What Does Salt Taste Like?

(This is an experience shared by Boyd K. Packer)

I sat on a plane next to a professed atheist who pressed his disbelief in God so urgently that I bore my testimony to him. “You are wrong,” I said, “there is a God. I know He lives!”

He protested, “You don’t know. Nobody knows that! You can’t know it!” When I would not yield, the atheist, who was an attorney, asked perhaps the ultimate question on the subject of testimony. “All right,” he said in a sneering, condescending way, “you say you know. Tell me how you know.”

When I attempted to answer, even though I held advanced academic degrees, I was helpless to communicate.

When I used the words Spirit and witness, the atheist responded, “I don’t know what you are talking about.” The words prayer, discernment, and faith, were equally meaningless to him. “You see,” he said, “you don’t really know. If you did, you would be able to tell me how you know.”

I felt, perhaps, that I had borne my testimony to him unwisely and was at a loss as to what to do. Then came the experience! Something came into my mind. And I mention here a statement of the Prophet Joseph Smith:

 “A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas … and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ, Jesus. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1977, p. 151.)

Such an idea came into my mind and I said to the atheist, “Let me ask if you know what salt tastes like.”

“Of course I do,” was his reply.

“When did you taste salt last?”

“I just had dinner on the plane.”

“You just think you know what salt tastes like,” I said.

He insisted, “I know what salt tastes like as well as I know anything.”

“If I gave you a cup of salt and a cup of sugar and let you taste them both, could you tell the salt from the sugar?”

“Now you are getting juvenile,” was his reply. “Of course I could tell the difference. I know what salt tastes like. It is an everyday experience—I know it as well as I know anything.”

“Then,” I said, “assuming that I have never tasted salt, explain to me just what it tastes like.”

After some thought, he ventured, “Well-I-uh, it is not sweet and it is not sour.”

“You’ve told me what it isn’t, not what it is.”

After several attempts, of course, he could not do it. He could not convey, in words alone, so ordinary an experience as tasting salt. I bore testimony to him once again and said, “I know there is a God. You ridiculed that testimony and said that if I did know, I would be able to tell you exactly how I know. My friend, spiritually speaking, I have tasted salt. I am no more able to convey to you in words how this knowledge has come than you are to tell me what salt tastes like. But I say to you again, there is a God! He does live! And just because you don’t know, don’t try to tell me that I don’t know, for I do!”

As we parted, I heard him mutter, “I don’t need your religion for a crutch! I don’t need it.”


To everyone, both LDS and Non-LDS, don't let others ridicule you for your religion, if you have a testimony and the spirit in your hearts, nothing save it yourself can sway you and cause you to doubt.  

The Godhead

(Inspired by a talk given by Boyd K. Packer)

Many people are confused about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in many of of teachings and doctrine.  One prime example is who they (the saints) really worship.   Here is the answer:

The saints worship the Godhead, which is made up of three divine beings.  They each have a part which makes up the Godhead.

There is one God the Father of all. He is Heavenly Father.

There is only one Redeemer, Mediator, Savior. That is Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

There is one Holy Ghost, a personage of spirit, who completes the Godhead.

That is whom the saints worship.  Heavenly Father, who is God;  Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God and who atoned for our sins, and the Holy Ghost, who is our spiritual guidance through the path of righteousness.  

Feeding the Spiritually Weak

(This article was inspired by a talk given by Boyd K. Packer )

Jesus Christ told Peter, and told us to, "Feed my Sheep."   What does that mean?   Here is a story to give an idea:

There was a large family reunion and they planned to hold a large picnic.  They reserve a beautiful picnic ground in the country, and they have it all to themselves. When the the day came, the weather is perfect. They head out to their rightfully reserved spot, and get everything ready; the tables are in one long row. they had tablecloths and china. The tables are laden with every kind of delicious food: watermelon, corn on the cob, fried chicken, hamburgers, hot dogs, cakes, pies, lemonade, soda—you get the picture?

Everyone is seated, and one of them was asked to bless the food. Everybody secretly hoped it would be a short prayer.  Then, just at that moment there is an interruption. A noisy old car jerks into the picnic grounds and sputters to a stop close to them. Everyone was upset. Didn’t the driver see the “reserved” signs? 

