KScience

That's why democracies are better. You get to elect whoever you want to disappoint you.

#1 Do not embarrass the Crown.
#2 Do not cavort with pedophiles.
#3 Do not marry divorced American socialites.

Fellow non-LDS member here, but I think I can answer this question. First, for LDS the Word of Wisdom came from a prophet. So, it is a commandment of God for members. It's not just a rule, it's the equivalent of being "straight from the Bible," for non-LDS Christians. Then again, I suspect that most church members who become engaged in a congregation's spiritual life find certain practices or prohibitions that they are not personally all-in on. For example, in my church the common standard is not to consume alcohol. Our ministers are expected to observe this. Members are strongly encouraged to do likewise. However, might there be a few members who feel that a single drink to celebrate a holiday--perhaps as an ethnic family tradition--is acceptable? I suspect so. Will they depart from the church in a huff if the pastor preaches against alcohol from the pulpit? I hope not.
So, there may be matters that you will come to over time. There are others that are pretty straight forward, either in scripture, in revelation, or in church standards. If one does not agree with this strong standards they probably should not join the church or movement. As an example, my denomination is Pentecostal. During an ordination preparation class one of the leaders said that if candidates did not agree with speaking in tongues he could recommend other denominations that are solid, Bible-believing, and are comprised of folks we expect to meet in heaven. However, such candidates should not pursue ordination with our denomination, since we strongly believe speaking in tongues is valid and normative in our churches.
Hope this helps.

I'm sick and tired of it and I'm not even British!!!  If people feel similar to that, they just want for it to finally be resolved rather than dragging it out for longer and longer periods.

At grassroots level it was unfortunately very obvious that this was going to happen. Labour needed to understand that this was an election about Brexit and all the other policies were window dressing. Corbyn's stance on Brexit was a HUGE nail in the coffin and not attacking the 10 year record of the standing party adequately did it for the Labour party. I am sure he would be a perfectly civil neighbour, but does not have the personality to go up against Johnson - even when Johnson refused to play his part in the media circus (avoided 2 major televised appearances and made some rather big bloopers when he did appear live on camera).  I don't know anyone who was not a very left Labour supporter who was convinced by the party this time round.
So people felt like they could vote for Conservatives (get out of EU) Labour (let's have another negotiation and a referendum on that deal and drag it out EVEN longer) or Liberal Democrat (revoke article 50)....... It was always going to be down to Brexit and people are SOOOO sick and tired of it they just want out.

At grassroots level it was unfortunately very obvious that this was going to happen. Labour needed to understand that this was an election about Brexit and all the other policies were window dressing. Corbyn's stance on Brexit was a HUGE nail in the coffin and not attacking the 10 year record of the standing party adequately did it for the Labour party. I am sure he would be a perfectly civil neighbour, but does not have the personality to go up against Johnson - even when Johnson refused to play his part in the media circus (avoided 2 major televised appearances and made some rather big bloopers when he did appear live on camera).  I don't know anyone who was not a very left Labour supporter who was convinced by the party this time round.
So people felt like they could vote for Conservatives (get out of EU) Labour (let's have another negotiation and a referendum on that deal and drag it out EVEN longer) or Liberal Democrat (revoke article 50)....... It was always going to be down to Brexit and people are SOOOO sick and tired of it they just want out.

As the token Brit......
It was no surprise that the Conservatives won. The labour party went back to the 1970's with their manifesto - and we are will never be a socialist voting country. Corbyn was the wrong leader, too wishy washy on Europe and his "I will remain neutral" was indefensible on the doorstep or in interview. His extreme left views were always going to haunt him - wrong man for the job. The fact that the Labour party have publicly admitted this is more shocking.
The surprise is how many voters swung to the conservative party in parts of the country that are confirmed red votes.  I think this is more of a product of picking "worst best option". I worry that not having a credible opposition of any political persuasion means that the mechanisms for balance of power are gone.  We will now see Boris Johnson's true colours as he has been trying to play to both sides of the fence with the very small majority that was voted into power just 2 years ago.
In politics everything can change so quickly.

SLTrib is unavailable in European countries.........................  NO great loss then I am guessing???

