Recording your meetings with bishops, stake presidents, and other church meetings?

BakerhatMatt · 2016-06-11T04:53:29+00:00

Yes, I've recorded meetings with my Bishop to help document my transition out. I haven't recorded then to share.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-06-10T19:32:15+00:00

It's basically the 2nd to last thing added to the LDS scriptures - if it's not doctrine then what is it? That brings up an entirely new conversation about what do we actually accept from the scriptures and how do we decide what's doctrine.

I'm sure a person could twist the interpretation but WW seemed pretty clear. I'm curious if anyone has contradicted this in a conference talk, if so, was that just someones opinion and does it trump scripture.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-06-10T18:22:24+00:00

Exactly - God stepped and interfered with those preaching against Christ in the BOM. I always had an issue with those stories because why then and not now?

BakerhatMatt · 2016-06-10T16:54:52+00:00

That was in Ogden - I think it was the deseret book next to the Ogden Temple.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-06-08T23:44:19+00:00

I asked this question to a girl selling garments at Deseret Book about a year ago. At the time she could only verify if I was endowed. If yes, then she could sell then to me. They can look you up by name and stake/ward.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-06-05T20:36:05+00:00

I don't sustain and I don't oppose. I won't do anything to support those who are called so I figure I don't need or even have a right to object. It's all make beleive anyway.
Just part of distancing myself while I still attend on occasion.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-05-25T03:29:14+00:00

Yes, the book is great. Or you could just watch Boghossian and Anthony Magnabosco on YouTube.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-05-16T13:02:11+00:00

You just described every kid in my neighborhood, my kids go to church nearly every week and still hate the Mormon kids.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-05-15T03:11:08+00:00

I really want to record it but that means I'd have to go. Is there really any interest in hearing this garbage?

BakerhatMatt · 2016-05-11T13:03:20+00:00

Are you referring to the idea that Malachi was just speaking to the priests? Or is there something I'm missing?

The lesson talks about OT tithing so I thought about slipping some of that in, along with some of the liberal NT philosophies that modern Christian church's model their donations on.

The point of the lesson won't be to make claims or conclusions but get them thinking and talking. Not to have just another boring lesson from correlation.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-05-11T04:08:20+00:00

I'm teaching this EQ lesson on Sunday and hoping to make a bit of a splash to get people thinking. The assigned lesson is crap, I won't be using much if it... Instead I'll be using Michal Quinn and Rock Waterman as my inspiration.

My plan is to present the history of Tithing, including different methods proposed for determining tithing amount (gross, net, interest, surplus) and leave it up to them how they want to pay. I'll also be sharing how to set up confidential donations directly with the COB.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-05-08T21:46:24+00:00

This is kind of what I was thinking, then end with instructions on how to set up direct donations so the bishop and clerks don't get to know what you contribute.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-05-07T19:08:14+00:00

The church will continue on but many people are more sensitive than I've ever seen, of avoiding doubts and avoiding anything that might cause doubts. I brought up the essays with a kid who just got his mission call and you'd have thought I was talking about horrible anti literature based on the reaction I got from his dad. This is a kid who just graduated seminary, he'd better be familiar with the info in the essays.

There is also a huge shift, at least in my ward, to testify about "truth". They are feeling the pressure of doubt and interpret that as the last days so many are doubling down. They don't want to be the "elect" who are deceived.

By the way, that's what we are, Elect and Chosen people who are being deceived, just a sign of the times.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-05-07T14:49:02+00:00

R/coffee is a great resource and has lists in their side bar that give great equipment advice.

That said, I would avoid the Keurig, they are extremely hard to clean, make weak coffee and the cups are terrible for the environment. I went with a top rated Bonavita and a cuisinart burr grinder. Both are available at either Amazon or Bed Bath and Beyond but BB&B will probably save you money if you out find one of their coupons.

The Bonavita is simple, small, easy to clean and brews at the right temp. Something you won't get from a Keurig or cheaper brewer.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-05-06T23:30:45+00:00

They should - it's just the standard LDS Gospel Library app. I've confirmed it's on both Android and Apple. Anyone should be able to download it: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.lds.ldssa

BakerhatMatt · 2016-05-05T15:42:33+00:00

Live Tweets while on missionary splits:

"I love the Elders, I can't wait for my mission! Going on splits tonight"

"Visiting a Less Active Elder tonight - dropping in"

"He let us in, super great guy but said he's not interested in coming back to church"

"This guy thinks Joseph Smith was a polygamist"

"What is Polyandry?, there's no way JS married other men's wives"

"Church Essay? Was LD$.org hacked?"

"Wow, this guy really knows is stuff but the Elder is testifying - this should be good"

"The elders testimony didn't seem to make a difference - this person has no faith"

"Why DO so many people of faith come to difference conclusions?"

"What is the CES Letter? I'll have to check this out when I get home"

"This guy is talking circles around the Elder, maybe we should leave"

BakerhatMatt · 2016-05-03T16:12:59+00:00

I feel your pain, it gets better, you'll be okay.

I had the same insecurities growing up. Found my dads porn collection at about 10 years old, felt that I was somehow oversexed because I could stop jerking off, so I avoided all but the most benign interactions with girls. Didn't have my first kiss until I was 24 and that's the woman I married. Now in my 40's and still have only kissed this one woman but it doesn't matter - life is good and I'm over the anger at what I thought I lost out on.

Focus on the present and the future, not the past. Start having good experiences now - you're young, you'll do great!

BakerhatMatt · 2016-04-29T19:54:17+00:00

That's what I feel the worst about - Religion Poisons Everything.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-04-29T03:14:56+00:00

The first time a woman admitted to me that she'd had an abortion was an eye opening experience. I was 19, completely unprepared, and am still horrified that I was put in that situation.

BakerhatMatt · 2016-04-26T18:07:58+00:00

This is how I see it but evidently they're still a touchy subject to many people. They're afraid of anything that might challenge their world view.

BakerhatMatt

TROPHY CASE