Scripture Sunday Moroni 7:46

Charity is a fun topic because, like all other virtues, people pick and choose who they want to be charitable to. Then they brag incessantly about how much they give to charity while at the same time being nasty to those they disagree with, looking down their nose at poor people, being self righteous over things, the list goes on.

Charity really is the pure love of Christ. Christ never played favorites. While people think he automatically favored the poor, he came from a middle class background that wasn't poor at all. He taught about the importance of being charitable, but at the same time being just. Very, very few people have those aspects in todays world.

That's one of the many reasons He is the Christ.

Word of Wisdom and banning things

Be this guy. 

There is a long list of things LDS need to avoid. I'm not going to tell you what they are, nor am I going to tell you to avoid them. It's out there. Personally, I think arguing if LDS can drink caffeinated beverages like Coke is pedantic and juvenile. Those who try to lecture you about little things like that are the epitome of "penny wise, dollar foolish". Preaching and acting holier than thou because someone is smoking a cigar is also sinful. 

I really love this meme. If an LDS votes for banning the things we try to avoid, that is certainly their right-but it's also my right to tell them to knock it off. You can't force virtue. In fact, trying to force decent behavior is just as bad as the sinful behavior you are trying to preach against.

Album of the Weekend

Van Halen-For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge 

Yes, we all know what the title means. Haw haw haw. Putting aside that, this is the best album from Van Halen, by far. I'm going to irritate a lot of people by saying this, but Van Halen will always be Van Hagar to me. Lee Roth was a drama queen who stole the show from everyone and focused just on himself. The band treated Sammy Hagar like a rebound relationship-and they came across horrible for doing so. I think their career suffered because of it. 

This is an extremely underrated album. People who like Adam Sandler (basically, people who stopped maturing in fifth grade) giggle at the title and ignore the incredible tracks like Right Now, Top of the World, Poundcake, 316 and Judgement Day. All of those songs are among the best by Van Halen. I totally disagree with the critics. This is the best album by a one great band. 

The Greatest Hits of Boyd Packer

:: sigh :: 

I miss President Packer. 

He had the false reputation of being tough or uncaring. He was actually the opposite. Generally, being overly stern or cold is counter productive. It's also a balancing act. You come down too much like a harass and you alienate people. You come down too soft and they'll walk all over you. 

Look at the Boyd Packer GC speech from October 2008 called "The Test." Boyd Packer talks about the depression that Smith surely felt during his time in the Carthage. He talks about how Smith was ignored by the president at the time-all the government officials-and things looked bleak. Then, Packer mentions the celebration that was had after the original Saints made it to Utah. The point from this speech is summarized at the end, "today the sun never sets on the congregations of the Latter Day Saints." I love that quote. 

Don't know much about the Book of Mormon? Don't feel bad, I didn't either. I still don't. Thankfully Boyd Packer has read it once or twice and he can explain it to us. 

And wow, does he. In the 1986 GC speech "The Things of My Soul"  Boyd Packer has the greatest description of the Book of Mormon specifically designed to those who have never read it. Starting right off, Packer correctly states "Perhaps no other book has been denounced so vigorously by those who have never read it as the Book of Mormon' (I'd like to throw in anything by Ayn Rand here too. Wow, look at the contrast. Book of Mormon and Ayn Rand).  

Packer than goes on to give the greatest description of what the book of Mormon is in church history. Even if you've read the book of Mormon 45 times, reading this speech will provide new insight into it. 

Boyd Packer was also compassionate. In the April 1977 speech "The Mediator" Packer quotes Shakespeare (this English major salutes him with awesomeness for that)"In the course of justice only, none of us will see salvation". While justice is a losing virtue in todays society (we care more about compassion. Both are needed) it's a comforting reminder to us that justice alone will make you cold and unflinching. 

Boyd Packer will forever be missed. I'm happy I got to see witness his speeches while I was a member before he passed away. A truly wonderful addition to the church. 

Book of Mormon witnesses-Oliver Cowdrey

Oliver Cowdrey was one of the three original witnesses to the Book of Mormon. He even helped Joseph Smith translate it. Cowdrey was a very interesting man. He spent time as a blacksmith, worked in New York City, was a teacher-basically just a young man who did what he could to help his family. 

He also broke with the church over Smiths "filthy little affair" with Fanny Alger. Even though Cowdrey left the church and tried to put Mormonism behind him, he kept his belief in the divinity of the Book Of Mormon until he died. In fact, he was even re-baptized shortly before his death. 

