By Rod Johnson

Rodric believes Moroni included special instruction for Modern times and wants to share his unique perspective the same way Moroni shared in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God. Show all posts

Place of Discovery

In life sometimes we can be refugees or outcasts due to persistent struggle. It is a strange way to look at things being that so many people are refugees seeking amnesty from one country or another. Individually as we seek amnesty from the trials of life, some of us seek amnesty in a drug or an alcoholic beverage finding it to be a trap worse than the thing originally causing a need for sanctuary!

Sweet as it can be, life Will have challenges, challenges potentially able to chase away the choicest chances of renewal and reward down paths that prove difficult to course correct. Notions arising that lead us to seek escape from life because of with what we are challenged overwhelms us to the point where we cannot be the hero of our own life story, warrants a reflective moment or more to reevaluate the purpose of life.

Why are we here? Where are we going? What is my true origin? Levels of discovery in these questions take us on emotional journeys and religious quests to find the centering answers that allow us the psychological steadfastness to endure and prevail. Short or long, easy or hard the journey to discovery is often where we find ourselves as we proceed to the eventual destination.

Journeying despite the factors of fraught littering the path has revealed personally who I am and who I want to be as I walk along the way outcast at times from life. What is that, pray, tell? I am a child of God. He has sent me here to Earth. He has given me a home with parents and siblings. Now I am a parent with children kind and dear to me.

I started a journey to Utah that led me down a path to see the destination God revealed to me as the stepping stones to a greater recognition of living--who I needed to be at that point. The stones are firm, but the water from which they provide me a dry crossing is cold because often do I fall in and have to start the trek across the waters anew. Feeling failure, a good instructor, God shows me, being outcast is sometimes the means of finding out with a vengeance that I am one of His chosen if I will have Him.

I, Refugee - The Hero of My Life Story. I want you to know reader, that I was at the lowest point of discouragement I could be and still call myself a Christian when we started this Utah journey. This is the first installment of being trapped in Utah.

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Phoenix, Arizona Peoria, AZ, USA

Sometimes, the best thing to do is to be quiet

No one likes to be wrong. No one that I know likes to be wrong! I know I don't! 

 I spoke to a coworker about my religious beliefs and it went well until he discovered what my religion is: I am a Mormon.

 We vibed on the things that were alike in our belief system, but he could not reconcile my faith with his, Adventist--though there was little difference in morality. 

 I saw opportunity to use our common ground to convince my coworker that I and my fellow Mormons are noble and great, but I did not do what I intended with our conversation.

 I spoke to him for several minutes before he passed judgement out of prejudice, and I know that my sincere explanations and invitations touched his soul. I could see the connection in his eyes until he discovered my Christian faith. 

He may believe that my faith is jaded, but not by my actions or through differences in moral values. He did judge because he lacked full information. Now he knows he judges out of sheer desire. This can give him the opportunity to change.

I did not defend my faith very well I though initially because I did not say enough. I later decided by not saying too much more I did.

Sometimes, quiet composure can say more than a room full of apologists.

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The Science of Religion

Alternative View

All people view things from a self-centered point of view. It is customary for all people to view the world from within the cultural context from which he or she comes. It is not a crime; it is the way humans evolves from the tiny germ in the womb to a fully functioning adult. It is not sin to learn and progress.
Imagine stepping outside of the ease of self-perspective and into a macro-perspective--thinking from other people's point of view. See things how others might see them. Even then those things are seen how the person trying the experiment thinks that another person would see those things--but it is a start.
Step further away from the familiar and start to explore the seemingly knowable and ordinary things. They become new and hardly understood things at all. How does the body really move? Is there some scientific explanation for a spirit?

