Is the LDS church the perfect lifeboat?

truecougarblue · Heavy Crude Joined: Dec 21, 2005 Posts: 473

I've been thinking quite a bit about this especially as things appear to be spinning a bit out of control. I frequently read posts by relative newbies who are pretty freaked out and it seems to me that if the topic question above is answered in the affirmative it could really calm a lot of apprehension.

I'm not talking theology, doctrine, or belief system here. If anyone needs to challenge me based on that they can feel free to PM me. To be clear I'm also obviously not talking about any fundamentalist sect but the main body of "mormons" (see lds.org)

Here are my reasons for belief that the LDS church is the best chance for a lifeboat for many people.

1) Quite literally it is a huge multinational, multi billion dollar organization. One principle goal of the church is assisting it's members in achieving self sufficiency. (see providentliving.org) The entire organization from the top down works together in the hope of helping each other be better.

2) The leadership of the church at all levels serves in a volunteer capacity. Members are asked to donate 10% as tithing and additionally are asked to donate time and money to projects to help the less fortunate. The relatively low overhead has allowed the church to acquire extensive real estate holdings which include the chapels used in weekly worship services.

3) The church has an extensive food production and storage program with tiered programs for the individual, local, regional, and worldwide level.

4) The strongest contingent of church membership, and thus it's greatest strength, is concentrated in the rocky mountain region of North America from Alberta in the north down through Juarez in the south. It is widely thought that due to the heavy agricultural emphasis in the economy of this region that community self sufficiency may be possible post peak.

5) The members of the LDS church generally believe that the US constitution is a divinely inspired document and many of them wholeheartedly support the amendments to it, not least of which is the 2nd. (for Jack)

6) Individuals and families who follow the counsel of church leaders have a years supply of food and access to emergency supplies of water and other necessities and are quite frequently in a position to defend them with arms if needed.

Now, I'm obviously not saying everyone should run out and join the LDS church, despite my personal belief in it. I recognize that not everyone is willing to live according to the standards of the church nor should one cast off one religion casually for another.

What I do give as a heartfelt suggestion and advice to any and all who are increasingly concerned about how they are going to take care of family in the event of crisis is that they seek out a local mormon Bishop and ask him if they could be included in the local ward's emergency plan. I'd be surprised if anyone encountered rejection and it might just make the difference between life and death.

I'd love to hear ideas if anyone knows of a group better positioned to help people through the tough times ahead.

FWIW
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Cougar

"Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." - Brigham Young

Jack · Dark Lord Joined: Aug 11, 2004 Posts: 5123

I think it's a great idea.

That said, my impression is that the LDS people have a strong sense of community. So - one would need to deal with other people in the church; maybe good, maybe not so good. And giving up coffee is a no-go for me.

For those willing to accept the various Church doctrines, and some of the restrictions implied by same, it certainly seems like a viable approach.

One caution - in times of stress, people are likely to turn on anyone "different". The events with the FLDS people in Texas is suggestive. The experiences of the first Mormons under Brigham Young are instructive.
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truecougarblue · Heavy Crude Joined: Dec 21, 2005 Posts: 473

I think part of my point Jack is that I'd be really surprised to find that anyone would find themselves rejected if they seek to participate in the local ward's emergency prep and food storage activities. For that type of activity I think it's obvious that one wouldn't be required to live all the church standards. A smoker would just need to not smoke while on church property, for example.

If anyone out there gets a Bishop who doesn't seem to want to help out PM me with his name and number and I'll give him an earful. But please everyone understand that a Bishop doesn't get paid for his service. He's probably an accountant or fireman or engineer and his church service is extra. Be gentle.

truecougarblue · Heavy Crude Joined: Dec 21, 2005 Posts: 473

There are 13 basic articles of the LDS faith. http://scriptures.lds.org/en/a_of_f/1

Number 11 says this:

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own cconscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

Jack · Dark Lord Joined: Aug 11, 2004 Posts: 5123

BigTex

I started a thread on this a couple of months back. Do a search with Mormon in the thread title. There was a little discussion of similar issues. I asked for any Mormons to contribute, but I don't think anyone did.

