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[Table] I am a recent Mormon Bishop - ask anything.
**Verified?** *(This bot cannot verify AMAs just yet)* **Date:** 2012-05-04 **[Link to submission](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/)** (*Has self-text*) **[Link to my post](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/tabledresser/c4kdyb2)** Questions|Answers :--|:-- [What are your own views on homosexuality, and how do you respond to the fact that the LDS church remains one of the most bigoted towards gays?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1o4q?context=5)|This is my answer to a different but very similar question.... I am new to Reddit so I think I was answering all the voted down questions.... |I had two members of my bishopric that are gay. I use the present tense because they are not "reformed" or anything. They are strong, faithful men that are fully attracted to other men BUT they believe the Church is true. I don't view them has having any kind of disease or sickness and neither to they view themselves like that. |So, they remain celibate. You can be gay and be a member. I actually liked having their different outlook on certain serious things. I was very much blessed by having them near me and am a better man by knowing them. [They weren't your counselors correct?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4knrhs?context=5)|That is correct - not counselors but still a part of the bishopric. |It's almost funny, but many people thought one of my counselors was gay. [So it is ok that they are gay, as long as they don't act on it?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k9s3x?context=5)|As far as I understand it - that is true. I know it is not a perfect comparison, but all our single members of the church are also expected to refrain from sexual activities. [Sorry to break it to you, but all those "single" men are jacking off, even if they tell you they aren't.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4kv4gk?context=5)|Yeah.... I know. I was able to build a pretty good relationship with the men in the Ward. When they would come to me with problems relating to mb or porn - they knew I wasn't going to take away their temple recommend, tell the Stake President, tell their wives, etc... [What are the odds that Joseph Smith was just nuts?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1qd9?context=5)|So, Joseph Smith may have had issues, but I can't deny the Book of Mormon. [Why can't you deny the Book of Mormon? Is there any physical evidence that the cultures described (Nephites and Lamanites\) ever actually existed?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2d6l?context=5)|I have prayed about it and studied the words and teachings. Hence my belief. [Well, I know you're not a gambling man (by definition\) ... but if you had to put odds on it, what are the chances?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1usj?context=5)|Anyhow... certainly Joseph Smith was a rebel you can't deny that, but was he nuts? 99% no he was not. But even if he was, I still believe the Book of Mormon to be true. [I just read some of it and find it amazing the Third book of Nefi, chapter 8, explains how storms, earthquakes, and tornadoes certify the death of Christ, and darkness covers the world during three days.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2ksh?context=5)|My personal belief is that often in the Book of Mormon they will refer to the entire world, when I think they meant THEIR entire world. I don't get hung up on that stuff or not only could I not be a Mormon - I couldn't be a Christian with the same type of problems in the bible. I just thinks it's hard to judge some things that were written so long ago. [What are you going to name your planet?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1l7s?context=5)|LOL - Yeah, a lot of rumors that we think we get our own planets. Who knows.... |I would call mine whatever my wife wants. That seems to be a good way to earn points in the marriage. :) [Do you only move diagonally?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1sm0?context=5)|No. I also do u-turns in bed. [I was unaware that 69 was a LDS-approved position. I'll have to keep this in mind.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2gv4?context=5)|See the birth control comments. |(kidding) [Proof? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1m59?context=5)|Proof added. See link at top. |[Link to i49.tinypic.com](http://i49.tinypic.com/2wqeio0.jpg) [Are there other words in ancient Adamic besides "Pay lay ale" that you chant?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2arr?context=5)|I have never heard, "Pay lay ale". Must be before my time. [Do you use the secret handshake with your index finger on the other persons radial artery often among church members?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2arr?context=5)|Only in the temple. [Does everyone go through the laying of the hands/rubbing of the oil/creepiest chanting ritual in the Celestial Rooms?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2arr?context=5)|There is no chanting in the Celestial room. Actually, there is not chanting anywhere in the temple. There is a part where a tiny drop of oil is anointed on the top of someones head, but it is not rubbed in or done in any goofy manner that you are hinting at. [What is the significance of the embroidered symbols on the garments?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2arr?context=5)|They are just to help people remember what kinds of promises they have made. Nothing more. Nothing less. [How much cash is the Mormon church sitting on? Is it really $8 billion or has it grown since 2006?