"The Story of God" with Morgan Freeman

[Tacenda]

I saw this today, I didn't know anything about it.  Have any of you watched this documentary?  

I've struggled with my testimony of a Saviour and God for quite some time.  I want to blame it on my struggle with the LDS church and it even being true anymore.  I want to blame it on their past non transparency and my faith crisis stemming from that.  

But I know it's me, and it's going to take myself getting the faith to believe again.  Something that came so easily before, I didn't even bat an eye that it is true.  I had the road map in hand.  Now, I'm lost.  I feel I've no connection at all, and if I did maybe I'd be helped in what I should be doing with my life.  I'd love some direction, or someone from the other side to help me.

I talked with a gal recently who told me she felt her mother from the other side, and it was so strong she knows it was her without a shadow of doubt.  Me? I got nothing from my parents on the other side. I don't know how to deal with this.  It's a horrible feeling, and I ain't gonna lie, I've even thought of ways to get out of dodge, to put it lightly, better not break board rules.  

Can't wait to sit down and watch this documentary and hoping it will give me a glimmer of belief again.  

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-morgan-freeman-hopes-audiences-watch-the-story-of-god/?utm_content=buffer92eda&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

[Guest]

I'll watch it just because Morgan Freeman is hosting it. He is probably one of the greatest actors and voices ever. However, I won't be watching it gain a testimony of the existence of God. I already know the answer to that question. 

[Meadowchik]

I'm sorry it is so hard. And that you feel such loss in the absence of your parents. I cannot imagine the extent of that, but know I understand wanting my parents and not being able to call on them the same as before, (because I live abroad.)

At the moment I struggle to feel joyful and peaceful because of an extremely high stress situation. How do I feel peace while also being constantly vigilant? Maybe there is an intellectual parallel to that: having a testimony in the awareness of contradicting information about the Church/gospel versus having a testimony in the awareness of a dangerous life situation.

In either case, I don't believe one should turn their brain off, but seek the good, from wherever we are, try to live it in our knowledge in all its range.

I pray that you can find a connection that you feel to your parents and that you can enjoy fruits from on High, in your life.

Edited May 19, 2016 by Meadowchik

[Guest]

My dear Sister, in the last 5 months, I have had three brushes with death. The first full of the day of my Alsaka Cruise, I was eating breakfast with my wife and a number of friends from my Ward. I collapsed again and woke up in the Ship's hospital. What I am learning, is that it is in my weakness that I am find God, more than I ever did in my strength. I have began to look beyond this life unto the next. As the Apostle Paul said, "I glory in my infirmities". As I search more closely for him, he searches out my soul. So it will be with us all. 

[Tacenda]

Maybe if I put these words from Russell M. Ballard in action, something might happen.

"Prayer is a key. Pray to know what to stop doing and what to start doing. Pray to know what to add to your environment and what to remove so the Spirit can be with you in abundance.

Plead with the Lord for the gift of discernment. Then live and work to be worthy to receive that gift so that when confusing events arise in the world, you will know exactly what is true and what is not.

Serve with love. Loving service to those who have lost their way or who are wounded in spirit opens your heart to personal revelation.

Spend more time—much more time—in places where the Spirit is present. That means more time with friends who are seeking to have the Spirit with them. Spend more time on your knees in prayer, more time in the scriptures, more time in family history work, more time in the temple. I promise you that as you consistently give the Lord a generous portion of your time, He will multiply the remainder."

[TheSkepticChristian]

6 hours ago, Tacenda said:

It's a horrible feeling,

it gets worst when you realize that Cryonics is another religious option. 

I am agnostic too, but like you, I still hope there is an all powerful God that cares about us. 

[Tacenda]

3 minutes ago, TheSkepticChristian said:

it gets worst when you realize that Cryonics is another religious option. 

I am agnostic too, but like you, I still hope there is an all powerful God that cares about us. 

Wow, today I learned about Cryonics, and the other day I learned they could bring back a Whoolly Mammoth...really interesting stuff.  If this world still exists in 30-50 years, maybe sooner, what an exciting time for sure! 

