Answerbag: Charles Sampson's answers

Answer to I met a girl a month and a half ago, we've started to become good friends and I think there could be something more. However, she is from a different religion than mine. Could a relationship still work?

Mon, 24 Apr 2006 15:01:51 -0700

I met a girl a month and a half ago, we've started to become good friends and I think there could be something more. However, she is from a different religion than mine. Could a relationship still work?

It depends how important your religion is to you. If it is not, than it doesn't matter what her religion is. If yours is important, then you need to make some decisions about what the differences are between the two beliefs. They will, in the long run, either bring you closer together,...

Answer to Can we force a volcano to erupt?

Tue, 11 Apr 2006 18:05:26 -0700

Can we force a volcano to erupt?

Centuries ago, they just threw in a virgin and that would cause a mighty eruption. Today, there are so few left, that it is considered almost impossible to force an eruption from any volano.

Answer to How can I make friends where I live if it's hard for me to get out of the house?

Sun, 19 Feb 2006 17:15:17 -0800

How can I make friends where I live if it's hard for me to get out of the house?

Person to person, although is the best way to build a relationship, is not the only way. With today's technology, you can meet people in your own room. Chat rooms, phone calls, emails, etc. Many friendships and, yes, even good relationships have come from the internet. Just don't...

Answer to Is it normal for your best friend to ask "If you had to choose between me and your girlfriend, who would you choose"?

Sun, 19 Feb 2006 17:10:38 -0800

Is it normal for your best friend to ask "If you had to choose between me and your girlfriend, who would you choose"?

Normal...yes. Appropriate....no. A friendship is based on mutual trust and acceptance. If everyone only needed one friend, then there would be many more of us without any friends.

Answer to Why do men rent their tuxedos and women purchase their wedding dresses when they get married?

Sat, 18 Feb 2006 12:12:52 -0800

Why do men rent their tuxedos and women purchase their wedding dresses when they get married?

If you think about it, how often do men wear tuxedos, other than the Prom and their wedding day? Yet, women will hand down their wedding dress to their sister or daughter or a very close friend. I only wore a tuxedo once in my entire life....my wedding day. My wife's wedding dress was...

Answer to Are Mormons taught to avoid other religions to stop them from converting?

Mon, 13 Feb 2006 19:31:38 -0800

Are Mormons taught to avoid other religions to stop them from converting?

If we understood how the conversion process really worked, we would have no fear of who converts to what. I personally enjoy visiting and discussing the religious differences with friends of mine. They are vast and quite interesting. Conversion comes from the Holy Ghost, testifying that the...

Answer to How can I better understand the Mormon religion in order to decide whether to convert to it in order to be able to be with my Mormon boyfriend?

Mon, 13 Feb 2006 19:22:30 -0800

How can I better understand the Mormon religion in order to decide whether to convert to it in order to be able to be with my Mormon boyfriend?

Your question concerns me. If you are joining to be with your boyfriend, you are probably doing it for the wrong reason. A conversion comes from inside. You feel that it is right and true. You want to experience those feelings on a regular basis. So, you become a member through baptism and...

Answer to As a Mormon, why do I need to confess my sins to another person (i.e. a bishop) instead of just to God?

Fri, 09 Dec 2005 20:07:26 -0800

As a Mormon, why do I need to confess my sins to another person (i.e. a bishop) instead of just to God?

In Exodus, Moses' father-in-law chastised him for trying to do everything himself. He was taught the concept of deligation. Notice that he called other wise men to rule over 1000's, 100's, 50's, etc. Bishops are called for the same reason. That sounds biblical to me. ...

Answer to Are tithes used to help support large Mormon families?

Tue, 08 Nov 2005 15:00:38 -0800

Are tithes used to help support large Mormon families?

Tithing monies are used for building chapels, temples, maintaining said buildings, and other such expenses. If a family needs financial assistance, Fast Offerings are used for that purpose. That is why young men go to the homes each first Sunday of the month and collect Fast Offerings. It...

Answer to How did Marilyn Monroe die?

Wed, 26 Oct 2005 21:07:31 -0700

How did Marilyn Monroe die?

I thought Marilyn and Elvis were still alive....hiding and enjoying their anonymity. The question is a shocker to me!

Answer to What is the difference between lust and love?

Mon, 26 Sep 2005 16:54:28 -0700

What is the difference between lust and love?

Love is when you want the best for the other person. You do what you can to make it possible. Lust is getting what you want out of the other person. One is outwardly focused. The other is focused inwardly. Both usually involve sexual gratification, but love is making sure the other...

