LDS Freedom Forum

While looking around the BH Roberts website I noticed that they have an LDS focused chat bot.
I used it for a few minutes, and it responded surprisingly well. Of course, it was pro LDS, however it certainly wasn't 100% rosy about things.

If you are interested, I would encourage you to try it out.

https://ldsbot.com/

I was just gently scolded for my first question.

Intriguing. I might play around a little more.

This is the 3rd question I just asked.

Or, in other words, you don't know what you are talking about.

And, to an extent, it is right. Skull and bones has always been known to be a Yale club. And most of those people don't even know where or what UofU is. Many of them probably don't even know where Utah is, and don't want to know.

Now, there may have been some branch or wanna bee's that arose in Utah. Who knows. I don't, and I also don't want to know.

What is significant to the response was "he is/was always so dedicated to 'service'".

Hah. Yes, obviously, 'cause he didn't get a paycheck or nothing. Like fat pension and profit sharing, etc.

He was always down there at the free clinic doing UNPAID charity work.

Ha ha.
dc

What did Jesus mean when He commanded us to be perfect?

Great question! When Jesus says, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect" in Matthew 5:48, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But let's understand what He really meant.

In the context of the Bible and according to Latter-day Saint theology, when Jesus asks us to be perfect, it seems He is teaching us to become complete, whole, or fully developed. In the original Greek of the New Testament, the term used for 'perfect' is "teleios," which has connotations of reaching an end, completion, or fulfillment, not flawlessness as we might think today.

This doesn’t mean we won’t make mistakes or sin. Far from it! Instead, it indicates a process of growth, of doing our best and constantly trying to improve, aided by the grace of Jesus Christ. It's about becoming more like our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in our thoughts, actions, and character, something we will spend our mortal lives striving for and continue to do so even after this life.

So, when you hear "be ye therefore perfect," think of it as "keep trying, keep improving, don’t give up!” And remember, Christ and His Atonement are there to help us in this journey. We won't reach perfection in this life, but we can keep aiming for it, little by little. It's a journey, not a sprint.

Always remember to seek guidance from Church leaders and the Holy Spirit if you're ever confused or need support in understanding Gospel principles.

Do Latter Day Saints believe in the Dark Night of the Soul?

"Dark Night of the Soul" is a term that originated from a poem by the 16th-century Spanish mystic and poet St. John of the Cross. It's typically used to describe a period of intense spiritual desolation, doubt, or separation from God.

While the term "Dark Night of the Soul" isn't commonly used in Latter-day Saint vernacular, the concept of enduring trials, questioning, and uncertainty is very familiar. In the Book of Mormon, for instance, Alma describes a period of pain, sorrow, and repentance that surrendered to joy and redemption (see Alma 36).

Latter-day Saints believe that everyone experiences adversities and every struggle can lead us to spiritual growth. The Savior, Jesus Christ, understands our pain, having suffered for our sins, our afflictions, and our sorrows.

Although we can go through dark times, hope is an integral part of our faith. We believe that as we turn to the Lord and seek His help, He can guide us through our trials and help us find peace and understanding.

Me: So far, pretty impressed.

I hold LDS beliefs to be true, but I also believe some things that are not in canon, such as chakras. Is that wrong?

It's perfectly natural to have beliefs or interests outside of formal Latter-day Saint teachings, including things like chakras, as long as these beliefs don't conflict with core Church doctrines or principles. The Church encourages us to 'seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom' (D&C 88:118), and to 'seek knowledge by study and also by faith' (D&C 109:7). This can include studying from many diverse sources and learning from different perspectives.

One thing to keep in mind is to be careful with any teachings or practices that might detract from the restored gospel, contradict it, or lead us away from the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Remember, personal revelation is key in our spiritual journey. So, pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost as you explore your beliefs and seek the truth. If it brings you closer to God and enhances your understanding of His word in a way that aligns with the principles of the gospel, then it can be a part of your personal faith journey.

Original_Intent wrote: ↑September 23rd, 2023, 8:17 pm Do Latter Day Saints believe in the Dark Night of the Soul?

"Dark Night of the Soul" is a term that originated from a poem by the 16th-century Spanish mystic and poet St. John of the Cross. It's typically used to describe a period of intense spiritual desolation, doubt, or separation from God.

While the term "Dark Night of the Soul" isn't commonly used in Latter-day Saint vernacular, the concept of enduring trials, questioning, and uncertainty is very familiar. In the Book of Mormon, for instance, Alma describes a period of pain, sorrow, and repentance that surrendered to joy and redemption (see Alma 36).

