Only meaningless to someone lacking understanding. It seems that I have opened the door to a room you have yet to explore. Please excuse me.

But what happens when the government begins assuming traditionally religious functions such as caring for the poor, needy and infirm? What should be done then? Infringe religious functions?

A Village, an Ox and a Bird - a Parable In a village a strong ox lived. A productive force when constrained, under a yoke it gave great strength, serving in a marvelous way. A pen was made to keep it in. Everything was well, 'til one night, in the fence the ox kicked a hole, And proceeded to roam around, carelessly trampling the gardens. In a village a garden grew, where a magical herb was found. Visiting there oft a shy bird, nurtured the herb with great care. 'Til an errant ox came along carelessly trampling the garden sending the tender bird to flight. Hence the magical herb withered, replaced by a foul smelling weed. In a village a bird was found, freely flying from perch to perch, with so transcendental a song, it lofted an...

Hold your tongue, Lon. If conservatives should regain any trace of influence in congress this fall, it will have a profoundly refreshing effect on the economy and the nation. Then President Obama can extend the fable by claiming that he single handedly fixed it.

If a child goes to bed hungry, whose responsibility is that? God told Adam that by sweat he should eat until he is in the ground. (Is it significant that God did not say the same to Eve?) Based on that prime command, I surmise the answer is the father. It's very simple. When dad goes to work to feed the family, the child eats. I believe that fathers who fail to provide for their families by honest labor will have to answer to God (in the presence of their families) for their neglect. I also believe that when society facilitates or enforces the delinquency of fathers then society necessarily suffers the disturbing consequences, such as we see. Notice that in places where the proper roles of fathers (as set by God) are distorted,...

Amen.

Not certain about the definition of the word cabal, I looked it up. Startling! In The Book of Mormon, a scripture that you may or may not accept, but I nonetheless offer for your consideration, that was prepared by God, written by prophets and has much to say about the world today, we are warned to beware of “secret combinations” (cabals) that are formed to get power, seek to overthrow freedom and will lead to the destruction of the people and nations that uphold them. (Ether 8:18-26) We are in trouble indeed!

I do appreciate Hal for two things. In representing the absurd view held by him and those like him, he affirms and validates my own view. He also prompts me to sharpen my view as I struggle to form responses to his arguments. However, I can be seriously challenged by simple things. If Hal was any smarter and/or his view any more substantial, I would be in trouble.

By-the-way, your remarks in Reply #306 were excellent.

What has “the meadow” got to do with anything? Does one, very unfortunate event, in a time and place few know, somehow invalidate the millions of hours of volunteer service given by Latter-day Saints every year? Besides, what does a “cheep shot” tell about the one doing the shooting?

Don't be surprised if when a disaster visits the place where you live, the first help you see is either a concerned, god-fearing neighbor or someone from a faith-based charity, possibly even a Mormon. They will be there because they are concerned about your welfare, not because a civil authority told them to.

I didn't understand your second comment. You declared my statement about government not being good at charity work untrue, then seemed...

Very good!