Answer to Told my girl if she wants to be with any1 else,its ok.She said I could 2.I screwed around w/a friend.Turns out its not ok.She forgives me&undrstnds I didnt think I did anything bad but Im so sry4 hurtin her.How can I make it up?

Mon, 26 Sep 2005 16:43:46 -0700

Told my girl if she wants to be with any1 else,its ok.She said I could 2.I screwed around w/a friend.Turns out its not ok.She forgives me&undrstnds I didnt think I did anything bad but Im so sry4 hurtin her.How can I make it up?

First of all.....take some writing and spelling lessons!!! Second of all......no girl in their right mind is going to say that it is okay for her "guy" to fool around if there is anything serious between them. Your first mistake was believing that she thought it was okay in the...

Answer to How do you fall out of love?

Mon, 26 Sep 2005 16:37:03 -0700

How do you fall out of love?

You fall out of love the same way you fall out of bed. You aren't in it deep enough. Falling out of love happens when you don't give the attention necessary to keep it going. You gave that kind of attention before -- when you "fell in love".

Answer to How can a man last longer in bed?

Mon, 25 Jul 2005 12:18:59 -0700

How can a man last longer in bed?

Sleep in.

Answer to How long do it take a person to convert to Mormonism?

Tue, 12 Jul 2005 12:31:09 -0700

How long do it take a person to convert to Mormonism?

I think a better question might be, "How long until a person feels that the Church is right and true?" That may only take a short period of time, or it may take a long time, depending on your willingness to accept. Your acceptance and change of heart is the true conversion, not...

Answer to Why is there such an emphasis on conversion in the Mormon faith?

Tue, 12 Jul 2005 12:23:47 -0700

Why is there such an emphasis on conversion in the Mormon faith?

I am noticing a slight misuse of the word "convert" in many of these questions and answers. If a person is converted to an idea....or in this case, a religion, they have had a change of heart and feel strongly that the principles and the doctrine are true. Because of that, they...

Answer to Is it inappropriate for a Catholic to date a Mormon who will be leaving for a mission?

Tue, 12 Jul 2005 12:09:38 -0700

Is it inappropriate for a Catholic to date a Mormon who will be leaving for a mission?

The young man....I am assuming it is a young man who is leaving on a mission, can date if he chooses to. The point at which he actually leaves on his mission, he is no longer able to do so. His total focus needs to be on his work and the service to which he has committed himself. As far as...

Answer to What qualifications do you need to be a grade school teacher?

Sun, 06 Feb 2005 11:21:07 -0800

What qualifications do you need to be a grade school teacher?

For the state of Utah, you need to graduate with at least a Bachelors Degree. Most 4-year universities have a comparable teaching program, few have an excellent one. If you are interested in going to school in this neck of the woods, you can call any of the universities and they will tell you...

Answer to Is there a god, and either way, how do we know?

Fri, 21 Jan 2005 16:21:34 -0800

Is there a god, and either way, how do we know?

The fact that you are asking the question, leads me to believe that there is a desire in knowing more about Him. That is the first step. If you let it take its natural course, you will eventually be able to echo Glenn Blaylock's answer.

Answer to Can a previously-elected president serve as a vice president in a different administration?

Fri, 21 Jan 2005 16:07:07 -0800

Can a previously-elected president serve as a vice president in a different administration?

I remember when Ronald Reagan was campaigning, he had first asked Gerald Ford to be his running mate. Pres. Ford, although was flattered by the offer, turned it down. As most of you know, Gerald Ford was Nixon's vice president, and became the next president after Nixon's resignation.

Answer to What is the official income of the US President?

Fri, 21 Jan 2005 15:53:28 -0800

What is the official income of the US President?

It was my understanding that they received $250,000 annually. Making it a $1 million after each term. Those that go two terms will be paid $2 million.

Answer to Is George W. Bush a born-again Christian?

Fri, 21 Jan 2005 15:50:12 -0800

Is George W. Bush a born-again Christian?

George Bush, himself, said that even after he was married, he was a drinker. He had a problem with alcohol. Fortunately, he didn't allow it to get too serious. He found a support group, which also gave religioius council and teachings, that helped him give up the "booze" and...

Answer to Is it okay if your child is curious about breasts? How should you handle it?

Fri, 21 Jan 2005 15:44:00 -0800

Is it okay if your child is curious about breasts? How should you handle it?

Curiosity is very normal, especially in a child. I remember when I was five or six asking my mom about those two bumps under her shirt. She just said I'd find out when I got older. I accepted that and forgot about it. Depending on the age of a child, you can answer most questions with...

Answer to What should you do if your child wants to see what it's like to suck on your breasts?