I'm more fearful of the US-left Media-Industrial-Complex's reaction. It might be good if they avoided any stimulants--including coffee, tea, and energy drinks for the next few days.

Worst case scenario:
European leaders, believing their own corrupt media and drunk on the idea of being the Heroic Resistance, unilaterally declare war on the evil Donald Trump and the corrupt United States of America who elected him. Forty million die in the initial nuclear attacks on major US cities (ironically enough, primarily Democrats). The US launches an immediate counterstrike, devastating millennia-old European cities and killing upward of 50 million. As the sudden European strike evolves into a protracted war, Russia joins the European side. The Arab countries largely stay out, but support America. To the amazement of most Americans, China allies itself with America. It soon becomes clear why China has done this, as Russian troops begin the invasion of the Chinese border, seeking this excuse to establish Russia as the sole major Asian power. India, tired of being left unrecognized as always, declares war on Russia, China, and for good measure, Pakistan (like no one saw that coming). Hostilities break out among the Mesoamerican countries. Cuba is overrun by US troops and mostly reduced to rubble. Seattle, one of the few major US metropolitan areas to escape nuking, is devastated by a series of very large harbor bombs that cause damage as far away as Lake Washington. The bombs were planted on Chinese ships, threatening the US-China alliance, but word leaks out from unreliable sources that North Korea was actually responsible. The US nukes Pyongyang and kills over 10 million North Koreans, most of whom had no real idea what was going on anyway. The southern African nations unite against the North African Muslim and European countries, an alliance that endures for most of a week, until Zimbabwe ambushes South Africa and the whole thing degenerates into high-tech tribal warfare. Australia, congratulating itself on staying out of the carnage, is caught completely pants-down when New Zealand launches the later-to-be-infamous Kiwi Invasion , watching in amazement as their longtime cultural punching bag wreaks its horrible revenge. As the world falls into an indescribable catastrophe, US unemployment passes 10% (because most of the major corporate employers have been destroyed). This is the signal for the Democrats to decry Trump's bungling of economic issues, for which they start new impeachment hearings.

Well done,  seems like things are all going in the right direction
 

I'm sorry you are having such a rough time and I understand why you are upset. I am praying for you and I hope you will be able to find some peace and strength from the Holy Ghost.

Thanks everyone,
Had a bit more time to digest your advice.
I am not the type of teacher to deliver a lecture - so I am glad that many of you have given the advice which matches  my preferred teaching style. I am much more predisposed to get people active and doing things (too many years of teaching practical subjects)
In order to facilitate a class discussion which focuses on the doctrine and its application to individuals, I believe that I will need to be well versed in the doctrine covered in the reading; so am spending my time identifying the doctrines covered and making sure I have plenty of sources to keep the conversation on track.
I know the importance of use good questioning skills to ensure that everyone can participate and contribute no matter what their level of understanding, so again am preparing a range of questions that may be useful to get things going.
Of course this fortnights reading covers BOTH the second coming and the fall........ plenty of room for speculation and going off topic; so will make sure that the discussion stays on what is discussed by Paul at this time (is it time to start preparing for Revelation already???) and make sure we focus on the positive messages in the reading.

I have just started on a Physiotherapy degree course as part of a career change plan. I have been very excited to be a student again, but have had some irritating minor conflict with the University with regard to the clothing (or rather lack of) requirements for the practical sessions. Not sure why it didn't occur to me before starting the course, but I have had some difficulty explaining that due to religious beliefs I will not be wearing shorts which barely cover my buttock creases and will not be taking off my t-shirt. 
This was not a good enough reason and I was being pressured to participate until I noticed a final year student who is a muslim and wears a hijab and asked the program lead to allow me the same concessions that she had been allowed on religious grounds. Suddenly, I am no longer "a problem". I managed to speak with the girl yesterday and asked her about her experience and she told me  about the options they had given her and what had worked for her and I now have a plan that I feel comfortable with. It was nice to at last speak with someone who understood the discomfort of immodesty, rather than heavily implying that I have  body image issues  
I am grateful for that woman of faith who lives her principles.
I am less amused that I had to use "the muslim card" to get some tutors to take me seriously.
I guess I am already marked out as the awkward and annoying first year student....... well best they knew early on  

