Catholicism

Dear Readers,

Another delicate post, much like my post about Jehovah's Witnesses, I will talk about Catholic beliefs and why I am not Catholic. It is my sincere desire to not misrepresent the Catholic church or Catholicism. If there seems to be any misunderstandings on my part, please feel free to correct me. I am not above amending something that I have misconstrued. Unlike my post about the Jehovah's Witnesses, I could not find a direct website from them, thus Wikipedia was my main source of information. Therefore, I have all the more need for your comments to make sure that my understanding and information is correct.

Like with my other post, I will focus on the three questions of the soul:

Where did I come from?

Why am I here?

Where am I going?

The Catholic church, an umbrella term I am using to refer to Catholicism in general, is comprised of an organization based around priesthood authority. Claiming lineage of this authority primarily through Peter, and therefore Christ Himself, passing down to Linus (2 Timothy 4:21) as the first recorded Pope (arguably Peter, but since he is still referred to as Saint Peter it is Pope Linus as the first Pope), then to Anacletus, Clement, Evaristus, Alexander, Sixtus, Telephorus, Hyginus, Pius, et cetera.

Under the pope are Cardinals, Bishops, Priests and Deacons. This is based much after the organization depicted in 1 Timothy chapter 3 minus the Cardinals, who are basically superior Archbishops.

It is interesting to point out that in the same chapter where this organization is set forth, there are also stipulation that are unmet in the Catholic church today, including Bishops being the "husband of one wife" (1 Timothy 3:2) and Deacons as well (1 Timothy 3:12). This seems contrary to the current practice of celibacy required for the station of Bishops and other clergy. However, I must admit that though this seems to be a requirement, it does appear to be closely related to the "forbidding to marry" as warned about in the following chapter (1 Timothy 4:3).

Alas, this brings us to the doctrines taught. Though they teach from the Holy Bible, many of their practices and doctrines come from tradition and other liturgy written and formulated by former Popes and other leaders, including theological counsels.

Saint Birinus Catholic Church link

One of the most famous of these counsels was that of Nicaea. From the counsel was created the Nicene Creed which decrees the nature of God as the Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, Spirit of God) all as one being in order to stand apart from the polytheistic (multiple god) religions of Greece and Rome.

Madonna (Virgin Mary) from All Saints Catholic Church St. Peters, Missouri

With this monotheistic (one god) extreme of combining the Trinity into one, other doctrines were set forth, including prayers, sacraments, and other forms of worship. One of the many forms of worship that other Christians often view as idol worship is prayers to Mary the mother of Jesus and various Saints. However, in the course of my research I have been able to discern why this isn't so, or at least, why Catholics do not view it that way.

Adam's Creation by Michelangelo Sistine Chapel Censored

God created the world ex nihilo (out of nothing) in 6 literal days. Though, Catholic consign that evolution may have been the means of creating the first human body (Adam), God is responsible for creating his soul.

After Satan's fall, he tempts Adam and Eve into mortal sin. Mortal sin being unpardonable after death while venial sin is more forgivable. Baptism washes away mortal sin, thus with the fall of the human species, children have to be baptized to remove this original sin. Yet, this does not remove their agency.

Infant Baptism

While children, through baptism, have been cleansed form the original sin, there is a second conversion at 13 in which an individual expresses a personal willingness to serve God and thus, essentially, renew their baptism.

Though mortal sin can only be forgiven in this life through confession, penance, and a priest conferring absolution, venial sin can be forgiven after. This, therefore, allows for death bed repentance and thus salvation. According to Catholicism, when we die we are taken to God for judgment where we are set into one of three states of being.

Catholic Heaven as depicted in Simpsons season 16 episode 21

There is heaven (Mark 14:62), where those who are free from sin are raised in a state of "unspeakable joy that lasts forever" (wiki).

Depiction of Dante's Infero

Then there is hell, a state of eternal misery burning in fire and brimstone (Revelation 20:10). Even though I find interesting the depiction of hell in Dante's Inferno, the description of nine circles is inaccurate according to Catholic theology. In this terrible state are all those who die with mortal sin remaining such as unbaptized babies, murderers, adulterers, et cetera.

Purgatory scene from 1999 The Haunting

Lastly, there is a temporary state of purgatory, where people who die with venial sins remain until they are purged by penance and prayers of others still living, on their behalf. Once they are cleansed, they are finally released to heaven or dragged down to hell. I like how this was depicted in the movie The Haunting, where an evil man clung onto children, thus holding them in purgatory with him until the demons finally dragged him down and released the children into heaven.

