LATTER-DAY SAINT-OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST

Due to negative/misleading comments, I share the following… In the last 200 years, the Lord has revealed many truths to His prophets. Some revelations lead to policy changes, such as those found in the Official Declarations. Adjustments are a natural part of the true and living Church. However, doctrine—the foundational, eternal truths of the gospel—never changes. churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/…

This is a really important point. The Church sometimes updates how it teaches things, but the underlying principles of holiness, modesty, and becoming like Christ don’t change. We’re not supposed to treat the removal of specific wording as permission to lower the standard. The goal has always been to become more like God, and that still requires us to live by the Spirit and follow the living prophets rather than looking for loopholes so to be more a part of the “eat drink and be merry generation”. 😇🙏

There’s an alarming trend amongst Latter-day Saints that has spread in the last 8-10 years. The logic goes like this: “The church stopped publishing explicit language in a youth pamphlet that recommended not having tattoos, dressing modestly, and other standards. That means I can do all those things now to whatever degree I want.” It shows a clear and fundamental understanding of why we have standards and what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is here to do. The Church is here to help people learn how to become like God. “Recommendations” from people who have special stewardship over the Church are much more than simple rules to follow or not follow. If something is no longer explicitly taught, it doesn’t mean you should do it. The principles behind those explicit recommendations or requirements never changed.

The validity of counsel, teaching, or truth claims doesn’t depend on recency or how often something is repeated in current conversations. Age alone is not a disqualifier—nor is silence or reduced emphasis. Many profound truths (in ethics, philosophy, science, and faith) have endured precisely because they weren’t tied to the fashions of their moment. Dismissing something simply because “it’s 50+ years old and not mentioned as much” is a form of recency bias, not a test of substance. In religious traditions that recognize inspired leadership, counsel is typically evaluated by its source (was it given under prophetic authority?), its alignment with core, enduring doctrine, its fruits over time, and personal spiritual confirmation—not by its publication date or current citation frequency. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches both the value of continuing revelation through living prophets (to guide the Church in present circumstances) and the enduring worth of the standard works and foundational teachings. Past counsel can contain timeless principles even when specific applications or emphases shift with new revelation or changing conditions. The Core idea here is… Inspiration and truth are not calendar-dependent. A statement doesn’t lose its validity because the world moved on or because later leaders focused on other priorities. What matters is whether it was true when given and whether its underlying principle still holds (which in this case, it does!.). 😇🙏

As Latter-day Saints we are counseled not to play card games!. Why?… The counsel against playing card games (specifically standard face cards or decks traditionally used for gambling) comes from prophetic leaders who sought to protect members from spiritual and practical dangers. This is not framed in current materials as a strict, universal prohibition on all card games in the way the Word of Wisdom is. It is targeted counsel about a particular type of cards and the culture surrounding them. The most recent direct statement from a prophet was President Spencer W. Kimball in the October 1974 general conference… “We hope faithful Latter-day Saints will not use the playing cards which are used for gambling, either with or without the gambling.” Earlier leaders, including Brigham Young and Joseph F. Smith, spoke even more strongly against card playing because of its associations. So Again, Why the Counsel? Prophets gave these reasons (drawn from their own words and the principles they taught)… 1. It fosters the “spirit of gambling” — Even without money on the table, repeated play with traditional cards can create or normalize a fascination with chance, speculation, and the desire to “get something for nothing.” This mindset is spiritually destructive because it works against the gospel principles of honest work, thrift, self-reliance, and giving full effort. It can subtly shift trust toward luck rather than the Lord and honest labor. 2. Waste of precious time and potential for excess — Persistent card playing was viewed as leading to “habits of excess,” “waste of precious time,” and even “dulling and stupor of the mind” and “the complete destruction of religious feeling.” Time is a stewardship; activities that become ruling passions can crowd out family, service, scripture study, and other eternal priorities. 3. Historical associations with vice — In the eras when the counsel was given most strongly, standard playing cards were closely tied to saloons, drinking, smoking, gambling halls, and other behaviors contrary to the Word of Wisdom and moral cleanliness. The cards themselves carried those connotations. Leaders wanted members to stay far from the appearance of evil and from environments or habits that could lead people away from the Savior. 4. Protecting spiritual sensitivity — The underlying concern was always the effect on the heart and spirit. Anything that dulls our ability to feel the Holy Ghost or that pulls us toward selfishness rather than love and service was to be avoided.

