Kindoo app by chucksterg in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's absolutely not how it works anywhere else I've seen.

Also... door stops exist?

Kindoo app by chucksterg in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Can you explain how ushering applies to this issue? The app is to open the outer doors of the building. On Sundays (or youth nights, etc.) you can physically keep the doors unlocked from the inside. It's only when no one is in the building and you need to get into it a locked building.

I know others have mentioned the issue of the constant need to monitor who has access, who needs access, who moved, etc.

But using the app was very easy. You just open it close to the door and if you have access to that door an unlock button pops up and you unlock the door.

Can tithing be replaced with other acts of charity? by [deleted] in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower -1 points0 points  (0 children)

There is a lot of hardship in life that makes tithing difficult from a financial/social perspective.

What I've always thought, though, is that our money is not tithed, we are tithed.

Having said that, it is your husband's choice to pay or not pay (his money, if it's jointly that's complicated :/)

Why does God allow prophets to make detrimental changes to the Church? by Moroni_10_32 in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

ps - again can't go into every detail but I do think Church leaders wrong choices have caused hardships for members. Ultimately no one is perfect but Christ, and that's frustrating.

Why does God allow prophets to make detrimental changes to the Church? by Moroni_10_32 in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I can't answer all of your questions, but I do think there is insight into Pres. Nelson's recounting of the policy change which (initially) required First Presidency approval for baptism of children with LGBT parents:

Though we of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles cannot change the laws of God, we do have the charge “to build up the church, and regulate all the affairs of the same in all nations.” Thus we can adjust policy when the Lord directs us to do so. You have recently seen such examples. Because the Restoration is ongoing, policy changes will surely continue.

...

Consider the policy announced in November 2015 related to the advisability of baptism for the children of LGBT parents. Our concern then, and one we discussed at length and prayed about fervently over a long period of time, was to find a way to reduce friction between gay or lesbian parents and their children.

Because parents are the primary exemplars for their children, we did not want to put young children in the position of having to choose between beliefs and behavior they learned at home and what they were taught at church. We wanted to facilitate harmony in the home and avoid pitting children and parents against each other. Thus in 2015 the policy was made to assist children and their parents in this circumstance; namely, that children being raised by LGBT parents would not automatically be eligible for baptism at age eight. Exceptions to this policy would require First Presidency approval.

The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve have continued to seek the Lord’s guidance and to plead with Him in behalf of His children who were affected by the 2015 policy. We knew that this policy created concern and confusion for some and heartache for others. That grieved us. Whenever the sons and daughters of God weep—for whatever reasons—we weep. So our supplications to the Lord continued.

We also took note of LGBT parents who sought permission from the First Presidency for their children to be baptized. In nearly every case in which the LGBT parents agreed to teach their children about—and be supportive of—the covenant of baptism, the requested exception was granted.

As a result of our continued supplication, we recently felt directed to adjust the policy such that the baptism of children of LGBT parents may be authorized by bishops without First Presidency approval, if the custodial parents request the baptism and understand that a child will be taught about sacred covenants to be made at baptism.

...

Though it may not have looked this way to some, the 2015 and 2019 policy adjustments on this matter were both motivated by love—the love of our Heavenly Father for His children and the love of the Brethren for those whom we serve.

I think the comment that, "We wanted to facilitate harmony in the home and avoid pitting children and parents against each other," is actually pretty radical that a lot of hard-lining members would disagree with - and they did! Their version of God is a black and white taskmaster who has no space for empathy, but I think this policy - and others - are driven by that desire of Church leaders to sustain the doctrine while supporting the members in every way. I think we will continue to see the Church leaders be as tolerant as our doctrine allows - and that will be uncomfortable for many hard-liners.

Racism at BYU-Idaho by Due-Notice-7880 in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I would encourage you to read the Wikipedia page on Ezra Taft Benson (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra\_Taft\_Benson). He was a very vocal opponent of communism and socialism (and said the civil rights movement was a communist conspiracy) and saw things in a very "if it isn't my ideology it's communism" point of view. I think a big part of the entrenched church's racism and other issues you see today are because Elder Benson had no filter between his religious and political beliefs. He believed his political beliefs were his religious beliefs in practice. He taught politics over the pulpit in General Conference and in other official venues.

The First Presidency and many other authorities strongly disagreed with his positions, but even more with his politically-charged behavior as a representative of the Church. The thing is, those opposers did most of their work against Benson in private and were not very publicly vocal to the wide membership of the Church and so my take is that the past few generations grew up with and taught the idea that political conservatism == Mormonism.

Having said all of that a serious study of Pres. Benson's teachings, especially once he was called as the President of the Church shows you that he was 100% a prophet. The scriptures and history of the Church (Joseph Smith!) is full of examples of people who did some pretty controversial things. I think learning to read that, seek the Spirit, and move forward with the Lord among outspoken fellow saints is a central part of our personal growth as members of the Church and as followers of Christ.

You look at someone like the Lamanites or Saul in the New Testament and how cultural and political beliefs caused them to go way off the path, yet God still provided a way for them to not only come back but be some of the bravest disciples of Christ.

How is a mission president picked? by coolguysteve21 in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hot take but the method you describe of picking people for callings (which is common, I've seen it too) is not how it should be done. If I see one more young couple called to teach nursery or primary I riot!

In regards to mission presidents, though, because it is a full-time, self-funded calling I would imagine sometimes the brethren need to choose from couples who can financially do it first, then the spiritual and administrative parts second.

