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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dena on July 27, 2004, at 9:24:57
This is from a prominent Mormon leader:
"The plan of happiness [note: Christians would call it the plan of salvation] is not apparent in the Bible. Only after one studies the Book of Mormon, particularly, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price, and then revisits the Bible, does one see elements of the plan scattered through it from beginning to end."
Interesting...
Posted by rayww on July 27, 2004, at 10:43:03
In reply to Differences..., posted by Dena on July 27, 2004, at 9:24:57
Although some would see that as a point against, I regard it as a point for the Mormons, though I doubt anyone is really keeping score. Celebrate our similarities, and find common ground in our differences.
In the same way as you have described, we can look for the common ground within our differences and find it. Or we can choose to focus on the negative.
Have you ever done a google search for your own nane on this site? scary! I was shocked to find hundreds of references to rayww and dena.
We are somewhere on the world teepee doing the best of what we know how to do and though we may try to straighten out the misinformed, usually all we do is reinforce our own belief as we write. We try to write in the light and keep God in the writing.
I can glean light from posts on this board. Most religious contention is born of misunderstanding and boards like this one can help to ease some of that. I invite God to join us here and guide the pen of all who write.
Posted by Dena on July 27, 2004, at 13:14:42
In reply to Re: Differences... » Dena, posted by rayww on July 27, 2004, at 10:43:03
Ah, but it wasn't meant to be a point against Mormonism. Rather, it was meant to highlight a distinct difference between them and others who use the Bible as the primary source of revealed Truth.
There are those who believe that the Bible is sufficient unto itself.
There are others who believe that it needed to be altered, deleted, added to, and placed beneath other writings.
As always, we're free to choose where our allegiences lie.
Shalom, Dena
P.S. Yes, I've googled my own name. Others have done the same, and have illegally used my posts on other forums against me. But what they meant for evil, God is using for good.
Posted by simus on July 28, 2004, at 0:34:03
In reply to Re: Differences... » Dena, posted by rayww on July 27, 2004, at 10:43:03
> though we may try to straighten out the misinformed, usually all we do is reinforce our own belief as we write.
Just curious... Who among us do you consider to be "misinformed"? Regardless of whether it is one of us, a select few of us or all of us, to view someone as misinformed, you would have to first judge us to be wrong and judge yourself to be right. True?
I am not here to be judged as one who is "misinformed" or to be "straightened out". And I am not here to judge others or straighten them out. I could be wrong, but I simply see this board as a place to express one's faith.
Simus
Posted by simus on July 28, 2004, at 0:55:54
In reply to Re: Differences... » rayww, posted by Dena on July 27, 2004, at 13:14:42
Dena,
I had forgotten how much I missed you during your absence. It seemed like you were away such a very long time. Your posts have always challenge me - but in the best meaning of the word. There is just something special about the combination of your faith and your intellect that I find fascinating. The only way I can describe it is, well, to use rayww's words, sometimes it's as though the Lord is "guiding your pen as you write".
Shalom in it's fullness,
Simus
Posted by Dena on July 28, 2004, at 8:52:23
In reply to Re: Differences... » Dena, posted by simus on July 28, 2004, at 0:55:54
Simus, my dear friend!
It's good to be back. But you know my track record: here today, banished for all eternity tomorrow...
I can't seem to go quietly through this allotted life of mine...
So be it!
May the word of my lips, and the meditations of my heart (as well as the peckings of my keyboard!) be acceptable in Thy sight, my Lord and my Redeemer. Amen!
Shalom, Dena
Posted by rayww on July 28, 2004, at 9:25:21
In reply to Re: Differences... » rayww, posted by simus on July 28, 2004, at 0:34:03
Simus, there are many, including myself, who misunderstand how others think and believe. No one knows all. We should do our best to bridge gaps and live in harmony. As you know, Mormons are considered by most Christians to be deceived and misinformed. It comes from all directions, and goes back and forth. No one is exempt, Everyone of us can stand to learn and understand more. That's where peace begins.
Posted by simus on July 28, 2004, at 14:39:29
In reply to Re: Differences... » simus, posted by rayww on July 28, 2004, at 9:25:21
rayww,
With all due respect, you never answered my question. This was your statement:
> > "though we may try to straighten out the misinformed, usually all we do is reinforce our own belief as we write."
My response was:
> Just curious... Who among us do you consider to be "misinformed"? Regardless of whether it is one of us, a select few of us or all of us, to view someone as misinformed, you would have to first judge us to be wrong and judge yourself to be right. True?
