Will they punish me for not going?
2007-09-15 20:27:38 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yeah, I was just inactive, I didn't get my name removed from the membership rolls. I wanted to at one time, but I didn't want to break my families heart.
2007-09-15 20:56:52 · update #1
If you were just inactive, but still technically a member:
No they won't punish you. You won't have your callings any more and it may be a bit of time until you can participate in priesthood ordinances. But there is no punishment.
Now if you did as I did and stupidly REMOVED YOUR NAME from the membership, then it's a different story.
Once again, it really isn't "punishment" (or at least I didn't see it that way) but there is a lengthy set of steps to go about. (The first of which was a letter to the prophet. That was the hardest letter I have ever had to write, but after I figured out the first sentence, the Spirit picked up and wrote the rest).
Re-baptism, and re-confirmation (and all other subsequent ordinances) have to be performed, but all in all being able to take the sacrament again and live the law of tithing has been WELL WORTH IT ALL.
It may get a little overwhelming, but just take my words as comfort: If I'm able to transition back into the fold after all the HORRIBLE things I've done, I'm confident that anyone can. (and believe me by the time I decided to come back, I had done some things worth excommunication).
I wish you the best of luck! :)
2007-09-15 20:52:43 · answer #1 · answered by Feelin Randi? 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
I would recommend saying you "moved in" to the ward from another ward. If you tell them you've been inactive, they'll go out of their way to give you "special treatment" and "fellowship."
Read up on the Church some more, spend some time with your scriptures (especially your Bible), and maybe check out some D Michael Quinn or Grant Palmer for good measure. Then, when you become active again, you'll at least be able to "believe in the Church" in a sensible way to where you won't want to flee it again in 2 to 3 years after rediscovering its problems.
Joseph and Brigham were great ol' dudes and everything, but taken seriously, are tougher than Al Sharpton to uphold as prophets of God.
Edit: Yeah, it'll probably take a few months before they start "planting the seeds" of back-tithing into your mind. They won't tell you that you have to pay it, or require it for a temple recommend, but they'll say something like "golly, Jeremy, it would sure please the Lord for you to show your gratitude by catching up on your tithing! After all He's done for you, you may want to consider trueing up with Him"
2007-09-17 05:30:39 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Getting active again in church simply involves going to church every week. They won't punish you for having been inactive. In fact, they will probably be very happy to see you back at church, much like the father of the prodigal son was happy when his son came back home.
2007-09-16 05:40:40 · answer #3 · answered by all star 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Good for you! I love attending the church services. I'm in the Palm Desert Stake in California. Recently I've noticed several returning to church and it's sure nice to have their fellowship!
2007-09-16 15:59:48 · answer #4 · answered by guest 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
no. no punishment. in fact, one of my friends is notorious for being inactive, but still comes to church frequently. we were and are still happy to see him.
2007-09-17 05:31:25 · answer #5 · answered by Captain Galactic 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No punishment, not even back-tithing. Just show up, meet people and enjoy. They'll be glad to have you back.
2007-09-17 05:17:00 · answer #6 · answered by Senator John McClain 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your punishment will be an abundance of attention. They will kill the fatted calf.
2007-09-17 04:17:46 · answer #7 · answered by Isolde 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No one will punish you. You will be welcome back with open arms.
gw
2007-09-17 05:24:47 · answer #8 · answered by georgewallace78 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nope they will welcome you back with open arms and be thrilled to see you again.
2007-09-15 20:32:27 · answer #9 · answered by Cinthia Round house kicking VT 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
No, they'll probably welcome you back with open arms. Or they should.
2007-09-17 07:05:22 · answer #10 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