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writer63 wrote:
I mostly like the answer in the letter, but I do agree with Nibbler that if somehow had told me my questions were wrong at the start of my FC, I would have been pretty mad and disappointed. I had tried the “pray harder” route for a long time without getting any answers. An response like that letter would have driven me farther away. Today my reaction would be different, though.
This did lead me to ask another question: if what that letter says is true, then why do we have SM talks, YM/YW & SS classes, seminary/institute, or RS/P meetings? Why don’t we just go take the sacrament on Sunday and then go home to study and pray on our own? If the answers can truly only come through personal prayer and study, why have all the church curriculum? Actually, I’d be OK with taking the sacrament and then testimonies every Sunday if people really shared experiences in their spiritual journeys, like we do here. IOW, not the “I know the church is true,” but “while studying the other day, I had this enlightenment…”
I’ve had that same thought before. I used to really like testimony meeting (when I went to church) because of the honest spontaneity. As long as we could in some way guard against individuals not being spontaneous and pushing individual agendas, I’d be fine with a no other meeting plan even if that meeting went longer than 70 minutes. Unfortunately, I don’t think we can effectively guard against that any more than we can guard against those who currently just talk and don’t bear testimony.
Limit yourself to approved teachings, an approved diety, and approved scripture. Have “faith/hope” in what is said in them and you will recieve a personal answer to any question. (and if ya don’t, you weren’t humble enough) Mentally hang on to this warm and fuzzy answer and use it as a defense when any questions/doubts arise. Follow this warm and fuzzy feeling beyond worldly logic/reason and everything is gonna be ok. That’s what I hear being advocated.
That may be what those fellows that flew the jets into our buildings heard/practiced as well. Just sayin.
[ Admin Note]: Bruce, knock it off. That is the absolute worst reading of the letter possible, and it takes a real stretch to reach that conclusion. Also, you aren’t LDS, and comparing LDS to jihadists over a letter like this won’t fly here – especially given your general lack of participation here and the nature of too many of your comments when you do choose to participate. Having had my own correspondence with some GA’s, I have always feared the “send the letter to the Stake President” option, but my conversation has been anything but that. – I have always been encouraged to write them whenever I want
– They have never made me feel like I am imposing on them or putting them out.
– my feedback and suggestions were always welcomed.
I would say two things I gather from my and the above example
#1 – it depends on the attitude you have and come across to them with (sincere and leading with faith gets better treatment)
#2 – they have learned that sending correspondence back to local leaders when written by a sincere person struggling does more damage then good and I don’t see them (at least a number of them) doing that anymore unless the person is seen as combative and insincere.
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