Conservatives refuse to be energy efficient

[TroutBum]

Not all and not even the majority of LDS people act like I described but yes there are people like that and it is common. I was not trying to "blow" anything out of proportion, I think a few people are trying to make this more personal than intended and more defensive than anticipated, but sometimes my writing is more direct than intended.

If it's common, then how come I've never even heard about it? I must admit, I do take religion personally, but not just my own. I am an equal opportunity butt-hurt recipient when it comes to all religions. I just can't stand it when people put out their opinions as if they're facts, especially when it involves a religion that they've likely never been a part of, and only "know" what they know from what they see on TV.

Being LDS is just as much part of the social structure of Provo as it is religion. I do believe guilt and acceptance is a part of the reason people do things. I am not saying the LDS church hammers people or forces people to pay tithes but it is a requirement to be in good standings with the LDS church hence people put more pressure on themselves to obey.

But that's just it, it isn't a requirement. And what does "good standing" mean? You can't get into a temple without a recommend, and you can't get a recommend unless you pay a full tithe -- but it's not like they print out a list of all those who aren't card carrying members. Your logic would also say that because I have a recommend, I am a superior person in my church, in good standing, and have a fast-track to heaven. As we all know, none of those things are true. Some of THE BEST people I've ever had the fortune of knowing didn't have a temple recommend because they thought tithing was pure schlock. They were all respected members of the church who had high callings and served like champs.

My understanding is the LDS church keeps record of all tithes paid provides a sheet with the numbers on it and asks if you paid your 10 percent. There is pressure for some people and people react differently to pressure.

Yes, they do give you a sheet. Like I said, I think it's for tax purposes. It does not, however, ask you if you paid your full tithe. If you want (see, it is your choice) to have a temple recommend, then you have to set a meeting with the bishop and let him know if you've paid a full tithe or not. If people feel pressure, then that's because they're idiots who want some reason to blame the church for their woe.

 

[Ron Mexico]

If it's common, then how come I've never even heard about it? I must admit, I do take religion personally, but not just my own. I am an equal opportunity butt-hurt recipient when it comes to all religions. I just can't stand it when people put out their opinions as if they're facts, especially when it involves a religion that they've likely never been a part of, and only "know" what they know from what they see on TV.

Well I have been a part of it, almost everyone in my family is a part of it and I live in provo where statistically 90% or so of the people I talk to every day are a part of it.



But that's just it, it isn't a requirement. And what does "good standing" mean? You can't get into a temple without a recommend, and you can't get a recommend unless you pay a full tithe -- but it's not like they print out a list of all those who aren't card carrying members. Your logic would also say that because I have a recommend, I am a superior person in my church, in good standing, and have a fast-track to heaven. As we all know, none of those things are true. Some of THE BEST people I've ever had the fortune of knowing didn't have a temple recommend because they thought tithing was pure schlock. They were all respected members of the church who had high callings and served like champs.


I think you are underestimating the pressure that being LDS (part of a religion) brings many people but that is just an opinion of mine and has nothing but anecdotal evidence to back it up.

 

[TroutBum]

If it's common, then how come I've never even heard about it? I must admit, I do take religion personally, but not just my own. I am an equal opportunity butt-hurt recipient when it comes to all religions. I just can't stand it when people put out their opinions as if they're facts, especially when it involves a religion that they've likely never been a part of, and only "know" what they know from what they see on TV.

Well I have been a part of it, almost everyone in my family is a part of it and I live in provo where statistically 90% or so of the people I talk to every day are a part of it.

But that's just it, it isn't a requirement. And what does "good standing" mean? You can't get into a temple without a recommend, and you can't get a recommend unless you pay a full tithe -- but it's not like they print out a list of all those who aren't card carrying members. Your logic would also say that because I have a recommend, I am a superior person in my church, in good standing, and have a fast-track to heaven. As we all know, none of those things are true. Some of THE BEST people I've ever had the fortune of knowing didn't have a temple recommend because they thought tithing was pure schlock. They were all respected members of the church who had high callings and served like champs.

I think you are underestimating the pressure that being LDS (part of a religion) brings many people but that is just an opinion of mine and has nothing but anecdotal evidence to back it up.

This whole thing is getting too level headed. I demand that someone call me a gay retard or something so we can get some drama back in here. Thank you.

 

[The Midnight]

Has the LDS church ever operated like that? I get a sheet every year that shows what we paid (for tax reasons, I have always thought), and we decide if it was a full 10% or not. It's up to me to go to the bishop and let him know if I've paid a full 10 or not. They don't track you down. Trust me when I say that they have more important things to worry about.
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Wait.. you're telling me you're a church/temple goer? Wow.. wouldn't have guessed that.

Wouldn't have guessed for for a million yearssss..

 

[Ron Mexico]

Wait.. you're telling me you're a church/temple goer? Wow.. wouldn't have guessed that.

Wouldn't have guessed for for a million yearssss..

That is between him and his bishop and does not concern you!

 

[Nate505]

https://www.pnas.org/content/early/2013/04/26/1218453110

According to this study, if you put a message that using a light bulb is environmentally friendly, conservatives are less likely to buy it than they would the exact same bulb without that message.