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2arr?context=5)|I have no idea how much money the Church has. I hope a lot because Salt Lake sends $xxx,xxx every year to our ward to help the poor. I wouldn't want to run out. [Why do you keep genealogical records on everyone?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2arr?context=5)|Honestly, I am not sure. I think it has to do with tying families together in the temple. [How often do you refer people to a Court of Love?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1l82?context=5)|Court of Love - I have NEVER heard it called a Court of Love inside the Church. They are called Disciplinary Councils. [Have you ever asked anyone male under the age of 14 whether they masturbate?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1l82?context=5)|I have never asked anyone if they masturbate regardless of their age. I was never that concerned about MB (it happens). Some people would come to me and confess that they had an MB problem and we would discuss it. For the most part - I would tell them it's not that big of a deal unless it begins to control their life or they begin to use pornography. [If a married couple admitted they engaged in oral sex, would you discourage it?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1l82?context=5)|Oral sex is a NON-Issue in the Church. I have had couples ask me about it and I refer to the Church handbook given to bishops. It has clear instruction that the Church does NOT get involved in the bedroom. [Isn't the Church staunchly against homosexuality? Isn't that getting involved in the bedroom?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1w94?context=5)|I should clarify - get involved in the bedroom of a husband and wife. |I never got involved in the sexual details of the gay and lesbian members of my Ward. We had gay members in leadership type of callings (duties). [*Oral sex may be a "NON-Issue" today but that wasn't always the case. If you had been a bishop in 1982, your answer would have been different. Perhaps you need to listen to your Stake President.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2a80?context=5)|I answered a similar question above. |It was banned for 6 months but too many people rebelled.. |Personally, I think it was a case of Church leadership allowing their personal opinions to get involved. Not the first time. [What sins do you have to commit to get yourself disfellowshipped? excommunicated? Is there any leeway in your decision or are the rules in stone?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1jsc?context=5)|To get disfellowshipped or excommunicated.... I have had to do both at different times. There are NO firm rules regarding being disfellowshipped. It's a case by case basis and is done in all seriousness. For the most part, it's the same situation regarding excommunication. There are a few things you can do to ensure you get excommunicated. be involved in "serious" sins and have an attitude such that you have no desire to quit. I have known members that were involved in adultry and homosexuality that were not excommunicated. Likewise, I have known members to be exed for the exact same sins. I am not exaggerating that a persons attitude and desire to change seems to be the #1 decision - excluding the four cases I mentioned above. [(edit\) 4. Have you ever had any murderers or child abusers come into your office? What was the outcome?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1jsc?context=5)|I had one person that I worked with that turned out to be using an alias and was wanted for murder. I only found out when he was arrested. Child abuse - yes. I had three cases and called Child Protection services in each situation. I didn't mess around when it came to child abuse. I called the police or protection services. That was always my first move. I was abused as a child so my reaction may have been different that some "old school" bishops. [What's the story on that underwear?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1hl1?context=5)|Yeah.... many members wonder the same thing! A lot of women have problems wearing the garment for reasons ranging from - "it's uncomfortable" to "it doesn't work with my outfits". Men have their own issues. |We are asked to wear it. |We believe that the garment has the power to remind us of our temple promises (covenants) and because of that reminder - we believe it will help us stay closer to Jesus. [Who is more important and visible within the church Joseph Smith or Jesus?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1ioh?context=5)|Without a doubt - Jesus Christ. Everything centers around Jesus and His Father. |The temple ceremony, for example, never mentions Joseph Smith, but it is centered around Christ and does mention a few other people (Peter, James and John). Joseph Smith is nowhere in the most sacred place to Mormons. He is regarded as a prophet in the same manner that one would view a biblical prophet. Nothing more. [What's the weirdest thing someone has asked you for guidance about? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1m7g?context=5)|A young couple tried for a long time to explain their problem to me but I couldn't understand. After some uncomfortable conversations it was made clear that she could not have an orgasm. She felt bad about having to sneak off and masturbate. |Talk about being unprepared. I referred them to a professional counselor. [Do you feel that the church, or any church for that matter, should be able to influence the political opinions of their paritioners while retaining a tax-free status with the government?