Did anyone else struggle with the general mood permeating this weekend’s Conference? Did it feel like an Award Ceremony for you? There seemed to be a lot of extra back slapping and testimony bearing of one another. Fun press conferences and lots of thank yous and I couldn’t have done this without yous coupled with I’m so blessed and “humbled” and oh did I mention I’m a multi-generational Mormon?
I don’t think it was intended to be conveyed but the message for me was “I’d like to thank my mom and dad and my wife and kids and grandkids and mission president and college classmates and all of you, who have made me into the amazing man I am today.”
I was also perplexed that there was so much commercialization taking place on KSL in-between sessions, especially on Sunday. KSL of course is owned by the Church and ad spots during Conference are not cheap. I was taken aback when I saw a commercial for Icon Health and Fitness just after the Sunday session Elder Stevenson spoke. He is the founder of Icon and I believe he still has a financial interest in that company. Was that just a strange coincidence?
Juxtapose the commercialization on the Sabbath to the new hobby theme of “keeping the Sabbath day holy and making it a delight” being mentioned in nearly every talk. Any issues for you there? Should the Church be running for-profit ads on Sunday in between the words of “prophets”? Why not just say, “This next talk by President Monson is brought to you by Lehi Roller Mills” and have the company logo displayed on the screen below him? It’s not like the Church has no say in the matter. They could have just as easily chosen to promote nothing during Conference.
Since I first published this post, I have received word from commenters and in email that Elder Devin Durrant used his position and his talk to try to sell merchandise. I highly recommend reading this story from KUTV. It may surprise you.
Apparently Elder Durrant tried to capitalize on the word ponderize, a word he invented that he would introduce to the World Church in his upcoming Conference talk. Apparently they bought the domain name in September 2015, “ponderize.us” and began printing t-shirts and making wristbands to be promoted the moment Elder Durrant finished his talk. His son Ryan is listed as the contact agent of the domain name (see whois listing). Elder Durrant has apologized for “letting his son” go ahead with the idea, but only after a lot of criticism and after a lot of family planning to design and order inventory. To say this is an example of the commercialization of our religion would be an understatement. As a member, I say shame on us.
I don’t point these things out just to be negative. Each of us has an obligation to decide if these men who call themselves prophets, seers, and revelators are in fact acting as such. Do they stand in the presence of God? Are their words inspired by angelic ministrations? Have they knelt at Jesus’ feet? Do they teach others to come unto Him in the same manner? Or are these just “good” men doing the best they can with the precepts of men? I don’t condemn them if so. I pray for them to receive mercy. I know a few of them and I love them. BUT, we will be judged if we cannot discern whether they are true prophets or not.
When Adam was being taught all manner of false doctrine by the leaders of churches in his day, he stood firm. The god of this world trained his leaders to teach the philosophies of men, mingled with scripture (2 Nephi 28:31) and they perfected the craft so that the teaching was received very well by nearly all. “Except this man,” Adam would not believe what was being taught. Why not? Because he had been promised (as we are all promised) that God would send true messengers (Moroni 7:22).
Adam undoubtedly listened to their talks and may have even felt warm inside as church leaders shared stories and comforting words. But it was not enough for Adam, and so he sought greater blessings. He remembered God’s promise to His children and despite the pressure, he did not give in to men.
Even when the angels finally appeared and began to speak, Adam questioned their authenticity. “How shall I know you are true messengers?” Do we question messengers sent to us today? We are warned that in the last days, there will be false prophets (3 Nephi 14:15, 1 John 4:1). Who shall proclaim all is well (2 Nephi 28:21) and that the Lord has done his work and thus now he gives his power unto men (2 Nephi 28:6). These men will preach there is no hell, only kingdoms of glory (2 Nephi 28:22). They will preach to get gain (Alma 30:35). They will wear costly apparel (Alma 31:28). They will say they “know” Him and will perform many wonderful things in His name. But, will we question them? Will we be blessed because we don’t?
Elder Bednar has taught that they are true messengers. Would Adam have trusted Elder Bednar? Should we? Should we look to men (the arm of the flesh) for a message from heaven? Is that the pattern shown in the temple and in scripture? Or should we consider ourselves as if Adam and Eve respectively and do as they have done?