Perspective of Sol

The perspective from which this article is written is that of an observer of the greater mysteries of the universe though that perspective is shrouded in the psycho-religious perspective of the author. The purpose of the author, me, is to introduce the idea that science and religion are one in the same in perfection and modern science and religion are far from perfect.
The things revealed currently are sufficient to have a great understanding of the relationship between science and religion if there are factors that persuade personal investigation and open minds.
First must be understood the perspective of Sol. Earth is in what is called the Sol Solar System of the Milky way. Without delving explicitly into the astronomical aspects of the universe, it is understood that Earth is not the center of the universe or even the center of the galaxy. Earth is located on the inner rim of a region of space called the Orion Arm in the Milky Way Galaxy.
With this bit of knowledge reason dictates that there are other places in the galaxy with planets and stars that are suns in far flung regions and approaching the center, not to mention the other galaxies! Logic also considers the possibility of life on other planets.

The Sol System

True Religion and True Science are the same

Religions is a manifestation of science that is based on the powerof faith rather than proof. Science and religion are not two different things. Humankind has not yet learned to see the connection between the true institution of heaven and the tangible realities of the five senses of man.
Random chance did not organize the universe and leave it to its on devices. Chaos does not create order in any degree, on any planet and in any experiment.
Modern science is a faith-based religion that preys on those who seek understanding without a divine source. Exclude a deity, but believe science until the next fact becomes outdated with new knowledge.
Modern religion has evolved to accept many of the realizations of the society of science, such as carbon dating and other tools used to measure the age of the earth.
Source: www.unb.ca

Faith of Science

"Miracles are commonly regarded as occurrences in opposition to the laws of nature. Such a conception is plainly erroneous, for the laws of nature are inviolable. However, as human understanding of these laws is at best but imperfect, events strictly in accordance with natural law may appear contrary thereto. The entire constitution of nature is founded on system and order." (quote by James E. Talmage from DAVID H BAILEY)
Modern science as it stands cannot explain most things and creates more questions than it does answers. Scientist expects society to take theories as facts rather than beliefs based on assumptions that can be proven by experimentation.
The Theory of Evolution for one is a possibility, but it cannot be proven and there is no evidence that it occurred anywhere on this planet. The assumption is that a mutation changed some of the animals but not all of the same kind of animal.
This example of the faith of science does not diminish the teaching of evolution as a possible factor. Evolution could have occurred on a different planet, but there is no evidence it occurred on Earth. Yet, most non-religious and religious people accept it as a fact.
Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Interesting Perspective

The senses are not what they appear to be if thought of deeply. There is only one sense, that of touch for all things touch the body to work.
  1. Sound waves touch the canals of the ears that translate into differing vibrations of the ear drum.
  2. Light waves touch the eyes to produce bio-electrical energy to stimulate the brain to produce images.
  3. Molecules float through the air and enter the nose touching follicles connected to taste as well to send the brain information of how certain ingested materials relate to our anatomy.
When perspectives change to encounter the familiar an entirely new thought process ensues.

Religious Limits

Religion limits the truths that can be shared with humanity because of the intolerance that has crept into it over years of abuse and lack of inspiration. Any religious teaching that defies the natural order of the cycles of nature that are in place is false.
It is a bold statement, but it is true. Religion that does not accept proven scientific developments has failed its disciples and corrupted their spiritual paths to divinity.
Most religions teach of a divine being or universal presence to some degree; however, these same religions limit what this being or presence can and will do based on tradition, culture, and prejudice.
It is easier for humanity to accept a deity that does not concern itself with the daily activities of men and women. This way, no matter what activity pursued, people are free to indulge unabated.
Religion only supports the ideas that conform to its many creeds and acceptance of a deity through the process of those creeds. However, true faith does not shackle its God with preconceptions, but accepts information that flows as it is needed called revelation.
The Prophet of True Science
Hundreds of years ago, scientific information was given to a great man who sought to learn wisdom. He was taught about the planets and stars and their rotations. He was also shown many planets called earth which were peopled with humans, but only the earth upon which he stood was he given specific information.
But only an account of this earth, and the inhabitants thereof, give I unto you. For behold, there are many worlds that have passed away by the word of my power. And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man; but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them.... And as one earth shall pass away, and the heavens thereof even so shall another come; and there is no end to my works, neither to my words. Moses 1:35, 38
The above words are the words Jehovah spake to Moses. Moses sought the Lord and found Him. As a reward, Jehovah revealed the truths about the universe and the number of worlds that have passed, currently exist, and yet to be!
We are not alone in the universe according to the testimony of Moses. The stars in the heavens potentially have planets called earth near them with people just like those found on this Earth. The people on those planets are children of God also. God continues to produce earths and people them and His works do not end.
That is the great scientific mystery answered. Man is not alone in the universe. God has spaced His children far enough apart that each do not have the technology to contact each other, but He knows where they are and how to reach them and reveal truths to them as they are needed.
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The Hawthorne Effect & Faith

