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Copernicus Introduction

Hello folks!

This seems like a good place to chat or otherwise communicate ideas and concepts about the LDS faith and to learn and/or glean from others regarding the same. I spent close to five years reading various forums on LDS Singles web sites of various types. Now recently married, I have moved on.

However on those sites, I found so many interesting notions, thoughts, opinions and even structured belief systems perpetuated among the Saints, often ideas that were in fact quite "cultural" and not particularly of "doctrinal" value. I find fanatical adherence to pharisaic concepts of religion are what frighten truely spiritual people away. This past conference was filled with exceptional advice for members, especially the discussion about how to answer people who ask a few questions regarding our faith. "They asked a few questions, not for the missionaries to drop by."

We are "guardians" of our faith would do well to remember what is truly important to us in terms of adhearing to doctrines and Christian virtue. We should be careful about living what IS our faith and not preaching what is simply cultural. You will not be saved because you make a better wreath, jello mold or wear specific clothing on Sundays. Most other good Christians would find much of our cultural church odd and parts of it even offensive. I dare say that many a Latter-day Saint would shun the Savior Himself if He showed up at one of our meetings wearing a woven broadcloth robe, woolen cloak, and shoulder length hair. FYI, he would!

I well remember the Book of Mormon, which I love, contains the fullness of the GOSPEL meaning the testiment that is sure, the knowledge that Jesus Christ is our Savior, Redeemer and Lord Creator. But remember, the New Testiment gives us the flavor for how we should live as Christians. It's all about the love, not the perfect bow, the white shirt, the boy scout pledge or the pin they stick on your lapel. I joined the church at the age of seventeen following two incredible personal revelations, one at the age of 14 (yes VERY Joseph Smith like). I have never doubted the validity of our Savior's mission or the calling of Joseph Smith and the vestment of athority in our Priesthood. I do not however believe that eternal life is based upon who knows how to make a better bannana bread, who conducts the perfect FHE or if someone wears high heels to church, bears children or looks over every neighbor's shoulders to secure purity in the neighborhood.

People are so much more greatly loved by the Lord than we seem to appreciate. If this were not so, Christ would not have created us and then loved us so much that HE willingly hiked to HIS humiliating death at Golgotha for each of us, Saint and Sinner alike. My favorite scripture is John Chapter 8, because in the chapter we find the atonement of Christ explained perfectly. WE stand at the center of the circle folks. We are ALL the woman taken in sin and cast at the Savior's feet. WE are all crying for his mercy. One would be well to remember that the LORD seemed far more concerned about how the priesthood was mistreating his creation, a lowly sinner, than he was the sinner's sins. It's all about the love. The parallel is taught in the Lord's Holy House every day.

When we as saints can raise our arms and show the Lord our broken hearts and contrite spirits even for the sinner and the enemy that dispitefully used us, then we will realize we finally "get it." We are not here to compare OUR life to that of another so as to validate within our own correctness and virtue. Christ walked, talked, preached and found joy in and among the sick (I.e. sinful) and afflicted (I.e. guilty) because he had precisely the medication for their broken hearts and contrite spirits. Until we join him on THAT quest figuratively and literally, we will continue to insulate ourselves from true charity. When we are more worried about what our neighbor is wearing or who she is communing with or what he is wearing or how their child does this, that or the other thing; we will miss completely the mark of why we came here in the first place. All are our neighbor. All are OUR spiritual brothers and sisters, the great and small. It's accepting our sameness that humbles us and puts us worshiping at the Savior's feet. That's my take and I am sticking to it!


Edited: JB on 14th Oct, 2007 - 11:27pm

Introduction Copernicus

Welcome LDS Member

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Copernicus Introduction Sharing Member & Introductions

Hi Copernicus, interesting intro. This is LDS_forever, an Argentine living in the Caribbean. I am a mom of two beautiful boys and I love to discuss and learn Church doctrine and Church history. I hope you have a good time in our community. Take Care.
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