When I hear these men speak, I pray God will help me discern. I believe God expects us to become sanctified that in Christ we may be perfected, in part by discerning between truth and error. But there are those in red seats who may disagree:
The October 2015 Gen Con Memes are already out, to be tweeted, shared, and promoted so that the digital rock that has been carved out without hands may fill the earth. I sure hope they are doctrinally accurate.
We can choose to believe words that make us feel better or we can choose to believe Christ. Either way, we do choose, and will be saved or damned by our choices.
Interestingly, there’s a link on mormonverse.com about Durrant’s talk with the catchy word “ponderize”. Supposedly, shortly after conference you could go to a website and order t-shirts and/or wrist bands with the word “ponderize” or “what’s your verse?” printed on them. Because of criticism the site has already been taken down.
I said to my husband right after the talk, “I bet that will be their next catchy phrase to be printed on merchandise and splashed all over the Internet.” Just like the “I’m a Mormon! I know it! I live it! I love it!”. While pondering on a scriptural verse is never a bad thing, I’m not sure merchandising the idea is a good thing. Even if it’s for a good cause.
RLS
This is my first time commenting on your blog. I have been an active believing member of the church for my entire life. I have always had a great love and respect for the brethren. Less than two months ago I awoke to the truth that there is something wrong with the church. The Lord clearly revealed to me that all is not well in Zion. I have been back and forth and basically in a state of denial, sadness, and confusion, ever since.
I was looking forward to conference in the hopes that I would gain some answers as to what is really going on and what the brethren really are. Are they true apostles or not? Do they have the authority and keys to perform temple work and the other saving ordiniances or not? Unfortunately none of these questions were answered for me this weekend. Just the opposite. I’m more torn than ever about what is going on.
I believe the brethren to be good men who are trying their best to tend to the affairs of the church. Do they have faults? Yes. Can they lead us astray? Yes. Are they currently leading us astray? I don’t know. They do point us to Christ and teach us to live Christ centered lives. President Monson is a very Christlike man who has given his entire life to serving his fellow man and directing the affairs of the church to the best of his ability. It made my heart brake to see him struggling to finish his talk on Sunday morning. He preaches of Christ, he has all his life. It is wrong to speak badly of him and find fault with him in my opinion. Should we blindly follow every word out of his mouth and sing praises to him every time he enters the room? No, but we should love him and pray for him and sustain him in his efforts to fulfill his calling. Sorry for the long comment, but the situation with the brethren and the state of the church is complicated and the whole situation is very unsettling for me.
Are we not commanded by Christ Himself in verse 48 of Matthew as well as in the same verse of 3 Nephi to be perfect? Can we not find that in the scriptures themselves as well as on lds.org? If so, and it is so, what does it mean when the Church publishes a quotation which contradicts the Lord Himself?
Uchtdorf’s priesthood talk was 90% good. But lately the question for me has been, “Do these men live what they are preaching?” Uchtdorf’s talk on Saturday had some profound tidbits, but again I ask, isn’t the Church also gilding the lily with man-made good ideas?
Nelson’s talk was intriguing….if I were to share my experience of blessing my daughter, I could argue that no one could get angry with that experience, and no one could say I should’ve called in an elder, or my husband, who was in the other room, when Nelson clearly said we need women who can call on the powers of heaven to bless their children. He also asked for women who understood the Doctrine of Christ. I could open a talk with that quote, and proceed to explain the Doctrine of Christ as laid out in scripture, and no one should object to it.
I was surprise to gain as much out of conference as I did. Bednar’s was…disappointing to say the least. I believe these are all good men, but I really don’t think we needed a talk focused on the fact they are called because they’ve lived a long life and therefore have more experience in…whatever it is. Joseph was a spring chicken and was called of God. Clearly humility and a connection with the Lord is sufficient, not your age. Jesus was rather young when He began his ministry.
As always, not once did a single “apostle” declare HOW they knew Jesus was the Son of God. I can understand that many may still not believe if they did actually give evidence of their knowledge, but that does not excuse them from providing evidence as Peter, Paul and Joseph Smith did. That’s the job of an Apostle….it’s to witness of Christ. But we’ve scaled it back to witnessing of His name only…..
