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Not sure how to express my question here. As many of us know, John Dehlin is returning to full activity in the Church and has ceased many of his activities related to Mormon Stories. I know that many of those who followed him have felt betrayed. Some disappointed. I have no doubt that there are others who are embracing his decision with joy as well. The question is….what next? His forum was a great place for those who were struggling to feel like they were not alone and connect with others who were also questioning. It was a great place of learning about all the issues and openly discussing the pros and cons allowing each person then to choose for themselves. There was a place to discuss and yes even criticize the church and its practices…a place to be genuine and feel like you had some integrity and sanity instead of pretending to be devout due to the huge cultural fears and pressures from family and TBMs….
Will a new leader pop up to replace the role he filled, perhaps in another venue or in another manner? Does it really need one? Does John’s influence and celebrity now start to fade away? Perhaps the Church feels that with him coming back to full activity, they may have resolved one of their big problems. Just would love to hear other thoughs on a post John Dehlin LDS world especially for all those who have taken the red pill!
Galileo wrote:
Will a new leader pop up to replace the role he filled, perhaps in another venue or in another manner? Does it really need one? Does John’s influence and celebrity now start to fade away? Perhaps the Church feels that with him coming back to full activity, they may have resolved one of their big problems. Just would love to hear other thoughs on a post John Dehlin LDS world especially for all those who have taken the red pill!For the first two questions, I hope not and no. The “full activity” thing will be interesting. Regular attendance at sacrament and priesthood meetings, accepting callings, doing home teaching, FHE, scripture study. temple attendance, full tithe paying. A bit of a tall order for someone that still has a lot of caveates about diety and church history. I expect he won’t be quiet for long. He seems to need to lead and come to someones or somethings rescue and it sounds like the status or lesbian, gay and transgender members may be his next project. Luckily he has apostles and seventies to come to his side at his moments of need. It would have been nice if some of the rest of us would have had that advantage.
I was wondering the same thing for the ‘middle way’ movement. I don’t know whether it needs a leader. But it does need a voice in some way so that people in leadership recognise we’re not ‘the enemy.’ I also wondered what the implications for staylds.com might be. How is it funded? Is it on a broader server that hosts other ‘middle way’ websites?
I’d miss staylds more than any other website if there were major changes.
I am happy for John, if he is happy. This won’t affect StayLDS.com.
Since we aren’t advocating “The Middle Way” but rather helping people find “their own way”, I don’t see this as an organizational loss in any way – since I have never believed in some kind of alternate organization. I believe it is that concept (an alternative organization of some kind) that John is disavowing (and the idea that it’s possible to live in a bitter, vent-only, combat world and be happy and at peace), not some kind of return to how life once was.
I think it’s dangerous to over rely on one person. I think he’s started something good, but it’s not just him. Thanks John if you’re reading though.
Old-Timer wrote:I am happy for John, if he is happy.
This won’t affect StayLDS.com.
Amen, ditto, agreed.
Just to be clear we are a group of people with common goals, we are greater than our url. If for some reason we were kicked off staylds.com we would make a new site and continue… but to be clear there is NO reason for concern, staylds.com will continue.
Old-Timer wrote:I am happy for John, if he is happy.
This won’t affect StayLDS.com.
Since we aren’t advocating “The Middle Way” but rather helping people find “their own way”, I don’t see this as an organizational loss in any way – since I have never believed in some kind of alternate organization. I believe it is that concept (an alternative organization of some kind) that John is disavowing (and the idea that it’s possible to live in a bitter, vent-only, combat world and be happy and at peace), not some kind of return to how life once was.
I love it here, and I need the support and wisdom I glean. I think the take-home message of his interview was somewhat garbled, but it’s done. I treasure some of those podcasts, so, overall, I am grateful.
John hasn’t been active with StayLDS for a while, and it has continued just fine because it’s not about a leader – this is a community of individuals having discussions to help one another. IMO the only thing that doesn’t live on is the idea of Reform Mormonism as a separate movement. I kind of always felt that was a non-starter anyway, but that’s just me. Everyone has to find their own path, their own personal growth, and their own awareness.
Mormons (even disaffected ones) should be cautious about following leaders.
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