But what does this have to do with the "idolatry" of Saints? Because heaven is alive and well now, those who die and go there are currently alive and with God. Thus, prayers to Mary and other Saints are more like phone calls to someone not in the room. Also, with the doctrine of Jesus Christ, the Mediator, being one with God the Father, there is no mediator to plead for us in mortality other than the Saints. Wherefore, praying to Saints to ask God for blessings on our behalf is the only help we can receive beside from God directly.

With this knowledge, it also makes sense why Pope Francis recently talked about how having a personal relationship with Christ can be dangerous (youtube). It appears woven into their beliefs that without others you are alone. Without Saints pleading to God on your behalf, without friend and family at church praying for you after you die, or receive constant absolution from priests then your efforts by yourself, as an individual, could leave your soul in jeopardy.

Now that I have talked about their beliefs and even defended the Pope, lets answer the questions at hand.

Where did I come from? Our bodies are essentially those of an animal though in the likeness of God having a spirit uniquely created by God at our birth.

Why am I here? Our purpose is to not sin and worship God.

Where am I going? Depending on how well I did not sin and worshiped God, I either go to heaven or hell, everlasting bliss or misery respectively. There might be a brief stay in purgatory, but eventually it would be one of these two places.

Not having any memories before this life, personally, I could live with my mortal body being created at birth and God creating my spirit at that time, but mortality seems rather pointless, just scraping by to live and commit no grand sins in order to make it to heaven. Then in heaven, yes it is ultimate bliss, but what is the point?

It seems as though most of the incentive to keep from sinning comes from not burning in hell fire for eternity. As it stands, according to Catholicism, I would be damned to hell because I have not been baptized by their authority and thus being cleansed from the original mortal sin. It is interesting, however, to note some of that power and authority as laid out in the Holy Bible. Matthew 16:19 is Christ addressing Peter concerning the keys of authority He gives him, "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

As anecdotal evidence, while on my mission I had an opportunity to talk to a Catholic who clearly had talked to missionaries before. He politely turned my companion and I away, but before closing the door he added that the "keys" to bind and loose are found in the Catholic church. I knew what he was referencing because as a missionary, we talk a bit about how the keys are restored and families can be bound or sealed together for all eternity. Thus his comment intrigued me. In all of my research of the Catholic church I have not found what they would use this authority for (if they indeed had it).

With confession and absolution it seems as though they openly exercised power to "loose" people from the binds of sin on earth and in heaven, but what do they bind? Catholic marriages are till death do they part, so they bind on earth, but NOT in heaven, where everyone is like an angel of God (Matthew 22:30) having no spouse or children but are all brothers and sisters or children of God. I truly do not know what they "bind" on earth and heaven and therefore it appears as though they do not in reality have this authority to which they profess and claim.

To sum up, though I do not think the Catholic church is God's church on the earth, I do find their desire to serve God by being proper Christians, and even their desire to pray and try to help those who have passed on to be admirable. Yet, their idea of the purpose of life leaves me much to be desired, including the results of the afterlife. It boggles my mind that God would create a spirit for a new born baby or infant only to damn it to everlasting fire and brimstone for simply not being born to a Catholic family. This philosophy portrays a God that performs much for pointless and futile reasons. Alas, with this viewpoint I recognize my bias and advise others to follow their own hearts and to pray, asking God, to learn and know truth for themselves.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Previous: Jehovah's Witnesses

BTVS: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Dear Readers,

This may be because I am a 90's child, but I have always liked the television show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Though, it should be noted, I actually preferred the Angel spin-off series. Being a young man growing up, I found the Angel character more relatable. Nonetheless, while watching both series I discovered some wonderful truths about the BTVS universe that I want to share. Before I begin, I should point out the obviousness that the true God of the BTVS universe is indeed the Christian God Jesus Christ.

BTVS Season 7 Episode 2 Spike embracing a cross

If the way crosses and holy water burn vampires didn't make that obvious to you, then I hope you take my word for it.

First up, in the beginning of the series Giles tries to paint a very dark, grim view of the world talking about how before humans, demons ruled the world. These demons were called The Old Ones, and were large monstrous creatures. Very little is mentioned about them in the series, yet we have some insight from the Mayor of Sunnydale's ascension.

BTVS Season 3 Episode 22 Mayor Richard Wilkins transforming

During the highschool graduation the Mayor ascended into a higher form, a "true" or "pure" demon. 

