NOM

Wow, I enjoyed that article. My respect for Pope Francis continues to grow. Never thought I'd say that the Catholic Church is leading the charge to get Christ back into Christianity.

The LDS church, on the other hand, has turned into a pitiful glory grab. I know a kind gentleman who was a mission president a few years back. I'd only seen him for a short while and he began blabbing about how he had been a mission president, as if I didn't know. Is that not pitiful? I was nonplussed. How did he expect me to react? Way to go sir. A mission president indeed. I actually thought less of him for feeling like he needed to tell me. My sister says she also ran into a friend from the past. Two sentences or so into the conversation and her friend is spewing out how he had been a mission president. Who cares? I know I don't. Not me.

The one exception that I know and respect a great deal is Dieter U. Friend of mine happened to bump into Dieter a few years back. My friend had been less active most of his life and didn't know who the grey fox was. Dieter was standing by himself, leaning against a wall in temple square in Salt Lake, looking at the Christmas lights. My friend approached Dieter and introduced himself. Kindly gesture. Good ol' Dieter also introduced himself, "I'm Dieter. Pleased to meet you." No President this or any other title. Given name and a great big smile. My friend told the story and we all laughed. But there's a message there.

When did the church evolve into the wealthy getting the most attention? Others have touched on this better than I am able to so I will say no more.

Anyways, great article. Thanks for sharing.

blazerb wrote: ↑Thu Jul 19, 2018 8:18 am

Reuben wrote: ↑Thu Jul 19, 2018 8:09 am The problems with this way of framing your relationship with God are the same as with expecting material prosperity or health in return for obedience. You'll think you deserve your spiritual riches, and judge people who are spiritually poor instead of empathizing with them. And if the vending machine ever stops dispensing blessings, you can drive yourself insane trying to make it work again.

When confronted directly about the topic, church leaders always deny the vending machine gospel, but so much of what is taught implies it. I applaud the church's efforts to improve education and financial skills of members. I get concerned when there is a lack of empathy for people coming from a difficult spot.

Somebody needs to come and refill the vending machine in my stake--every time I push a button it says "Sold Out. Make Another Selection".