Which reminds me of how Nephi was very deliberate about what he included or left out in his book/account, based on the specific purpose of his record (to bring people to Christ and preserve the most valuable things). The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith follows a similar logic of focused purpose… And Again… it is narrowly about how the Book of Mormon came forth through Moroni and the translation. The First Vision, while foundational to everything, is a separate and earlier event that begins the full story of the Restoration — so it is placed in its own section in Joseph Smith—History. Apologies if I sound like a broken record!. 😇🙏

@DanielProudfoot Glad to help! 😇🙏

Honest question: Why isn’t the First Vision included in the Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith at the beginning of every BoM?

The mentality that says “I was forced to do something I truly didn’t want to do” (as a way of removing accountability) operates from the same flawed foundation as the old excuse “the devil made me do it.” Both mindsets attempt to shift responsibility away from the individual’s agency and choices. They treat the person as a passive victim of irresistible external forces rather than an accountable agent who can choose, even when enticed, pressured, or tempted. This directly contradicts the doctrine of moral agency taught in scripture (especially 2 Nephi 2:27) and by modern prophets. Satan can tempt and entice, but he cannot force us to sin against our will. Yielding is still a choice, and accountability remains. The same flawed mentality applies to claims like “I was forced to get a tattoo” (or any other action someone later regrets or wants to excuse). Just as with “the devil made me do it,” the excuse “I was forced” often functions as a way to shift responsibility and diminish personal agency. In the doctrine of moral agency, we are free to choose. We can be pressured, enticed, manipulated, or even face difficult circumstances — but we are still agents unto ourselves. The choice to mark the body permanently (or to do anything else) remains a choice, even when social pressure, culture, peers, or other influences are strong. This is especially relevant because our bodies are sacred. The scriptures and modern prophets teach that the body is a temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:19–20) and should be treated with respect and care. Church leaders have consistently counseled against tattoos as a form of defacing or permanently marking the body that God has given us. When someone says they were “forced” to get one, it usually reveals the same blame-shifting mentality I identified — treating themselves as a passive victim rather than someone who exercised (or failed to exercise) their agency in that moment. Important Balance Real pressures exist in this fallen world. Some people face intense manipulation, cultural conditioning, or even coercion in certain situations. The Lord, in His perfect justice and mercy, takes all of that into account when He judges the heart, desires, knowledge, and circumstances. Repentance is always available. However, the mentality that completely removes personal accountability (“I had no choice,” “I was forced,” etc.) is spiritually damaging because it undermines the very gift of agency that allows us to progress and repent. So Whether it’s blaming the devil, claiming we were forced, or using any other excuse to avoid ownership of our choices — especially choices involving the sacred body — it reflects the same underlying rejection of moral agency and accountability. 😇🙏

I appreciate the respectful tone here… 😇🙏 While we honor individual agency and understand that some (especially converts) may feel attachment to the cross from their previous faith (or whatever the case may be), this isn’t merely a matter of personal opinion. Modern prophets have given clear direction. President Hinckley taught that for us the cross represents the dying Christ, whereas our message centers on the living Christ. The Church’s official symbol is the resurrected Lord, and we are invited to let our lives become the symbol of our discipleship through keeping His commandments. The official Gospel Topics article is worth reading.

@1000HolyPlaces And that’s okay! I know it’s just my opinion.

I still don’t think Latter-day Saints should wear cross necklaces.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been very clear on this matter through the teachings of living prophets. While there is no formal rule in the General Handbook that prohibits a member from wearing a cross, the consistent direction from the prophets is that we should not use the cross as a symbol of our faith. President Gordon B. Hinckley taught… “For us, the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the living Christ. … Because our Savior lives, we do not use the symbol of His death as the symbol of our faith.” He then explained what should be the symbol instead: the lives of the members who keep the commandments and follow the Savior. (“The Symbol of Christ,” April 1975 General Conference) Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reinforced this in 2022 when he said the focus is not on pendants or jewelry, but on the “crosses we bear” through discipleship, sacrifice, and obedience. The Church does not display the cross on its buildings or use it as an official symbol for a deliberate doctrinal reason: we emphasize the complete Atonement—including Gethsemane, the cross, and the glorious Resurrection—and we proclaim the living Christ who leads His Church today. Using the cross as jewelry can unintentionally shift the focus toward the instrument of His death rather than the victory of His Resurrection and the ongoing work of His living Church. While some members may choose to wear one as a personal expression (or any other reason), the prophetic pattern and counsel is clear… we do not need that symbol. The best and most powerful way to show our faith in Jesus Christ is how we live—by keeping our covenants, following the prophet, serving others, and striving to become more like the Savior every day. In short… We remember and revere what happened on the cross, but we do not adopt it as our symbol. Our symbol is Christ Himself—the living, resurrected Lord—and the lives of those who follow Him. 😇🙏

