love What makes us different

[warnerfranklin]

After viewing a number of other sites ran by persons from other denomination I can emphatically say that I am so glad this site exists.  And while I don't want this discussion to turn into a bash fest of the short comings we have seen in others (for I know I have many of my own and we are called to deal with our own and let leadership call out failings in others), what I would like to hear are examples of what makes our church different.  Why is being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints so special (with much respect to Prison Chaplin and others- who are fine examples of their faith).  Instead of using catch phrases like "the power and authority of the holy spirit" tell me what you have seen that reinforces that we are in the right place.

For me it has always been the love and openness that members seem to show, not for just each other, but for those from other denominations.  Speaking from my own experience, long before I even thought of becoming LDS it was the Church that was always there for me and my family.  When I needed someone to agree with me in prayer, or provide someone in the family with a blessing, or help when we were going through a hard time it was the Church that helped us.  If I got up and shared what was on my heart on Fast Sunday, no one said boo.  If I wanted to participate in EQ or Sunday School no one told me to shut up or that I was going to hell because I drew outside the lines.  If I showed up for a service project they were always glad for another set of hands.  There was never a time when I wasn't treated like an other brother in Christ.

Long before I ever read a verse from the Book of Mormon I had a testimony of the BOM because I saw the impact that it had on the lives of those who lived by the principals found inside it and all of our scripture.  That I could say with surety that my friends and neighbors who were LDS exemplified what we are told in Galatians 5:22-23 is proof of the fruits of the spirit.

I am so thankful for our Church, the impact that it has had on my life, and this website that helps people become more like Christ!

[Grunt]

I’ve never experienced a Church as loving and truly caring as Christ’s Church.  Ever.  And that ISN’T putting down other religions that are loving as well.   Until I emerged from the font and was received as a member of Christ’s Church AND resolved myself to progress in faith I didn’t know the selfless binding of God’s children on Earth.  

Edited March 27, 2018 by Grunt

[Traveler]

I would say that what impresses me the most about the LDS church is acceptance (by most) of truth even when it goes against traditional thinking.  I began to appreciate this notion studying math and physics in college and the discovery of the great divide between traditional Christianity and the scientific community.  Because I am a 5th generation Mormon – I encountered a lot of traditional kind of thinking by some LDS members but I also had personal relationships with a couple of “general” authorities as well as Hugh Nibley and a divinely inspired patriarchal blessing; all which encouraged me to personally pursue science as a divine spiritual gift and a promise that through the gift of the Holy Ghost I would have an advantage in my studies over others in my field without this divine gift.

I am also impressed in the general notion that when someone joins with us (new converts) in our LDS faith that they are encouraged to bring with them all the good and true things they have learned before they became a “covenant” member.  This expanding knowledge base and the idea that we LDS are not trying to live in some long past era but are constantly thinking to expand our understanding, knowledge and faith – both spiritually and scientifically. 

 

The filan notion I love and will point out about the church is a very different concept of G-d and the leadership within his kingdom.  All other organizations are based on the pyramid concept – that is with all the power, inspiration and guidance at the top that trickles down to the lessor beings at the bottom.  That the bottom exists to adore the top but to never ascend above their place.  Where as in the LDS Church the entire concept is turned upside down.  That the purpose and glory of G-d himself is to lift and inspire other to be like him.  And so, the entire effort of the LDS church is established to strengthen and maintain the family unit as the supreme goal and purpose of each individual.  Instead of heaven being the reward of good individuals – we learn that heaven is family – the turning of hearts of the fathers (and mothers) to children and vice versa.  That family is (or at least should be) heaven on earth.

 

The Traveler

[anatess2]

What makes us different... let me see.  The viciousness of Church Basketball.  It's a Church sanctioned testament to the deep imperfections of humans even those who hold the high priesthood in Christ's Church. 

