Duncan Posted December 7, 2015 Posted December 7, 2015 Do you think the Temple Recommend questions are designed to gauge how good of a Christian you are? As in if you get a recommend then that means you are a better Christian then someone who doesn't have one
bluebell Posted December 7, 2015 Posted December 7, 2015 I don't necessarily think that. First, not everyone is honest in answering those questions, so just having a recommend doesn't mean much. Second, a lot of the questions are based on LDS doctrine. I don't believe keeping the word of wisdom, for example, makes someone a better Christian than a person who is not under any covenant to do that. Also, you can be a jerk with little charity towards your fellowmen and still technically get a temple recommend. The questions seem to be based more on outward obedience than inner conversion. I think that it's very possible to have a Christ centered heart and life without a temple recommend, and to not have that with one. 3
Popular Post jana at jade house Posted December 7, 2015 Popular Post Posted December 7, 2015 My personal opinion is that the interview questions are for me to closely examine my relationship to the Godhead, my family and my worship community. If that internal review of behaviour strengthens and encourages my resolve to live closer to Christ then yes. A temple recommend is a tool to help make stronger better Christians. unfortunately, it is not a magic process. I know atheists who are better at Christian behaviours and attitude than rec bearing folk. 6
Calm Posted December 7, 2015 Posted December 7, 2015 Nope, no way, absolutely not....but I agree with Jana it can be used as a personal tool for personal improvement in our seeking to become one with Christ. 4
VideoGameJunkie Posted December 7, 2015 Posted December 7, 2015 I always feel I have to have an active temple recommend so I have a chance at getting to the Celestial Kingdom. Like, I need one so I can go to the temple and do ordinances and works so I can better make a case for the CK.
JAHS Posted December 7, 2015 Posted December 7, 2015 1 hour ago, Duncan said: Do you think the Temple Recommend questions are designed to gauge how good of a Christian you are? As in if you get a recommend then that means you are a better Christian then someone who doesn't have one Many "Christians" think you are not a "Christian" for having one. Being christian is a state of mind and spirit and what's inside your heart. Only God can know that. But the recommend questions are the best measurement we have to determine temple worthiness.
VideoGameJunkie Posted December 7, 2015 Posted December 7, 2015 32 minutes ago, JAHS said: Many "Christians" think you are not a "Christian" for having one. Being christian is a state of mind and spirit and what's inside your heart. Only God can know that. But the recommend questions are the best measurement we have to determine temple worthiness. Agreed, but people lie in the recommend interview and then go through an endowment session secretly recording it and post it on youtube. It's been done multiple times.
halconero Posted December 7, 2015 Posted December 7, 2015 Nope, and the temple recommend isn't even a good standard of discipleship...it's not even supposed to measure discipleship. 2
The Nehor Posted December 7, 2015 Posted December 7, 2015 2 hours ago, Duncan said: Do you think the Temple Recommend questions are designed to gauge how good of a Christian you are? As in if you get a recommend then that means you are a better Christian then someone who doesn't have one Everyone is terrible at being a Christian. That is why they have to be one in the first place. 3
Meadowchik Posted December 7, 2015 Posted December 7, 2015 No. They are designed to help someone to be prepared for the temple covenants they would be making. 1
Meadowchik Posted December 7, 2015 Posted December 7, 2015 8 hours ago, VideoGameJunkie said: I always feel I have to have an active temple recommend so I have a chance at getting to the Celestial Kingdom. Like, I need one so I can go to the temple and do ordinances and works so I can better make a case for the CK. Maybe part of it is "flow." When I first heard the definition, it was in terms of describing work satisfaction: There are two extremes, one is having a job that is so easy you die of boredom, the other that is so hard you can never accomplish any required job. Flow is when the work is challenging but also attainable. So, I think that the temple recommend questions are there, in part, to make sure that the discipleship can move forward when the person is ready for the challenge, but also so a person is not overwhelmed with the requirements that they stumble and fall away from the work. Remember the parable of the workers in the field? Even the late-comers had their reward. 2
theplains Posted December 11, 2015 Posted December 11, 2015 On 07/12/2015 at 0:16 AM, bluebell said: I don't necessarily think that. First, not everyone is honest in answering those questions, so just having a recommend doesn't mean much. Would Latter-day Saints lie to receive a temple recommend? Thanks, Jim
JLHPROF Posted December 11, 2015 Posted December 11, 2015 Just now, theplains said: Would Latter-day Saints lie to receive a temple recommend? Thanks, Jim I'm sure many have. That's between them and God as much as it is between them and the Bishop. 1
filovirus Posted December 11, 2015 Posted December 11, 2015 On 12/7/2015 at 9:03 PM, Duncan said: Do you think the Temple Recommend questions are designed to gauge how good of a Christian you are? As in if you get a recommend then that means you are a better Christian then someone who doesn't have one No. And those who believe it does fall into the same trap the Pharisees fell into. If a person answers truthfully, it can gauge how they stand with their relationship to God. That is between them and God only.
bluebell Posted December 11, 2015 Posted December 11, 2015 1 hour ago, theplains said: Would Latter-day Saints lie to receive a temple recommend? Thanks, Jim Sure. There are bad LDS just like there are bad every other denomination out there.
Duncan Posted December 11, 2015 Author Posted December 11, 2015 2 hours ago, theplains said: Would Latter-day Saints lie to receive a temple recommend? Thanks, Jim ever wonder why there are locks on the lockers at the Temple? 2
mfbukowski Posted December 11, 2015 Posted December 11, 2015 Odd. I do not identify as a "Christian" any more- the term has been co-opted by Evangelical fundamentalists. I seek to become like Christ. For me the other word now has another meaning. Sad.
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