[Garden Girl]

I watched this documentary (love Morgan Freeman) and enjoyed learning about other faiths... very well done...

GG

[igonzals]

I've watched the documentary and I can say it's a very good work. It enlarges our vision from other faiths and at the same time one can understand that God transcends a particular church (including ours) or a religion. The chapter about death was simply extraordinary.

[Storm Rider]

20 hours ago, Tacenda said:

I saw this today, I didn't know anything about it.  Have any of you watched this documentary?  

I've struggled with my testimony of a Saviour and God for quite some time.  I want to blame it on my struggle with the LDS church and it even being true anymore.  I want to blame it on their past non transparency and my faith crisis stemming from that.  

But I know it's me, and it's going to take myself getting the faith to believe again.  Something that came so easily before, I didn't even bat an eye that it is true.  I had the road map in hand.  Now, I'm lost.  I feel I've no connection at all, and if I did maybe I'd be helped in what I should be doing with my life.  I'd love some direction, or someone from the other side to help me.

I talked with a gal recently who told me she felt her mother from the other side, and it was so strong she knows it was her without a shadow of doubt.  Me? I got nothing from my parents on the other side. I don't know how to deal with this.  It's a horrible feeling, and I ain't gonna lie, I've even thought of ways to get out of dodge, to put it lightly, better not break board rules.  

Can't wait to sit down and watch this documentary and hoping it will give me a glimmer of belief again.  

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-morgan-freeman-hopes-audiences-watch-the-story-of-god/?utm_content=buffer92eda&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Tacenda, 

You are not alone and many, if not all, people can relate to your predicament.  I wonder how you would feel about turning off all negative influences to faith, belief, etc. and instead chose to focus solely on those things that inspire, that invite the Spirit, that expands your heart, mind, and spirit to God's hand in your life?

As I have read your comments over the last many months it is apparent that your read and interact with a lot of resources that are not helpful or beneficial to individuals who want to be faithful to God.  They are destructive to the human heart and spirit.  

Prayer is only one facet of a faith affirming path.  You already know what you can do, but I think reading great literature, poetry, listening to great music should not be overlooked.  In many ways we must follow the same rules that an addict learns to follow - an addict cannot hang around the same people that used drugs and remain healthy; they must sever those relationships because they cause a destructive force in their lives.  Review the "friends" or the sources of influence in your life and sever those that are not constructive to a spiritual life.  

This type of action is, in a real sense, a spiritual fast to gain strength.  You will forgo a lot of activities you have grown addicted to that were unhealthy and you will strictly focus on that which is ---- as the 13th Article of Faith states, "anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things."  Seek after those things, focus on them, until you are have a firm foundation again.  It is a choice for happiness.

I will keep you in my prayers,

[bcuzbcuz]

20 hours ago, Tacenda said:

I saw this today, I didn't know anything about it.  Have any of you watched this documentary?  

I've struggled with my testimony of a Saviour and God for quite some time.  I want to blame it on my struggle with the LDS church and it even being true anymore.  I want to blame it on their past non transparency and my faith crisis stemming from that.  

But I know it's me, and it's going to take myself getting the faith to believe again.  Something that came so easily before, I didn't even bat an eye that it is true.  I had the road map in hand.  Now, I'm lost.  I feel I've no connection at all, and if I did maybe I'd be helped in what I should be doing with my life.  I'd love some direction, or someone from the other side to help me.

I talked with a gal recently who told me she felt her mother from the other side, and it was so strong she knows it was her without a shadow of doubt.  Me? I got nothing from my parents on the other side. I don't know how to deal with this.  It's a horrible feeling, and I ain't gonna lie, I've even thought of ways to get out of dodge, to put it lightly, better not break board rules.  

Can't wait to sit down and watch this documentary and hoping it will give me a glimmer of belief again.  

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-morgan-freeman-hopes-audiences-watch-the-story-of-god/?utm_content=buffer92eda&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

I've watched the whole series with Morgan Freeman. I'm not sure how much is scripted and how much is reflective of his personal viewpoints but the program is very interesting. Because I've studied Egyptian history and religion I found his questions to Profesor Salima Ikram thoughtful and showed depth. He asked about the Egyptian views of the afterlife, the judgement of personal worth where the heart would be weighed against the weight of a feather. A heavy heart was caused by injustices to fellow man. 