I have just started on a Physiotherapy degree course as part of a career change plan. I have been very excited to be a student again, but have had some irritating minor conflict with the University with regard to the clothing (or rather lack of) requirements for the practical sessions. Not sure why it didn't occur to me before starting the course, but I have had some difficulty explaining that due to religious beliefs I will not be wearing shorts which barely cover my buttock creases and will not be taking off my t-shirt. 
This was not a good enough reason and I was being pressured to participate until I noticed a final year student who is a muslim and wears a hijab and asked the program lead to allow me the same concessions that she had been allowed on religious grounds. Suddenly, I am no longer "a problem". I managed to speak with the girl yesterday and asked her about her experience and she told me  about the options they had given her and what had worked for her and I now have a plan that I feel comfortable with. It was nice to at last speak with someone who understood the discomfort of immodesty, rather than heavily implying that I have  body image issues  
I am grateful for that woman of faith who lives her principles.
I am less amused that I had to use "the muslim card" to get some tutors to take me seriously.
I guess I am already marked out as the awkward and annoying first year student....... well best they knew early on  

Sorry no I voted to leave.  I took a lot of time looking at the available information and realised that there was not enough to make a properly informed decision.  I never believed the "Boris Bus"  I didn't want rid of immigrants, but did see that the EU is  a bloated bureaucratic system and that too many interests dilute reasonable argument and effectiveness as an entity. I didnt for one minute believe that it would be a swift and easy exit (no divorce ever is) and knew that France and Germany could not afford to let us out without a bloody nose, as a warning to any other nations thinking this could be a good option. 
What I did think was that Parliament would have to good of the nation at heart, be able to come up with innovative solutions to the obvious issues and negotiate with a little more persuasion....I know, how foolish !!  The biggest issue is that MP's are not acting like parliamentarians.
 
As for Farage...... he is an odious man that has stirred up racial tensions throughout the country. He tries to be "a man of the people"  but his only interests are his own economic gain.

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and advice. I will take some time to look over your comments again and digest them.
I had the chance to participate in the class today (called and set apart today ready to teach in 2 weeks time) so was able to see how the class interacts. Feeling more positive in as much as they are a very active class and looking forward to getting to know the members of my ward better.
 

Thank you all for your words of encouragement and advice. I will take some time to look over your comments again and digest them.
I had the chance to participate in the class today (called and set apart today ready to teach in 2 weeks time) so was able to see how the class interacts. Feeling more positive in as much as they are a very active class and looking forward to getting to know the members of my ward better.
 

As someone who greatly values the time I spend in my classrooms at church, I have some strong opinions on what makes a good teacher and what makes a TERRIBLE teacher.
how to avoid being a bad teacher:
- Teach the doctrines and principles as found in The scriptures and manual
- Don’t share something that is simply cool but doesn’t fit in the lesson
- Don’t teach historical context if you aren’t planning on connecting it to principles taught in the lesson
- Don’t play “read my mind”. Instead of saying “What is the most important thing in scriptures?” (The Atonement/Restoration/Fall of Adam/the actual record keeping). Instead say “The Fall of Adam was an immensely important  event and brought agency into the world. 2 Nephi 2:27 reads...  Now why is Agency so important to our life here in earth?”
- Remember to bear your testimony.
We have one gospel doctrine teacher that breaks all these rules. I once went through an entire class and wrote down every principle taught. He had a little line here explained revelation, but the rest of the discussion (more like lecture) was obscure historical context hullabaloo. At one point he explained something historically fascinating, but also gave a HUGE spiritual insight on a certain principle in the lesson. I fully expected him to capitalize on it... but he didn’t. He shared the rid bit, there was a short argument about the distance between two separate cities, and then he went on to talk about how Jewish law worked at the time. And he ended the lesson with no testimony... but I guess if you don’t teach any principles, there is nothing to near testimony of.
Don’t do that. If you follow those instructions on how to avoid being a bad teacher, I would likely thoroughly enjoy your lessons.
 
