I think many members of the Church would agree that sharing the gospel is difficult; or rather sharing it in the manner the full-time missionaries want them to. Why is it difficult?
I think a large reason is that it is so artificial. We pick someone we know (of) and set a date by which time we will have shared the gospel with or invited them to church or whatever. The problem is that method is so transparent. The average person can see through false motives, especially in places in Utah and southern Alberta where they are familiar with the motives of Mormons.
Full-time missionaries seem to be convinced that simply opening our mouths (even to the grocery store clerk or the gas station attendant) is the best way to bring in the converts. They seem to be convinced that when members share the gospel how they share it does not seem to be as important as the fact that it is the members sharing it. They have this idea that as long as it is the members doing it, it will have this magical effect on people.
Unfortunately, it does not work that way. People need to know that you are befriending them because you sincerely like them and not because you have set a date with the missionaries. A friendship needs to continue and flourish despite whether or not the friends ever accept the gospel, and if they do, the friendship needs to go beyond the date of baptism.
It is easy for missionaries to talk about the gospel with everyone they meet. Everyone they meet expects it of them. Missionaries are artificial. They dress artificially, they live artificial lives, they try to build artificial relationships, everything about them is artificial.
Which is why when so many get home and become natural again, they have difficulty sharing the gospel as they did on their missions. The artificial uniform is gone, the artificial life is gone yet they are still using artificial methods to share the gospel.
The gospel is all about love. Showing love for others. Developing a Christ-like love. Nourishing an unconditional love. When people know we love them, they want to be close to us; they want to be with us. That is how the gospel is shared. More neighbours will be converted because of a Mormon who shovelled their walks. More coworkers will be converted because of Mormons who offer compliments each day. More friends will be converted because of Mormons who support them, strengthen them and encourage them.
It is less about telling someone about Jesus and more about showing someone what Jesus did.
November 30, 2005
Oh, Man!
Exodus 20:7
Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vainMoses 7:35
Behold, I am God; Man of Holiness is my name; Man of Counsel is my name; and Endless and Eternal is my name, also.
The Enigma that is D&C 59
So I'm reading from D&C 59:
13 And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full.
14 Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.
15 And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance—
...and I get 'fasting may be perfect'='joy may be full'; 'fasting'='rejoicing'; laughter on the sabbath is a sin.
So the question is, how many members feel that their joy is full and that they are rejoicing on Fast Sunday *and* how many members have sinned when laughing at jokes from the pulpit?
The next time nobody laughs at the jokes the bishop makes, just remember - it's not that they're bad jokes, it's just that everyone is avoiding sin.
13 And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy fasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy joy may be full.
14 Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.
15 And inasmuch as ye do these things with thanksgiving, with cheerful hearts and countenances, not with much laughter, for this is sin, but with a glad heart and a cheerful countenance—
...and I get 'fasting may be perfect'='joy may be full'; 'fasting'='rejoicing'; laughter on the sabbath is a sin.
So the question is, how many members feel that their joy is full and that they are rejoicing on Fast Sunday *and* how many members have sinned when laughing at jokes from the pulpit?
The next time nobody laughs at the jokes the bishop makes, just remember - it's not that they're bad jokes, it's just that everyone is avoiding sin.
Atheists
I was listenting to an old This Mormon Life podcast on my ride to work this morning. Dallas was reading emails and one of them was from a woman who recently joined the Church after being atheist all her life.
I have always wondered what it is that convinces some atheists that a god exists. Moreover, I wonder what makes them choose Christianity.
I have always wondered what it is that convinces some atheists that a god exists. Moreover, I wonder what makes them choose Christianity.
November 29, 2005
Hypothermia Hospital
Seen in the Globe and Mail:
How does a hospital suffer from hypothermia?
A middle-aged man with terminal cancer also died after he was taken to a NATO hospital suffering from hypothermia.
How does a hospital suffer from hypothermia?
November 28, 2005
Nature
Yesterday in our elders quorum meeting, the instructor brought up a point regarding how some individuals consider themselves having been born with certain qualities that they see no use in controlling. Specifically, he mentioned homosexuality. He disagreed with this idea on the basis that we are not born with such tendencies, but rather have a choice.
