- This topic is empty.
-
Posts
-
I wrote elsewhere that “I also maintain that one must have a testimony of the ‘LDS version’ of the Godhead, etc., to get a temple recommend.” I was asked what my point is in saying that and I indicated that I would post my answer here in order to keep that other thread on topic. First, I wish I had written “I also maintain that one
shouldhave a testimony of the ‘LDS version’ of the Godhead, etc., to get a temple recommend.” So here’s how I see it: the church builds and maintains temples and certain church leaders are “gatekeepers” of the temples. It just makes sense to me that the temple recommend questions are really asking if we have a testimony of the “LDS version” (defined simply) of the Godhead, Restoration, etc. I could be wrong. It’s just my opinion and I am not judging anyone else. Quote:it just makes sense to me that the temple recommend questions are really asking if we have a testimony of the “LDS version” (defined simply) of the Godhead, Restoration, etc.
If that is what makes sense to you, that works for you, you go forward with that. However, it is not a shared opinion, and the church discourages the questions being changed or interpreted by the interviewer, leaving the interpretation up to the individual.
A personal note. I went to church yesterday & talked to the Bishop. I said that I wanted to talk about setting a goal of when we could get a TR & go to the temple.
He said:”let’s do it now. The SP will be in next week & you’ll meet with him then.”
What I found interesting about the process,
it was a good experience. Our Bishop is new. He seems to be a good man trying to do a difficult job. Other things that were new: TR are good for (2) years & Counselors can do the interviews.
I’ll take it a day at a time. As usual.
Mike from Milton.
thanks rebeccad for that response – it gets me thinking about the overall approach to the TR. Before the interview, I believe preparation is in order.
1. determine what you personally believe regarding each point–not how you would answer the question, nor what the church’s intent is with the question, but what do you really think and feel about it.
2. determine whose rules you live by and reconcile yourself to you judge’s standards.
a. if you believe that the church determines your worthiness before god, then you should reconcile the areas of difference between your compliance to the questions and the church’s standards, by repenting of any area of noncompliance – if you aren’t sure whether the church would agree with your compliance, then you should ask your bishop about whether your sins have risen to the level of church discipline.
b. if you believe that only the Lord determines your worthiness, then you should reconcile yourself before the god of your understanding, and repentance/reconciliation may also be necessary.
3. once you have reconciled yourself to whose rules you live by, be prepared to confidently and authentically answer the questions as asked.
With this preparation complete, I am ready for the interview, should I freely decide that I want a TR.
During the interview, I consider the model of accountability used in the temple, where the interviewer represents the Lord. I answer the questions as asked authentically and confidently as if my own personal judge were at the other side of the table. There is no deception or subterfuge: I answer truthfully according to my judge’s expectations and definitions of terms.
Maybe this only works for me, and I know that many reject my unorthodox views as being unacceptable for a TR. But i believe, firmly, that I have squared my worthiness with the god of my understanding, and that my judge fully accepts me, warts and all.
I am not saying that the outcome will be or even should be a temple recommend. I think the process is very useful in helping me determine my priorities and my position vis-a-vis church and god.
In working through these questions with you all, I have found a new freedom: once I anchor my practice and understanding in what I truly believe, then I can move forward unapologetically with authenticity. In spight of my lack of orthodoxy and orthopraxy, i can be completely square with my judge, and that is all that matters.
cwald wrote:PS….how are you feeling?
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Thanks for asking…I’ll PM you so we don’t derail the thread….really appreciate your asking…!
That’s wonderful, Mike – really wonderful. Well, it’s official. My wife & I are “card” carrying Mormons again. This after 20+ yrs of being inactive. They also gave me a new calling. The calling is inconspicuous. I’m not going to say what it is unless anyone is watching.
Our meeting with the Stake President went very well too. Overall, It was a good experience.
We’ll see how this goes. Wayfarer, this is for you. “One day at a time.”
Mike from Milton.
