50 Questions That Challenge Our Traditions

[jo1952]

When we fold our arms, they make the symbol for infinity, the 'lazy eight'. This is meant to focus our minds on our eternal nature. Closing the eyes removes more distractions, so we can concentrate better. Bowing of the head is to show respect and reverence to the Deity to whom we pray. When this practice started, I cannot say. It goes beyond the Mormon culture, so it must have been brought in from other religions. Whether at the time of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, or David O McKay, I don't know.

Another blogger on another site. Folding the arms. The entire discussion was actually about how to pray in a true order.

Interesting. Thanks, TZONE.

[AussieOi]

As to the tradition of folding arms during prayer, Abraham was in a position that he had no room for error as shown in the facsimile no.1 in the book of Abraham. His life depended on being right. The children of Israel would begin to lose the battle they were engaged in if moses's arms would fall to his side.

I have absolutely no idea what that old folks dirty about a stream is about.

As for the facsimiles. Sorry, they just don't cut it no more. Even lds apologists cant work with the

m.

One day the church will just say they gave him inspiration

I never thought that there was a clear cut story on how the Book of Abraham came to be. I already chalked it up as inspiration. :-s

Ok.
don't read the introduction then.
or the handwriting of JS in the margins.
I actually believe in them, just not the way we are told how JS got them.

I'm thinking acid trip and 'rooms.

Definitely, definately not the facsimiles

[jo1952]

Ok.
don't read the introduction then.
or the handwriting of JS in the margins.
I actually believe in them, just not the way we are told how JS got them.

I'm thinking acid trip and 'rooms.

Definitely, definately not the facsimiles

I believe that the writing of the verses in the Book of Abraham were received as pure revelation. However, I think Joseph was left on his own as far as the facsimiles go; and that the words he applied to them are his own speculation...not the word of God. The notes Joseph wrote in the margins of the scrolls were evidences of his attempts to learn a language foreign to him. When Joseph received the pure revelation of the verses, he was not translating anything. IOW, I do not believe the scrolls contain the message that was revealed to Joseph. This is my current understanding.

Love,

jo

[natasha]

I'm not sure if any of the following would help....I have not had time to read the whole thing:

http://en.fairmormon.org/Book_of_Abraha ... Facsimiles" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Rose Garden]

Ok.
don't read the introduction then.
or the handwriting of JS in the margins.
I actually believe in them, just not the way we are told how JS got them.

I'm thinking acid trip and 'rooms.

Definitely, definately not the facsimiles

I believe that the writing of the verses in the Book of Abraham were received as pure revelation. However, I think Joseph was left on his own as far as the facsimiles go; and that the words he applied to them are his own speculation...not the word of God. The notes Joseph wrote in the margins of the scrolls were evidences of his attempts to learn a language foreign to him. When Joseph received the pure revelation of the verses, he was not translating anything. IOW, I do not believe the scrolls contain the message that was revealed to Joseph. This is my current understanding.

Love,

jo

Thanks, jo. You can tell from reading and pondering the Book of Abraham that it is inspired by God so I've been wondering about the idea that the scrolls were some sort of common writing associated with funerals. What you said makes sense to me.

[jo1952]

Ok.
don't read the introduction then.
or the handwriting of JS in the margins.
I actually believe in them, just not the way we are told how JS got them.

I'm thinking acid trip and 'rooms.

Definitely, definately not the facsimiles

I believe that the writing of the verses in the Book of Abraham were received as pure revelation. However, I think Joseph was left on his own as far as the facsimiles go; and that the words he applied to them are his own speculation...not the word of God. The notes Joseph wrote in the margins of the scrolls were evidences of his attempts to learn a language foreign to him. When Joseph received the pure revelation of the verses, he was not translating anything. IOW, I do not believe the scrolls contain the message that was revealed to Joseph. This is my current understanding.

Love,

jo

Thanks, jo. You can tell from reading and pondering the Book of Abraham that it is inspired by God so I've been wondering about the idea that the scrolls were some sort of common writing associated with funerals. What you said makes sense to me.