I disagree. At least to the point that I see no problem with the idea that people can be born with qualities or tendencies that are in direct opposition (or at least seem to be) principles of Christianity. After all, "the natural man is an enemy to God". As such, it doesn't not seem preposterous that we are naturally sinful. I have known a lot of people, for example, who seem predisposed to being selfish or dishonest.
If anything, it makes more sense. What would be the point of trying to be like Jesus if we were naturally inclined to be spiritual? What sacrifice would there be? How could we become stronger?
I disagree. At least to the point that I see no problem with the idea that people can be born with qualities or tendencies that are in direct opposition (or at least seem to be) principles of Christianity. After all, "the natural man is an enemy to God". As such, it doesn't not seem preposterous that we are naturally sinful. I have known a lot of people, for example, who seem predisposed to being selfish or dishonest.
If anything, it makes more sense. What would be the point of trying to be like Jesus if we were naturally inclined to be spiritual? What sacrifice would there be? How could we become stronger?
November 27, 2005
Likeness and other worlds
Well I have just been reading scriptures on a different matter but as sometimes happens when I am reading something boring to me, my mind wanders (especially when some un-named son which will remain namelss scares the crap out of his mother and then can no longer concentrate!!!) and I started thinking...... if we as in man, were created in the likeness of our Father in Heaven give or take, and we all pretty much know there are other worlds with life out there... does that mean all life look like we do as humans? Are we the only planet that has life created in the image of God?
November 25, 2005
Lust
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said:
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. (Matt 5:27-28)How does one look at a woman to lust after her? Is simply "checking her out" committing adultery? Is it more than that?
November 24, 2005
Father Responsibilities
In an editorial in the December issue of the Ensign, it states:
"Disease, disability, death, divorce, and other disruptive factors can create challenges. In such situations, "individual adaptation" of roles may be necessary. A father may need to take on additional household and nurturing responsibilities. . ."What additional household or nurturing responsibilities should fathers in such situation take upon themselves that couldn't have been done before?
100 Comments
For those who haven't been watching, we currently have two posts running neck and neck toward 100 comments (Anti-Gay and Pressured Revelation). This week has given us more comments than ever before, and we're about to break a huge milestone at Our Thoughts. That is if the topics don't die out as they seem to be doing.
I know it's not poker, but bets are now open on which of the two will reach 100 comments first.
Oh, and a special thank goes out to ltbugraf for making all this possible. We couldn't have done it without him...er...her...um...yeah, ok.
I know it's not poker, but bets are now open on which of the two will reach 100 comments first.
Oh, and a special thank goes out to ltbugraf for making all this possible. We couldn't have done it without him...er...her...um...yeah, ok.
Mr. Krueger's Christmas
We received our December Ensign, but without the promised Mr. Krueger's Christmas DVD. Have you received the DVD with your December Ensign?
November 23, 2005
Pay hikes for politicians
In the news last night the newscaster was saying that they (missed who this "they" were) were trying to bring in new legistlature that politicians, on all levels, should not be allowed to give themselves raises. That all and any raises should be put to the public for a vote. Now for me, I don't think the normal Joe Public would ever allow them to get any raises. But on the other hand I think it would cut down on unnecessary spending and expense reports. Such as flying a jet from Ottawa to NYC to get specialty bagels and a specific beer. (True story)
November 22, 2005
Clapping
One of my cousins came with me to church a few years ago (when I was still a teenager). That Sunday happened to be the day the young men and women sang "The Army of Helaman". I don't know if my cousin thought we were did a good job or whether he was just being polite, but when we were done, he started clapping.
It amounted to maybe three or four claps because it didn't take him long to he realise he was the only one. He isn't a Mormon and not clapping in church was something we took for granted and forgot to tell him.
Maybe we should have a sign outside: Visitors welcome. No clapping.
It amounted to maybe three or four claps because it didn't take him long to he realise he was the only one. He isn't a Mormon and not clapping in church was something we took for granted and forgot to tell him.
Maybe we should have a sign outside: Visitors welcome. No clapping.
November 20, 2005
Opinion
Can prophets have their own opinions? Can they teach their own opinions? Can they teach their own opinions from the pulpit? Can they teach their own opinions as doctrine? Can they interpret scripture to support their opinions?