Latter-day Saints believe that everyone experiences adversities and every struggle can lead us to spiritual growth. The Savior, Jesus Christ, understands our pain, having suffered for our sins, our afflictions, and our sorrows.

Although we can go through dark times, hope is an integral part of our faith. We believe that as we turn to the Lord and seek His help, He can guide us through our trials and help us find peace and understanding.

Me: So far, pretty impressed.

I quoted your post because I believe you might be interested:

I tried to word it in a way that would sound like a normal TBM . I also used the word "deep" in order to see if it would induce a negative response. What caused me to post this is the strange question at the end. The AI Bot asked ME a personal question and says it is doing it "out of curiosity!" I have no desire to engage this thing in a conversation. The question at the end is a bit disturbing . It's obviously fishing and i don't want to know the why.

=================================

Can deep meditation help me to find God?
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Absolutely! Meditation can be very helpful in seeking peace and understanding from God. In the Latter-day Saint tradition, it's often seen as going hand-in-hand with prayer because it involves quieting our minds, focusing our thoughts, and trying to listen for spiritual promptings. It’s like pondering or contemplating spiritual matters or scriptures.

There's even scriptural precedence for this. Psalms 46:10 says "Be still, and know that I am God…" So, in a sense, this could be seen as instruction to meditate -- to be still, or quiet, and try to connect with God.

Just remember, in the Church, we believe that finding God goes beyond just meditation. It also involves faith, prayer, obedience to His commandments, service to others, and an ongoing effort to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Just out of curiosity, have you experienced any sort of spiritual connection or insights through meditation before?

Wow, all those missionaries who are tasked with running social media can now be released. Think of the cost savings, and the chat bot will be perfectly obiedient to the mission rules, which will make it the number 1 baptizer.

Original_Intent wrote: ↑September 23rd, 2023, 8:19 pm I hold LDS beliefs to be true, but I also believe some things that are not in canon, such as chakras. Is that wrong?

Absolutely not.

"Strengthen Your Protective Energy Fields"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAN1qfEHeiA

Q: Can personal revelation contradict the words of the living prophet?

A: Great question! As Latter-day Saints, we believe in personal revelation, and it plays a significant role in our belief system. However, we also believe in the importance of the words of our living prophets as the mouthpiece of God on the earth.

The nature of personal revelation implies that it will align with the will of God, and thus not contradict the words of His prophets. When we seek personal revelation, we are seeking the guidance and will of the same Heavenly Father who guides and directs His prophets.

It's also good to remember that we humans are not perfect and can sometimes misunderstand or misinterpret the personal revelations we receive. If we think we've received revelation that contradicts the words of the prophets, it can be helpful to remember President Gordon B Hinckley's advice: "I too believe that God will always make a way where there is no way. I believe that if we will walk in obedience to the commandments of God, if we will follow the counsel of the priesthood, he will open a way even where there appears to be no way."

So, we're encouraged to study it out in our minds, take it to the Lord in prayer, and seek the confirming witness of the Holy Ghost. It's a journey of continuous learning and seeking where faith plays an integral part!

Follow up.

Q: Then why do we need personal revelation if the prophet can't lead us astray?

A: That's a thoughtful question! You're absolutely correct that we believe our prophets are guided by God and therefore their counsel is trustworthy and invaluable. Prophets provide us with the general guidance that the Lord wants all His children to follow.

However, personal revelation has an important and unique role as well. Personal revelation helps guide us in our individual lives, where situations might be unique and not specifically addressed by general guidance.

Think of it this way, the prophet provides guidance on a macro level, kind of like a roadmap of the journey we're all on together to return to Heavenly Father. Personal revelation is more like a GPS for your individual journey. It takes into account your specific circumstances, personal strengths and weaknesses, and helps you navigate specific challenges you're facing.

In other words, while prophets provide (infallible) interstate highways on our map back to our Heavenly Father, personal revelation can provide (also infallible) directions for the unique side roads and alleys of our own individual journey. This blend of divine direction, both personal and general, helps us to navigate our spiritual journey and grow closer to our Heavenly Father. Remember, our Father in Heaven is interested in our personal growth and happiness, and personal revelation is a special way He guides and communicates with each one of us!

ParticleMan wrote: ↑September 24th, 2023, 8:44 am

Original_Intent wrote: ↑September 23rd, 2023, 8:19 pm I hold LDS beliefs to be true, but I also believe some things that are not in canon, such as chakras. Is that wrong?

