I have been researching the LDS for a few months now and have been thinking long and gard about becoming a member. My questions are regarding if tithing is required, must I give up all teas, and must I give up all my free time for church work?
4 Responses to “I have been researching the LDS for a few months now and hav…”
Lucas Cruz
2009-09-14 02:39:09
Hi Tj. I'm very happy to hear that you're thinking about joining the church! Being a member has been a tremendous blessing in my life. While I still face challenges, living Christ's gospel has brought me peace. I know it can do the same for you!
Tithing. As you know, anyone is free to worship with us without paying tithing. When one becomes a member of the Church, however, one accepts a greater responsibility. Prior to baptism, investigators have a simple interview to make sure they are ready for baptism. The interviewer typically asks whether or not the investigator understands and is willing to obey the law of tithing.
It's important to understand what tithing is and what it isn't. As you may know, the LDS Church has virtually no paid clergy. Tithing money is not used to "line the pockets of the preacher," so to speak. Rather, tithing is a way of showing our dedication to God, a way of demonstrating that we put Him first in our hearts, above the things of the world. Tithing money is used to fund the Church's humanitarian programs. It's used, among other things, to provide vaccinations for children in Africa, to fund Church welfare projects, and to build chapels and temples. God does not need our money, but, in His great mercy, He provides us with opportunities to participate in His great work. Tithing is one way that we can participate, and it brings great spiritual blessings. I invite you to study the law of tithing more and to pray to God, asking for a confirmation that tithing is a true principle.
The rest of your questions are easy. :)
Teas. Mormons do drink herbal teas. It seems to me that green tea is a "gray area" You might want to ask the missionaries and/or your local bishop for more information.
Church service. No one gives up all their free time for church work! It's important to have a balance in your life. Most callings in the Church require at most a couple of hours a week. If you ever feel overwhelmed, just talk to your bishop. He's there to help.
Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Lowell
2009-09-09 22:33:05
Hello :) Tithing teaches us humility, charity, obedience to God, and many other eternal principles, aside that, do not view tithing as an expense, view it as an investment, tithing brings many spiritual blessings. It is only because of God that we have everything that we do, and all he asks is 10% back of what he has already given us in the first place.
Concerning teas, you can still drink herbal tea, but other than that, yes, you will have to abstain from all other teas.
I would not say you would have to give all your free time away, there is attending Sunday services (3 hours) and other occasional social/service activities, but you should still have plenty of freetime, I do :)
I know that this church is the true church of Jesus Christ, I know that Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God, that Thomas S. Monson presides over this church today under Jesus Christ as prophet, seer, and revelator. Most of all, I know that Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sins, and thereby atoned for them, that he was our perfect examplar, and that he has an unconditional love for us that we cannot even comprehend. I know that Heavenly Father is real and that he also loves and cares for us more than we can comprehend, and that he is the Father of Jesus Christ. I know that the Holy Ghost is also real, and that he witnesses of the reality, divinity, and truth of Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, this church, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that the Book of Mormon truly is the word of God. If you have not done so already, read the Book of Mormon and pray to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, with a sincere heart, having true intent, and faith in Christ, and ask if the Book of Mormon is true, if Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God, if Thomas S. Monson is truly a prophet today, and if this church truly is the restored church of Jesus Christ, and I promise you will receive an answer that all of these things are true. I say these things in the name of Heavenly Father's beloved, begotten son, Jesus Christ, amen. :)
Richard
2009-09-10 23:20:52
If all our free time is given to church service then we are pretty boring, one sided individuals. The prophets have counseled that we need to find a balance in life. This includes of course serving in the church when called to do so, but you also need to do a few more items of living, such as, continue your education if opportunity permits, take care of family needs, have fun recreational activities with friends and such. Just use your best judgment to be the best you, you can. It is written that we are agents unto ourselves, but we will be judged on the use of our time... Thank heaven for the atonement of Jesus that we can screw up as humans so often do, learn from the mistakes, grow and be better in the future.
Live your life the best you know, and when you learn more truths work to make your life conform to them. Best of luck! (We all need it)
Anonymous
2009-09-10 19:29:28
Herbal teas are allowed. To answer your third question, your free time is yours and all church work is on a volunteer basis, if you don't want to give up your free time then don't volunteer.
Tithing. As you know, anyone is free to worship with us without paying tithing. When one becomes a member of the Church, however, one accepts a greater responsibility. Prior to baptism, investigators have a simple interview to make sure they are ready for baptism. The interviewer typically asks whether or not the investigator understands and is willing to obey the law of tithing.
It's important to understand what tithing is and what it isn't. As you may know, the LDS Church has virtually no paid clergy. Tithing money is not used to "line the pockets of the preacher," so to speak. Rather, tithing is a way of showing our dedication to God, a way of demonstrating that we put Him first in our hearts, above the things of the world. Tithing money is used to fund the Church's humanitarian programs. It's used, among other things, to provide vaccinations for children in Africa, to fund Church welfare projects, and to build chapels and temples. God does not need our money, but, in His great mercy, He provides us with opportunities to participate in His great work. Tithing is one way that we can participate, and it brings great spiritual blessings. I invite you to study the law of tithing more and to pray to God, asking for a confirmation that tithing is a true principle.
The rest of your questions are easy. :)
Teas. Mormons do drink herbal teas. It seems to me that green tea is a "gray area" You might want to ask the missionaries and/or your local bishop for more information.
Church service. No one gives up all their free time for church work! It's important to have a balance in your life. Most callings in the Church require at most a couple of hours a week. If you ever feel overwhelmed, just talk to your bishop. He's there to help.
Good luck! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Concerning teas, you can still drink herbal tea, but other than that, yes, you will have to abstain from all other teas.
I would not say you would have to give all your free time away, there is attending Sunday services (3 hours) and other occasional social/service activities, but you should still have plenty of freetime, I do :)
I know that this church is the true church of Jesus Christ, I know that Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God, that Thomas S. Monson presides over this church today under Jesus Christ as prophet, seer, and revelator. Most of all, I know that Jesus Christ suffered and died for our sins, and thereby atoned for them, that he was our perfect examplar, and that he has an unconditional love for us that we cannot even comprehend. I know that Heavenly Father is real and that he also loves and cares for us more than we can comprehend, and that he is the Father of Jesus Christ. I know that the Holy Ghost is also real, and that he witnesses of the reality, divinity, and truth of Jesus Christ, Heavenly Father, this church, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and that the Book of Mormon truly is the word of God. If you have not done so already, read the Book of Mormon and pray to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, with a sincere heart, having true intent, and faith in Christ, and ask if the Book of Mormon is true, if Joseph Smith truly was a prophet of God, if Thomas S. Monson is truly a prophet today, and if this church truly is the restored church of Jesus Christ, and I promise you will receive an answer that all of these things are true. I say these things in the name of Heavenly Father's beloved, begotten son, Jesus Christ, amen. :)
Live your life the best you know, and when you learn more truths work to make your life conform to them. Best of luck! (We all need it)