Do prophets no longer have their own opinions? Are they always in communication with God? Is all that leaves their tongues the word of God?
What's the difference between opinion and doctrine?
Do prophets no longer have their own opinions? Are they always in communication with God? Is all that leaves their tongues the word of God?
What's the difference between opinion and doctrine?
November 18, 2005
Pressured Revelation
There seems to be some occurrences of revelation within the Mormon church that have been a result of (or at the very least coincided with) societal pressures.
The Word of Wisdom was received as a result of Emma Smith complaining to Joseph Smith about cleaning up tobacco spit from the floor of the School of the Prophets. The Manifesto was issued around the same time that Utah wanted to become a state in a country where plural marriage was illegal. The revelation to extend the priesthood to all males was issued in an era of a civil rights movement.
Can society be a catalyst for revelation? Does God need to wait for a prophet to approach Him with a problem before issuing a revelation? Can any society issue put enough pressure on the Church that a revelation changing policy/doctrine be issued?
The Word of Wisdom was received as a result of Emma Smith complaining to Joseph Smith about cleaning up tobacco spit from the floor of the School of the Prophets. The Manifesto was issued around the same time that Utah wanted to become a state in a country where plural marriage was illegal. The revelation to extend the priesthood to all males was issued in an era of a civil rights movement.
Can society be a catalyst for revelation? Does God need to wait for a prophet to approach Him with a problem before issuing a revelation? Can any society issue put enough pressure on the Church that a revelation changing policy/doctrine be issued?
November 17, 2005
Anti-Gay
Thanks to Ian over at War is peace; freedom is slavery; ignorance is strength, I came across this article from five years ago when President Hinckley was interviewed regarding politics.
This statement stood out:
I know many members who do not see a difference between the two. Is there a difference? Can someone by pro-family without being anti-gay?
This statement stood out:
We are not anti-gay. We are pro-family. I want to emphasize that.
I know many members who do not see a difference between the two. Is there a difference? Can someone by pro-family without being anti-gay?
One Life
Genesis 2:24 states that "a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." I have often thought about this, particularly the last part of the verse.
The term "one flesh" seems to have received the meaning that what was once the husband's life and the wife's life has come together and been replaced with a joint, common life.
So I am left to wonder then if statements like "we are so glad this baby has come into our life [as opposed to lives]" or "we are happy with our life [as opposed to lives] together" are accurate.
Does a man and a woman both give up their individual lives in an effort to build a common life? If so, how does a common life look and operate?
The term "one flesh" seems to have received the meaning that what was once the husband's life and the wife's life has come together and been replaced with a joint, common life.
So I am left to wonder then if statements like "we are so glad this baby has come into our life [as opposed to lives]" or "we are happy with our life [as opposed to lives] together" are accurate.
Does a man and a woman both give up their individual lives in an effort to build a common life? If so, how does a common life look and operate?
November 16, 2005
Quiver
Jospeh Smith had this to say of himself:
"I am like a huge, rough stone rolling down from a high mountain; and the only polishing I get is when some corner gets rubbed off by coming in contact with something else . . . all hell knocking off a corner here and a corner there. Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty" (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 304).Seems to be quite similar to Isaiah 49:2:
"And he hath made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand hath he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver hath he hid me"
Members and politics?
Should a member use membership lists, email lists and ward/stake directories to ask members to vote them in the upcoming election whether it be civil, city council, provincial or federal? Is that taking the church membership and abusing it? What if they ask members to forward their email that they received to everyone in their address book and your inbox gets inundated with mail from tons of people with screens and screens of other people's email address knowing that now your name is being circulated on how many other people's computers?
November 15, 2005
Did Joseph Smith Write the Book of Mormon?
Some assert that when Joseph Smith translated the golden plates into what is now the Book of Mormon, the seer stones he used literally showed him each word, just like Babelfish. Others hold to the idea that Joseph Smith had ideas come to his mind and these he expressed into his own words (similar to what many experience when giving priesthood blessings).
In the case of the latter, the possibility seems to exist that Joseph Smith could have inserted his own interpretations into the text. If this possibility is factual, does that mean the claims Joseph wrote the Book of Mormon are accurate?
