DH and I traveled to DC this week and we wanted to meet up with my sister who lives in the area and who we have not seen in over 2 years. We wanted to meet her for breakfast on Sunday, our only time available before the flight out was about 9:00am. She said she had to go to Sacrament meeting and could not meet us. I guess we know where we stand in the pecking order. Is there a rule that all must attend Sacrament meeting or is there a rule that members cannot eat at a breakfast establishment on Sundays?

Mormonism requires strict adherence to vaguely worded, constantly shifting, doctrines--or policies, or doctrines that become policies.

Or rules that used to be doctrines or policies that were uttered by former prophets that momos are told to no longer follow because current prophets seers and revelators have newer conflicting rules to follow.

Yes, is the answer to both your questions. For some people, the guilt and fear they would feel, if they were to think on their own and prioritize what's real and in front of them over their brainwashed beliefs, is too much to cope with. So follow the brainwashing they must.

"Family Forever"- Unless it's on Sunday.

Yeah, families "forever," not families "first." The corporation comes first, then family (unless some members of your family "struggle" with "same sex attraction.")

We were taking bets on what she would choose. WE were not completely surprised with her choice.

How are the Waffle Houses in DC area?

Waffle House's are the same everywhere. Best food you ever had when it's 2:30 am & you're wasted. Crappy & nasty in the daylight when you're sober.

The sad part is that next week at F&T meeting the choice to avoid a sinful family get together becomes a feather in the cap when tearfully shared to prove loyalty to the cause.

And it was a missionary moment to show the poor disillusioned soul the right way.

Can relate to that all too well and what it felt like for you.

Feel good that you were on the right track doing what a god, gods or the spagetti god would give you a thumbs up for, and what I think friends would give you the same.

We choose to adopt rules to justify our own existences. The church peddles such rules--it's in its interest to do so.

I'm a member of the church. I go to the first meeting on Sunday because I like to. I ignore the other meetings, temple visits, family dunkings, callings, almost all of the tithing, fasting, scripture readings, conferences, etc. I mostly keep Sunday "holy" by accident--I find I like to avoid spending $ one day a week at least (my family and I are pretty poor).

But, make no mistake about it, if I was getting something out of it I'd adhere to some of the other silly stuff. Your sister is getting more out of the church's rules than she is out of her relationship with you. You don't justify her existence; the church does.

The church teaches that the church is more important than family. That's not what it SAYS, of course--it could never get away with such honesty--but that's what it teaches.

Exactly.

TSCC is a harsh mistress.

bradley Wrote:
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> TSCC is a harsh mistress.


Jimmy Webb would be honored by the reference.

That's deep. I like Linda Ronstadt's rendition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N88b6YpSMYE

bradley Wrote:
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> That's deep. I like Linda Ronstadt's rendition:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N88b6YpSMYE


I like Ronstadt's rendition as well. I believe the piano accompaniment is by Jimmy Webb in this version. The man couldn't sing well enough to lull someone ODed on Xanax into a state of sleep, but he could compose, and his piano skills were insanely good.

Devil's Advocate:

You were in DC for a week and the only time you could meet with your religious sister is during her most important church worship service?

I don't argue that it seems harsh she couldn't meet you Sunday before your flight, but if you were in the area on days other than Sunday and you know church is more important to her than anything, maybe another time could have been suggested?