That’s really fantastic Mike. I hope you find your path to peace within the direction. One day at a time has helped me a lot. Contemplating the future or to far hard is necessary at times but can become overwhelming and take away from the here and now enjoyments and accomplishments. Mike, I mean it sincerely when I say that I am typing this comment with eyes a bit blurred. I am SO happy for you and your wife. Thank you for letting us know.
Mike, you have made my day, and it’s only 5:23 am… i was tossing and turning last night asking myself if the middle way was worth it. and saying that, i don’t mean the way of mediocrity or the one that is on the way out…but rather, the one that seeks to come back with authenticity.
i think you have set an example for me, and i am truly touched. my very best wishes for you and your wife!
Cheers! one day at a time, indeed.
Mike — I’m not sure I even knew what your issues were. What were they how did you get past them to the point you wanted a TR again? I’m curious. SD, It has been difficult to talk about it in a meaningful way. So, on this forum, I’ve talked around it. I joined the church in 1970. I was married with a child (Daughter), working in a factory nights & finishing my Bachelor’s degree during the day.
We joined the church together & everything looked “rosie”. About a month or so later, my wife decided she wanted a divorce & took our daughter & moved to California. I continued to stay active, graduated from College,moved & got my 1st “professional” job.
I met my current wife & we got married (2) years later in the Salt Lake Temple. My daughter would come out to visit in the summer’s or I would
visit her in California. My exwife got married & stayed active in the church for a period of time.
Then when my daughter was (13) years old, the “ex” divorced again & started using drugs, etc. She began dating outside of the church. Then, I got telephone calls from my former in-laws saying that I needed to get my daughter away from the exwife. My daughter was being sexually abused. I made arrangements for my daughter to come & visit again. When she got here, I called the “ex” & told her what I knew. I gave her the choice to give me voluntary custody or I would take her to court here. This is an abbreviated time frame of the events.
While this is happening, my “current” wife & I have (2) boys very close together. So, within a short period of time, we have (3) children & one is a teenager. (You can look up “Saint” in the dictionary & see my DW’s picture.)
I was completely spiritually lost & bankrupt. I would pray for guidance & comfort. In return I got silence. I went to leaders & close friends for guidance & comfort. In return I got nothing that I could really use. Sexual abuse to children is difficult for anyone to understand & respond to. I felt like I was the center of a giant cosmic joke. After a short period of time, the anger inside of me built up with no real outlet. So, I turned to alcohol. For awhile it worked. Then it became the problem. Then I went through treatment & AA. After about 6 years in recovery, I went to my Bishop to explain where I’ve been. I consider him a close friend. I quickly found out that not only doesn’t the church understand child abuse but they didn’t understand anything about alcoholism either. I understand that’s changing.
I am amazed that my children have grown up (reasonably) normal. All (3) have gone to college, got degrees, married & have children of their own. After High School, my daughter moved to SLC (where her mother & friend lived after moving from Calif). My daughter went to the University of Utah. At one point she thought about Law Enforcement & went through the academy there. She talked to Detectives who asked her to wear a wire & talk to her abuser. He admitted what he did. They arrested him & he went to jail. She went through private counseling & has adjusted better then I could of hoped for. She has adjusted better then I have, in many respects. God does answer prayers.
So, I stumbled on this forum. Within less that a year I’ve gotten more insight than I thought was possible. The spiritual part of the AA program has always been the hardest for me understand or accept. I’m starting to understand that it’s the hardest part of my church & personal life too.
I’m sorry this is so long. A few more lines & I could make it into a movie.
Thanks everyone.
I know my journey isn’t over. In many ways, it has just begun. I’m not going to make the same mistakes I did the last time around.
Thanks for listening.
Mike from Milton.
Your accomplishment is very sweet. Thank you for sharing it. Hey Mike. You’ve always been kind of quiet in this forum…I’m guessing this was a tough post for you. Anyway, good for you on TR, and I hope you find peace. I’m glad the Mormon church has something to offer. I really am.
Out.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Mike, that brought tears to my eyes. I don’t know what to say beyond that. How much I relate to how the church didn’t understand alcoholism, and I still believe it doesn’t.
How much I relate to how the ‘spiritual part of the program’ can be confusing.
peace.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.