A new Great Depression?
Today on CNN.Money I read:
Americans don’t need to worry about another depression. But no matter what happens with the bank bailout, the economy is unlikely to turn around soon.
I really hope we are not heading down to a new Great Depression and frankly I think we are not…. for now, at least. However, I would not be surprised if something like the Great Depression, or even worse, would happen in the next few years.
I am not an expert on the economy and I will not try to be one. However, I was reading a simple textbook about American history and they mention that President Coolidge, not long before the beginning of the Great Depression said:
Everything is fundamentally sound
This sounds familiar, doesn’t it? In fact, these are some of the things said in the recent past by President Bush and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson (from CNN):
I have great, great confidence in our capital markets and in our financial institutions. Our financial institutions, banks and investment banks, are strong. Our capital markets are resilient. They’re efficient. They’re flexible. — Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, March 16, 2008
“Our economy has continued growing, consumers are spending, business are investing, exports continue increasing and American productivity remains strong. We can have confidence in the long-term foundation of our economy…I think the system basically is sound. I truly do.” — President Bush, July 15, 2008
This is an interesting parallel. Another one, again quoting from the textbook (The Americans):
Beginning in 1926 and continuing through 1929, housing starts and other forms of constructions were declining. Construction then, as now, it is an important multiplier industry…it stimulates other businesses.
I know that there are differences between our times and the times of the Great Depression, but I think there is enough to be more than concerned and we should not completely discard the possibility of a “new great depression” , if not right now, but in a not too far away future, unless some major change happens, and not only in the economy, but also in the heart of people.
The only thing that make and keep a nation great is the righteousness of its people. History (and the scriptures) clearly teach this principle.
Mormon principles: eternal progression
Filed under: Mormon Church, Mormon Doctrine
In the doctrine of the Mormon Church progression is an important principle. In fact, Mormons believe in eternal progression.
(This video is a challenge to improve ourselves)
The principle of eternal progression cannot be precisely defined or comprehended, yet it is fundamental to the LDS worldview. The phrase “eternal progression” first occurs in the discourses of Brigham Young. It embodies many concepts taught by Joseph Smith, especially in his King Follett discourse. It is based on the proposition that “there is no such thing as principle, power, wisdom, knowledge, life, position, or anything that can be imagined, that remains stationary--they must increase or decrease” (Young, JD 1:350).
Progression takes many forms. In one sense, eternal progression refers to everything that people learn and experience by their choices as they progress from premortal life, to mortality, to postmortal spirit life, and to a resurrected state in the presence of God. Personal progression is possible in each of these states, but not the same kind of progression. Progression apparently occurred in the premortal life, for most spirits there chose to follow Christ and some were noble and great, while others chose to follow Lucifer. Entering mortality affords opportunities for further progression. Obtaining a physical body is a crucial step, enabling a person to experience physical sensations of all kinds and to progress in knowledge and understanding, all of which will rise with the person in the Resurrection (D&C 130:18). Brigham Young taught that even in mortality, “We are in eternity” (JD 10:22), and the object of this existence is “to learn to enjoy more, and to increase in knowledge and experience” (JD 14:228). “When we have learned to live according to the full value of the life we now possess, we are prepared for further advancement in the scale of eternal progression--for a more glorious and exalted sphere” (JD 9:168).
Life is never static. “One must progress or retrograde. One cannot stand still. Activity is the law of growth, and growth, progress, is the law of life” (A. Bowen, in Christ’s Ideals for Living, O. Tanner, ed., Salt Lake City, 1980, p. 368). A person’s attitude about “”eternal progression’ will largely determine his philosophy of life...exalting, increasing, expanding and extending broader and broader until we can know as we are known, see as we are seen” (Young, JD 16:165).
Luca, Mormon missionary in Martha’s Vineyard
Filed under: Luca Martinengo's mission, Mormon Church, Mormon Missionaries
Luca, the Mormon missionary, actually the first official missionary from our family, has been transferred and he is now in Martha’s Vineyard.
From the pictures he sent it looks like an amazing place, and over there Luca can use his knowledge of the Portuguese language, since many Brazilian live there.
Luca Martinengo in Martha's Vineyard
This is an excerpt from Luca’s email to us:
you have no idea how fast this transfer (this past few weeks here in the island) have gone by, it is so amazingly fast, wow I basically feel like we don’t have the time to do everything that we want to do, but I guess we do the best that we can. President calls me the firecracker, i can’t be still for a minute, I just feel kind of bad when we are not doing anything, so whenever I come to those times when there is no one in the bus or whatever, I always have a few good talks that I haven’t read or i pull out the scriptures and I read them, now i have even more to read because I have to read the lessons and the scriptures in Portuguese also.
The people here in the island are amazing, especially the members and especially even more the Brazilian members, they are such humble people and have the strongest testimonies I have ever heard.
I love reading the scriptures and also conference talks, i have made like a book full of my favorite talks and i try to read at least one a day, i have learned a lot.
I am having a lot of fun translating at church, it seems like i do everything there, because sometimes i have to translate and also play the piano and also make sure that the investigators are happy and also talk to members because they don’t really understand my companion very well, hehehe
Great Picture!
Mormon missionaries' bikes
Mormon missionary's study room
Mormon missionaries: Video
Filed under: Mormon Church, Mormon Missionaries, Mormon Videos, Portuguese, Videos
This is a great and very creative video about Mormon missionaries.
Since its earliest days, the Mormon church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) has sent out missionaries to all parts of the world. Missionary work is talked about in Mormon congregations and Mormon’s are encouraged to share the gospel with their friends and neighbors. However, when one thinks of Mormon missionaries they usually think of 19-24 year old men and women serving full-time missions.
The Mormon missionary program is perhaps the most active missionary program of any world church. As of December 31, 2004, there were more than 51,000 full-time missionaries serving around the world at any given time. Missionary work is a fundamental principle of the Church, and has become one of the most readily identifiable characteristics of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. All missionaries have been assigned by Church headquarters to their area of work, which can be in any part of the world where governments allow them to preach. They contribute to their own support for up to two years, frequently learning another language.
The formal missionary program for the Church is responsible for sending out over 56,000 missionaries to approximately 330 organized missions around the world. Missionaries are a common sight in many areas, often seen in white shirts and ties, riding bicycles through neighborhoods or doing service in communities small and large. These young men, typically 19 to 24 years old, are not the only missionaries that are fielded by the Church. There are missionaries who are old, young, male, female, proselyting, and service oriented.
DearScriptures.com