I have wondered myself lately if the brethren actually live what they teach. I believe for the most part they do. I don’t think any of us are perfect at living what we believe and teach. The brethren are human and we shouldn’t expect them to be perfect. On the flip side, because of their high positions as apostles and even “prophets, seers, and revelators”, they should be held to a higher standard than the average Joe member. What’s particularly disturbing is the blatant way in which they try to avoid and even cover up confusing aspects of church history. They tell us not to question and only believe. They make it appear as though most members who have questions are looking to dig up dirt on the church, when in fact most members who discover discrepancies just want honest answers and a reason to keep believing. The brethren know this. They owe us real answers. Telling us the full truth and sincerely trying to answer each and every honest question shouldn’t be too much to ask of them.
As far as Pres. Monson being a “good” man, I’d mostly agree. But I don’t think any of them are particularly more righteous than a “good” bishop or stake president.
As far as Pres. Monson being a “Christlike” man, I’m less sure. Christ stirred the pot quite a bit. He told the “good” people that prostitutes were entering heaven before them. He whipped people in the temple (I doubt he was using his “temple voice” either). Christ was a bit of a hellion by our standards.
Mark 10:18 “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.”
Maybe Christlike isn’t the same as “good.” Or at least not what we think of as “good.”
Cole, I recommend reading or listening to Denver Snuffer’s 40 Years in Mormonism lecture series. This series exists specifically because of the situation you find yourself in.
I forgot to put the link. Here it is:
http://denversnuffer.com/40-years-in-mormonism-lecture-series/
Thank you Durrants for the clearest message of conference….well, you and icon sports equipment guy :). I’m not sure if Jesus used a Nordic track but I am fairly sure he “ponderized” Isaiah. I just don’t think the wrist band or t-shirt were available from one of the exchangers in the temple. No wonder he was upset, after all that “ponderizing of Isaiah you’d think he could at least get a t-shirt out of the deal!!– temple exchange must be in the “ponderized” ancestral genes. The behavior since has looked like an awkward attempt to recover a fumble!! Really you guys???
It’s hard to swallow the idea that God calls these men, rather than men calling these men. When did God change from calling humble nobody’s, to only calling prestigious knownbody’s?
Two CEO’s and a hospital director. Why don’t GM and Caterpillar change themselves to 501 C status and tell buyers that God called the leadership? Would we buy that too? Maybe that’s the boost they need in this tough economy. How inspired it would be.
As quoted by someone on twitter: “@HollandJeffreyR welcomes #newapostles and their wives “to the sweetest association they could imagine.” https://twitter.com/Tad_Walch/status/650408157357871104
We have been told over and over that there are no small callings in the church. Pres. Packer even said,
“It would be very disappointing to my wife and to me if we supposed any one of our children would think that we think we are of more worth to the family or to the Church than they are, or to think that one calling in the Church was esteemed over another or that any calling would be thought to be less important.”
And later,
“As General Authorities of the Church, we are just the same as you are, and you are just the same as we are. You have the same access to the powers of revelation for your families and for your work and for your callings as we do.”
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/10/the-weak-and-the-simple-of-the-church?lang=eng
But I guess only a select few are invited into the “sweetest association they could imagine.” GA award, indeed.
I like Pres. Faust’s advice a bit better:
“They will treat you very kindly. They will say nice things about you.” He laughed a little and then said, “Dieter, be thankful for this. But don’t you ever inhale it.”
That situation with Elder Durrant makes me think of something Hank Hill said: “I don’t know whether to laugh… or vomit.” I’m leaning more towards vomit right now.
I suppose there is more than one way to look at what being Christlike is. Christ being the only perfect and sinless man, even the son of God had more right to stir the pot and call people to repentance than even the best of mere mortal men. I believe President Monson to be Christlike in the sense of having charity and compassion to those less fortunate. I believe that he has really tried to live by the motto of “it ye have done it unto the least of these ye have done it unto Me”. He not only preaches Christlike compassion and love nearly every chance he gets, he actually lives what he preaches. Could we expect more out of him from a “prophet, seer, and revelator” perspective? Yes I believe we can, but from being Christlike and setting a good example of Christlike love he has done a good job.
