"Any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary"

[JohnnyLingo]

Originally Posted by Temple recommend interview questions

Do you affiliate with any group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or do you sympathize with the precepts of any such group or individual?

In light of this post by homeboy, what the heck does that question mean?

Originally Posted by homeboy

The bishop is way out of line.

http://www.lds.org/newsroom/showpack...-2-519,00.html

"Issues on which The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has felt compelled to take a firm stand include civil rights, MX missile testing in Utah, same-gender marriages, pornography, gambling and Utah alcohol laws.

The Church does not extend reprimands or ecclesiastical punishment to persons who choose not to support its views on these issues."

That's pretty sad. Good to see that the guy is handling is well, though.

I don't understand how this works.

First of all, what is a "group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"?

Next, define "sympathize with the precepts of any such group or individual."

I'm interested in all your ideas.

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by JohnnyLingo

In light of this post by homeboy, what the heck does that question mean?


I don't understand how this works.

First of all, what is a "group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"?

Next, define "sympathize with the precepts of any such group or individual."

I'm interested in all your ideas.

Perhaps it is simply another rehash of the debate we have been having on the board here.

I don't understand why people assume that advocating a constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage is now a doctrine of the church. The church is opposed to homosexual activity. Fighting a constitutional amendment is not tantamount to promoting homosexual activity. Whether or not the amendment is passed, homosexual activity continues regardless. You can easily fight one without supporting the other.

One could also believe that marriage should be between a man and a woman, and not believe that marriage should be constitutionally defined as being between a man and a woman.

It is simply a matter of determining the degree of agency appropriate for individuals within a society and not a matter of passing judgment on whether the underlying activity is inappropriate.

[fusnik11]

That question means anti-mormon groups and abortion clinics. If you formally have an association with either you are in jeopardy of losing your church status.

[Robin]

Originally Posted by fusnik11

That question means anti-mormon groups and abortion clinics. If you formally have an association with either you are in jeopardy of losing your church status.

Interesting. I had heard that about the anti-mormon groups, but not the abortion clinics.

[DirtyHippieUTE]

Originally Posted by Robin

Interesting. I had heard that about the anti-mormon groups, but not the abortion clinics.

Not so much "abortion clinics" but performing abortions... Mrs. Hippie almost took a job with Planned Parenthood. She asked the bishop about it and he said that if she could perform her job without promoting, facilitating, performing or encouraging abortions she'd be in the clear. He was more concerned about the company she'd be keeping and the crap they'd give her for being a mormon.

She talked to the admin. at PP and told them she was a Mormon. They were cool with it. They simply asked that she not "preach" to patients when they asked about the option. Had she taken the job she would have told people who asked about abortion that she doesn't perform those and does not have any information.

[fusnik11]

Originally Posted by DirtyHippieUTE

Not so much "abortion clinics" but performing abortions... Mrs. Hippie almost took a job with Planned Parenthood. She asked the bishop about it and he said that if she could perform her job without promoting, facilitating, performing or encouraging abortions she'd be in the clear. He was more concerned about the company she'd be keeping and the crap they'd give her for being a mormon.

Good clarification DHU. That's what I meant, a doctor/nurse performing/assisting in an abortion is in direct jeopardy of losing church status.

[Archaea]

I thought it also, and principally included, those polygamy groups.

[MikeWaters]

why would anyone here even feel obligated to explain your position on same-sex marriage when it comes that question?

decide beforehand and answer the question, yes or no. If your answer is "no" then you might as well forego the interview, unless you specifically wanted to discuss it.

Most of the time, these discussions are fruitless.

It's between you and God.

[All-American]

Originally Posted by JohnnyLingo

In light of this post by homeboy, what the heck does that question mean?


I don't understand how this works.

First of all, what is a "group or individual whose teachings or practices are contrary to or oppose those accepted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints"?

Next, define "sympathize with the precepts of any such group or individual."

I'm interested in all your ideas.

Frankly, every BYU fan probably sympathizes with the precept of a group whose teachings or practices are contrary or oppose those accepted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Namely, BYU.

[Jeff Lebowski]

Wow. Thanks for the shout-out, Johnny.

As others have said, I have always been under the impression that the "affiliate with any group or individual..." phrase applied to anti-mormon and polygamous groups who sometimes attempt to enter the LDS temples. But I could be wrong.

But given the other statement by the church, it appears that they do not expect strict adherance on these political issues. I would consider denial of a temple recommend to be an "ecclesiastical punishment". At the very least, it would be a "reprimand".