In the case of the latter, the possibility seems to exist that Joseph Smith could have inserted his own interpretations into the text. If this possibility is factual, does that mean the claims Joseph wrote the Book of Mormon are accurate?
Word of Wisdom & Eden
Has anyone else found some parallel between the commandments given to Adam in the Garden of Eden and the Word of Wisdom given to us today?
For example, in Genesis 2:16, Adam is told that he can eat freely of every tree. In D&C 89:10-17 outlines substances of which we are free to eat.
In the following verse (Gen 2:17), God told Adam that he shall not eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Likewise, in D&C 89:5-9, we are told of substances we are not to consume.
In addition, Adam is told if he disobeys, he will die. We are told in D&C 89:18-20 that if we hearken the counsel in the Word of Wisdom (as well as keep other commandments), we will receive health benefits (presumably longer life, or prolonging death).
I also find it interesting that if we obey the Word of Wisdom we are promised that the destroying angel shall pass us by. Conversely, when Adam and Eve were banned form Eden, a angelic being was put in charge of guarding the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
For example, in Genesis 2:16, Adam is told that he can eat freely of every tree. In D&C 89:10-17 outlines substances of which we are free to eat.
In the following verse (Gen 2:17), God told Adam that he shall not eat from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. Likewise, in D&C 89:5-9, we are told of substances we are not to consume.
In addition, Adam is told if he disobeys, he will die. We are told in D&C 89:18-20 that if we hearken the counsel in the Word of Wisdom (as well as keep other commandments), we will receive health benefits (presumably longer life, or prolonging death).
I also find it interesting that if we obey the Word of Wisdom we are promised that the destroying angel shall pass us by. Conversely, when Adam and Eve were banned form Eden, a angelic being was put in charge of guarding the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.
November 14, 2005
Homeschooled
So an eighteen-year old in Pennsylvania killed the fifty-year-old parents of his fourteen-year-old girlfriend and then "kidnapped" her. The police apprehended him after he ran his mother's vehicle into a tree in Indiana.
The event is horrible, but something else stuck out at me:
Can someone explain the point of this? After all, when other teenagers kill adults by shooting them in the head, does the media make a point of the children of the adults being public schooled and that the family knew the accused through the public school?
I can just imagine the implications people are going to make with this one.
The event is horrible, but something else stuck out at me:
Mike Borden [the girl's father] worked for a printing company, and the children were home-schooled, said neighbor Tod Sherman. Sherman said the family knew Ludwig [the accused] through a home-schooling network.
Can someone explain the point of this? After all, when other teenagers kill adults by shooting them in the head, does the media make a point of the children of the adults being public schooled and that the family knew the accused through the public school?
I can just imagine the implications people are going to make with this one.
Perfection
We were asked in elders quorum yesterday how we can become perfect; what can we do to become perfect.
As I thought about this, I considered the life of Jesus and how he was perfect spiritually. I concluded to myself that if there was anything we could do to become perfect, it would be found in His life.
Then I was reminded of his declaration of the two great commandments:
So I wonder, is this the pattern we need to follow to become perfect? If we can develop a complete love of God and a pure love of our fellow beings, can we become perfect? Will such a development remove from our minds the desire to do wrong? Will it destroy our natural self and rebirth us with a spiritual self?
As I thought about this, I considered the life of Jesus and how he was perfect spiritually. I concluded to myself that if there was anything we could do to become perfect, it would be found in His life.
Then I was reminded of his declaration of the two great commandments:
"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. The second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Matt. 22:37-39)
So I wonder, is this the pattern we need to follow to become perfect? If we can develop a complete love of God and a pure love of our fellow beings, can we become perfect? Will such a development remove from our minds the desire to do wrong? Will it destroy our natural self and rebirth us with a spiritual self?
Commandments
Our church seems to be focused on commandments and rules. It would seem—though perhaps scientifically unconfirmed—that of all the Christian sects, ours has the most commandments, rules, guidelines, suggestions and the like. This is odd, in a way, considering how we profess to be a church closer to Christ in its teachings than any other.
I was pondering on this thought yesterday and was left wondering if perhaps we miss the point. Sometimes I wonder if we focus so much on the edges of the strait and narrow path that we forget the path is actually taking us somewhere; that we focus on the commandment as commandments rather than the purpose for which they have been given.