According to some of his own journals Cowdrey "continued to write from his mouth as Joseph translated from the Urim and Thummin". In my personal, subjective view Cowdrey saw the plates, the Urim and Thummin and perhaps more of the sacred objects that were given to Smith.

Cowdrey is a key witness to the restoration. The fact that all three witnesses kept their belief in the book of Mormon even after they broke with the church does speak to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. There is also a rumor that Cowdrey was the "real author" of the Book of Mormon, given his education and background. No, I don't believe he was, but it is one of the better critiques of the Book of Mormon origin. And no, me saying it's a "better critique" doesn't mean I don't believe in the holy origins of the Book of Mormon either. 

Mormonism and Misconceptions

Isn't it frustrating when people assume the wrong things about our church? Like how we worship Joseph Smith or how we think the book of Mormon replaces the bible? Statements like that show a jarring ignorance of our faith. 

You know what else is just as frustrating? When "good standing latter day saints" do the same about other religions. No, Lutherans don't worship Luther and Catholics don't worship Mary. If you spread rumors about other faiths, you lose the right to ever complain about LDS misconceptions. Ever. 

A recent apostle of our church (I think it was the late Tom Perry-don't quote me on that) was a World War II vet and helped rebuild a non-LDS church in the place where he served. It might have been Japan. Would a non-LDS help rebuild a temple? Hopefully. But even if they wouldn't, it's up to LDS to try and live how the apostles did. 

I'm very, very certain that Jeff Holland wouldn't be gossiping about Baptists, Assemblies of God or Muslims. Jeff is right. Be like Jeff. 

"Shameful" posts

During the Trayvon Martin/George Zimmerman fiasco, I mentioned something like "The right verdict was reached." No, that doesn't mean I like the outcome, but we still live in a society of law and order and even scumbags have rights. I said the same thing about the Casey Anthony trial as well. Just beause the verdict was correct doesn't mean it was enjoyable. 

Anyway, a "friend" of mine said "Shameful post. Wake up Tim" I tried desperetly to get him to talk to me about why he thought my view was "shameful" or why he thought I should "wake up". But it was like trying to reason with a fish. He was convinced he was right and no one could tell him otherwise. He didn't need to discuss anything with me because in his mind, he had the high ground. So why bother arguing with a scumbag like me? 

It's sad when people get their morality from politics. It's a wonderful way to delude yourself, actually. If you think the other side is not just misguided or wrong, but evil-than congratulations. You are part of what is wrong with this world today. 

Scripture Sunday Alma 47:4

Subtle evil is the most successful evil. Like the famous quote says-the devil doesn't show up with wild horns, breathing fire with a pitchfork. It'll show up like the devil did in the Passion of the Christ. Calmly enticing you to do evil. Amalickiah, at least in this passage, strikes me as the perfect Iago-creating untold evil by casuistry and manipulation. 

How to share your faith, part II

Here we go-after many requests (just kidding, I've gotten no requests) here is part two of "How to Share Your Faith" 

1.) Be surly and unpleasant. Never smile. Instead of showing the inner happiness and peace that faith brings (if your faith doesn't bring you that, you may not have found the one true faith) Scowl and remind them how immoral the world is. When people don't like being around you because you are such a downer-lecture them on their own immorality and kick them a few times for good measure. This is a sure fire way to turn people off from your faith. After all, if faith made you an unpleasant prick, then they have every right to assume it'll make them one too.

2) Shove religion down their throats. Nuance and being subtle? Not for you my friend! Preach religion with violence and force. Be unable to talk about anything else. When someone questions your beliefs, unleash the wrath of God on them. Take your bible and throw it at them. Quote scripture like you are part nun/part fundamentialst preacher. Sure, scripture can be outdated (No, you personally are not the sole translator of scripture, and yes, even LDS scripture has been reevaluated-hence the 1978 revelation) but you know better. This is another good way to lose friends and alinenate people, but they are just hell bound sinners anyway.

3) Be Holier than Thou-Let's face it, you've recieved personal revelation from God that you are here to tell everyone that you are perfect. Sure, pointing out the flaws of everyone else could be part of step one, but it deserves it's own step. Being holier than thou is fun. If you see someone having a beer or going five miles over the speed limit, it's time to remind them that you've never struggled with addiction or broken any law. If someone's marriage fell apart because the other person was cheating, remind them that divorce of all kinds is gravely evil and you've been married for a long time because well, you are better then them. This is maybe the best way to share you faith. All of us hell bound sinners need a role model in this twisted world, and you my friend, are it.

