Admitting gays would mean more tithing?

[_EAllusion]

Well, prophets predict the predictable as well. Of course, there's nothing supernatural or questionable about reasonable inferences about the future. The fun thing about Nehor's post is it can be launched from the believer in everything from reading animal entrails, to casting sticks, to pouring over Nostradamus. As if they can't see any differences between that and any other predictions about how culture will change.

[_The Nehor]

Well, prophets predict the predictable as well. Of course, there's nothing supernatural or questionable about reasonable inferences about the future.

There isn't if you present them as such. However the inevitability that gets tied in when discussing them suggests that they aren't seen as inferences or predictions; they're seen as certain. It seems like a vestige of the Victorian ideal that things will inevitably get better (based on the viewer's perspective) with time. History does not bear this out. For all we know the next great purge could be the homosexuals led by a militant leader within the next 20 years. We might discover that there is an easily corrected genetic flaw that causes homosexuality and eradicate it within a generation. These are extreme of course but my point is WE DON'T KNOW.

The fun thing about Nehor's post is it can be launched from the believer in everything from reading animal entrails, to casting sticks, to pouring over Nostradamus. As if they can't see any differences between that and any other predictions about how culture will change.

The difference is one is currently fashionable while the other is not. As for accuracy, read the predictions of the last decade, the last century, or in ancient history. Hit and miss with little rhyme or reason to explain why and no way for the people then to tell. I see no reason that our time will be any different.

[_Brackite]

The church will cave eventually. The pressure from society will make it happen, just like it did with the racism. Then the Brethren will claim to "see through a glass darkly" again.

What about oral sex? Does that mean we can have oral sex too? Oh boy!

Stupid boring missionary positition! That sucks!

Paul O

I just want to state here that what Paul O stated about the Missionary Position is absolutely true. The Missionary Position Sucks!

[_Paul Osborne]

just want to state here that what Paul O stated about the Missionary Position is absolutely true. The Missionary Position Sucks!

That's an interesting position, Brackite. Pun intended!

Well, if and when the LDS church admits gays and accepts gay marriage there would no doubt be a huge split in the church. I'd say a large group, perhaps half, would break off and you'd see the formation of another LDS church that rejects the new revelation. There would be justification on their part seeing the new revelation just cancelled fundemental teachings of the past prophets, in effect, turning them into mere men and not inspired at all. It would likely turn out to be a big mess.

Admitting gays would create an easy out for a lot of fence sitting Mormons to simply pack it up and get the hell out, not because they don't like gays or disagree with the new principle, but because the change would expose the inspiration of past prophets to be little more than a joke. So, why should they continue to pay hommage? Thus the financial world of Mormonism would enter chaos.

Paul O

[_The Nehor]

Thus the financial world of Mormonism would enter chaos.

I find this kind of thinking inane. If we lose members our costs fall and we're okay. If half the members of the Church left tomorrow the only problem would be getting rid of the excess property. Costs fall and the problem ends. There isn't anyone living a Vegas lifestyle on excess tithing who would suffer because income fell.

[_JohnStuartMill]

Well, prophets predict the predictable as well. Of course, there's nothing supernatural or questionable about reasonable inferences about the future.

There isn't if you present them as such. However the inevitability that gets tied in when discussing them suggests that they aren't seen as inferences or predictions; they're seen as certain. It seems like a vestige of the Victorian ideal that things will inevitably get better (based on the viewer's perspective) with time. History does not bear this out. For all we know the next great purge could be the homosexuals led by a militant leader within the next 20 years. We might discover that there is an easily corrected genetic flaw that causes homosexuality and eradicate it within a generation. These are extreme of course but my point is WE DON'T KNOW.

The predictions I've made about the growing acceptance of homosexuality are pretty goddamned strong. But if you want to cling to a hope that some freak event will turn the tide in bigotry's favor, which I agree is always possible, then be my guest.

[_The Nehor]

The predictions I've made about the growing acceptance of homosexuality are pretty goddamned strong. But if you want to cling to a hope that some freak event will turn the tide in bigotry's favor, which I agree is always possible, then be my guest.

Of course they seem strong. They may even happen but you don't know and I don't know. I remember the inevitable predictions about the future bandied about when I was a child. Most were utterly wrong.

[_JohnStuartMill]

Are you a betting man, Nehor? Because I'm willing to give you 10:1 that support for gay marriage (a crude measure of tolerance for homosexuality) will reach 50% nationally by 2029.

[_The Nehor]

Are you a betting man, Nehor? Because I'm willing to give you 10:1 that support for gay marriage (a crude measure of tolerance for homosexuality) will reach 50% nationally by 2029.

Nope, not a betting man. Sorry.

I like challenges in predicting but prefer things I have some control over.

[_Paul Osborne]

I find this kind of thinking inane. If we lose members our costs fall and we're okay. If half the members of the Church left tomorrow the only problem would be getting rid of the excess property

I may be insane, but as you say it would be a real PROBLEM for the LDS church if half the church split off. The properties would have to be maintained and a serious drop in funds would turn out many lights and lock many a door. There would be finanical chaos. To say nothing if the there was a split in the Quorum of the Twelve and the FP. The legal issue would become complex.

Paul O