Search found 414 matches

by Ghost
Tue Feb 14, 2023 11:19 am
Forum: Support
Topic: Analogies: Radio Vs. Shelf
Replies: 9
Views: 859

Re: Analogies: Radio Vs. Shelf

It was only recently that I learned that the shelf analogy is generally credited to Camilla Kimball, wife of Spencer W. Kimball. Because of her family’s hospitality toward searching and studying, Sister Kimball says, “I’ve always had an inquiring mind. I’m not satisfied just to accept things. I like...
by Ghost
Thu Feb 09, 2023 4:57 pm
Forum: The Coffee Shop
Topic: Humor Relief
Replies: 41
Views: 43376

Re: Humor Relief

Image

Image

Image

If you don't get that last one, then congratulations. You have not spent way too much time on the Internet.
by Ghost
Thu Feb 09, 2023 4:47 pm
Forum: Support
Topic: Anyone want to discuss the changes to the temple?
Replies: 37
Views: 3208

Re: Anyone want to discuss the changes to the temple?

I wonder if the temple experience consisted in sitting in an uncomfortable chair in an empty room for an hour, how many people would keep attending regularly and raving about how fulfilling and enlightening it is. I remember thinking at one point that I might enjoy visiting the temple more if I cou...
by Ghost
Sun Jan 29, 2023 11:08 am
Forum: Doctrinal Discussion
Topic: Can there be an Alma?
Replies: 9
Views: 896

Re: Can there be an Alma?

. . . let alone getting that special visit from a ministering angel that none of the self-righteous never-strayers so desperately desire but never get. Yes, one element of the Alma the Younger (or Saul) story that I always found interesting is the way he didn't have to "work" for his testimony by e...
by Ghost
Sun Jan 29, 2023 10:45 am
Forum: Doctrinal Discussion
Topic: Sacrament Meetings & My Ramblings
Replies: 7
Views: 690

Re: Sacrament Meetings & My Ramblings

I haven't been to a Sacrament Meeting in some time, but one nice thing about technological advances when I did was that I could bring my Kindle and no one would know whether I was reading scriptures or something else during the boring parts. (It was something else.) I agree that it's always better t...
by Ghost
Sun Jan 29, 2023 10:21 am
Forum: Support
Topic: Don't care anymore
Replies: 24
Views: 3045

Re: Don't care anymore

I find myself sort of fighting against not caring to some degree. I recently started listening to Mormon Stories episodes again after not keeping up with them for a while (especially the recent John Larsen ones) and I even ordered a new academic-type book that I'm not sure I'll realistically read (t...
by Ghost
Tue Jan 24, 2023 2:27 pm
Forum: Support
Topic: Consciousness
Replies: 29
Views: 2526

Re: Consciousness

Unnamed Philosopher maintained that consciousness is a fundamental quality of nature, and that everything in existence possesses it to some degree. Are you sure this wasn't Brigham Young? I seem to remember him having said some very similar things about "intelligence" and how the elements are actua...
by Ghost
Fri Jan 06, 2023 1:32 pm
Forum: Doctrinal Discussion
Topic: Science/Religion
Replies: 14
Views: 1329

Re: Science/Religion

Here's my attempt: Religion: A set of ideas and stories that primates accept to help them feel meaning and purpose. Science: A methodology that helps primates comprehend and shape the world that they find themselves in. Both: Distractions from the realization that consciousness is merely a survival ...
by Ghost
Tue Dec 20, 2022 3:14 pm
Forum: Support
Topic: How do you label yourself regarding your belief?
Replies: 43
Views: 3963

Re: How do you label yourself regarding your belief?

The labels I have gravitated toward over the years are ignostic and absurdist . But I never really say these terms aloud because they wouldn't mean anything to most people. I've never referred to myself as atheist or even agnostic, regardless of whether those labels might fit, because of the negativ...
by Ghost
Fri Dec 16, 2022 8:45 am
Forum: Support
Topic: Relaxed mission attire
Replies: 21
Views: 2025

Re: Relaxed mission attire

I've seen some younger missionaries without ties in my area (still white shirts, though). It was a little jarring, but maybe just because I'm an insider and used to the old traditions. I wonder if this type of change might break the illusion of authority a little. I'm thinking of how I've occasional...
by Ghost
Fri Dec 16, 2022 8:23 am
Forum: Doctrinal Discussion
Topic: Is there a single unique truth claim of Mormonism that holds up?
Replies: 17
Views: 1719

Re: Is there a single unique truth claim of Mormonism that holds up?

