Conflicting advice from Leaders

[BlueDreams]

1 hour ago, Duncan said:

um, how shall I put this euphemistically............self abuse.................. so  yes to the first, I don't to the second, some have I suppose and who knows to the last. All I have heard is varying opinions by various leaders who've addressed it in my hearing anyways. My MP took the opinion that it wasn't against the LoC, don't call me at 2am bawling your eyes out because you did it but come to him if it is happening like 3 times a day and he'd give you a book to read  ( I remember the gist of what he said) but it wouldn't keep you out of the Temple. Whereas this elder's Bishop told them it's a violation of the LoC, you can't take the sacrament and you need to meet with him, something along those lines. In conclusion it just seems all over the place, I don't think anyone agrees that it's good to do but beyond that is apparently speculative depending on who you get for a leader at that time

Oh, that explains it. Personally, I would go with the MP, but that's because he matches up more with my opinion on it. What I would have said, Prior to knowing specifics is that I would have prayed and sought answers for myself to figure it out. I don't rely on my leaders to make decisions for me. If it feels right and good than I'll probably try to incorporate it. If it doesn't I'll probably thank them for their opinion and move on. I only have one ultimate higher power in my life and it's neither an MP or a Bishop. I also would have said that different circumstances may warrant conflicting advice. I remember giving advice to a wife whose husband was also in the room. When he tried to take it up I pointed out that the advice didn't work in his circumstance, just hers because their experience warranted differing words.

Knowing the specifics, I would say the same thing, basically, though I'm probably even more adamant about praying and seeking guidance from the Lord on how best to manage your body. I have probably more extreme views, but I feel people place their sexuality too much in the hands of church leaders and not enough in their relationship with God. I also believe answers vary and that there isn't exactly one answer for everyone out there. I've heard cases where "self abuse" (I'm not a fan of that euphemism) was absolutely needed "self care," medically and "self understanding/self sharing" in troubled relationships.   

 

With luv,

BD

[BlueDreams]

3 hours ago, mfbukowski said:

Another Utah thing.

Where I grew up, no one even knew what a Mormon was, and neither did I.  I can't imagine having "friends" poke fun at your religion, or having others trying to change my religion by slandering it.  Very strange place.  Very polarized place.

That was my experience....but in Texas. 

It's not just a Utah thing and is likely to crop up wherever there's religious misunderstanding or tensions. 

Don't get me wrong, I've lived in UT now long enough to know it's got its quarks and issues....some of them really get on my nerves. But a number of them to me aren't unique to solely UT populations....they may crop up anywhere where one value, worldview, or demographic are over-represented in a single area. Particularly when there is a religious-cultural aspect to it. 

 

With luv,

BD

[HappyJackWagon]

On ‎3‎/‎1‎/‎2016 at 1:21 AM, Glenn101 said:

May I ask were you raised in a predominantly LDS culture? I still find it astounding that people who have been members of the church for long periods of time were unaware of Joseph Smith's polygamy. Here in the Bible belt, that is one of the things that missionaries were dealing with on a regular basis, i.e. questions about Joseph Smith and polygamy.

My current wife's mother who lived in Hickory, N.C. was taking the discussions when she (my wife) was in her mid teens. My wife was interested at one point. until some of her friends told her about Mormons and polygamy. This was long before the internet. I will not say how long ago because I value my hide and would not want to incur feminine wrath over an age disclosure.

My mother was the one who told me about it. She did not blink an eye, because she had a testimony that Joseph Smith was a prophet. She was literate and read the Bible, the Old Testament, about Abraham, Israel, David, etc. She did not find it strange that latter day prophets could practice polygamy when commanded by the Lord.

Glenn

I don't know why this is astounding. There are so many stories that reflect this reality that it's hard to dismiss it as unusual. I grew up in a very active household, deeply enmeshed in church culture; seminary, mutual, SSchool, BYU etc. For many of us this was our experience growing up in the church. Can you see why it would feel like a betrayal to be so rigidly taught a history as active LDS only to find out that history is BS?

My father served as bishop a couple of times and was always in leadership positions. He's well-read (church materials). He's nearly 70 now and thinks the essays are anti-Mormon hacks on lds.org. He doesn't believe the essays. He doesn't believe the seer stone. He views them all as anti-Mormon lies because that's what he had been taught for nearly 70 years. So he sticks his head in the sand and believes the "old" narrative because it's easier and comfortable. This is reality for MANY active, intelligent LDS. I think it's time to stop being surprised by this.

[consiglieri]

Church leaders not only give conflicting advice, but also conflicting doctrine.

The lesson I take from this is that they are as at sea about these things as the average person, and it is up to me to figure it out for myself as best I can.