Can we know truth?

I have been thinking about a comment my husband made a few days ago.  He expressed that he was amazed that so many well educated people seem to believe whatever they see posted online. All I could do was agree,  but since then, I have been wondering about what he said.  I feel that many people today may not have the foundational principles to enable them to make wise decisions.  In our world truth is viewed as  something which is "unknowable" and "relative". Often the longing for truth is quelled by telling ourselves that, after all, everyone has the  right to their own "truth". This sounds nice, but down deep it doesn't make sense.

Were the People in Old Testament Times Primitive?

https://www.lds.org/media-library/images/moses-gives-aaron-priesthood-39465?lang=eng

I shared with a Jewish friend that I was studying about the ancient Tabernacle and the Mosaic Law (the laws and rules that were given to Moses to guide the Israelite people he brought out of Egypt). I think she was surprised that a Christian would be doing this, because she asked me why I was doing this studying. The simple answer would be that every four years the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints study the Old Testament in our Sunday School classes. Sure that got me started, but I wanted to study more on my own, so I am reading the Church college course Old Testament Manual. I've really been enjoying it and learning a lot.

I know that statement probably surprises some people. Many people, especially Christians, consider the Mosaic Law as a mere law of retribution, of an "eye for an eye". They see the Gospel, a law of love, as

What Do I Think About Legalizing Marijuana in Utah?

The question with this legislation is not whether some people feel less pain when they use marijuana, but whether this legislation encourages the misuse of the drug marijuana. I don't doubt that marijuana makes it so you do not feel pain. Many drugs affect our perception of pain, but they all have consequences. These consequences can effect the potential of youth, the mental health of others, the innocent they injure, and even the unborn. I have seen many children conceived and not wanted by parents on drugs. I've watched these children face great challenges in their lives and at school, particularly having to deal with being born addicted to a drug. Drugs, even alcohol and tobacco, are not mere toys to amuse us. Problems still remain when the mind altering chemicals are gone. This legislation seems to be a blanket endorsement of general marijuana use. It does not provide adequate regulation to restrict the use of marijuana for medical use. Since it does not take responsibility for the possible physical, social, mental, and legal consequences of legalized marijuana use, I do not support this legislation.

The Official Statement of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/first-presidency-statement-on-utah-marijuana-initiative

for a good analysis on the proposed legislation:
https://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/marijuana-analysis

Why Did I Join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Church?

               https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2018-01-0010-discovering-truth?lang=eng

A friend asked if I had joined The Church because I married a member. This is my response to her.

No, I did not join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints because I was marrying a member. After I joined the Church, I found a strong member of my faith to marry, because I wanted a partner who would share my beliefs and help me to grow.

When I was 16, I met a girl in a summer school class in California and we became friends -- still are! I was impressed with her values and her family. There was a love there that wasn't in my family. As I told you I was looking for truth. I've never had any interest in "religion" -- in joining some group and adopting their ideas. I really don't understand why people do that -- security? I am an exceptionally independent person who lives by principles and not much of a "groupy".

Truth and Faith

When I was in my early teens I began to question organized religions. I felt that each religion had some truth, but many of the things they said just didn't feel right to me. I studied many religions including Far Eastern. I learned how beliefs were voted on at the Council of Nicea and later how Protestants leaders tried to reform and return to beliefs they felt were true. Religions were formed as people interpreted scripture and mixed it with what they thought was right. Though I admire these good people, this was not what I was looking for. I didn't want to just pick some religion that seemed the best of the lot, I wanted real truth. I wanted revelation from God. I don't understand how some people can just say, "This is what my religion says is true so that is what I believe".  I live by true principles and I test them out so I know they are true.

Are Polygamist groups part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?

My friend was still wondering why a woman who was raised in a Polygamist group would not be welcomed into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes called the "Mormon" church, if she had given up polygamy. Here is my answer to her.

I think this is the problem with the young woman who wants to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You said, "She doesn't want to give up all her Mormon training and teachings to join a church that doesn't believe in the things she was brought up to believe in, which she would have to do if she went to any regular Protestant denomination. "  The truth is that there isn't some other The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints which has the same beliefs, but also believes in polygamy. I was just looking at some of the beliefs of groups who splintered off from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their beliefs are really different!! 

See https://www.mormon.org/  "Beliefs" for beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.