A discussion on religion | Classroom Controversy | elenchus

This is a discussion on God, religion, etc taken from http://www.sociology.org/featu…..money-god/. I moved it here to help clean up the thread, and give it a place to grow.  As a sociologist I'm quite interested in religion and spirituality, not only because it is such a prevalent part of our collective life, but also because I don't believe we live in a material universe. I believe we live in a universe of consciousness, and I'm not the only scientist to believe so. As such I'm not very satisfied with the way Sociology has treated spirituality and religion, sloughing it off as some kind of useless epiphenomenon, or intimating collective delusion. I think we have to taker another look and I think the best way to do that is start by talking to people who are religious. With that said, the following commentary is provided by Dustin, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I asked him about what he believes about the second coming and this is what he said. I'll be posting my comments, and hopefully initiating a more extended discussion, in a day or so.

Mike, yes we do believe in certain signs to come before the second coming of Jesus Christ. The following is a list of important doctrines concerning the time preceding the coming of Jesus Christ. (The underlined scripture references are texts specific to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, these reference can easily be located at http://www.lds.org)

1. A general apostasy would precede the Second Coming of Christ (see 2 Thessalonians 2:1–4; Isaiah 29:10, 13).
2. The gospel would be restored (see Daniel 2:44; Revelation 14:6; Acts 3:19–21).
3. Scattered Israel would be gathered home (see Articles of Faith 1:10 ; Jeremiah 16:14–16 ; Amos 9:8–15 ; 2 Nephi 25:15–17 ; Jeremiah 31:6–14 ; 1 Nephi 22:11–12 ).
4. Wickedness will be rampant (see 2 Timothy 3:1–7; Matthew 24:37–39; Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:30).
5. Physical calamities will occur (see Revelation 8:7–13; 16:1–16; D&C 88:87; Revelation 6:12–13; D&C 45:26, 33, 40–42; Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:29, 32–33).
6. Wars and rumors of wars will abound (see Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:28; Ezekiel 38–39; D&C 45:26; Revelation 9:1–19).
7. Babylon, the great and abominable church, will fall (see Revelation 18:1–18; D&C 29:21; 1 Nephi 22:23; D&C 88:94, 105).
8. Zion will be established (see Moses 7:62–64; D&C 45:64–71; 3 Nephi 20:18, 22; Articles of Faith 1:10).
9. Our Father in Heaven has assured us that all of His prophecies and promises pertaining to the latter days will come to pass (see D&C 1:37–38).

The following is a definition of what we call signs of the times and a list of some of those signs:

Events or experiences that God gives to people to show that something important in his work has happened or will soon happen. In the latter days, many signs for the second coming of the Savior have been prophesied. These signals allow faithful people to recognize God’s plan, be warned, and prepare.

• The mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, Isa. 2:2–3
• The Lord shall lift an ensign and gather Israel, Isa. 5:26 (2 Ne. 15:26–30).
• The sun shall be darkened and the moon shall not cause her light to shine, Isa. 13:10 (Joel 3:15; D&C 29:14).
• Men shall transgress the law and break the everlasting covenant, Isa. 24:5
• The Nephites shall speak as a voice from the dust, Isa. 29:4 (2 Ne. 27).
• Israel shall be gathered with power, Isa. 49:22–23 (1 Ne. 21:22–23; 3 Ne. 20–21).
• God shall set up a kingdom which shall not be destroyed, Dan. 2:44 (D&C 65:2).
• War, dreams, and visions shall precede the Second Coming, Joel 2
• All nations will gather against Jerusalem to battle, Zech. 14:2 (Ezek. 38–39).
• The day cometh that shall burn as an oven, Mal. 4:1 (3 Ne. 25:1; D&C 133:64; JS—H 1:37).
• Great calamities shall precede the Second Coming, Matt. 24 (JS—M 1).
• Paul described apostasy and perilous times of the last days, 2 Tim. 3–4
• Two prophets will be slain and resurrected in Jerusalem, Rev. 11 (D&C 77:15).
• The gospel shall be restored in the last days by angelic ministry, Rev. 14:6–7 (D&C 13; D&C 27; D&C 110:11–16; D&C 128:8–24).
• Babylon will be established and fall, Rev. 17–18
• Israel shall be gathered with power, 1 Ne. 21:13–26 (Isa. 49:13–26; 3 Ne. 20–21).
• This is a sign, that ye may know the time, 3 Ne. 21:1
• The Book of Mormon shall come forth by the power of God, Morm. 8
• Lamanites to blossom, D&C 49:24–25
• The wicked to slay the wicked, D&C 63:32–35 (Rev. 9).
• War will be poured out upon all nations, D&C 87:2
• Signs, upheavals of the elements, and angels prepare the way for the coming of the Lord, D&C 88:86–94
• Darkness to cover the earth, D&C 112:23–24
• The Lord commanded the Saints to prepare for the Second Coming, D&C 133

The following is a quote for an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in regards to how we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints should react to the signs of the times:

Elder M. Russell Ballard gave the following counsel of hope and encouragement:

“Although the prophecies tell us that these things are to take place, more and more people are expressing great alarm at what appears to be an acceleration of worldwide calamity. … Admittedly we have ample reason to be deeply concerned because we see no immediate answers to the seemingly unsolvable problems confronting the human family. But regardless of this dark picture, which will ultimately get worse, we must never allow ourselves to give up hope! …

“… The Lord is in control. He knows the end from the beginning. He has given us adequate instruction that, if followed, will see us safely through any crisis. His purposes will be fulfilled, and someday we will understand the eternal reasons for all of these events. Therefore, today we must be careful not to overreact, nor should we be caught up in extreme preparations; but what we must do is keep the commandments of God and never lose hope!

“But where do we find hope in the midst of such turmoil and catastrophe? Quite simply, our one hope for spiritual safety during these turbulent times is to turn our minds and our hearts to Jesus Christ. … Armed with the shield of faith, we can overcome many of our daily challenges and overpower our greatest weaknesses and fears, knowing that if we do our best to keep the commandments of God, come what may, we will be all right” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1992, 41–43; or Ensign, Nov. 1992, 31–32).

Mike, I welcome the questions regarding my faith and beliefs. I will gladly share all that I believe and hold to be true. Also I share not to convert but to give understanding of what I believe. In regards to what I think the power is to change is in us, in each individual and brought out through living a life of service towards your fellow men, or women. Obviously I would like everyone to join my Church and believe exactly as I do, but I don’t expect that and I think it is more important that people live a “Christ like life”, whether or not you believe in Him or not, living the principles He taught will help to make the world a better place. If more people stop caring about themselves and start caring more about those around them change can happen, will happen.