A new Word of Wisdom

[Mr Bean]

Thanks for adding substance to the conversation. I bet you are fun at parties.

[Northwestcoug]

Hey, that’s kind of catchy.

[RC Vikings]

Church issues a "new" "statement" on the Word of Wisdom. Hint: it's not what we've been hoping for.

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist...om-august-2019

I'm not sure why the church came out with this, maybe to target the young members but I don't think most of them care. Also it looks like something they may have to backtrack on in a couple of years.

[Donuthole]

Church issues a "new" "statement" on the Word of Wisdom. Hint: it's not what we've been hoping for.

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist...om-august-2019

I get the sense that if the TSM administration hadn't expressly placed caffeinated soft drinks on the approved list, those may well have ended up on this list as well.

Thanks for adding substance to the conversation. I bet you are fun at parties.

It was a joke, because someone called me out last week for not commenting on this stuff anymore. Lighten up, Francis.

[clackamascoug]

Dear President Bednar,

The work in my district is going well. We taught five lessons this week, three of them to a couple of 40 something ladies (roommates) trying to find more meaning to their lives. They both used to be married and have kids, but apparently they had abusive husbands and found peace and safety living separate from the abusive fathers and their children. They seem really happy and would make great future primary workers.

At our last zone conference you asked us to put on our thinking caps and see if we could find a way to reach out and find new converts. I have thought about this and will use your words to illustrate my thinking.

Instead of "reaching out" why don't we grab? What I mean is that we've distanced ourselves from the general population so much so - that we have to "reach" between the space between new converts and active members. If we were closer, we could just put our arms around them. As time as gone on - we're now farther apart than we were 40 or 50 years ago, and instead of being a mainstream progressive church willing to embrace all and bring unto Christ - we've become more exclusive and have raised the bar of expectations for continuing members and new converts. The result is more Saints leaving the church, and a drastic drop-off on new member percentages.

We need to market the Church in a more positive light - making us a viable alternative to truth seeking Christians. To make us more viable - let's get rid of 19th century dogma that follows us like a creepy shadow - and get down to the basics of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I think President Nelson is asking us to shed our Mormon skin and become more Gospel of Jesus Christ. To that end - let's get rid of stuff that weakens our credibility THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SALVATION in the Lord's kingdom.

Becoming Celestial beings takes training - we're basically asking converts to run a marathon with little to no training. Let's bring them in - warts and all - and love them - and bring them to the temple with brandy breath and Marlboro scented temple robes. Let's keep our active youth coming by keeping them in good standing with the church by not judging them on inconsequential matters that are covered by the atonement. Currently - we're losing youth because the price they have to pay to stay is too cumbersome.

It may take 50 years to let the old guard die off and make the needed changes - but I'd like to see a church where people can train on their own schedule to become the best person they can be, without all the interviews and finger pointing that has no real value in the eternal big picture.

Other than that - we fasted three straight days and knocked on doors for 48 continuous hours (day and night) and placed only 1 Book of Mormon. We're sure the kid is golden and will join the church in two years when she turns 8.

Give my best to Sister Bednar - that sourdough start is wonderful - and we've shared it a number of people in the homeless camps. I know she'll appreciate it.

Elder clackamascoug

[Northwestcoug]

I like it Clack. If you get any traction with that letter, please suggest repealing section 132 in your next one.

[Sullyute]

Dear President Bednar,

The work in my district is going well. We taught five lessons this week, three of them to a couple of 40 something ladies (roommates) trying to find more meaning to their lives. They both used to be married and have kids, but apparently they had abusive husbands and found peace and safety living separate from the abusive fathers and their children. They seem really happy and would make great future primary workers.

At our last zone conference you asked us to put on our thinking caps and see if we could find a way to reach out and find new converts. I have thought about this and will use your words to illustrate my thinking.

Instead of "reaching out" why don't we grab? What I mean is that we've distanced ourselves from the general population so much so - that we have to "reach" between the space between new converts and active members. If we were closer, we could just put our arms around them. As time as gone on - we're now farther apart than we were 40 or 50 years ago, and instead of being a mainstream progressive church willing to embrace all and bring unto Christ - we've become more exclusive and have raised the bar of expectations for continuing members and new converts. The result is more Saints leaving the church, and a drastic drop-off on new member percentages.

We need to market the Church in a more positive light - making us a viable alternative to truth seeking Christians. To make us more viable - let's get rid of 19th century dogma that follows us like a creepy shadow - and get down to the basics of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I think President Nelson is asking us to shed our Mormon skin and become more Gospel of Jesus Christ. To that end - let's get rid of stuff that weakens our credibility THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SALVATION in the Lord's kingdom.

Becoming Celestial beings takes training - we're basically asking converts to run a marathon with little to no training. Let's bring them in - warts and all - and love them - and bring them to the temple with brandy breath and Marlboro scented temple robes. Let's keep our active youth coming by keeping them in good standing with the church by not judging them on inconsequential matters that are covered by the atonement. Currently - we're losing youth because the price they have to pay to stay is too cumbersome.

It may take 50 years to let the old guard die off and make the needed changes - but I'd like to see a church where people can train on their own schedule to become the best person they can be, without all the interviews and finger pointing that has no real value in the eternal big picture.

Other than that - we fasted three straight days and knocked on doors for 48 continuous hours (day and night) and placed only 1 Book of Mormon. We're sure the kid is golden and will join the church in two years when she turns 8.

Give my best to Sister Bednar - that sourdough start is wonderful - and we've shared it a number of people in the homeless camps. I know she'll appreciate it.

Elder clackamascoug

These missionary letters are some of my favorite posts on this board.

[falafel]

my thoughts on the WoW:

1) the modern day clarifications and the fact the church feels it necessary to "command us in all things" as it relates to the WoW is incredibly dumb

2) ignore the dumb. eat, drink whatever the hell you want and decide for yourself if you are keeping the Lord's law of health. when the question comes up in the interview say yes or no based on how you feel you are doing.

For tomorrow we die!

[Moliere]

I'm still in favor of the temple recommend renewal process requiring a physical test. Member should prove that they live the WoW by running and not being weary. I can think of at least a dozen people in my ward that would fail that test

[Mr Bean]

It was a joke, because someone called me out last week for not commenting on this stuff anymore. Lighten up, Francis.

I fixed it for the resident grammar nazis (sure seem to be a lot of those on this board). I type faster than I think.

[Pelado]

I'm still in favor of the temple recommend renewal process requiring a physical test. Member should prove that they live the WoW by running and not being weary. I can think of at least a dozen people in my ward that would fail that test

How long will we be required to run? Minimum speed?

[MartyFunkhouser]

The article to clear some things up for the young people is comedy gold.

[Sleeping in EQ]

my thoughts on the WoW:

1) the modern day clarifications and the fact the church feels it necessary to "command us in all things" as it relates to the WoW is incredibly dumb

2) ignore the dumb. eat, drink whatever the hell you want and decide for yourself if you are keeping the Lord's law of health. when the question comes up in the interview say yes or no based on how you feel you are doing.

Pretty much.

[Sleeping in EQ]

Some of you lawyers could drive a truck through the difference between "coffee" and "coffee based products."

[Donuthole]

Some of you lawyers could drive a truck through the difference between "coffee" and "coffee based products."

Nah. This issue is is pretty black and cream with two sugars.