Early Christians referred to themselves as Saints. LDS believe that we are living at the end of days, the latter end of the world's existence. Thus, we call ourselves latter-day saints.
There are numerous references to the temple ceremonies throughout the scriptures. From an LDS perspective some portions of the scriptures cannot be fully understood without an understanding of the temple ceremonies. Also, a thorough knowledge of the scriptures is necessary for one to gain the...
I believe that he is stating that they are held sacred and not intended to be available to the unbeliever. The term "esoteric" is misleading and implies more than is the case. Also, some of the words in scripture are derived from the mortal writer's understanding of Temple ceremonies from an...
Actually, Christ did not state that scripture would identify Christians.
And what is the measure of the fruits?
Does Christ know those who claim to be Christian? We are not to judge others, but we can judge their actions and know personally who to trust and who to be wary of. Lack of "fruit"...
China,
I am a theist, but I will play the devil's advocate for a moment.
It is probable that, in the distant past, the father left the family to hunt, probably for more than one day. He tells his children, do not worry I am still here to protect you, and I have told these others (i.e...
While I have no opinion in this matter per se, I find it amusing that Creationists will often have difficulties with methods of dating when it comes to earth time period and dinosaurs etc as well as finding fault with so many aspects of evolution and other seemingly conflicting scientific...
I fell away from the Church. I fell away because I felt like I had been left alone without comfort during a severely difficult event in my life. I did some things that resulted in a disfellowshipping when I returned and went through the repentance process. The process of repentance was difficult...
We as LDS are very symbolically driven in our theology. I believe that our artwork is more emotive than symbolic. The traditional/ancient Christian artists tended to create artwork with a large amount of symbolism and they appear to have most aspects very intentional. It is an odd comparative. I...
I believe that nearly everyone ends up in Heaven, the Grace of God and the Atonement are absolute. I believe that Hell requires a willful action positioning oneself in knowing opposition to God.
In Heaven, the closer one wishes to be to God the closer to Christ-like you must be. I do not...
Well, imo, the temples in the Bible were limited in scope due to the absence of the Melchizidek priesthood. Also, I personally believe that the instructions for the ancient temples are not fully present in scripture, I believe there were other aspects of worshipped that were too sacred for writing.
The details of the ceremony aren't found in the standard works, although references to it can be found throughout the Bible if you are very generous in your reading. The Washing and Annointing follows the pattern set up for Moses to perform with Aaron and his sons.
I enjoyed the lesson thoroughly. I would have a lot of comments, but my strongest views were presented well in the lesson.
This clearly states the concept in a very simple form. We, as Man, should not view it as somehow a lessening of God to believe that we can become like Him.
But the...
I am not positive as to the instance of Elder Holland. However, Paul had similar circumstance and I am not positive that Paul was ever made a member of the Twelve.
I have read through this thread, and I have a few thoughts.
I am not sure how much knowledge is required to be defined as a "perfect knowledge of God." I believe that given the evidence given Laman and Lemuel in the BoM may have placed them in this category.
I also believe the quote used in...