Harebrained idea?

[Anonymous]

I had a thought, not directly related to this site. I was going to send a PM to John D, but I thought I may as well post it here.

This crazy thought just came to me about sending a letter to Elder Holland expressing thanks for what he expressed in the PBS interview about not asking members out of the church if they did not take a literal historical view of the BoM.

Thoughts were swimming in my head about how there seems to be both “literal” and “figurative” personalities, and how each type can’t for the life of them (it seems) grasp how the other can honestly hold the views that they do (or at least it can be difficult). Obviously, “literals” hold the majority in the church, and it can make the “figuratives” uncomfortable, if not convince them that they ‘must’ leave.

I think what E. Holland said was tremendous, and I wonder if he (or other GA’s) realizes how significant that statement is to probably thousands of members.

So I was wondering about composing a thank you letter, and somehow attaching as many names as possible to give a better idea of the impact.

Nutzo?

[Anonymous]

Not nutso, but I wouldn’t make it a formal list that we circulate in any way. If the admins here want to attach their names to it, I am fine with that.

I would make it a message that we volunteer on a site that is dedicated to helping members who are struggling to stay in the Church (perhaps including a brief statement about how inspired we were by Elder Wirthlin’s “Concern for the One”) and DEEPLY appreciate BOTH his statement that you reference AND his most recent testimony of the Book of Mormon, since those two statements appeal so well to those who see things literally and those who see things figuratively. I don’t want in ANY way for there to be any way to misinterpret such a statement as being written as a response to the Book of Mormon talk.

If some don’t feel comfortable attaching their names to such a letter, I understand totally. If the consensus is that the group doesn’t want to call attention to this site, I understand. However, I think if it came from John D (given his meeting with Elder Holland a while ago), I think it might be a very good thing.

John, are you willing to write something and run it past us? Everyone else, is anyone uncomfortable with this idea – anyone not want this pursued in any way that makes it possible to identify this site?

[Anonymous]

Thanks Ray, I like your ideas and I also didn’t want to make it “formal” – though I can see how my first post would give that impression. I don’t know how to do it effectively legistically. I was wondering about posting the letter in a blog somewhere (preferably a “faithful” blog) and then all the comments could be “dittos” from people. But I don’t know how to make that as personal as a private letter — and I don’t know how to make a private letter as encompassing… A combination perhaps? I don’t know, just trying to brainstorm.

I also wouldn’t want it to be misinterpreted as a response to the Book of Mormon talk. That wasn’t in MY mind at all.

I didn’t want it to come across as something from a sponsor or leader, and then backed up by ‘followers’, but I’m not sure how to avoid that impression.

I don’t know, like I said – random thoughts.

[Anonymous]

Funny. My brother just emailed me today and said, “Elder Holland sent his best wished to you today.”

Here’s the glitch….I can’t see how folks won’t interpret it as a heavy-handed reaction to his GC talk on the BOM.

But I am totally retarded when it comes to social nuance….so I’ll trust you guys on this.

I’m open.

[Anonymous]

Call me a chicken, but I don’t really want to attract the attention of the upper echelons to this website. I expect that a few apostles like Elder Oaks and Ballard are aware of sites like this and Open Mormon, but I’m one who like to float under the radar as long as I can. I do like Orson’s idea of posting some sort of letter on a “faithful” blog. My blog is categorized as faithful, liberal, and anti, depending on the point of view of the viewer. (I go with liberal, but with a conservative bent.) Anyway, I don’t think my blog is faithful enough to host such a letter, but I like Orson’s idea.

[Anonymous]

I think I would have to say I have some reservations. Not long ago I felt like something like this was a good idea, as the Brethren would probably appreciate feedback. However, a wise, mature, friend of mine ( ) has encouraged me to work on myself first and foremost, recognizing that the Brethren have a good handle on the various problems in the church. I recognize that this is a letter of “thanks” but like John D, I think it likely that it will be interpreted as an affront to his GC talk.

In the context of the stages of faith, I can’t tell whether this might be a stage 6-ish activity, and I’m not sure I’m ready for one.

[Anonymous]

I agree if it happened, the wording would need to steer it clear of the BoM talk.

MH, I also wouldn’t associate this site in any way, shape, or form.

John, wow, best wishes from E. Holland!

The original idea was something of a wonder, …I wonder if if the authorities realize how much a few simple words like this (PBS interview) can boost some of us members. Do they realize that this kind of talk may be the difference between someone staying in the church or running fast and long? Would they want to similarly encourage others who may be wondering if they should stay?

I wouldn’t want to voice all of this, but I thought a sincere thank you might be a good place to start. Maybe I should just start to write something out and see how it looks.

[Author]

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