tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post115314065035063254..comments2023-11-02T07:25:45.884-05:00Comments on Mormanity - a blog for those interested in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: "My parents were not people of blood" - Remembering Mosiah Hancock and the 1838 Mormon WarJeff Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08776493593387402607noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-58694171260490157432010-06-11T14:35:25.202-05:002010-06-11T14:35:25.202-05:00Jeff, thanks for the post.
Blackmarch,
"How ...Jeff, thanks for the post.<br /><br />Blackmarch,<br />"How could anybody not?"<br /><br />I totally agree with you. Consider those who have had "near-death" experiences. Many would prefer death to life but know that it is not for them to "play God" and take their own lives. They only wish God would. And they are not the only ones who feel that way. <br /><br />People miss half the boat when they think longevity of mortal life counts more than quality of mortal and immortal life. Then the half boat they do catch sinks. Instead of a mercifull God who loves His children enough to kill some of them for their own infinite protection, they want a God that has their limits of understanding or their limits on love. I am grateful that we have a greater God than the one they imagine. Thanks for your comment.NathanSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-6652445886881312892010-02-03T11:43:00.755-06:002010-02-03T11:43:00.755-06:00"How can anyone believe in a God that kills i..."How can anyone believe in a God that kills innocent people? I want no part in that belief systems."<br /><br />How can someone not? As soon as a person comes into physical being they are marked for death. None will escape it, doesn't matter if you're innocent or not, young or old, rich or poor, healthy or ill.Blackmarchnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-83429053224900824062008-12-08T09:39:00.000-06:002008-12-08T09:39:00.000-06:00I am a sixth generation descendent of a Missouri f...I am a sixth generation descendent of a Missouri family from Livingston County who was on the "other side" of the conflict. My father married a Mormon girl and then joined the Church. My ancestor was a judge appointed by Gov. Lilburn W. Boggs, was a good Methodist (anti-slavery) and had a camp-meeting site on his farm at Spring Hill. From all records he was a good and amiable man. He was, however, apparently deceived by the popular outlook toward Mormons and indications are that at least some of his sons rode in the Hauns Mill raid. One of his sons, my direct ancestor, was captured and held by "Mormons" and warned to stay out of Daviess County. Following is a copy of his affidavit:<BR/><BR/>[Affidavit of Thomas J. Martin]<BR/><BR/>I, Thomas J. Martin, after being duly sworn do testify upon oath that whereas I was returning from meeting on the 21st day of Oct 1838 in Livingston County, I was intercepted and taken prisoner by the body of people called Mormons, which presented their guns and told me that I had one of two things told. That was, to relate to them all that I knew concerning the [blank] their munitions, &c, or to be laid on the sod and let birds eat me. They also took me about 12 miles during which time I saw them rummage the house of Mr. White. I also saw them take 4 others, and they had some others that had been taken before, some of which [they] took to Adam on deamon, and I have not [heard] from them since. During the time I was a prisoner they told me that they did not intend to let any man stay in Davies County that was not friendly to them. And they were doing the same to redress the injury received in Jackson County.<BR/><BR/> Thomas J. Martin<BR/><BR/>The above was sworn to and subscribed before me this 22nd day of October 1838.<BR/>Adam Black J.P.<BR/>------------------<BR/><BR/>Whether those taking prisoners were authorized by the Church or not is mute at this point. They did, however, cause a lot of harm to the image of the Church.<BR/><BR/>I don't think the Lord "curses" people so much as they curse themselves. Even down to my grandfather, the family was adamantly anti-Mormon. It was several years after my parents were married that my grandfather would speak to the Mormon daughter-in-law. It is the customs and false traditions of the fathers that often keeps otherwise good people from the truth.<BR/><BR/>We have been able to give these ancestors the opportunity of accepting the gospel through family history and temple work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-6700338270829111882008-11-30T18:57:00.000-06:002008-11-30T18:57:00.000-06:00One must remember this - the greatest trick Satan ...One must remember this - the greatest trick Satan ever pulled was convincing the world he never exsisted.... Dangerous thoughts to think him as an idea.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-88182658135154213302008-09-25T10:26:00.000-05:002008-09-25T10:26:00.000-05:00It's a slippery slope, the path that leads to hell...It's a slippery slope, the path that leads to hell.<BR/><BR/>I think it's completely foolish to believe there is not a Satan. I don't believe for one second that all the mistakes I've made were "just because".Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16807912176247694382noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153509635895819162006-07-21T14:20:00.000-05:002006-07-21T14:20:00.000-05:00Pardon...Calvin in "The Institutes of the Christia...Pardon...Calvin in "The Institutes of the Christian Religion" (the similarity in names crossed my wires)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153509487644203422006-07-21T14:18:00.000-05:002006-07-21T14:18:00.000-05:00A classic theological dillema, Rick--One that Morm...A classic theological dillema, Rick--One that Mormons are certainly not alone in grappling with. Luther did it in "Freedom of a Christian," Calvin in "Institutes of a Christian." Anyone who believes that mankind has free will and that God knows everything must deal with this issue. <BR/><BR/>Not presuming to be the final word on the matter, I would suggest that our experience here is just that--OUR experience. A test? Perhaps, but that title is misleading. As a play gone unperformed is hardly a play at all (simply inkblots that claim to represent dialogue), so is experience the central element to mortality. <BR/><BR/>But maybe you've "heard it all before." If so, while these explanations may not be satisfying, it is not because they have been tried and left wanting, but because they (generally) have been found difficult and left untried (Chesterton--I kinda like his stuff, if you've noticed :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153504128570290652006-07-21T12:48:00.000-05:002006-07-21T12:48:00.000-05:00Anonymous,You added emphasis to "tradition of thei...Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>You added emphasis to "tradition of their fathers". What point did you mean for us to get? I don't want to mis-interpret.<BR/><BR/>This verse confuses me:<BR/><BR/>"Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; "For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts." (D&C 137: 7-9)<BR/><BR/>If this is true, then why do we need to come to earth at all if God already knows the desires of our hearts?Bishop Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05385909789743073477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153490449089403662006-07-21T09:00:00.000-05:002006-07-21T09:00:00.000-05:00Bishop Rick,I believe what the scriptures teach, t...Bishop Rick,<BR/><BR/>I believe what the scriptures teach, that "good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience." (Alma 29: 5)<BR/><BR/>I believe "the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil" (Moro. 7: 16) and that the "word of the Lord is truth, and whatsoever is truth is light, and whatsoever is light is Spirit, even the Spirit of Jesus Christ. <BR/>"And the Spirit giveth light to every man that cometh into the world; and the Spirit enlighteneth every man through the world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit.<BR/>"And every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God, even the Father." (D&C 84: 45-47)<BR/><BR/>I believe "that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through <B>disobedience</B>, from the children of men, and because of the <B>tradition of their fathers</B>." (D&C 93: 39; emphasis added)<BR/><BR/>I believe that there are many all throughout the world "who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it— <BR/>Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven— <BR/>These should then be attended to with great earnestness." (D&C 123: 12-13)<BR/><BR/>Furthermore I believe that "All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if they had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God; <BR/>"Also all that shall die henceforth without a knowledge of it, who would have received it with all their hearts, shall be heirs of that kingdom; <BR/>"For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts." (D&C 137: 7-9)<BR/><BR/>In short, I don't believe God gives anyone a bum deal. How it is all going to work out I'm not sure, because of my own ignorance and because all of God's "judgments are not given unto men" (D&C 29: 30). I have faith that God is able to do His own work (2 Ne. 27: 20-21) in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children. (Moses 1: 39)<BR/><BR/>I say with Nephi: "I know that [God] loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things." (1 Ne. 11: 17)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153405043626665832006-07-20T09:17:00.000-05:002006-07-20T09:17:00.000-05:00Adamite,I think many atheists and exmos would agre...Adamite,<BR/><BR/>I think many atheists and exmos would agree with you.Bishop Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05385909789743073477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153393946852007002006-07-20T06:12:00.000-05:002006-07-20T06:12:00.000-05:00I believe that the information in the temple was i...I believe that the information in the temple was inspired by the Lord. He would not have any information that would be misleading or confusing. The truth is plain and simple. If satan was only an idea why would he say that he has done this work in other worlds? Sounds like he's a real entity just an idea. God won't lead us into confusion about what He means. If Satan was only an idea then God and Christ and everything else would be just an idea.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153375436895325192006-07-20T01:03:00.000-05:002006-07-20T01:03:00.000-05:00adamite,I agree with your approach. I have just co...adamite,<BR/><BR/>I agree with your approach. I have just come to slightly different conclusions.