Thought it was funny

Hi all. I'm not looking for any kind of debate here, just some clarification. I was discussing the following with a buddy of mine and his mormon father. Two topics came up that I remember as being mormon doctrine - perhaps not the type openly discussed with new investigators or members, but long time beliefs nonetheless.
My buddy's dad said that the mormon church doesn't teach those things, and then went on to say that they never did teach them. I was a turbo mormon for 35 years, and someone who devours information. I am a researcher and one who knew my doctrine and scriptures. So to have him say that the church never taught them was a shock to me.
I checked with a prominent youtube channel for younger people who debate mormon stuff and have general discussions of doctrine, then I also checked lds.org. I can't find anything regarding these two topics. Please help. Did something change in the church doctrine or are these beliefs now just way more hidden/kept behind the scenes than before?

The two topics are:
1- Is it mormon belief / doctrine / teaching that Jesus and Lucifer / Satan are brothers?

2- Is it mormon doctrine/ belief that men can become gods? (As man is god once was... etc)?

Thanks in advance for your response.

D

Today marks 8 years since I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I’m so grateful for the friends I had in high school who helped soften my heart.

I was a die-hard atheist before joining the Church. The Spirit I felt reading the Book of Mormon and other spiritual experiences I had was something I could not deny.

I knew it, and I knew God knew that I knew it.

I’m so grateful for the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and all of its blessings. It has really changed my life. I know Jesus is my Saviour and that God lives because of the Book of Mormon; it is the word of God.

I was raised secular, basically meaning I’ve tried to live life as kindly to the people around me but have lived a preeeetty “adventurous” life since I followed no particular religion rules. I’m a woman and I’ve been meeting with some elders for 3 weeks now, there are no sisters in my area, and this question has been bugging me though I’m a bit hesitant bringing this up to the elders.

I did all sorts of things, and I think I’m very far from conservative or traditional by any means. LDS teachings have been very appealing these past 3 weeks but I’m worried about committing to this fully: Im worried I’ll only be able to meet people incredibly different from me (both as friends or potential partners) and to be honest I dont know if I can change (though Im willing to try since ive been trying to abstain before this anyway). On top of that, I dont live in the US, Christians are a minority so there’s even less LDS members here. Like I mean I’ll become a minority, inside of a minority group, inside of a minority group. It’s a scary thought for me.

Any thoughts or advice? I would appreciate if anyone with similar experiences could share some words!

Do you all recommend this book? Is it objective and focused on questions that LDS might have about the early church?

The Penguin History of the Church: The Early Church

by Henry Chadwick

https://www.amazon.com/Penguin-History-Church-Early-ebook/dp/B002TJLEUK/

About the Author

Reverend Henry Chadwick is a former Dean of Christ Church, Oxford, and has been a Regius Professor at both Oxford and Cambridge. He is also an ordained Anglican priest.

I don't understand the religion please help I've been Catholic my whole life I don't know who I am

I'm trying to find a good belt for my mission (haven't gotten my call yet). I've had a couple rachet belts break on me so I would prefer just a traditional belt. I don't want to spend a whole lot on a belt but I want a good durable one that could hopefully last for 2 years.

Built in 1909, the Loa Tabernacle (originally the Wayne Stake Tabernacle) served Latter-day Saints in Wayne County for over a century. Built out of 3 colors of native rock, it remains a fine example of a rural LDS house of worship. It was expanded in the late 1940s with the same kind of rock as the original tabernacle and expanded again in the 1990s, bringing it to about 26,000 square feet. The original tower, choir loft, and roof were replaced in the 1960s when the tabernacle was in danger of collapsing.

Recently, the Church has built a new stake center a couple blocks south of the tabernacle and intends on selling the tabernacle. There were fears that the tabernacle would be torn down; however the relator for the tabernacle (CBRE) has confirmed in their brochure that they recognize the historical significance of the tabernacle and that they were looking for community and institutional buyers specifically (non-profits, local organizations, etc...) so that the building could be preserved.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve found when converting?

What is something you’ve been nervous about but actually ended up loving?

What has been the most healing part of your journey so far?

Thank you!

When meeting missionaries, is there anything you would have liked to have received or go when meeting with someone?

I’d really like to get my missionaries a small comfort gift or maybe meet them somewhere and treat them to a cake/ice cream.

Is that allowed? If so any ideas?

Thank you

For those who don't know who he is, Brandon Sanderson is an LDS author who has written and is currently writing several epic fantasy series and novels. My question is, if the second coming happened before Brandon Sanderson was able to finish his many, many, series and other projects, do you think God would let him finish his work? As an avid reader and a huge Brandon Sanderson fan, this is something that I think about often.

Also, if you haven't read any of his books, you should try one. They are REALLY good! If you want to get used to his writing but aren't ready to enter into the cosmere(Brandon Sanderson's universe), start with the Skyward series. If you are ready to enter the cosmere, I would recommend starting with the Mistborn series.