BTVS Season 3 Episode 22 Wilkins as the Olvikan demon

 This transformation turned him into an Olvikan demon that a volcanologist had discovered the remains of under a volcano. Easily mistaking the demon's corpse to be that of an undiscovered dinosaur, the scientist was unaware that he was being used by the Mayor to secured the transformation.

Maloker the Old One who created the first vampires

Now, especially with the comic, other Old Ones have been portrayed as simply enormous monstrous demons. Since the comic book series has been produced by the same director as the television series, I will admit this warrant's more investigation. However, my theory, for now, remains the same.

In Genesis, before talking about the creation of the world it says, "And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:2)

This was mentioned in my Creation post where I mentioned that this "void" earth was likely made of at least partly by a planet that had been inhabited by dinosaurs. In that post, I also mention the pre-mortal life and how Lucifer and his one-third of the angels of God were cast down to the earth. It seems as though, at least in the BTVS universe that they were cast onto the "dinosaur" world, casting it in darkness.

Lucifer, having become Satan, the first to rebel against God and therefore he and those who followed him lost their first estate (their opportunity to receive bodies of their own). Yet, coming to this world with large creature, what would any angry disembodied spirit do? Posses the bodies for themselves.

However, and this is key in the BTVS universe, when these demons posses bodies they change them. Either genetic or cosmetic, the transformation is clear. Yet, the second half of that verse in Genesis adds depth. "And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters." God, the one true God, was casting them out, casting them away to make room for His children.

Though, clearly they were not cast out completely by the time humans came to take the earth, else how could Maloker have created the first vampire, or the rest of the demonic generations be formed? As I say this, my mind is concocting another theory as to how it could have still happened.

Possessed snake from the movie Noah

Theory one: most of the Old Ones were banished and cast into their own dimensional worlds becoming the demonic gods of their worlds, however, Satan and a few lingered. When Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, Satan possessed a serpent and beguiled Eve. That would be when God cursed Satan beyond eve his followers saying, "And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel." (Genesis 3:15)

I think that it is this cursing that is the key difference between our world and the BTVS world. This would be where God would curse Satan that he could no longer truly possess a body, thus ever to remain incorporeal as The First. Yet in our world, God had enough foresight to take away nearly all of Satan's power. Though he could tempt us, we as beings with our own bodies will always have more power than he does. He may hurt us, but we can banish and destroy him.

Alas, because Adam and Eve partook of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they were cast out of Eden into a world of pain and confusions. This created the perfect breeding ground for the remaining Old Ones to influence and transfigure groups of humans into demons after their likeness.

Theory two: all of the Old ones were banished to their own dimensions, but because The First had not yet possessed a body, he remained. Then, like the first theory, he beguiled Eve and was cursed. Yet he was able to influence humans in the days of wickedness before the flood to worship these false demonic gods. Using their powers, they made portals to their dimensions and interdimensional migration occurred allowing humans to go there, be transformed into the demonic versions and then return and vice versa.

BTVS Season 3 Episode 5 Kulak demon (Note the stegosaurus dinosaur traits)

For both theories, I would say the reason for the distinction and enmity or dislike between demons and vampires is that the demons were people that the Old Ones corrupted.

However, Maloker took it a step further and would banish the human spirit by killing them and replace it with one of his own follower spirits. Again we see a change in their bodies, the "bumpy" forehead and sharp teeth, however because the bodies are actually those of humans, they are able to revert back.

Angel Season 1 Episode 9 Lucas the Bracken demon

For vampires, it is more of human body, demonic face. Yet for the Bracken demons their human appearance is more of a camouflage.

Turok-Han

Though I think that the first vampires were like the current BTVS vampires, where does that place the uber vamps or Turok-Han?

The Master

There are clear similarities between the uber vamps and The Master vampire. However, The Master maintained his high thinking, while the Turok-Han are primal beasts. Giles said of them, "As Neanderthals are to human beings, the Turok-Han are to vampires. They're primordial, ferociously powerful killing machine, as single-minded as animals. They are the vampires that vampires fear."

