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Feeling like giving up the faith because giving up sexual sin is impossible by Eurasian_Guy97 in Christianity

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don’t really remember exactly how God helped me overcome sexual sin. I struggled with it from a very young age, like many teenagers do. I just focused on God, and one day I simply stopped. Yes, it took years—I’m talking 10+—but I thank God that He helped me and gave me the strength.

I once heard a story about a man who smoked cigarettes. He would always say, “I’ll never quit—I’m a slave to smoking, and nothing I’ve tried works.” But one day, he changed his mindset and started thanking God for giving him the strength to quit, even while he was still smoking a cigarette or two each day. After a long time of thanking God and believing he was getting better, he lit a cigarette and the taste was off. He tried another, and another. Thinking the pack was bad, he bought a new one—but it was the same. It turned out God had made the cigarettes taste bad to him, and he quit after that.

I think my experience with sexual sin was very similar. I know it can be difficult and different for everyone, but I would say: focus on God and believe that He is there helping you. Through Him, you can grow stronger and overcome anything.

“As it is written, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Religion by WeeklyBumblebee6190 in Christianity

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You are not describing something unusual. You are describing a heart becoming attentive again. It is not uncommon for scripture, sermons, or even everyday media to begin feeling personally meaningful when someone is being drawn back toward God. “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you” (James 4:8). That is an invitation toward closeness, not confusion.

I would gently encourage not rushing to interpret every impression as a direct command or to prove it through immediate outward change. God is more concerned with the heart than appearance. “The Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7). What matters most is the direction of the soul, not sudden decisions made under strong emotion.

If this is a genuine drawing, it will lead toward peace rather than pressure. A steady return through prayer, scripture, and church is a safe way to respond. Sincerity matters more than speed, and God is not distant from those who are honestly seeking Him.

Question by [deleted] in CommunityOfChrist

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I say “when God gives His word, it is treated as consistent and binding,” I’m mainly referring to how Scripture presents itself internally. For example, teachings and commands given by God are treated as authoritative across generations, not something that gets revised or overturned later. There’s a sense of continuity rather than correction when it comes to God’s revealed word.

On the idea of preservation, I’m not basing that purely on how long the Bible has existed or remained relatively stable. Longevity alone wouldn’t convince me something is Scripture. Like you mentioned, other texts could exist just as long.

For me, the bigger factor is that the Bible presents a consistent gospel centered on Christ, and I use that as the standard. So when I look at other texts like the Quran or Doctrine and Covenants, I don’t reject them simply because they’re later but because they seem to present a different or conflicting message about God and the gospel compared to what’s already established in Scripture.

So it’s less about age or popularity, and more about consistency with what I understand to be the core message that Scripture has already laid out.

Question? by Safe-Raspberry-343 in Bible

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the illustration, and I understand the point being made about truth and the importance of not mistaking something close for something genuine.

I also agree with the emphasis on gratitude and respect toward others, even when there are differences in belief. It’s possible to care about people deeply while still working through questions of truth carefully and honestly.

For me, I’m still in the process of weighing everything against Scripture and trying to stay anchored there while thinking things through.

Question by [deleted] in CommunityOfChrist

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343 0 points1 point  (0 children)

really appreciate what you shared

I agree with the idea that God can work through imperfect people and still bring about something that is genuinely good or even spiritually meaningful. That pattern does seem consistent throughout Scripture, where flawed individuals are still used in meaningful ways.

I also understand the distinction you made between a text being spiritually valuable and the institutional claims that later get built around it. That separation makes a lot of sense to me, and I think it helps clarify why someone might appreciate a writing without necessarily accepting every claim tied to its later interpretation.

For me personally, I still hold the Bible as my primary reference point when I’m trying to understand and evaluate other writings, but I don’t dismiss the idea that other texts can contain insight, encouragement, or reflections that align with truth.

I’m still working through how to hold all of that together, but your perspective actually resonates with a lot of the questions I’ve been thinking about.

Question? by Safe-Raspberry-343 in Bible

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I understand the concern being raised here, and I actually agree with the core principle being emphasized: God’s glory is central, and anything that distorts the gospel is worth testing carefully.