I strongly suggest that this thread stay away from discussions about Mormon theology, because that's going to completely derail a good discussion of preparedness.

I am deeply impressed with how ingrained the values of preparation and skepticism of government are in the Mormon church.

In many ways Mormons are the Jews of North America.
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Smile

threadbear · Expert Joined: Jan 22, 2005 Posts: 7738

Yep, they've got it all over any other church in terms of safe haven. Church communities of all kinds will fill a void left by economic ruin and stupid govt policy.

truecougarblue · Heavy Crude Joined: Dec 21, 2005 Posts: 473

"This group was part of the LDS.

401 children taken in raid of Texas polygamist compound

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-04-07-Polygamy_N.htm"

You are woefully misinformed if you think the fundamentalist "mormons" in Texas have anything to do with the LDS church. This sect and others like it are comprised of individuals and their descendants who wouldn't give up polygamy when the church did, in 1889.

I'll give you a real easy tell for which mormons are fundamentalist and which are from the main church. Are the women allowed to wear pants? These fundamentalist cults take away the individuals freedom, often under threat of violence. This is obviously contrary to Christian principles and these groups should be prosecuted wherever they break the law

I'll address the child bearing issue as well, if we are in need of returning to a self sustaining agrarian community who exactly is going to do all the work?

skyemoor

Tyler_JC

vision-master,

This thread is not a discussion of ideology, it's a discussion of the LDS Church as a source of preparedness.

I happen to believe that being a member of any strong community organization is a good idea, especially an organization that focuses on preparedness.

It might be tough for smokers and coffee-addicts but we should be trying to avoid dependence on luxury items, right?

Mormons are historically very law-abiding and have a strong sense of community. This will come in handy given a disaster. Instead of looting their neighborhood during a blackout, Mormons will light some candles and help each other out.

That being said, you don't want to be the only Mormon on your street. If you want to join the LDS Church, I suggest moving to Utah or other places with a large number of Mormons. The positive network effect only works once you reach a critical mass.
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"www.peakoil.com is the Myspace of the Apocalypse."

AgentR

Someone is trying to de-rail a thread! Razz

In any event, I think most local oriented churches that have solid histories will function very well in a "lifeboat" capacity. LDS groups are a bit more overt in their thinking of preperation; but that doesn't invalidate the style of other churches, nor their true functionality when honest need arises.

The point about volunteering, even if you aren't Mormon/Catholic/Jewish is also quite true; you aren't likely to be subjected to a litmus test before your labor is accepted.
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Yes, we are. As we are.
And so shall we remain; Until the end.

Aaron

"But I love caffeine, alcohol, and monogamy"
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"When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours." - Stephen F Roberts.

Praise HawkMan

truecougarblue · Heavy Crude Joined: Dec 21, 2005 Posts: 473

truecougarblue · Heavy Crude Joined: Dec 21, 2005 Posts: 473

CarlinsDarlin · Moderator Joined: Jul 02, 2004 Posts: 1420

cougar,
I agree that the LDS church can play a valuable role. The food calculator I use, for example, is based on LDS models. The preparedness aspect of the LDS faith has always been impressive to me. I don't know how many will actively approach local congregations for inclusion in their "lifeboat", but I do think that their example is a good one to learn from, and can (and I imagine, has) help people in preparing themselves.

Social networking through many organizations will be helpful. I agree that most churches these days have too top-heavy an organization. Our own local congregation is pastored by a non-paid volunteer (and very knowledgable) pastor. There are few like him left. We are indeed fortunate. In smaller mini-crises situations among our congregation's members, the congregation has pulled together to help out. I can see that only getting stronger as the economy gets worse.
Kathy