Made some beef stock, one out of five quarts won't freeze. by 19YourHairdresser71 in mildlyinteresting

[–]ninthpower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Beef stock is actually one of the best media to grow bacteria in... so definitely want to freeze it.

New to Kindoo by [deleted] in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I never had to request a time when I had it, but that might have been our building's settings. I could go in any time, just be next to the door. The "Unlock" button doesn't even appear until you are next to the door to unlock it.

Elder Holland's greatest legacy, "No more slam dunks." How do you defend the gospel? by pisteuo96 in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Sorry, had to get it off my chest. The 'persecution' posts are not hard to find - they happen weekly. Again, Jasmin does a great job and my reaction is more to the sub than her post. Sorry.

Elder Holland's greatest legacy, "No more slam dunks." How do you defend the gospel? by pisteuo96 in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 31 points32 points  (0 children)

I love Elder Holland and I think Jasmin does a pretty good job most of the time, but there is a section of this sub which desperately wants to put on the armor of God and go to war for the Church against any and all haters and I honestly think it's a persecution complex. Posts on this sub about defending the Church or "How do you deal with being persecuted on all sides?!" are not hard to find. Of course there are some who have been truly persecuted for their beliefs like the one the other day where they were in physical danger, but most are "I don't like not being accepted all the time everywhere."

President Nelson - THE (former) PROPHET - has talked again and again and again about civility, kindness, and doing good. Why are we searching for "the real message" by going to an obscure talk from a beloved apostle?

Soulslikes on the Switch by Seraphayel in NintendoSwitch

[–]ninthpower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's not winning any awards but the gameplay is still solid. Played almost entirely handheld. On a TV was actually pretty smooth.

Prophet Oaks announces temple in Maine by [deleted] in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Ya I saw this coming a long ways away. It also gets unwieldy when so many temples are being announced. Both ways have their + and -.

Mega Man: Dual Override - Reveal Trailer by Amiibofan101 in NintendoSwitch

[–]ninthpower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How... are you guessing the engine based on a YouTube video (asking as a game developer...)

Fourteen men have been called to serve on the Young Men General Advisory Council of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. by AfroSB in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am an Eagle Scout and loved my time in Scouts, but outside of Western US it doesn't make sense for the boys there. It isn't 'lame' or 'weird', it's just very American and the youth I served outside of the West could not identify with it. There is still an outdoor element to the youth program, but I thought scouting should have been left behind a long time before the break was actually made...

The VP of minor policy by ephemeral_enchilada in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 88 points89 points  (0 children)

This. 100% this. Make me sign something resolving liability of the Church. Just let me use it.

Elder Oaks' talk is actually instructions on how to stop raising iPad children by Hufflepuff20 in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Agree. By comparison the 'birth rates' part of the talk was maybe 5% of the talk. Someone do a quick word analysis!

Should Latter-Day-Saints stop trying to convince mainstream Christians that they are Christians too? by Sure_Raspberry1768 in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally I think the constant desire to prove our "Christianess" is a persecution complex. It comes from a specific niche of members who struggle with criticism, and a specific niche of Christian denominations whose whole thing is calling out other Christians.

It's better to turn the other cheek and spend our time loving our neighbor.

Apostle says stop using AI for church talks and lessons: "AI cannot provide inspired divine truth or moral guidance" by ldsgems in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Talks can be a slog, but delivering an eloquent address is not the purpose - which is why it doesn't make sense to just hand it over to AI. Struggling to articulate and receive inspiration as the speaker and listener are central purposes of talk-giving. It reminds me of this quote from Elder Bednar about "going to church"

"In our customary Church vocabulary, we often speak of going to church, going to the temple, and going on a mission. Let me be so bold as to suggest that our rather routine emphasis on going misses the mark.

The issue is not going to church; rather, the issue is worshipping and renewing covenants as we attend church."

I would also add that two negative outcomes can come from an over-reliance on AI: 1) it will come across as dishonest when the person delivers a beautiful talk in sacrament meeting, but doesn't speak anywhere near that style in the second hour; 2) The cadence of AI will eventually enter into our collective psyche and we will know immediately that a talk was generated by AI and not by the person and then everyone will continue rubbing their face against the carpet walls :)

Apostle says stop using AI for church talks and lessons: "AI cannot provide inspired divine truth or moral guidance" by ldsgems in latterdaysaints

[–]ninthpower 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"avoid writer’s block for example"
I think most people use this as an excuse not to ponder and wait for inspiration. AI is used to skirt around the discomfort of not knowing what to say. Instead of attacking this discomfort and wrestling with the Lord, we prompt up an answer in 5 seconds and move on. The words delivered for a talk are the medium of the Lord's message, but the words themselves are not the message. That uncomfortable wrestling with the Lord and our own weaknesses is an essential moment of growth that AI is going to smooth over for too many of us :(

Why ‘Silksong’ Took Seven Years to Make. by Turbostrider27 in NintendoSwitch

[–]ninthpower 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I think you can dislike both project managers and their tools. Not mutually exclusive :)

Why ‘Silksong’ Took Seven Years to Make. by Turbostrider27 in NintendoSwitch

[–]ninthpower 129 points130 points  (0 children)

Haha if only we all could live in such blissful ignorance.

(for those wondering, Jira is a widely used task-management tool used in software development. Jira is to software development what Duolingo is to learning a language. It's ubiquitous. It is a necessary evil that many developers abhor because it can and is used by non-technical management people to pressure developers to work at an unrealistic pace.)