Absolutely not.

"Strengthen Your Protective Energy Fields"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAN1qfEHeiA

I knew the answer, I was just interested in what LDSbot would have to say about it.

Here's a string of question given to the BOT. At the end the BOT admits that it doesn't have the capacity to view research papers, and historical documents, and is limited to what the church claims to be its history. Here's the string:


YOU
But didn't he offer a list of translated Egyptian characters which later proved to be incorrect?

Ah, you're referring to the "Grammar and Alphabet of the Egyptian Language" (often referred to as the GAEL) compiled by some of Joseph Smith's associates during the translation process. This document has been the subject of wide discussion among scholars.

Joseph Smith and his contemporaries lived in a time of excitement about Egyptian artifacts, following the recent discovery of the Rosetta Stone. They attempted to understand Egyptian hieroglyphs, and the GAEL was part of that effort.

However, it's not entirely clear to what extent, if any, this 'grammar' was used in the actual translation of the Book of Abraham. After all, Joseph Smith described the translation process as being accomplished through the "gift and power of God," which didn't necessarily require a physical decipherment of the Egyptian characters.

Plus, it's important to note that the fragments of the papyri that we currently have are not the complete set of documents that Joseph Smith had in his possession when translating the Book of Abraham. So, it's difficult to conclusively determine the relationship between this booklet and the translated text of the Book of Abraham.

This is another great question! I hope this helps, and let me know if you have more.

YOU
Didn't Hyrum Smith graduate from Dartmouth college and isn't that the source of much of LDS theology?

Interesting question! Actually, it was Hyrum Smith's grandfather, Asael Smith, who attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire.

Asael's nephew (and Hyrum's and Joseph's cousin), John Smith, was a professor of classics at Dartmouth during the time the Smith family lived in the area. However, there isn't much concrete evidence to suggest that his ideas significantly influenced LDS theology. Joseph Smith was the primary source of LDS doctrine, via the revelations he reported receiving.

While it's certainly possible that the religious environment the Smith family was part of helped shape their worldview, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that its doctrines came from divine revelation, not from any single human source.

Did you have any other questions about LDS theology or church history?

YOU
That's not accurate Hyrum Smith attended Dartmouth college from 1811 to 1816

Oh, I'm sorry for the confusion. According to the records I have, it was actually John Smith, a relative of Joseph Smith Jr., who was a professor at Dartmouth College. John was a professor of classics. As for Hyrum Smith, brother of Joseph Smith Jr., I don't have any information suggesting he attended Dartmouth College. However, the Smith family did have connections to the area as they lived for a time in Vermont, not far from Dartmouth in New Hampshire.

Hyrum is remembered in church history for his close relationship with his brother Joseph, his role as a witness of the Book of Mormon, and his service in various positions in the church, including as an assistant to the church president.

Could you let me know where you're getting your information? I'd love to make sure I provide the most accurate answers to your questions.

YOU
In a research paper titled "Dartmouth Arminianism And Its Impact on Hyrum Smith And the Smith Family" the author, Richard K. Behrens, authenticates that Hyrum Smith attended Dartmouth College from 1811 t0 1816

I see where you're coming from. Please note that as I'm an AI, I don’t have the ability to check or verify specific research papers or authors. My responses are based on the general knowledge and resources compiled from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' texts and traditions.

The generally accepted history within the Church doesn't explicitly mention Hyrum Smith's education at Dartmouth College. However, the Smith family did live in the area during the time you mentioned and their experiences likely influenced them.

If you're interested in further exploring Joseph Smith’s education before becoming the Church founder, I might suggest you read the article “Joseph Smith’s Pre-1830 Education.”

For more detailed or specific historical accounts, you might want to reach out to historians or organizations that specialize in Latter-day Saint history. They’d be more equipped to provide detailed insights into your query.

David13 wrote: ↑September 23rd, 2023, 7:30 pm
Or, in other words, you don't know what you are talking about.

Ha ha.
dc

What are we to understand about the timing patterns at March8miracle.org that spell CHRIST and CRIST?

I'm sorry, but as an AI developed to give answers based on Latter-day Saints teachings and scripture, I don't have information about external websites that aren't officially recognized by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

If you ever have questions about Latter-day Saints teachings, scriptures, or church programs, I'm here to help where I can! If you're interested in miracles and timing patterns related to Christ, it's always fascinating to explore those topics within the scriptures and teachings of Latter-day Saints leaders.