Ben, thanks for your concern. I have read Passing the Heavenly Gift, and Denver’s first lecture as well as most of his blog. I have mixed feelings about many of the views he presents. Many of them contradict my understanding of the scriptures. For now I’m sticking to searching the scriptures and keeping an open mind to figure out what the true state of the church is. I may dig into the rest of Denver’s lectures at some point if my understanding of the scriptures changes or I get the feeling that I should.
Thanks Bishop for this post. I am a member in the middle of a “faith crisis.” I love reading your different posts. This time I decided to share a few thoughts.
I watched and listened to all the GC speakers, and was looking forward to the LDS Church making history by possibly calling ONE new Apostle from Africa, and ONE new Apostle from South America or from Asia. But, to my sad surprise, ALL THREE are not only from North America, but ALL THREE are from Utah (2 from Salt Lake and 1 from Ogden). That was an EPIC FAIL in my opinion. I’m sure they are good men, but come on!!! Are we not an International Church now?
And, by the way, none of the many talks about DOUBT did a lick of good to help me. My favorite was “Give Joseph a break.” I don’t think so. Apparently, the LDS Church still has a major problem with many members like me who continue to have DOUBTS. I bet it reflects in the lower amount of Tithing donations (just my guess).
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The actions of the brethren really suggest they don’t want us asking questions. Yet I’ve heard some talks where they say it is perfectly fine to ask questions (Elder Ballard’s talk in Provo is a good example of that. It’s discussed in an earlier post here.) I feel that actions and words are so mixed up that it has the potential to paralyze people from doing anything. As to your saying they mostly live what they teach, I want to believe that. With Uchtdorf in particular, I have to wonder sometimes if maybe he’s trying to encourage a higher standard in his talks, for himself and the congregation, but struggles to implement it because of the emphasis on consensus among the leadership.
How long will anonymous bishop let Snuffer use him as a double agent?
Maybe pres. Monson picked these three men because of cognitive problems. Who knows. I was surprised to learn one of the new GAs wife put her only child in daycare so she could go to law school. She felt like she was inspired to do that (I thought personal revelation wasn’t supposed to contradict church teachings especially in this case where the family is already well off financially). Either way i’m glad it was said that the Lord calls these men not because of what they’ve done (or their spouses) but in spite of what they’ve done. Would have liked to see some foreign apostles however – not sure how they would work that out legally as far as needing US citizenship or residency status in order to live in SLC.
I think the scriptures are the best place of all to turn!
I have always found President Uchtdorf’s words to be the most edifying and uplifting of all the brethren. Over the years my life has been greatly blessed by trying to follow his council. His talk in Priesthood was really good, I didn’t agree with every single word he said, but his council to ask God to know the truth is right on. He certainly seems genuine. I’m not sure I can say that for all the brethren. Elder Bednar comes off as pretty proud and arrogant, and not at all humble like President Uchtdorf. Considering his young age he’ll likely be the President someday. That thought scares me.
Bishop, I like your takeaway: We can choose to believe words that make us feel better or we can choose to believe Christ.
When King Benjamin spoke, his congregation sure as hell didn’t feel better or more validated. They trembled because of fear — they awoke to their awful state and felt terrible about it.
One thing I’ve discovered recently, is when I am more willing to learn for God, he doesn’t tell me I’m right. He tells me I’m wrong. It turns out my mind is so far away from his. Even my intentions are far from his. It turns out that — for me, anyway, I’m more often wrong than I am right.
It’s true God’s words can be a source of comfort to us, but those same words also condemn us if we’re willing to be honest with ourselves.
Cole, the thing with Pres. Monson is that we all know about his good works because he tells us about them! Aren’t we supposed to do our alms in secret?
Sounds like the members from the “greatest generation” in the Council are slowly being replaced by their proud “baby-boomer” kids.
Cole,
What are the attributes of one who is Christ-like in today’s society?
What if the leaders of a world-wide and wealthy church had sufficient funds to lavish upon making movies, and displaying billboards in expensive venues. but neglected to feed over 120,000 chronically malnourished children belonging to their church? They have the funds to feed their starving member-children, but choose to focus on telling the world how wonderful the church is.
