Comments on: Postlude to “Why do Mormon (LDS) facilities look so good?”

By: Charles Bradley

Charles Bradley — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 06:56:18 +0000

I have been in Utah for 4 years and have been involved with evangelical churches for 15 yeas.
The spiritual climate here is one of legalism and lawlessness, all at the same time. To balance the issue there should be some context of what is sacrificed for image. If you look at the “family health” stats for my state, you may see some low points.
Yes, we are lazy Americans and we work hard for things. The Mormons have emotionally attached themselves to church facilities as part of their ego and their image.
This is not true of many Christians who are not so concerned with how things look or “are keeping real”. We are a mess, but we love each other on that emotional level.
Our church facility is very nice and has a home type feeling. “They do a great job”. Telling, yes I just take out the trash.
Some of us are not motivated by the love of image, but the love of each other.
My basic view is “they do a great job”. We need to be the “they” and love our church family like ourselves.
Thank you,
Charles Bradley

By: Brad

Brad — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:27:35 +0000

“It’s not my job” … “I am above taking trash out” … we live in the video-game world (lazy)
But if Jesus was near we would do what He ask but if not we just step over the boxes.

By: Bob Smith

Bob Smith — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:07:28 +0000

It is unfortunate, but it is easy for us to fall into the trap of believing that taking care of the physical condition of our church buildings is someone else’s responsibility. Just yesterday, some empty boxes were in the hallway at our church and a lady walked by and told me how somebody needs to move those boxes to the dumpster. It was clear from her words and tone that she disapproved of that clutter, but it was also clear that she wasn’t about to do anything about it other than complain. (For the record, the music minister and I did take them to the dumpster.)

This sort of thing is a typical human failing. I am not suggesting that everything should be done by volunteers, but churches and church members should consider maintaining their buildings and grounds as part of their stewardship responsibilities.

Hmmm, who could a church turn to if they don’t have the staff or volunteers that can perform preventive maintenance and make ongoing repairs?

By: Steve Cruze

Steve Cruze — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:16:40 +0000

I find it relevant that of the first three things man was given along with life,…. was stewardship (Gen 1:26) Man was given ‘rest’ or worship (Gen 2:3) Man was given a helper or family for stewardship. (Gen 2:18) We choose what we are stewards of and from those prime choices flows culture. The LDS culture emphasizes stewardship over places of worship as being first over ones own home and family being pre-eminent over everything else man has been given dominion over.

Beyond debate is ultimate reality. In that reality men of faith continue what God has purposed and started here and now.

By: charlie

charlie — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:29:03 +0000

The reason their property look so nice is because its a way of life with them. For the most part they are clean cut nice people and their life style shows that therefore their facilities are well kept. It all about respect…