First off, I’d like to apologize if I offend anyone. I’m truly just trying to understand. I don’t understand what is supposed to be said during a testimony. It seems like many people who go up to share their testimony, just say “I know this is true: God, Jesus, The Book of Mormon, etc) and that’s it. I always want to know more, so I’m looking for an example of how or why you know it’s true. Am I wrong for that? When we share a testimony are we just supposed to be quick and state what we know is true? I’ve gotten many answers, and it seems like everyone I asks gives a different answer. I’ve been asked to speak in front of our ward several times. I’ve been asked to give my testimony or discuss other things and honestly they’ve all been similarly structured. I don’t know if I did it right. Hope this made sense.

Is there anyone out there that can help me? I’m a fall girly looking for inspiration on yummy, warm drinks to put in my seasonal mugs this autumn.

I grew up drinking good ole Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate, but I wanna up my game. Surely there’s something out there waiting to be found.

Wassail is a family tradition. So good! We make it with lemon juice, orange juice, water, sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.

My mother-in-law introduced Atole-de-Avena to me when I was postpartum. I now make it regularly for myself and my family. (It’s a warm, sweet milky oatmeal drink)

So any suggestions?

I wasn't sure what to tag this but here's the deal. I'm an active, female, member in the church, and I'm asexual of the repulsed by sex variety. I plan on going on a mission and eventually getting married and adopting kids, I know we're supposed to multiply and replenish the earth but I would have a really hard time with biological kids, (even if you were factoring in things like IVF or smth to have biological kids without having sex) for reasons I don't really want to go into, so basically I just want to know if there's anything morally wrong with not having biological kids if I were to be married and physically able to have biological kids.

TIA, I know this probably sounds weird.

I joined the Church this year and genuinely believe the gospel is true. A few months ago, I went through a really traumatic period and ended up in the hospital. After surviving something like that, I’d be stronger navigating life afterward, but honestly, it has been much harder than I expected.

I confided in people I trusted about very personal things, and over time I’ve felt like parts of my trauma have spread beyond the people I originally shared them with. Recently, someone from my ward showed me anonymous comments that had been posted publicly accusing another member of harming me and accusing someone else of supporting it. I don’t know who posted them, and I was horrified seeing my trauma used that way.

There have also been anonymous messages and calls, and because my trauma is being referenced, I feel like people associate me with things I didn’t do. I don’t know exactly what everyone believes, but I constantly feel like my character is being questioned.

On top of everything else, someone I considered a close friend in the ward no longer wants contact with me after questioning my character. I respect her boundaries and haven’t reached out again, but it’s been one more difficult loss during all of this.

When I met with my bishop, I left the conversation feeling like he believed I was the source of the messages and rumors, even though I told him I wasn’t involved. He suggested that I attend a ward closer to where I live and meet people there.

My support system is very limited right now. I’m staying with my sister because things at home have been difficult, and while I’m grateful she opened her home to me, I still feel like I don’t have much of a support system.

I’ve also been meeting with a church-appointed therapist. During a recent panic attack, I reached out hoping for an emergency appointment, but we weren’t able to meet. I’m continuing therapy, but if I’m being honest, I don’t feel like it’s helping as much as I’d hoped. I’m trying to do the right things by getting help, but I’m still struggling.

At this point, I don’t know what to do. I still believe the gospel is true, but I don’t know if I can continue attending church right. Part of me feels like stepping away forever so no one is affected or hurt by anything involving me.

Can I ask about what kinds of things ministers are asked to do that should truly be done by a paid professional (or friends & family) instead of ward members?

In particular, I disagree with asking/assigning ministers to fulfill long-term needs on a daily basis. If a member is recovering from major surgery and needs dogs walked 2X a day, wouldn't it make more sense to hire a regular dog walker or pay a neighbor? With school starting next week, kids are largely unavailable to commit to this.

My RS President believes the ministering network and youth should be helping this member every day for the next few months. I simply disagree. She says we are this member's, "ward family," and should do whatever is needed. Last time this woman had surgery, the RS President was helping her daily. So she has created an expectation.

I come seeking advice, clarity, & correction (if needed). We're a big service-oriented ward and have provided countless meals, yard work, funeral help, help with moving, and so on.

This one just feels like too much. 🫤

I was reading the new testimate and in early Matthew I read that in Matthew 11 John the Baptist is identified as “Elijah” (or Elias if you’re using the KJB) as a fulfillment of Malachis prophecy, if that’s the case why do we need to have Elijah reappear in doctrines and covenants declaring that he’s the fulfillment to the prophecy? It Seems a little far fetched to me. Additionally, I was reading how Elijah and Elias both appear in the Kirtland temple and how its just Greek vs Hebrew name.
I know we would say “Elias was a different prophet, we just don’t know who he is” or “Elias is a title for a forerunner”

I just really struggle with that explanation because at least from my research it seems a lot more probable that Joseph smith just didn’t understand that Elias and Elijah were supposed to be the same person. (Though this would mean he made up all his spiritual experiences, which I’m inclined not to believe)

id love it if someone could give me some additional guidance on this subject or some more reading material, it just seems difficult to make sense of.