A worried-looking man emerges from the car and lifts the hood; a spray of steam comes out.  One of the family members, a mechanic, says, “That car isn't going anywhere unless it is fixed.” 
Several children spill from the car. They are ragged, dirty and noisy. The mother climbs out of the car and takes a box to an area nearby, sets the box down, lays a faded checkered blanket on the ground, and then starts laying out the food.  It is lunch time, and their children are hungry. She puts a few leftovers on some plates and then she nervously moves them about, trying to make it look like a meal for her hungry children, but there is not enough.  It is obvious that this family was in poor and humble circumstances.  

Everyone at the tables were waiting.  They were thinking, "Why did they arrive just at that moment? Such an inconvenient time. Why must we interrupt what we are doing to bother with outsiders? Why couldn't they have stopped somewhere else? They are not clean, nor decent looking! They are not like us. They just don’t fit in. What should we do?"

This is just a story, but now for the test.  If this really happened, what would you do?

Here are three choices:

-First, you could insist the parents keep their children quiet while you and the others have the blessing over the food. Thereafter you ignore them. After all, you took your time and energy planning the feast and reserving the place.

-The next choice. You do have an extra table, and you do have too much of some things. You could take a little of this and a little of that and lure the little children to the extra table. Then you could enjoy the  feast you and your family prepared without interruption. After all, you earned and payed for what you have. 

The final choice is that you go out to to the poor family and invite them to come and join your family.  They could all fit in after re-arranging some of the food and adding the extra table.  Everyone can somewhere to share the feast. Afterward, the mechanic can fix their car and give them something for their journey.

Which choice would you pick.  I do hope you picked number three.  Could there be any more pure enjoyment than seeing the faces of the poor family light up with joy after asking them to join you?  Could there be a more joyful feeling in your heart after feeding the hungry family and fixing their car?  

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints ask that Everyone, young and old, should try and help others, both physically and spiritually, whether it is a good deed, or some words of kindness/encouragement.   When Christ said to feed his sheep, his meaning is to spiritually feed his sheep.    

There are many many people out there who don't know anything about the gospel, and many are spiritually hungry, or even starving.   Even when someone is spiritually starving, they may reject the word, and reject Jesus's messengers (Missionaries).  Many missionaries and even non-LDS people wonder why many won't receive the gospel when first introduced to them.  Do you remember how reluctant you were to try any new food? Only after your mother urges you will you take a little, tiny portion on the tip of a spoon to taste it to see if you like it first.  Even then, like children and vegetables, some people receive the word, but are reluctant or don't want to follow some of the teachings.  Over time and through the spirit however, they can accept and follow the teachings and doctrine, and receive blessings for it.  Kinda like a child who ate their veggies can have dessert afterwards.

Do what Jesus asked, and that is to feed his sheep.

If you have questions, or if your interested and want to know more about the Church, visit the Church's website by clicking this link.  Or you could request a missionary visit at this link.

Who Is Jesus Christ

(This article was inspired by a talk given by Boyd K. Packer)

Jesus Christ has many titles; The Son of God, The Prince of Peace, The Bread of Life, Alpha and Omega, The Light and Life of the World, The Savior, The Redeemer, The Good Shepherd, The Beginning and the End, The Mediator, etc.

Jesus Christ was the only Perfect being that ever lived.  Because of his perfectness, he was the one who sacrificed and atoned for the sins of the world, and for every being that ever have and will live.   He spent his whole life teaching both the apostles and people, he performed miracles for thousands, he walked for miles at a time, he has done much work for his Father in Heaven.

Because of the amount of Jews that believed in Jesus, the Pharisees, members of a religious group who believed strictly in the Law of Moses, and avoided the Gentiles, to hate Jesus, and many times they plotted to kill him.   Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus's apostles, would later betray Jesus to the Pharisees for thirty pieces of silver.  He later hung himself from overwhelming guilt.
Jesus was spat on and slapped by the Pharisees while they were waiting to turn him to the Romans, (the Romans conquered Israel)  to punish Jesus for his "crimes," and not once did Jesus cry out, nor complain at all.   When Jesus stood before Pilate, (ruler over Jerusalem) many Jews bore false witness, saying that Jesus spoke of blasphemy and committed crimes.  Pilate asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews.  Jesus answered, "Thou sayest."  When Jesus as accused by the priests and elders though, he said nothing.

At this time, the Jews were celebrating the Passover.  The Romans would release a prisoner, one the crowd wanted released.   Pilate asked the Jews who should he release, the Jews shouting, "Barabbas!"  The priests and elders among the Jews started crying out for Jesus to be crucified, and the rest of the Jews shouted that out as well.   Pilate washed his hands, saying that he is innocent of the blood of this just person.   The Roman soldiers scourged Jesus, and later crucify him.  Jesus told his Father to forgive the soldiers for they know not what they do.   He said several other things, then died.
Jesus was buried in a tomb, and three days later was resurrected.  Through him, the bonds of death was broken, and we are able to be resurrected just like him.