 

Edited March 27, 2018 by anatess2

[prisonchaplain]

My message this week in chapel was:  Just Who's Gospel Is It?  I issued a call to unity, given that we are usually made up of folks from many different churches. I pointed to the many different TV minister personalities, and how we find ourselves attracted to certain styles, and yes, certain pet teachings. We need not deny them, but we'd better show love and unity, because that's how they'll know we are Christians. Then I offered the contrast of our local teachers union hawking t-shirts to its members that irreverently dismisses the the thoughts and prayers of those who disagree with particular policy objectives. The bottom line is that those in the world aren't even fighting liberal vs. conservative, or Democrat vs. Republican. Now they are fighting among themselves, to prove who is the most purely liberal/conservative/republican/democrat. If the current trajectory of the sinful world is cannabalism, we'd best offer a worthy alternative to those who still seek sanity.

[bytebear]

I love that we have "other beliefs" sections and instead of telling them what they believe, and why they are wrong, we let them speak for themselves, with the real intent to learn from them.

[Guest]

I believe it is the presence of cheerios under the pews of families with little children.

@prisonchaplain, do AOG churches have that too?

[prisonchaplain]

1 hour ago, Carborendum said:

I believe it is the presence of cheerios under the pews of families with little children.

@prisonchaplain, do AOG churches have that too?

You might see that in our healthy families section. The others sections would have more-sugar-than-substance debris. AND, don't even ask about what we find in the seniors section!

[Guest]

4 minutes ago, prisonchaplain said:

You might see that in our healthy families section. The others sections would have more-sugar-than-substance debris. AND, don't even ask about what we find in the seniors section!

You know, that is a good point.  When I was growing up, Cheerios was the de facto cereal treat to keep a young child sated until the meeting was over.  But now I'm seeing all sorts of sugary treats (not just cereal).  Tsk Tsk.

[anatess2]

16 hours ago, Carborendum said:

You know, that is a good point.  When I was growing up, Cheerios was the de facto cereal treat to keep a young child sated until the meeting was over.  But now I'm seeing all sorts of sugary treats (not just cereal).  Tsk Tsk.

It's the Fruit Loops that is the bane of my deacon's existence.  You can't just pick it up out of the pews/carpet.  You have to vacuum the sugary debris.

[omegaseamaster75]

21 hours ago, anatess2 said:

What makes us different... let me see.  The viciousness of Church Basketball.  It's a Church sanctioned testament to the deep imperfections of humans even those who hold the high priesthood in Christ's Church. 

 

Church Basketball  aka Church sponsored fight club.

[Guest]

@warnerfranklin,

I've been taking a moment here and there to ponder your question.  We obviously have the stock answers: The Gift of the Holy Ghost, Continuing revelation, Priesthood, etc.  But I was wondering about the practical things that we experience every day.  

While we can claim something like charity/love, I simply don't have enough experience with people of other faiths IN THEIR CHURCH settings and their family settings to say we have "statistics" on that.  I know several people in my life who are in other faiths that I'd say are amazing examples of Christlike people.  Our very own @prisonchaplain is by all accounts an amazing individual who has shown such characteristics as well.

In my ward I see so many people who are the same.  One of the men in my ward, I've stated to many people that I hope to be like him when I grow up.  But at the same time, I've also know many in other wards that are not.  Of the top three jerks I've ever met in my life (not necessarily evil, just jerks) one of them was my district leader in an area on my mission.  So, it's all over the board in my life.

So, if I don't necessarily agree with that, I was trying to come up with something else.

1) We have an official doctrine.  When 15 men speak in unison, that is the "official doctrine".  While we always have the freedom to have individual disagreement, there is an official doctrine.  Even people who disagree with it will eventually have to point to the statements of the Church and say,"That's what the official position is, but I disagree because..." 

The reason I say this is that I've known SO MANY people of other faiths who simply don't know what their "official position" is or that there really is no official position.  Or that (like Catholics) they do have an official position, but almost everyone ignores most of it.

Many other faiths can agree on only a few facts: Christ's resurrection and Atonement.  The Bible is good.  Be good to other people.  Take care of your family.  etc.  Those are easy.  We have an entire library of beliefs and doctrines that we have a tremendous consensus.

