Leah

I am not understanding the hysterical laughter. You made a specific claim. You were asked for citations that would support that claim. Nothing extraordinary here, especially on an internet forum. Someone makes a statement of "fact" and someone else is interested in where that statement of "fact" orginates from and so asks for citations. Anyone purporting "facts" should have a basis for such (especially when they are trying to persuade others of such) and so should have knowledge of where they obtained those facts. I don't see what is so hysterically funny here. Perhaps you think it's amusing to "absolutely refuse" a request for your sources because, as you imply, your time is oh so much more precious than ours?

You can purchase the Book of Mormon for less than $5.00.

Does your distrust only involve money? Or do you not trust the church leaders in other areas?

In other words, you want complete control over how tithing is spent, otherwise you won't give it.

Lots of wild accusations there. But again, nothing to back them up with.

So you are admitting that there is no evidence to back up your suspicions, that it is simply your own bias. Do you apply this same bias elsewhere? Or is it reserved for the Prophet and other church leaders?

For anyone who has been through the temple, this should be crystal clear,

Whether you were born into the church or converted later, you at some point made the voluntary choice to be a member of the church. With that choice comes the knowledge of paying tithing. There is no covenant that you get to determine how those monies are spent. If you think something is "appropriate" to spend money on, but some other member disagrees, who gets to decide? If you don't trust the leadership to have appropriate stewardship over tithing money, why stay a member of the church? Do you distrust their leadership in other areas or just when it comes to money?

What evidence do you have to support your suspicions that it is not?

Have you gone to LDS.org? There is a function where you can enter the address and it will give you the wards in the area.

You are continuing to abdicate responsibility for your actions and choices. You chose to join this site without bothering to read the rules. You are trying to blame YOUR choices on others. You are attempting to make the argument that reading the rules is too odious and burdensome for you bother with. Whether you read the rules or not, you took the action of agreeing to them. You had opportunity to read them, but you chose not to. That's all on you. You're "appalled" by a common practice on the internet. You are judging the owners of this site, but you don't want anyone to offer an opinion contrary to yours?

No. Especially when you're a guy.

We don't know what the school's policy is regarding cheating. But why would you recommend honesty only if you think the consequences are "fair"? We should only be honest when it is convenient for us?

A convert has to wait at least one year before they can receive their endowment. If you are nearing that mark, and feeling ready to go to the temple, make an appointment with your bishop. He will let you know what you need to do and help you to prepare (let you know when the temple prep class is, etc.). Before you receive your recommend, you will have an interview with him and with your stake president.

Have you asked for a blessing specifically pertaining to these struggles? If not, I highly recommend you do so as soon as possible.

I don't understand your post. Can you clarify what it is you're taking exception to?

Stop into a casino or two that offers bingo and you can see how addictive it can become.

That's not what this thread is about. It's about the fact that there are those who want to classify being religious as a mental disorder. That reaches far beyond the gay rights debate.

It might not occur to you or others, but some people can't afford vacations or travel at all. They are hard-pressed to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table, or have the gas or bus fare to get to work.. While you may have the income to do certain things, it doesn't mean that others "should" be able to do the same.

That's a key point....."never had the opportunity". That is far different thing than making a conscious choice to stay single because one is bitter about a failed marriage. I had a very interesting and educational discussion just yesterday with my bishop on this very subject. I would suggest that anyone contemplating this course of action do the same with their bishop. Especially if they are a priesthood holder.

I frankly don't get your point. How does a church owning a hospital make a difference? It doesn,t make it easier for the church's members to receive healthcare, if they haven't got the money to afford healthcare, how is it better for the hospital to be owned by a church? The member still doesn't get the healthcare they need. And the church is making a profit from the hospital. I can understand people wanting to send their children to a "church school". But only those with the ability to afford private schooling would be able to attend.

Do you think those churches that have schools and hospitals provide those services for free? If not, why is it important for churches to have such? I get my care at Catholic hospital. They don't cost any less than anyone else, and if I need care but can't afford it....they don't care, they are as focused on the bottom line as anyone else. And as quick to lay people off.

I was once skipped for just the water. And it was by an adult who was a friend of mine who had spent some time talking to me before Sacrament meeting started. So I was a bit puzzled at how he could forget all about me between the bread and the water. And there was no way to discreetly catch his attention.

If we were commanded to eat cake, I am sure there would be those who would whine that they don't like cake, or they' want a different flavor, or fuss because their slice wasn't big enough.

Still didn't answer the direct questions asked. I am still not surprised.