Giving a talk. Inputs appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Hi. I have been asked to give a 15 min. Closing talk on the atonement. EDIT!: The actual title is “The Atoner”.

It’s a great subject and I’m sure I’ll find some good things to say, but any input is appreciated. unorthodox thoughts with an uplifting message are very welcome. I always strive to balance things with some normal churchy stuff and then some more “on the fringe” things to make people think a little out of the box.

It’s gonna be held on the he 21st of December so it’s going probably going to be a Christmas message.

Thanks:)

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[Anonymous]

My very first thought when I read your request was Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities. The entire story is about redemption, reclamation, and atonement. I figure Gordon B. Hinckley referenced Dickens so can I. If you want more details ask, I would be happy to share the story.

If you are looking towards something more scripture related go with the Parable of the Prodigal Sons, each is accepted, each has struggles, expectations and feelings, each fails to be perfect. The Parable of the Lost Coin is good, too. The parable of the Lord’s Banquet is my favorite though.

You will do great. Thankfully it’s not something like How Joseph Smith is your favorite prophet.

[Anonymous]

Look at it from a different perspective than most people do.

1. Look at it from the perspective of people who interact with people trying to repent.

For example, there was a period when my wife felt I was not romantic enough. I came home with flowers one day, and she replied “you only did that because they told you to in priesthood meeting last week”. That doesn’t show faith in people’s abilityh to change, and may even discourage them from taking advantage of the atonement when people around them refuse to acknowledge they have changed.

2. Focus on self-forgiveness

Talk about how to forgive oneself, about being merciful when learning to do something for the first time, about taking a long-term view of your own development. Don’t expect perfection when perfection can actually interefere with your own happiness or the happiness of others. Forgive yourself just as God forgives us.

3. Talk about principles associated with replacing bad habits with new ones. Make it how to.

I would somehow link all this to Christmas at the beginning and end of my talk since its on December 21st.

[Anonymous]

I’d go with a Christmas angle first, since it is a few days before Christmas. After all, the reason we celebrate Christmas is because of the atonement and resurrection, without which there would be no Christ and no Christmas. I really liked Elder Packer’s talk last GC mostly about the atonement – and if you reference his talk from the most recent GC TBMs will eat it up. I especially like this quote:

Quote:

Had He not accomplished the Atonement, there would be no redemption. It would be a difficult world to live in if we could never be forgiven for our mistakes, if we could never purify ourselves and move on.

The mercy and grace of Jesus Christ are not limited to those who commit sins either of commission or omission, but they encompass the promise of everlasting peace to all who will accept and follow Him and His teachings. His mercy is the mighty healer, even to the wounded innocent.

And this one:

Quote:

A testimony of the hope of redemption is something which cannot be measured or counted. Jesus Christ is the source of that hope.

[Anonymous]

If you like Handel’s Messiah, there is a lot there. The church’s special on it last week (shown after the First Presidency devotional) portrays Handel, Jennens and the female soloist as people with specific burdens that needed lifting. For instance, Jennens’ brother had committed suicide and Jennens was troubled about his standing with God. Also points out that the work was originally performed as a benefit for prisoners in an Irish debtors prison. There’s a pretty heartrending scene at the end shown in slow-motion. The prisoners’ names are read, debt forgiven and they come out into the light to their families.

[Anonymous]

I’ve written 74 posts on my personal blog that are under the label “Atonement”. The link is:

http://thingsofmysoul.blogspot.com/search/label/Atonement

I will read through them and see if I can recommend a few.

[Anonymous]

“The Atonement is All-Encompassing, Not an Event” (http://thingsofmysoul.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-atonement-is-all-encompassing-not.html)

“Denying the Faith, in Practical Terms” (http://thingsofmysoul.blogspot.com/2013/10/denying-faith-in-practical-terms.html)

“Jesus’ Life as Part of the Atonement” (http://thingsofmysoul.blogspot.com/2013/03/posting-sunday-school-lessons-i-teach.html)

“Casting Our Burdens upon the Lord” (http://thingsofmysoul.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-testimony-of-atonement-of-jesus.html)

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot people! this will definitely give me some fresh perspectives. And if you have more, just keep on posting. Thanks again.

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[Anonymous]

EDIT!: The actual title is “The Atoner”.

It wont make that much of a difference, but it i still a different angle that could lead to different results:)

[Anonymous]

With that new title, I would say the link above to the post entitled “Jesus’ Life as Part of the Atonement” would be the most appropriate.

[Anonymous]

Thanks a lot for the hints and tips. I used them a lot and the talk went fine. I even managed to throw in some evolution talk and quoted david o mckay about the evolution from nothing into a celestial being (the talk he gave to a funeral, im sure you know which one).

Talked a lot about us being atoners in our interactions with other people… and a lot of other things, but your notes and hints were great and helped me tons! I even directly quoted some stories/thoughts from you guys, so thanks:)

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