This post is dedicated to the the amazing Ben Stein, who is known for many things-but wrote a wonderful book called "How to Ruin Your Life". It is in this tone that I share it. Hope I didn't pull a Nick Simmons and copy, but if I did-well, imitation is the most sincere form of flattery. 

Album of the weekend

Gotta be honest with you-I've been waiting for this one for a long, long time. 

Megadeth-Dystopia

The last few albums (Super Collider, Thirteen) were not very good. In fact, many of us thought Megadeth was done. Their longtime drummer, Shawn Drover-left the band. Than guitarist Chris Broderick did as well. While it's true that Megadeth would be nothing without Dave-I was concerned about the turnover. 

Three songs have been released from Dystopia. Fatal Illusion, and The Threat is Real. Simply put, all three songs are spectacular. The long guitar solos, the deeply political and philosophical lyrics, and more importantly-they've got their edge back. The new additions to the band have worked out amazingly. This entire album is on par with their classics. 

Look, we all know what happened to Metallica. Jason Newsted left and they've never been the same. Bobby Trujillo is a great guitarist-I really like his work with Suicidal Tendencies-but he does not fit in with Metallica. Metallica has never been the same since their self titled album. I was scared this would happen to Megadeth. 

The album reminds me of the Judas Priest album "Redeemer of Souls". I also thought they were washed up and towards the end, but that album was great. Megadeth is my favorite band (it's a tie between them and the Ramones. Megadeth is 1, Ramones are 1A), but I do try to be fair (I'm sure all of us say the same thing). This album is outstanding. 

Life has three great pleasures. Reading the Book of Mormon, Baseball, and having your favorite band put together a great album after a bit of a struggle. 

Welcome back guys. You've been missed. 

True Confessions-Musicals

Ok, I'll say it now. This punk loves musicals, including the "Book of Mormon". "American Idiot" is quite good too-though I freely admit I wasn't a fan at first. It took me several listenings to  get over my own punk snobbishness and enjoy it.

My tastes are a little out there in culture. Growing up I was called a "queer" and much worse because I :: gasp :: liked musicals, drama and art. Usually the same people that called me horrible gay slurs were the ones who never dated women, but that's another issue altogether.

So yes, I like musicals. My favorites are "West Side Story", "Avenue Q" and "Title of Show". I used to like Rent and still do (in particular La Vie Boheme) but I've sort of aged out of the demographic. Now I view Mark and Roger as ungrateful and pretentious instead of "artistic and real".

My current obsession is the Youtube channel "Musical Hell". If she was LDS (and I think she's married), I'd totally make her wife number #4. I highly doubt she'd be interested in the offer, but it's still out there.

Musical Hell stars a super talented self described "Diva of the Underworld" who critiques some of the worst musicals of all time. Underneath her absolutely hilarious critique is some real insight. This girl has serious talent.

Highly suggest listening to it. Along with "Fair Mormon" and General Conference videos it's been on my playlist more than the Ramones lately!

Metallica now vs then

Oh Metallica. Oh Metallica....

I liked them until the Black Album came out. I've always liked Megadeth much more though.

Metallica has lost the edge they once had, in fact-they lost it years ago with the Black Album. No, "The Unforgiven" is not a good song. In fact, it's terrible. And instead of admitting their mistake and moving on they took the corpse and continue to beat it with Unforgiving II off Load/Re-Load and Unforgiven III off Death Magnetic. They'll lose me for life with Unforgiven IV. It's worse than Rocky sequels. At least the original Rocky was very good.

Anyway, Metallica was in the news recently for trying to sue a cover band for using their logo. Then, to dig it deeper they blamed the lawyer after the fans revolted and told the band to cool it. I was with them on Napster-a band has every right to charge you for the fruit of their labor-but not here.

Tribute bands make no money. They barely cover expenses, and most don't even do that. It's a hobby for them, not a lifestyle. Major bands picking on them is like a MLB player picking on a semi-pro guy doing it on the weekends. Sure, they have a point, but it just doesn't seem right. The major league guy (and Metallica) should have better things to do as well.

Scripture Sunday-2 Nephi 4:18-20

New thing I'm trying. Walking to my well marked Book of Mormon and sharing some of my favorite verses. 

For all of us that struggle with temptation (sexual, drugs, anger, any kind really) Nephi here tells that we aren't alone. Even when we are happy that we avoid the temptation-many of us are still sad that we have to struggle with it in the first place. 

Like it says though-neverthless, we trust in God and and are happy that with His help, we can overcome anything. 

Maybe Nephi struggled with the same things all of us do. 

Album of the weekend

Nine Inch Nails-The Fragile

Some songs on this album were inspired by David Bowie. By law, I must do this.