Hi Called to Serve,

I LOVE that Joseph was not afraid to ponder and contemplate; or get stuck into any one particular mind set. He was fearless in his seeking of Truth. So should we. I have been feeling that it was due to Joseph's spending so much time on trying to figure out what was on the scrolls, that God rewarded his diligence and revealed the Book of Abraham to him as pure revelation.

jo

[Durfinator12]

50 Questions That Challenge Our Traditions

1. What tool did Joseph Smith mostly use to translate the Book of Mormon?
2. In regards to tithing, what is increase?
3. Why do we fold our arms when we pray?
4. Why are church priesthood leaders encouraged to shave off all facial hair?
5. Why is the "little stream" asked to give?
6. Why are the men the only ones who offer blessings of healing?
7. Was the encounter of Joseph's mantel overshadowing Brigham from a righteous source?
8. Why did the Lord ask for wine to be used and we only use water?
9. Why are church leaders encouraging us to affiliate with an organization who's teachings are in direct conflict with the leaders of the church? (BSA)
10. Did Joseph Smith drink alcohol?
11. Was Joseph Smith apposed to Brigham ever becoming the president of the church?
12. Did Joseph Smith actually teach/encourage living a polygamous lifestyle in this life?
13. Do our current general authorities receive pay or stipend from the church?
14. Why were the Lectures on Faith removed from the doctrine and covenants?
15. Is it a commandment to follow the prophet?
16. Should we pay or tithing on gross or net or something else?
17. Did Brigham Young exonerate and support an older jealous Bishop who castrated a young man who was in competition for a young bride and nailed his testicles to the school house door?
18. Did Brigham Young institute a blood oath covenant into the temple ceremony to exact revenge for the death of Joseph?
19. Does the church employ paid apologists?
20. Did Brigham Young prophecy in open and recorded church meetings that if the blacks were to ever receive the priesthood, there would be no power in the priesthood in the church?
21. Did church leaders plot the assassination of Joseph?
22. Did Joseph see one or two beings in his first vision?
23. Did the church use sacred funds or interest gained on sacred funds to build shopping malls, high rise apartments and federal bank buildings (among other things)?
24. Why aren't we allowed to be baptized more than once if they feel so inclined?
25. Why aren't we allowed to have prayer circles outside the temple?
26. Why aren't we allowed to openly discuss the parts of the endowment we do not covenant not to reveal outside the temple?
27. Why were key portions of the endowment removed in 1990?
28. Why are members discouraged from referencing their scriptures during sacrament meetings?
29. Why don't the members at large select a president and other church leaders by vote rather than by sustaining vote only?
30. Why are golden angels ok, but golden calves not ok?
31. Why do graven images of Christ don visitor centers?
32. Why was the name of the Book of Mormon changed?
33. Why is revelation and new knowledge/doctrine continue to come forth like it did from Joseph to our current church leaders?
34. Who was the conference center originally designed by? Joel Olstein?
35. Does it really take faith not to be healed?
36. Did sisters donate their prized china plates in the temple construction to be ground up and used to make the exterior shiny and sparkle, or were some old plates at the local landfill recycled into the building materials?
37. Does the church data mine use of scripture apps?
38. Why was Eldred Smith released as church patriarch?
39. Is it ok to think about, desire, fantasize, etc. homosexual behaviors as long as they are not acted out?
40. Why are there senior apostles and what does that mean?
41. Why is a linen placed over the sacrament?
42. Why does the presiding authority need to partake of the sacrament first?
43. Why do temple recommends have barcodes on them?
44. Why do members have a membership record number?
45. Why are only leaders invited to ward council meetings?
46. Why are ethnic groups segregated into different wards?
47. Who coined the phrase "follow the prophet"?
48. Who invented those awesome funeral potatoes?
49. Who is going to sort out all the mismatched temple sealings of the dead?
50. Do these questions shake your testimony?

They shouldn't. Be more resolved to believe despite any issues. This is the Lord's church. Period. We might have issues, but this is still the Lord's church and we should be more determined than ever to support, sustain and uphold the Lord's church.

