http://www.freerepublic.com/tag/other-religion/ en-us Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:29:49 GMT Focus Forum 15 http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050094/posts My dear brothers, sisters, and friends, the responsibility of speaking to all of you is a matter of great concern to me. I pray for your understanding. My baptism into this Church was one of the highlights of my life. I was eight years of age. My parents taught me and my brothers the significance of this great ordinance. My mother told me that after my baptism I would be held accountable for the things I did that were not right. I remember the day of my baptism very vividly. I was baptized in the baptismal font in the Tabernacle... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2050094/posts#comment Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:29:49 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049543/posts Brethren, before I begin my talk I want to congratulate very warmly this Melchizedek Priesthood choir, composed of men from many walks of life, all singing together out of their hearts filled with testimony of the hymns of Zion. Brethren, thank you very, very much. Now, I seek the inspiration of the Lord as I speak briefly on what I consider to be a very important subject. I begin by taking you back 150 years and more. In 1849 our forebears faced a serious problem. Our people had then been in the Salt Lake Valley for two years. Missionaries in... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2049543/posts#comment Tue, 22 Jul 2008 20:02:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048390/posts Elder L. Tom Perry Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles We all have life events that, when we recall them years later, acquire new and important meaning. When I was in junior high, I was honored by the school administration when I was asked to become a member of the student hall patrol. On the days we were assigned to be on hall patrol, we were instructed to bring our lunch to school and eat it together. It was always a special treat, and there was always a lot of competition to see whose mother had prepared the... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2048390/posts#comment Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:11:27 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2047837/posts Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,I give heartfelt thanks to God for this opportunity to meet and pray with all of you who have come here representing various Christian communities in Australia. Grateful for Bishop Forsyth’s and Cardinal Pell’s words of welcome, I joyfully greet you in the name of the Lord Jesus, the "cornerstone" of the "household of God" (Eph 2:19-20). I would like to offer a particular greeting to Cardinal Edward Cassidy, former President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, who, due to ill health, could not be with us today. I recall with gratitude... Vatican http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2047837/posts#comment Sat, 19 Jul 2008 02:08:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2046926/posts Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Under President Gordon B. Hinckley's inspired direction, temples are now more accessible than ever. Inscribed on each temple are the words "Holiness to the Lord."1 That statement designates both the temple and its purposes as holy. Those who enter the temple are also to bear the attribute of holiness.2 It may be easier to ascribe holiness to a building than it is to a people. We can acquire holiness only by enduring and persistent personal effort. Through the ages, servants of the Lord have warned against unholiness. Jacob,... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2046926/posts#comment Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:10:02 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2046332/posts We of the Seventy would like to extend a hearty welcome to the brethren who this day were sustained to the five quorums of Seventy. We are blessed, brothers and sisters, to live in a world filled with almost daily announcements of progress against disease and other threats to mankind. There seems to be a never-ending march of man's accomplishments in overcoming impediments to a long and healthy life. Most of us have become accustomed to a constant flow of wonders. Yet, with it all, we are also faced with a relentless onslaught of soul-destroying distractions such as pornography, illegal... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2046332/posts#comment Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:23:45 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2045337/posts It is my purpose to ease the pain of those who suffer from the very unpleasant feeling of guilt. I feel like the doctor who begins his treatment by saying, "Now, this may hurt a little. . . ." Every one of us has at least tasted the pain of conscience which follows our mistakes. John said that "if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."2 Then he said it more strongly, "If we say that we have not sinned, we make [the Lord] a liar, and his word is... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2045337/posts#comment Mon, 14 Jul 2008 19:42:28 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2045021/posts To produce Bibles in the most influential languages of the sixteenth century and to make them easily accessible to everyone was to unleash a powerful new force upon the earth. Indeed, we have not yet fully grasped the impact this accomplishment has already had upon the world. The first impact was unquestionably upon the Reformation, but its reforming influence has spanned all the intervening centuries and has had a far broader effect than we usually think. First of all, the Bible has been a primary force behind man’s search in Western civilization to purify his religion—to find the Lord’s true... The Ensign http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2045021/posts#comment Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:22:42 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2044695/posts Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, is a most interesting place. In company with Elders Richard G. Scott, Rex D. Pinegar, and Larry W. Gibbons, I presided at a regional conference there just a short time ago. The facility in which we met was packed with members of the Church and other interested persons. The singing by the choir was heavenly, the spoken word inspiring, and the sweet spirit which prevailed during the conference will long be remembered. I reflected on my previous visits to this location, the beauty of the state song—"Oklahoma," from the musical production of Rodgers and Hammerstein—and the wonderful... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2044695/posts#comment Sun, 13 Jul 2008 05:31:55 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2044429/posts "The Earth is not a hotel. It's our home." That's the message one of the world's leading Christian theologians delivered to 125 members of diverse religions at a recent Vancouver gathering. Canadian-American theologian Sallie McFague was one of the speakers at Vancouver's Faith and the Environment conference organized by Langara College and the Multi-Faith Action Society. It was the latest effort by McFague, author of A New Climate for Theology: God, the World and Global Warming, to counter centuries in which Christian leaders taught that humans should exploit the Earth for their own ends. Anglicans, Buddhists, Jews, Muslims, Pentecostals, Sikhs,... Montreal Gazette http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2044429/posts#comment Sat, 12 Jul 2008 15:00:40 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2043749/posts Sydney S. Reynolds First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency"I believe that all of us can bear witness to these small miracles."With Moroni of old, I believe in a God of miracles. Moroni wrote to the people of our dispensation, "Behold, I will show unto you a God of miracles, . . . and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are" (Morm. 9:11). Moroni proclaimed that Jesus Christ did many mighty miracles, that many mighty miracles were wrought by the hands of the Apostles, and that a God who is the same... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2043749/posts#comment Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:07:34 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2043262/posts One of the memorable themes of last October's general conference was that, in addition to being concerned about what we do, we Latter-day Saints ought also to pay attention to what we are and are striving to become.1 With that principle in mind, I listened attentively last November to President Gordon B. Hinckley's address to the youth of the Church. I was touched by the six priceless bits of wisdom he shared describing what youth ought to be. One of the six—"be humble"—was of special interest to me. When I suggested to my wife several weeks ago that because of... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2043262/posts#comment Thu, 10 Jul 2008 04:19:09 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2042519/posts President Gordon B. Hinckley What a wonderful conference this has been, my brothers and sisters. As we return to our homes and to our daily activities, each of us should be a better individual than we were when the conference opened. All who have spoken have done very well. The prayers have been inspirational. The music has been magnificent. But what matters most is what may have occurred within each of us as a result of our experience. I, for one, have made a stronger resolution within myself to be a better person than I have been in the past.... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2042519/posts#comment Tue, 8 Jul 2008 19:24:05 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2042182/posts The bloodshed in the late 1500s had a decidedly sobering effect on England. The outrageous spectacle of Protestants being martyred under one regime, and Catholics under another, helped prepare the way eventually for greater religious tolerance. Under James, who became king in 1603, a major move in that direction took place.James faced a nation badly in need of religious unification. The Puritans had grown strong in numbers and also in determination to make their numbers felt, and they petitioned James for reforms.Though he was not sympathetic to the Puritan cause, James felt it politically wise to hold a conference to... The Ensign http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2042182/posts#comment Tue, 8 Jul 2008 02:13:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2041911/posts Some Mormons are rejecting their prophet's call to campaign for a ban on same-sex marriage in California, suggesting the church leadership's sway over the issue of homosexuality may be weakening. In a letter circulated to all the state's congregations June 29, President and Prophet Thomas Monson called on Mormons to "do all you can" to support the November ballot measure "by donating of your means and time." The church strongly supported a successful 2000 California proposition that prohibited same-sex unions. The state Supreme Court struck down the measure May 15, opening the door for same-sex marriages. The intervening years have... Contra Costa Times http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2041911/posts#comment Mon, 7 Jul 2008 17:06:35 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2041831/posts A short while ago, Elder Pace, Elder Condie, and I met with the First Presidency. As we entered the room, President Hinckley looked carefully at us and then with a smile on his face said, "How can three white-headed, old men be the Young Men presidency of this Church?" Our only response was, "Because you called us to be, President."Young men, we hope that you are excited about the Aaronic Priesthood: Fulfilling Our Duty to God program. It has been introduced to all of the Aaronic Priesthood throughout the world. It is designed to bless you spiritually, physically, socially, and... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2041831/posts#comment Mon, 7 Jul 2008 14:46:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2041496/posts Elder Claudio R. M. Costa of the Seventy About four months ago, I received the assignment to serve in Bogotá, Colombia, and moved there. One day, as I was trying to find the way to my new ward's meetinghouse, I stopped at a park to ask for directions.I could see many families enjoying a pleasant sunny morning. I stood there for a while watching the children as they cheerfully played in the park. They had a special glow in their countenances; their cheeks were flushed from the sun and from the effort they made to run and play together.... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2041496/posts#comment Sun, 6 Jul 2008 17:28:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2040994/posts I was raised by caring parents in a home where the values taught and practiced prepared the way for my introduction to the Church and an acceptance of gospel principles. I was baptized in the month of August 1959, shortly after my 19th birthday. As I ponder the events that preceded my conversion, my thoughts go back to a childhood experience.Close to the home where I lived as a child was a large house. It was located on beautiful grounds enclosed by what was to me a towering fence made of wood paneling, probably six feet in height. I recall... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2040994/posts#comment Sat, 5 Jul 2008 05:25:02 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2040572/posts By the 1500s the darkness of the Middle Ages was drawing to a close. New discoveries were illuminating every field of learning, and a spirit of new life permeated society. It was the time of the Renaissance. Two events of that time would have an especially telling influence on the years ahead. The first was Johann Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press sometime during the 1430s. Gutenberg’s invention required an enormous sacrifice from him, demanding vast amounts of time and his personal indebtedness. He died without realizing much return on his investment; but, like so many other major sacrifices, the... The Ensign http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2040572/posts#comment Fri, 4 Jul 2008 02:15:50 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2040266/posts Many of you suffer needlessly from carrying heavy burdens because you do not open your hearts to the healing power of the Lord. May this message encourage you to feel the prompting of the Holy Ghost to make those changes that will lead you to be free of oppressive burdens. The Savior has promised, "I will . . . ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that . . . you cannot feel them . . . ; and this will I do . . . that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions."1 I will first speak to you who suffer because of... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2040266/posts#comment Thu, 3 Jul 2008 14:55:25 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2040073/posts Today I ask a question the Savior asked nearly 2,000 years ago: "When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?"1 First Principle of the GospelWhat is true faith? Faith is defined as "belief and trust in and loyalty to God; . . . firm belief in something for which there is no proof."2 We believe that "faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true . . . , and must be centered in Jesus Christ." In fact, we believe that "faith in Jesus Christ is the first principle of the gospel."3 A Widow's FaithThere are those who... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2040073/posts#comment Thu, 3 Jul 2008 02:29:53 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2039561/posts My dear brothers and sisters, I seek the inspiration of the Lord in addressing you. I never get over the tremendous responsibility of speaking to the Latter-day Saints. I am grateful for your kindness and for your forbearance. I constantly pray that I may be worthy of the confidence of the people.I have recently come from a very long journey. It has been wearisome, but it has been wonderful to be out among the Saints. If it were possible I would turn all of the day-to-day administrative matters of the Church over to others, and then I would spend... The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2039561/posts#comment Wed, 2 Jul 2008 03:25:39 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2039498/posts It is interesting that the darkness of the Middle Ages lasted about as long as the Millennium’s light will last—a thousand years. The Middle Ages began in the mid-fifth century A.D. with the fall of the Western Empire and lasted until the mid-fifteenth century, when several momentous events, including the Renaissance, the Reformation, and the invention of the printing press, brought these darker ages to an end and prepared the way for the Restoration.Though the Middle Ages are noted more for retrogression than for progress, there were exceptions. Among the exceptions was a continuation of the spread of the Christian... The Ensign http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2039498/posts#comment Wed, 2 Jul 2008 01:01:56 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2038920/posts President Dieter F. Uchtdorf was named as Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on February 4, 2008. He was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 2. 2004. He has served as a General Authority since April 1994, and served as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy from August 2002 until his call to the Twelve. Elder Uchtdorf was born on November 6, 1940 in then Mährisch-Ostrau, Czechoslovakia, to Karl Albert and Hildegard Else... http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2038920/posts#comment Tue, 1 Jul 2008 01:28:43 GMT http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2038916/posts It should be obvious that all the writings which now make up the New Testament did not jump from men’s pens into leather-bound books. As with the Old Testament, the process was slow and piecemeal. Each part was written separately, and those who were fortunate enough to privately possess any scriptures probably, like Paul, would have had separate parchments or scrolls.Precisely what was accepted as authoritative scriptures by the early Christians A.D. is uncertain. Just as the early Christians A.D. accepted as authoritative far more Hebrew records than appear in our current Old Testament, so these church members drew upon... The Ensign http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/2038916/posts#comment Tue, 1 Jul 2008 01:24:32 GMT