2009-11-08T23:37:22Z urn:uuid:x52rs6y8-m2xh-7922-8919-v0jzeo53rttv allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANShttp://feedburner.google.com urn:uuid:23115720-8Nov--- 2009-11-08T23:29:31-07:00 <b>Question by Kristen:</b> How do you explain baptisms for the dead? I have a friend interested in finding out the true doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but she is not interested in becoming a member or getting the missionary lessons. She had a question about the <strong>baptisms for the dead</strong>, and I tried to explain with scriptures and lds.org information. I was wondering if there was anyone who knows how I can go about approaching this question. I thought about the Book of Mormon, but have not gotten one to give her yet.<br><br><b>Answer by Webmaster: </b>Hi Kristen. The Church recently produced a great video about Mormon temples. I'll post the youtube videos here. Hopefully they can help your friend. Good luck!<br><br><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/azAFsfDrd2w&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/azAFsfDrd2w&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br><br><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QwGeD3-won0&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QwGeD3-won0&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br><br><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PxuBkXjyHFk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PxuBkXjyHFk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br><br><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7om1Hs0qs54&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7om1Hs0qs54&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br><br><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yZ1XqnT-7Ko&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yZ1XqnT-7Ko&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></center><br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/explain_baptisms_dead_friend_interested_ENG_316.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_316">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/explain_baptisms_dead_friend_interested_ENG_316.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:164gyRaC8Lc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:164gyRaC8Lc:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=rUTiTS0DcHc:164gyRaC8Lc:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:164gyRaC8Lc:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=rUTiTS0DcHc:164gyRaC8Lc:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:164gyRaC8Lc:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:164gyRaC8Lc:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:164gyRaC8Lc:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=rUTiTS0DcHc:164gyRaC8Lc:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/rUTiTS0DcHc" height="1" width="1"/> Webmaster http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/explain_baptisms_dead_friend_interested_ENG_316.php urn:uuid:23113420-8Nov--- 2009-11-08T23:21:47-07:00 <b>Question by Kristen:</b> How do you explain baptisms for the dead? I have a friend interested in finding out the true doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but she is not interested in becoming a member or getting the missionary lessons. She had a question about the <strong>baptisms for the dead</strong>, and I tried to explain with scriptures and lds.org information. I was wondering if there was anyone who knows how I can go about approaching this question. I thought about the Book of Mormon, but have not gotten one to give her yet.<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/explain_baptisms_dead_friend_interested_ENG_316.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_316">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/explain_baptisms_dead_friend_interested_ENG_316.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:i7qMdrVQOCA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:i7qMdrVQOCA:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=rUTiTS0DcHc:i7qMdrVQOCA:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:i7qMdrVQOCA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=rUTiTS0DcHc:i7qMdrVQOCA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:i7qMdrVQOCA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:i7qMdrVQOCA:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=rUTiTS0DcHc:i7qMdrVQOCA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=rUTiTS0DcHc:i7qMdrVQOCA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/rUTiTS0DcHc" height="1" width="1"/> Kristen http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/explain_baptisms_dead_friend_interested_ENG_316.php urn:uuid:20115620-8Nov--- 2009-11-08T20:49:54-07:00 <b>Question by John:</b> This investigator thanks the people who have asked all these questions and thanks you so much for this forum and your answers. Many questions are also my own. I have one question I have not yet seen: My wife has no interest in investigating LDS and I am driven to learn everything I can. I have the very best missionaries possible and long for each next meeting with them. My wife is jealous of the time I spend studing and the time I spend with other mormons, especially my missionaries, though she sees and appreciates the wonderful changes she sees in me. I think she is afraid I may be on a journey that will leave her behind. I keep reassuring her that I married her for the rest of my life but she continues to feel insecure. I regularly invite her to join me in my investigation and she says this is not for her. Unfortunately she drinks alcohol and after a few drinks she starts attacking me trying to get me into an argument where I might say something mean or unkind, building her case for being even more angry with at me. I have tried saying nothing, leaving the house, and have thought of just going into another room to kneel and pray showing her a different way of me handling her needling. I am hoping I will eventually show her how wonderfully my faith has changed my life. Any thoughts would be welcome as to how to respond during the attacks. Thanks, John<br><br><b>Answer by Webmaster: </b>Hi John! I was so happy to hear about your  baptism and that things are improving with your wife. Your eagerness to study and learn more about the church is  thrilling to me.   