@Latterdaytruth Good take. What do you think of all the youth wearing crosses now? I have 4 nieces and nephews that wear crosses. I would have loved to wear a cross in high school but was told it celebrates the saviors death more than his life.. but now it’s fine for some reason?

How can we discern between truth and deception in a world today with such rapidly evolving technology and change?

I’ve decided for myself to avoid playing card games. I want to stay far from even the appearance of evil, no matter how harmless it may seem. As the Apostle Paul taught, “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). The Church opposes gambling in any form because it encourages the desire to get something for nothing and works against honest effort and self-reliance (General Handbook 38.8.17). To my fellow Saints, I invite you to hearken unto the Spirit and do the same. “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of (Daughters) God” (Romans 8:14). 😇🙏

How This Fits with Current Church Teaching Today the Church’s clearest, ongoing emphasis is opposition to gambling in any form (including lotteries, sports betting, poker for money, etc.). The Gospel Topics entry on Gambling explains… “Gambling is motivated by a desire to get something for nothing. This desire is spiritually destructive. It leads participants away from the Savior’s teachings of love and service and toward the selfishness of the adversary. It undermines the virtues of work and thrift and the desire to give honest effort in all we do.” This principle is timeless. The specific counsel about face cards was practical wisdom given in a cultural context where those cards were strongly linked to gambling. As that cultural association has weakened for many people, you will find faithful Latter-day Saints who use face cards only for innocent, non-gambling games and others who still choose to avoid them entirely out of respect for the prophetic counsel. Wholesome card games that do not use the traditional gambling deck (Rook, Uno, Phase 10, etc.) have long been viewed as acceptable forms of family recreation. The Bottom Line… The “why” is protective and principle-based… Avoid anything that encourages the spiritually damaging desire to get something for nothing. Use time wisely and choose recreation that invites the Spirit rather than dulling it. Stay far from the appearance of gambling or associated vices. Keep our focus on honest effort, self-reliance, and eternal priorities.

We can know that God exists in two complementary ways, but the sure, personal knowledge comes primarily through revelation from the Holy Spirit. To expound… 1. Creation testifies of God (empirical/natural evidence) The order, complexity, and motion of the universe point to a Supreme Creator. As Alma taught the anti-Christ Korihor… “All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.” — Alma 30:44 The scriptures, the testimony of prophets, and the natural world all bear witness. Science can observe and describe this order, but it does not replace spiritual knowledge. 2. The sure knowledge comes by the Holy Spirit (personal revelation) Empirical evidence alone is not enough for a firm, saving knowledge. The definitive witness is given by the Holy Ghost. The pattern the Lord has given is clear… Pray with real intent — “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). Do His will — “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God…” (John 7:17). The Holy Ghost manifests truth — Moroni’s promise applies directly “Ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.” — Moroni 10:4 This is how Joseph Smith came to know God — not merely by studying creation or philosophy, but by direct revelation in the First Vision, where he saw and heard God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Creation gives evidence that invites us to seek. The Holy Spirit gives the sure witness that God lives, that He is our Father, and that Jesus is the Christ. Philosophical or empirical arguments alone remain in the realm of speculation. The witness of the Holy Ghost brings certitude to the heart and mind that cannot be shaken by debate. This is why the Church teaches that every person can come to know these truths for themselves through sincere prayer, scripture study, obedience, and the confirming power of the Holy Ghost. If someone is sincerely seeking, the invitation is simple and powerful: Ask God. He has promised to answer. 😇🙏

It’s a good Saturday to consider how we know that God exists. Is it by empirical evidence or by revelation from the Holy Spirit? Or what? #saturdayvibes

@TruthHolder2023 Sadly yes… we are all at our own level of conversion 😇🙏

@niphi35 This extends to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints too. I wish it didn't.