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1u5c?context=5)|That's hard to answer because you can influence the political opinions of parishioners by teaching specific philosophy without having to mention political parties or politicians. |If pressed I guess I would have to say, "yes, they can do it.". |There are MANY non-profit organizations besides religions that participate in politics. [You ever watched the Mormon south park episode and thought shit does everyone know about this?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k237q?context=5)|I thought it was very funny. I didn't agree with it and thought they just made some stuff up, but I firmly believe you must be able to laugh at yourself. [Do you feel that a religious group has the right to push for laws to be enacted that take the rights of other groups of people away?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1zyt?context=5)|"Do you feel that a religious group has the right to push for laws to be enacted that take the rights of other groups of people away?" [Were you born into a Mormon family?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1pe7?context=5)|No. My parents converted when I was young, but due to circumstances I was not allowed to be baptized until I was in my teen years. I did not serve a mission. [What is the stance of the Mormon church on interracial couples and the children they produce?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1srw?context=5)|I married someone from a different race. My children are interracial. |I have never heard anything about interracial couples or children either before I was married or any time since. |In my ward there are several interracial couples (and many children). |Granted - if you have not figured it out by now I do not live in Utah. [Which services/meetings are held in secret, and why?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1rnj?context=5)|I have never been to a secret meeting. I don't count the temple as secret since there are many members that attend and you can read everything about the temple services on the Internet. [Set the record straight: what's the official story about Israelis/Jesus in North America?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1rnj?context=5)|According to the Book of Mormon, Jesus visited the ancient people that lived somewhere in Central or South America (we don't know the location). [Do you understand Evolution?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k250a?context=5)|I believe in evolution. I don't think it conflicts with the vast intelligent design as done by our creator. [Do you consider any material that potentially may be problematic for the LDS Church "anti-mormon"? How frequently do you use the label "anti-mormon"?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1q79?context=5)|I think there are anti-mormon material, without a doubt, but I believe that too many members feel that anything that questions the church is anti-mormon. I don't hold that belief. |I don't have a problem with critical questions. If someone wants to question motivation or the cultural aspects of the Book of Mormon - have at it. I have no problems. |I do have a problem with goofy stuff that can't be 100% proven as having been said, understood or recorded correctly such as Adam-God, Blacks and the Priesthood (the reasons) or other obscure things. |Material that ridicules the Church for no other reason than to grow hatred or it unreasonable (usually regarding things that can't be proven) - that is the stuff that I would call anti-mormon. [What is your personal opinion on the use of contraceptives? For both genders? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1t2k?context=5)|My personal opinion is - I am all for it! I would have 10 kids I my wife and I didn't use birth control. |The Church does not have an official opinion on birth control. In the Church handbook bishops are instructed to stay out of the bedroom and bedroom issues. |An exception is if someone would ask a Church leader about permanent birth control (vasectomy or tube tied) - in that case we may strongly encourage them to reconsider and to not do it. |Personally, we opted for permanent birth control. :) [As an exmo converted and baptized by my ex-boyfriend, of the converts you had in your Ward, how many actually stayed active?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1mkx?context=5)|Retaining converts was always a concern. There was at times, minor tension between Ward leadership and the missionary program. |I think we retained about 60% of our convert baptisms. [How do you feel about the fact that women have no paths to authority in the church? My roommate is a Mormon and always justifies this form of mysoginy with "but women can get babies and I'd love to get babies so that totally justifies not letting them have any form of authority in the church!"](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2dib?context=5)|Good questions. I will have to keep it short because I am falling way behind with all the responses.... [ as a followup, how do you feel about teaching children that people should be put into categories (women have no authority in the church, homosexuals can't be married\)? Are you worried that you're contributing to the problems caused by this form of marginalization (a nod to the LDS church's stance on blacks from decades past at this point\)?