Fri, 21 Jan 2005 15:35:15 -0800

What should you do if your child wants to see what it's like to suck on your breasts?

I would even go one step further and ask why. Maybe the child is seeing some things in a magazine or movies, or is being told stories by friends. It is not a normal request for a child to ask to suck on a woman's breast. There has to be something that initiated that request. I would...

Answer to Is it normal if your child to wants to look into the toilet while you're throwing up, out of curiosity?

Fri, 21 Jan 2005 15:29:17 -0800

Is it normal if your child to wants to look into the toilet while you're throwing up, out of curiosity?

TrixMix has the right idea. I would just like to add...Next time your child needs to use the bathroom, ask him/her, "May I look in the toilet when you are done, so that I can see what it looks like? It fascinates me." I think your child will get the point. Privacy is a big issue...

Answer to I've heard that children tend to be fascinated by throwing up. How should this fascination be handled?

Fri, 21 Jan 2005 15:20:42 -0800

I've heard that children tend to be fascinated by throwing up. How should this fascination be handled?

Before I attempt to answer this, let me make sure I understand the question. Are you saying that most children are fascinated in throwing up themselves, or are they fascinated in "throw up", possibly by another child? There is a great difference. Children are fascinated in throwing...

Answer to Is it normal to be attracted to someone else when you're in a committed relationship?

Fri, 14 Jan 2005 15:54:04 -0800

Is it normal to be attracted to someone else when you're in a committed relationship?

Being attracted to someone is normal. We find beauty in other people. But what you do about it can make the difference between being faithful to the person you are committed to or not. The next question should be, what is the level of committment you have with the other person? To...

Answer to Are tithes used to help support large Mormon families?

Wed, 12 Jan 2005 20:16:16 -0800

Are tithes used to help support large Mormon families?

Having come from a large family, being the middle child of nine, my parents worked hard to support us. That was the support we got for being a large family. Tithing never played a part in that support.

Answer to Do Mormons believe that Jesus is God?

Wed, 12 Jan 2005 19:55:11 -0800

Do Mormons believe that Jesus is God?

This may be somewhat off to the side, but I would like to bring out an observation. If anyone would like to comment, please feel free. During the Christmas holidays, there is a song that is played on the radio quite often. Kenny Rogers and a female artist are just two of the many singers...

Answer to Do Mormons believe in all of the Bible?

Wed, 12 Jan 2005 19:42:38 -0800

Do Mormons believe in all of the Bible?

"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly..." Many parts of the Bible were removed during the time that the world calls the dark ages. The Church refers to that time as the Great Apostasy. During that time, many important truths and basic...

Answer to I think I've found some mistakes in the Book of Mormon. Are they supposed to be there?

Wed, 08 Dec 2004 15:37:15 -0800

I think I've found some mistakes in the Book of Mormon. Are they supposed to be there?

I would be interested in knowing what those mistakes were. One of the writers of the BOM, Nephi, said that he had weakness in writing. That is because he was a man...human...and was prone to natural human weaknesses. But, I'm assuming you mean mistakes in the history or the...

Answer to What is the most common language spoken by church members?

Sat, 31 Jul 2004 13:39:44 -0700

What is the most common language spoken by church members?

As of beginning of 2004, or thereabouts, Spanish was the language spoken by the majority of church members. There are now more members outside of the U.S. than there are inside.

Answer to Can a Mormon be a police officer?

Sat, 31 Jul 2004 13:31:09 -0700

Can a Mormon be a police officer?

My previous bishops have been a banker, a representative for a water purifying system, a P.R. man for the newspaper, a farmer, and a building director. As Kim said, any job you can concieve of.

Answer to Has the LDS Church ever issued a formal statement about whom they believe is reponsible for the Mountain Meadow's Massacre?

Mon, 26 Jul 2004 14:22:04 -0700

Has the LDS Church ever issued a formal statement about whom they believe is reponsible for the Mountain Meadow's Massacre?

The Church chooses to leave the past alone and move on with the important work at hand.

Answer to How long after Joseph Smith died was it before Brigham Young became the prophet?

Mon, 26 Jul 2004 14:01:45 -0700

How long after Joseph Smith died was it before Brigham Young became the prophet?

After Joseph Smith died, Brigham Young and the other members of the Quorum of the Twelve lead the church as prophets, seers, and revelators. He was not president of the church until they reached the Salt Lake Valley.

Answer to Does the Mormon Church consider it acceptable for a wife to have an extra-marital affair?

Sun, 25 Jul 2004 21:10:40 -0700

Does the Mormon Church consider it acceptable for a wife to have an extra-marital affair?