I love Nine Inch Nails. The teenage goth in me would be proud. To this day I still blast them on road trips, trying not to mosh while driving. Nine Inch Nails isn't for everyone and they aren't LDS approved.

This album is one of their best, full of great songs.

"We're in This Together Now" is an incredible love story. One that Trent Reznor doesn't seem capable of writing with his gloomy outlook. It should be played at weddings for the couples first dance. It's truly a love song.

"Starf*****"is also a good song, and like the song by Live "S***town" it's overlooked because of the vulgar titles. Sure it's a curse word, but it's also a great song.

Nine Inch Nails suffers from Black Veil Brides disease. Loved by pretentious, obnoxious teenagers who are full of "angst". Don't let that stop you. Still a great album.

Recent celebrity deaths

From Lemmy to Alan Rickman to David Bowie-it does seem like a lot of our favorites are passing away. 

When Johnny Ramone died I was crushed. Sure I was a grown man who knew he was sick, but it was still a blow. What bothered me to no end (and still really does) is when people try to dismiss or downplay your pain by saying "Oh,  well people die every day." or "Why do you care when a celebrity dies?" These are tragically sad and pathetic humans who live without heroes. Confront their obnoxious behavior with a beautiful line from Harry Potter, 

“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.”

It is We, the living, who can change the circumstances of our lives. We should mourn the dead, never forget them, but keep on living. Life does continue. 

Lottery fever

Gordon Hinckley on gambling:

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2005/04/gambling?lang=eng

I've spoken a lot on how I disagree with the church on certain issues. With this one, I agree one hundred percent. 

Big difference between Powerball tickets (still a bad idea) and being a casino leech (a worse idea). Though at least in a casino the odds are just bad, not like winning the Powerball (Odds of being elected President are actually much better-and that's not happening either).

Yes of course you should be allowed to buy Powerball tickets, go to casinos and generally do what you please as long as it doesn't hurt anyone. The lottery, however, really  does hurt people who spend their paychecks on scratch tickets. The unintended consequences are enormous. 

The lottery is called "a tax on the mathematically ignorant" for a reason. 

Hugh Nibley and artwork

Hugh Nibley didn't like the LDS art world. 

Hate to break it to you, but he was right, as he was often. 

LDS artwork is terrible. No, that doesn't mean I don't agree with the theology, no that doesn't mean I'm leaving the church. But that does mean-well, it means the artwork is terrible. I'm talking about the campy pictures you see everywhere. They look cheesy, folksy and not done by someone who really has the "eye" for artwork. 

I just moved back to the south, the only place that truly feels "home" to me . Home really is where you make it. I already have a few Sailor Jerry (Surprise!) posters, and I was looking for some LDS artwork. Not photos or pictures of the temple. 

Yes, art is subjective. Yes, sacred pictures of the prophet and Jesus Christ should be sacred. I also agree that my taste in art is a little weird. Anything from American traditional tattoos to abstract modernism paintings (Jackson Pollack, Arshile Gorky). I also have a thing for 50's retro style. So yes, my taste is a little out there. 

I also have the artistic talent of a...well, something that has no talent. So yes, I'm a critic without talent. But that's part of being a critic. Those who can't do teach, and those who can't teach write about things. 

Album of the weekend

Everclear-Sparkle and Fade

This is bittersweet for me. It's one of the best albums of the grunge era, in fact, it's underrated. Santa Monica, Heroin Girl are the two best songs. Everclear also did the best song off the Scream 2 soundtrack (A gem of a movie and soundtrack), "The Swing" My God they were good.They create a gritty, lonely atmosphere that shows the brilliance of the lead singer, Art Alexaskis. It's an incredibly good album if you like the grunge feel with a dark twist.

But that was their peak. I have a rule-mid 30's is far too old to have "daddy doesn't love me issues." Sure, we all have issues with mommy and daddy, but you need to get over it and move on. Everclear became the epitome of a band that didn't sell out, but lost the ability to create good songs.

So get this album if you like grunge, but don't expect other good ones from them.

Martial arts instructors and college professors

I've said recently that college professors and martial arts instructors can easily get warped egos. My former karate teacher (a really great guy) asked me to elaborate. So here I go. 

First off, yes, I'm speaking in generalities. There are exceptions to the rule. Second, yes, I have an ego as well. 

Both martial arts instructors and professors generally swim in a small pond. They don't associate much socially with people who aren't exactly like them. That will damage your view of the world by itself. You'll begin to have a hard time seeing any views other than your own as valid and reasonable. 

