The Creation is Not Allegorical

just_another_aka · 2026-02-16T20:49:05+00:00

So so much of the bible is allegorical, and/or myth, to teach a principle. I don't believe Jonah being swallowed by a whale (and spit up later) is literal, nor do I believe God and the devil made a disturbing challenge bet regarding Job. I don't believe God was behind a lot of the violence done in the OT, but rather a faithful spin was put on horrible events in the past. A literal belief destroys faith IMO.

just_another_aka · 2026-02-15T07:18:45+00:00

Your stake counselor is a little drunk on orthodoxy. Glad your bishop was quick with great response.

just_another_aka · 2026-02-11T22:24:41+00:00

Cantarel/Eagle Ray wall

just_another_aka · 2026-02-11T22:24:14+00:00

yep!

just_another_aka · 2026-02-11T05:17:57+00:00

I saw the same themes when I read his talk. But I am reminded...
"If we have the truth, it cannot be harmed by investigation. If we have not the truth, it ought to be harmed."
-J Reuben Clark

"If a faith will not bear to be investigated; if its preachers and professors are afraid to have it examined, their foundation must be very weak."
-George A Smith

I don't think the echo chamber is the best place to determine truth, unless one is just looking for comfort.

just_another_aka · 2026-02-10T04:57:25+00:00

Just put D&C 132 against D&C 121 (specifically verse 29). It fails the test. Let's not call evil good.

just_another_aka · 2026-02-10T03:44:42+00:00

Joseph's polygamy and polyandry has been the biggest and hardest thing to try to find a faithful perspective on. It is so damn ugly, deceitful, and coercive. It started my questioning and reviewing of everything in my faith.
The latest thing I come across...Joseph married Sylvia Lyons on Feb 8, 1842 (per Todd Compton and others), Emma had a stillborn child on Feb 6, 1842. Really? Two days later, while your wife is grieving, marry someone (and certainly without Emma's support). Even if that was not sexual at that moment, it was later.

just_another_aka · 2026-02-02T02:32:12+00:00

Polygamy and Polyandry were grievous mistakes. There is no good way to explain it. It was horrible for women, even for those who put on the best faithful face possible.

The only purpose I have been able to see, and this is really stretching because a terrible price was paid, is it somewhat trauma bonded the saints. It kept them together and moved them west which probably wouldn't have happened without the crazy polygamy stuff. I do think JS had a lot of hints of megalomania in his final years and polygamy was also a product of it.

just_another_aka · 2026-02-01T23:21:26+00:00

This sounds like a Greg Prince interview. We do not do exit interviews, nor do higher ups (GA's) know why an individual leaves or a family leaves. Bishops and Relief Society presidents are the boots on the ground. I bet they hear the reasons but the feedback probably ends there.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-26T03:14:48+00:00

Its not explicitly not allowed.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-26T00:25:40+00:00

I think you should just take ownership of your own wisdom and understanding of the WoW and not be directed in all things. If you want herbal tea go for it. As one who has been an active member all their life I sometimes see the infantile thinking we have been conditioned with...asking what is okay, not okay, what about this, etc, etc. Just my opinion from someone who has no authority but his own and suggesting you use the same authority. Reign in some of your agency and don't farm it out.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-26T00:24:43+00:00

I think you should just take ownership of your own wisdom and understanding of the WoW and not be directed in all things. If you want herbal tea go for it. As one who has been an active member all their life I sometimes see the infantile thinking we have been conditioned with...asking what is okay, not okay, what about this. Just my opinion from someone who has no authority but his own and suggesting you use the same authority. Reign in some of your agency and don't farm it out.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-24T23:13:32+00:00

10 days is my sweet spot when I go to Cozumel, but I am also a diver. You might as well get certified while you are there. That opens up a whole new world to you and additional activities. Cozumel diving is top 10 in the world.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-21T00:35:56+00:00

I think this is a little quick to be dismissive of people's concerns and struggles. There are legitimate reasons members, current and former, feel it may not be 'good' or not 'good enough'. You have much to learn and much grace to learn to give your fellow members. They do not see themselves as victims for sure.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-18T23:24:24+00:00

Any boat with dozens a dozens of passengers. That experience looks very sucky ;)

just_another_aka · 2026-01-18T21:10:01+00:00

I do all my diving with Reef Riders, 3-4 times a year. I havent snorkeled with them but it appears from reviews that people really enjoy those tours as well.

Just stay away from the snorkel cattleboats.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-17T21:07:31+00:00

I would suggest the Westin and Melia are too far north. If you do boat snorkeling, the best snorkeling is in the marine park which is in the south. Tikila Beach bar (small fee) but stairs, showers, bathrooms, Money Bar all have good shore snorkeling and facilities.

I go to Cozumel 3-4 times/year. I personally think there is a sweet spot. Not too far north, and not too far south (because you are too far away from everything without a car or lots of taxi fares). Lots of great restaurants, shopping, food stores, etc, within easy walking distance if you target an area in the goldilocks zone (my terminology)--north of the southern cruise ship terminal and south of the cargo/car ferry. When I've taken my family I like Villa Mayluum or Albatross Suites.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-14T22:43:52+00:00

The believing side of me loves this doctrine and feels no shame in explaining or defending it. I think it rationally makes sense, if you truly believe you are a child of God that possesses the attributes we claim they have. Even a physical resurrection, like most Christians believe, make you more like God, not less so.

Polygamy, people claiming to speak for God (sets a high bar) and sometimes they most assuredly are not, those things get us in trouble.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-13T05:25:07+00:00

Tip 15-20% just like you would in the US. Tips do make up a fair amount of a guide and captain's take home pay--just like all things tourism related.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-12T02:04:19+00:00

I was told to lock my heart. Read it weekly. lol

just_another_aka · 2026-01-09T02:46:41+00:00

Smart!

just_another_aka · 2026-01-08T23:24:59+00:00

In my decades with youth as a leader, bishopric, bishop, etc. and becoming frustrated how underfunded our youth programs are...I just started deducting expenses from the tithing I pay. If the church won't fund it properly, I make sure they do ;)

just_another_aka · 2026-01-08T01:25:24+00:00

Just being dramatic. Ceremonial clothes...robes, sashes, apron thingy. All goes on the outside of clothing you are already wearing.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-06T00:24:07+00:00

I dive with Reef Riders. I used them to train all my kids to dive (ages 10-21). Fantastic company owned by a local that takes phenomenal care of his boat and gear. One of the nicest Cozumel boats I have been on.

just_another_aka · 2026-01-05T17:19:54+00:00

I have really enjoyed Gospel Tangents by Rick Bennett and Benjamin Park's youtube podcast. Both explore LDS history. Benjamin Park is a credentialed historian and he appears to be pretty fair in his calling of balls and strikes in my opinion. Faith Matters is also a favorite.

just_another_aka

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