<BR/><BR/>You do realize that much of the temple ceremony is figurative don't you?Bishop Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05385909789743073477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153375250602905242006-07-20T01:00:00.000-05:002006-07-20T01:00:00.000-05:00Walker,If with truly having an open mind, one weig...Walker,<BR/><BR/>If with truly having an open mind, one weighs all the evidence and comes down on the side of orthodoxy, then good for him. He can feel good about his conclusions.<BR/><BR/>I couldn't open your link, but I agree, that the "...when a prophet speaks..." doctrine is false. I also mentioned that I didn't think you believed it either.<BR/><BR/>anonymous,<BR/><BR/>"I believe the devil can only darken and ensnare those who are disobedient to the voice of God."<BR/><BR/>So are you saying that if someone hasn't heard the voice of God (thus not being able to hearken unto it) that they cannot be influenced by the devil? How do you explain the evil that comes from these people? If it is not from the devil, where is it from, and why can't all evil come from that same place?<BR/><BR/>"I believe God enlightens and empowers those who are obedient"<BR/><BR/>Again, what about people that have never heard God's word and have not had the opportunity to obey? Can they not be enlightened or empowered either?<BR/><BR/>I don't mean to make light of your beliefs, but this just doesn't seem fair to me. I'm sticking up for the underdog here.<BR/><BR/>I do like your adage though.Bishop Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05385909789743073477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153374127406869442006-07-20T00:42:00.000-05:002006-07-20T00:42:00.000-05:00As a temple going member, I firmly believe what I ...As a temple going member, I firmly believe what I am taught in the temple ceremonies. I also firmly believe in what Joseph Smith has taught us about God and Satan and all things divine. He has had intimate conversations with God, Christ, and Moroni, a lot more than he was able and allowed to write down. He has made mistakes and God reprimanded him for it in various ways. But the prophets has told us to seek the Holy Spirit in all things and this includes anything that the prophets have told us, in scripture and in modern revelations. We are to discover the truth for ourselves. We are to seek the Spirit for guidance and He will reveal to us what we need to know in our lives when we are ready. Read James 1:5.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153318868697190142006-07-19T09:21:00.000-05:002006-07-19T09:21:00.000-05:00Bishop Rick,Read Moses 4: 4 again carefully:"And h...Bishop Rick,<BR/><BR/>Read Moses 4: 4 again carefully:<BR/><BR/>"And he became Satan, yea, even the devil, the father of all lies, to deceive and to blind men, and to lead them captive at his will, <B>even as many as would not hearken unto my voice.</B>" (Moses 4: 4; emphasis added)<BR/><BR/>When one is not careful to hearken to the voice of God, then Satan takes power. There's an adage, which I believe to be in harmony with the revealed Word of God, that goes "God is votin' fer me, and the devil is votin' again' me. But it's my vote that counts."<BR/><BR/>I believe in God. I believe in the reality of Satan. I believe in the holy scriptures. I believe God enlightens and empowers those who are obedient. I believe the devil can only darken and ensnare those who are disobedient to the voice of God. I might even say I know of these things. I believe one can know of these things just as well as one can know anything else.<BR/><BR/>I believe that everyone will "reap their rewards according to their works, whether they were good or whether they were bad, to reap eternal happiness or eternal misery, according to the spirit which they listed to obey, whether it be a good spirit or a bad one. <BR/>"For every man receiveth wages of him whom he listeth to obey, and this according to the words of the spirit of prophecy; therefore let it be according to the truth." (Alma 3: 26-27)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153316003859724082006-07-19T08:33:00.000-05:002006-07-19T08:33:00.000-05:00"Getting in line, following prophet, because once ..."Getting in line, following prophet, because once the prophet speaks, the thinking has been done? That is a VERY dangerous path to take."<BR/><BR/>Here's a dandy of a letter from George Albert Smith addressing the "when our leaders speak, the thinking is done" issue. Basically: it's false doctrine as refuted by the individual stereotypically believed to be the enforcer of orthodoxy.<BR/><BR/>http://content.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/dialogue&CISOPTR=16763&REC=11<BR/><BR/>I do, however, think a false dilemma is being set forth here. Either one has an open mind and doesn't accept scriptural account or has a closed mind and does. WHat about having an open mind, weighing all evidence, and coming down on the side of orthodoxy?<BR/><BR/>Chesterton did say once that defending orthodoxy these days has the exhiliration of a vice.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153292295085030542006-07-19T01:58:00.000-05:002006-07-19T01:58:00.000-05:00Walker,Believe me, the resemblance of my statement...Walker,<BR/><BR/>Believe me, the resemblance of my statement to Alma 30:52 was mere coincedence.