When You Are Troubled By Something In The Church.

[JLHPROF]

I chose prayer, and was surprised that prayer did not get the lion's share of the votes on this poll.  Really?? People trust internet answers more than prayer??? This is really sad.  The Spirit is real, there are actual answers through prayer everyone....

 

I don't think most people who voted for "go to the internet and books to research" really meant the internet.  At least I didn't.  I think most of them meant they study what has been written on the subject - scripture, the prophets, Church publications, Church websites, and then yes, maybe a message board or blog as a last resort. 

 

God expects us to search out truth as well as turn to him in prayer to get answers.

[gmormon]

I've done and tried all of the above, so I selected other.

Ditto

[mormonnewb]

If there is an issue that bugs me and I can't find an answer to it what I find the best thing to do is set it aside and worry about other things. A number of times in my life I have figured out the answer after time has passed. Sometimes it might be a week but it could be years. Patience if a virtue that fewer people seem to have these days. If they don't get the answer that need in the time frame they want, they give up or decide there is no answer. Perhaps there is no answer and perhaps there is an answer but they might have to wait a long time to get it. Get a testimony on the basic, fundamental parts first. Once grounded in that, everything else will come in due time. People just have to learn patience.

I agree that many of us (ie, ME) could use more patience with things we don't understand. And in some cases, such as say, the truth of the Adam-God doctrine, we really can wait until the hereafter to know the truth.

Yet, sometimes, our actions in the here and now are directly affected by what we believe (or disbelieve). Does one wear garments, obey the WOW or pay tithes without a firm testimony that they are commended by HF? Alternatively, if someone has serious concerns about, say, the Church's teachings on homosexuality and the increased rate of suicides that it may be causing, what does he or she do? Stay silent and let it all work itself out in the end?

Dr. King once said that we will one day be called to repetence, not tor the evil deeds of the wicked, but the appalling silence of the good people. Isn't it possible that our "patience" can be an excuse for this appalling silence?

[KevinG]

 Alternatively, if someone has serious concerns about, say, the Church's teachings on homosexuality and the increased rate of suicides that it may be causing, what does he or she do? 

 

I'd say do your homework and don't believe every rumor and man made doctrine out there.

 

Even Dehlin's research showed that in families who were loving and supportive of their gay children (even while disagreeing with their choice) suicide rates were no greater than the general population.  So be careful not to blame doctrines on chastity and marriage for the failure of parents to show affection and support for their children.