The natural human is an enemy to God. It is within our nature to have qualities that are antithetical to God's qualities. He is merciful; we are vengeful. He is kind; we are self-serving. And so forth.
It is my opinion then that the commandments have been issued to us in a way for us to overcome the natural being and become a spiritual being. In other words, the commandments are to guide us in becoming the type of person Christ (and ultimately God) is.
Keeping the Sabbath holy helps us develop a reverence for God. Not stealing helps us develop a respect for the property of others. Not lying helps us to be develop integrity. and so on.
Despite this, however, we seem to focus so much on keeping the commandments that many of us are simply going through the motions of keeping the commandments that we never become the type of person to enter the Life of God. Or worse yet, we rebel at the rigidity and pharisaic nature of the commandments and stop keeping them altogether.
I was pondering on this thought yesterday and was left wondering if perhaps we miss the point. Sometimes I wonder if we focus so much on the edges of the strait and narrow path that we forget the path is actually taking us somewhere; that we focus on the commandment as commandments rather than the purpose for which they have been given.
The natural human is an enemy to God. It is within our nature to have qualities that are antithetical to God's qualities. He is merciful; we are vengeful. He is kind; we are self-serving. And so forth.
It is my opinion then that the commandments have been issued to us in a way for us to overcome the natural being and become a spiritual being. In other words, the commandments are to guide us in becoming the type of person Christ (and ultimately God) is.
Keeping the Sabbath holy helps us develop a reverence for God. Not stealing helps us develop a respect for the property of others. Not lying helps us to be develop integrity. and so on.
Despite this, however, we seem to focus so much on keeping the commandments that many of us are simply going through the motions of keeping the commandments that we never become the type of person to enter the Life of God. Or worse yet, we rebel at the rigidity and pharisaic nature of the commandments and stop keeping them altogether.
November 11, 2005
Freedom
Today is Remembrance Day in Canada. We remember the soldiers who fought and died in war.
It is not uncommon around this time of the year to hear persons admonishing us to remember those who have died and to appreciate the freedoms we have for which their deaths have made possible.
I have always wondered whether the world wars (or say the Korean War) helped preserve the freedoms we have in Canada. None of the wars were on Canadian soil and Canada entered the war as a member of the British Commonwealth. Had any of the dictators in the world wars been successful in their goals, would they have been intent on occupying North America? Were Canada's freedoms ever in true jeopardy?
It is not uncommon around this time of the year to hear persons admonishing us to remember those who have died and to appreciate the freedoms we have for which their deaths have made possible.
I have always wondered whether the world wars (or say the Korean War) helped preserve the freedoms we have in Canada. None of the wars were on Canadian soil and Canada entered the war as a member of the British Commonwealth. Had any of the dictators in the world wars been successful in their goals, would they have been intent on occupying North America? Were Canada's freedoms ever in true jeopardy?
Missionary Work
Have you had a co-worker approach you about his/her church?
Have you had a client/customer approach you about his/her church?
Have you had a neighbour approach you about his/her church?
Have you had a friend approach you about his/her church?
Have you had someone at the bus stop approach you about his/her church?
Have you had a client/customer approach you about his/her church?
Have you had a neighbour approach you about his/her church?
Have you had a friend approach you about his/her church?
Have you had someone at the bus stop approach you about his/her church?
November 10, 2005
Home Teaching
Have we lost the purpose of home teaching? Is home teaching supposed to be more than soclialising and reading a five-minute message? Is there any point in going at all if that is all it is? Is home teaching making a difference in church participation among the members? Are the home teachers seeing any benefit from going?
New Prophet
In 25 years, we'll be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Church. I am doubtful that 95-year-old Gordon Hinckley will be alive then. Which means that a new president of the church will lead us into our third century.
There have already been more presidents serving in the last century (Heber J. Grant to Gordon B. Hinckley) than in the first century (Joseph Smith to Heber J. Grant). so, who knows how many more there will be.
Presumably, the next president of the Church could ed up serving as long a Hebe J. Grant (27 years) or Brigham Young (30 years), and we'll only have one more president of the church before 2030. However Heber J. Grant was around 62 when he was called and Brigham Young was 46. Thomas S. Monson is the current Heir Apparent, but he is 78. While it is possible he will live to be 103, it is doubtful.
