Updates to general handbook

[Calm]

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/general-handbook-update-march-2021
 

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The revision of the English version of the General Handbook of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that began in February 2020 is now 75% complete. The latest round of updates was published today, March 31, 2021. It includes four rewritten chapters and seven other chapters with added or revised sections.

 

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The content has also been simplified, reduced and made more adaptable for congregations of all sizes worldwide. 

More changes besides below including updating disability guidelines, so if interested read article, but for the lazy  

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A new entry on vaccinations (38.7.13) reemphasizes direction the First Presidency has consistently given since at least 1978. “Vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life,” the handbook says. “Members of the Church are encouraged to safeguard themselves, their children, and their communities through vaccination.” (Also see this article from January 2021 about Church leaders receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.)

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A new section about affinity fraud (38.8.2) has been added. It says the practice of using friendship or a position of trust to take financial advantage of someone else is “a shameful betrayal of trust and confidence. Its perpetrators may be subject to criminal prosecution. Church members who commit affinity fraud may also face membership restrictions or withdrawal. … Members may not state or imply that their business dealings are sponsored by, endorsed by, or represent the Church or its leaders.”

Looooovvvvveeee it

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An added policy on extreme preparation or survivalism (38.8.16) counsels Latter-day Saints to be wise in the pursuit of self-reliance and emergency preparedness. The Church counsels “against extreme or excessive preparation for possible catastrophic events. … Efforts to prepare should be motivated by faith, not fear. Church leaders have counseled members not to go into debt to establish food storage. Instead, members should establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve over time.”

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A new section has been added on respecting local restrictions for sharing the gospel (38.8.37). It explains that the Church’s missionaries “serve only in countries where they are officially recognized and welcomed by local governments. The Church and its members respect all laws and requirements with regard to missionary efforts. For example, in some parts of the world, missionaries are sent only to serve humanitarian or other specialized missions. Those missionaries do not proselytize. The Church does not send missionaries to some countries.”

Expected. 

Edited March 31, 2021 by Calm

[Scott Lloyd]

2 hours ago, Calm said:

An added policy on extreme preparation or survivalism (38.8.16) counsels Latter-day Saints to be wise in the pursuit of self-reliance and emergency preparedness. The Church counsels “against extreme or excessive preparation for possible catastrophic events. … Efforts to prepare should be motivated by faith, not fear. Church leaders have counseled members not to go into debt to establish food storage. Instead, members should establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve over time.”

Though individual Church leaders have addressed prepper extremism before (tent cities and such) this is the nearest I’ve seen them come to codifying a warning against it. Might be a wise thing to have this at the ready for occasions when relatives and friends get caught up in it. 

[sunstoned]

Having the section about vaccinations should make it clear where the church stands on the use of modern medical services.  In my opinion, this was a good and needed addition to the handbook.

[JarMan]

I’ve never understood why the handbook needs to address things like surgical sterilization or (now) vaccinations. What do these have to do with the operation of the church? 

[JustAnAustralian]

1 hour ago, JarMan said:

I’ve never understood why the handbook needs to address things like surgical sterilization or (now) vaccinations. What do these have to do with the operation of the church? 

In the case of surgical sterilisation, enough people probably ask that they found it easier to put it there than to keep having to answer messages from bishops.

In the case of vaccinations, putting it in the handbook is more polite than President Nelson standing up in general conference and calling people selfish idiots.

[HappyJackWagon]

13 hours ago, Calm said:

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/general-handbook-update-march-2021

More changes besides below including updating disability guidelines, so if interested read article, but for the lazy  

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Looooovvvvveeee it

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Expected. 

Thanks for posting the updates. I think those additions are all excellent but likely to make certain groups unhappy. It will be interesting to see how the prepperism & vaccination elements is received by some who consider themselves both very conservative politically but also very devout. I've already seen a close friend who fits that description state that he will NOT be getting the vaccination regardless of the church's position. It's interesting to see but does illustrate what I've suspected for a long time; everyone picks and chooses (buffet style) how they follow church teachings and how they "follow the prophet".

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An added policy on extreme preparation or survivalism (38.8.16) counsels Latter-day Saints to be wise in the pursuit of self-reliance and emergency preparedness. The Church counsels “against extreme or excessive preparation for possible catastrophic events. … Efforts to prepare should be motivated by faith, not fear. Church leaders have counseled members not to go into debt to establish food storage. Instead, members should establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve over time.”

I find this part interesting in conjunction with the thread about the church's massive $100+ Billion rainy day fund. I suppose "extreme" or "excessive" is in the eye of the beholder so I'm not sure that will have much of an impact. What I find excessive, others may honestly feel is prudent.

[Tacenda]

6 hours ago, JarMan said:

I’ve never understood why the handbook needs to address things like surgical sterilization or (now) vaccinations. What do these have to do with the operation of the church? 