Read more about him on the LDS Church Website.  Click this link.

Mormonism: Jesus is Tempted

In Mormonism, we learn about when Jesus began his Father's work, and is tempted by the Devil. After being baptized by John the Baptist, Jesus goes into the wilderness where he fasts for the space of forty days. While he was fasting, Satan visits him and asks, "If you hunger, why not change these stones into bread?" Jesus rebukes him by saying, "It is written, that man shall not live by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
When we are fasting, we can be tempted as well. We can follow Jesus' example to resist temptation and to continue fasting. If we do, I know that we will be blessed because of our faith and our diligence. The Holy Ghost took Jesus to the top of a large temple. Satan appears and tempts Jesus again by saying, "If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone." Jesus replies, "It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God."
We should already know that we cannot receive signs, guidance, or protection unless it is for a just cause and we have faith to receive it. I know in my heart and from past experiences that if we have enough faith, and if it is for a righteous cause, then we will be blessed with the guidance and/or protection that we need. The Holy Ghost takes Jesus to the top of a very tall mountain. Satan shows him all of the glorious kingdoms of the world and tells him, "You can have all of these kingdoms, and the riches thereof, if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus tells Satan to get thee hence and told him that the Lord God is whom he will only serve. After Satan departs, Angels come unto Jesus and ministered unto him, and Jesus begins his glorious works.
We can overcome temptation, serve the Lord, and be blessed for it. I know that if we carry out our duties, and put our best effort into serving others, we can be blessed eternally for it.

Mormonism: Fasting

In Mormonism, members of the LDS Church have been blessed with the opportunity to fast. Fasting is going without food or drink voluntarily. We can fast for many purposes. Fasting is one way of worshiping God and expressing gratitude to Him. We can fast as we ask Heavenly Father to bless the sick or afflicted. Fasting may help us and those we love receive personal and spiritual revelation and become converted to the truth. Through fasting we can gain strength to resist temptation. We can fast as we strive to humble ourselves before God and exercise faith in Jesus Christ. We may fast to receive guidance in sharing the gospel and magnifying Church callings. Fasting and sincere prayer gives us an extra "spiritual boost," when we are in need of that boost.
Jesus told his disciples when they could not cast an evil spirit from a child, that they should have fasted and prayed to receive enough spiritual power to cast the spirit from the child. He then told the disciples that if they had the faith of a single mustard seed, then they could move mountains.
Another thing about fasting is fast offerings. At the beginning of every month, we fast, and the money that would have gone into the food and drink that we fasted from, goes to the church. Fast offerings are used to feed the poor, and to help the sick and needy.
One interesting thing that links religion to science, is that scientists actually did some studies on fasting. Here is some results that they found:

- Fasting gives people the opportunity to lose weight easily if done properly. Many people even take it on as a dieting technique
- Fasting makes it easier to stop mental obsessions, addictions and bad habits
- Fasting gives the digestive system a much-needed rest
- Fasting slows elderly phases crawling to the brain cells
- Fasting quiets allergic reactions, including asthma and hay fever
- Fasting corrects high blood pressure without the use of drugs. It normalizes blood pressure in the vast majority of cases and the blood pressure will remain low after the fast, if the person follows a health-supporting diet and lifestyle
- Fasting promotes detoxification. As the body breaks down its fat reserves, it mobilizes and eliminates stored toxins
- Weak and sick cells collapse when deconstruction prevails over construction during fasting; and the body cells are renewed in the process of construction
- He also said that a long term temperate fast that followed a certain regime could treat many diseases
- Discontinuous fasting is accountable for increasing the likelihood healing among people who suffer from damages to their liver tissue
- Fasting is used in the Western World to treat arthritis, including joint inflammations and backaches
- Discontinuous fasting helps in delaying the phases of the brain’s cells to become old, and it assists in slowing the development of Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s

There are many good reasons to fast, and the blessings and reward can be great, both physically and spiritually.