> I am not here to be judged as one who is "misinformed" or to be "straightened out". And I am not here to judge others or straighten them out. I could be wrong, but I simply see this board as a place to express one's faith.
So how do you go from the mindset of "straightening out the misinformed" to "We should do our best to bridge gaps and live in harmony." so quickly? Or is it possible from your point of view to accomplish both at once. I am just trying to understand your point of view.> As you know, Mormons are considered by most Christians to be deceived and misinformed.
Actually, no, I didn't know that. Where did you get that information? As a scientist, I am very open and very interested in statistical studies. I know there are Christian polls, such as divorce rates, church drop out rates, etc., but I honestly have never seen a poll on what Christians think of Mormons. But that doesn't mean that these polls don't exist - they very well may. If it is an unbiased study, I promise I will review it with an open mind.
Simus
Posted by simus on July 28, 2004, at 15:04:12
In reply to Re: Differences..., posted by Dena on July 28, 2004, at 8:52:23
Dena, you crack me up.
"the peckings of my keyboard"... that must be from the 2004 translation... LOL
Shalom back at ya,
Simus
Posted by rayww on July 28, 2004, at 18:19:13
In reply to Re: Differences... » rayww, posted by simus on July 28, 2004, at 14:39:29
If there is one misinformed person, there are many. I've already confessed, so that leaves all the rest to come forward. Welcome back by the way. I babble from the heart and try to stay in the light. I am against betrayal and deception and do my best to be true to God, loyal to family, and honest with people. I had no one in mind, but I have met many who would definately qualify. So, be at peace.
Posted by simus on July 28, 2004, at 20:34:33
In reply to Re: Differences... » simus, posted by rayww on July 28, 2004, at 18:19:13
rayww,
Are you by any chance in politics?
OK, I will give it one more shot. You stated that "we may try to straighten out the misinformed". I was not questioning the fact that we are all misinformed to some degree. I don't think anyone would argue that. In my mind, I was questioning the reasoning behind someone who would first judge others to be "misinformed" (meaning wrong), and then feel the need to "straighten them out". That's all.
Simus
Posted by rayww on July 28, 2004, at 23:00:42
In reply to Re: Differences... » rayww, posted by simus on July 28, 2004, at 20:34:33
No, I'm not a politician, are you a comedian? well, I'm still laughing. Perhaps I'm way out in left field on this one, but isn't there an element in every writer that drives them to want to share their treasures with the world? I don't believe I have ever judged anyone and set out to straighten them out (ask my own brothers). I write what surfaces and if you feel judged by that perhaps you should take a second look at why you might feel that way.
I am at a bit of a disadvantage here because of what the world perceives us to be. There is also much mis-understanding in the world concerning Jesus Christ. It takes faith to believe in Christ. It takes faith to believe in the church. It takes faith to stand for truth and righteousness. The Bible is not merely a collection of books; it is a collection of faith. It takes faith to believe, it takes faith to understand, it takes faith to move mountains. So if there is some kind of mountain between me and you, how can we use faith to remove it?
we come to PBF to promote and explore faith. And even as I have pondered and written what I have tonight my faith has increased. When we verbally testify of christ our faith increases. when we write of christ our faith increases. Am I the only one who comprehends this? Point of truth: Faith can have an increase in an individual. It can grow as a seed, and has been compared to a grain of mustard which is the least significant of all seeds, yet when properly nourished grows to be a giant well rooted plant, capable of replentishing, like faith.
I am trying to justify reasoning, but as you can see, it is difficult to put into words. Perhaps you might say exactly what you think I think I meant.
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 29, 2004, at 17:09:26
In reply to Re: Differences... » rayww, posted by simus on July 28, 2004, at 20:34:33
> OK, I will give it one more shot...
It's fine to try to clarify questions, but please don't pressure others to answer them, thanks.
If you have any questions or comments about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
or redirect a follow-up to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Simus on July 31, 2004, at 1:52:43
In reply to Re: please don't pressure anyone » simus, posted by Dr. Bob on July 29, 2004, at 17:09:26
Dr. Bob,
You are right. My opening statement, if standing alone, could have been misunderstood as an attempt to receive an answer instead of an attempt to bring clarity to earlier posts. I was hoping that my later statement, "In my mind, I was questioning..." showed that the intent of the post was to bring clarity and that the past tense "was" meant that I no longer expected an answer. Regardless, my second attempt to bring clarity to the issue at hand was excessive.
Regards,
Simus
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 31, 2004, at 10:18:28
In reply to Re: please don't pressure anyone » Dr. Bob, posted by Simus on July 31, 2004, at 1:52:43
This is the end of the thread.
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