LDS priorities

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by Jeff Lebowski

Which is more likely to keep you out of the temple? Drinking coffee or being an a-hole to your neighbors? Enjoying a glass of wine or cheating on your income taxes?

The elevated importance we give to the WoW in today's church/culture is absurd.

Ummm..... those items are covered in the recommend interview.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

Ummm..... those items are covered in the recommend interview.

Don't you find it a bit odd?

I admit that whether one drinks coffee is tangibly measured and one's a..holeness to one's neighbor is not, but it is odd that we stress certain external measurements and ignore perhaps more vital internal measurements.

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Don't you find it a bit odd?

I admit that whether one drinks coffee is tangibly measured and one's a..holeness to one's neighbor is not, but it is odd that we stress certain external measurements and ignore perhaps more vital internal measurements.

I've never been asked an itemized list of things covered in the Word of Wisdom, just like I've never been asked an itemized list of things covered in "honest in your dealings" or "actions which are not in harmony", and I fail to see how one surpasses the other in the recommend interview process.

[Flystripper]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

I've never been asked an itemized list of things covered in the Word of Wisdom, just like I've never been asked an itemized list of things covered in "honest in your dealings" or "actions which are not in harmony", and I fail to see how one surpasses the other in the recommend interview process.

I have not see itemized lists either. What I have see through personal experience is the following:

Confession of WoW transgression - no recommend

Confession of my assholeness and feeling of unworthiness - discussion with bishop and recommend issued.

Based on my experience, the TR recommend interview and subsequent issuance places greater weight on WoW than general christlike attributes.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Don't you find it a bit odd?

I admit that whether one drinks coffee is tangibly measured and one's a..holeness to one's neighbor is not, but it is odd that we stress certain external measurements and ignore perhaps more vital internal measurements.

Originally Posted by Flystripper

Based on my experience, the TR recommend interview and subsequent issuance places greater weight on WoW than general christlike attributes.

How would either of you suggest a bishop measure general Christlike attributes?

And short of dropping the WoW question (my, wouldn't we love that), what's the alternative? Wouldn't you be among the first ones screaming if your bishop denied your recommend because you pepper sprayed your neighbor's annoying dog?

[RockyBalboa]

Define "Orthodox Member"

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by RockyBalboa

Define "Orthodox Member"

It's the strawman dressed up in a white shirt, conservative tie and a circa late 1980s Franklin Planner that they have to special order refills for.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Tex

How would either of you suggest a bishop measure general Christlike attributes?

And short of dropping the WoW question (my, wouldn't we love that), what's the alternative? Wouldn't you be among the first ones screaming if your bishop denied your recommend because you pepper sprayed your neighbor's annoying dog?

The easy way to get your T, is to answer the questions quickly with no thought.

I don't know the answer but the problem makes it strange.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

Ummm..... those items are covered in the recommend interview.

Your bishop asks you about being an a-hole? Interesting... Do you respond truthfully?

I know a guy who is a bishop who openly brags about cheating on his taxes (cash-only transactions). Nobody bats an eye. How long do you think he would last as bishop if he started drinking coffee in public?

[Flystripper]

Originally Posted by Tex

How would either of you suggest a bishop measure general Christlike attributes?

And short of dropping the WoW question (my, wouldn't we love that), what's the alternative? Wouldn't you be among the first ones screaming if your bishop denied your recommend because you pepper sprayed your neighbor's annoying dog?

When I discussed my assholeness I was fully prepared to not have a recommend and was mildly surprised the Bishop talked me into the "correct" TR response.

No I wouldn't scream if the Bishop denied me a recommend for any reason. It's his call. I am only responsible for full disclosure and repentance.