Inconsistent Application of Church Discipline - Why?

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Requiem

The very act of making public the outcome of a disciplinary council, followed by the marginalization of the repentant confessor, is nothing more than institutional voyeurism. Do you think that the nature of Mormon wards makes this a more common practice? I wonder why some people take joy in the misfortune of others - it seems to be the antithesis of the Savior's message.

Several years ago, I was made aware of a missionary sent home early because he came forward and confessed a sexual sin to his mission president. He could not handle the public shame and the outright cruelty of his home ward and subsequently took his own life. There are probably many similarly tragic incidents.

Ultimately a transgressor is responsible for the consequences of his or her transgressions, even public dissemination. But we who seek to help should not be the ones compounding the transgression, at least that is my personal interpretation, not trying to speak for the prophet, less Tex misunderstand.

However, there are a few in every ward who simply must know what is going on. My family chides me because I never know the gossip of the ward unless it hits me in the face. I do NOT want to know the bad happenings of another unless I can help. It pains me to know some of the burdens others carry to the point that it is a heavy burden.

Why do members desire to know? Perhaps their sins are so few it interests them. Many persons carry terrible burdens and when in rare times I've shouldered it for them, it has been a relief for me. I would never request another shoulder any burden I might carry but I would ask that they not compound them.

In a sense, I can't fathom why. It is incomprehensible.

[Requiem]

Originally Posted by Archaea

I do NOT want to know the bad happenings of another unless I can help. It pains me to know some of the burdens others carry to the point that it is a heavy burden.

I would never request another shoulder any burden I might carry but I would ask that they not compound them.

In a sense, I can't fathom why. It is incomprehensible.

Agreed. Ironic in the sense that one of the fundamental tenets of Mormonism is that 'the worth of souls is great...' ; yet as members we (and I am all too often guilty) fail to collectively bear the burdens of others and make a genuine effort to assist in bringing souls to salvation. I sometimes fear that, as a people, we turn inward out of selfishness and comfort.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

Your public persona is one of a histrionic woman.

And that comment is supposed to hurt?

Ouch, stop hurting me. Bad boy, down boy.

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

And that comment is supposed to hurt?

Ouch, stop hurting me. Bad boy, down boy.

It's not supposed to hurt, it's supposed to describe you.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

It's not supposed to hurt, it's supposed to describe you.

You've got me nailed to a tee. But in reality you're being dishonest.

Tex seems to find my description of him unfair, and you rush to his defense by lobbing an insult which you deem I might find offensive. Given your histrionics, I would expect nothing less. But it is not offensive, despite your protestations and remonstrations.

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

You've got me nailed to a tee.

The first step to recovery is accepting you have a problem. I await the completion of the remaining steps.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

The first step to recovery is accepting you have a problem. I await the completion of the remaining steps.

Given your history in the fifth I'd expect nothing else.