AboutDavid Gross Expertise If you are truly seeking answers or information I will do my best to answer questions related to any aspect of the LDS Church.
Experience I have been a member of the church for 27+ years after being raised as a not very active Reform Jew.
Question My wife and I are having a discussion about the Latter Day Saints. We are not Latter Day Saints and do not know much about them. We do know about the 10 Commandments. We also know about other religions ideas about honesty and telling the truth. What is the Latter Day Saints doctrine about telling a lie? Also, what is their doctrine about honesty and dealing fairly with other people.
James Kvam
11792 St. Hwy 70
Pine city, MN55063
Answer Faithful Latter Day Saints would not tell lies. One of the questions that we are periodically asked by our local church leaders is "Are you honest?" Of course this means that we should also be fair with all people and follow the "golden rule" to treat others the way that we would want to be treated.
This does not mean that we should be insulting or totally honest if are wives ask "does this dress make me look fat?" There are diplomatic ways to deal with people where there can be more than one truthful answer.
Certainly, two people can have different opinions on what is being honest and they both could be right. That is what keeps many of our lawyers and judges busy.
We are instructed to be honest in paying our taxes. Tax deductions are somewhat of an art. It is up to each individual to determine the application of the law. We are instructed to pay tithing on our income. Would that be before or after taxes? Joseph Smith, when asked how he led such a large group of people replied that "he taught correct principles and let the people govern themselves."
We will each have to answer to God someday for the choices that we have made while we are here on Earth. We should keep that in mind when we have a decision to make.
