Kenngo1969 Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 So far I think the answers, at least to me, are vague. Such as, "have faith in what I believe because I have the truth." "Find and follow the evidence that leads to what I believe." "Find what works for you and follow it." I'm making this all up but that's what it sounds like to me. Would not the same suggestions work for other faiths? ...Yes! https://greatgourdini.wordpress.com/2012/04/16/toward-interreligious-oneness/
Kenngo1969 Posted May 20, 2015 Posted May 20, 2015 Do the LDS with strong testimonies of the having one true church feel they are special, because they are a very special group? Of all the world's people they are just a drop in the bucket who belong to God's special church. So where did all the others fail? Many of them are trying the best of their abilities to do what God would have them do. The Stone cut out of the mountain may be rolling forth but as mentioned in another thread, it's going very slow. They didn't "fail," provided they walk the best they know how in the light of what truth they have received. To the best of my knowledge, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is alone among the world's faiths in teaching that those who did not accept saving ordinances in this life will have the opportunity to do so in the next life as those ordinances are performed by proxy.
Stargazer Posted May 21, 2015 Posted May 21, 2015 (edited) Do the LDS with strong testimonies of the having one true church feel they are special, because they are a very special group? Of all the world's people they are just a drop in the bucket who belong to God's special church. So where did all the others fail? Many of them are trying the best of their abilities to do what God would have them do. The Stone cut out of the mountain may be rolling forth but as mentioned in another thread, it's going very slow. I wouldn't care to characterize the strength of my testimony (on a scale from 0 to 100, for example), but I do have a very strong testimony, and no I don't think I am special because of it. At least not in the sense of "I am so SPECIAL!" I am however special in that I am one of the very few who have lived upon the face of the earth who was permitted to be here when the fullness of the Gospel was available. This is special, yes, but in the sense of guess what, billions of my brothers and sisters have gone through their lives and never had this chance! And I will have an opportunity to bring this fullness of the Gospel to as many of them who are here with me at this time, and to as many of those who didn't have the chance, via genealogical research and the Temple. And not only that, we LDS are given to understand that there are possibly billions of people in the Spirit World, who have lived their mortal lives and are now being taught the Gospel there. And upon our own shuffling off this mortal coil, we should expect to be put immediately to work doing all we can to bring the Gospel to those people. No rest for the weary. And guess what? No sleeping in the Spirit World, and no breaks for the potty or for lunch. Work, work, work. Yep, we're special, but we have a heavy responsibility and if we are prideful in our specialness, it is dreadfully misplaced. We have been given much, and by golly we better we giving back. Or else we are ungrateful -- and you know very well that God hates ingratitude, and isn't very happy with unjustified pride either. Edited to add: And I guess this doesn't answer part of the question. But I don't believe that devout, believing and faithful Catholics, Protestants, Jehovah's Witnesses, Muslims, Hindus, or even pagans have "failed". Heck, most of them grew up that way, and the Lord did make it clear that if you train up a child to a standard, there's a good chance they will stick with the standard. Some of them might find their ways to the LDS Church in this life, but it won't be very many, at least before the Millennium, and so we'll get to them later. If they live as best they can according to the Light which they received, then God will bless them for their faithfulness. And as for any errors they might have made? Well, the Good News is that Christ suffered for all, that all could receive forgiveness for their sins. Edited May 21, 2015 by Stargazer 1
danielwoods Posted May 21, 2015 Posted May 21, 2015 I hear born agains have felt Christ over take them. Haven't heard that in my Mormon circles so much, not a lot of Jesus talk. Would that make a difference? Totally giving your life over to Jesus and becoming a so called Jesus freak, loving Him like a bride loves her groom. This is how they talk. Do we in the LDS church rely on each other more for that satisfaction. It seems like the pews are filled in the LDS church at least here in Utah. And other faiths, a lot of times sit nearly empty. I use to feel this was some proof that they are false and we are right. But now my thought process is that maybe their relationship is more with the Lord than a church and it's members. Also think members of the church or various works based churches have more loyalty to staying busy and attending all their meetings etc. My witness has been through service callings and the various meetings with good speakers or lessons. Not really many moments to rely on, can count on one hand. Quite an insight you have articulated there. Couldn't have said it better myself.
Robert F. Smith Posted May 21, 2015 Posted May 21, 2015 ...................................................................................... So I often wonder, if there's a god who wants us to live as he/she wants why isn't the way made clear so there is no question as to what the past and future was and is and how to advance in the hereafter. ............................................................................ So what is the problem? Why isn't there a clear path? Why does God hold back everything we need to know? Central to the Plan of Salvation is the testing or probationary state we must experience. Satan's plan was that there be no test, that everyone would be saved, which entirely negates the process of salvation.
The Nehor Posted May 22, 2015 Posted May 22, 2015 (edited) I also find the topic heading odd. Wanting the gospel to be proven before you will commit seems silly. That is not the search for truth; it is the search for acceptance. It is like a person standing near the tree of life and refusing to partake of the fruit of the tree of life until the mocking crowds from the great and spacious building cheer them on. It will probably be a long wait. Edited May 22, 2015 by The Nehor
Sanpitch Posted May 22, 2015 Author Posted May 22, 2015 Somehow it seems logical to me to have a little proof of something if you're going to devote your life to it. There is a lot of questionable things in the history of the church.
Nofear Posted May 22, 2015 Posted May 22, 2015 Somehow it seems logical to me to have a little proof of something if you're going to devote your life to it. There is a lot of questionable things in the history of the church. I agree. That's why we have baptismal interviews. We're not supposed to just let anybody join the Church because of a whim. They should have some desire. belief. and evidence to commit -- even if only a small seed of such. See Alma's excellent discussion: https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/32.17-28#16 2
CV75 Posted May 22, 2015 Posted May 22, 2015 Somehow it seems logical to me to have a little proof of something if you're going to devote your life to it. There is a lot of questionable things in the history of the church. A little proof (proof being what it is), no matter how small, easily offsets not only a lot, but any and all other contrary things that one might deem questionable (questionable things being ineffective as proof).
The Nehor Posted May 23, 2015 Posted May 23, 2015 Somehow it seems logical to me to have a little proof of something if you're going to devote your life to it. There is a lot of questionable things in the history of the church.I was not talking about bits of evidence. I was opposed to the idea that it must be generally accepted by all before joining. More then some bits and you may end up lamenting that you are being asked to do more because of said witness.
rodheadlee Posted May 23, 2015 Posted May 23, 2015 Do the LDS with strong testimonies of the having one true church feel they are special, because they are a very special group? Of all the world's people they are just a drop in the bucket who belong to God's special church. So where did all the others fail? Many of them are trying the best of their abilities to do what God would have them do. The Stone cut out of the mountain may be rolling forth but as mentioned in another thread, it's going very slow. We are all special in God's eyes. He gave His Only Begotten Son that we may have eternal life. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is His Church. Why don't you come and join in? He has brought many Blessings with Him. The only thing special about me is i listened to the voice of Christ when he said "Come join my Church". Why do you think all the others have failed? I think they are just in a different place on the ladder of progression. There are many true Christians among the other Christian churches they just haven't answered or received the call yet. 1
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