KevinG Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 In regards to pulling a fast one on church authorities...A fundamental tenant of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ is individual agency. As God's children this life is a laboratory, test and school where we learn to exercise the power and influence God has blessed us with.The governance structures revealed to us in the Latter-days assume that each individual will honorably do their best to choose the right, from time to time stumbling in their weakness but redeemed by grace. The Temple recommend interview process is a microcosm on this principle. We voluntarily go to voluntarily confess our sins to receive counsel which we voluntarily follow in order to keep to the straight and narrow path.Even in the most extreme cases of disfellowship and excommunication the confession of serious sins is voluntary and the actions are taken in order to release the individual from condemnation and allow them to order their lives and return to full fellowship when ready. The only exceptions to this are those who intentionally harm the church by attempting to lead away the faithful, those who are predators and those who intentionally steal the tithing and fast offerings dedicated to support the Lord's church.Ultimately the governance of the Lord's church is ourselves. Our virtue secures our blessings. Our sins deny us freedom as structural and legal rules must be put into place to substitute for lack of self-discipline and honor. This is a true principle and applies to life in general as well as the Church. For example "what works better for the bodies and souls of mankind"...-Software blocking or the personal discipline to avoid online pornography?-Sunday liquor laws or the personal discipline to obey the Word of Wisdom?-Police patrols or the personal honor to respect others property?-Government welfare programs or the personal charity of feeding the poor through fast offerings?At the foundation of the world it was the adversary who wanted to force us to do the right thing and take God's glory for himself. It was Christ who offered Himself as a sacrifice for all sin and gave us the ultimate gift of freedom.Sadly those who think they are pulling one over on the LDS Church Information Systems may only be making it more difficult for legitimate submissions in the future. They are certainly causing angst and embarrassment for the faithful who submit their ancestors names in good conscience. If nothing else they are causing great embarrassment to the underpaid (or nonpaid) and overworked IT professionals in Salt Lake City.Even worse they make a mockery of the honor system that is a foundational part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray we remain a righteous people, that the few who sew dissent from within repent and that we fill our cup with righteousness and not sin before the final judgment.
Mansquatch Posted March 5, 2012 Posted March 5, 2012 I have the same feelings about baptizing people who are not obeying established laws of the land since they are clearly not "honest in their dealings with their fellow man". No one seems to care though, just as many take lightly the deception involved in making inappropriate submissions. As for making it more difficult for entry, it is bound to happen. The idiots always make things worse for everyone else. Why do you think the missionary white handbook is as thick as it is?
KevinG Posted March 5, 2012 Author Posted March 5, 2012 Why do you think the missionary white handbook is as thick as it is?My son thought it was to better crush rats in the Phillipines. ;-)
Ares Posted March 6, 2012 Posted March 6, 2012 Re-opened with edits at the request of the author. Please do not make this all about name submission... there is already a thread for that.
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