It's more than a building. That building or buildings contain humans haha. No soup for you!

Edited April 1, 2021 by Tacenda

[Scott Lloyd]

1 hour ago, HappyJackWagon said:

Thanks for posting the updates. I think those additions are all excellent but likely to make certain groups unhappy. It will be interesting to see how the prepperism & vaccination elements is received by some who consider themselves both very conservative politically but also very devout. I've already seen a close friend who fits that description state that he will NOT be getting the vaccination regardless of the church's position. It's interesting to see but does illustrate what I've suspected for a long time; everyone picks and chooses (buffet style) how they follow church teachings and how they "follow the prophet".

I find this part interesting in conjunction with the thread about the church's massive $100+ Billion rainy day fund. I suppose "extreme" or "excessive" is in the eye of the beholder so I'm not sure that will have much of an impact. What I find excessive, others may honestly feel is prudent.

It’s not self-evident that the Church establishing a rainy-day fund is inconsistent with Church leaders’ counsel to members to “establish ... a cash reserve over time.” 

[HappyJackWagon]

19 minutes ago, Scott Lloyd said:

It’s not self-evident that the Church establishing a rainy-day fund is inconsistent with Church leaders’ counsel to members to “establish ... a cash reserve over time.” 

Did I say it was?

[OGHoosier]

1 hour ago, Tacenda said:

No soup for you!

There are not enough Seinfeld references on this board. 

Though @JarMan's profile pic is a good start. 

[The Nehor]

8 hours ago, JarMan said:

I’ve never understood why the handbook needs to address things like surgical sterilization or (now) vaccinations. What do these have to do with the operation of the church? 

Originally they were there so the bishop knew how to counsel people who asked about them. Now that it is generally available it is a good place to put general church positions on things.

[ttribe]

I'm quite pleased to see the addition of the affinity fraud section.  I hope local units will shine a light on this change, as well as the others.  Way too many preventable losses to frauds of this kind.

[Meadowchik]

8 hours ago, JarMan said:

I’ve never understood why the handbook needs to address things like surgical sterilization or (now) vaccinations. What do these have to do with the operation of the church? 

Vaccines are obvious because infection impacts those who meet and gather. 

Sterilisations, not so clear why they are referenced.

[Meadowchik]

3 hours ago, HappyJackWagon said:

Thanks for posting the updates. I think those additions are all excellent but likely to make certain groups unhappy. It will be interesting to see how the prepperism & vaccination elements is received by some who consider themselves both very conservative politically but also very devout. I've already seen a close friend who fits that description state that he will NOT be getting the vaccination regardless of the church's position. It's interesting to see but does illustrate what I've suspected for a long time; everyone picks and chooses (buffet style) how they follow church teachings and how they "follow the prophet".

I find this part interesting in conjunction with the thread about the church's massive $100+ Billion rainy day fund. I suppose "extreme" or "excessive" is in the eye of the beholder so I'm not sure that will have much of an impact. What I find excessive, others may honestly feel is prudent.

That part jumped out at me too.

[Tacenda]

22 minutes ago, Meadowchik said:

Vaccines are obvious because infection impacts those who meet and gather. 

Sterilisations, not so clear why they are referenced.

Agree!

[bluebell]

5 hours ago, HappyJackWagon said:

Thanks for posting the updates. I think those additions are all excellent but likely to make certain groups unhappy. It will be interesting to see how the prepperism & vaccination elements is received by some who consider themselves both very conservative politically but also very devout. I've already seen a close friend who fits that description state that he will NOT be getting the vaccination regardless of the church's position. It's interesting to see but does illustrate what I've suspected for a long time; everyone picks and chooses (buffet style) how they follow church teachings and how they "follow the prophet".

I find this part interesting in conjunction with the thread about the church's massive $100+ Billion rainy day fund. I suppose "extreme" or "excessive" is in the eye of the beholder so I'm not sure that will have much of an impact. What I find excessive, others may honestly feel is prudent.

The church is probably using the psychological definition of the word "extreme" or "excessive", meaning any behavior that becomes disruptive to everyday life or makes it difficult to function normally in society.

[Tacenda]

New one..

https://www.ldsdaily.com/entertainment/church-embraces-bearded-history-with-new-grooming-standards/

 

[Meadowchik]

1 minute ago, Tacenda said:

New one..

https://www.ldsdaily.com/entertainment/church-embraces-bearded-history-with-new-grooming-standards/

 

April Fool's!

[HappyJackWagon]

35 minutes ago, bluebell said:

The church is probably using the psychological definition of the word "extreme" or "excessive", meaning any behavior that becomes disruptive to everyday life or makes it difficult to function normally in society.

That's interesting. I hadn't thought of that.