I have noticed with some it's like they want to be wasteful in some sort of big **** you to environmentalism, even though it seems like they'd want to save money by using CFLs.

 

[BabyPeterzz]

If it's common, then how come I've never even heard about it? I must admit, I do take religion personally, but not just my own. I am an equal opportunity butt-hurt recipient when it comes to all religions. I just can't stand it when people put out their opinions as if they're facts, especially when it involves a religion that they've likely never been a part of, and only "know" what they know from what they see on TV.


Cry harder, turd cuddler.

 

[scootsy]

If it's common, then how come I've never even heard about it? I must admit, I do take religion personally, but not just my own. I am an equal opportunity butt-hurt recipient when it comes to all religions. I just can't stand it when people put out their opinions as if they're facts, especially when it involves a religion that they've likely never been a part of, and only "know" what they know from what they see on TV.


Cry harder, turd cuddler.

biffed his quote.

 

[Stifle Tower]

Wait.. you're telling me you're a church/temple goer? Wow.. wouldn't have guessed that.

Wouldn't have guessed for for a million yearssss..

I know. It IS hard to believe. I'm guessing Trout's internet persona is very different from his real life. AS for Broncster's ?'s. I find it very sad people are saying they pay tithing just because they feel "pressured." Other than their bishop, NO ONE would know if they were paying tithing, so I don't see the value in walking around with a long face. Just stop paying if you feel it's a burden. The practice of paying tithes dates back to biblical days. You can find references in the Bible. Yes, the LDS do view tithing as a commandment. But there is absolutely no action taken if you don't pay tithing; you are still a member in good standing. Now there may be confusion over what that means. You can attend all meetings, hold a variety of positions ("callings" is the term we use), partake of the sacrament (communion to you Catholics), etc. If you want to attend the temple, you will be asked in your interview if you are a tithe-payer. If not, you will not be given a temple recommend (i.e. permission to enter the temple). And there are certain callings in the LDS Church for which you are expected to be temple-worthy such as a bishop or one of his counselors, finance clerk, etc. But I don't think that's discrimination. After all, if there are certain commandments you don't believe in, why WOULD you want to enter the temple or hold a higher position?

 

[BabyPeterzz]

I know. It IS hard to believe. I'm guessing Trout's internet persona is very different from his real life. AS for Broncster's ?'s. I find it very sad people are saying they pay tithing just because they feel "pressured." Other than their bishop, NO ONE would know if they were paying tithing, so I don't see the value in walking around with a long face. Just stop paying if you feel it's a burden. The practice of paying tithes dates back to biblical days. You can find references in the Bible. Yes, the LDS do view tithing as a commandment. But there is absolutely no action taken if you don't pay tithing; you are still a member in good standing. Now there may be confusion over what that means. You can attend all meetings, hold a variety of positions ("callings" is the term we use), partake of the sacrament (communion to you Catholics), etc. If you want to attend the temple, you will be asked in your interview if you are a tithe-payer. If not, you will not be given a temple recommend (i.e. permission to enter the temple). And there are certain callings in the LDS Church for which you are expected to be temple-worthy such as a bishop or one of his counselors, finance clerk, etc. But I don't think that's discrimination. After all, if there are certain commandments you don't believe in, why WOULD you want to enter the temple or hold a higher position?

No he's like this in real life. So sexy....

 

[Gameface]

Wait, there are churches out there that force you to donate to charities in order to be a member? Who the **** would waste their time with that crap?



Again, I question if there are really people out there that feel/think that way. If you really know people who have said those things, I want to know what is wrong with them. Like, they must have a mental disorder of some kind, right?



Has the LDS church ever operated like that? I get a sheet every year that shows what we paid (for tax reasons, I have always thought), and we decide if it was a full 10% or not. It's up to me to go to the bishop and let him know if I've paid a full 10 or not. They don't track you down. Trust me when I say that they have more important things to worry about.

Paying tithing is a privilege for a lot of LDS people, along with going to the temple. Neither tithing nor temple attendance is required to be a member of the church, and failure to do either of those things will not keep you out of heaven. (according to the gospel of Elvis J. Wells) People like Broncster take their ideas and ignorance and blow things way out of proportion -- and I love Broncster.

What I heard could be wrong. I've heard someone say they basically got scolded for not giving 10% and the bishop discussed ways that they could bring their account current. It was a long time ago and the person was bitter against the church, so thought I'd check the assumption I've held for a long time. Maybe they were exaggerating the conversation or maybe it was just that particular bishop.

 

[TroutBum]

Wait.. you're telling me you're a church/temple goer? Wow.. wouldn't have guessed that.

Wouldn't have guessed for for a million yearssss..

You'd die if you knew the callings I have.

No he's like this in real life. So sexy....

^ ^ ^ This guy gets it.

What I heard could be wrong. I've heard someone say they basically got scolded for not giving 10% and the bishop discussed ways that they could bring their account current. It was a long time ago and the person was bitter against the church, so thought I'd check the assumption I've held for a long time. Maybe they were exaggerating the conversation or maybe it was just that particular bishop.

I wouldn't doubt some jack hole bishop pulling a stunt like that, because there are always tools in every walk of life. I think he was the exception to the rule though.