson: Which Sources Should I Trust? This session teaches practical strategies for evaluating information and navigating misinformation. Keith Erekson directs historical research and outreach for the Church History Department. 4:25 PM – Ron Rhodes: Understanding the Faith Crisis Industry This presentation examines organizations critical of the Church and how their messaging shapes faith crises. Ron Rhodes is the creator of Answering LDS Critics and a contributor to FAIR and Interpreter. 4:55 PM – Robert Stephenson: Representations of the Church in Media This talk explores how the Church is portrayed in modern media and what trends are emerging. Robert Stephenson works in the Church Communication Department coordinating with external faith-based organizations. DAY 3 – FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2026 9:10 AM – Meagan Kohler: Joy in Discipleship vs. Happiness in the Church This presentation explores the difference between happiness and true discipleship, helping attendees navigate disappointment while remaining rooted in faith. Meagan Kohler is a writer for Deseret News who focuses on faith and modern culture. She is a convert to the Church and lives in Utah County with her family. 9:40 AM – Walker Wright: Nourishing the Roots: How Temple Recommend Questions Can Reground Faith This session examines how focusing on core beliefs can strengthen faith and provide stability amid doubt and complexity. Walker Wright works in academic program leadership and teaches as an adjunct at BYU-Idaho. He writes on economics, religion, and public policy for both academic and popular audiences. 10:10 AM – Wendy Ulrich: When Loved Ones Leave: Maintaining Faith and Relationships This talk offers compassionate guidance for maintaining both faith and relationships when loved ones step away from the Church. Wendy Ulrich is a licensed psychologist, former member of the Relief Society General Council, and author of several books on faith and personal growth. 10:45 AM – Matt Roper: Accidental Evidence for the Book of Mormon This presentation explores how past criticisms of the Book of Mormon can, over time, become evidence supporting its authenticity. Matt Roper is a researcher and writer for Scripture Central with extensive publications on Latter-day Saint scripture and history. Paul Fields: Authorship Attribute Analysis of D&C 132 This session uses statistical analysis to examine authorship claims about Doctrine and Covenants 132 and addresses questions about its origin. Paul Fields is a statistics professor with decades of experience in data analysis and authorship attribution studies. 11:45 AM – Michael R. Ash: Shaken Faith Syndrome This presentation provides practical tools for navigating faith challenges and responding to criticism with confidence. Michael R. Ash is a longtime FAIR contributor and author of multiple books addressing faith, doubt, and apologetics. 1:15 PM – Matt Grow: “A Record Shall Be Kept”: The Mission of the Church History Department This talk explores the role of the Church History Department in preserving and sharing the history of the Church. Matt Grow is Managing Director of the Church History Department and a general editor of the Joseph Smith Papers and Saints. 1:45 PM – Jennifer Roach Lees: Doctrinal Differences and “Heretical” Teachings This presentation examines differences between Latter-day Saint beliefs and other Christian traditions and offers strategies for better dialogue. Jennifer Roach Lees is a licensed therapist with expertise in religious dynamics and interfaith understanding. 2:15 PM – Kendall Buchmiller: What is (and is not) Doctrine This session explores how doctrine is defined in the Church and how understanding those distinctions can strengthen faith. Kendall Buchmiller is a religious educator and researcher whose work focuses on theology, psychology, and faith development. 2:45 PM – Jeffrey Thayne: By What Measure? Why the Same Doctrine Looks Different to Different Saints This presentation teaches how to recognize faulty reasoning and cognitive bias, especially in discussions about faith. Jeffrey Thayne holds a doctorate in instructional technology and studies the intersection of the gospel and culture. 3:25 PM – Brant Gardner: Can I Trust the Book of Mormon? My Half-Century Quest to Answer that Question This session reflects on decades of scholarship and research supporting the Book of Mormon as a foundation for faith. Brant Gardner is an anthropologist and author specializing in Mesoamerican context and Book of Mormon studies. 3:55 PM – Neal Rappleye: A Beginner’s Guide to Book of Mormon Apologetics This presentation provides a structured introduction to defending the Book of Mormon using modern scholarship and resources. Neal Rappleye is a researcher and co-host of the Informed Saints podcast, with extensive publications on Book of Mormon studies. 4:25 PM – James Perry: Historical and Contemporary Patterns: European Latter-day Saints, 1837–Present This talk examines patterns of Church growth in Europe and offers insights into how faith is measured beyond numbers. James Perry is a Church History Area Manager for Europe North and holds a PhD from Lancaster University. 4:55 PM – Daniel C. Peterson: Why Apologetics? The Case for Defending the Faith This keynote presentation explores the importance of apologetics and why defending faith remains vital

