I don't think the Church is in dire straights as you guys say it is with declining active membership.
1. Less tithing deadbeats taking up space means less facilitation cost which leads to ward consolidations and excess meeting houses up for sale
Lacking!
2. Those remaining tend to be more tithe paying since those without Temple recommends are constantly harrassed about it by leaders.
3. A leaner & meaner church means more money & more faithful members.

Glad to know I can help.

You'd think they would quit sending out missionaries so they don't pick up any more deadbeat members. Think of the savings!

  
  

Aahh - deadbeat members dropping out will improve the church. Fewer members equals more money. And the Emperor's new suit is the hautest of haute couture. Why didn't they banish all the deadbeats sooner? Sounds like it would have been better for them. Or maybe it's the latest in ongoing revelation. How's that gonna work out for them I wonder.

Leaner is fatter!

Smaller is bigger!

Fewer members means more dollars!

I think I remember a time, perhaps in the 90's or so, when we were told by the leaders of our ward that the church was going to weed out the less active. Unless we "picked up the pace" we could be ousted.

Of course this was concerning to us enough that we stopped being "less active" and didn't want to be culled. I certainly didn't want to lose my spot in heaven.

I guess that if you had a tree with dead branches, it would benefit the tree to remove those dead branches. I dunno.

Did the tree of knowledge have dead branches hidden within? If Eve hadn't picked that apple, would it have fallen to the ground to rot? Does it even matter now?

Just an added note to say that thinking for oneself? Always a good move. :)

My brain hurts real bad!

PHIL Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> My brain hurts real bad!

If you keep it up, things will likely settle. :)

The church is still growing in the Third World and shrinking in rich countries. This is going to be a major challenge for its leadership.

The "Swedish rescue" didn't work and won't work.

"I don't think the Church is in dire straights"

Money for nothing and your chicks for free.

bradley Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> "I don't think the Church is in dire straights"
>
> Money for nothing and your chicks for free.

Rumored to be included in the new hymnal.

"I don't think the Church is in dire straights"

Agreed. I don't think any of the capitalist corporations that are raising prices of products are in dire straits either.

I'm given to believe that they're somewhat concerned about all those walking away. No matter what's in it for them, they hate to be embarrassed publicly.