The bigger issue though? They are asked questions to which they know the answer, and they know they know the answers. So they begin to think they know the answers on everything. My college degree is in English. I know a bit about the subject. I don't know anything about Japanese literature (no, not an insult to Japanese literature. I'm just saying I don't know anything about it. I'm not even judging it. Chill). A Ph.D in English knows a lot about their specialty, but often times they think they know everything about all other subjects. So when they talk about economics or philosophy, they don't have the same level of expertise.

It's the same with martial arts instructors. I've taken Ed Parker style American Karate for years. Often times many instructors would give advice on life, health matters, and more troubling-legal issues. Listen carefully-unless you are a member of the bar, you shouldn't give legal advice. Why? Because if someone takes your advice and gets themselves in serious trouble, they are coming after you. Yes, it does happen. They also don't know a lot about healthy living unless they are experts in, well, healthy living. 

Yes, I love karate and my time in college. But that didn't delude me. The only people it tends to delude are professors and karate instructors.

Congrats to Mike Piazza!

One of my favorite players growing up has made it into the Hall of Fame!

Morgan Spurlock, the real world, and judgements.

LDS are thought of to be cold, judgmental, dogmatic and intolerant. Some are. Hate to break it to you, but people from all religions can be cold, judgmental, dogmatic and intolerant. So can atheists, non theists, agnostics and the like. The qualities described are human weaknesses, not applicable to any religion.

The dichotomy between what we are and what the world thinks we are is huge. Most people who judge LDS (ironically while screaming about LDS being judgmental. The lack of self awareness these people have is highly amusing) have never really bothered to meet one, much less go to a ward or attempt to get to know us. 

I've met missionaries and LDS who feed into that stereotype. Some can't take even the slightest joke. Please stop acting like that. It only hurts us. 

I don't like Morgan Spurlock. He's an arrogant jerk. Yes, me calling someone arrogant is hypocritical. He's also naive-in his movie "Super Size Me" he seems surprised that eating at McDonalds three times a day is unhealthy. Gee, thanks. It's also not advisable to beat yourself over the head with a flaming 2 x 4. Spurlock does deserve credit though for his show on FX, when he tried to understand how people vastly different to him lived. Not many people on all sides are brave enough to do that. 

Executive orders and guns.

By now we've all heard about the executive orders. What's chilling to me is how many applaud his actions but if a republican did it on abortion, the tolerant left would be up in arms. 

I'm going to blunt. Criminals don't follow the law. When someone wants to get a gun to hurt someone, they aren't going to Cabelas. They'll steal it, which is also illegal. 

Laws don't stop someone from doing something, they only punish you after the incident. 

We have checks and balances for a reason. 

No one legally purchases a firearm because they want too shoot people. We purchase it because we know there are people out there who are very naughty people. Those bad people want to break into your home or mug you. 

You can and should have the right to protect yourself. 

But the executive order part is also gravely troubling. A president is not a king, and this action should worry people. It's a slippery slope. 

Cursing

Upfront-yes, I curse. I try not too, but I do. Never in front of women and children. Yes, it's a nasty habit and I try not too. I don't do it on Facebook nor in public. 

But I do curse sometimes. Usually when I'm playing video games, watching my favorite sports teams, or sometimes when I'm with my male friends. I don't divulge in graphic sexual talk-I found that insulting before I was LDS. It's just part of being a gentlemen. 

You know what really bothers me more than people who curse? Those who act like it's on par with murder or adultery. While sin is sin, it's not equal. No, jaywalking isn't the same as stabbing a man in a bar fight. Cursing isn't the same as adultery either. I've seen religious people who have gotten divorced multiple times (just using it as an example, again, we all sin and yes, divorce can be a sin) ignore their own failings and flip over someone saying "Hell" or "Damn". 

You shouldn't judge someone because they sin differently. We're all flawed. CS Lewis again, said it best. "Being a cold, self righteous prig (English word for "moralistic jerk") is worse than being a prostitute." 

Album of the weekend

Pennywise-Land of the Free

Punk is political. Even the Ramones, who aren't known for their politics, have a few highly charged political songs.  

Pennywise was, for many of us, the first introduction to political punk. People complain about most of their songs sound the same-but that's punk. It's not known for it's complexity. Pennywise suffers from the delusion that all punk bands do-they grossly over estimate their own value. That said, Pennywise is still a great band for those who are into political punk. Land of the free is their best album.

My views on most authority can be summed up by their most well known song too. 

Happy New Year everyone. Thank you for reading this blog. It's been so much fun writing it.