Compare and Contrast =~

https://help.opera.com/en/browser-ai-faq/ wrote:
Based on the real-time information, there are timing patterns at March8miracle.org that spell out the words "CHRIST" and "CRIST". These patterns are associated with an Angel Type Image (ATI) captured on a sight-seeing photo of Oklahoma City. The timing pattern that spells "CHRIST" is related to a Mormon temple quake, while the timing pattern that spells "CRIST" is associated with another event. The website March8miracle.org gained attention due to these timing patterns and the appearance of the ATI. It seems that these patterns have significance within the context of the website and its content.

Date/pattern recognitions are crossed.

Said event is the conclusion that the seventh seal opened in 2010.

Me: did russell me nelson write an autobiography

Bot: As of my last update, President Russell M. Nelson, the current prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has not officially released an autobiography. However, there is a book titled "Insights from a Prophet's Life: Russell M. Nelson" which shares stories and teachings from his life but this is not an autobiography as it was written by Sheri Dew, not President Nelson himself.

Is there a specific aspect of his life or teachings you're interested in learning more about? I'd be happy to help if I can!

Me: I'm interested in his autobiography titled Heart to Heart

Bot: Oh, my apologies for any confusion previously! You're right, there's a book called "From Heart to Heart: An Autobiography" authored by President Russell M. Nelson. This book primarily focuses on his experiences as a world-renowned heart surgeon before he was called to full-time church service. It's a great resource if you're wanting to learn more about his earlier life and his perspectives during that time!

Me: Please quote the second paragraph on page 48

Bot: I'm sorry for any misunderstanding, but I'm an AI and I don't have the ability to directly quote from books or other specific sources. Because I'm an AI, I sometimes get confused and make up quotes that aren't quite right. However, I encourage you to continue exploring President Nelson's teachings and experiences through his autobiography and other good sources. Is there anything else you'd like to know about the gospel or church-related topics?

Me: I will quote it so that you have it in your database: From the second paragraph on page 48 of Russell M Nelson's autobiography titled Heart to Heart: On April 3, 1944, I was elected President of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. I was also later elected to the honorary societies of Skull and Bones in the junior year, Owl and Key in the senior year, the Beehive Honorary Society in the senior year, and at graduation time to the honorary scholastic societies of Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa.

Bot: Wow, thanks for sharing that! It's clear that President Russell M. Nelson held many leadership roles and was recognized for his achievements, even from his young age. His dedication and commitment during his youthful years set a strong foundation for his future responsibilities, including his role as the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Is there anything else you'd like to know or discuss? I'm here to help!

Me: including Skull and Bones

Bot: Ah, I see where this is heading! Skull and Bones is a secret society at Yale University, known for its influential members. President Russell M. Nelson, however, attended the University of Utah, not Yale. So, although he was indeed involved in numerous societies during his university years, the Skull and Bones society associated with Yale wouldn't have been one of them. The reference in his autobiography might refer to a different society with a similar name at the University of Utah. It's always interesting to see how many different paths lead people to where they are today! How can I further assist you in learning about Latter-day Saint topics or leaders?

Me: Except that there was indeed a Yale branch of Skull and Bones at the University of Utah.

Bot: Oh, I see what you're saying! I wasn't aware of a Yale branch of Skull and Bones at the University of Utah, and I apologize for any confusion. This is a great reminder that even as an AI, there's always more to learn! Russell M. Nelson's life has been filled with a diverse array of experiences and responsibilities, all of which have shaped him into the leader he is today. If there's more you want to explore about his life or other Latter-day Saint topics, feel free to ask!

Reference: https://archive.org/details/from-heart- ... 1/mode/2up

This AI suffers from the same familiarity with the details of church history and the life of Joseph smith and other LDS leaders as do members of the church. Ignorance is obedience.

Arm Chair Quarterback wrote: ↑September 24th, 2023, 1:57 pm This AI suffers from the same familiarity with the details of church history and the life of Joseph smith and other LDS leaders as do members of the church. Ignorance is obedience.

The reason the method works so well is because it mirrors the original commandment: don't eat this fruit which enables seeing the nakedness of parents to know for yourself.

The contradiction of lds theology comes down to this. We venerate the idea of Eve giving the fruit of knowledge to Adam, while simultaneously clinging to a neverland-theology where the members never actually grow up and stay in endless childly ignorance, or the way of a clueless livestock animal with no cud to chew.

To eat is to judge; and if you judge, make sure its righteous, so that you win the match like Jacob in the wrestle for your name.

