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So I was at church a while ago and they announced that someone (a 60 I think? ) was coming to speak and that they were having a fireside. They asked that members do not ask for him to sign their scriptures and not to take pictures with him. Has anyone heard of this happening before in the church? Does anyone think that sometimes members idolize these people too much? I think it’s kind of odd. I am also thinking if I could be a propherazzi and snap pictures of what the prophets are saying, doing and eating I might be able to make some money. You think?
You mean a 70, not a 60, right? I’ve heard leaders asking us not to do as much. I don’t think they even do much in the way of meeting/greeting any more like they used to.
I have heard this type of announcement before along with no electronic recording of what they say and no pictures. Yes, I do think these people are sometimes idolized by some individuals too much (more especially the Q15). In Utah you might make some money from paparazzi type photos, I suppose maybe elsewhere, but do be aware these guys, again especially the Q15, do limit their public exposure and at least the FP has some security people with them when they’re out and about (not sure about others). I actually recall in my infancy in the church Pres. Kimball coming to Dallas for the groundbreaking of the Dallas Temple. A member of our ward snapped a picture of him waving to the crowd and was selling them to anyone who would like a copy. There were some people who were very put off by this, even though the guy claimed he was only selling them at cost. It didn’t seem to have a huge impact on him, a couple years later he was called as bishop. I’ve got a signed David B. Haight rookie card. :angel: Telling members to not ask for autographs or take pictures? I’ve never heard that before. I’ve got to admit that if I heard that counsel my first reaction would be:
😆 , who do these people think they are? But I’m reminded that the counsel isn’t coming from a place where leaders think a lot of themselves, rather they’ve probably experienced problems with membership elevating them to too high a position. They wouldn’t say it if they haven’t had problems with it.I touched on this in a thread I posted in earlier today. I do think that portion of human nature that makes us a respecter of persons is alive and well in church, we aren’t perfect after all. The only difference is that in church a culture of celebrity is created around leaders as opposed to movie stars and the like. E.g. a visit from a leader means more than a visit from a home teacher, a comment made in gospel doctrine made by a leader is more profound than a comment from other class members. I’ll include the disclaimer I included in the other thread, or one I wish I had included: that perception might only be me projecting onto other people.
I also mentioned in that thread that I don’t believe the leaders themselves are responsible for the phenomenon. I think some are dependent on leaders as a source of spiritual direction and that can lead to a culture of celebrity.
ilovecoldplay wrote:I am also thinking if I could be a propherazzi and snap pictures of what the prophets are saying, doing and eating I might be able to make some money. You think?
Ha. Maybe you could set up one of those life-size cardboard cutouts of Thomas Monson in the City Creek Center and charge people to take pictures next to it. That was a joke btw.
If you want an autograph of President Monson, you can just buy a signed copy of his book at extra cost. nibbler wrote:I’ve got a signed David B. Haight rookie card.
:angel: **snort**
Quote:Telling members to not ask for autographs or take pictures? I’ve never heard that before. I’ve got to admit that if I heard that counsel my first reaction would be:
😆 , who do these people think they are? But I’m reminded that the counsel isn’t coming from a place where leaders think a lot of themselves, rather they’ve probably experienced problems with membership elevating them to too high a position. They wouldn’t say it if they haven’t had problems with it.I’ve heard this before. I’m trying to remember where I read it – maybe the CHI?
Joni wrote:
I’ve heard this before. I’m trying to remember where I read it – maybe the CHI?I think it might be in there, and I have actually heard it announced from the pulpit in the past.
I love this policy, even though I wish it didn’t have to exist. I am positive the top leaders shake their head and groan at even having to have this sort of thing said. People tend to idolize – and autographs are a great example. At least we aren’t collecting toast with Pres. Monson’s face on it.
😳 Quote:21.1.6
Autographs and Photographs of General Authorities and Area Seventies
Church members should not seek the autographs of General Authorities or Area Seventies, including signing in their scriptures, hymnals, or programs. Doing so detracts from their sacred callings and the spirit of meetings. It also could prevent them from greeting other members.
Members should not take photographs of General Authorities or Area Seventies in chapels.
Thanks for posting that Thoreau. FWIW, there is a general prohibition against photos/videos in chapels. I don’t know why. Ha. I remember being mortified once when my mother attended a sacrament meeting and took a picture, complete with flash. Now I can laugh at myself. I’m sure the spirit of the policy is to maintain reverence.
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