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Old-Timer wrote:
I love and admire John– but I also am convinced he has some kind of condition that makes him swing wildly from one position to another. This appears to be one of his down emotional times. You’ve mentioned this before. I really think though, trying to ride two horses at the same time may be part of the problem. Sometimes you’ve got to commit to one position for a while, and see whether it is better than the other.
I am confident John feels called to do everything that he does, and I’d say it’s his place to do it. He will benefit/account for his own actions, and it is our job to individually live as we feel called. Obviously I make different decisions for myself, but we play different instruments in God’s orchestra.
For the uninitiated… who is John Dehlin? A NOM that likes the spotlight? nibbler wrote:For the uninitiated… who is John Dehlin? A NOM that likes the spotlight?
This made me laugh. But I doubt it was meant to be funny.
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nibbler wrote:For the uninitiated… who is John Dehlin? A NOM that likes the spotlight?
I guess I was thinking that everyone that had been here for a little while knows who he is – so I don’t know if you’re being facetious Nibbler, or if you’re asking for an explanation just to aid those who don’t know. I would say go ahead and Google him or just click the link in Sheldon’s OP. Not knowing John personally, I do think the Wikipedia article does a fair job at explaining who he is. For me it’s enough to know that he is the “founder of the feast” in which many of us partake regularly and who reaffirms for me that it’s OK to question.
John speaks for the outcast. He stands tall when the rest of us use avatars. He has been the face of reform in the church. So easy to cast stones because he floats back and forth a little bit. So what? His message is still the same. I respect him and think he has done much good to help many people. Amen, Cadence – and I hope my comment isn’t seen by anyone as casting stones. I certainly didn’t mean it that way. I’m past the most emotional times now, but for awhile I would just cry listening to Mormon Stories podcasts. He introduced me to a lot of great people, and I’ll always be grateful. Here’s the chronological episode list from Mormon Stories.
I wasn’t being facetious. I genuinely didn’t/don’t know who he is. I’ve seen the name pop up from time to time but haven’t thought enough about it to go searching. nibbler wrote:I wasn’t being facetious. I genuinely didn’t/don’t know who he is. I’ve seen the name pop up from time to time but haven’t thought enough about it to go searching.
That’s probably a good thing. I spend far too much time trawling through every website on the “bloggernacle” – if you didn’t know him it probably means you actually have a life
He’s done a lot of good work, but this “farewell tour” is probably going to last longer than the amount of time he spends out before he decides to return again… It shows the danger of following one person too closely, something we might all be familiar with in Mormonism. He’s got his failings, we all do.
In my experience this is quite normal among various people champion causes they are passionate about who work down in the trenches. Especially if you work with people getting hurt by a particular situation with little progress. I see it all the time working with animal rights groups working and witnessing the slaughter they are trying to stop. I see it with families who had children suffer from domestic violence or gangs, trying to pass tougher laws.
I see it happen with people trying who work with those suffering phycological abuse trying to get the state or federal to recognize any the legitimacy of it where they only recognize physical abuse and have laws for that.
I don’t see this as anything other then human. Especially among those that are passionate about their cause while working in the trenches with slow progress. It’s really emotionally straining on a person.
For that I give john a huge break, knowing and working with so many others where I see this weekly or monthly and it times daily depending on the nature of the cause and volunteer org I participate in.
It’s easy to dismiss or miss understand from far away on the sidelines. Much like freedom of speech situations back in Mississippi summer time at Berkeley campus. Or those not witnessing the dolphin slaughter in japan first hand. Or any number of other causes where people are remotely removed from direct 1st hand experience.
Anyway that is my take. I often wonder if it is sustainable to work in the trenches long term and not be drained outright even with help.
No one is perfect, but working in the trenches passionate about something watching someone or something be hurt. They need all the support they can get least they run out of stream.
Without noticeable meaningful progress, constant frustration is bound to happen.
Being children of god, we tend to need to see progress in order to hold unto hope.
Also one last thing. I am keenly aware of in addition to all that, the backlash when supporting such causes one receives making things even harder to continue on working in the trenches. It’s very very draining and often result from being misunderstood on why one isn’t going with the flow. People tend to attack people that go with the grain and make noise. Many people wonder why sleeping dogs can’t lie. Just let things be. So they get angered at those who don’t.
I really think as far is this cause goes that we can be more supportive and centered even if someone doesn’t agree with everything, it’s a tough and draining job to be in and keep oneself centered.
Anyways, thank you john for your efforts. I’ve been I’m this position in other causes.
Peace be with you. Thanks to those people here that keep this community a safe heaven for those that have nowhere else to go in this experience inside the church.
:thumbup: I admire Johns openness. I share some of his concerns, others I am not sure about, and then I have my own issues regarding the stereotyping that goes on. I loved the survey he was involved in and the lecture he gave on why people leave, I sent it to my son who thought it was fantastic.I tend to speak my mind regarding my doubts and I am not afraid of what people I know in church think..they made it clear they did not want my family from the beginning.And after all people can change their minds as many times as the please…it really isn’t anyone else’s concerns and many members will judge you regardless so hey ho…. I love one of Oprahs sayings…you only do what you know..and when you know better you do better…so when we get some transparency ( and it is begging- at least I think)…we can deal with it far better in the open.
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