As far as hearing from or gaining contact with those who have passed on, I don't believe in it at all. I've lost two from my immediate family, my first wife and a son. I do not expect nor seek any contact. They still live in my memory of them but I weep often when any incident or thought arises that reminds me of words or actions characteristic of them. 

Everything I've read or viewed about contact with the dead has revolved around the dead saying inane and useless phrases of greeting or confirming useless details about who they are or when they died, etc., etc. "Is it really you?" Kind of stuff. Who needs it. My memories are more precise than that.

[theplains]

20 hours ago, Pa Pa said:

I'll watch it just because Morgan Freeman is hosting it. He is probably one of the greatest actors and voices ever. However, I won't be watching it gain a testimony of the existence of God. I already know the answer to that question. 

Do you have a testimony of a God who has always been God?

Thanks,

Jim

[hope_for_things]

23 hours ago, Tacenda said:

I saw this today, I didn't know anything about it.  Have any of you watched this documentary?  

I've been watching the entire series so far, and its been great.  I love that he goes all over the world, the cinematography is excellent, the access he gets to sacred ceremonies and locations has been wonderful as well.  I never took an intro to the worlds religion classes in college, so just learning little bits and pieces in this show has been really good for me. 

Some of my favorite parts are the closing thoughts that Morgan Freeman shares at the end of each episode.  So thought provoking and so insightful.  I find that his perspective really resonates with where I'm at and the way I view religion working in my life and the lives of others. One thing he said at the end of one of episodes and I can only paraphrase, but it had to do with each of us respecting the other's beliefs and learning to appreciate one another better so we can live in greater peace and unity.  

I loved it and I can say I have felt the spirit while watching this show on multiple occasions.  What a great show.  

[Guest]

51 minutes ago, theplains said:

Do you have a testimony of a God who has always been God?

Thanks,

Jim

Yes...you don't? 

[Tacenda]

Does Morgan Freeman talk to any Mormons?  You'd think he would!  I checked Amazon, I think the $2.99 per episode is very much worth the money. Thank you all, for the input!

Edited May 19, 2016 by Tacenda

[Jeanne]

My thoughts and prayers with you on your journey.  It is hard.  May you find the peace you seek and deserve.

Jeanne

[Tacenda]

14 minutes ago, Jeanne said:

My thoughts and prayers with you on your journey.  It is hard.  May you find the peace you seek and deserve.

Jeanne

Thanks Jeanne!  I have good days and bad.  Now it's back to good.  Maybe I'm bi-polar.  Or lack sleep.  I still haven's said a decent prayer, except over my food.  

[hope_for_things]

1 hour ago, Tacenda said:

Does Morgan Freeman talk to any Mormons?  You'd think he would!  I checked Amazon, I think the $2.99 per episode is very much worth the money. Thank you all, for the input!

Not yet, maybe in the future he will.  

[coolrok7]

Tacenda, I would like to recommend for you to watch a YouTube video called "Jesus Messiah" by a Chris Tomlin. This is what is needed to believe and to be lived out in one's life. Its a matter of coming to trusting in God and His Word expressed in the life of Jesus of Nazareth!

Think and ponder on this as it is what is needed to know to grow to maturity in what this means for your life as well as for all others.

I've watched the Morgan Freeman series, Jesus is the answer to all of life's issues. The others can only lead one to eternal destruction as they are not the way, the truth, and the life. Only Jesus is! The leaders of all the others are still dead, their bodies in the grave. Their spirits awaiting the Judgment day as all others that have died. This would include those alive at the time of the 2nd Coming!!!

You might also watch the Bucket List movie Morgan was in with Jack Nicholson. let me know what you think.

Edited May 21, 2016 by coolrok7

[theplains]

On 19/05/2016 at 5:48 PM, Pa Pa said:

Yes...you don't? 

Yes.  But I don't agree with the LDS teachings that Jesus and Heavenly Father became Gods.