I love to go to church and often feel the spirit there. Church attendance keep our spiritual engines primed. However, most of my most profound spiritual experiences have come during private study/pondering on my own. I definitely don't know everything, but I do know that as we dedicate ourselves to studying and pondering Christ and his Gospel, we truly do grow closer to Him.  Feel free to send more questions my way if you like! Answering other peoples' questions forces me to study and ponder and so does me a world of good. :)<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/investigator_asked_questions_forum_answers_ENG_290.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_290">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/investigator_asked_questions_forum_answers_ENG_290.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=tPWCqJY6IqM:XVo7M8eS83Y:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=tPWCqJY6IqM:XVo7M8eS83Y:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=tPWCqJY6IqM:XVo7M8eS83Y:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=tPWCqJY6IqM:XVo7M8eS83Y:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=tPWCqJY6IqM:XVo7M8eS83Y:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=tPWCqJY6IqM:XVo7M8eS83Y:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=tPWCqJY6IqM:XVo7M8eS83Y:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=tPWCqJY6IqM:XVo7M8eS83Y:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=tPWCqJY6IqM:XVo7M8eS83Y:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/tPWCqJY6IqM" height="1" width="1"/> Webmaster http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/investigator_asked_questions_forum_answers_ENG_290.php urn:uuid:20114520-8Nov--- 2009-11-08T20:21:10-07:00 <b>Question by Anonymous:</b> Webmaster, In my investigation of the church, I have heard, time and time again, three central arguments against the church that I cannot seem to refute. One, I fall short of explaining out of lack of familiarity with the subject while the other two I feel I cannot adequately address, only partially. First, I've heard Brigham Young described in a variety of negative ways, most notably "evil". I feel this word and probably most of the negative labels placed upon him may not be completely accurate if at all. What support do these negative interpretations have and what can be said against them? Second, many feel that the women of the church are in some way suppressed. I am always assaulted with the assertion that women have no leadership in the church hierarchy (other than the relief society). This policy is addressed elsewhere in your site, but I find it difficult to explain to others that only men are given the priesthood. Lastly, I am often presented by opponents of the church with the issue of homosexual marriage or, more accurately, homosexual sexual relations. You explained it in a way that placated me on your site, but then I was presented with the questions: "Could you live your life without fully being a partner to a person you loved? Is a gay man accepting the church as true denying themselves of a life of love? " It's difficult to answer the question when phrased like this, I was hoping you could help me. Thank you for your time, I know the questions were extensive.<br><br><b>Answer by Webmaster: </b>Hi friend. These are some very interesting questions! Let me try to tackle each of them. This answer is going to be a novel! :)<br /><br /><strong>Was Brigham Young Evil?</strong><br /><br />Mormons do not believe that any human being is perfect, with the exception of Christ alone, who was both man and God. In the Mormon conception, prophets are holy men of God who try to transmit God's will accurately, but they are not themselves infallible or perfect. Brigham Young was a man of strong opinions who, like all of us, made some mistakes and was in part a product of his times. But to describe him as "evil" is not at all accurate. In fact, he was in many ways inspiring, worthy of his nickname, the "American Moses."<br /><br />Anti-Mormons usually attack Brigham Young in one of three ways. First, some claim that Brigham Young ordered the Mountain Meadows massacre. <a href="http://www.allaboutmormons.com/Questions/mountain_meadows_massacre_ENG_10.php" title="Mountain Meadows Massacre">I've written about this tragic event in Mormon history elsewhere on my site</a>. Simply put, the leading scholars who have studied this massacre do not believe that Brigham Young authorized it. In fact, a letter written by Brigham Young has been discovered in which he explicitly told the Saints in southern Utah to avoid any confrontation. Here's the text of his letter: <br /><br />"In regard to emigration trains passing through our settlements, we must not interfere with them until they are first notified to keep away. You must not meddle with them. The Indians we expect will do as they please but you should try and preserve good feelings with them. There are no other trains going south that I know of. If those who are there will leave let them go in peace. While we should be on the alert, on hand and always ready we should also possess ourselves in patience, preserving ourselves and property ever remembering that God rules."<br /><br />The claim that Brigham Young ordered the Mountain Meadows massacre is simply not based in fact.<br/><br/><center><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3GmRG7whklQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3GmRG7whklQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br/><small>Some of this video is relevant, and some isn't...take it for what it's worth.<br/>I for one don't want movies dissing Islam either...</small></center><br />Anti-Mormons also attack Brigham Young because he practiced polygamy. They want to portray him as a sex-crazed Sultan, complete with his harem. In reality, Brigham Young practiced polygamy only reluctantly; he practiced polygamy only because he felt that God obligated him to do so. When asked to describe his feelings about polygamy, Brigham Young said the following:<br /><br />"Some of these my brethern know what my feelings were at the time Joseph revealed the doctrine; I was not desirous of shrinking from any duty, nor of failing in the least to do as I was commanded, but it was the first time in my life that I had desired the grave, and I could hardly get over it for a long time. And when I saw a funeral, I felt to envy the corpse its situation, and to regret that I was not in the coffin, knowing the toil and labor that my body would have to undergo; and I have had to examine myself, from that day to this, and watch my faith, and carefully meditate, lest I should be found desiring the grave more than I ought to do."