Jul 18, 2024
In this wonderful conversation, Latter-day Faith board member
Mark Crego talks with Chris
Kimball, the author of Living on the Inside of the
Edge: A Survival Guide (By Common Consent Press, 2023) about
his experiences with the LDS temple recommend processes. Their
focus is on the notion of "worthiness," which most Latter-day
Saints view as the purpose of the recommend interview. Should it
be? Are their other ways to understand it that do not automatically
place the bishop in the judgment seat of another's ability to
worship in the temple? What might that look like?
During his time as an LDS bishop, Chris became increasingly
uncomfortable in these interviews--so much so that he was
traumatized by it and no longer seeks a recommend. Listen to his
story and more about his choices in this regard. (He also writes
about it at length in his wonderful book noted above.)
Mark and Chris focus on different notions about worthiness, as well
as tools within LDS scripture and teaching for assessing one's own
"fit" for the temple. Also, how might we approach the matter of our
own sense of "worthiness" in the eyes of God, as well as in the
church, which are definitely not the same thing!
Listen in to this fantastic, expansive episode!