Senior missions vs. cafeteria Mormonism

[Everybody Wang Chung]

Huckleberry,

Senior missions are an easy way to separate the wheat from the chaff. Faithful members who obey the Prophet's counsel will find a way to serve a senior mission, no matter the circumstances or hardship. Lax disciples and lazy learners will typically make excuses about why they can't follow the Prophet's counsel.

[huckelberry]

Huckleberry,

Senior missions are an easy way to separate the wheat from the chaff. Faithful members who obey the Prophet's counsel will find a way to serve a senior mission, no matter the circumstances or hardship. Lax disciples and lazy learners will typically make excuses about why they can't follow the Prophet's counsel.

Wang Chung, I see that the matter can be seen this way. Perhaps it is the best way and I miss seeing it because I just am not much geared in that sort of way.

So I am left wondering what sort of percent of active retired LDS are going on these senior missions? Has it become a big regular thing? I had never heard of these things until a couple years ago.

[MG 2.0]

Huckleberry,

Senior missions are an easy way to separate the wheat from the chaff. Faithful members who obey the Prophet's counsel will find a way to serve a senior mission, no matter the circumstances or hardship. Lax disciples and lazy learners will typically make excuses about why they can't follow the Prophet's counsel.

Wang Chung, I see that the matter can be seen this way. Perhaps it is the best way and I miss seeing it because I just am not much geared in that sort of way.

So I am left wondering what sort of percent of active retired LDS are going on these senior missions? Has it become a big regular thing? I had never heard of these things until a couple years ago.

You won't here much about it other than here and other isolated online venues.

Regards,
MG

[huckelberry]

Wang Chung, I see that the matter can be seen this way. Perhaps it is the best way and I miss seeing it because I just am not much geared in that sort of way.

So I am left wondering what sort of percent of active retired LDS are going on these senior missions? Has it become a big regular thing ? I had never heard of these things until a couple years ago.

You won't here much about it other than here and other isolated online venues.

Regards,
MG

So what sort of percentage of folks are going?

[Dr. Shades]

Yes. The prophets have spoken out against it. If you disagree, please refer us to a single Conference talk or Ensign article wherein a prophet has encouraged the members to pick and choose which of the Lord's commandments they will or won't follow.

Everyday life, yes. But absolutely NOT when it comes to the church.

You thought 180° incorrectly.

Shades, I had not heard any indication that a senior mission is a commandment.

You're right, it's not. Therefore, declining to serve does not count as "cafeteria Mormonism." You mentioned the latter, not the former.

Maybe my youthful understanding of the church saw a larger than preferred role for individual decisions but I remember understanding commandments were not optional.

Right. They're not optional. That's the answer to your question "is there something wrong with cafeteria Mormonism?"

[I Have Questions]

Shades, I had not heard any indication that a senior mission is a commandment.

You're right, it's not. Therefore, declining to serve does not count as "cafeteria Mormonism." You mentioned the latter, not the former.

Maybe my youthful understanding of the church saw a larger than preferred role for individual decisions but I remember understanding commandments were not optional.

Right. They're not optional. That's the answer to your question "is there something wrong with cafeteria Mormonism?"

How does one identify what is, and what isn’t a “commandment” within Mormonism?

[sock puppet]

You're right, it's not. Therefore, declining to serve does not count as "cafeteria Mormonism." You mentioned the latter, not the former.


Right. They're not optional. That's the answer to your question "is there something wrong with cafeteria Mormonism?"

How does one identify what is, and what isn’t a “commandment” within Mormonism?

What does it matter? On August 17, 1947, the First Presidency issued a statement signed by all 3 that proclaimed the ban on blacks from the priesthood and temple rights was a "direct commandment from the Lord" and "doctrine." But, now in the Mormon church's website, it has for years had an essay claiming that the origins of that ban are not known.

Selective amnesia for the church.

[I Have Questions]

How does one identify what is, and what isn’t a “commandment” within Mormonism?

What does it matter? On August 17, 1947, the First Presidency issued a statement signed by all 3 that proclaimed the ban on blacks from the priesthood and temple rights was a "direct commandment from the Lord" and "doctrine." But, now in the Mormon church's website, it has for years had an essay claiming that the origins of that ban are not known.

Selective amnesia for the church.

I think that specific example is one of the reasons Oaks came up with the excuse of “temporary commandments”.

[sock puppet]

What does it matter? On August 17, 1947, the First Presidency issued a statement signed by all 3 that proclaimed the ban on blacks from the priesthood and temple rights was a "direct commandment from the Lord" and "doctrine." But, now in the Mormon church's website, it has for years had an essay claiming that the origins of that ban are not known.

Selective amnesia for the church.

I think that specific example is one of the reasons Oaks came up with the excuse of “temporary commandments”.

That, or Oaks has already laid plans, should he ascend to the throne (i.e., outlive Nelson), to undo some things prior LDS presidents have put in place. Oaks is like his own Cardinal Woolsey or Thomas Cromwell.

[I Have Questions]

I think that specific example is one of the reasons Oaks came up with the excuse of “temporary commandments”.

That, or Oaks has already laid plans, should he ascend to the throne (i.e., outlive Nelson), to undo some things prior LDS presidents have put in place. Oaks is like his own Cardinal Woolsey or Thomas Cromwell.

It’s highly likely that Oaks has some aspirations about making his mark. But from what I’ve seen of him lately, he isn’t going to have a long tenure. Assuming he manages to outlive Nelson.