I wonder who it will be.
There have already been more presidents serving in the last century (Heber J. Grant to Gordon B. Hinckley) than in the first century (Joseph Smith to Heber J. Grant). so, who knows how many more there will be.
Presumably, the next president of the Church could ed up serving as long a Hebe J. Grant (27 years) or Brigham Young (30 years), and we'll only have one more president of the church before 2030. However Heber J. Grant was around 62 when he was called and Brigham Young was 46. Thomas S. Monson is the current Heir Apparent, but he is 78. While it is possible he will live to be 103, it is doubtful.
I wonder who it will be.
Cultural Sealings
If I recall correctly, I believe there are countries outside of the United states and Canada that do not recognise temple marriages has valid. As such, members have to be married civilly before they can be sealed. I also believe that such individuals can be sealed immediately after.
In the United States and Canada (at least), temple marriages are recognised as valid. As such, members are not required to be married civilly. Members are free to be married civilly previously to the sealing if the wish. The catch, however, is that such members have to wait a year from their civil wedding before entering the temple.
Why?
I am doubtful it's of any eternal consequence since members in other countries can do it.
Is it simply a cultural issue?
I do not see what benefit there is in forcing a husband and wife to wait an entire year to enter the temple if they are temple worthy and devoted to each other.
Come to think of it, I'm sure if we had been married civilly first, some of our siblings would have been more pleased. Not to mention those who have parents who are not active members of the Church.
In the United States and Canada (at least), temple marriages are recognised as valid. As such, members are not required to be married civilly. Members are free to be married civilly previously to the sealing if the wish. The catch, however, is that such members have to wait a year from their civil wedding before entering the temple.
Why?
I am doubtful it's of any eternal consequence since members in other countries can do it.
Is it simply a cultural issue?
I do not see what benefit there is in forcing a husband and wife to wait an entire year to enter the temple if they are temple worthy and devoted to each other.
Come to think of it, I'm sure if we had been married civilly first, some of our siblings would have been more pleased. Not to mention those who have parents who are not active members of the Church.
November 09, 2005
Sacrament Prayers
One of my counsellors and his wife were asked by the executive secretary to say the opening and closing prayers in Sacrament on Sunday. Afterward, they were discussing since his wife may be out with their infant at the end of the meeting, she may not be able to say the closing prayer. I suggested to him that they switch it around: she to give the opening prayer, and he to give the closing. I know we've had to do that in the past.
He discussed this with the executive secretary and the executive secretary told him that wouldn't work because only a priesthood holder can open a sacrament meeting. It turned out instead that my counsellor gave the opening prayer and the executive secretary gave the closing prayer.
I had never heard of this until then. Is it like this in other wards? I know of at least two wards where this wasn't the case.
He discussed this with the executive secretary and the executive secretary told him that wouldn't work because only a priesthood holder can open a sacrament meeting. It turned out instead that my counsellor gave the opening prayer and the executive secretary gave the closing prayer.
I had never heard of this until then. Is it like this in other wards? I know of at least two wards where this wasn't the case.
November 08, 2005
Moral Dilemma at School
Consider the following situation:
Your obedient LDS son or daughter will shortly be writing the final exam in 'History of the Americas', a first year university coarse.
The review materials indicate that a potential question on the exam may be on the topic of 'Please describe the impact of the horse and gun on the societies of the aboriginal American inhabitants.'
Said son or daughter feels like this is a good time to correct the many errors in the history book she bought for the coarse and plans on 'taking a stand' and filling in the instructor on how horses and chariots pre-dated the Spanish arrival in the Americas, and thus the 'arrival' of horses with the Spanish had no effect whatsoever.
How do you council your child to behave during the exam?
Should they just write what the marker wants to see?
Should they take a stand against the obvious lies in the history book?
Is there any middle ground?
Your obedient LDS son or daughter will shortly be writing the final exam in 'History of the Americas', a first year university coarse.
The review materials indicate that a potential question on the exam may be on the topic of 'Please describe the impact of the horse and gun on the societies of the aboriginal American inhabitants.'
