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Yesterday, I went in to renew my temple recommend with a member of the bishopric. I answered yes to every question. However, I’m not sure if that makes me a man who has determined that for the betterment of his own life at this point as well as the protection of his wife and four kids that he has to do what he has to do OR, if I am just a big fat liar!
I guess I should say that I find myself wanting to believe all of the church’s line and being an agnostic. It would be so much easier if I could just KNOW, like I used too.
HRHB wrote:I guess I should say that I find myself wanting to believe all of the church’s line and being an agnostic. It would be so much easier if I could just KNOW, like I used too.
Being open to the affirmative faith propositions is a form of faith. I might think of it this way “I have doubts and questions about that, but if I meet God someday and find out it’s all really true, then I would be happy with it. That would be just fine with me.”
That’s a positive way of being skeptical. I don’t think it’s dishonest to have HOPE and FAITH. Knowing? God doesn’t require surety. I am sure of that … oh wait, maybe I don’t know for sure
😆 Heavenly Father asks for faith and effort. We’re certain to screw it up. That’s why there’s a savior. We are supposed to seek for truth, not have it handed to us on a silver platter and obey orders. That sure-fire plan was someone else’s suggestion, if I remember the story correctly.
HRHB, is there anything specific that you think you lied about? Or, is it that you don’t feel the same way about the CHURCH as you uses to?
I think I’m in the same place that you are. Except, I haven’t done the TR interview yet.
I refuse to lie. I would rather be labeled “Inactive” than label myself a liar.
For example, I used to believe that a tithe was 10% of my gross.
I’m now retired & 10% of my gross would be difficult without eating cat food. (Not literally)
My little joke.
Mike from Milton.
Quote:I might think of it this way “I have doubts and questions about that, but if I meet God someday and find out it’s all really true, then I would be happy with it. That would be just fine with me.”
Thanks Brian. Being the “functionalist” that I am, this works for me.
Quote:HRHB, is there anything specific that you think you lied about?
Mike, I suppose that I question the existence of god and whether there really is only one person on the earth with all the authority. But, I said yes. I milled over the idea of being completely honest, but I didn’t have an hour or two to give and didn’t feel comfortable sharing my doubts and concerns in a setting I might be judged in when I’m not certain of how I really feel. I am also accepting the idea of just towing the line for the sake of my wife and kids. And, I actually like Mormons and most of mormon doctrine whether it is real or true or not. It works for me to a large extent.
Tithing has never been an issue for me until recently. I always took the 10% of gross line until I realized that I was having to pay money to enter the temple. I had never seen it that way before. Now, I pay what I feel is right for me. And, when I pay, I pay directly to SLC via bank transfer. So far my bishop has never questioned me about my “yes” answer to paying a full tithe at tithing settlement even though my statement says “$0.”
:thumbup: HRHB wrote:Yesterday, I went in to renew my temple recommend with a member of the bishopric.
I answered yes to every question. However, I’m not sure if that makes me a man who has determined that for the betterment of his own life at this point as well as the protection of his wife and four kids that he has to do what he has to do OR, if I am just a big fat liar!
I guess I should say that I find myself wanting to believe all of the church’s line and being an agnostic. It would be so much easier if I could just KNOW, like I used too.
Well you should have said no to a few of them:TR interview wrote:6. Is there anything in your conduct relating to members of your family that is not in harmony with the teachings of the Church?
7. Do you support, affiliate with, or agree with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?
11. Do you have financial or other obligations to a former spouse or children? …
13. Have there been any sins or misdeeds in your life that should have been resolved with priesthood authorities but have not been?
being agnostic is being honest. It’s an admission that you don’t know. The questions aren’t ‘do yu know’, but rather, “do you have faith and a testimony,…”In fact, being agnostic, you’re probaby more honest to the quesitons than those who blindly just say yes. Listen to the questions, what they really ask. And I think you’ll find, as I have, that honesty is paramount, and you can answer the questions ‘honestly’ and correctly according to what is really asked.
no guilt, no harm, no foul. there is a bigger purpose here. The church needs those like us who ask and challenge, who struggle with faith, and who are seeking a higher ground.
I will never again doubt whether I am worthy for the temple, because I and god are at peace with each other. for the moment. Although that could change, and I’m definitely not perfect, it’s a question whether I self-identify with being worthy.
wayfarer wrote:Well you should have said no to a few of them:
I was thinking the same thing, wayfarer…I was gonna be a smart alec and reply but you beat me to it!
As wayfarer said, listening to the questions word for word and responding with a simple “Yes” or “No” is sufficient. Nuances or explanations are up to you to share as you wish, but aren’t required.
HRHB wrote:Mike, I suppose that I question the existence of god and whether there really is only one person on the earth with all the authority.
I think we are allowed to question, or I should say, we should allow ourselves to question without self-identifying as non-believers. If you have a firm, strong belief that you KNOW there is no God, then you should answer accordingly that you don’t believe and be honest about it, in my opinion, and based on what you wrote HRHB, I can’t seem to call you a liar, but perhaps you only know that. But if you might believe, even a little, that is all they ask. Yes/No provides a lot of variance for good reason.
Knowing what the questions are ahead of time is helpful to think through it and be at peace with honest responses, however you work through those for whatever reasons. Its nice there are no surprise quizzes!
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