<br /><br />Finally, some attack Brigham Young because of statements he made about African Americans. It is unfortunately true that Brigham Young made some racist remarks. This is particularly disappointing because Joseph Smith's ideas about race had been so ahead of their time. We should not be too quick to judge Brigham Young, however. Racism was widespread in America at the time, and Brigham was simply a product of his times. In fact, Brigham Young was much less racist than many Protestant preachers in the South at the time. For example, consider these Brigham Young <a href="http://www.allaboutmormons.com/ENG_racism_0.php" title="Mormon Racism">quotes about African Americans</a>: <ul><li>After a black member of the Church was excommunicated for adultery in 1847, Brigham said, "It's nothing to do with the blood for of one blood has God made all flesh, ...we have one of the best Elders, an African [i.e., Walker Lewis] in Lowell."</li><li>In 1860: "[African Americans] should be treated like human beings, and not worse than dumb brutes [animals]. For their abuse of that race, the whites shall be cursed, unless they repent."</li><li>In 1863: "For their abuse of [the Black African] race, the whites will be cursed, unless they repent."</li><li>Again in 1863: "Men will be called to judgment for the way they have treated [African Americans]."</li></ul>Clearly, Brigham Young was a complex character.<br /><br />Having described the anti-Mormon charges laid at Brigham's feet, let me finish by sharing a story from Brigham's personal life. I'll quote from the book "The Mormon Experience: History of the Latter-day Saints," by Leonard Arrington and David Bitton:<br /><br />"One problem encountered by the Mormons in relation to the Indians was the rather extensive slave trade in the Great Basin. Various groups of Mexicans and Ute Indians circulated through the territory buying or stealing children of the weaker tribes for sale to Mexicans. ... The whole business was repulsive to the Mormons, but there was no easy solution, inasmuch as stopping the trade would suspend an important source of Indian revenue. The nature of the dilemma was illustrated during the winter of 1848-49 when a band... came into the Salt Lake Valley desiring to trade. They had previously taken two girls about four and five years old as prisoners and wanted to sell them. When the Mormons declined, the enraged chief took one of the girls by the heels and dashed her brains out on the hard ground, "after which he threw the body towards us, telling us we had no hearts, or we would have bought it and saved its life." Charles Decker, a young scout and brother-in-law of Brigham Young, moved quickly to prevent the same thing from happening to the other girl, and purchased her with his rifle and pony.<br /><br />[John R. Young wrote]: She was the saddest-looking piece of humanity I have ever seen. They had shingled her head with butcher knives and fire brands. All the fleshy parts of her body, legs, and arms had been hacked with knives, then fire brands had been stuck into the wounds. She was gaunt with hunger, and smeared from head to foot with blood and ashes. After being washed and clothed, she was given to President [Brigham] Young and became as one of his family. They named her Sally."<br /><br />In my opinion, no man that would help rescue a child so abused and destitute can be rightfully called "evil."<br /><br /><strong>Are Mormon Women Suppressed?</strong><br /><br />I've heard some make this claim, but based on my own interactions with many strong, independent Mormon women, I have a hard time buying it myself. While it is true that women do not receive the Mormon priesthood, it is not true that they are banned from leadership positions. I'm a member of my congregation's presiding council, and on that same counsel there are many women. Women routinely preach sermons in Mormon worship services, even on the worldwide (general-conference) level. Mormon women also have prominent roles outside of the chapel. For example, the president and CEO of Deseret Book Company, the premier church-owned publishing and distribution company, is a woman named <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheri_L._Dew" target="_blank" title="Sheri Dew">Sheri Dew</a>. <br /><br />It's also important to clarify what is meant by "priesthood." For many Christians, the word "priesthood" is synonymous with the word "clergy." In these churches, a woman who preaches sermons and gives public prayers on Sunday, who ministers to others by visiting with them in their homes to share a spiritual message, and who prepares regular Sunday-school lessons, would in fact be considered a member of the "priesthood."  The LDS Church places far more ecclesiastical power in the hands of women then do many other Christian churches.<br /><br />While I don't fully understand the doctrine, it may be that in the next life women will hold the priesthood in the same sense that the men do.   John Taylor once said, "You have been ordained kings and queens, and priests and priestesses to your Lord; you have been put in possession of principles that all the kings, potentates, and power upon the earth are entirely ignorant of; they do not understand it; but you have received this from the hands of God."<br /><br />Bruce R. McConkie once taught, "If righteous men have power through the gospel and its crowning ordinance of celestial marriage to become kings and priests to rule in exaltation forever, it follows that the women by their side (without whom they cannot attain exaltation) will be queens and priestesses."<br /><br />Perhaps others who understand this doctrine better can explain it to me. :)<br /><br />One Mormon convert, quoted by the Mormon historian Claudia Bushman  (herself a prominent Mormon woman), said the following: "I've never seen such active, liberated women as in the church. I've never been to any other church where women spoke equally with the men. I think it is a good thing that men have a separate priesthood and women aren't permitted to participate in it. That must sound strange because I'm a feminist, but look how the women run the Relief Society. Can you imagine if they ran the church? The men would be totally out of a job."<br /><br /><strong>Is it Wrong to Oppose Gay Relations?</strong><br /><br />Here's how I would answer the questions you pose:<br /><br />Question: "Could you live your life without fully being a partner to the person you loved?"