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I’ve been in the same kind of situation many times. Here’s what I would do: 1 – I like to talk about how people of other faiths view these things to provide a universalizing perspective. We have many things in common, and some differences we can learn from. For example, I’d probably highlight a few things: that priests used to be the only literate ones–they literally interpreted the word of God for everyone else, that some religions have a priesthood of all believers whereas others have a paid clergy with special training, some believe in “vocation” or “calling” preceding entering the PH. Compared to many other Christian sects, Mormons are much more egalitarian when it comes to PH, minus the obvious omission of not ordaining women.
2 – I would use some of the Oaks talk stuff to keep the pearl-clutchers from having a heart attack.
There are lots of facts about priesthood in various faiths here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priest I wanted to write a follow-up about how things went. I am tempted to post my whole talk, but there is way too much personal/identifying stuff in there. So here are the highlights. I was the concluding speaker, which was awesome. The downside was the man before me spoke about 10 min over his time so I was left with only about 10 min. I had planned for 15. I had to cut out the most (or at least most potentially) controversial part–which was what I posted before about the temple.
– I emphasized that men do not equal the priesthood. And I had Oaks to back me up.
– I told stories about people who are not Mormon or are not practicing but how they still honor the priesthood/power of God by mourning with those who mourn, etc. (I like to push back on the idea that Mormons have a monopoly on goodness whenever I can)
– I told some hard personal stories that humanized me and I think earned me some sympathy points to cover the stuff people may not have liked as much
– I equated the Atonement with working to become healthier, happier, better people. I wanted to make the idea of it accessible to non-believers. So I was speaking in Mormon-ese, but was putting in my terms.
– I told scriptures stories that involved women.
– I quoted women about 50% of the time.
– I said ‘hell’ once and that felt pretty good over the pulpit
😈 After the meeting I had a ton of people thank me for my talk. Some more ‘conservative’ people even said they really liked it. The person that asked me to give the talk said I killed it and he wants women to always be the concluding speaker now. So it was well received and I am quite happy about.
I was telling my husband I was bummed that I left out the part about the temple, but he pointed out that it was probably better. I pushed some people already on some things, and this way I build up more credibility. I didn’t cross any boundaries so I will still be asked to speak again and I will have even more authority next time.
Anyhow, it was a great experience. It showed me that I can stay, I can make a difference, and I can still feel like I am true to myself.
Thanks for the “return and report.” I’m really glad it went well for you. I have had very similar experiences when “pushing the envelope.” It sometimes still surprises me. It’s mostly not what you say but how you say it. Thanks for your report. I wish I could of been there. The best part for me is: Stayforthedip wrote:
After the meeting I had a ton of people thank me for my talk. Some more ‘conservative’ people even said they really liked it. The person that asked me to give the talk said I killed it and he wants women to always be the concluding speaker now. So it was well received and I am quite happy about.(and)
… it was a great experience. It showed me that I can stay, I can make a difference, and I can still feel like I am true to myself.
That last line is especially good.
:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: I’m glad it went well. After all these years have gone by and after and all the talks I’ve given it still hasn’t gotten any easier for me.
well done thou good and faithful servant! Stayforthedip wrote:So it was well received and I am quite happy about.
…
Anyhow, it was a great experience. It showed me that I can stay, I can make a difference, and I can still feel like I am true to myself.
I LOVE it!! Thanks for returning and reporting
Being true to yourself is so critical. I’m glad you feel good about the experience. You sound like you have some good people in your ward.
Nice. I didn’t even hear it but I love it. Happy for you. Also happy for all of us that you represented. Every time some one on the fringes wins, we all win.
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