Not sure what fantasy world the author is living in because anyone who has served a full time LDS mission (especially in the USA or Europe) could not swing a dead cat without running into the awkward situation of cohabitation, men and women having children with multiple partners and just how fast an investigator found an excuse to stop taking the discussions when the subjects of keeping and following God's Law of Chastity commitment and their interest in eternal families that can only happen by a man and woman marrying in the temple. It was very discouraging to me when I came home fom my mission in 1999 to realize marriage and family formation the Lord's way was just another of Satan's brilliant tactics to win the war.
And its working!
Tom JohnsonFebruary 18, 2026
Thanks, Mark, for a summary, commentary, and perspective.
Rochelle HaleFebruary 18, 2026
Latter-day Saint at their core or children of Christ? Often this comes up in our "Come, Follow Me" study group. I believe there are good people, living all over the world, who are following God to the best of their understanding and cultural beliefs. None of God's children will be denied the opportunity to return to Him. How wonderful will be the day when they can receive the fullness of the gospel, on earth or in the Spirit World. Even the Catholic church changed their belief about children who die without baptism. How blessed we are that, through the Lord's mercy, no one will be denied the blessings of the gospel and the path to Jesus Christ. Eternal love, eternal families, and other things that may lie only in peoples hearts or imaginations are just a short grasp of faith away.
Don MFebruary 18, 2026
Thank you for this uplifting and insightful article. Although I had a testimony of Christ, I did not find direction in life until I met the missionaries from the Church who taught God’s entire plan of salvation. What a comfort that was to learn of a just, loving and compassionate Heavenly Father.
John H WaitingFebruary 18, 2026
Another excellent article. I have known the Stoddard family since Mark was in High School in England in the ‘60s and am privileged to know them
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Michelle LlewellynFebruary 27, 2026
Not sure what fantasy world the author is living in because anyone who has served a full time LDS mission (especially in the USA or Europe) could not swing a dead cat without running into the awkward situation of cohabitation, men and women having children with multiple partners and just how fast an investigator found an excuse to stop taking the discussions when the subjects of keeping and following God's Law of Chastity commitment and their interest in eternal families that can only happen by a man and woman marrying in the temple. It was very discouraging to me when I came home fom my mission in 1999 to realize marriage and family formation the Lord's way was just another of Satan's brilliant tactics to win the war. And its working!
Tom JohnsonFebruary 18, 2026
Thanks, Mark, for a summary, commentary, and perspective.
Rochelle HaleFebruary 18, 2026
Latter-day Saint at their core or children of Christ? Often this comes up in our "Come, Follow Me" study group. I believe there are good people, living all over the world, who are following God to the best of their understanding and cultural beliefs. None of God's children will be denied the opportunity to return to Him. How wonderful will be the day when they can receive the fullness of the gospel, on earth or in the Spirit World. Even the Catholic church changed their belief about children who die without baptism. How blessed we are that, through the Lord's mercy, no one will be denied the blessings of the gospel and the path to Jesus Christ. Eternal love, eternal families, and other things that may lie only in peoples hearts or imaginations are just a short grasp of faith away.
Don MFebruary 18, 2026
Thank you for this uplifting and insightful article. Although I had a testimony of Christ, I did not find direction in life until I met the missionaries from the Church who taught God’s entire plan of salvation. What a comfort that was to learn of a just, loving and compassionate Heavenly Father.
John H WaitingFebruary 18, 2026
Another excellent article. I have known the Stoddard family since Mark was in High School in England in the ‘60s and am privileged to know them
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