Said son or daughter feels like this is a good time to correct the many errors in the history book she bought for the coarse and plans on 'taking a stand' and filling in the instructor on how horses and chariots pre-dated the Spanish arrival in the Americas, and thus the 'arrival' of horses with the Spanish had no effect whatsoever.
How do you council your child to behave during the exam?
Should they just write what the marker wants to see?
Should they take a stand against the obvious lies in the history book?
Is there any middle ground?
November 07, 2005
Relief Society Dues
I recently discovered that until 1970, the Relief Society used to collect dues from its members. I have not been able to fin anything in-depth about it, but based on what I read, I presume that operational expenses were funded by these dues.
President Harold B. Lee announced in July 1970 that the collection of dues were to be stopped, and whatever money was in possession of the Relief Society to that point was to be handed over to the Church. I'm not sure I see the logic in this decision.
First of all, this decision meant that the Relief Society would need to cover operational expenses through the tithing fund, which would place more stress on such a system.
Secondly, this decision meant that the Church was eliminating an additional revenue stream.
Why would any organisation want to cut off a viable revenue source just to place extra burden on other revenue sources?
President Harold B. Lee announced in July 1970 that the collection of dues were to be stopped, and whatever money was in possession of the Relief Society to that point was to be handed over to the Church. I'm not sure I see the logic in this decision.
First of all, this decision meant that the Relief Society would need to cover operational expenses through the tithing fund, which would place more stress on such a system.
Secondly, this decision meant that the Church was eliminating an additional revenue stream.
Why would any organisation want to cut off a viable revenue source just to place extra burden on other revenue sources?
Convert
Last night, I was spending some time trying to track down old friends and people I taught on my mission. I was saddened to come across the obituary of John O'berto who died in 2002.
We taught John in the spring and early summer of 1993. He was a great guy who embraced the gospel. He was on his second marriage and his wife was a member. They owned a cafe and let missionaries eat there once a month for free.
I left only a couple of days before his baptism, so I lost track of how things turned out.
Well, the obituary states that he remained active in the Church. He went to the temple the following year, and was sealed to his wife and her children. He was an instructor in the high priests group and when he died, he was serving in the high priests group leadership.
I've only ever been able to find out what happened with one of the people we taught, so this was very encouraging. I just wish I could find the others.
We taught John in the spring and early summer of 1993. He was a great guy who embraced the gospel. He was on his second marriage and his wife was a member. They owned a cafe and let missionaries eat there once a month for free.
I left only a couple of days before his baptism, so I lost track of how things turned out.
Well, the obituary states that he remained active in the Church. He went to the temple the following year, and was sealed to his wife and her children. He was an instructor in the high priests group and when he died, he was serving in the high priests group leadership.
I've only ever been able to find out what happened with one of the people we taught, so this was very encouraging. I just wish I could find the others.
Comments
Blogger has a new comment moderation feature that I have implemented. The plus side is that spam will no longer get through. The down side is that a user's comment will not appear immediately unless s/he is a member of Our Thoughts. Usually, I am pretty quick with moderation, but when I am out or asleep, your message will not appear for a few hours.
It's not a perfect system, but I think it is less intrusive than word verification.
It's not a perfect system, but I think it is less intrusive than word verification.
November 04, 2005
Melding My Thoughts into Our Thoughts
Thanks for letting me be a part of Our Thoughts. Please allow me to indulge you with a few words about myself.
I'm a 26 year old guy from Medicine Hat, Alberta. I bought a house on the South Side of Lethbridge in September 2002 and have been studying New Media at the University of Lethbridge since that time.
The first Milner, related to me, to join the church was John Brewitt Milner sometime in the mid 1800's). I'm a descendant of Mormon stock from way back on both sides of my family so if you, gentle reader, have "Mormon Pioneer" relatives then there's probably a chance we're related.
I went on a mission to Salt Lake City in 1998 and had plenty of good and bad experiences there. Now I consider myself more of a believer in science than faith but I still like to discuss religion in a civil and logical manner. Please forgive me if I ever end up making a sharp comment toward something you say or believe - I'll do my best not to let that happen.
In my spare time I post to my blog and I go on trips to Disneyland. Actually, though southern California is one of my favourite places to visit, I love to travel a lot and have been slowly travelling the world one voyage at a time. Most recently I took part in a 7 week excursion to South-East Asia on a Cultural Studies trip arranged by the U of L.