Good thoughts

[skmo]

50 Questions That Challenge Our Traditions

1. What tool did Joseph Smith mostly use to translate the Book of Mormon? A pen
2. In regards to tithing, what is increase? What gets deposited in my account
3. Why do we fold our arms when we pray? Because it was taught to us by our moms so they wouldn’t have to hit us as often in Sacrament Meetings.
4. Why are church priesthood leaders encouraged to shave off all facial hair? So they don’t get followed by groupies who think it’s ZZ Top
5. Why is the "little stream" asked to give? No, it asked others to give.
6. Why are the men the only ones who offer blessings of healing? Because we screw up chicken soup more easily than women do
7. Was the encounter of Joseph's mantel overshadowing Brigham from a righteous source? Yes
8. Why did the Lord ask for wine to be used and we only use water? Because we got too lazy and easily addicted.
9. Why are church leaders encouraging us to affiliate with an organization who's teachings are in direct conflict with the leaders of the church? (BSA) Because they are also human and occasionally in need of a call to repentence
10. Did Joseph Smith drink alcohol? Of course he did, it wasn’t a sin then
11. Was Joseph Smith apposed to Brigham ever becoming the president of the church?You mean Opposed, and no
12. Did Joseph Smith actually teach/encourage living a polygamous lifestyle in this life? Yes
13. Do our current general authorities receive pay or stipend from the church? Sufficient to their needs, yes
14. Why were the Lectures on Faith removed from the doctrine and covenants? Lack of faith, would be my belief
15. Is it a commandment to follow the prophet? When he speaks for God, yes
16. Should we pay or tithing on gross or net or something else? Again, what is deposited
17. Did Brigham Young exonerate and support an older jealous Bishop who castrated a young man who was in competition for a young bride and nailed his testicles to the school house door? Not that I know of
18. Did Brigham Young institute a blood oath covenant into the temple ceremony to exact revenge for the death of Joseph? Again, not that I know of
19. Does the church employ paid apologists? If it does, I don’t see them in Alaska
20. Did Brigham Young prophecy in open and recorded church meetings that if the blacks were to ever receive the priesthood, there would be no power in the priesthood in the church? No
21. Did church leaders plot the assassination of Joseph? No
22. Did Joseph see one or two beings in his first vision? Two
23. Did the church use sacred funds or interest gained on sacred funds to build shopping malls, high rise apartments and federal bank buildings (among other things)? Don’t know. Don’t care. Funds came from approved sources, that’s fine with me.
24. Why aren't we allowed to be baptized more than once if they feel so inclined? You can, it just won’t be recorded
25. Why aren't we allowed to have prayer circles outside the temple? We can have prayer circles wherever we want. We can’t duplicate Temple ordinances outside the temple.
26. Why aren't we allowed to openly discuss the parts of the endowment we do not covenant not to reveal outside the temple? Pearls before swine
27. Why were key portions of the endowment removed in 1990? They didn’t tell, I didn’t ask, I’m not concerned
28. Why are members discouraged from referencing their scriptures during sacrament meetings? Haven’t heard this
29. Why don't the members at large select a president and other church leaders by vote rather than by sustaining vote only? We’re not a democratic society
30. Why are golden angels ok, but golden calves not ok? We’re decorating, not worshipping
31. Why do graven images of Christ don visitor centers? Again, decorations, not idols
32. Why was the name of the Book of Mormon changed? It’s called the Book of Mormon. What do you call it?
33. Why is revelation and new knowledge/doctrine continue to come forth like it did from Joseph to our current church leaders? Please rephrase this
34. Who was the conference center originally designed by? Joel Olstein? Dunno
35. Does it really take faith not to be healed? Anyone can do nothing, so says Samuel Johnson
36. Did sisters donate their prized china plates in the temple construction to be ground up and used to make the exterior shiny and sparkle, or were some old plates at the local landfill recycled into the building materials? Who cares?
37. Does the church data mine use of scripture apps? Dunno
38. Why was Eldred Smith released as church patriarch? Wasn’t he like 9,382 years old? I think they were just getting around to disciplining him for giving Moses a wedgie
39. Is it ok to think about, desire, fantasize, etc. homosexual behaviors as long as they are not acted out? No
40. Why are there senior apostles and what does that mean? More grey hair, better parking places
41. Why is a linen placed over the sacrament? Same reason a sneeze guard is over a salad bar
42. Why does the presiding authority need to partake of the sacrament first? Make sure they’re awake
43. Why do temple recommends have barcodes on them? So you don’t get someone else’s order
44. Why do members have a membership record number? Because there are so many Johann Johannsons in the church
45. Why are only leaders invited to ward council meetings? Because they’re the ones on the council
46. Why are ethnic groups segregated into different wards? Funny, my time as a missionary in Baltimore didn’t look that way, although groups who spoke different languages were for obvious reasons
47. Who coined the phrase "follow the prophet"? One of their wives, no doubt
48. Who invented those awesome funeral potatoes? Someone who has had their Calling and Election made sure, with good reason
49. Who is going to sort out all the mismatched temple sealings of the dead? Hopefully the same person who will sort out my iTunes mistakes
50. Do these questions shake your testimony? Of course not. Not even living in Utah could do that, so I think I’m going to be fine.