<br /><br />Answer: "Yes, if I thought that's what God wanted me to do."<br /><br />Question: "Is a gay man who accepts the church denying themselves a life of love?"<br /><br />Answer: "If they only believe in sexual love, a limited form of love that the Greeks called <em>eros</em>, then yes.  I personally would readily forego <em>eros</em> if that's what were necessary to achieve <em>agape</em>, the ability to feel the powerful love of God in my life."<br /><br />The truth of the matter is, God expects us to do hard things. That which is easiest for us is not always what is best. Homosexuals are hardly the only people who  have to sacrifice personal comfort in order to follow God. Let me cite some examples.<br /><br />I know one man  whose wife suffered a stroke at a fairly young age.  In a single day, she went from being intelligent and independent to being severely mentally handicapped and dependent on others.  Through no fault of her own, she was not able to be a full partner to  her husband. How easy it would've been for him to get a divorce and to put her in a home! She probably wouldn't have even understood, and no one would've blamed him. But he remembered the covenant  he had made to her and to God in the temple,  and so he stayed married to her for many years, taking care of her many needs. She finally died a few years ago. What an example of a man who for many years was not able to have a "full partner" but who, nevertheless, chose God instead of choosing what would be convenient.<br /><br />I know another sister whose life provides a similar example. Through no fault of her own, she has not been able to marry.  She is a dedicated member who might have an easier time finding a husband if she looked outside of the church, but  she wants to be married in the temple, as God has counseled, and so has put off finding her "full partner." She chose God over what is convenient.<br /><br />I could cite many other examples, some from people I know personally who are dear to me, but I think I've made my point. It's not always easy to follow God, but I know from personal experience that it is always worth it. As I've written elsewhere, <a href="http://www.allaboutmormons.com/Blog/heroic_faith_gay_mormons_1830s_ENG_44.php" title="Gay Mormons">there are many people who deal with same-sex attraction who nevertheless choose to be faithful members of the church</a>. These Mormons, like many others who may  deal with different challenges, recognized the  spiritual benefits of choosing God over self.<br /><br />Hope these answers help!  Let me know if you'd like any further clarification.<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/webmaster_investigation_church_heard_central_ENG_315.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_315">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/webmaster_investigation_church_heard_central_ENG_315.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:myM3gjAdDGA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:myM3gjAdDGA:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=KFXuoeUC_Ec:myM3gjAdDGA:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:myM3gjAdDGA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=KFXuoeUC_Ec:myM3gjAdDGA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:myM3gjAdDGA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:myM3gjAdDGA:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:myM3gjAdDGA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=KFXuoeUC_Ec:myM3gjAdDGA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/KFXuoeUC_Ec" height="1" width="1"/> Webmaster http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/webmaster_investigation_church_heard_central_ENG_315.php urn:uuid:05111520-8Nov--- 2009-11-08T05:40:40-07:00 <b>Question by Anonymous:</b> I work on Sundays. Is there any way I can still visit your church?<br><br><b>Answer by Pamela Dean: </b>There are also some other options that you might consider: <br><br>1. Twice a year (April and October) there is <a href="http://lds.org/conference/languages/0,6353,310-1,00.html" taret="_blank">General Conference</a> which is broadcast from Salt Lake City. This is a two day event, on Saturday and Sunday. Perhaps you could attend the Saturday sessions. <br><br>2. If you are female, there are also conferences for women and teenage girls that you may be able to attend. <br><br>3. Firesides and devotionals generally happen Sunday evenings. The missionaries in your area can keep you informed of upcoming firesides if you do not work Sunday evenings. They can also tell you about activities, baptisms that do not happen on Sundays, and other special events. <br><br>4. If you live in an area where there are a lot of LDS, you may be able to find a service that begins at a time you can attend. Fore example, one area that I lived had four congregations meeting in the same building, with services starting at 9:30, 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30. Some areas that have congregations made up of 18 to 30 year old adults (YSA wards), have their services in the evening. <br><br>5. Some congregations are now holding weekly scripture study. <br><br>6. If you know someone who is LDS - or ask the missionaries of they know someone who is willing - ask if you can attend their family home evening, usually held on Monday nights and is basically a family devotional and fun time. <br><br>Why not ask the missionaries in your area if any of these options are available to you? <br><br>Also, <a href="http://www.byutv.org/" target="_blank">byutv.org</a> is an awesome resource. You can watch sacrament service online, and access many other programs about the church and of interest to members as well, for thirty days after a program is first aired. <br><br>I pray that you will find some way of visiting with us!<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/sundays_visit_church_ENG_311.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_311">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/sundays_visit_church_ENG_311.