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2dib?context=5)|[Link to mormonscholarstestify.org](http://mormonscholarstestify.org/1718/valerie-hudson-cassler) [EDIT: AND MORE QUESTIONS!](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2dib?context=5)|I think it is easy to extend the role of women to other areas, but we often don't. [Churches are, by definition, authoritarian systems with limited, if any, democratic traits. However, if I understood it correctly, you elect a church President (in a closed election\) the way the Pope is elected by Cardinals. How do you explain this apparent dichotomy in politics? On one hand god allegedly dictates hierarchial structures (Jesus, Disciples, the Pope, Bishops, Cardinals, etc. in various faiths\) and on the other we strive towards democracy as the ideal political system. Do you support the church's forrays into politics (support of Prop 8 in California, for example\) or do you believe that earthly politics should be exclusively democratic and secular?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2dib?context=5)|We don't elect a Church President. The next President of the Church is always the most senior Apostle. When the Church President passes away the First Presidency is dissolved and each man takes his position in the Quorum of Apostles - in order of seniority. So... in a sense, you always know who the next President will be and the joke in the Church is the Lord, if he doesn't want someone to be the next President, will simply remove them. [Have you seen/heard of the musical Book of Mormon? What do you think about it?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k1r2v?context=5)|Sorry. I haven't seen it, but some friends are going to NY soon and plan to see it. [What kind of training do you go through before you begin asking minors about their masturbation habbits? (edit: or "discuss" if we are going to get pedantic, my question is about the professional training you have recieved to be qualifed to maintain such a coversation with a minor\) ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2tjx?context=5)|LOL - I didn't ask minors about masturbation. What kind of fool does that? That said, I did talk about it or have it discussed in a classroom setting. Multiple young men all looking down at their shoes. Would that all classes were that quiet. |I also had the Young Woman leaders talk about it in a classroom setting. I made sure everyone was clear that people were NOT going to burn in hell for masturbating. [The majority of Mormon bishops in my expeience (actually all of them if I can recall\). But good for you for not probing. However you did say you discussed it with them. So could you please answer the question.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k65qi?context=5)|From a *religious* aspect I would suspect I am as qualified an most other religious leaders. I considered some mb within the bounds or normal... not completely acceptable, but not something to freak out about. That said, I am not a professional youth sex counselor and if I encountered anything out of the norm - I would, if possible, pass the youth off to a professional counselor. [What was your training? Why are you qualified to speak on these subjects with minors?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k65qi?context=5)|"Why are you qualified to speak on these subjects with minors?" [How can you, as a Mormon Bishop, not speak for or represent the Mormon Church? Isn't that the job of a bishop?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2cla?context=5)|Nope. Not the job of the bishop. |Also - I am not the bishop any longer. I served for around 6 years. I was recently released. [Why were you released?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k5bku?context=5)|Most bishops serve from 4 to 5 years and at that point they are released from service. [What is your stance on abortion??????](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4kecpk?context=5)|Incest. |Rape. |Mother's life is in danger. |Church leadership does not go around asking people if they had abortions so if you had one and never said anything - nobody would find out. |That said, I did have a few people that had abortions when they were away from the church. Due to the amount of time between the abortion and when they confessed I felt there was nothing that needed to be done on my end. They felt bad enough without me adding to their troubles. [Does the fact that Joseph Smith was a convicted conman give you any serious reservations about your faith?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2cr2?context=5)|Not at all. My faith is in Jesus Christ. There are many questions on how/why Joseph was convicted or even what he was doing.... I don't really care because I believe in the Book of Mormon. There are people in the scriptures that did not do well, but it didn't change the good things they did before the fall - David and Solomon come immediately to mind. [Why is this question 1 hour old, the top comment, and unanswered? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2jc0?context=5)|I thought the newest questions were at the bottom.... like a blog or forum. I answered many of those questions at the bottom. [How do you reconcile the fact that your religion's belief system is inherently racist?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2l5l?context=5)|Which major religious book does NOT contain racist teachings according to today's standards? |Bible? Torah? Quran? Book of Mormon? |I realize that my response doesn't answer your question, but I don't think there is a way to satisfy your desires. The world has changed. The ancients religious books don't match up with our enlightened view of things. [As someone who grew up Christian and knows quite a bit about that faith, can you explain to me the ideological differences between Mormonism and mainstream Christianity? I get that you view Joseph Smith as a prophet and all that, but what exactly did he teach that differs from the Bible?