Is that the example Christ set for us today?
I think perhaps their Christ-like appearances may be “for show”.
To Cole and others out there who are just awakening…First, you are not having doubts nor are you in a “faith crisis”, you are in a Faith Awakening! It has been said that this awakening is like having your eyes scratched out and then having them scratched in again. Second, you should always question anyone’s teaching if they are paid to teach whatever it is they are teaching. The leaders of the LDS Church are some of the highest paid clergy in the world, therefore, what they teach needs to keep the money flowing in or their very living is in jeopardy. As Elder Holland so eloquently put it in Oct. 2014 conference, “Like you, I have had to worry about finances on occasion, but I have never been poor, nor do I even know how the poor feel.” Well, Elder Holland, I have been poor, I know what it feels like to have no food in the fridge because we paid an honest tithe instead of feeding our children. Third, you need to study out what gives a man or woman the right to the title of Prophet(ess). Stop reading the scriptures like a Mormon Apologist and believe they actually mean what they say. God knows exactly what qualifies a man or a woman to be a prophet(ess). Fourth, hang on and get ready for the ride of your life, when you stop putting the arm of flesh or an institution between you and God you will learn very quickly how much fear and false belief color our thoughts each and every day. It’s quite the ride, hang on to the hope that it is necessary and make sure that your foundation is built on Christ; He is the way the TRUTH and the Life, no man (woman) comes to the Father but by Him.
I decided that when I view conference, I won’t do it as I did as a child “watching the prophet speak”
Instead, I view it as though I were watching a motivational show. I hope for words of encouragement and motivation. With those goals, I wasn’t disappointed. I wasn’t looking for revelation or anything life-changing. I didn’t show up with questions in my mind. It was a good conference for me because I didn’t have lofty expectations. 🙂
Maybe others can begin to view conference as that as well?
Sometimes TED videos have the same effect on me – encouragement. 🙂
This was just too funny not to share:
http://www.normons.com/mormon-general-conference-like-spending-12-hours-with-the-pope/.
And for anyone who doesn’t know about the pope, here are a few of his most recent inspiring messages:
Support’s LGBT children’s propaganda
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/28/pope-francis-sends-letter-praising-gay-childrens-book
Preaches of a humanized Christ who failed on the cross
http://pulpitandpen.org/2015/09/25/pope-calls-jesus-the-cross-a-failure-stillprotesting/
Tells Illegal immigrants that they are called to be citizens in America
http://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2015/09/26/pope-francis-lashes-out-praises-illegal-aliens-while-attacking-donald-trump/
While his words seem pious and eloquent and sometimes are full of wisdom and truth, but when you stop and ask yourself what he is actually saying it is pretty crazy. And I have to agree with the first article. GC was like spending 12 hours with the pope
You totally nailed it. Rasband talk felt like a victory lap and then Bednar ended it telling us just how great the past ones were too.
I find it all disgusting.
@Just Me. Don’t set your sights too high or expect too much from GC, then you won’t be disappointed? Just expect average, or a couple winsome moments to motivate folks?
Somehow this does’t sound too promising for the church with 15 “revelators” in it.
I don’t know. I kind of expect Christ’s words from my prophets–words with power to save unto salvation.
Or maybe you’re being sarcastic. I wasn’t sure.
Linda,
I totally agree that the way the church spends tithing and even fast offering funds is very concerning. In addition to these donations, the church makes a huge profit each year from the many businesses it owns. It would be nice if the church would give a detailed accounting each year of how all this money is spent, but I’m not holding my breath. There is clearly something to hide. The church claims it is trying to build up zion, heck most of the time the church claims to currently be zion. However the Lord refers to zion as “the pure in heart” and that the people of zion are “of one heart and one mind, and there are no poor among them”. The church is not building up zion if the poor aren’t being taken care of, plain and simple. Something has got to change and that begins with the Brethren since they govern the financial affairs of the church.
Actually, Elder Durant didn’t even invent the word “ponderize”. Do a search on Amazon and you will find a book published in January 2014 with that word in the title. I believe it was invented by a minister who is a disabled veteran.
Would that be considered stealing or plagiarism?
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