[natasha]

Thanks for the early a.m. laugh to start my day!

[Rose Garden]

42. Why does the presiding authority need to partake of the sacrament first? Make sure they’re awake

)

[jo1952]

42. Why does the presiding authority need to partake of the sacrament first? Make sure they’re awake

)

+1

[deep water]

Jesus did wash his disciples feet. The least among you shall be the greatest of all.

[Daryl]

50 Questions That Challenge Our Traditions

1. What tool did Joseph Smith mostly use to translate the Book of Mormon? A pen
2. In regards to tithing, what is increase? What gets deposited in my account
3. Why do we fold our arms when we pray? Because it was taught to us by our moms so they wouldn’t have to hit us as often in Sacrament Meetings.
4. Why are church priesthood leaders encouraged to shave off all facial hair? So they don’t get followed by groupies who think it’s ZZ Top
5. Why is the "little stream" asked to give? No, it asked others to give.
6. Why are the men the only ones who offer blessings of healing? Because we screw up chicken soup more easily than women do
7. Was the encounter of Joseph's mantel overshadowing Brigham from a righteous source? Yes
8. Why did the Lord ask for wine to be used and we only use water? Because we got too lazy and easily addicted.
9. Why are church leaders encouraging us to affiliate with an organization who's teachings are in direct conflict with the leaders of the church? (BSA) Because they are also human and occasionally in need of a call to repentence
10. Did Joseph Smith drink alcohol? Of course he did, it wasn’t a sin then
11. Was Joseph Smith apposed to Brigham ever becoming the president of the church?You mean Opposed, and no
12. Did Joseph Smith actually teach/encourage living a polygamous lifestyle in this life? Yes
13. Do our current general authorities receive pay or stipend from the church? Sufficient to their needs, yes
14. Why were the Lectures on Faith removed from the doctrine and covenants? Lack of faith, would be my belief
15. Is it a commandment to follow the prophet? When he speaks for God, yes
16. Should we pay or tithing on gross or net or something else? Again, what is deposited
17. Did Brigham Young exonerate and support an older jealous Bishop who castrated a young man who was in competition for a young bride and nailed his testicles to the school house door? Not that I know of
18. Did Brigham Young institute a blood oath covenant into the temple ceremony to exact revenge for the death of Joseph? Again, not that I know of
19. Does the church employ paid apologists? If it does, I don’t see them in Alaska
20. Did Brigham Young prophecy in open and recorded church meetings that if the blacks were to ever receive the priesthood, there would be no power in the priesthood in the church? No
21. Did church leaders plot the assassination of Joseph? No
22. Did Joseph see one or two beings in his first vision? Two
23. Did the church use sacred funds or interest gained on sacred funds to build shopping malls, high rise apartments and federal bank buildings (among other things)? Don’t know. Don’t care. Funds came from approved sources, that’s fine with me.
24. Why aren't we allowed to be baptized more than once if they feel so inclined? You can, it just won’t be recorded
25. Why aren't we allowed to have prayer circles outside the temple? We can have prayer circles wherever we want. We can’t duplicate Temple ordinances outside the temple.
26. Why aren't we allowed to openly discuss the parts of the endowment we do not covenant not to reveal outside the temple? Pearls before swine
27. Why were key portions of the endowment removed in 1990? They didn’t tell, I didn’t ask, I’m not concerned
28. Why are members discouraged from referencing their scriptures during sacrament meetings? Haven’t heard this
29. Why don't the members at large select a president and other church leaders by vote rather than by sustaining vote only? We’re not a democratic society
30. Why are golden angels ok, but golden calves not ok? We’re decorating, not worshipping
31. Why do graven images of Christ don visitor centers? Again, decorations, not idols
32. Why was the name of the Book of Mormon changed? It’s called the Book of Mormon. What do you call it?
33. Why is revelation and new knowledge/doctrine continue to come forth like it did from Joseph to our current church leaders? Please rephrase this
34. Who was the conference center originally designed by? Joel Olstein? Dunno
35. Does it really take faith not to be healed? Anyone can do nothing, so says Samuel Johnson
36. Did sisters donate their prized china plates in the temple construction to be ground up and used to make the exterior shiny and sparkle, or were some old plates at the local landfill recycled into the building materials? Who cares?
37. Does the church data mine use of scripture apps? Dunno
38. Why was Eldred Smith released as church patriarch? Wasn’t he like 9,382 years old? I think they were just getting around to disciplining him for giving Moses a wedgie
39. Is it ok to think about, desire, fantasize, etc. homosexual behaviors as long as they are not acted out? No
40. Why are there senior apostles and what does that mean? More grey hair, better parking places
41. Why is a linen placed over the sacrament? Same reason a sneeze guard is over a salad bar
42. Why does the presiding authority need to partake of the sacrament first? Make sure they’re awake
43. Why do temple recommends have barcodes on them? So you don’t get someone else’s order
44. Why do members have a membership record number? Because there are so many Johann Johannsons in the church
45. Why are only leaders invited to ward council meetings? Because they’re the ones on the council
46. Why are ethnic groups segregated into different wards? Funny, my time as a missionary in Baltimore didn’t look that way, although groups who spoke different languages were for obvious reasons
47. Who coined the phrase "follow the prophet"? One of their wives, no doubt
48. Who invented those awesome funeral potatoes? Someone who has had their Calling and Election made sure, with good reason
49. Who is going to sort out all the mismatched temple sealings of the dead? Hopefully the same person who will sort out my iTunes mistakes
50. Do these questions shake your testimony? Of course not. Not even living in Utah could do that, so I think I’m going to be fine.

