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All I got to say about this broadcast is that it was two hours of my life that I will never get back. Sorry! Thanks Kristmace for the explanation! Not that you owed me one, but I was just curious. Speaking of the tattlers, did you find out who the three were? I would be going crazy sitting in my ward looking around trying to figure out who the three were.
kristmace wrote:That’s exactly the case Roy. I’m an open person, I don’t use a pseudonym online, and my crime is being open about my beliefs and practices with others in support forums such as this. If I had kept my ID hidden or kept my opinion to myself then there wouldn’t be a problem. I don’t feel I can do that though, as I’m not ashamed of my positions and I’m perfectly willing to enter dialogue with anyone on any topic. Such openness has been a one way street though and virtually no one is willing to discuss, just to take punitive action.
I’m a bit confused, I hope you don’t mind me asking for clarification Kirstmace. If you are not ashamed of your positions and are willing to enter dialogue with anyone, how come you were not upfront with your Bishop in the first place regarding tithing? Just curious.
However, I do want to add that I support you fully in your situation right now Kristmace. You seem like a nice guy and I don’t like tattletales. Hope your hanging in there! I also think it is messed up that you were not made aware of the three individuals who were “concerned” for you.
This really cracks me up because my neighbor who is dedicated pot head is always telling me that Monsanto is such a horrible corporation and that they are trying to take over the world. Same neighbor only eats organic for health reasons, but inhales God knows how much smoke a day. MayB wrote:Then she asked “Where does our tithing money go?” I really had to fight my impulse to raise my hand and say, “We really don’t know because the church won’t disclose its financials”. I didn’t though. I have no desire to rock that boat.
Good for you! In my opinion, it would just draw negative attention to yourself. However, I can totally relate! I wanted to say the exact same thing when the topic came up today in my class. What about the multi-billion dollar mall?
What bothers me about these discussions are that I feel like people are lying to me and themselves. I don’t have a problem with the church building a multi-billion dollar mall, but let’s be honest about it.
However, I will remain quiet. I don’t want to disturb any peace people have.
Matthew 18:1515 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
Doesn’t this piece of scripture apply to the situation?
Just to clarify my last post, I am not advocating violence. I am wondering if Kristmace could claim some kind of emotional harassment and/or stalking against the three? The behavior seems creepy and disturbing. Gossip travels fast, I imagine the three’s identities will come out pretty quickly.
Personally, I would be adamant with the Bishop about knowing who the three are. I would want to be able to protect myself and my family from individuals conspiring against me in the ward. What else could these three be capable of? Who else will they divulge his personal identity and ramblings to? His employer, extended family, etc… ? Kristmace has a basic fundamental human right to be able to protect himself and his family from these three.
However, it really doesn’t matter if the Bishop divulges identities. Gossip travels fast in any church.
I am embarrassed to say this, but I live in fear that what happened to kristmace could happen to me. In a way I feel like I handed over my Constitutional freedom and balls when I was baptized. Best of luck kristmace to you and your family. Stay strong! This ordeal makes the church look bad, not you!
Personally, I don’t believe the part about the people being concerned for you. Why not come talk to you directly? These people wanted to start drama. The tattlers escalated the situation and added fuel to the fire. You seem very Christlike in your attitude towards them.
Doesn’t part of you want to find out who they are and then retaliate harshly? I’m sure it would be easy to find out who they are in your ward if you ask around!
Isn’t it interesting that with our “Faith Crises” or whatever you want to call it, comes so much ridicule/judgment of others? At least that’s what I am doing. Thanks for sharing Ray!
I just want to wish you the best of luck Shawn. Your writing and sharing has really touched me. You seem like such a great guy! Stay positive and hang in there!
Sorry about the turmoil over your talk. Personally, I would hate to have to go speak with the Stake President. It’s sort of like getting called into the Principal’s office. Maybe the moral of the story is that we all should be careful with what we share at church. Sorry you and your daughter are not happy in your ward! I like what Ray said about just attending the ward you want. However, I am curious about why your daughter attending a different school is a big deal? I’m a convert and don’t live in Utah so there are cultural things I don’t pick up on. Am I missing something? Just curious.
I really hope that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon just like the Church claims. However, it can be hard for me to believe that sometimes.