I'm not married and never have been but I can say it hasn't been for a lack of trying. I guess it's better to break an engagement or two than go through a divorce. I'm sure I'll meet "her" soon enough.
I love to play sports, basketball and volleyball were my favourites growing up. I swam for the Pronghorns swim team for 3 years and now I get most of my exercise playing on an intramural water polo team. I also enjoy kayaking in the mountains when it is warm enough.
I heard a quote on TV the other day and it sparked a nice little discussion with one of my friends and his wife so now I'm posting it here as some food for thought:
"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do you agree? If not then what do you reckon is the masterpiece of nature?
I'm a 26 year old guy from Medicine Hat, Alberta. I bought a house on the South Side of Lethbridge in September 2002 and have been studying New Media at the University of Lethbridge since that time.
The first Milner, related to me, to join the church was John Brewitt Milner sometime in the mid 1800's). I'm a descendant of Mormon stock from way back on both sides of my family so if you, gentle reader, have "Mormon Pioneer" relatives then there's probably a chance we're related.
I went on a mission to Salt Lake City in 1998 and had plenty of good and bad experiences there. Now I consider myself more of a believer in science than faith but I still like to discuss religion in a civil and logical manner. Please forgive me if I ever end up making a sharp comment toward something you say or believe - I'll do my best not to let that happen.
In my spare time I post to my blog and I go on trips to Disneyland. Actually, though southern California is one of my favourite places to visit, I love to travel a lot and have been slowly travelling the world one voyage at a time. Most recently I took part in a 7 week excursion to South-East Asia on a Cultural Studies trip arranged by the U of L.
I'm not married and never have been but I can say it hasn't been for a lack of trying. I guess it's better to break an engagement or two than go through a divorce. I'm sure I'll meet "her" soon enough.
I love to play sports, basketball and volleyball were my favourites growing up. I swam for the Pronghorns swim team for 3 years and now I get most of my exercise playing on an intramural water polo team. I also enjoy kayaking in the mountains when it is warm enough.
I heard a quote on TV the other day and it sparked a nice little discussion with one of my friends and his wife so now I'm posting it here as some food for thought:
"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Do you agree? If not then what do you reckon is the masterpiece of nature?
Another Blogger
Try as I might, I just can't seem to find people to join Our Thoughts from outside of Alberta.
Our newest team member is a regular commenter who hails from Medicine Hat but lives in Lethbridge. Jeff Milner develops websites and is famous on the Internet (soon to be even more famous thanks to an interview with a major newspaper) for his backmasking site.
I'll let Jeff post more detailed information about himself, but we're happy to have him aboard.
Our newest team member is a regular commenter who hails from Medicine Hat but lives in Lethbridge. Jeff Milner develops websites and is famous on the Internet (soon to be even more famous thanks to an interview with a major newspaper) for his backmasking site.
I'll let Jeff post more detailed information about himself, but we're happy to have him aboard.
November 03, 2005
Mammon
During His sermon on the mount, Jesus said "no man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon" (Matt 6:24).
Mammon seems to be an Aramaic word for "riches". Despite that meaning—and perhaps focusing more on the rest of the verse—many members of the Church have interpreted this verse to mean that a person cannot be righteous and sinful at the same time. In other words, for example, a person cannot shop on Sunday (even if it is to purchase a loaf of bread for the sacrament ten minutes after the meting started because one of the teachers forgot or was home sick), without giving service to someone other than God; presumably Satan.
I have two questions.
1) Is this true? Is there no circumstance when one can be seemingly serving two masters?
2) Does keeping the commandments constitute service to God?
Mammon seems to be an Aramaic word for "riches". Despite that meaning—and perhaps focusing more on the rest of the verse—many members of the Church have interpreted this verse to mean that a person cannot be righteous and sinful at the same time. In other words, for example, a person cannot shop on Sunday (even if it is to purchase a loaf of bread for the sacrament ten minutes after the meting started because one of the teachers forgot or was home sick), without giving service to someone other than God; presumably Satan.
I have two questions.
1) Is this true? Is there no circumstance when one can be seemingly serving two masters?
2) Does keeping the commandments constitute service to God?
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