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=VAbmeJT1iWU:-JdS4Yb6Nnw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=VAbmeJT1iWU:-JdS4Yb6Nnw:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=VAbmeJT1iWU:-JdS4Yb6Nnw:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=VAbmeJT1iWU:-JdS4Yb6Nnw:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=VAbmeJT1iWU:-JdS4Yb6Nnw:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=VAbmeJT1iWU:-JdS4Yb6Nnw:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=VAbmeJT1iWU:-JdS4Yb6Nnw:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=VAbmeJT1iWU:-JdS4Yb6Nnw:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=VAbmeJT1iWU:-JdS4Yb6Nnw:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/VAbmeJT1iWU" height="1" width="1"/> Pamela Dean http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/sundays_visit_church_ENG_311.php urn:uuid:05113020-8Nov--- 2009-11-08T05:24:19-07:00 <b>Question by Anonymous:</b> Is it true that the church has created two calendars featuring Mormons in provocative positions? I thought the church teaches that the body is sacred and that it should not be exploited in this way.<br><br><b>Answer by Pamela Dean: </b><a href="http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/mistakes-in-the-news-associated-press-errors-more-than-semantics" target="_blank">Here is the link to the church's statement</a> on the misreporting by the media about this calendar.<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/church_created_calendars_featuring_mormons_ENG_312.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_312">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/church_created_calendars_featuring_mormons_ENG_312.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=NRn_gakdBZo:D7hoY941SAk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=NRn_gakdBZo:D7hoY941SAk:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=NRn_gakdBZo:D7hoY941SAk:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=NRn_gakdBZo:D7hoY941SAk:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=NRn_gakdBZo:D7hoY941SAk:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=NRn_gakdBZo:D7hoY941SAk:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=NRn_gakdBZo:D7hoY941SAk:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=NRn_gakdBZo:D7hoY941SAk:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=NRn_gakdBZo:D7hoY941SAk:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/NRn_gakdBZo" height="1" width="1"/> Pamela Dean http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/church_created_calendars_featuring_mormons_ENG_312.php urn:uuid:05112420-8Nov--- 2009-11-08T05:05:10-07:00 <b>Question by Anonymous:</b> Webmaster, In my investigation of the church, I have heard, time and time again, three central arguments against the church that I cannot seem to refute. One, I fall short of explaining out of lack of familiarity with the subject while the other two I feel I cannot adequately address, only partially. First, I've heard Brigham Young described in a variety of negative ways, most notably "evil". I feel this word and probably most of the negative labels placed upon him may not be completely accurate if at all. What support do these negative interpretations have and what can be said against them? Second, many feel that the women of the church are in some way suppressed. I am always assaulted with the assertion that women have no leadership in the church hierarchy (other than the relief society). This policy is addressed elsewhere in your site, but I find it difficult to explain to others that only men are given the priesthood. Lastly, I am often presented by opponents of the church with the issue of homosexual marriage or, more accurately, homosexual sexual relations. You explained it in a way that placated me on your site, but then I was presented with the questions: "Could you live your life without fully being a partner to a person you loved? Is a gay man accepting the church as true denying themselves of a life of love? " It's difficult to answer the question when phrased like this, I was hoping you could help me. Thank you for your time, I know the questions were extensive.<br><br><b>Answer by Pamela Dean: </b>I am sure someone else will have extensive commentary for you, and I look forward to reading that myself. Myself, I would encourage you to read the following articles. <br><br>Re: Brigham Young. David B. Haight, "<a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=d0008d00422fe010VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">Faith of Our Prophets</a>," <em>Liahona</em>, Jan 2002, 24-27<br><br>Re: Women in the Church. <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=8222f73c28d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">Gospel Topics: Women in the Church</a>. I would also add that the proclamation on the family has extensive information on what we believe the roles of each gender is. <br><br>Re: Homosexuality. "<a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=4bf976e6ffe0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">My Battle with Same-Sex Attraction</a>," <em>Ensign</em>, Aug 2002, 48-51<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/webmaster_investigation_church_heard_central_ENG_315.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_315">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/webmaster_investigation_church_heard_central_ENG_315.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:aXgqC45b3RQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:aXgqC45b3RQ:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=KFXuoeUC_Ec:aXgqC45b3RQ:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:aXgqC45b3RQ:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=KFXuoeUC_Ec:aXgqC45b3RQ:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:aXgqC45b3RQ:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:aXgqC45b3RQ:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:aXgqC45b3RQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=KFXuoeUC_Ec:aXgqC45b3RQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/KFXuoeUC_Ec" height="1" width="1"/> Pamela Dean http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/webmaster_investigation_church_heard_central_ENG_315.php urn:uuid:04115620-8Nov--- 2009-11-08T05:00:57-07:00 <b>Question by Anonymous:</b> Do you believe that Jesus Christ is our brother and that Mary is our mother? Isn't that contrary to what the Bible teaches?