Why do religious people feel it is acceptable to quote or share words and images that offend the Holy Ghost and make the Holy Ghost flee when someone sees them?

Critics often say Latter-day Saints teach another gospel or believe in a different Jesus. I know that neither one holds up… We believe in the Jesus of the Bible—the Only Begotten Son of God who suffered in Gethsemane, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again the third day. That’s the center of everything for us. Joseph Smith said the fundamental principles of our religion are exactly that testimony of the apostles and prophets about Christ, and everything else is just appendages to it. On the Godhead, we see the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost as three distinct personages who are one in purpose, mind, and glory. It lines up with the plain reading of the New Testament, and the First Vision confirmed it. We don’t go with the later creeds that tried to define God in ways the Bible never quite does. President Brigham Young put it this way… we take the liberty of believing more than a lot of our Christian friends about the full plan of salvation Jesus gave us. But we don’t differ from them on faith in the Lord Jesus Christ—only in believing more. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ, not another gospel. It points to the same Savior with power and clarity. The “more” we have is restored priesthood authority, ordinances, and continuing revelation that bring the fullness back. If someone wants to talk about it sincerely, I’m good with that. Christ is everything. No need to fight over it.

Some mistakingly will say “even Jesus doubted”to justify their own doubts (among other reasons!)… To them I say… Jesus did not doubt when He cried, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46; Mark 15:34). This was not a cry of unbelief, despair in the Father’s existence, or loss of faith in the plan of salvation. It was something far more profound and purposeful. The Scriptural and Prophetic Context… Jesus was quoting the opening verse of Psalm 22, a messianic psalm written centuries earlier that precisely foretells the suffering, mockery, piercing of hands and feet, and division of garments that would occur at the Crucifixion. In ancient Jewish tradition, quoting the first line of a psalm often invoked the entire psalm. Psalm 22 does not end in defeat—it moves from the agony of suffering to triumphant deliverance, praise, and the declaration that future generations will serve the Lord and that He has done it. Jesus was declaring the fulfillment of prophecy and pointing to the victory that was already assured. The Nature of the Atonement… The deeper reason for these words lies in the infinite and eternal nature of the Atonement. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland taught… “I speak of those final moments … that concluding descent into the paralyzing despair of divine withdrawal when He cries in ultimate loneliness, ‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’ … With all the conviction of my soul I testify that He did please His Father perfectly and that a perfect Father did not forsake His Son in that hour. Indeed, it is my personal belief that in all of Christ’s mortal ministry the Father may never have been closer to His Son than in these agonizing final moments of suffering. Nevertheless, that the supreme sacrifice of His Son might be as complete as it was voluntary and solitary, the Father briefly withdrew from Jesus the comfort of His Spirit, the support of His personal presence.” This withdrawal was not rejection or abandonment by an angry Father. It was required so the sinless Son could fully experience what it means to suffer spiritually—to feel the withdrawal of the divine Spirit that sinners experience—so He could perfectly empathize with and redeem all who feel alone, forsaken, or spiritually dead because of sin. He had to know this “in order for His Atonement to be infinite and eternal.” Elder Holland further notes that even in this moment of ultimate anguish, “the goodness in Him allowed faith to triumph even in a state of complete anguish. The trust He lived by told Him in spite of His feelings that divine compassion is never absent, that God is always faithful.” Perfect Faith and Submission… Throughout His suffering, Jesus exercised perfect agency and faith… In Gethsemane: “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). On the cross: He still commended His spirit to the Father (Luke 23:46) and forgave His crucifiers. He had repeatedly prophesied His own death and resurrection. He knew the outcome. The cry expressed the reality of what He was experiencing in that moment—the full, solitary weight of the Atonement—not any doubt about the Father’s love or the plan He had known from the beginning. As one faithful commentary observed, these words “were not an indication of doubt.” They gave expression to the divine withdrawal while demonstrating faith by invoking the holy scriptures that testified of both the suffering and the coming triumph. Jesus’ words from the cross remain one of the most powerful testimonies of His perfect love, His perfect submission, and the infinite price He willingly paid so that none of us need ever be truly forsaken if we will turn to Him. When we feel alone or abandoned, we can remember that He has already walked that path and understands perfectly.