Now...
How to impress Fether with your teaching ability:
- Put effort into the lesson prep. This is a no brained and probably should be in the previous list.
- don’t ask “who knows” questions and focus on insight based questions. Instead of asking “Now how many times did Peter dent Christ before the rooster crowed?”. Instead ask “Peter denied Christ 3 times prior to the rooster crowing, fulfilling what Christ prophesied. Even after being warned of this, why do you suppose Peter still denied Christ?”
The big thing is that you should never ask a question that has one answer. If it has only one answer, just skip the question and is it to set up an open ended question that can lead to discussion or quiet pondering. These questions will also get the class to talk a lot more and make your job so stinking easy.
- Use scripture. It’s incredible how often teachers forget to use and quote scripture.
- Reference recent GC talks
- Don’t set low expectations. Don’t ever say “I didn’t have time to prepare...” or “I’m  it great at teaching so...” or anything like unto it. Just teach the lesson 👍
- People laughing does NOT mean your lesson is good. You are not there to entertain, you are there to inspire. Feel free to use jokes, but don’t use humor as your gauge of how successful your lesson was. You will be forever below mediocre if you do that
- Don’t be old... old people are just the worst in classroom settings cause they break all the rules I’ve mentioned. If you’re old, then stop.
 
 
But you know... if you can master the types of questions you ask, you have mastered teaching. Your calling is important and I would take it seriously, but remember 2 Nephi 25:23. By grace we are saved after all we can do. Do your best, and once lesson time comes, accept that the time for preparation is over and do your best. If you bomb, them figure out why and prepare for your next lesson 👍.
I would second @Vort in that it is a  fun calling and I would add that it is immensely satisfying as well. I request to be a teacher everywhere I go. I have had a teaching calling in my last 3 wards over the last 5 years since my mission.
Its hard to be a bad teacher. Easy to be a good teacher, and it only takes time and humility to be a great teacher. You will be great (unless, of course, you’re old...)!

I don't really agree. Facilitating discussion is a good trait, obviously, one that all teachers should develop. But I am not alone in enjoying a good, well-thought-out, carefully prepared lecture. Opening the gospel doctrine class with a ten-minute mini-lecture about the past couple of weeks' readings is a good way to grab people's attention and get them involved.
The Church's teaching manuals and guidelines are written at a very basic level so that even the newest member can successfully teach. But if you have more teaching ability and knowledge, then by all means use it. Don't limit yourself just because the teacher's manuals sometimes offer kindergarten-level instructions. They are a resource and a starting point, not a definitive guide to how to run your class.

A few ideas:
"Scriptorian" is a made-up word used to describe someone who appears to be more educated in scripture than you are. It's purely a comparison thing. Don't think twice about it. If you love the scriptures, that will make you a "scriptorian" compared with many in your class who have never yet developed that love. Don't apologize to your class for your lack of expertise. You have not wronged them, so have nothing to apologize for. (In fact, an apology might be seen by some as an indictment of the bishop for calling you to that position.) Don't cut yourself off at the knees in an ill-considered attempt at humility. We're all ignorant; that's the nature of our lives here. No need to apologize for the fact. By the same token, don't be shy in sharing that maybe you're ignorant about this or that. It's not an apology, but a factual assertion. Your lesson should not be a series of proclamations that you don't know anything; if that's the case, you haven't prepared for the class. But there is no shame in saying, "I really don't know what this here specific passage is referring to." Amplifying on the above: In general, do not broadcast your ignorance or bring up topics you can't explain. That is not what gospel doctrine class is for. Gospel doctrine class is for teaching gospel doctrine, not for speculating about non-doctrinal topics, bringing up questions you can't answer, or proclaiming your ignorance. Have fun! Teaching gospel doctrine class is, in my opinion, the funnest calling in the Church. Preparation involves reading the scriptures, something you already enjoy and want to do anyway. You have no great responsibilities other than teaching. You don't have to spent three hours on Tuesday at the meetinghouse. You don't have to interview anyone. No one comes to you with problems about temple recommends or personal challenges in their marriage (or if they do, you get to quickly and kindly suggest they talk to the bishop). And people are so gracious and thankful for your little efforts at illuminating the scriptures. The enjoyment-to-work ratio is very high.