Most of us would take that statement to say that vampires came from these Turok-Han, which could be true. Yet, I would purpose an alternate theory. With my ideas about neanderthals and how the relate to humans, being another race of humans rather than a separate species that we somehow emerged from, I think that the Turok-Han are the vampires that vampires fear because they are what becomes of a vampire that has been starved of blood for millennia. This could place them anciently as the first vampires that Maloker created in his dimension without a fresh source of blood their minds degenerated into the simple need to feed. The demonic influence in their bodies over the longer period of time makes them more bat-like just like Maloker, and how being ancient made The Master more bat-like as well. However, unlike the Turok-Han, The Master was able to feed continually in the BTVS world and thus retain his sanity. To reiterate, vampires fear the Turok-Han because that is what they will become when all that makes them sentient, or human is taken away by starvation.

This would also explain why the Turok-Han have so much more immunity to vampire traits. The "modern" vampire is susceptible to holy water and crosses because they are yet human bodies and atoning power of Christ's sacrifice on the cross and in the garden of Gethsemane tries to purify the evil from their bodies, as the atonement is there to free us from sin if we use it. Yet, being around so long and having that demonic spirit slowly change their bodies over time, the human flesh becomes less human, preventing the atonement of Christ to work as well as it did or could.

Angel as a demon in Pylea

Alas, it is important to note that when Angel went to a hell dimension called Pylea, he found that with the nature of the dimension, it made his human side human while his demonic side demon. As they explained that the demonic form he took was what the demon inside of him actually looks like. The reptilian nature hints that it is likely that Maloker does not have any actual demons of his own. The demons that posses the bodies are likely the spirit of other fallen demons that Maloker either gives a second chance to, or are only able to escape their hell dimensions by entering a human host and become a vampire.

Sadly, this about sums up my theory about the history of the nature of demons and vampires in the BTVS universe, however, there are yet points to mention.

As I brought up briefly with the second theory of the humans using the demon's powers to make portals for the dimensional migration, it should be noted what witch craft in the BTVS universe is.

Amy casting a love spell

Whether it is Amy praying to the goddess Diana.

Willow calling upon Osiris to raise Buffy back from the dead. 

Or Willow praying to Osiris, they are calling upon the powers of the demonic demi-gods. Their powers are not their own, only lent to them by demons seeking to corrupt them.

Charmed power of three Celtic knot. 

I should point out that this is also different from the witchcraft in Charmed, which is more spiritual and cosmic in nature. Much like the power Giles used to bind Dark Willow, it comes from the world itself, or even from a righteous higher plane. Like with Charmed, the power of three is a clear reference to the trinity and the power of God, which is why the Elder and White Lighters or heavenly beings were charged to watch over and help them.

BTVS Season 7 Episode 22 White Willow

This is why White Willow was created when Willow activated the potential slayers and released the power. Though the words of her prayer cannot be really heard with her muttering, it is not too far of a leap to say that she might have been praying to the one true God, or at very least performing His will.

The Shadow Men infusing the shadow spirit or "heart" of a demon into Buffy or the First Slayer

Though witchcraft appears to be generally evil in the BTVS universe, it was interesting how the Shadow Men tried to use that power to help humanity. By infusing the first demon's spirit into the First Slayer, they created a warrior to combat the evil, though they limited it to one warrior so that they and their followers the Watchers, could maintain a hold of the situation.

Thus we see the graphic battle over good and evil that would take place in a world where fallen angels or demons would be permitted to have a bit more influence over the bodies their possess. In our own lives, the devil's influence over may be lessened, but it is also subtler too. I testify that Satan is real, but so is Christ and His infinite mercy. There is real evil in this world and it is created by the absence of God and His influence.

Lastly, when Buffy died by jumping into Glory's portal, she said that she felt like she went to heaven. She described that place, "Wherever I was, I was happy. At peace. I knew that everyone I cared about was all right. I knew it. Time didn't mean anything, nothing had form, but I was still me, you know? And I was warm and I was loved and I was finished. Complete. I don't understand about theology or dimensions, or any of it really. But I think I was in heaven." (BTVS 6:3)

Tucson Temple

Though the notion of nothing had form made it seem more like the was in the spirit world, the paradise of spirit world, I had an interesting experience where I found myself participating in a form of the true method of prayer. It was the Hosanna shout (Doctrine and Covenants 109:79) of the Tucson temple dedication. The mingling of voice all in one accord made me feel like I was simply one of many, yet I was still myself. I think that is what Buffy was trying to describe, at least in part, billions upon billions of the children of God all shouting His praise, uniting themselves and their will to God. I think that was a taste of what pre-mortal life was like, living for an eternity as spirits with our Father in Heaven and then, when we will return to Him, praising Him again for the plan of salvation is complete. I never quite understood that before, the repeating of words simultaneously often seemed a bit like cultish chanting which I had dismissed with the notion that cults and even Satan himself had to get it from somewhere, even a pollution of true doctrine and practice.