I would like to know why the questioner thought that having an extra-marital affair would be alright for the women, but wrong for the men. It is wrong with anyone! Abstinence before marriage and total fidelity after! That's quite clear in the scriptures.

Answer to Do Mormons perform any rituals on Easter?

Fri, 16 Jul 2004 17:40:21 -0700

Do Mormons perform any rituals on Easter?

In our home we also have our Easter egg hunts, but hold that on a separate day, Saturday for example, than Easter Sunday. Thus we keep the "world's" celebration of Easter separate from the real reason we celebrate it. Both are enjoyable, but the latter has more meaning as we...

Answer to Why do some Mormons abstain from drinks with caffeine in them?

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 16:32:23 -0700

Why do some Mormons abstain from drinks with caffeine in them?

I agree with Bob, although when Pres. Hinckley was interviewed by Mike Wallace, he made a statement that pretty much set a new standard for cola drinkers. We don't do it.

Answer to Do Mormons believe masturbation is a sin?

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 15:40:17 -0700

Do Mormons believe masturbation is a sin?

Just as there are symptoms of an illness, thus being able to identify what the illness is, masturbation is a sign of a more serious moral sin. Masturbation in and of itself is wrong, but more importantly, it shows that there is something more wrong in the life of the person who practices it....

Answer to Is mail sent to missionaries censored in any way before being delivered to the individual missionary?

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 13:02:10 -0700

Is mail sent to missionaries censored in any way before being delivered to the individual missionary?

In my mission, we had some pretty scary things going on relating to the government and "guerillas" that occupied different positions. We were asked not to be too specific in our letters home about these concerns. I guess Mom and Dad didn't need to know all the scary stuff. We...

Answer to Do Mormons have shorter periods of courtship before marriage than the population at large? If so, why?

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 12:30:04 -0700

Do Mormons have shorter periods of courtship before marriage than the population at large? If so, why?

Since the early presidents of the church, we have been counselled, "Long courship, short engagement." Get to know each other well before making that commitment of marriage. Once you are engaged, it is encouraged to spend the time in preparation for the wedding and reception and all...

Answer to If a Mormon teen decided to have premarital sex, what would be the response of the temple and his family?

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 12:26:24 -0700

If a Mormon teen decided to have premarital sex, what would be the response of the temple and his family?

Premarital sex at any age is wrong in the eyes of the church. But more so with a teenager. At that young age, they have barely begun to experience the joys and heartaches that come with being a teenager. The intamacies that go with a strong relationship is more than just the sexual act. It is...

Answer to Is there a rule that states that Mormon teens have to talk for a certain amount of time before they are officially boyfriend and girlfriend?

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 12:21:40 -0700

Is there a rule that states that Mormon teens have to talk for a certain amount of time before they are officially boyfriend and girlfriend?

The term "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" implies a certain level of commitment. At the early age of dating, which the church strongly suggests at 16, there is no place for that level of commitment. You date to get to know each other and to enjoy the company of friends, or to...

Answer to Is there a minimum age for Mormons to be allowed to date? If so, how old?

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 12:14:32 -0700

Is there a minimum age for Mormons to be allowed to date? If so, how old?

The youth of the church have a booklet that is called, "For the Strength of Youth". In it, it states that the youth of the church are strongly suggested to wait until they are at least 16 to begin dating, and even then, date in groups. This is a statement sent from the church...

Answer to Why do Mormons wait until 16 years of age to date?

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 12:11:06 -0700

Why do Mormons wait until 16 years of age to date?

Although the church does strongly suggest that 16 be the minimum age that a youth should start dating. The prophet has come out and said that on various occasions. Even in the youth's handbook, "For the Strength of Youth", it states that 16 be the suggested age to begin dating....

Answer to What is the Mormon view of public displays of affection?

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 12:07:19 -0700

What is the Mormon view of public displays of affection?

Define "public display". I hug and kiss my wife often in public. We don't "make out". We hold hands every where we go. I often hold her close to me as we talk of private things...pertaining to our family and home. I see nothing wrong with this.

Answer to What limitations are there in relationship to being a member of the Bishopric for a man who has committed adultery prior to joining the Church?

Thu, 15 Jul 2004 12:03:07 -0700

What limitations are there in relationship to being a member of the Bishopric for a man who has committed adultery prior to joining the Church?

I have recently learned that if a man who has been excommunicated from the church for a moral transgression, and after at least one year, he has been reinstated through baptism and has received all his priesthood blessings, including those of the temple, he can participate in most callings in the...

Answer to What do Mormons believe happens in the afterlife?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:50:16 -0700

What do Mormons believe happens in the afterlife?

