Discussions toward a better understanding of LDS doctrine, history, and culture. Discussion of Christianity, religion, and faith in general is welcome.
To be perfectly clear: there is no room in the gospel of Jesus Christ for anything remotely resembling the practice of “worthiness” or “personal” interviews.
This practice is theologically indefensible. It is a violation of ethical and pastoral boundaries that would result in the discipline and likely removal of pastors and ministers in all Christian denominations of which I am aware. Even when administered with care, it is inherently abusive and should be immediately abandoned.
As an aside, I had an interesting dream this morning. I happened to be out to lunch with Elder Bednar and some lackey I didn't recognize. I started asking questions about worthiness interviews, trying to get him to see how they can be harmful. My questions increasingly revealed my deep dislike for the interviews, which Elder Bednar took as disrespect for the church. Finally, he turned to his lackey and said, "Let's show him how we do things down in Salt Lake."
Then Elder Bednar suddenly grew to become three storeys tall, blowing the roof off the restaurant as he did so. I woke up just as the boss fight music started.
Learn to doubt the stories you tell about yourselves and your adversaries.
I really like her point that asking Pre-baptism 7 year olds about the law of chastity is theologically ridiculous. 7 year olds, by definition of the church and Utah law cannot be guilty of violating the law of chastity. Any sex the 7year old might be having is clearly abuse, so asking them about it, especially when the clergy is totally untrained, is worst than stupid. Even up to age 16, children in Utah are not capable of giving consent, so there can be no violation of the law of chastity that is not abuse of them or abuse of a younger child. So, what is the bishop who is untrained in abuse doing asking about it?
Oh, and some of her points tie right into our thread here about do Mormons really believe in Jesus. Thr whole idea of worthiness is kind of anti grace. According to Grace, no one is worthy until we accept Jesus, then poof, we are worthy with nothing further on our part because we borrow Jesus's worthiness.
I've been saying for a long time now that the worthiness interview is a sham. It's impossible for one individual to truly ascertain or "measure" another individuals worthiness.
That is something only God can do.
When I was in the Bishopric there were numerous times I knew people were being less than honest with me. But I felt that was between them and God. So by asking the required questions we actually set people up to be liars.
Truly, the false doctrines of temple ordinances and worship are the only reason the LDS church has interviews. One cannot do away with the worthiness interview without first eliminating the fallacious and injurious doctrine of temple worship.
"There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily."
"Truth will ultimately prevail where there is pains to bring it to light."
Stands next to Kolob, called by the Egyptians Oliblish, which is the next grand governing creation near to the celestial or the place where God resides; holding the key of power also, pertaining to other planets; as revealed from God to Abraham
Great article! Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about worthiness interviews and their origin. I wondered if these interviews are unique to Mormonism because I’ve never heard of them in connection to any other faith group. I did a google search and all references came up with Mormon related links.
Is anyone aware of any other faith group that has an elite status with special privileges reserved for members that ‘qualify’? It’s really like we have a church within a church.
I find it most interesting that 1) they started very early on, and 2) they've almost exclusively grown in length and overreach over time.
Thanks Reuben! Good stuff. The tidbit about the reason president Joseph F Smith served his mission so young was hilarious! The things I keep leaning about church history!!
