TR Question Survey – A Proposal

[Anonymous]

cwald wrote:

I like your plan Wayfarer.

thanks.

The purpose of this thread is to not just say yes or no, but the thinking behind why we say yes or no to each question. This takes time and considered discussion. At the end of this discussion, we should have a more balanced guide for those struggling with faith issues on how to reconcile their beliefs with respect to the questions in as honest a fashion as possible. For some, after considered discussion, this may mean that getting a temple recommend is not an option, because there may be no way for them to honestly reconcile their beliefs with the question. For others, perhaps they are being too hard on themselves, and once we understand the intent of the question, we can better answer it in the affirmative (or in the compliant way yes or no depending upon the question).

I believe firmly that “lying” is entirely unacceptable to get a temple recommend. It sort of defeats the entire purpose. And just because some of us feel the church is less than forthright about their answers to historical questions, it does not justify being dishonest in our answers to these questions. This is my opinion, but it’s also scripture:

D&C 10:28 wrote:

Verily, verily, I say unto you, wo be unto him that lieth to deceive because he supposeth that another lieth to deceive, for such are not exempt from the justice of God.

It is my sincere hope that after this exercise, each person who feels that they are eligible to enter the temple is able to answer the questions with all sincerity of heart and with conviction.

[Anonymous]

For me, the purpose of this exercise is to sincerely reflect on what I really believe.

It is going a the right pace for me.

I’m sure that the questions are going to get harder.

Mike from Milton.

[Anonymous]

Sometimes I look back on my answers to things like this and feel like I am not putting my full hope and faith into the answers. When I really pin myself down to giving a concrete answer, I feel like I am searching for the minimum: at a minimum, I believe this __________.

I just felt like adding that is the minimum. I also at times allow myself to dive more fully into stories and theologies, letting myself imagine them as literally real and solid.

I guess it’s just where I am at right now. I have a hard time committing to anything, but enjoy exploring everything.

[Anonymous]

I’ve come up with a way to summarize what I think about the temple recommend interview for me. I should be able to answer the following question with a “yes”: If the bishop and stake president knew how I view the questions and exactly what I mean by my answers, would I still be given a recommend? If not, then perhaps I am being devious.

[Anonymous]

Nephite, fwiw, I look at it differently. I think if God knows I’m being true to the dictates of my own conscience and answering the questions as I personally interpret them, that’s enough for me.

Here’s why I see it that way at the most practical level:

I have had Bishops and Stake Presidents who interpret the questions differently than each other. I can’t worry about matching my Bishop’s interpretation one day then matching my Stake President’s interpretation a week later. That’s a recipe for schizophrenia.

The questions don’t say anything about whether or not my interpretations match anyone else’s interpretations. They just as the questions, and they don’t require explanations.

I really like that. It’s one of the least restrictive aspects of our practical culture, ironically, and I don’t want that to change.

[Author]

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