As strange as it is to say, I don't think that I would have the appreciation or as ripe of an experience as I had with the Hosanna shout and prayers in the temple without having watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer and had that realization from pondering upon her words. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is God's true church on the earth today. I am thankful to be a member of it, and I am thankful that I live in a world where the only corruption Satan and his angels can reap upon our bodies are those temptations that we choose to give in to.

Love,
Jacobugoth

Facebook Request 4: My Testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Dear Readers,

This is the last of my Facebook requests that I have so far received. I had originally asked for requests in the hopes that I could find more narrow subjects to bear my testimony on... instead, a lovely girl by the name of Shy asked me to just bear my testimony. So this post is dedicated to her.

I was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Being thus raised, I was surrounded by the Mormon influence, but what I found, especially around the age of 17, is that all I had gained was a testimony that God is my Father, and that Jesus Christ is His son and my Savior. I mostly chalk this up to the gift of the Spirit, (Moroni 10:11) "and to another, exceedingly great faith...". Though, it is also from having so many of my prayers answered. Indeed, I have such great faith that my prayers can be answered, and that Jesus Christ and God the Father are real, that I would refer to it more as knowledge than faith.

Growing up, I have always been a very strange, weird child. Generally a freak. So, at the age of 17, I decided to pray one night, with all of my heart, as the most desperate desire of my soul, to know why I am the way that I am. I was answered through my dream. It contained two parts, though I will only mention the relevant meaning of the second part, because I hold both very dear and close to my heart. My answer was: there are people in this world, that only I can help, because I am the way that I am.

I had not considered even serving a mission. My family was very understanding about it. They would like me to serve a mission, but they did not expect or require it of me. I am very thankful to them for that, because I know that the pressures in the church can send young men onto a course, that may be a righteous course, but trodden begrudgingly, and is soon departed from.

So, with the age to serve a mission being 19, and I was close to being 18, I actually considered going, probably for the first time in my life. I just figured, that if there are people out there that only I can help, then serving a mission would be a good way to try and find them. But, I wanted to make sure that what I would be called to preach on my mission was true.

I knew that there is a God in Heaven, that Jesus Christ was His Son, and I knew that they answered prayers. This got me on the path of studying out my beliefs. I rationally figured that serving a mission would be a good way of find those I am meant to help, but, since I did not know if the doctrine was true, I was completely willing to leave the church and find God's true church, wherever that may be. I believe I was 18 by this point, and again, knowing how understanding my parents are, knew that they would not look down on me should I walk a different path.

Without the distractions of peer pressure or doubt, I planned ahead. I had found, at a nearby park, a location that I felt really close to. Like my own little wooded area. My own sacred grove. I chose a Monday morning to walk out to this location, and kneel down to ask my Father in Heaven if the Book of Mormon was true and if Joseph Smith was indeed His Prophet, a true Prophet. Part of why I felt so inclined to choose a location, in nature, and to pray there, is because in my studying of the church, I found that I related to Joseph Smith.

I too felt that the powers of darkness had combined against me, almost in my infancy. My mother had a stroke when she was pregnant with me. I grew up a freak, feeling like I had no friends, like I was alone. For years, tried to keep my suffering in silence as I battled depression. I felt like God must have an amazing plan for me, and important plan. Indeed, part of me, expected to receive an undeniable witness of God's will, possibly through the visitation of a heavenly messenger.

Note: this is not the place, but same park

When I reached my destination, I took off my glasses, and kneeling down, my face in my hands, bent low, I prayed to my Father in Heaven. I told Him the desires of my heart, that I know He is real, I know Jesus Christ is real, I know I am willing to follow Him, I desire to know which church is true, if the Book of Mormon is true, if Joseph Smith was a true Prophet. I poured out this desire, like the tears from my face. Then, after closing in Christ's name, I waited. I waited some more. When my tears finally dried, I straitened my back and looked up at the sun, shinning through the trees. I felt no different. No burning in my bosom, as the scriptures say. I did not feel more loved, I did not feel like I received an answer at all.

Replacing my glasses, I stood up and just began to walk, wandering around the park. I don't think that I saw anyone else there. I walked, and walked, for several hours, just looking at the beauty around me, and trying to figure out why my prayer was not answered.