<BR/><BR/>All I am trying to say is that just because it is written in a book deemed to be scripture, doesn't make it true (or untrue). Have an open mind when considering these things. Don't take what other Men (and women) have said, to be the last word. I'm not saying these things are not true. I always try to preface with "I believe...". <BR/><BR/>This has absolutely no bearing on whether I attend church meetings, pay tithing, accept callings, etc. If you were to talk to anyone in my ward, they would tell you that I am an active LDS. That has nothing to do with what I believe personally.<BR/><BR/>I also make no claim to the divine just as no man on this earth can.<BR/><BR/>Regarding the "As an atheist, I like this God..." statement, that was not me.<BR/><BR/>So my philosophy would have everyone wearing beads preaching no worries. What would your philosophy have everyone doing? Getting in line, following prophet, because once the prophet speaks, the thinking has been done? That is a VERY dangerous path to take.<BR/><BR/>Now, I really don't think that is what you mean, no more than am to mean for hippies to dominate the religious scene.<BR/><BR/>Look we know there are things in the scriptures that are just not true, or at least should not be taken literally (such as the creation story or Noah's flood, or domesticated farm animals on the american continent). Just don't believe everything you hear or read, and don't just practice that on me.Bishop Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05385909789743073477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153290630314237802006-07-19T01:30:00.000-05:002006-07-19T01:30:00.000-05:00Preciate the kudos. Nice sentimentsMight I say, h...Preciate the kudos. Nice sentiments<BR/><BR/>Might I say, however, while this is not a straight-across parallel, your comment ("I have never denied the existence of a God. In fact, let me state right now that I do believe in the existence of a God") sounds eerily like Alma 30:52. But that would implicate that you share characteristics with this individual in scripture. <BR/><BR/>Must be mistranslated. <BR/><BR/>Because "mistakes were made," that gives us the right to discount any scripture we want? (check the 1830 edition which, while still imperfect, has only an average of about three errors per page--see if 2 Ne. 28 is the same there :) Does scripture even exist? Joseph Smith remarked: "Take away the BOM and the revelations and where is our religion? We have none." Then again, Joseph MUST have been misquoted--such words indicate orthodoxy after all.<BR/><BR/>"We should not be expected to take every passage to be divine. That is an unrealistic expectation."<BR/><BR/>And who determines this? You? Me? ("let ME explain the whole satan concept to you"). Why should I trust you or me or anyone for that matter in knowing ANYTHING about the divine unless make a direct claim to authority, like the Brethren? Do you dare make such a claim? <BR/><BR/>Why don't we all just make our own religion? It would a lot easier and heap loads more fun than believing in that cursed "orthodoxy." <BR/><BR/>To paraphrase: "We also believe the Book of Mormon to be the Word of God, as far as we deem it correct according to our worldview." Or as I've noted elsewhere: "As an athiest, I like this god. It is good to seem every morning when I shave." <BR/><BR/>Following your philosophy, we might as call ourselves hippies dressed in business suits. BOM...no BOM...Satan, no Satan...whatever you like! <BR/><BR/>If that's what you really believe, no worries. Just don't claim to be an "active LDS," sapping any real meaning out the term. Even if you do have two callings.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153286185398539662006-07-19T00:16:00.000-05:002006-07-19T00:16:00.000-05:00Please note that in my last post, second to last p...Please note that in my last post, second to last paragraph, I do not mean to imply that satan must have my agreement before controlling anyone. that should have read "...my or anyone elses..." <BR/><BR/>Someone on this board would have reamed me for that statement without this correction.Bishop Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05385909789743073477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153285668168950612006-07-19T00:07:00.000-05:002006-07-19T00:07:00.000-05:00Jeff,I am glad that you believe there is a God. (N...Jeff,<BR/><BR/>I am glad that you believe there is a God. (Notice I say believe, because you can't possibly know unless you have seen him yourself).<BR/><BR/>Now, I have never denied the existence of a God. In fact, let me state right now that I do believe in the existence of a God.<BR/><BR/>Satan, on the other hand, is a whole other matter. Please explain to me how that whole satan concept works. It makes absolutely no sense when you step back and analyze it. Yea, I know...opposition in all things. That concept doesn't make any sense either.<BR/><BR/>We have to stop taking everything we hear from church leaders as the gospel truth, because in most cases, people are just restating what other people have told them. (emphasis on people as opposed to God).<BR/><BR/>Think for yourself...I mean really think for yourself, not token thinking when you are already convinced of the outcome. That doesn't count. You have to analyze things with an open mind, with the consideration that something might just be wrong or right (whatever the case may be). Only then can you truly study and research to find out if something is true or not.