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2dfx?context=5)|The Cult question is the easiest to answer. I don't think you will find most non-LDS Christians saying Mormon's are a cult. Think Catholics, Lutheran, Methodists - by and large they have a live and let live attitude towards the Church. The Evangelical Christian movement does have some issues. Why? Differences in the Trinity, Sacrament, Book of Mormon, modern Prophets... [Also, how do you respond to the fact that most non-LDS christian organization view Mormonism as a cult?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2dfx?context=5)|I don't think Joseph Smith taught a lot that is different from what is taught in the bible. Heck... there is even a passage that mentions baptism for the dead in the bible. Mostly, he restored the authority of the Priesthood and brought forth the Book of Mormon - which is another testament of Jesus. [Lindsey posits that a strong tenant of the LDS teachings is that economic success on Earth is proportional to one's standing with God; which has created a situation where Mormon business leaders are treated almost reverentially, and the poor are treated as sinners.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k24so?context=5)|I have not read that book, but I don't agree with his position. I have not seen nor ever heard - even in passing - anyone even suggest that economic success = more righteous. The poor are not treated as sinners. [*I have not seen nor ever heard - even in passing - anyone even suggest that economic success = more righteous.*](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k63gk?context=5)|While I was bishop I went through a couple of rough financial periods. Basically, I was downsized like so many others. It was difficult, but I never felt that I was being judged by God because I lost my job. [Who would win in a fight, you or bishop from the xmen?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k52s0?context=5)|Me. He wouldn't get past my magic underwear. [Don't you think that it's troubling that there has been absolutely no archaeological evidence to back up the book of Mormon? Or physiological evidence to tie the Native Americans to the Semitic groups from The Middle East?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k3h31?context=5)|I am not worried about it. My testimony is in the words of the Book of Mormon - not the origin. |If I worried about that I would need to worry about why there is no evidence of many major things in the Bible. I don't worry about either. [So what would you do if one of the members of your ward came out as transgender and said they intended to go through transition from their current physical gender to their actual gender?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k8zui?context=5)|I had one person who went through a gender change. We met and discussed many things... at the end of the day they decided to just stop coming to church. I will occasionally see this person (they work at a store I frequent). They are still a member of the church. We smile at each other, but not much else. [What do you do with homosexual individuals? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k8zui?context=5)|I have made several comments regarding homosexuals and the church. In short - I had two gay men serving in my bishopric at different times. [So what really is the deal with getting your own planet? Do you really believe god lives on kolob?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k24m2?context=5)|I have never thought of it before. I would guess that the vast majority of church members never think or concern themselves with such things. Certainly, they hear of it, but it's such a non-issue for most members. [My mother is convinced that Mormans call themselves "Christians" in an effort to deceptively lure people into their religion by aligning themselves with the other "truly Christian" religions. Any truth to this so I can put it to bed for her? She thinks Mormans are part of a cult and not "true Christians." Any truth to this? ](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4kd15p?context=5)|I believe that I am saved through the Grace of Jesus Christ. I believe in Him and put all my hope in Him. |We do NOT believe that we are saved through ANY other method or person. Only through faith in Jesus and by His grace. [I asked another mormon redditor this question a few weeks back, but he didn't have an answer for me. Seeing as you are a little higher ranked than him I would like to ask you. When I was 16 I was on my way home from my birthday dinner. I crossed a street and all of a sudden an object just landed at me feet. At first I looked up and couldn't see anyone who may have dropped or thrown anything from a building. When I looked down and inspected the object it turned out to be the Book of Mormon. I tried to read it, but that book is even more boring than the King James Bible. Anyway, question is: Are there mormon ninjas that through the book of mormon off building to people, or would you say it was a sign of god or something?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4kequq?context=5)|I like the idea of Mormon ninjas. [To me, the fact that African Americans couldn't have the priesthood is a blatant slap in the face to anyone who accepts "Jesus". I'm agnostic, ex-mormon if that matters. But every time I think of the LDS church in the 60's... denying this "God-Given" gift to a certain skin color.. I get infuriated. What are your views on the denial of priesthood to them until the late 70's?