mactechnm

I just got my "first strike" for "inappropriate" posting on a thread the moderators just closed down, so I will tread lightly and respectfully. I also have social/mental problems which are hereditary, and I take medication which does help. Now... I hope this doesn't earn me a 2nd strike, but I respectfully think that the Church could be better equipped to deal with and help those with unique needs. My son is what society now calls "Special Needs" and my ward really doesn't know what to do with him. Almost as if they are afraid they'll catch a disease from him, which they can't (Birth defects/slight mental challenges). That said, I have had a couple people befriend our family, but I don't feel "At Home" in my ward, and I really want to.

Now, I may not fully understand the LDS' obsession with not 'thinking about', not 'talking about' and definitely not 'doing' masturbation, because I am a five year convert, having come from a 'mainstream' Christian church. However, my experience with LDS families is that it is such a taboo subject that most families don't even discuss sex, or sex ed at all with their children. Don't DO, don't Think about anything sex related until your wedding night, and then you won't have any idea what to do, how to please your wife (or husband), or even possibly, just where babies come from. I'm serious! What is the anti-sex obsession? And please don't tell me about "Purity", Virtue", or "Saving one's self". Masturbation is perfectly healthy and perfectly normal. Now, like anything in life, if it becomes an obsession, only then is it a problem. And I just love how a lot of LDS members make up their own rules. A member of the Elder's Quorum in my ward recently told me that we are not saved "Unless" we do as many good works as possible, we have as many kids as possible (you know, the whole 'bring souls to earth so they will have a body thing", and also that we must do as much Temple work as possible, or we will not be saved. I quoted him this page from Mormon.org and politely asked him to leave my house. http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/jesus-christ clearly states that through God's Grace and the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we ARE SAVED. Now, that doesn't mean we don't have an obligation to do Temple work, and do good works (deeds). We do, and by doing so, we are further "Exalted". But salvation is not dependent upon works. Anyway, lighten up on the masturbation thing. It seems most LDS members have there panties in a bunch. (Oops., that's right, Women in the church who have a Temple Recommend aren't 'allowed' to wear panties or undergarments anyone else in the Christian world would consider 'normal'. ) So uptight. It's sad. I, by the way, am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but I disagree a lot with what happens in the wards. And I don't agree with a lot of the Doctrine. That said, I believe in Jesus Christ, I believe in God, I believe in the Holy Spirit, I believe Joseph Smith Jr. was a prophet, and I believe the Book of Mormon is from God. ...Oh, and I believe Brigham Young was an evil man who stole control of the church.

That's just plain crazy! Where exactly in the handbook is that? (That you must be there for the bread or you can't partake of the water). Church members sure love to make up their own rules.

Yes, you are right... The Spirit does play a big role. (In everything in our lives). It just is curious why all our area missionaries, upon returning home, are (it's just my opinion), "jumping into marriage". But you're right, I am not to judge, and I definitely do not know everyone's details or situation. :)

Wow! I certainly didn't expect this to escalate out of control. Ok. 1. I apologize to any women I might have offended. Honestly, my point was just that a woman, and her husband, should be able to support a child before having one. That's it. :) and... 2. I DO agree that men and women are here on Earth for certain reasons, we are all here for multiple purposes, one GREAT reason being, to bring souls to Earth for a body and Earthly experience. I guess I just get a little heated, because in our Ward, we are Ward missionaries, and almost all of the missionaries we have had in our area in the last 4 years, we stay in contact with after they return home, and almost all of them have been engaged and married within three months, and I just wonder who, (if anyone) is pressuring them to get married so quickly.

I call it as I see it. If you use your wife just as a breed-mare, then I feel sorry for her. Yes, families are blessed to have children, and it's necessary for each soul to come to Earth, for numerous reasons. I just find it ironic how 'medieval' men of the church still treat women. Sure, go to college and get a degree.... then go home and make babies and fix meals for the man of the house.

I should clarify what I said previously.... I LOVE President Monson, I think he is amazing. However, I think the 'general culture' in the church is to pressure young adults to get married and have kids. Maybe it's because those young adults have been waiting for 21-25 years to have any sort of sexuality in their lives, and so the young adults are more than willing to 'jump right in'?

How is the Church telling people to have kids before they're ready? No offense to President Monson, but I believe he said so in the last General Conference, in effect. He said that young couples should not delay marrying and starting a family. SO he is saying to have kids before you are responsible enough, mature enough, have 'enough' money, or are able to stay home with your kids (finances again). Women are not breeding machines to bring souls to Earth.

Don't let what anyone here says sway you one way or the other, regarding waiting to have kids (or not). It is between you and your husband. Period. Yes, the official church doctrine is now "Why Wait? Hurry up and get married!", but I strongly disagree with this position. I honestly don't understand why the Church insists on missionaries getting back from their mission and getting engaged and married, sometimes within months. If you and your husband are 'secure' financially, and feel you are prepared (as much as anyone can be) to have children, then do so. It isn't the church's position to tell you to start having children before you should be. It is between you and your husband and God.

You have a valid question, and you may be wondering for personal reasons, or just out of curiosity. However, you won't find the answers from any legit church website or person. Why? 2 reasons. 1. The Church has no hard and fast rules. It is up to the discretion of the local or regional church officials involved. 2. (Which is more scary) is that the Church Handbook 1, which holds rules, regulations, suggested ideas to deal with particular situations (for Bishops, Stake Presidents, Etc) is not published to the general public. Why? Good question. I have read Handbook 1, and there really is nothing at all "Secret" in it, just common sense stuff. Officially, the Church doesn't want Handbook 1 distributed to the Church membership so that Bishops and Stake Presidents can properly 'explain' the information. As if we are too dumb to understand? I have never understood this. If you want too, and don't feel that it is against church doctrine (or against your personal sense of right and wrong), you can easily find Handbook 1 online. I personally feel that Handbook 1 should be released publicly. As far as answers to your questions... The reasons, what is taken away, the part the Bishop plays, and the duration of time, it all is completely subjective. It's up to the officials involved. Which scares me, because my Bishop doesn't like me at all. I'm too outspoken. My Temple Recommend is up for renewal in a few months, and I am thinking he is not going to renew it, because I don't attend Sacrament regularly (I choose to work on Sunday, because I get paid 35% more, and my family needs it).