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At one time there was a TR interview question that asked if we participate in “groups or Symposia” that are not in harmony with gospel teachings or something like that. Anyone know the origin of that question? Was it inspired by Sunstone for example? I never really knew why there was a reference to “Symposia”, which is a very specific term, and one associated with Sunstone’s Annual Symposium….
Can anyone shed light on that?
I’d bet real money that was in reference to Sunstone. I’m not exactly sure why, but I think the church leaders feel threatened by alternate ways to live the gospel. Perhaps it’s lack of control or fear of what happened in the days of Paul- a fractured church with little doctrinal consistency.
I think that general category of question is a loyalty test. I wish the church didn’t put so much emphasis on loyalty and obedience.
If the TR question is supposed to fish out affiliations with sites like staylds, I think that leads to some unfortunate conclusions about the church leaders.
I don’t know if this was or was not in the TR questions, but I do know that I think it was Oaks actually said some relatively clear words back about 30 years ago in conference saying that Dialog/SunStone was not something a good latter day saint would participate in. I feel pretty strongly that the church will not be able to sustain itself on Oaks-type dogma. The hard-lining on apostates and gays is slowly draining the life out of the church as it’s losing young people. I guess if they’re trying to sort out the wheat from the tares, they’re doing a good job. Still doesn’t mean it’s sustainable. That’s one thing I hate about the way those temple recommend questions are worded. It seems like you have to be practically like Marry Poppins to even go to the temple, but nobody is perfect. It makes me want to say, “Your MOMparticipates in Symposia not in harmony with the teachings on the gospel!” “We had
realgood discourse.” 
I am 52 years old. That has never been part of the interview questions in my endowed lifetime. I’m a bit older than Curtis but maybe not in the church. I was endowed in 1983, and I do not remember a question like that. I only remember the question similar to the way it is worded now. It is very possible someone added to the question in some places (leadership roulette). I do believe at one time there was not clear direction to ask only the questions as written. Old Timer wrote:
I am 52 years old. That has never been part of the interview questions in my endowed lifetime.
Wow! I was asked that question! Maybe it was a baptismal interview question then on my mission….but there was a question about consorting with groups that are opposed to the church, and attending Symposia not in harmony with church teachings was DEFINITELY mentioned. Local doctrine? Glad I asked!!!
You may be thinking of this question: Quote:Q7. 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?
Or maybe the priesthood leader volunteered what they felt was meant by the question. I remember one bishop of mine explaining to me that he was once offered to become a consultant for Planned Parenthood. He told me that he turned them down after considering this question.
I remember this message from the first presidency: https://www.lds.org/ensign/1999/12/news-of-the-church/policies-and-announcements ” class=”bbcode_url”> https://www.lds.org/ensign/1999/12/news-of-the-church/policies-and-announcements Which I believe was translated into the following in the General Handbook of Instruction (2006). I’ll end up grabbing more that what is relevant but this way you get to decide what is relevant.
Quote:
Self-Awareness GroupsMany private groups and commercial organizations have programs that purport to increase self-awareness, self-esteem, and spirituality. Some groups promise to enhance individual agency or improve family relationships. Some offer “experimental” or “empowerment” training.
Some of these groups have falsely claimed or implied that the Church has endorsed the programs. However, the Church has not endorsed any such enterprise, and Church members are warned against believing such claims. The fact that the Church has not formally challenged such an enterprise should not be perceived as a tacit endorsement of stamp of approval.
Church members are also warned that some of these groups advocate concepts and use methods that can be harmful. In addition, many such groups charge exorbitant fees and encourage long-term commitments. Some intermingle worldly concepts with gospel principles in ways that can undermine spirituality and faith.
These groups tend to promise quick solutions to problems that normally require time and personal effort to resolve. Although participants may experience temporary emotional relief or exhilaration, old problems often return, leading to added disappointment and despair.
Church members should not participate in groups that:
Challenge religious and moral values or advocate unwarranted confrontation with spouse or family members as a means of reaching one’s potential.
- Imitate sacred rites or ceremonies.
- Foster physical contact among participants.
- Meet late into the evening or in the early-morning hours/ [P.S. lol seminary]
- Encourage open confession or disclosure of personal information normally discussed only in confidential settings.
- Cause a husband and wife to be paired with other partners.
Church leaders are not to pay for, encourage participation in, or promote such groups or practices. Also, Church facilities may not be used for these activities. Local leaders should counsel members that true self-improvement comes through living gospel principles. Members who have social or emotional problems may consult with priesthood leaders for guidance in identifying sources of help that are in harmony with gospel principles.
Here’s an example of a problem I believe the church was trying to address:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_and_Living_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Saints_of_the_Last_Days ” class=”bbcode_url”> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_and_Living_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Saints_of_the_Last_Days Quote:The TLC began as a study group and Priesthood Council in the early 1990s, where people from both the LDS Church and Mormon fundamentalist churches met together to discuss doctrine.
And here I thought TLC began as a hip hp, R&B combo in Atlanta, GA.
Here’s the current policy, moved to handbook 2:
https://www.lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church/selected-church-policies/21.3.9 ” class=”bbcode_url”> https://www.lds.org/handbook/handbook-2-administering-the-church/selected-church-policies/21.3.9 It’s a little different. I tried to provide some historical context because I don’t know when you were asked that question. It could have been asked by a leader that was aware of those policies and was trying to get clever with the TR question Roy quoted. To my knowledge the specificity of the question you were asked has never been a part of the official TR question. It’s probably one of those things similar to where a leader is only supposed to ask about whether you keep the law of chastity but some leaders tack on additional, more probing questions.
I think the policy was the church’s way of addressing groups like TLC and others similar groups that were springing up in the past. A contemporary example would be the Snufferites.
nibbler wrote:Challenge religious and moral values or advocate unwarranted confrontation with spouse or family members as a means of reaching one’s potential.
- Imitate sacred rites or ceremonies.
- Foster physical contact among participants.
- Meet late into the evening or in the early-morning hours/ [P.S. lol seminary]
- Encourage open confession or disclosure of personal information normally discussed only in confidential settings.
- Cause a husband and wife to be paired with other partners.
Lol, it’s funny how the Church has literally done ALL of those things itself. Confrontation and sacrificing family relationships for the church? Check. Imitate sacred rites or ceremonies? Imitating is debatable, but literally everything from baptisms, baby blessings, to the endowment was “taken” from other religious organizations. Foster physical contact among participants? Temple ceremony. Meet late or early? Seminary/Institute/Mutual. Encourage open confession/disclosure? Testimony meeting. Cause husband and wife to be paired with other partners? Polygamy.
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