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For a bit of background: I am a very non-literal believer in many aspects of the Church. In others, I am simply a non-believer. But I still love the Church as a whole and the people in it. I love the Book of Mormon, though I don’t believe it’s historical. I love the commandments (WoW, Law of Chastity, Service, FHE, fasting, and even tithing), although I do not believe in a God who pays myself any attention (or much of anyone else). I am somewhere between a mild-theist and a mild-agnostic. But I see great value for many members of the Church in believing it with all their heart.
After watching conference, my favorite talk by far was from Jeffery R. Holland. I might not believe in God, but I believe in him. As a Church leader, he gives off the deepest essence of humility. He recognizes that all of us, himself included, are bumbling creatures, full of weakness, prone to error, all trying to find our way through this crazy universe. Although I know he fully believes in the Restoration and divine revelation, he recognizes that the Church is not perfect, and that many strides need to be made. He recognizes that in keeping the commandments, all is not “smooth sailing”; that life is painful, even for the best of us. That bad things happen, without us ever knowing “why?”.
He makes me feel, even though I am not much of a member, I can still find my place among the saints; that I still can find fellowship, and contribute, and be strengthened by the Church. I wish all members could be a little more like Brother Holland. I hope
Ican be a little more like him. Thank you, President Holland. It is because of leaders like you, I stay. Thank you.
Very well said and I agree. He was the highlight of the day for me. His passion can be a two-edged sword at times, but I love his heart. I kind of see him as a modern-day Peter: impetuous, passionate, emotional, fiery, loyal, willing to walk on water but sometimes sinking, etc. (I see Pres. Uchtdorf as John, the Beloved – and Elder Oaks as Paul, the apostle.)
Old Timer wrote:
His passion can be a two-edged sword at times, but I love his heart. I kind of see him as a modern-day Peter: impetuous, passionate, emotional, fiery, loyal, willing to walk on water but sometimes sinking, etc.(I see Pres. Uchtdorf as John, the Beloved – and Elder Oaks as Paul, the apostle.)
Nice framing. Who is Judas? jk
LookingHard wrote:
Old Timer wrote:
His passion can be a two-edged sword at times, but I love his heart. I kind of see him as a modern-day Peter: impetuous, passionate, emotional, fiery, loyal, willing to walk on water but sometimes sinking, etc.(I see Pres. Uchtdorf as John, the Beloved – and Elder Oaks as Paul, the apostle.)
Nice framing. Who is Judas? jk
Nelson, obviously. He wants the big chair. (Again, JK
Did you notice how each of the Q15 had their own selection of candy in their cupholders? My wife pointed that out to me this conference. “Nelson, betrayest thou me with a dum-dum?” Jkjk Quote:Did you notice how each of the Q15 had their own selection of candy in their cupholders?
No way!!! I didn’t even know they had candy. I will watch carefully next time.
dande – I am so happy his talk meant so much to you. This faith junket is such a huge deal and having refreshing experiences is like water to a prisoner. May you ride the wave for a long while. dande48 wrote:He makes me feel, even though I am not much of a member, I can still find my place among the saints; that I still can find fellowship, and contribute, and be strengthened by the Church. I wish all members could be a little more like Brother Holland. I hope
Ican be a little more like him.
Thank you dande.I like those thoughts a lot.
I’m glad we can recognize leadership in the church, and balance it with those things we don’t like to hear.
There is a paradox at play…the things we hear at church are true, and the things we hear at church are not true. The trick is to embrace it all, without getting too hurt.
Heber13 wrote:
There is a paradox at play…the things we hear at church are true, and the things we hear at church are not true. The trick is to embrace it all, without getting too hurt.
A speaker at our recent stake conference described this
tension(his word) to a tee. LookingHard wrote:
Nice framing. Who is Judas? jk
I don’t know but I’d like to interview him to better understand Jesus.
:angel: dande48 wrote:
For a bit of background:I am a very non-literal believer in many aspects of the Church. In others, I am simply a non-believer. But I still love the Church as a whole and the people in it. I love the Book of Mormon, though I don’t believe it’s historical. I love the commandments (WoW, Law of Chastity, Service, FHE, fasting, and even tithing), although I do not believe in a God who pays myself any attention (or much of anyone else). I am somewhere between a mild-theist and a mild-agnostic. But I see great value for many members of the Church in believing it with all their heart.
Very touching kind of statement. I am in the same ball park, although I think I’m pretty much a theist, probably close to believing in Christ, but not entirely sure. And quite agnostic about the church. My stalwhart belief in my own stupidity, shortsightedness, and my belief that God often does effect massive change in your life (like the Road to Damascus) keeps me attending — along with the interest of my family.
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