About Seth
My name is Seth Payne. I am a religion and Mormon Studies hobbyist and collect and post interesting essays and source materials related to Mormonism here.
I also write about ethics, political philosophy, and public policy. I like to think of myself as a social contract theorist and a recovering utilitarian.
Education: Brigham Young University – B.S. Management Cum Laude Yale University – M.A. Religion Magna Cum Laude
New York University – M.B.A – currently enrolled
Current Employment:
New York Stock Exchange – Product Manager at NYSE Technologies
Dear Seth Payne
My name is David Edward Oliver and I’m a currently a member (Not Active) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. My parents are both Baptist and I they both object to me being involved the Mormon church and have told not to attend Mormon services. I do believe the Mormon church is true and I’m currently following the offical websie of the LDS Church so I know what is going on. I regret the death of the Prophet Gordon B. Hinkley as I have always admired him. I lost my job at Giant Food, got into debt and ended up declaring bankrupcy and lost my condo which is why I had to move in with my parents and as long as I live with them I must obey their rules. I am currently unemployed and cannot find a descent job anywhere. So I hope you are doing better than I am. God speed and good luck to you. Amen.
Hi David,
Thank you for your comments. I hope an pray that you will find good fortune soon. These times are extremely difficult for many people. It is wise and respectful of you to follow your parents rules while in their home. However, even though you are unable to attend Church services now, It may be worthwhile to seek out the local Bishop where you live. He may be able to help find employment and assist you in other ways that you may need.
Seth
The answer to this is found in Matthew chapter ten of the Bible, your Baptist parents love. You MUST always choose God over your parents when right is on the line. My choice was to choose my new found Mormon friends or the family home. I choose the Gospel and still visited home until mum died. I may never set foot in that home again, but it is not a loss to me. Sadly unemployment and homelessness are not easy to overcome. Been there, done that, bought the t shirt. I have chosen the Lord and the Gospel over my family and I love them more today that the day the ultimatum was laid down. The more I read the Bible and the Book of Mormon the more I know that no other Church teaches truth as expounded by the prophets. I have had superb experiences with my mum since she passed away. I never lost a family, I found lots more and mum is doing great where she is. For THAT reason is the Gospel preached unto those who are dead.
God lives, Jesus is the Christ, the Living Son of the Living God. The Holy Ghost is the messsenger who communicates the will and the mind of God to all who seek after Him. The Book of Mormon is true and is the Word of God. The priesthood has been restored. I delight to hold the priesthood. The Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God through the Holy Ghost and by direct revelation. Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God and we have today, a living prophet, even Thomas S. Monson. Return to Matthew ten and see what the Word of the Lord declares to all and sundry. If you receive a prophet in the name of a prophet you will receive a prophet’s reward. If you receive a righteous man … you will receive a rightewous man’s reward, and should you share as much as a cup of water in the namme of the Lord, ye shall in no wise lose your reward.
Your parents have no right to steal away your agency David. They raised to seek after truth and you found it. They should be proud that you discovered something professional preachers have hidden for a thousand years and more. You have made a very dificult decision but now the adversary knows where you have a weakness. He will use it every time.
Take care and may you know that God will bless you for choosing Him and you will, like me, gain a family, and win the right to have God go before you and His angels at your side, and he will be your rereward.
Stay true to your testimony, David. But remind your parents how much you love them.