Jim

[Guest]

5 hours ago, theplains said:

Yes.  But I don't agree with the LDS teachings that Jesus and Heavenly Father became Gods.

Jim

So was your question genuine, or were you trying to derail the thread? You asked me what I believed, you did not ask me what LDS teachings were. Which question were you asking? 

[Traela]

Another resource that you might find helpful is BYU-Idaho's last devotional.  Sheri Dew talked about receiving revelation and answers to gospel questions.

Will you engage in the wrestle?

 

[bluebell]

On May 18, 2016 at 4:20 PM, Tacenda said:

I saw this today, I didn't know anything about it.  Have any of you watched this documentary?  

I've struggled with my testimony of a Saviour and God for quite some time.  I want to blame it on my struggle with the LDS church and it even being true anymore.  I want to blame it on their past non transparency and my faith crisis stemming from that.  

But I know it's me, and it's going to take myself getting the faith to believe again.  Something that came so easily before, I didn't even bat an eye that it is true.  I had the road map in hand.  Now, I'm lost.  I feel I've no connection at all, and if I did maybe I'd be helped in what I should be doing with my life.  I'd love some direction, or someone from the other side to help me.

I talked with a gal recently who told me she felt her mother from the other side, and it was so strong she knows it was her without a shadow of doubt.  Me? I got nothing from my parents on the other side. I don't know how to deal with this.  It's a horrible feeling, and I ain't gonna lie, I've even thought of ways to get out of dodge, to put it lightly, better not break board rules.  

I was reading a conference talk from the April conference by Sis. Oscarson titled Do I Believe that made me think of your thread Tacenda.  Especially these parts-

"To believe, we need to get the gospel from our heads into our hearts! It is possible for us to merely go through the motions of living the gospel because it is expected or because it is the culture in which we have grown up or because it is a habit....  

True conversion is a process that takes place over a period of time and involves a willingness to exercise faith. It comes when we search the scriptures instead of the Internet. It comes when we are obedient to the commandments of God. Conversion comes when we serve those around us. It comes from earnest prayer, regular temple attendance, and faithful fulfillment of our God-given responsibilities. It takes consistency and daily effort."

I bolded the things that she says we HAVE to do (and those which everyone CAN do, regardless of whether they are members of the LDS church or not) in order to become converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

If conversion to and a testimony of Christ is what you sincerely desire Tacenda, this talk outlines how to receive it.  It's all up to you.  It is your personal responsibility (just like it is for each one of us) and no one else's.  

[RevTestament]

Has anyone found a way to watch this series without being subscribed to a network which includes the Nat Geo Channel?

[Buckeye]

On 5/18/2016 at 6:20 PM, Tacenda said:

I saw this today, I didn't know anything about it.  Have any of you watched this documentary?  

I've struggled with my testimony of a Saviour and God for quite some time.  I want to blame it on my struggle with the LDS church and it even being true anymore.  I want to blame it on their past non transparency and my faith crisis stemming from that.  

But I know it's me, and it's going to take myself getting the faith to believe again.  Something that came so easily before, I didn't even bat an eye that it is true.  I had the road map in hand.  Now, I'm lost.  I feel I've no connection at all, and if I did maybe I'd be helped in what I should be doing with my life.  I'd love some direction, or someone from the other side to help me.

I talked with a gal recently who told me she felt her mother from the other side, and it was so strong she knows it was her without a shadow of doubt.  Me? I got nothing from my parents on the other side. I don't know how to deal with this.  It's a horrible feeling, and I ain't gonna lie, I've even thought of ways to get out of dodge, to put it lightly, better not break board rules.  

Can't wait to sit down and watch this documentary and hoping it will give me a glimmer of belief again.  

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-morgan-freeman-hopes-audiences-watch-the-story-of-god/?utm_content=buffer92eda&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

I've always enjoyed your comments on this board. I wish I could you my hope and faith, but it doesn't work that way. One thing that has helped me has been to see others who lack the great spiritual experiences, and who even doubt, but continue onward in their journey. One great example is Mother Teresa. It wasn't known by many until after her death that she felt abandoned most of her life.