Nice flippant answers.

[skmo]

Nice flippant answers.

Some were. Some were serious.

[skmo]

If you'd like more clarification, I'll offer it:

1. What tool did Joseph Smith mostly use to translate the Book of Mormon? A pen A pen was used the most, to write with. If you want the answer the Urim and Thummim, that was the instrument used to read the plates. The written translation was done by a pen.

2. In regards to tithing, what is increase? What gets deposited in my account What I get deposited of my paycheck is what I pay on. If I am moved to do differently, I will. I have never felt a need to examine this.

3. Why do we fold our arms when we pray? Because it was taught to us by our moms so they wouldn’t have to hit us as often in Sacrament Meetings. This joke is rooted in belief. Folding arms to control little children from misbehavior is my belief. I’ll gladly learn otherwise if someone wants to correct me.

4. Why are church priesthood leaders encouraged to shave off all facial hair? So they don’t get followed by groupies who think it’s ZZ Top Societal norms dictate our grooming standards. Today, top leaders don’t have facial hair in our society. I don’t think this is good or bad, it just is.

5. Why is the "little stream" asked to give? No, it asked others to give. ”Give, said the little stream, as it hurried down the hill.”

6. Why are the men the only ones who offer blessings of healing? Because we screw up chicken soup more easily than women do Men are ordained to priesthood offices, it is our duty to provide blessings. Women, with different callings, offer different blessings. That’s not to say women can’t and don’t give blessings, and in some rare cases where moved by the Spirit, perform miracles through the power of the priesthood.

7. Was the encounter of Joseph's mantel overshadowing Brigham from a righteous source? Yes Yes

8. Why did the Lord ask for wine to be used and we only use water? Because we got too lazy and easily addicted. Sounds sarcastic, but isn’t. We abused alcohol and allowed it to cause too much harm. I wouldn’t be surprised to have wine, and more hopefully Jameson and Midleton available in the Millenium.

9. Why are church leaders encouraging us to affiliate with an organization who's teachings are in direct conflict with the leaders of the church? (BSA) Because they are also human and occasionally in need of a call to repentence And my arguments on this are quite extensive on these boards, where no doubt I’ve already offended many (without concern on my part.)

10. Did Joseph Smith drink alcohol? Of course he did, it wasn’t a sin then Nauvoo House = Bar

11. Was Joseph Smith apposed to Brigham ever becoming the president of the church?You mean Opposed, and no No

12. Did Joseph Smith actually teach/encourage living a polygamous lifestyle in this life? Yes Yes

13. Do our current general authorities receive pay or stipend from the church? Sufficient to their needs, yes Exactly. They don’t live in opulence, but have their needs met. Most are wealthy coming in already.