<br><br><b>Answer by Pamela Dean: </b>And just for fun, there are several Christian hymns and carols that attest to Jesus being our brother. Here are some of them: <br><br>The Friendly Beasts - "Jesus, our brother, kind and good... "<br><br>Jesus, Good above all Others - "... In a stable born our brother... "<br><br>Silent Night in the original German - "Und als bruder huldvoll umschloss Jesus die volker der welt" or "... Jesus as brother embraced all the peoples of earth"<br><br>Joseph Dearest, Joseph Mine - "We will heed our brother, born of mary. "<br><br><b>Webmaster</b>: Extremely interesting, Pamela! For some reason I thought Mormons were unique among modern Christians in believing that Christ is in some sense our brother, aside from being our Savior and Head. I was obviously mistaken! By the way, I think the song "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiHxBupPwH8" target="_blank">The Friendly Beasts</a>" is adorable. :)<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/jesus_christ_brother_mary_mother_ENG_313.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_313">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/jesus_christ_brother_mary_mother_ENG_313.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:djbh4aKa2p8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:djbh4aKa2p8:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=mEEsWudHJKE:djbh4aKa2p8:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:djbh4aKa2p8:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=mEEsWudHJKE:djbh4aKa2p8:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:djbh4aKa2p8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:djbh4aKa2p8:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:djbh4aKa2p8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=mEEsWudHJKE:djbh4aKa2p8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/mEEsWudHJKE" height="1" width="1"/> Pamela Dean http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/jesus_christ_brother_mary_mother_ENG_313.php urn:uuid:22112920-7Nov--- 2009-11-07T22:09:30-07:00 <b>Question by Jude:</b> I want to become mormon. How? I need details!! Like, I need to talk to someone.. Yet im too shy to talk to anyone in my area about it except my friend (who is mormon) but everyone says she is a "bad mormon" what should I do? Help. Jude.<br><br><b>Answer by Webmaster: </b>Hey Jude. Congratulations on your decision to join the church! I love being Mormon. Life is full of challenges for all of us, but when we have a firm faith in God, we have an eternal perspective that helps us find comfort. I have found just that kind of spiritual peace as I've learned more about Jesus Christ through His restored gospel. I hope the Church can help you too!<br /><br />I know sometimes people are too shy to talk about religion, but you must understand that most good Mormons love to share their faith, especially with people like yourself who are seriously considering joining the church. We'd all love to help you! :)<br /><br />Now days it's easier than ever to join the LDS Church because many needed resources are available on the Internet. For example, you can <a href="http://www.mormon.org/question/talk/0,8554,796-1,00.html" target="_blank" title="Mormon Missionaries">request a visit from Mormon missionaries online</a>. You can also <a href="http://maps.lds.org/" target="_blank" title="Mormon Chapels">get the address of the Mormon chapel nearest your house online</a>.<br /><br />I recommend that you start by <a href="http://www.mormon.org/question/talk/0,8554,796-1,00.html" target="_blank" title="Mormon Missionaries">visiting with the Mormon missionaries</a>. They can explain the basics of the church so that your decision to join will be well informed. I've also written an article entitled "<a href="http://www.allaboutmormons.com/Blog/join_mormon_church_follow_easy_ENG_51.php" title="Join Church">How can I Join the Mormon Church?</a>" that you might find helpful. Do let me know if you have any additional questions as you investigate the church. I'd be happy to help in any way I can. <br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/mormon_talk_im_shy_area_ENG_314.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_314">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/mormon_talk_im_shy_area_ENG_314.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:gb5R9PJVwM8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:gb5R9PJVwM8:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=K_SON8tvrLU:gb5R9PJVwM8:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:gb5R9PJVwM8:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=K_SON8tvrLU:gb5R9PJVwM8:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:gb5R9PJVwM8:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:gb5R9PJVwM8:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:gb5R9PJVwM8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=K_SON8tvrLU:gb5R9PJVwM8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/K_SON8tvrLU" height="1" width="1"/> Webmaster http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/mormon_talk_im_shy_area_ENG_314.php urn:uuid:19113820-7Nov--- 2009-11-07T19:18:51-07:00 <b>Question by Jude:</b> I want to become mormon. How? I need details!! Like, I need to talk to someone.. Yet im too shy to talk to anyone in my area about it except my friend (who is mormon) but everyone says she is a "bad mormon" what should I do? Help. Jude.<br><br><b>Answer by Anonymous: </b>You could <a href="http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/ask-a-question/have-missionaries-contact-meu" target="_blank">get in touch with some missionaries</a>. Or just <a href="http://maps.lds.org/" target="_blank">show up in church one day</a>, either the missionaries, or someone who can get you in touch with them, will be there. Before you go to Church, you can <a href="http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/worship-with-us/what-to-expect" target="_blank">read what it will be like</a>. <br><br>Or ignore everyone who is telling you your friend is a "bad mormon" and talk to her. I no longer believe in 'bad mormons.' :)<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/mormon_talk_im_shy_area_ENG_314.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_314">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/mormon_talk_im_shy_area_ENG_314.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:Hap7t_RVYxU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:Hap7t_RVYxU:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=K_SON8tvrLU:Hap7t_RVYxU:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:Hap7t_RVYxU:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=K_SON8tvrLU:Hap7t_RVYxU:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:Hap7t_RVYxU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:Hap7t_RVYxU:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:Hap7t_RVYxU:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=K_SON8tvrLU:Hap7t_RVYxU:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/K_SON8tvrLU" height="1" width="1"/> Anonymous http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/mormon_talk_im_shy_area_ENG_314.php urn:uuid:18113220-7Nov--- 2009-11-07T18:51:09-07:00 <b>Question by Anonymous:</b> Do you believe that Jesus Christ is our brother and that Mary is our mother? Isn't that contrary to what the Bible teaches?