In matters of religious beliefs - between a metaphysical interpretation with no natural world equivalent and a simple interpretation that even a child can understand - I lean toward the simple one being truth. I believe that God gave man reason/common sense and that even the youngest/simplest have been given what it takes to believe.

Someone who I respect has been obsessed with the Lindsay Clancy trial. This person has been absolutely right on lockdown issues and a staunch supporter of freedom throughout it. On this case, they are clearly wrong about the legal meaning of court actions, party arguments and statements, and even the practical meaning of reasonable doubt. Today, after the trial hearings she started condemning everyone who didn't agree with her. I pointed out why she was wrong to condemn others (actually explaining the meaning in a legal sense of the things she was misunderstanding) and she blocked me. No engagement at all. When you are right about one thing, watch out for pride taking control of your mind and making you think only you are right about everything.

As to the argument about why one stays - I believe it is an argument similar to Henry Ford's quote "Whether you think you can, or think you can't, you're right." Because opposition in all things is a feature of God's plan, I believe both "culture" and "truth" should be taught (not by the same person of course, each has its own prophets). But I believe only one of them leads back to God and increases faith in Christ. To me, teaching that culture is the reason people leave makes you a false prophet because it cedes as legitimate a false teaching that we are not agents to act for ourselves. It changes the gospel from an outward "how do I treat others" to an inward "how do others treat me." And even when viewed on behalf of someone else shows you would rather be judge than rely on and teach the power of the atonement of Jesus Christ to heal. It should not be justified. It is false because it scapegoats "culture" for the true culprit "lack of faith." Any true prophet will teach that seeking truth, trusting in God, and enduring despite all else will lead you to stand independent of all else (your faithfulness will not and does not have to rely on anyone except Christ). So why do I think both should be taught (again, by their own prophets)? Because this life is a test. God wants you to be exposed to truth and falsehood to see which you want. Do you want to blame others for your choices? Great. Now he knows you don't want to be like Him and he knows more about what glory you do actually want. That is how/why everyone will/must confess that his judgements are just.

In defense of loved ones, I have seen some justify sinful choices arguing that God willed that path for them. They may justify it based on seeing others' situations ending in a return to righteousness while also bringing others with them or in the sinner later being able to empathize with someone else struggling with the same temptation. I think this is a false doctrine. I don't believe God wills anyone to sin. Instead, those anecdotes highlight God's infinite mercy and redeeming power. He can turn any negative into good when we choose to follow him. Imagine how many more people could have been blessed had that loved one chosen not to sin and instead use their efforts and resources to lift and love others?

How did I not know that there were more than seven quorums of seventy!?

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear." Isaiah 59:1-2

Tuesday: "Many obstacles lie ahead. The distractions will be many. Even active members may sometimes have concerns about some historical, doctrinal, or social issues connected with the Church. I want to help all our members overcome present or future doubts. Whatever those doubts, the way to overcome them is to get closer to our Savior Jesus Christ." Thursday: Elder Clark G. Gilbert is called to be the next Apostle. How quickly complaining members forget the words of the prophet.

The promise is that if you hold to the word of God, the power of Satan will not overcome you - the promise is not if you hold to the word of the unbelievers. "Strong faith requires more than strong desire. It means daily trying, one step at a time, with prayer and scriptures study....An abundance of speculation and false information in podcasts and on social media surround us...Don't be persuaded by false or inaccurate information." - President Oaks

Joseph Smith once said "Noah came before the flood. I have come before the fire." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the ark that Joseph built to save us from the fire - it is the ark of the new covenant. Do not reject it!

One of the purposes of the Book of Mormon is to convince Israelites that have been scattered throughout the whole world that the Bible is true. See 1 Nephi 13:39 If you want to convince them that Jesus Christ is their Messiah, use the Book of Mormon!

The "look at every source" crowd deriding President Oaks' words right now incorrectly assume that faith can only be obtained through intellect and complete knowledge.

I've seen a few profiles say "DM=Block" - is it assumed on X that a DM is never good?

I used to wonder why Nephi convinced his wicked brothers to stay instead of returning to Jerusalem. Nephi and Lehi understood that when you love someone, you don't give up on them - you continue to try and persuade them to believe in Christ and to follow Him.

Has anyone searched the Epstein Files for the word "COVFEFE"?

Even active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints may sometimes have concerns about some historical, doctrinal, or social issues connected with the Church. I want to help all our members overcome present or future doubts. Whatever those doubts, the way to overcome them is to get closer to our Savior Jesus Christ. Again and again, He has taught us that He is the way.

"... our Heavenly Father wants for each of us...to be or become active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, proceeding forward on the covenant path into the eternities." - Prophet Dallin H. Oaks, today

Isaiah taught "For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little..." Isaiah 28:10 Alma the prophet taught this more explicitly "...It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full. And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries..." The Book of Mormon is the word of God. Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God. Please don't lose what you already have of God's word by rejecting what more he offers you! If you never have, I invite you to read the Book of Mormon and to test for yourselves if it is the word of God. churchofjesuschrist.org/stud…