Mormonism: Baptisms for the Dead

In Mormonism, many people ask members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints why they do baptisms for the dead. I am here to tell you why.
Jesus Christ taught us that baptism is essential to the salvation for everyone who has ever lived on earth. Many people, however, have died without being baptized, or have been baptized without proper authority. God, being merciful, prepared a way for everyone to receive the blessings of baptism. By performing baptisms in behalf of those who have died without baptism, Church members offer these blessings to the deceased. Individuals can then choose to accept or reject what has been done in their behalf. This is called doing baptisms for the dead. Church members willingly sacrifice some of their time to baptize for the behalf of the deceased person. Some people might think, "Why not just have one person just be baptized for all of those without baptism?" The reason is that the work must be done for each individual separately. Though tens of thousands of members are doing baptisms for the dead each week, around an average of five to fifteen each, there are hundreds of millions of names that need work done for them. Those in the next life whose names have been baptized for, can choose whether or not they accept being baptized and receive the gospel.

Mormonism: The Atonement of Jesus Christ

In Mormonism, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints strongly believe in the Atonement of Christ.
The Atonement of Christ started in the pre-earth life, when both Jesus and Lucifer offered to be the savior.   Lucifer wanted power, and did not care about the plan.  Jesus loved the people and did not want power like Lucifer.  God chose Jesus instead of Lucifer, which on a side note caused Lucifer to lead a third of the Lord's children away from Him.
Later, after Jesus was born and raised, he preached to the people, established and ordained disciples, and later on, while Judas Iscariot went to the Priests to betray Him, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane, and went through excruciating pain, bleeding out of every pore, and feeling every sin that was ever committed.  He did not want to do this, saying to the Lord, "O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt."  He loved us, and he atoned for everyone's sins.  He sealed this and the prophecies of the prophets by dying on the cross.  He was able to overcome physical death and spiritual death, and allowed everyone a chance to come back to him and Heavenly Father, our God.

Mormonism: Before the Old Testament

In Mormonism: In the Pre-Earth life, everyone lived with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.  The earth wasn't created yet.  
In a particular time, Heavenly Father gathered us around, and told us that we will go into a world and be tested.  He needed someone to be the one to atone for every one's sins. (no unclean person who sinned, even once could come back to Heavenly Father unless someone atones for the sins)  One of His son's, Lucifer, said that he will be the one.  He will force everyone to be perfect, and make sure that everyone will come back.   Lucifer only wanted Heavenly Father's power, he did not care about the others.   Another one of His sons, Jesus Christ, said that he will atone for their sins, and allow everyone to have free agency.   Heavenly Father chose Jesus to be the one.  Lucifer was angry, and stirred many souls to join him.  Heavenly Father had to cast out Lucifer and his followers, around 1/3 of His children.  Today, Lucifer is known as Satan, and he and his followers were cursed by not allowed to enter earth with a body of flesh and blood.  They work endlessly, trying to ruin and destroy Heavenly Father's Plan. 
Jesus Christ, instructed by Heavenly Father, created the Earth and the Heavens in six "days." (probably much longer in human time)

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Mormonism: The Bible, and the Book of Mormon

In Mormonism, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon.  Leaders talk about how the Book of Mormon is the "Keystone" of their religion.  They also talk about how both books are not overpowering one another, but contradict each other.  They said the the Book of Mormon is "Another testament of Jesus Christ." 
The Bible, one of the most published books in American history, gives an account of Jesus Christ and the prophets in the Middle East, mainly Israel.  In the Bible, it talks about Jeremiah preaching to the people of Jerusalem to repent.  In that time frame, there was another prophet.  His name is Lehi.  He also preached to the people of Jerusalem to repent.  They wanted to kill him, so he and his family fled.  That account is recorded in the Book of Mormon.  The Book of Mormon gives an account of Prophets in the America's.  It talks about many battles, and the destruction of two peoples, the Nephites, and the Jaredites.   It also has an account of Jesus Christ coming to the America's, ordaining disciples there.  
Many People think the the Book of Mormon is a fraud, or is even a cult of some kind.  There are many testimonies of many people who read the book for the first time, and converted to the Church. 

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Mormonism: The Sacrament

In Mormonism, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe in taking the sacrament.  The sacrament was first established by Jesus himself, on the night of the passover.   In Moroni in the Book of Mormon, it also talks about the sacrament after Jesus came to the America's.  It has the sacrament prayer in Moroni.  
The sacrament consists the representation of Jesus's body and blood.  The breaking of the bread and partaking of it represents how Jesus's body was broken.   Wine (grape juice) or more commonly water represents Jesus's blood, and how he bled out of every pore at the garden of Gethsemane. 
The members who partake of the sacrament have to be worthy to do so.
The priests in the church bless the bread and water, then give it to the deacons and teachers in trays to the members to partake of the sacrament. 


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