14. Why were the Lectures on Faith removed from the doctrine and covenants? Lack of faith, would be my belief Or lack of willingness to find an understanding.

15. Is it a commandment to follow the prophet? When he speaks for God, yes Speaks for itself in my book.

16. Should we pay or tithing on gross or net or something else? Again, what is deposited Yes

17. Did Brigham Young exonerate and support an older jealous Bishop who castrated a young man who was in competition for a young bride and nailed his testicles to the school house door? Not that I know of Not that I know of.

18. Did Brigham Young institute a blood oath covenant into the temple ceremony to exact revenge for the death of Joseph? Again, not that I know of Same as above.

19. Does the church employ paid apologists? If it does, I don’t see them in Alaska I can’t speak for the rest of the world. I don’t see any other than those justifying the BSA decision.

20. Did Brigham Young prophecy in open and recorded church meetings that if the blacks were to ever receive the priesthood, there would be no power in the priesthood in the church? No No

21. Did church leaders plot the assassination of Joseph? No No

22. Did Joseph see one or two beings in his first vision? Two Two is what my reading tells me

23. Did the church use sacred funds or interest gained on sacred funds to build shopping malls, high rise apartments and federal bank buildings (among other things)? Don’t know. Don’t care. Funds came from approved sources, that’s fine with me. Needs no further explanation

24. Why aren't we allowed to be baptized more than once if they feel so inclined? You can, it just won’t be recorded This is in line with what I understand

25. Why aren't we allowed to have prayer circles outside the temple? We can have prayer circles wherever we want. We can’t duplicate Temple ordinances outside the temple. Says just what it means

26. Why aren't we allowed to openly discuss the parts of the endowment we do not covenant not to reveal outside the temple? Pearls before swine I would hope this meaning is clear. Sacred places for sacred things.

27. Why were key portions of the endowment removed in 1990? They didn’t tell, I didn’t ask, I’m not concerned Means just what I said

28. Why are members discouraged from referencing their scriptures during sacrament meetings? Haven’t heard this Neither has my wife

29. Why don't the members at large select a president and other church leaders by vote rather than by sustaining vote only? We’re not a democratic society And democracies fail

30. Why are golden angels ok, but golden calves not ok? We’re decorating, not worshipping Means just what it says

31. Why do graven images of Christ don visitor centers? Again, decorations, not idols Same as above

32. Why was the name of the Book of Mormon changed? It’s called the Book of Mormon. What do you call it? This is what I understand

33. Why is revelation and new knowledge/doctrine continue to come forth like it did from Joseph to our current church leaders? Please rephrase this Really could use clarification if you want a different answer

34. Who was the conference center originally designed by? Joel Olstein? Dunno Seriously. Never heard of the bum. Or hero. Whoever he is.

35. Does it really take faith not to be healed? Anyone can do nothing, so says Samuel Johnson This is the best answer I could come up with for this statement. A change in statement may get a different answer.

36. Did sisters donate their prized china plates in the temple construction to be ground up and used to make the exterior shiny and sparkle, or were some old plates at the local landfill recycled into the building materials? Who cares? Honestly, I don’t.

37. Does the church data mine use of scripture apps? Dunno Means I don’t know

38. Why was Eldred Smith released as church patriarch? Wasn’t he like 9,382 years old? I think they were just getting around to disciplining him for giving Moses a wedgie My understanding was that he was old and no longer needed to serve in this position as it was supplanted by local Patriarchs. The joke was funnier. The content was semi-factual.

39. Is it ok to think about, desire, fantasize, etc. homosexual behaviors as long as they are not acted out? No No.My fantasies of adultery turned to actions when released.

40. Why are there senior apostles and what does that mean? More grey hair, better parking places Apostles longer in service, given respect as senior. I’m not aware of any further meaning than respect for position.

41. Why is a linen placed over the sacrament? Same reason a sneeze guard is over a salad bar The joke demonstrates the truth, though there may be some significance to opening a new sacrament.

42. Why does the presiding authority need to partake of the sacrament first? Make sure they’re awake Respect for position, and based on experience, make sure they’re awake.

43. Why do temple recommends have barcodes on them? So you don’t get someone else’s order Not having been to the temple in quite some time, I have never had a bar code recommend. I would assume it’s to assist in maintaining records.