2) Unity. While this may fall under the charity category, I'm speaking of something rather specific.  Whenever I've met any other saint at work or play or anywhere, I've always found that there is an instant rapport.  We're immediately family.  We can say this is because of a shared history or shared values, or whatever.  I believe there is something more to it.  But I'll forbear for now.

[Traveler]

On ‎3‎/‎27‎/‎2018 at 10:31 AM, anatess2 said:

What makes us different... let me see.  The viciousness of Church Basketball.  It's a Church sanctioned testament to the deep imperfections of humans even those who hold the high priesthood in Christ's Church. 

 

I do not think anyone understand the extent of problems with basketball until they have been called to ref them.

 

The Traveler

[Guest]

On 3/26/2018 at 10:52 PM, warnerfranklin said:

After viewing a number of other sites ran by persons from other denomination I can emphatically say that I am so glad this site exists.  And while I don't want this discussion to turn into a bash fest of the short comings we have seen in others (for I know I have many of my own and we are called to deal with our own and let leadership call out failings in others), what I would like to hear are examples of what makes our church different.  Why is being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints so special (with much respect to Prison Chaplin and others- who are fine examples of their faith).  Instead of using catch phrases like "the power and authority of the holy spirit" tell me what you have seen that reinforces that we are in the right place.

For me it has always been the love and openness that members seem to show, not for just each other, but for those from other denominations.  Speaking from my own experience, long before I even thought of becoming LDS it was the Church that was always there for me and my family.  When I needed someone to agree with me in prayer, or provide someone in the family with a blessing, or help when we were going through a hard time it was the Church that helped us.  If I got up and shared what was on my heart on Fast Sunday, no one said boo.  If I wanted to participate in EQ or Sunday School no one told me to shut up or that I was going to hell because I drew outside the lines.  If I showed up for a service project they were always glad for another set of hands.  There was never a time when I wasn't treated like an other brother in Christ.

Long before I ever read a verse from the Book of Mormon I had a testimony of the BOM because I saw the impact that it had on the lives of those who lived by the principals found inside it and all of our scripture.  That I could say with surety that my friends and neighbors who were LDS exemplified what we are told in Galatians 5:22-23 is proof of the fruits of the spirit.

I am so thankful for our Church, the impact that it has had on my life, and this website that helps people become more like Christ!

I think Mormon beliefs on the afterlife play a huge role.  On one hand, they emphasize that what you do in this life matters.  On the other hand, they emphasize the fact that everyone is a child of God, everyone is going to be blessed by God to at least some extent, and everyone is worthy of respect and love.

This leads to the development of a very charitable worldview, where Mormons really do strive to be like Christ and take care of others, all day everyday.  

I think many other religions have these qualities, but they are reinforced in Mormonism to a degree that is unusual.

[Jane_Doe]

On 3/27/2018 at 10:31 AM, anatess2 said:

What makes us different... let me see.  The viciousness of Church Basketball.  It's a Church sanctioned testament to the deep imperfections of humans even those who hold the high priesthood in Christ's Church. 

 

You obviously never came to one of our YW games: "oh no, I might have made that girl on the other team fell down!  I'm going to help her up now, greatly apologize, and give her a big bear hug.  What- why's my dad yelling at me?  Oh... there goes the ball, right past me.  Oh well, I'm still hugging."

Edited March 28, 2018 by Jane_Doe

[anatess2]

1 hour ago, Jane_Doe said:

You obviously never came to one of our YW games: "oh no, I might of that girl on the other team fell down!  I'm going to help her up now, greatly apologize, and give her a big bear hug.  What- why's my dad yelling at me?  Oh... there goes the ball, right past me.  Oh well, I'm still hugging."

