How can I improve this Mormon paradoxical question?

The prodigal son is not applicable to the D&C 84 verses.

The key is in verse 41, after having received the oath and covenant and then altogether turning therefrom.

First, receiving the oath and covenant of the priesthood requires you to go through the temple and receive your endowments, having received the full covenant of the priesthood that only comes from the temple ordinances. That includes being sealed in eternal marriage. Then you have to completely turn your back on those covenants, rejecting all that you have learned and covenanted to obey.

That never happened with the prodigal son. There is no evidence that he ever received the priesthood, much less turning his back on those covenants. What he did was rebel against his father due to youthful stupidity. He eventually recognized his error and repented and returned.

That kind of repentance is available to all of God's children. What is not available is to have a sure knowledge of God and Christ and their work for the children of men and then to openly deny it all. That is what Cain did and what Judas Iscariot is accused of doing. There are very few people who fall into that category. The prodigal son was not one of them.

It's really quite simple. We don't know how much knowledge of the truth this prodigal son is assumed to have, but the assumption was that 1) he did not have enough and/or 2) he did not "altogether turneth therefrom". The parable is about forgiveness, about how we should forgive, and about how we can be forgiven.

The unforgivable sin requires that one receive the priesthood (if male), receive a witness that Jesus is the Christ, and then "altogether turneth therefrom". Once that happens, there is no turning back.

Did you ever have this witness? And have you turned away altogether? Have you denied the Christ, once having a firm testimony of the truth? Simply leaving the church and/or going inactive is not enough. You have to actively deny Christ, not just turn away and go down some lost pathway. The prodigal son went down a lost pathway, but the parable says nothing about him actively denying the truth.

There is no conflict. There is only our lack of understanding. Many people leave the church, only to return in later years. Their sins are forgiven, and they are accepted back with open arms because they never denied Christ, they never actively denied the truth they once had, if they ever had it to start with.

So what about you? I can't answer that. Not enough information. Did you once have a firm testimony of the truth? Have you turned from the truth you once had and do you actively deny it now? Do you even care? These are answers only you can answer. If you care and really want to know, go find a Bishop and discuss it with him. He can help you find the answers to questions like this.

Not much of a paradox. As others have mentioned, the prodigal son isn't in the same boat as a "son of perdition". The former is just a sinner who then turns from sin and repents. The latter is someone who has the full truth, full knowledge of the Holy Ghost, then willfully rejects it, rejects God, and turns to Satan.

I wouldn't worry about any of it though - Mormonism is demonstrably false. Worry about your relationship with God, not your relationship with Joseph Smiths' expensive social club.

I've been doing a lot of research about the gospel & have learned a little more than I really wanted to know...All that I can say is that Heavenly Father loves us unconditionally & the entire reason we are here on earth is to be tested...so that we can choose to return home. You are not going to be rejected when you sincerely want to reconcile with the Lord. You are a child of God that all of your choices (sins) have been forgiven w/ Christ's atonement, all you have to do is return unto him. (Matt 18:12-14) Take into consideration witnesses of Bofm- left the church for a time, w/ the ego & power of men leading the church. They eventually returned again. There is many imperfections in the church doctrine and teachings, (as w/ any church) The bible says you should be stoned to death for taking the Lords name in vain and many Christians do that everyday while praising him-Lev 24:11 Focus on the principles & goodness of the people that are worth more than all mans worldly view points.

Joseph Smith...yeah

There is no such thing as "outer darkness" aka "mormon hell". It's all a fantasy of Joseph Smith's. There is no such thing as some special Melly priesthood either. That, too, is nothing but a fantasy of Joseph Smith's to keep people blind to their own ego urges. Especially men, who are prone to such things. Like he was, in fact. Misery loves company.

Grow up. The only way OUT of hell is through Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. No one can take those who have placed faith in Him out of HIS hands. Ever. Or, don't you trust Jesus Christ's promises?

I believe you have to know God and reject him completely to go to outer darkness.

Still, there is no happiness in wickedness. Eventually, hopefully, you will figure that out. There is great joy in serving the Lord.

Some people you just can't reach. Mormons are like this. They drank the whole bottle, including the worm, and it's messed them up forevermore.