<br><br><b>Answer by Pamela Dean: </b>LDS position: "Every person who was ever born on earth was our spirit brother or sister in heaven. The first spirit born to our heavenly parents was Jesus Christ (see <em>Discourses of brigham young, </em> P. 26 and "Chapter 2: Our Heavenly Family," <em>Gospel principles, </em>11). <br><br>Compare this statement with the following references. <br><br>Biblical references to Jesus being a physical brother with siblings: Matthew 1: 25; Matthew 12: 46-49; Matthew 13: 55; Mark 3: 31-35; Mark 6: 3; John 2: 12; John 7: 3; John 7: 5; John 7: 10; John 20: 17; Acts 1: 14; Galatians 1: 19. These verses clearly indicate that Jesus had (half) siblings who had an earthly father. <br><br>Biblical references to Jesus being a spiritual brother to others who love God: Matthew 12: 50; Matthew 28: 10; Mark 3: 35; Luke 8: 20-21; 1 Corinthians 9: 5; Galatians 4: 12; Hebrews 2: 12. These verses clearly indicate that Jesus felt spiritually connected to others who lived righteously and served God. <br><br>Biblical references to Jesus being a literal brother of humankind: Matthew 23: 8-9; John 20: 17; Romans 8: 29; Hebrews 2: 10-11. These verses show that Jesus believed that we share the same Heavenly Father. <br><br>Understanding the true nature of the trifold brotherhood we share with Christ is essential to our beliefs as latter-day saints.<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/jesus_christ_brother_mary_mother_ENG_313.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_313">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/jesus_christ_brother_mary_mother_ENG_313.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:96XACBh7qjo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:96XACBh7qjo:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=mEEsWudHJKE:96XACBh7qjo:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:96XACBh7qjo:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=mEEsWudHJKE:96XACBh7qjo:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:96XACBh7qjo:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:96XACBh7qjo:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:96XACBh7qjo:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=mEEsWudHJKE:96XACBh7qjo:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/mEEsWudHJKE" height="1" width="1"/> Pamela Dean http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/jesus_christ_brother_mary_mother_ENG_313.php urn:uuid:17115020-7Nov--- 2009-11-07T17:21:39-07:00 <b>Question by Azulgrana:</b> I would like to become a member of the church but I have a lot of questions. If I'm Mormon, can I use a crucifix or jewelry with a picture of Jesus in it? How can I recognize a true prophet? What's the deal with tithing? When do you guys have worship services? When can I find the church open? Thanks so much for your help.<br><br><b>Answer by Webmaster: </b>Very interesting article, Pamela. That article certainly gives an excellent explanation of why most Mormons do not use the cross, and why the Church as an institution does not use crosses on its buildings. However, if a convert wishes to continue to wear a crucifix as a private symbol of their faith, I don't think the Church "expressly forbids it," so to speak. Certainly none of the temple interview questions touch on the use of religious jewelry, for example. Could there be a better metric of what it means to be a "good Mormon" than that?<br><br>I recently learned that in the 19th century, when Mormonism was founded, <a href="http://summatheologica.wordpress.com/2009/09/11/mormonism-and-the-cross-looking-at-the-history/" target="_blank" title="Mormons and the cross">most Protestant religions didn't use the cross</a>. Thus, it is actually Protestantism that has changed, not Mormonism. Very interesting.<br><br>I readily acknowledge that my view of the cross is probably somewhat "theologically liberal" as far as Mormons go. Most Mormons would probably discourage the use of the cross in jewelry, preferring to remember the triumphant, living, resurrected Christ, as opposed to the dying one. Given that Mormon chaplains use the cross and that the cross is <a href="http://www.lds.org/hf/art/display/1,16842,4218-1-2-73,00.html" target="_blank" title="Mormons and the Cross">featured in Mormon art</a>, however, I see this view as paradoxical.<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/member_church_lot_questions_mormon_ENG_309.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_309">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/member_church_lot_questions_mormon_ENG_309.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=7bzZ85Dxlkk:OzYa_PoPqsU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=7bzZ85Dxlkk:OzYa_PoPqsU:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=7bzZ85Dxlkk:OzYa_PoPqsU:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=7bzZ85Dxlkk:OzYa_PoPqsU:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=7bzZ85Dxlkk:OzYa_PoPqsU:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=7bzZ85Dxlkk:OzYa_PoPqsU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=7bzZ85Dxlkk:OzYa_PoPqsU:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=7bzZ85Dxlkk:OzYa_PoPqsU:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=7bzZ85Dxlkk:OzYa_PoPqsU:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/7bzZ85Dxlkk" height="1" width="1"/> Webmaster http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/member_church_lot_questions_mormon_ENG_309.php urn:uuid:15111320-7Nov--- 2009-11-07T15:49:02-07:00 <b>Question by Anonymous:</b> Webmaster, In my investigation of the church, I have heard, time and time again, three central arguments against the church that I cannot seem to refute. One, I fall short of explaining out of lack of familiarity with the subject while the other two I feel I cannot adequately address, only partially. First, I've heard Brigham Young described in a variety of negative ways, most notably "evil". I feel this word and probably most of the negative labels placed upon him may not be completely accurate if at all. What support do these negative interpretations have and what can be said against them? Second, many feel that the women of the church are in some way suppressed. I am always assaulted with the assertion that women have no leadership in the church hierarchy (other than the relief society). This policy is addressed elsewhere in your site, but I find it difficult to explain to others that only men are given the priesthood. Lastly, I am often presented by opponents of the church with the issue of homosexual marriage or, more accurately, homosexual sexual relations. You explained it in a way that placated me on your site, but then I was presented with the questions: "Could you live your life without fully being a partner to a person you loved? Is a gay man accepting the church as true denying themselves of a life of love? " It's difficult to answer the question when phrased like this, I was hoping you could help me. Thank you for your time, I know the questions were extensive.