Sorry, been spacing out on way too many things lately and didn’t notice this till now. Realize this may be too late for many. https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference_home/2026-fair-conferences/virt_2026-nt/fair-art-contest

Is any theory given by Carmack? I understood Skousen to be reluctant to theorize in the past, but haven’t been tracking more recent stuff. To me when something seems both novel and odd, it makes sense to try and gather as much data as possible before theorizing, so a lack of an explanation at this point doesn’t bother me. I see this in a later post, so it seems it’s still at the collecting data stage. ”It is kind of hard since there isn't a "grand theory" but just a bunch of data points.”

Did they get anything from him?

Seems like the law company somewhat misrepresented the case on their website or perhaps I just am not that familiar with legal writing (it does say “portion of the case”, but doesn’t it imply as written that is a portion of the 2.38 billion meaning it was more than the father involved, it was also the Church?

Except you aren’t a believer in the Book of Mormon iirc and therefore there was never a hill Cumorah in the past that was the same in your own belief surely. Does make it easier to dismiss the text as fabrication if one insists they have to be considered the same by Saints.

I agree with the need for the legal system to be used for punishment, paying damages, etc. But due to things like technicalities, poor representation, statute of limitations (which are necessary imo due to issues with evidence), etc., justice is not always found in the courtroom. Often isn’t found in for most sexual assault and abuse cases if the usual stats are accurate (not reported out of fear and shame because of our culture as well as personal threats, reported but not charged, arrested but not prosecuted, etc). Due process shouldn’t be expected or required in any other venue besides the legal one, due process is required of the government and those who are its agents, included judges and juries. Everyone else in the community…there are, imo, more effective and important standards to judge by. As far as the mass tort firms…I would love to see a study on the percentage of actual, viable, non nuisance cases that are present in these inventories. I assume those types of cases get greater attention since more money is likely or does it matter to these firms? Seems like an upgraded (or down depending on how one views these) version of ambulance chasing. This should not be surprising to anyone.

I definitely see this in the families that have been here forever. Very hard workers, “salt of the earth”types, first to help the neighbors. This has been my favorite neighborhood to live in ever as the ones who are more recent like us have also been great people.

How do you define “leading astray”? Do you believe it must mean teaching anything false or does it have a more restricted definition such as persistently teaching something false? Or even leading into sin or apostasy as in ‘leading off the path of salvation or righteousness’? What do you think LDS leaders meant and mean by “leading astray”?

They held the event in 2025 (they have a video of it iirc). I wonder if that was “Muslim only” or this time was the first. Seems like it would have been noticed, Maybe I will try and see if Google can come up with the past year’s adverts.

Of course it was. Kind of like midwives became seen as uneducated, superstitious, and unsafe…

From the event website: https://dfwepiceid.com

Okay, can’t find the date issued for the original flier, but the reissued one was May 4th. https://nypost.com/2026/05/04/us-news/muslim-only-event-at-taxpayer-funded-texas-waterpark-gets-backlash/ If the Post’s info is correct, looks like the backlash was what caused the change from Muslim only to modesty only in the publicizing. And it is burkinis for all women. Not just swim shirt and trunks as the first article I posted claimed…unless there was been another change. Pretty sure not. “Knight told The Post that she did not mean to exclude non-Muslims in organizing the event. “The core intention behind this event is to create a space where individuals and families who value modest dress and a modest environment can come together and feel comfortable enjoying a recreational space that often doesn’t naturally accommodate those preferences,” she said. “While the event is rooted in celebrating Eid within the Muslim community, the guiding principle for attendance is the modest dress code. “Guests are expected to follow that guideline; such as burkinis for women and swim trunks with shirts for men.”” The “didn’t mean to not include non Muslims in organizing it”…does that mean in the planning or the partying? If the second, I get why one would assume if burkinis were required for all women, only Muslims would be interested…though there may be women like me who have considered getting one if ever outside swimming because burning so easily with skin cancer rampant in the family and my husband having to get a spot burned practically every year.