I think some of Joseph's theology answered some questions better than traditional Christianity, like the Problem of Evil . . . . Yes, this is what comes to mind for me as well. Not just the definition of God, but the concept of premortal life and everyone being coeternal with God. But of course thi...
by Ghost
Wed Dec 07, 2022 12:51 pm
Forum: Support
Topic: Impermanent Ward Relationships are Still Real
Replies: 13
Views: 1335

Re: Impermanent Ward Relationships are Still Real

I agree with this idea. Not every relationship is or needs to be "permanent" (as if anything is permanent anyway). I've had meaningful interactions with people at church and at work who I'll likely never talk to again. One interesting thing I've noticed is how modern social media can kind of zombify...
by Ghost
Fri Nov 25, 2022 3:31 pm
Forum: Support
Topic: Progressive mormonism
Replies: 11
Views: 1386

Re: Progressive mormonism

It used to bother me a little when people would say that being an active NOM/progressive type was only a temporary stop on the way out. That might have even motivated me to stay active longer. And while I find it hard to imagine a point at which I don't identify as a "Mormon" in some way, I also fin...
by Ghost
Fri Nov 25, 2022 3:17 pm
Forum: The Coffee Shop
Topic: Watch Under the Banner of Heaven on Hulu for $1.99/m
Replies: 1
Views: 516

Re: Watch Under the Banner of Heaven on Hulu for $1.99/m

If only if were their plan without ads. I haven't watched anything with commercial interruptions since high school, and I don't think I could do it now.
by Ghost
Fri Nov 11, 2022 1:34 pm
Forum: Doctrinal Discussion
Topic: The Brighamite God.
Replies: 6
Views: 855

Re: The Brighamite God.

This makes me think of the timeless attempts to square God in the Old Testament with Jesus in the New Testament. The OT version of God is often petulant and vicious. Some of that spills over into Mormonism, of course, like the time that Jesus took credit for destroying all those cities in the Book o...
by Ghost
Mon Nov 07, 2022 12:59 pm
Forum: Support
Topic: Does belief equal stupidity?
Replies: 31
Views: 2727

Re: Does belief equal stupidity?

I would imagine that for many, fear is a motivator to hold on to beliefs and consciously avoid questioning, more than arrogance, narcissism, etc. I might assume that if I allow myself to entertain another view of the world, this could lead to the loss of strong connections to family or community, mo...
by Ghost
Fri Nov 04, 2022 7:20 am
Forum: Support
Topic: How do we know we’re not living in a simulation theory?
Replies: 5
Views: 751

Re: How do we know we’re not living in a simulation theory?

I've had thoughts similar to what you said about the creation being the same as a simulation. Just because the creation was physical, does that make it any more "real?" It makes no difference to us, since we wouldn't even know better. Also, some assume that we're more likely than not to be in a simu...
by Ghost
Fri Nov 04, 2022 7:11 am
Forum: Support
Topic: Does belief equal stupidity?
Replies: 31
Views: 2727

Re: Does belief equal stupidity?

It seems common for someone who once believed in whatever religious propositions but does no longer to wonder how they ever believed those things in the first place. But, of course, they didn't suddenly became more intelligent than they were as a believer. I think that sometimes we don't even realiz...
by Ghost
Sat Oct 08, 2022 12:17 pm
Forum: Support
Topic: "Opportunity to receive personal revelation"
Replies: 11
Views: 1199

Re: "Opportunity to receive personal revelation"

Yes, it's been said many times before but the system is set up so that God and the church (not limited to Mormonism) always "win" in any situation. If something good happens, it's a blessing. if something bad happens, it's a test or your fault. If you pray and get an answer that's wrong, you didn't ...
by Ghost
Sat Oct 08, 2022 11:56 am
Forum: Support
Topic: Ultra-quick summary of conference?
Replies: 17
Views: 1897

Re: Ultra-quick summary of conference?

As an indicator of just how far I've fallen, I didn't even follow the NOM conference threads this time around. In the past, I've at least read those, both because they are entertaining and because I wanted to be alerted of any particularly good or surprising talks and read those ones. In part so tha...