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k29qc?context=5)|"What are your views on the denial of priesthood to them until the late 70's?" |I think it would be a tough pill to swallow if I were black. Which really shows the strength of the many black members who overcome that glaring part of the Church's history. |I also think that blacks and the priesthood was pretty much a non-issue for most church members until, what... maybe the 1950's? Up until then the church was concentrated within the isolation of Utah and the mountain areas. Not many blacks there at the time so I don't think it was really thought of much. As the Church expanded outward they ran into a moral/political reality that was probably a bit shocking. |So, to me, I am satisfied that the church was able to change in 20 years or so of it becoming an issue. [I've heard that close family (parents, spouse, children\) will be able to see that I have resigned if I do go through with it. They are all aware that I don't believe in the church anymore, but I worry that they will be hurt if they see I have officially separated from the church. It's a big deal.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k3v1g?context=5)|Your name will disappear from the Ward directory so - if a family member is in your Ward or Stake they may find out that way... but they actually will not know what, if anything, happened. [My question is: is it possible for them to find out? If so, exactly how and why?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k3v1g?context=5)|No. It's not possible for them to find that out unless a family member is in the bishopric of YOUR Ward. [What was the process like for selecting members for callings, leadership positions, etc? As a missionary, we were taught to give callings to the less actives, as a less active I was told by a bishop that it was through revelation. I've also heard that leadership positions can be based on the amount/frequency of tithing payments. How did you typically select someone?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4klrll?context=5)|First - I can absolutely assure everyone that callings (church positions) are not based on tithing amounts/frequency. I have never seen or heard about it in all my years of church administration. Of course, if someone does not pay tithing then they will not be able to qualify for a temple recommend. There are a few callings where you need to be "temple worthy". So, in that sense not paying could preclude you from a specific calling. When we selected people for callings prayer was *always* a part of the process. I admit, that I didn't kneel in prayer for personal revelation for each specific calling. That would have been very time consuming as well as putting much on the Lord that I could do myself - because of the experience he had given me. As an example, we would begin a meeting with a prayer where we asked God for guidance as we selected people for different positions (callings). I would have also prayed in person before coming to the meeting. Now, if we needed a Organ player and there we two selections - 1. a single man above 50 and 2. married woman 3 children under the age of 4 ---- this would be something we could decide fairly quickly. The young mother would be hard pressed to spend sacrament meeting sitting away from her young, needy children. So, unless the Spirit really made it known that we were making a bad move - we would extend the calling to the man in this example. [**My experience with the Church is there is very little homophobia.**](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4l2sb3?context=5)|Right. Not practicing means not being sexually involved. The brethren I worked with were not sexually active. How they felt as gay men was not something I was concerned with. Neither is the Church. The idea is to uphold the standards regardless of the situation. Just like our single members that are getting older and wish they could have sexual experiences - if they want to remain members of the church - they must not become sexually involved unless they are married. [As long as they don't mention it and don't practice it, right? Well, that makes all kinds of sense. /sarcasm.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4l2sb3?context=5)|It's obviously more difficult for gay members since the Church does not recognize gay marriage. I did my best to be inclusive and to have an understanding ear when they felt the need to vent. [LDS here (non-believing. long story, not the point\) Do you feel you have "the mantle" and discernment of truth?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k2bmg?context=5)|When I was the bishop - yes. But, I also want to believe in the best in people so I was lied to often. In the more serious cases - the truth always seemed to work it's way out. [Have you provided proof to anyone? I'm not seeing anything posted.](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k4d57?context=5)|If you have read my posts on this... I can't provide proof until the evening. Even then, I will NOT be posting my name. [Of my peer group, one person was beaten into the hospital at a party after he decided not to go on his mission at 18 (dad and uncle set him up he feels, though he can't do anything about it\), one had her sister attempt to kill her because she's 30, single, no kids, therefore selfish and an embarrassment to the family, several others completely ostracized when they decided to leave the church - how is this not a cult when you turn on your own flesh and blood like this ?](http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/t6vmc/i_am_a_recent_mormon_bishop_ask_anything/c4k22so?context=5)|I have never heard of such evil things. Certainly, the Chruch and it's people would be outraged and sickened if anyone tried to tie their evil actions in any way to the Church. |Those actions are not related to me or my church. *Last updated: 2012-05-09 10:19 UTC* *This post was generated by a robot! Send all complaints to [epsy](/message/compose/?to=epsy).* more