44. Why do members have a membership record number? Because there are so many Johann Johannsons in the church This joke comes from a youth temple trip where I was baptized for about 20 Johan Johannsons. Record keeping. God is a God of order.

45. Why are only leaders invited to ward council meetings? Because they’re the ones on the council Just like I’m not invited to School Board Executive Committee meetings.

46. Why are ethnic groups segregated into different wards? Funny, my time as a missionary in Baltimore didn’t look that way, although groups who spoke different languages were for obvious reasons Baltimore was AWESOME, a very wealthy man bought a van just so he (and others) could go around to pick up poor members who had trouble getting to church. Guys with $2000 Armani suits sat in rows with families in Nike sweats because that’s what they had, and both were happy to be with the other. The well off paid for a lot of Ward activities, and yet even the poorest would bring snacks or whatever they could. No one was made to feel inadequate, and there was always plenty for all with lots of leftovers to take home (and you can guess where it went.) I have attended wards and branches that were Spanish, but if the majority of a people in a given location are Hispanic in culture and language, why have them attend a meeting they won’t understand without the constant Gift of Tongues?

47. Who coined the phrase "follow the prophet"? One of their wives, no doubt No real honest idea, but it wouldn’t surprise me to have come from one of their wives. My experience with men of power is that as often as not, the woman in power is as much or more at the helm. Sister John Hunstman ruled the roost of the Mission Home in Washington DC, I can tell you. President Huntsman was a great man with authority. Sr. Huntsman was the one we were most afraid of getting rebuked by. By far. REALLY far.

48. Who invented those awesome funeral potatoes? Someone who has had their Calling and Election made sure, with good reason Well, okay, maybe they’re not that high in status, but it really is a great recipie.

49. Who is going to sort out all the mismatched temple sealings of the dead? Hopefully the same person who will sort out my iTunes mistakes While it won’t be the same person, I can tell you it’ll take the same kind of dedication. Being on Summer Break, I am putting a LOT of time into organizing old computer files. I have 1.3 TERRAbytes of songs, movies, and TV shows. It’s daunting.

50. Do these questions shake your testimony? Of course not. Not even living in Utah could do that, so I think I’m going to be fine. I loved some of Utah. I hated some of Utah. My testimony really was shaken when I first came into a predominantly LDS environment, but I quickly overcame it and emerged stronger and with more commitment to learning and following the ACTUAL gospel instead of the Utah gospel.

[Franktalk]

Here is the title page from the first edition Book of Mormon.

http://www.inephi.com/1.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks like the name has not changed.

[Franktalk]

I think true faith rest on God and not man. If my faith is based on the clever words of a preacher then the next preacher who is clever will lead me to somewhere else. That is not faith in God that is faith in men. I have met too many people who have faith in men.

True words can be spoken by anyone. False words can be spoken by anyone. I find it best not to trust anyone and assume that all things of men are screwed up. When I find truth I ignore the path it took to get to me. I just drop all of the baggage that many hold onto. I wonder why it is that many see truth and the vehicle it arrived in together.

[marc]

[Daryl]

Here is the title page from the first edition Book of Mormon.

http://www.inephi.com/1.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Looks like the name has not changed.

Modern-day apostles renamed the Book of Mormon to:

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ
as seen here on the official church website

[hyloglyph]

Aussie nice job. Only one to take a shot at all 50!

I love the idea Daryl, just get peoples minds moving!

[Daryl]

I love the church. It has helped me to become who I am. I attend church every Sunday and try my best to follow the teachings of the Prophet. There may be issues with the church and how people believe and behave, but it is still the church founded by a prophet of God under direction of the Savior Jesus Christ.

50 Reasons Why I Love the LDS Church

[boo]

Me too but that doesn't keep me from being concerned about discerning between truth and error. Skmo's answers are clever but in some cases erroneous . Q1 Joseph used a seer stone for all of the Book of Mormon that we have. The U & T was used for the lost 116 pages. Q21 Brigham Young did add a blood oath, Q 21 Yes several leaders in Kirtland did. Q 22 Depends upon which version you read, Q25 the First Presidency has instructed members not to have prayer circles outside the Temple. This is a dramatic change from the 1970s and prior. I ignore them.Q 23 Because members were offended by the removed portions. Think of the Israelites rejecting the higher law Some of us were offended that they were removed Q 38 This is not the explanation offered by Eldridge Smith nor his son Gary nor if the official church position adequate.