<BR/><BR/>If you have your mind made up before you do your research, and the only reason you are doing that research is to prove what you already believe, your research will be biased and flawed.<BR/><BR/>Jeff, no offense, but I just don't believe that there is (or ever was) a being that can control me or anyone else without my agreement.<BR/><BR/>Satan doesn't rob banks or kill innocent people or perform any other evil acts. People do those things of their own free will. It is time we stop blaming worldly evil on a non-existant being and start putting the blame where it belongs...on us.Bishop Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05385909789743073477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153284593597353812006-07-18T23:49:00.000-05:002006-07-18T23:49:00.000-05:00Walker,You got me on the crusades. Nice memory.The...Walker,<BR/><BR/>You got me on the crusades. Nice memory.<BR/><BR/>The quotes I have heard from early LDS leaders supporting an end to slavery were indeed from Joseph Smith and the quotes that were pro slavery were indeed from Brigham Young and later leaders. So I think we are in agreement there as well. Of course to your point, the pro slavery stand was post Missouri thus debunking my statement. Another good catch.<BR/><BR/>Now regarding Satan and the scriptures...Just because something is in the scriptures doesn't make it right. Over 3000 errors in the BofM points, at the very least, that mistakes were made, even if most were gramatical. Gramatical errors can change the entire meaning of sentence so they are important as well.<BR/><BR/>Let's say that all Christian scriptures are in deed inspired of the Lord. We need to remember that in many cases they are just recountings of things thought to be true at the time they were written down. In many cases 100s of years after the actual event. We should not be expected to take every passage to be divine. That is an unrealistic expectation.Bishop Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05385909789743073477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153276401614406962006-07-18T21:33:00.000-05:002006-07-18T21:33:00.000-05:00B.R., what basis do you have for denying the exist...B.R., what basis do you have for denying the existence of beings such as God or Satan? There most certainly is a God.Jeff Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08776493593387402607noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153276341346938162006-07-18T21:32:00.000-05:002006-07-18T21:32:00.000-05:00Rick:"The only "record" of innocent people being k...Rick:<BR/><BR/>"The only "record" of innocent people being killed in the name of the lord is in the scriptures. This is found no where in history."<BR/><BR/>Except for the Crusades, that is :)<BR/><BR/>"I have read just as many (if not more) stating that the blacks were slaves due to their cainanite heritage, and that essentially, they were getting what they deserved due to their position in the pre-existence."<BR/><BR/>As long as we note the ambiguity here. Brigham Young, for example, embraced the Cain theory while wholly rejecting the pre-existence theory. Most significant though, Joseph Smith, while he shifted on the issue, ordained on several occasions black brethren to the priesthood: Walker Lewis, Green Flake, Elijah, Able (true Zebedee Coltrin disputed it later, but Joseph F. Smith provided documents to prove Able's Seventy status--even though Joseph F. Smith, inexplicably, disputed that later as well). Pre-Brigham Young, the record is overwhelmingly opposed to slavery. The Kirtland temple was explicity designed for the worship of both black and white, bond and free (as would be the Nauvoo temple years later).<BR/><BR/>I'm a tad confused as to how you can reconcile your "Satan is just symbolism. He doesn't exist" with 2 Ne. 28:22's rebuke of this philosophy: "I am no devil, for there is none." <BR/><BR/>It's one thing to take issue with various quotes from Church leaders in random sources. It's quite another to challenge the scriptures.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153270182414807262006-07-18T19:49:00.000-05:002006-07-18T19:49:00.000-05:00Walker,TM is exactly why I had a disclaimer after ...Walker,<BR/><BR/>TM is exactly why I had a disclaimer after that statement. <BR/><BR/>I was just using that statement as a possible justification (in the minds of Missourians) to persecute Mormons for deeds performed by Danites.<BR/><BR/>But I'm sure you knew that. I'm just clearing it up for someone that might not have known that.Bishop Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05385909789743073477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7139169.post-1153270008984234112006-07-18T19:46:00.000-05:002006-07-18T19:46:00.000-05:00Anonymous,Do you really believe there is a devil o...Anonymous,<BR/><BR/>Do you really believe there is a devil out there that can control people and influence them to do evil?<BR/><BR/>Satan is just symbolism. He doesn't exist. He doesn't put thoughts in your head, he doesn't tempt you. If you are tempted by something and succumb, that is your own doing. Don't blame the devil. He had nothing to do with it.Bishop Rickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05385909789743073477noreply@blogger.com