Yep, but the article said it was an early flier. Sounds like it was either a mistake (maybe the person who created the flier assumes it was and no one doublechecked) or they reconsidered shortly after printing the first? flier since the event person didn’t say ‘we had originally planned Muslim only, but reconsidered when we figured there would be others who would enjoy a family friendly dress code’ or ‘we were happy to compromise with the city’ (I am not making the claim something less than shorts and swim shorts aren’t family friendly, but that does seem the implication made). Now she may have been doing PR CYA stuff, but if not (and my guess is they will have to prove that it isn’t CYA or admit they were planning ‘Muslim only’ until given no option), the governor is going to have to explain why he made a threat on out dated info. I want to say more, but it will go political if I do I am guessing. Any chance we know the date of the early flier and any later publicity that opened it up to others? You want to publicize an event early enough for people to make plans, but then again close to the event…maybe even for several days because many people get distracted easily, so there could be weeks between the early flier and the date of the event. Added: event is June 1st, so definitely weeks. Wonder what other publicity has already been done besides the early flier. I still don’t understand why the governor just didn’t have someone on his staff contact the event person to ensure the info was correct or to persuade them to open it up to more than Muslims if that was his only issue with it. If it wasn’t the only issue he had as the article implies, then there may be a big problem.

No mention of that however….plus if the city can celebrate Christmas (and I am betting they can), that would be discrimination. Added: I checked…Texas cities sponsoring Christmas events (got it from Chat so now will doublecheck it): “City of Lucas “Country Christmas” Event — official city-sponsored Christmas celebration with tree lighting and Santa activities. “Each winter, the City of Lucas welcomes residents and visitors alike to its beloved Country Christmas celebration — a cherished tradition that brings our community together for an evening of holiday joy, laughter, and light. Held at Lucas Community Park, this family-friendly event captures the warmth and wonder of the season with festive music, holiday activities, and the glow of the annual tree lighting ceremony” Bay City “HomeTown Christmas” — official Bay City Parks & Recreation Christmas festival and parade. “Bay City Announces HomeTown Christmas Celebration 2025 A Month-Long Series of Holiday Events Begins December 4th The Bay City Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the 6thAnnual HomeTown Christmas Celebration, bringing a full month of holiday activities to the community this December. This year’s celebration features long-standing favorites, exciting new additions, and festive fun for all ages. The event kicks off with the 45th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade, in partnership with the Bay City Chamber of Commerce, in downtown Bay City on Thursday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. Last year’s parade featured over 60 entries, with trophies awarded to top-scoring groups in each category.” City of Texas City Holiday Events Calendar — includes Christmas parade, holiday market, “Celebrate the Season,” and other city holiday programming. Lights in Liberty Christmas Festival — city-backed Christmas lights festival in Liberty, Texas. There are many others as well: City of Midland “Merry Lights” City of Conroe Christmas tree lighting and holiday festival City of Laredo Christmas parade Houston Mayor’s Holiday Spectacular” Requires only a swim shirt and trunks. You can get them pretty cheap on Amazon, though the cheap fabrics fade fast. I typically wear a swim shirt and swim leggings purely for comfort (my body poorly regulates temp and this keeps me warm long enough to heat up after about 15 minutes of laps). I much prefer these and will never go back to regular swim wear even if I get to the point of looking good on them again.

Except according to the article, that was an early flier and a mistake. The modest dress code was the actual requirement, not Muslims only. (Removed comment that felt nonpolitical since I was thinking of legal consequences of the likelihood of the government getting sued, not political ones, but likely would be seen as such.)