I have just started on a Physiotherapy degree course as part of a career change plan. I have been very excited to be a student again, but have had some irritating minor conflict with the University with regard to the clothing (or rather lack of) requirements for the practical sessions. Not sure why it didn't occur to me before starting the course, but I have had some difficulty explaining that due to religious beliefs I will not be wearing shorts which barely cover my buttock creases and will not be taking off my t-shirt. 
This was not a good enough reason and I was being pressured to participate until I noticed a final year student who is a muslim and wears a hijab and asked the program lead to allow me the same concessions that she had been allowed on religious grounds. Suddenly, I am no longer "a problem". I managed to speak with the girl yesterday and asked her about her experience and she told me  about the options they had given her and what had worked for her and I now have a plan that I feel comfortable with. It was nice to at last speak with someone who understood the discomfort of immodesty, rather than heavily implying that I have  body image issues  
I am grateful for that woman of faith who lives her principles.
I am less amused that I had to use "the muslim card" to get some tutors to take me seriously.
I guess I am already marked out as the awkward and annoying first year student....... well best they knew early on  

I have just started on a Physiotherapy degree course as part of a career change plan. I have been very excited to be a student again, but have had some irritating minor conflict with the University with regard to the clothing (or rather lack of) requirements for the practical sessions. Not sure why it didn't occur to me before starting the course, but I have had some difficulty explaining that due to religious beliefs I will not be wearing shorts which barely cover my buttock creases and will not be taking off my t-shirt. 
This was not a good enough reason and I was being pressured to participate until I noticed a final year student who is a muslim and wears a hijab and asked the program lead to allow me the same concessions that she had been allowed on religious grounds. Suddenly, I am no longer "a problem". I managed to speak with the girl yesterday and asked her about her experience and she told me  about the options they had given her and what had worked for her and I now have a plan that I feel comfortable with. It was nice to at last speak with someone who understood the discomfort of immodesty, rather than heavily implying that I have  body image issues  
I am grateful for that woman of faith who lives her principles.
I am less amused that I had to use "the muslim card" to get some tutors to take me seriously.
I guess I am already marked out as the awkward and annoying first year student....... well best they knew early on  

I have just started on a Physiotherapy degree course as part of a career change plan. I have been very excited to be a student again, but have had some irritating minor conflict with the University with regard to the clothing (or rather lack of) requirements for the practical sessions. Not sure why it didn't occur to me before starting the course, but I have had some difficulty explaining that due to religious beliefs I will not be wearing shorts which barely cover my buttock creases and will not be taking off my t-shirt. 
This was not a good enough reason and I was being pressured to participate until I noticed a final year student who is a muslim and wears a hijab and asked the program lead to allow me the same concessions that she had been allowed on religious grounds. Suddenly, I am no longer "a problem". I managed to speak with the girl yesterday and asked her about her experience and she told me  about the options they had given her and what had worked for her and I now have a plan that I feel comfortable with. It was nice to at last speak with someone who understood the discomfort of immodesty, rather than heavily implying that I have  body image issues  
I am grateful for that woman of faith who lives her principles.
I am less amused that I had to use "the muslim card" to get some tutors to take me seriously.
I guess I am already marked out as the awkward and annoying first year student....... well best they knew early on  

I have just started on a Physiotherapy degree course as part of a career change plan. I have been very excited to be a student again, but have had some irritating minor conflict with the University with regard to the clothing (or rather lack of) requirements for the practical sessions. Not sure why it didn't occur to me before starting the course, but I have had some difficulty explaining that due to religious beliefs I will not be wearing shorts which barely cover my buttock creases and will not be taking off my t-shirt. 
This was not a good enough reason and I was being pressured to participate until I noticed a final year student who is a muslim and wears a hijab and asked the program lead to allow me the same concessions that she had been allowed on religious grounds. Suddenly, I am no longer "a problem". I managed to speak with the girl yesterday and asked her about her experience and she told me  about the options they had given her and what had worked for her and I now have a plan that I feel comfortable with. It was nice to at last speak with someone who understood the discomfort of immodesty, rather than heavily implying that I have  body image issues  
I am grateful for that woman of faith who lives her principles.
I am less amused that I had to use "the muslim card" to get some tutors to take me seriously.
I guess I am already marked out as the awkward and annoying first year student....... well best they knew early on