Hawthorne Effect

The Hawthorne effect simply suggests that when employees are the subject of attention they tend to perform their tasks better and are more productive in the process. It is not a basis for micromanaging or putting video recorders throughout workplaces, but is simply an observed human response to being on display. We tend to make an effort to present ourselves in the best light. This phenom is not new to human behavior. It has existed from even before humanity dotted this blue and green sphere called Earth. Good leaders have understood this behavior before industrial organization psychologist took the honor of giving this force of human behavior the appellation Hawthorne.
Source: Capitol Rehab of Winchester blog

A bit of History on Hawthorne Effect

The phrase was coined in the 1950's by Henry A Landsberger as he observed the results of studies that occurred during the mid-1920's to mid-1930's at Hawthorne Works located in Cicero, IL.
Apparently, a study ensued where management wanted to know the impact adjusting the lighting in the facility had on production.
The assumption was that it would increase production if more light occurred and decrease production with less illumination.
Those who facilitated the experiments we baffled when production increased no matter the level of illuminations.
The employees knew they were being observed and put on their collective best performance--not out of fear--but because they knew someone was watching them.
Telling them they were being observed produced a temporary productivity. This, by today's standard, is a tainted experiment and worth no real data.
It would have been better to do the luminescent changes and observe production to get unbiased data. However, because this was not the route those experimentalists knew to take, an old phenomenon was identified. We tend to behave when we know we are being watched!

Psychological Hawthorne

Most, people behave when they know their behavior is being observed. It is a given that the majority of the people behave most of the time. Many people behave in stores because they know that cameras are watching their every move--or a store clerk or manager behind a one-way mirror!
It is psychologically valid for most decent people to put up a facade when first meeting people to assure wounded feelings do not occur for either party. We fear the unknown, so we pretend to be someone else so the real self could never be injured. By typing this, no indictment against normal humanity for following basic instincts for self-preservation exists in this admittance.
Source: Hitler
The first impression means a great deal in America that it is a false representation of the reality of the person being observed.
Hitler was an example of first impressions. He was a leader who promised the triumph of Germany.
What he did not tell the people at first was how he intended to obtain that triumph-- the genocide of Jews!
The Germans desperately wanted a leader to pull them out of their depression. Hitler did it! He killed six million estimatedly of the Jews and other minorities in Europe!
In society, we tend to put too much stock in the way people look. Age and beauty rule the nation to some extent.
Americans want young attractive and slightly muscular males and thin, intelligent and attractive females.
Our society spends billions on products to make average looking people stand out in crowds. It works! Everyone assumes people look fabulous all times of the day--some do.
For the world, we put ourselves on display trying to look our best all the time. We also try to pretend that every problem or issue in our lives are handled.
In fact, when asked "How are you?" our automatic reply is "Fine, how are you? We expect an automatic answer in return. Really, we do not care about the fortune or misfortune of our neighbors.
We have polite society. In polite society, polite things are spoken--not troubling things. Just like at the Hawthorne Works Co., when we get to our private places or are no longer on display we allow our true work to come out. We hide because we fear being judged and hearing the truth about how others may see us as a society.

