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My first exposure to Islam was in the 80s in a Religions of the World class at BYU in Provo, UT, where we used a text book written by Spencer J. Palmer. We learned in one of the sections about Muslim beliefs including the life of Muhammad, the Qur’an, Allah, the Five Pillars of Islam, etc. We also discussed the commonalities of our religions: although they do not believe Jesus is the son of God, they do accept him as a prophet born of a virgin; they believe in physical resurrection, they fast and pray, dress modestly, pay tithes and have an emphasis on family. ... I had an opportunity to meet some wonderful Muslim families while living in the melting pot of Houston, TX. in the 90s. I babysat a disabled child for one family from Saudi Arabia, and my 5-year-old son was best friends with a boy from Iran (we had other neighbors from Poland, Russia, Turkey, Bangladesh and India). This was before 9/11, however, I still believe Muslims are wonderful people, and we shouldn’t judge them harshly based on a few radicals.

posted 2 years, 6 months ago
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 I didn't know much about the Aryan Nations before this issue came up - I appreciate the information that is being shared. What I learned from the Knowledge is Power meeting (besides the history of this group): we need to deal with these people through peaceful means (the experts shared a lot of ideas); this hate group has a history of producing violent people; they grow in darkness, so it's important for us to take a stand against them and not ignore them; and we need to advocate against discrimination in general - racist jokes, etc.

This group is not welcome in Grant County.

posted 3 years, 3 months ago
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Lying is not trivial. He was in a position of power over this person and much older. It is sad that this happened.

I think we would all like to have people in political positions who are trustworthy.

Yes, we all make mistakes, but this mistake is too big. We need trust in our elected officials.

I don't live in Portland, but I don't find the mayor to be an inspiring leader. Lying is not inspiring. Only telling the truth AFTER you've been elected is not inspiring. Taking advantage of a young man in this way is not inspiring, it's shameful.

We need people in office who inspire others to hold the virtues of honesty and morality.

posted 4 years, 4 months ago
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I have a neighbor who is transgender - a "she" who was born a he. I know I don't understand all of the thought processes of someone who makes this choice.

This person is a valuable individual, but to me it doesn't seem to fit for this person to be a female - he looks and sounds like a male, except for the hair which may be a wig and the feminine clothing.

I know that some struggle with knowing who they are.

It is my belief that people were a certain gender before they came to earth.

In my church - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - our presidency created a document called "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" in 1995. One part states:

"All human beings - male and female - are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." (Check out www.mormon.org for more info.)

This may be hard for some to accept, but I believe this is where the fight against the "natural man" and "bridling our passions" comes in, as we learn in the Bible.

These people should definitely be accepted and loved, however, I believe that gender was set before we got here to earth. We should try to embrace the gender we were born with - that doesn't mean that girls have to wear dresses and boys have to love football.

posted 4 years, 8 months ago
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Oops, meant to say "It" should be regarded as a book of fiction. That was good!

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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A couple of things that sound interesting about the book (I haven't read the book yet): the godhead as three different nationalities - this could remind us that God is the father of all people in the world. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nickname: Mormon) I believe that God the Father has a glorified body of flesh and blood and we are created in his image (just as the Bible says)and that Jesus also has a glorified body of flesh and blood. The Holy Ghost of course doesn't have a body so that we can feel His presence within us.

The other part that is intereting to me is the idea of letting go of how we'd like to "appear" to be. That is a humbling thing to do. I feel it's important to remember that none of us are perfect. We don't go to church to be among perfect people - we are all imperfect and we go to church to worship Jesus Christ. It is through Him alone that we are saved.

I believe The "Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ" to be true. It is a wonderful book. I find it to be a true book of God because I've taken the time to read, study and pray about it.

The book being discussed today is bringing up some good conversation. I should be regarded as a book of fiction though.

posted 4 years, 10 months ago
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I'm a Mormon (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) in a small Eastern Oregon town. I'm grateful to be able to worship in the way I choose and I'm happy to let others worship as they choose - in fact I enjoy the diversity of religion that surrounds us in our state.

One of our creeds states, "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may."

In my small town of about 2,000 there are approximately 2 dozen churches to choose from.

In our church services many times thankfulness for the scenic beauty of our surroundings are expressed in prayers and in testimonies.

I have personally found people to be open to my religion. In my workplace, my boss has been especially accomodating to my belief of keeping the Sabbath Day holy, which surprised and pleased me.

For me, baptism is an important step - therefore organized religion is important - because it's following Christ's example. Eventhough he was perfect and had no need for baptism, he set the example for us. His life is a pattern for us to follow and His sacfrice was for us all and He lives!

posted 4 years, 11 months ago
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