The Church publishes it's financial information...

[_Nevo]

Damn can't think what it was, can anyone help me....?

I heard a rumor that a fourth mission statement might be added. Can you point me to an official publication of the Church that confirms that it has been added? In any case, Jesus' commission to his apostles was to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19). That is the Church's primary role.

Individual church members, of course, are encouraged to help the needy and the institutional Church provides one vehicle for doing so. Through the generosity of its members, the Church has contributed more than a billion dollars to humanitarian relief in recent decades. Members also donate time and money to humanitarian causes outside of their church service.

Who are you to pronounce these efforts inadequate?

[Guest]

That appears to be $200,000 less than the City Creek Mall is costing the Church.
But hey, Malls definitely ARE within the mission of the Church....


Nevo,

I can't see where you explained how the Mall fits into the Church's plan...?

[_jon]

I heard a rumor that a fourth mission statement might be added. Can you point me to an official publication of the Church that confirms that it has been added?

I'm afraid I don't have access to the Church Handbook of Instruction 1.
But will a quote from the Church's official spokesperson do you?

The new group of phrases will be described as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' "purposes," rather than missions, and will be spelled out in the next edition of the LDS Church Handbook of Instructions , due out next year, church spokesman Scott Trotter confirmed this week.
"Caring for the poor and needy," Trotter said, "has always been a basic tenet of the [LDS] Church."

Nevo, I think you need to keep more up to date with what the Church believes.
Perhaps you should start attending Sacrament meeting or paying more attention in class.

[_Nevo]

The Church 'spent' $88 million in 2010 on humanitarian aid.
Or in other words, the equivalent of $6 per member.

Church members donated (at least) $88 million in humanitarian aid in 2010 and you think that's a bad thing? Good grief.

[_Nevo]

I'm afraid I don't have access to the Church Handbook of Instruction 1.
But will a quote from the Church's official spokesperson do you?

Yes, I am already familiar with the quote from the Church's official spokesman a couple of years ago. I was just wondering if this change has made it into print yet. I haven't seen it.

By the way, the new Handbook 2 defines the "the work of the Church" as "the salvation of individuals and the sealing and exaltation of families through the power of the priesthood." Under the sub-heading "The Role of the Church" it states: "The Church provides the organization and means for teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to all of God’s children. It provides the priesthood authority to administer the ordinances of salvation and exaltation to all who are worthy and willing to accept them."

Nothing in this definition precludes participation in humanitarian aid projects, but that is not—and should not be—the Church's main focus.

[_Baker]

I'm afraid I don't have access to the Church Handbook of Instruction 1.
But will a quote from the Church's official spokesperson do you?

Yes, I am already familiar with the quote from the Church's official spokesman a couple of years ago. I was just wondering if this change has made it into print yet. I haven't seen it.

By the way, the new Handbook 2 defines the "the work of the Church" as "the salvation of individuals and the sealing and exaltation of families through the power of the priesthood." Under the sub-heading "The Role of the Church" it states: "The Church provides the organization and means for teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to all of God’s children. It provides the priesthood authority to administer the ordinances of salvation and exaltation to all who are worthy and willing to accept them."

Nothing in this definition precludes participation in humanitarian aid projects, but that is not—and should not be—the Church's main focus.

Nevo - what's the second greatest commandment again?

Also - what do you think of this scripture?

1 Corinthians 13:1-3: "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing."

Just wondering whether Jesus changed his mind on what's essential ...

[_Buffalo]

The Church 'spent' $88 million in 2010 on humanitarian aid.
Or in other words, the equivalent of $6 per member.

Church members donated (at least) $88 million in humanitarian aid in 2010 and you think that's a bad thing? Good grief.

$6 per member. Just imagine if tithing were actually used to help people - the good that could be done.

[_Nevo]

Just wondering whether Jesus changed his mind on what's essential ...

No, loving one's neighbor remains essential. And the fullest expression of such love, as Paul recognized, is to work for humanity's salvation and exaltation (cf. Moses 1:39).

The new handbook helpfully explains the role of the Church in alleviating poverty and suffering in the world:

"Through His Church, the Lord has provided a way to care for the poor and needy. He has asked Church members to give generously according to what they have received from Him. He has also asked His people to “visit the poor and the needy and administer to their relief” (D&C 44:6). Church members are encouraged to give personal compassionate service to those in need. They should be “anxiously engaged in a good cause,” serving without being asked or assigned (see D&C 58:26–27).

The Lord has established the law of the fast and fast offerings to bless His people and to provide a way for them to serve those in need (see Isaiah 58:6–12; Malachi 3:8–12)....

Some opportunities to care for those in need come through Church callings. Other opportunities are present in members’ homes, neighborhoods, and communities. Members can also help the poor and needy of all faiths throughout the world by contributing to the Church’s humanitarian efforts.

Providing in the Lord’s way humbles the rich, exalts the poor, and sanctifies both (see D&C 104:15–18)."

[_Buffalo]

Just wondering whether Jesus changed his mind on what's essential ...

No, loving one's neighbor remains essential. And the fullest expression of such love, as Paul recognized, is to work for humanity's salvation and exaltation (cf. Moses 1:39).

And this is why religion remains the number one perverter of human values.

[_Nevo]

And this is why religion remains the number one perverter of human values.

Before you were appealing to Jesus' teachings. Now you're labeling them a perversion of human values. You can't have it both ways.