Kim was very accurate and concise. One part that he needed to mention is that after judgement, the spirit reunites itself with the body, hence the resurrection, and the two together, never to be separated again, will inherit their final kingdom.

Answer to Does tithing apply to money that is won or bequeathed (for example, a large lawsuit settlement or inheritance)?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:46:23 -0700

Does tithing apply to money that is won or bequeathed (for example, a large lawsuit settlement or inheritance)?

Also as in Christmas gifts and birthday gifts, that is between the person and the Lord. The Lord is the ultimate Judge and he alone will make that judgement.

Answer to Does the LDS Church release information (exact figures/estimates) to its members about how tithing money is spent?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:44:37 -0700

Does the LDS Church release information (exact figures/estimates) to its members about how tithing money is spent?

Generally speaking, the members know how tithing money is spent. We see temples being built all over the world. Chapels (meeting places) are also dotting the earth. The maintenance of these buildings are funded through tithing. So the answer would be yes, with a clarification that the members...

Answer to If one was extremely devout but poor, would a temple recommend not be issued if the person did not pay tithing?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:40:20 -0700

If one was extremely devout but poor, would a temple recommend not be issued if the person did not pay tithing?

10 percent of nothing is nothing. If you do not make an income, but are obedient in all other areas, you will not have a recommend withheld from you.

Answer to Why are Mormon women not ordained to the priesthood?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:31:38 -0700

Why are Mormon women not ordained to the priesthood?

We believe that the priesthood belongs to God. As such, he gives it to whom he feels either needs it most, or can use it best. So far, we do not know why women have not been given that responsibility. My point is that the priesthood belongs to God. He gives it to whom he chooses. Women may...

Answer to Do Mormons believe that women are less than men in the eyes of God?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:29:18 -0700

Do Mormons believe that women are less than men in the eyes of God?

President Gordon B. Hinckley, president and prophet of the Church, put it best when he answered Mike Wallace's similar question, "We give the women in the church leadership assignments and then we get out of their way." Most of the men (priesthood holders) will say that the women...

Answer to Do Mormons believe it was necessary for Jesus to suffer for our sins?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:25:13 -0700

Do Mormons believe it was necessary for Jesus to suffer for our sins?

Not only do we believe it, we also believe that no one else could have done what Jesus did for our eternal progression. If it were not for what He did, we all would have been lost eternally with our first uttered swear word in anger.

Answer to Do Mormons believe in the concept of the Holy Trinity?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:20:48 -0700

Do Mormons believe in the concept of the Holy Trinity?

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, I believe that God the Father is a separate being from our Saviour, Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost, being another separate being, is a spirit in nature in the form of a man. Three separate and distinctive beings, each with the same...

Answer to Other than Native Americans and Africans, are there any other ethnic groups that Mormons believe have specific physical features because they were cursed by God?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:16:05 -0700

Other than Native Americans and Africans, are there any other ethnic groups that Mormons believe have specific physical features because they were cursed by God?

I think the better question is, Why do we believe that some people were cursed? We believe it because it actually happened. To illustrate: If I witnessed a sunset with all the colors that accompany it and went and described it to someone who has never seen it, they would think that that...

Answer to Why do Mormons believe that God has a body without having seen Him?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:11:34 -0700

Why do Mormons believe that God has a body without having seen Him?

Sometmes seeing is not always believing...hence Drinking Dano's vision. There are more positive and assuring ways that one can know of who and how our Heavenly Father is.

Answer to As a Mormon, why do I need to confess my sins to another person (i.e. a bishop) instead of just to God?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:08:52 -0700

As a Mormon, why do I need to confess my sins to another person (i.e. a bishop) instead of just to God?

The bishops of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are also considered Common Judges in Israel. It is their purpose to help those who have "fallen" from their commitments and covenants to get back to the "fold". They have the keys (authority) to help the...

Answer to Do Mormons believe in the Immaculate Conception?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 17:03:33 -0700

Do Mormons believe in the Immaculate Conception?

I agree with the answer, and would like to add my own. Mary did not "know" a man in the sense that she had intercourse with any man then living on earth. The scriptures say that she was "overshadowed" by the Spirit of God. What that entails we do not know. In the...

Answer to Who or what do Mormons believe created their God?

Fri, 09 Jul 2004 16:54:26 -0700

Who or what do Mormons believe created their God?

Bob has given the best answer on this question I have ever seen. We do not know. "We believe that God has revealed many great and important things..." pertaining to our salvation and exaltation. If we don't need to know it for that end, He probably won't reveal it. Faith...