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Old-Timer wrote:
NO problems with getting a temple recommend that I can see – but it would be kind of stupid to share a list like this with anyone whom you aren’t sure will understand.
You’re right. It would be stupid. I even question whether putting it in writing on the Internet under a pseudonym is such a good idea. If someone really wanted to they could probably work out who I was.
Quote:the problem is that they probably don’t know they’d be getting “me,” they probably think they’d be getting “him,” the person I was 2 years ago when I was last in the branch.
So what. If they believe in inspiration and that your calling is inspired, they are calling you – not the person you were two years ago.
[ Admin Note]: Just to say this, with an insistence that it not become a separate topic in this thread, Denver Snuffer’s situation cannot be summarized legitimately as being similar to anyone here. There is no reasonable way to defend what he wrote and did as anything but classic apostasy. I hesitate to advocate anyone be excommunicated, but, given the nature of what he actually wrote, I can’t argue strongly against it in his case – and, ironically, I’m glad it shows that excommunication is an option for ultra-traditionalist, ultra-conservative members (which his writings indicate he is) and not just those on the more liberal side of the spectrum.Let’s not take that any further in this thread.
Mackay, allow me to also share what a welcome contribution you have made to the forum. We are all enriched by your participation (In the “We” I also include many that might lurk). I don’t pay tithing and therefore don’t have a recommend but that is the single impediment. If I were to spell out for my leaders how I am unorthodox then thay may have any range of reactions. I would never risk doing this for fear of having a leader that couldn’t understand multiple perspectives.
I know that for me, ward mission leader would be a horrible fit for motivational reasons. I’m just not in much of a hurry to convert anybody. If called, I might decline but suggest that I would be open to other callings that better fit your family/work schedule.
I like this post…thanks! Old-Timer wrote:Quote:the problem is that they probably don’t know they’d be getting “me,” they probably think they’d be getting “him,” the person I was 2 years ago when I was last in the branch.
So what. If they believe in inspiration and that your calling is inspired, they are calling you – not the person you were two years ago.
Mackay, allow me to also share what a welcome contribution you have made to the forum. We are all enriched by your participation (In the “We” I also include many that might lurk).
I don’t pay tithing and therefore don’t have a recommend but that is the single impediment. If I were to spell out for my leaders how I am unorthodox then thay may have any range of reactions. I would never risk doing this for fear of having a leader that couldn’t understand multiple perspectives.
I know that for me, ward mission leader would be a horrible fit for motivational reasons. I’m just not in much of a hurry to convert anybody. If called, I might decline but suggest that I would be open to other callings that better fit your family/work schedule.
Thank you
And I agree, in many ways I’d worry that I wouldn’t be very “into it.” I don’t believe God wants all people to be Mormon. I don’t believe Mormonism is the best option for all people. I even believe that in occasional cases, leaving or declining joining Mormonism is the best option. I think my DW, for example, has found her most effective personal vehicle on the path to be not Mormonism.
On the other hand… I also love the big picture/Givenses aspects of Mormonism. I also want to be in a position to be able to be an “Uchtdorf missionary” to the members (both new and old). I want to aid the gradual process of helping the Mormon ocean liner change course.
I’m wondering if that desire is compatible with BML. Or whether BML is more like being in Primary. A calling where there is a reasonable expectation that the person “toes the party line.”
On the other hand… I think I am toeing the party line. When I read through everything we’ve gathered in the quotes thread I think that actually people don’t full realise what the party line is.
Hmmm… Too many “other hands.”
If I was the WML, I would focus on simple Christian service and supporting the full-time missionaries to the best of the ward members’ abilities. In other words, I would let the missionaries “do missionary work” and focus the ward on “sharing the (social) Gospel”. If anyone complained, I would tell them that I was following the revelation / inspiration I received and that I would be doing that as long as I was in that calling. I’m not saying one way or another what you should do or if you should accept such a calling or not if it is offered, but I am saying there are multiple options and approached a BML can take and still magnify that calling.
Old-Timer wrote:If I was the WML, I would focus on simple Christian service and supporting the full-time missionaries to the best of the ward members’ abilities. In other words, I would let the missionaries “do missionary work” and focus the ward on “sharing the (social) Gospel”. If anyone complained, I would tell them that I was following the revelation / inspiration I received and that I would be doing that as long as I was in that calling.
I’m not saying one way or another what you should do or if you should accept such a calling or not if it is offered, but I am saying there are multiple options and approached a BML can take and still magnify that calling.
Thanks Ray, wise words. I suppose what I need to think about is “what next.” I feel I’ve made peace with what I believe. I know that means I’m going to have to filter out certain things that are said and adapt to different perspectives. I know I want to be involved. But I need to think carefully about how and in what way. I don’t want to be a source of concern or distraction to the members who are there trying to do the best with what they know and care about. I feel more confident in what I believe, but I’m not sure where I ‘fit’ by implication.
Quote:I know I want to be involved. But I need to think carefully about how and in what way.
This.
:thumbup: Think of the respect and genuine concern, love and sincerity you could show all the people you “rescue”. I know I would love to work with you as a WML. Ours is a nightmare. Thank you for this OP. I agree with so much of it.
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