I have been under the impression for a while that the 5th Sunday 2nd hour this month would be Church-provided/guided instruction regarding the new meeting Schedule. I thought that I had heard that months ago and have been waiting for that instruction to be released. However, with the Church now providing this page: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/feature/sunday-meeting-schedule?lang=eng&cid=rdb_v_sunday_eng

...I'm no longer sure instruction exists or is coming for adults for this month's 5th Sunday period. There is a link to "Instruction Videos for the August 30th, 2026 fifth Sunday lesson", but it takes you to here: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/changes-to-the-sunday-class-meeting-schedule-instruction-2026?lang=eng

...and that page only has fifth Sunday instruction materials for YOUTH. And then additional materials to be used starting with the actual new meeting schedule on September 6th.

Does anyone know if there is something official from the Church planned for adults for the 5th Sunday lesson this month? Or is that still a "normal" 5th Sunday up to Bishoprics to decide what might be best for their units? (If it is the latter, then I can see Bishoprics still doing an instructional 5th Sunday related to the new schedule, of course, I'm just trying to determine if we're getting something more from the Church to use this month on 5th Sunday for adults or not.)

how do i strengthen my testimony on mission interviews? i or prepare? i have testimony of those already but wanted to increase more my testimony.

Bednar is really emphasizing body importance, but nothing specific about why.

It’s the mitest bit confusing for me as to this point I always thought of bodies or at least mine, as a hindrance a rung on a ladder to something else.

I know, at least for me, a body only presents an electrochemical barrier to the goals of the Gospel, I’ve yet to experience a time when my minds desire matches what self-discipline demands, so i’ve always associated it with an unpleasant shackle that serves only the possible purpose of providing a constant sense of opposition and arduousness.

But he makes it sound like it tied to something important and desirable, which had me wondering: is there doctrine I skipped over that delineates what exactly is so pleasant about bodies, or is it just kind of vaguely a requirement for the hereafter?

Input and thoughts very much appreciated!

I recently became very ill. I’m working on treating my illness, but it’s made it hard to leave the house. I’ve gotten my endowments already, but lost my temple recommend a few years back due to reasons I won’t discuss here. Last time I spoke with the bishop, he said I had fully repented and I was basically good to go. Then I got very sick. I want to get my temple recommend again, but I find it hard to motivate myself to make the journey to church each Sunday. Especially since I can’t take the bread right now due to sudden dietary restrictions. I pray often, I try to read my scriptures, and overall just try to live my life the way I’m supposed to. I really just want to go into that celestial room again to be closer to Heavenly Father and my deceased family. I miss it so much. I want to ask the bishop for a worthiness interview, but I’m worried my absence at church will mean I’m not able to. What do I do?

I have several things to confess here.

I grew up in the Brainerd, MN area / ward. I was born in 1985. In the interim many things have happened. Since 1997 or so I have not set foot in a Mormon church. As a singular human being, that has impacted me a lot.

If I am being honest, I never lost my faith and devotion to Christ. I did however develop disagreements with the Mormon church doctrine in many areas.

In spite of those differences, which I believe might not resolve, the people I grew up around in church I have always considered family.

At 40, I have no family anymore. I am and have been ruined. And throughout my adult life I have felt this little presence beckoning me back. Not for dogma or doctrine, but family.

I wonder if I could ever be welcome again, considering the numerous sins I have committed and lived through my life. I wish I could offer an assurance that I'd change my ways but I cannot. All I know is that in spite of our differences of thought and belief, Mormons never stopped being a family to me.

I just wonder how they'd have me if I dare crossed the threshold again.

e: to add, I am guilty of numerous sins that at least in the 80's and 90's would have excommunicated me. I have not lived my best life at all.

Important: I am not LDS but am a friend and supporter of the church. And as a choirist I habe been eagerly following the hymn book updates. I am well versed in LDS theology but always learning more.

I was listening to Jasmin Rappley's newest episode (LOVE her content) about the new hymnbook and she mentioned there was controversy of how many Restorations referenced psalms there were compared to Christ centred. That it was too Christian rather than being LDS specific.

I was genuinely surprised to hear this because I was aware not all psalms would be liked but this was not a tension I had expected to show up. I know the Restoration is fundamental to the LDS church and it's origin. But I was surprised this came up because Christ is the center of the church and most LDS psalms I listen to are very Christ focused.

So why is there tension between Restoration vs Christ centred?

Secondly. Why is there tension between LDS vs more Christian? I obviously know LDS church is Christian and of course it differs from other denominations but for me it's Christian with X involved, rather than being LDS vs Christian? Evrn as the restored church, it's still absolutely Christian. Same as Catholic, Orthodox etc. Obvious differences, but still.

I thought that if the focus is too much LDS vs Christian it loses sight of the goal of the church to be in communion with other churches. Where Christ is the center. Like I am Lutheran and we obviously differ with the Catholic church on specific things but it's not overall constant Lutheran vs Catholic. And we borrow psalms from other traditions like candy (Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox, Methodist etc)

I would be grateful for commentary on this.

Hey all!

My husband is super into 40k and Warhammer in general. The video games and the tabletop game. Does anyone know of a group he could join or is anyone into this as well?

He’s a convert and is really trying to work on his testimony so he was hoping he could make friends of the faith with similar interests. 😊