Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics
Providing thoughtful and faithful responses to criticisms and questions of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
Charity is the heart and soul of service and ministry. Without compassion and mercy, no other spiritual gifts have any purpose or meaning - not even our own faith in God. The Apostle concludes that there are three important things in our lives: Faith, Hope, and Charity. His conclusion is that Charity is the greatest of the three.
Again, the phrase appears in my mind, lingering like an unwanted specter. To be or not to be; that is the question. My soul groans and cries out - What is the answer? Only silence. The barren desert appears again. The warmth from the day lingers in the twilight hours. Long after the sun descended over the horizon. Only the moon glows against the velvet canopy of sky. Stars blinking in chorus for some cosmic audience. The desert wind becomes a cold talon. The desert's friend is loneliness.
As meaningful as our desire is to reach out to those who are lost, and specifically more so to those suffering from active substance use and mental health disorders; we do well to remember the wise and therapeutic recommendation to do no harm. And erroring on the side of ignorance is not cutting it anymore. What I propose is for the Christian community at large, and each individual Christian personally, to come to understand some things when engaged in ministry work. That is, to become aware, educated, and understand the true nature of recovery, the healing process, and the restoration of an individual to a meaningful and purposeful Christian life and relationship. Not just with our Savior, Jesus Christ, but also in relationship with others that are supportive, understanding (through empathy and compassion). A sanctuary that is considered safe.
Along with the rise in housing cost, the lack in affordable housing, there is also the increase in the lacking of gainful employment. Even in the City of Seattle, a person working full time (approximately 30 hours per week) at 15.00 per hour may not be able to afford the "necessities" earlier referenced. Additionally, factor in the cost of health care (including the Affordable Care Act), health premiums and insurance rates have dramatically increased.
Whether we are rich or poor - we still are beggars standing in need of mercy, grace, compassion, and forgiveness. The Epistle of James reminds us of this reality and truth. Therefore, when we shift our attitudes and perceptions from a worldly concept and false belief, we are able to comprehend and understand the eternal principles of God's divine royal law of love.
James 1:1-4 teaches us the simple and practical truth. That through our faith, patience helps us endure suffering, and the wisdom we gain helps us make the necessary changes and adjust according to the circumstances. Yes – it is true. In the storms of life, we do not have the power and authority to change the tempest. We are empowered to adjust those sails.
In the previous essay, Christianity and the presenting problem of poverty in America today, we explored the question as to who is considered poor and impoverish; as well as, what lead to their state of poverty. The summation of this essay provides insight in two things: Poverty is defined by an individual (or family) lacking… Continue reading The Christian Ethical dilemma and obligation in how to alleviate American Poverty
According to report by the US Census Bureau, released in 2012, the official figures of American's experiencing poverty is about 46.2 million; or, about 15% of the US Population. Moore reflects how poverty threshold increases since the government started tracking poverty records, beginning in 1969. Furthermore, Moore reflects how the increase in America's poverty may be attributed to the ripple effects from the Great Recession. Quoting Professor Mark Rank of Washington University in St. Louis, the reason for increase in poverty is not due to individuals working less, or are not working harder, it is because there appears to be a lack in decent paying jobs.
Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 
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