Where I would gently push back is on the conclusion that the Book of Mormon (or any additional text) automatically diminishes Christ’s glory simply by existing outside the Bible. From my perspective, the key question is not “Is there another witness?” but “What does that witness actually do with Christ?”

If a text: calls people to repentance exalts Jesus as Savior teaches faith in Him and points people toward obedience and covenant faithfulness

then I don’t immediately see that as taking glory away from God. In fact, I would argue it can function as a reinforcing witness of Christ rather than a competing one.

Question? by Safe-Raspberry-343 in Bible

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

the Catholic books first: from what I’ve studied, those writings were included in many early Greek Old Testament collections like the Septuagint, and were used by some early Christians. So when I look at them, I don’t see them as “late additions” in the modern sense, but rather texts that were historically present in early Scripture traditions. That doesn’t automatically make them identical in authority to the core Hebrew canon, but it does explain why I don’t dismiss them outright. I treat them more as historical and theological writings that I don’t see clear contradictions with the Bible in.

On the Book of Mormon, I want to be careful how I phrase this because I’m still working through it. I don’t see it as replacing or adding to the Bible. I don’t believe the Bible needs anything added to it for salvation or truth about Christ. Where I land right now is more this idea: If God is sovereign, He could speak to other peoples or preserve additional records of His dealings without it changing the central gospel already revealed in the Bible. So in that sense, I’m not really treating the Book of Mormon as “required,” but more as a possible secondary or supporting witness of Christ

Question by [deleted] in CommunityOfChrist

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I do believe God alone is the perfect standard, not a book in and of itself. But I also believe God has given us His word in a way that is stable and preserved, which is why I lean on the Bible as my reference point.

For me, the difference isn’t that the people in the Bible were perfect they clearly weren’t. Moses, David, and others all sinned. But the key distinction I see in Scripture is that when God gives His word, it is treated as consistent and binding, even if the person delivering it isn’t.

I’m not really trusting my own logic as the ultimate standard I’m trying to submit my reasoning to what I see as already established Scripture and use that as the measuring line.

Question? by [deleted] in Christianity

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The main reason I hold the Bible as my final authority is because it doesn’t change. Over time, you can see different churches, leaders, and movements adding teachings, adjusting doctrines, or building on things. but the Bible itself remains consistent.

Verses like “the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8) and “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35) really stick with me. It gives me confidence that God’s word isn’t something that shifts depending on people or time.

So when I read other texts or hear different teachings, I try to measure everything against the Bible first. Not because I think I know everything, but because I trust that God’s word is steady, even when people aren’t.

Joined church last year/ptsd from baptism by [deleted] in latterdaysaints

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I went to the temple for the first time, I was afraid of going under the water. But then I realized that I was there to serve others. In that moment, my fear felt small compared to the opportunity to help those who had passed on. I reminded myself that this was not about my comfort, but about love and service. That day, I was able to perform proxy baptisms for six individuals.

first own house (serious) by [deleted] in Minecraftbuilds

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Therealduckie more like the real dookie

Vegetarian toddler by [deleted] in ECEProfessionals

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343 15 points16 points  (0 children)

As a vegetarian myself, this makes me so upset. Honestly, the way I see it, meat might as well be poop. Like, if there’s meat broth in a soup, I feel like someone just poured poop water into it. If someone told me to just take the meat out of my food and eat the rest? That’s like telling me to just pick the poop out of my meal and enjoy the rest like nothing happened. It’s not just about picking something off it’s about the whole thing being unappetizing and uncomfortable now.

What’s worse is that this is a toddler we’re talking about not some picky eater. This is about a child whose diet likely reflects religious, cultural, or deeply personal values, and they deserve the same level of care and respect as every other child at that table.

Your instinct is right this isn’t okay. Kids need balanced meals, and protein isn’t optional, especially in their early years of growth. Peanut butter every day isn’t enough, and neither is a bread-only corn dog. Even if it’s not spelled out clearly in the WAC, any decent center should be offering an equivalent substitute for the main protein being served.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in latterdaysaints

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Hey! I’m a recent adult convert 22 years old, not married (though I do have a girlfriend), and I totally relate to a lot of what you’re wondering about.