<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/webmaster_investigation_church_heard_central_ENG_315.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_315">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/webmaster_investigation_church_heard_central_ENG_315.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:MdwoaAgqEik:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:MdwoaAgqEik:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=KFXuoeUC_Ec:MdwoaAgqEik:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:MdwoaAgqEik:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=KFXuoeUC_Ec:MdwoaAgqEik:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:MdwoaAgqEik:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:MdwoaAgqEik:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=KFXuoeUC_Ec:MdwoaAgqEik:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=KFXuoeUC_Ec:MdwoaAgqEik:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/KFXuoeUC_Ec" height="1" width="1"/> Anonymous http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/webmaster_investigation_church_heard_central_ENG_315.php urn:uuid:03111920-7Nov--- 2009-11-07T03:30:43-07:00 <b>Question by Anonymous:</b> Do you believe that Jesus Christ is our brother and that Mary is our mother? Isn't that contrary to what the Bible teaches?<br><br><b>Answer by Webmaster: </b>I liked you answer, Manaen. While I don't mention it much because I believe in picking my battles judiciously, it bothers me a bit when I hear people refer to Christ as our "elder brother." It's like calling Disney Land a playground. While technically acurate, perhaps, it totally fails to captures the real signficance. We're taking about God the Son, here! :)<br/><br/>My wife the Bible nerd uncovered an interesting verse in Hebrews: "It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect trough sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, 'I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, and the midst of the congregation I will praise you.'" (Hebrews 2:10-12, NRSV)<br/><br/>Here's another relevant scripture:<br/><br/>"For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of bone: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee." (Hebrews 2:10-12)<br/><br/>As these scriptures demonstrate, Christ Himself called Himself our brother. As you explained, that in no way diminishes His divinity and Messiahship. Thanks again for your answer!<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/jesus_christ_brother_mary_mother_ENG_313.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_313">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/jesus_christ_brother_mary_mother_ENG_313.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:ug_MnysXbCE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:ug_MnysXbCE:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=mEEsWudHJKE:ug_MnysXbCE:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:ug_MnysXbCE:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=mEEsWudHJKE:ug_MnysXbCE:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:ug_MnysXbCE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:ug_MnysXbCE:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=mEEsWudHJKE:ug_MnysXbCE:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=mEEsWudHJKE:ug_MnysXbCE:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/mEEsWudHJKE" height="1" width="1"/> Webmaster http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/jesus_christ_brother_mary_mother_ENG_313.php urn:uuid:03111520-7Nov--- 2009-11-07T03:04:40-07:00 <b>Question by Jude:</b> I want to become mormon. How? I need details!! Like, I need to talk to someone.. Yet im too shy to talk to anyone in my area about it except my friend (who is mormon) but everyone says she is a "bad mormon" what should I do? Help. Jude.<br><br style="clear:both"/> <table border=0 width=100%> <tr> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/mormon_talk_im_shy_area_ENG_314.php">See the original web page</a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addanswer.php?rootfile=ENG_314">Answer this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/mormon_questions_answers.php">See all questions </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/mormon_talk_im_shy_area_ENG_314.php">See all answers to this question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://allaboutmormons.com/ENG_addquestion.php">Ask a question </a> </center> </td> <td> <center> <a href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=allaboutmormons%2FENG&loc=en_US">Updates by Email </a> </center> </td> </tr> </table><hr><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:IUjTIOox-rE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:IUjTIOox-rE:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=K_SON8tvrLU:IUjTIOox-rE:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:IUjTIOox-rE:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=K_SON8tvrLU:IUjTIOox-rE:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:IUjTIOox-rE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:IUjTIOox-rE:l6gmwiTKsz0"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?d=l6gmwiTKsz0" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?a=K_SON8tvrLU:IUjTIOox-rE:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS?i=K_SON8tvrLU:IUjTIOox-rE:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/allaboutmormons/ENG_QUESANS/~4/K_SON8tvrLU" height="1" width="1"/> Jude http://allaboutmormons.com/Questions/mormon_talk_im_shy_area_ENG_314.php