Finally it dawned on me... almost like a voice in my head that was not quite mine. From that very morning I felt peaceful. Even on my walk to my own personal sacred grove, did I not hear the birds chirping so wonderfully. Were not all of my senses heightened, and just filled with peace. Indeed, this entire morning, wandering out here, has this feeling departed from me? No. I know that God answers prayers, and if there was ever a point in my life for Him to lead me onto the right path, this would be it. So, maybe this peace is the answer to my prayer, an answer that He chose to give before I even asked the question.

This is when I learned, for myself, a true, deeper meaning of faith. If God wanted me on another path, He could have told me, so this must be the right path, at least for now. So yes, this could be considered convincing myself, but I "CHOSE" to accept the peace as my answer. I learned that faith is not something you acquire, nor is it something that is given to your, or that you spontaneously have. Faith is a choice. A choice to do good, to follow God. Faith is choosing the better part. That day, I chose.

With this testimony, I went forth and served a mission for the LDS church, preaching Mormonism, or more properly called, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On that two year journey, I learned so much. I learned that, because God could do such a better job than snot nosed twenty-year-olds, that the mission is less for actual missionary work, and is more for the missionary. I learned more about myself than all the years before hand. I learned more about my body, and it's limitations and strengths. I learned more about the doctrine, feeding and building upon my testimony.

I also had the opportunity to learn more about other religions, and I found out that this is the most true church on the earth, indeed, if ANY other church currently upon the earth was true, my very soul would not be satisfied. I like how the mother of my favorite mission companion put it... though I don't remember her exact words. She roughly said, that the majority of religions, especially all of the variations of Christianity, teach the same thing. Do unto others and you want them to do to you. Be nice, serve God. Love one another. So if so much is the same, then it is the differences that should matter. Indeed, all of that love and doing good is what happens in this life. It is what happened before this life, and what happens after this life, that makes the most difference.

I learned from a Jehovah's Witness that they believe that all our "spirits" are actually just part of God's Spirit, thus it is a portion of His spirit that enters us for the breath of life. For me, this does destroy some sense of individuality... "'I' think, therefore 'I' am". So that does not sit right with me. Then, they believe in an afterlife quite Biblically based. That when Christ comes again, He will govern this world, and that those who followed Him and His example, will be resurrected and live in paradise. The 144,000 chosen are to be resurrected, like Christ, as "spiritual" beings, or "celestial" beings, while the rest of the multitude of Christ's followers will be physical or of a "terrestrial" nature. For the rest of eternity, they will live in this paradise, with Christ as the King, and the 144,000 as other leaders, all under Jehovah. This kind of heaven sounds nice, I mean it is paradise, but it does not satisfy my soul. I know that eventually, science will all be mastered, and then life will just continue. No progress, no growth. Stagnant, for all eternity.

The same problem comes with other religions, either you are reincarnated over and over again, reach nirvana meaning nothingness or being part of everything, or you wind up in a heaven, where you are at peace, and restful, but without any progression. This could never satisfy my soul. I know what it is like to be blissful, but without some purpose, some cause, some growth, there is no satisfaction.

If you are reading this and you are not a Mormon, I hope that you understand that I mean no offence, especially if I did not represent or understand your religion very well. I ask for you to please comment your beliefs and maybe your testimony of why you believe your faith. I am merely trying to state my understanding of why the LDS church is the only religion that is true upon the earth. Indeed, this is the only religion that has answered every question I have had.

For, not only do we believe in a pre-existence as individuals with God, as His spirit children, we believe that after this life we can progress and become just like Him. For, what is the point of children, if they do not grow up and become like their parents.

I leave these things with you, that I know for myself that God lives, that Jesus is His Son and that He is the Christ, the same that lived a perfect life, suffered for us in the Garden of Gethsemane and gave His life on the cross all for our sake. I know that Joseph Smith is a true Prophet of God, that God bestowed upon him power and authority to translate the Book of Mormon which is a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the American Continent, for God loves His children everywhere, and to restore the fullness of Christ's Gospel back to the earth. I know that the priesthood, or the authority to act in God's name is upon the earth, and that the mantle of Prophet-hood, as I call it, has been passed down to our current Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson. I know that God loves His children today, as in days past, and that He does speak to us today. He is not dead nor doth He sleep. I know that because of Christ, all will be resurrected from the dead, and then judged according to their works and desires of their hearts. I know that this mortal shell shall be outgrown and receive immortality, and I often pray for that day to come speedily. I leave these things with you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Holy Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Rock of Heaven, the Savior and Redeemer of the world, Amen.

Love,
Jacobugoth