Give Thanks as an American thing

[Anonymous]

It’s suddenly struck me as it is Thanksgiving today that the #givethanks thing is tied into it. Is this a case of the church indulging in US-centric thinking again? We don’t have Thanksgiving here (although corporations are trying to push Black Friday which is weird).

[Anonymous]

Thanksgiving the holiday does seem to be an American invention, but not necessarily traced to the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims and Native Americans did celebrate a Thanksgiving (apparently) but it may have been more at the urging of the Natives Americans than the Pilgrims. There is evidence that Native Americans have a very long tradition of Thanksgiving (not necessarily as a holiday).

To Pres. Nelson’s message, yes the thought occurred to me as well. Frankly after a week-long build up I was disappointed that the great inspirational message from the prophet just happens to coincide with a major American holiday. But I have tried very hard not to be negative about the whole thing so that’s all I’m going to say about it.

On the brighter, more positive, side I agree with Pres. Nelson – expressing gratitude can make us feel better, just like meaningful service can. I don’t know if it’s spiritual or psychological or something else, but I know it works for me. It’s no secret I don’t believe in prayer in the same way as the mainstream church or probably most Christians. It’s likewise no secret that I don’t pray often. But when I do the intent is to offer thanks, and I never ask for anything. I generally find peace in doing so.

And, the scriptures are not without reference to gratitude. Our own topical guide is more than a little disappointing on the topic (it must not have been one of BRM’s priorities) but a quick Google search turns up many Bible references and a similar search specific to the BoM will turn up some as well.

[Anonymous]

I hope everyone had a good holiday. From my point of view, it was very strange (but good). For dinner, it was just

my wife & me. Then we had a 2 hr zoom visit with out 3 children & their families plus my nephew & his family.

It was surprisingly fun. Most of the time we talked about holidays past with my parents. (Their grandparents)

I hope I am remembered as fondly when I’m gone.

I hope everyone here had as good a holiday. Even when times are bad or strange or just different, it’s important

to show gratitude.

[Anonymous]

Minyan Man wrote:

I hope everyone had a good holiday. From my point of view, it was very strange (but good). For dinner, it was just

my wife & me. Then we had a 2 hr zoom visit with out 3 children & their families plus my nephew & his family.

It was surprisingly fun. Most of the time we talked about holidays past with my parents. (Their grandparents)

I hope I am remembered as fondly when I’m gone.

I hope everyone here had as good a holiday. Even when times are bad or strange or just different, it’s important

to show gratitude.

We had a very similar experience. Honestly, I liked it. I echo the emphasized part above.

[Anonymous]

This seems to reflect that prophets are products of their time and place. For better or worse RMN and most of the LDS leadership team came of age in a particular time and place and that influences how they see the world.

[Anonymous]

DarkJedi wrote:

Thanksgiving the holiday does seem to be an American invention, but not necessarily traced to the Pilgrims. The Pilgrims and Native Americans did celebrate a Thanksgiving (apparently) but it may have been more at the urging of the Natives Americans than the Pilgrims. There is evidence that Native Americans have a very long tradition of Thanksgiving (not necessarily as a holiday).

There is a long tradition of Harvest Festivals in Europe, although they tend to happen earlier in the year. I would imagine that is a major influence. The turkey is the most obvious non-European element.

I know potlatch is more of a west coast thing, but I suppose East Coast tribes may have had something similar.

Personally I thought #givethanks was a nice idea, but I was a bit surprised to see it coincides with the American festival (which I had thought was past)

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