Spiritual Hawthorne

Source: www.fanpop.com
In many, if not all, spiritual traditions a god or being sits above all humanity and looks down upon it with an omniscient mind to judge with prudence the lives of all.
This supreme being, or God's penetrating eyes, ears and mind can see, hear and perceive all things about all humans.
Priests, ministers, sorcerers and wizards alike have used such faith to usurp nations and hold power--stating that those who do not heed them will offend God! Usually, the god that these people offend is one who cannot be contacted by the average person and a priest minister or soothsayer is needed to collect honors and alms for the god.
Independent of the evil designs of humans, the pure desires of individual followers cross themselves with belief and uphold the laws of their God by strong faith and love.
The Hawthorne Effect of faith is different because the watcher, God, never stops observing His adherents.
Therefore, people of faith who espouse such a relationship with the divine will always find a reason to be on their best behavior. Not necessarily out of fear, but because they know Someone is observing.
Other Article by Rodric Johnson
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Get to the Real Issue. Look Beyond Appearances.

I went to the Urgent care for help with a leg swollen three times its normal size. The urgent care doctor sent me straight to the emergency room, who sent me to admittance for my blood pressure. 

For three days my blood pressure was uncontrolled. I keep telling the nurses that the pain in my leg could be causing it. They ignored me because I was a diabetic.  They assumed that I was eating poorly.

The truth was I did not eat. The pain had caused me such grief that for two weeks I did not eat very much. Yeah, this was two weeks in the making before the last seven days of those two weeks became unbearable.

I prayed that I would not leave that hospital until they found out what was wrong with me and allowed myself to rest. Soon, my wife called the nurse to check out my foot and leg. The nurse was alarmed and called a wound doctor. He was alarmed and called three other specialist. Dr. Nwarfor saved my leg as he made a unilateral decision to operate against the other doctors advice because all the test returned inconclusive.

When he sliced into my flesh, he found what he suspected, dying flesh and dead flesh filled with fluid--necrosis. Pictures were taken and therapy began. I ended up in a nursing home because of the wound and intravenous antibiotics.

God answered my prayers to open the doctors' eyes to heal me. I am in recovery and the battle was not over. I still had a nodule on my lung to think about, but I can deal with one trial at a time.

At the same time, my spiritual wounds were nursed as the doctors worked to heal my body. God healed my heart and rewarded my faith by answering my petitions. No one listened to me when I cried because I have one of those faces that shows little discomfort at pain. If I show any discomfort, it is major pain indeed. It took an act of God to get attention to my needed area.



Just because someone does not look like they are in pain, does not mean it is true. Many of us are nursing hidden wounds of offense or heartache. All we need is for some person to listen to the whispering of heaven to know who to go and help nurse back to health. The grass may look green on the other side, but the roots may be weak.

The moral of this story is never dismiss a plea for help or judge a plea because it does not look like a desperate enough plea. Like me, someone's look of desperation may not be very evident at a glance.

Other Articles
  • Battles With My Body: Walking In Fear! The worst part starts unexpectedly as I take the first step. I deliberately walk into the unknown each time I decide that I am independent enough to carry on without assistance.
  • Black Latter Day Saints Page on Facebook Your dentist may be a Mormon or your school teacher. Mormons are living normal lives everywhere theses days, even on Facebook and within the Black community.
  • Yeah Samaké, A Convert to LDS, a Force for Mali Yeah Samake, like Mitt Romney is running for president. Samake is just running in 90 percent Muslim Mali, and he is a Mormon! What's the Story? Check here!
  • The Truth about Same Gender - Marriage Many pundits of same gender marriage cite exceptions to the historical male/female relationships to justify homosexual relationships. The fact that there are exceptions to normal marriage in the past does not take away the fact that homosexual marria
  • Modern Good Samaritan The excitement began when the Escort was filled to the brim with groceries from the Bishop's Store House. I wrote excitement. It is the type of excitement that no one would appreciate. Everything was about to go wrong and become very eventful.





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