We had a fight break out in Stake YM bball last Saturday.  We only have 8 young men in our ward, only 2 know how to play bball, so we recruited 2 of my sons' friends to help us out.  Well, our tallest ym had to work the last 3 Saturdays and 1 of my sons' friends couldn't get out out of his Saturday work too but they all show up for practice.  Last Saturday was start of tournament (instead of just regular game) and since it's Spring Break, 2 of our ym were out of town.  But the good news is the 2 kids that work Saturdays were able to change their schedule.  So we still had 8 kids to play.  Well, the other team protested our 2 kids because they didn't play the 3 Saturdays before.  So, we were left with 6 kids, only 3 know how to play bball.  Our coach complained that this was defeating the purpose of Youth BBall but the other coach insisted that the only way they can play is if we forfeit the game first.  It became a shouting match and in the end the refs sided with the other team and they had 12 kids on their team, none of which are deacons, 8 of which are over 5'10" tall.  Whereas, we had only 6 kids, 2 of whom were less than 5' tall.  Then the ref announced before the game started but after the opening prayer - that this is for fun and it's not a competition.  Whatever, dude.  Talk to the hand...

[Grunt]

9 hours ago, omegaseamaster75 said:

Church Basketball  aka Church sponsored fight club.

Ok, this really is a thing?  They were talking about it last month and I thought they were joking.

[Jane_Doe]

7 minutes ago, Grunt said:

Ok, this really is a thing?  They were talking about it last month and I thought they were joking.

Nope, Church basketball is a real thing.  Depending on your local culture it can be a BIG thing.

[Grunt]

Just now, Jane_Doe said:

Nope, Church basketball is a real thing.  Depending on your local culture it can be a BIG thing.

I meant the fact that they were referring to it as a fight club.  Is it really that brutal?

[Jane_Doe]

Just now, Grunt said:

I meant the fact that they were referring to it as a fight club.  Is it really that brutal?

Heh, depends on the local culture.  In @anatess2's ward, it sure sounds like it.  In my ward growing up it was... about as brutal as picking flowers.  

[omegaseamaster75]

1 hour ago, Grunt said:

Ok, this really is a thing?  They were talking about it last month and I thought they were joking.

Guys are still guys, and they have egos church or not....yeah I've seen my share of fights break out.  That's why I won't play. Grown men acting like punk kids.

[anatess2]

1 hour ago, omegaseamaster75 said:

Guys are still guys, and they have egos church or not....yeah I've seen my share of fights break out.  That's why I won't play. Grown men acting like punk kids.

We had a Stake President who was the nicest, kindest, soft-spoken, teddy bear of a man, clearly, without doubt, a man of God.  Except on the basketball court.  He hated to lose and would fight the refs over any questionable call.

A few years ago, our bishop and his counselor played at a tournament and a scramble for the ball on a rebound occurred.  Our counselor ended up with the ball and a guy on the other team walked up to him and smacked him across the face causing a nosebleed.  Our bishop walked our entire team out of the building to cool off and they ended up just not going back.

Yea, Church ball in my neck of the woods is a sight to behold.

[Guest]

2 hours ago, Jane_Doe said:

Heh, depends on the local culture.  In @anatess2's ward, it sure sounds like it.  In my ward growing up it was... about as brutal as picking flowers.  

Now let's not even get into pinewood derbies.

 

Edited March 29, 2018 by Guest

[Ironhold]

5 hours ago, Grunt said:

Ok, this really is a thing?  They were talking about it last month and I thought they were joking.

Basketball: If someone is bleeding, you're doing it wrong. 

Church Ball: If someone isn't bleeding, you're doing it wrong. 

[Traveler]

On ‎3‎/‎27‎/‎2018 at 10:31 AM, anatess2 said:

What makes us different... let me see.  The viciousness of Church Basketball.  It's a Church sanctioned testament to the deep imperfections of humans even those who hold the high priesthood in Christ's Church. 

 

 

As strange as this may seem - I can count a greater number of guys have been converted or re-activated through church basketball - than just about any other single benevolence church program.  Yah - I know this makes no sense - especially to those of us the hold to b, love and intelligence.  I do not understand how sports converts - only that it does????

 

The Traveler