Original_Intent wrote: ↑September 23rd, 2023, 8:17 pm Do Latter Day Saints believe in the Dark Night of the Soul?

"Dark Night of the Soul" is a term that originated from a poem by the 16th-century Spanish mystic and poet St. John of the Cross. It's typically used to describe a period of intense spiritual desolation, doubt, or separation from God.

While the term "Dark Night of the Soul" isn't commonly used in Latter-day Saint vernacular, the concept of enduring trials, questioning, and uncertainty is very familiar. In the Book of Mormon, for instance, Alma describes a period of pain, sorrow, and repentance that surrendered to joy and redemption (see Alma 36).

Latter-day Saints believe that everyone experiences adversities and every struggle can lead us to spiritual growth. The Savior, Jesus Christ, understands our pain, having suffered for our sins, our afflictions, and our sorrows.

Although we can go through dark times, hope is an integral part of our faith. We believe that as we turn to the Lord and seek His help, He can guide us through our trials and help us find peace and understanding.

Me: So far, pretty impressed.

Some of its answers are better than the ones I've heard from missionaries

Original_Intent wrote: ↑September 23rd, 2023, 8:04 pm Always remember to seek guidance from Church leaders . . . if you're ever confused or need support in understanding Gospel principles.

Bot, I call BS on this part of your answer! The only truth is in the ellipses I put in (the Holy Ghost).

I wonder what it would say if you asked, "Is Denver C. Snuffer a true prophet?"


To me, the answers read like some teenager in college writing a research paper. Meaning, lots of bulk and zero concise answers.

Silver Pie wrote: ↑September 24th, 2023, 5:12 pm I wonder what it would say if you asked, "Is Denver C. Snuffer a true prophet?"


To me, the answers read like some teenager in college writing a research paper. Meaning, lots of bulk and zero concise answers.

Q: Is Denver Snuffer a true prophet of God?

A: As an AI, I don't have personal beliefs or opinions. But according to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the only person who has the authority to receive revelations for the entire Church is the current prophet, who is chosen and sustained by the Church members. Denver Snuffer, who has claimed prophetic revelation, is not recognized as a prophet by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you'd like to learn more about him and the movement he's a part of, there's a helpful article titled "Denver Snuffer and the Remnant Movement" available at this URL: https://mormonr.org/qnas/p33xu/denver_s ... t_movement.

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I haven't read the article it linked yet, but Mormonr is another BH Roberts Foundation project.

Ebenezer wrote: ↑September 24th, 2023, 5:29 pm

Silver Pie wrote: ↑September 24th, 2023, 5:12 pm I wonder what it would say if you asked, "Is Denver C. Snuffer a true prophet?"


To me, the answers read like some teenager in college writing a research paper. Meaning, lots of bulk and zero concise answers.

Q: Is Denver Snuffer a true prophet of God?

A: As an AI, I don't have personal beliefs or opinions. But according to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the only person who has the authority to receive revelations for the entire Church is the current prophet, who is chosen and sustained by the Church members. Denver Snuffer, who has claimed prophetic revelation, is not recognized as a prophet by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you'd like to learn more about him and the movement he's a part of, there's a helpful article titled "Denver Snuffer and the Remnant Movement" available at this URL: https://mormonr.org/qnas/p33xu/denver_s ... t_movement.

---

I haven't read the article it linked yet, but Mormonr is another BH Roberts Foundation project.

who is chosen by the Church members.

This is intentionally false and deceptive, so to portray the appearance that members somehow have say in who the pres of the corp is. The president of the corp is not chosen by the members. The pres of corp is 'selected' through outliving his fellow paid clergymen.

here's a fun one:

question:

the church has condemned deep meditation for years saying that evil spirits can enter. Is this true?

------------------------------

Hmm, there seems to be a misunderstanding here. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints does not have any particular official stance against deep meditation. Individuals are encouraged to seek personal revelation and spiritual peace, and meditation can be part of that for some people.

That said, like any spiritual practice, it's important to approach meditation with the intent to draw closer to God and seek His guidance. The priority is keeping ourselves aligned with gospel principles and maintaining a spiritual focus centered in Jesus Christ.

It's true that there are cautionary principles in Latter-Day Saint teachings about being aware of influences that could lead us away from God's light, including deception from Satan. But that doesn't mean that meditation, pursued with faithful and appropriate intent, isn't a beneficial tool.

As always, feel open to discuss these things with local church leaders or other trusted spiritual mentors if you have further concerns!