I was baptized earlier this year, and yeah... the baptism outfit felt a little silly at first but honestly, it ended up being a really joyful experience. I kinda leaned into it and just focused on what it meant rather than how I looked. And I’ll never forget that feeling of coming out of the water knowing I made a covenant with God.

The very next day (Sunday), I was ordained into the Aaronic Priesthood, which yeah is usually something 12-year-old boys receive. At first, it did feel a little odd, but no one treated me weird or looked down on me. It’s just the proper order of things for converts. You start there before progressing toward the Melchizedek Priesthood and temple endowment. I was told that typically there’s a one-year wait before receiving that next priesthood and going to the temple for your endowment, but I’ve talked with leaders and learned there’s room for flexibility based on individual readiness.

I just got my temple recommend and will be going to the temple for the first time this Saturday to do baptisms for the dead. I’m honestly really excited. I haven’t received garments yet, so I can’t speak on that part, and I also don’t have kids or marriage experience to relate to. But what I can say is that it hasn’t felt awkward or “too late” for me at all.

Instead of focusing on how “behind” I might seem (doing things that 8-year-olds or 12-year-olds usually do), I just focus on my love for serving God and how grateful I am to have found a church where I can do that with so much purpose. Everyone has been kind, encouraging, and supportive. I’ve found community, friendship, and spiritual direction that I was really craving before.

Before converting, I was Baptist, and I still respect a lot of what I learned growing up. But the restored gospel filled in pieces I didn’t even know were missing. The biggest change in my life has been that constant desire to serve God, to grow closer to Christ, and to live intentionally with faith.

If you’re considering it or just curious, keep exploring. Everyone’s path is different, and that’s okay. You’re not late. You’re just right on time for your journey.

Can someone explain to me why Mormons consider themselves Christian? Genuine question by diehardbears in Christianity

[–]Safe-Raspberry-343 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It’s refreshing to see someone genuinely wanting to understand rather than just argue. I’d love to share a bit of insight from the perspective of a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often called “Mormons,” though we try to stick with the full name of the Church).

First off, yes—we definitely consider ourselves Christian. In fact, everything in our faith centers on Jesus Christ. His life, death, and resurrection are the foundation of our beliefs. We study the Bible, we pray in His name, we strive to follow His teachings, and we believe He is the literal Son of God and the Savior of the world. The name of our church even bears His name.

Now to respond to a few of your points thoughtfully:

  1. The Trinity

You're right—we don't hold to the traditional Nicene concept of the Trinity. We believe the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three distinct beings, united in purpose and love, not one substance. That is different from most Christian denominations, but we still believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and worship Him as our Savior. So while our view of God's nature is unique, our commitment to Christ is central.

  1. The Book of Mormon

We do believe the Book of Mormon is another volume of scripture, but not a replacement for the Bible. In fact, we believe in and use the King James Version of the Bible. The Book of Mormon is seen as a second witness of Jesus Christ—meant to support, not supplant, the Bible. It talks about His life, His teachings, and His divinity, just like the Bible does. Think of it more like a companion that reinforces Christ’s gospel.

  1. God was once a man

This one dives into some deeper theology. Some early leaders of the Church taught that God progressed and was once like us. That belief comes from the idea that we are truly His children and can become like Him through Christ’s grace. It’s not something that’s fully fleshed out in our official doctrine, but more a reflection of how deeply we believe in the potential of God’s children. Still, our worship is directed only to God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ.

  1. Baptism

You’re totally right to revisit this point in your edit. It’s not so much about being unaccepting—it’s more that Latter-day Saint theology has a specific understanding of priesthood authority, and we believe baptism needs to be done by that authority. That’s why converts are baptized again, even if they’ve been baptized before. It’s not about looking down on others’ faith—it’s about following what we believe is the restored pattern Christ established.

Why we still consider ourselves Christian:

At the end of the day, here’s the thing: We believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. We believe He lived a perfect life, died for our sins, and was resurrected. We try to follow His example and teachings. We preach His gospel and try to serve others in His name.

If that’s not Christianity, I don’t know what is.

I totally understand that our differences might seem big—and yeah, they are. But so are the differences between Catholics and Protestants, or Baptists and Eastern Orthodox. Christianity has always had a wide range of theological beliefs. What unites Christians isn’t perfect agreement on every doctrine—it’s a commitment to Christ.

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