Boy, that provides a ton a wiggle room, doesn't it? My first thought is about a functional alcoholic, or really a functional...anything. As long as the drinking doesn't disrupt every day life or make it difficult to function normally in society, the alcoholic would be just fine I guess  

If we look at it specifically with an eye to Prepperism, people could spend thousands and thousands of dollars putting in bunkers and amassing guns, ammo, tents and food that could feed an army and that wouldn't be excessive UNLESS those preparations occupied so much time and/or $$$ that the individual couldn't function "normally".

I know a guy in my ward who lives about 2 miles from me in the country. He has a bunker. He has 50 rifles, 20+ handguns, multiple assault rifles and loads of food and water storage. He has a job and his finances allow him to live "normally" yet he constantly talks about preparing for the end of the world, being self-sufficient, and being ready to shoot anyone who tries to take his supplies. To me, he seems extreme. But to this definition of extreme or excessive, as long as he's reasonably functional, then all is well. Really? That seems like a VERY low bar to set and I have to wonder why the church would even bother if that's what they meant.

Edited April 1, 2021 by HappyJackWagon

[bluebell]

26 minutes ago, HappyJackWagon said:

That's interesting. I hadn't thought of that.

Boy, that provides a ton a wiggle room, doesn't it? My first thought is about a functional alcoholic, or really a functional...anything. As long as the drinking doesn't disrupt every day life or make it difficult to function normally in society, the alcoholic would be just fine I guess  

If we look at it specifically with an eye to Prepperism, people could spend thousands and thousands of dollars putting in bunkers and amassing guns, ammo, tents and food that could feed an army and that wouldn't be excessive UNLESS those preparations occupied so much time and/or $$$ that the individual couldn't function "normally".

I know a guy in my ward who lives about 2 miles from me in the country. He has a bunker. He has 50 rifles, 20+ handguns, multiple assault rifles and loads of food and water storage. He has a job and his finances allow him to live "normally" yet he constantly talks about preparing for the end of the world, being self-sufficient, and being ready to shoot anyone who tries to take his supplies. To me, he seems extreme. But to this definition of extreme or excessive, as long as he's reasonably functional, then all is well. Really? That seems like a VERY low bar to set and I have to wonder why the church would even bother if that's what they meant.

It would depend on if a person thought that "constantly talking about preparing for the end of the world" or "being ready to shoot anyone who tries to take his supplies" is considered functioning normally in society.  It doesn't sound like you think he's functioning normally.  I don't think you would be alone in that assessment.

[HappyJackWagon]

5 minutes ago, bluebell said:

It would depend on if a person thought that "constantly talking about preparing for the end of the world" or "being ready to shoot anyone who tries to take his supplies" is considered functioning normally in society.  It doesn't sound like you think he's functioning normally.  I don't think you would be alone in that assessment.

I agree, but there are plenty in society who would see that as normal and acceptable; or even brave and patriotic. So gauging something as appropriate and good based upon how it is accepted in society is no real measure at all. You'll find a group to support absolutely anything imaginable

Edited April 1, 2021 by HappyJackWagon

[HappyJackWagon]

dup

Edited April 1, 2021 by HappyJackWagon

[Amulek]

1 hour ago, HappyJackWagon said:

I know a guy [...] He has 50 rifles, 20+ handguns, multiple assault rifles...

Sounds like a good start.  

 

[ttribe]

1 hour ago, HappyJackWagon said:

That's interesting. I hadn't thought of that.

Boy, that provides a ton a wiggle room, doesn't it? My first thought is about a functional alcoholic, or really a functional...anything. As long as the drinking doesn't disrupt every day life or make it difficult to function normally in society, the alcoholic would be just fine I guess  

If we look at it specifically with an eye to Prepperism, people could spend thousands and thousands of dollars putting in bunkers and amassing guns, ammo, tents and food that could feed an army and that wouldn't be excessive UNLESS those preparations occupied so much time and/or $$$ that the individual couldn't function "normally".

I know a guy in my ward who lives about 2 miles from me in the country. He has a bunker. He has 50 rifles, 20+ handguns, multiple assault rifles and loads of food and water storage. He has a job and his finances allow him to live "normally" yet he constantly talks about preparing for the end of the world, being self-sufficient, and being ready to shoot anyone who tries to take his supplies. To me, he seems extreme. But to this definition of extreme or excessive, as long as he's reasonably functional, then all is well. Really? That seems like a VERY low bar to set and I have to wonder why the church would even bother if that's what they meant.

Sounds like he's been watching this on a loop since 1984...WOLVERINES!

Edited April 1, 2021 by ttribe

[HappyJackWagon]

29 minutes ago, Amulek said:

Sounds like a good start.  

 

Interesting thing about this guy is he also stockpiles large quantities of hard liquor, mostly whiskey. He feels like that will become the new currency. He might be on to something there.