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“The restoration is not an event but continues to unfold.” I like that this is being saId regularly. This talk will not be close to a favorite for everyone here, but the general advice is good. Those who follow that advice and still leave might be outside his and others’ comprehension, but it still is good advice.
Quote:There is nothing wrong with pausing on the path and refreshing one’s self.
For some the answer is easy; for others the answer is much more difficult.
My heartfelt plea is that we will understand, accept, encourage, and love those who struggle with their faith, just like we do with new converts.
That last one is SO important to be said so directly.
Elder Ballard Quote:Where will you go?
It’s a good question.I was happy to hear, “the Restoration is not an event, but continues to unfold.”
Two mentions of Heavenly
Parents.Joni wrote:I’m not really comfortable with Ballard’s repeated “where will you go?” Um, any other Christian church? We’re not the only ones who believe in Jesus. I suppose a certain amount of Mormon exceptionalism is inevitable when you reach the Q12.
I was just thinking this morning that I’d be curious to ask people here if anyone has actually made the commitment to join in in a non-LDS congregation. Be regular-attenders…. Curious to know what their experience was.Roy participates in another congregation but maintains the LDS Church as his “home church”. I enjoy other services, but I go as an occasional visitor mostly for special occasions. I went to quite a few masses and inter-faith services when I worked for a Caholic university.
My native worship language is LDS, and there are elements I love that I have not found elsewhere. “Heavenly Parents” is one of those elements.
Joseph Smith being given a four-year probation is an interesting way to frame that time period. I’ve never heard it, but I like it – even if I think official discipline is over-applied. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a talk focused on “discipline” this much. Old Timer wrote:I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a talk focused on “discipline” this much.
Yeah, when he started the talk I was bracing for the impact but the impact never came.
More often than not I hear comments about judging righteously be warped into “my judgments are righteous, I’ll cast that first stone.” That talk provided a much needed alternative to a frequent interpretation of righteous judgment.
Ann wrote:Joni wrote:I’m not really comfortable with Ballard’s repeated “where will you go?” Um, any other Christian church? We’re not the only ones who believe in Jesus. I suppose a certain amount of Mormon exceptionalism is inevitable when you reach the Q12.
I was just thinking this morning that I’d be curious to ask people here if anyone has actually made the commitment to join in in a non-LDS congregation. Be regular-attenders…. Curious to know what their experience was.It’s not “Christian” when it comes to how we often assign labels but I visit with a Buddhist community weekly. While I commune with people outside of my LDS congregation I see more similarities than I do differences. Discovering the hopes that we have in common makes me feel a deeper sense of oneness with all people, it feels Christian to me.
One more reference to membership numbers not being massive. New theme, and I like the explicit rejection of the hyperbole of 20-30 years ago.
Ending with a Sabbath Day talk sits well since it’s a favorite of mine. Time is such a precious commodity. And I love Come, Ye Thankful People, Come. Amazing footage from areas receiving refugees on the World Report.
Old Timer wrote:Roy participates in another congregation but maintains the LDS Church as his “home church”.
We participate to a degree in several but we have been regular attenders at an Assembly of God church that we really like. We even refer people there who may be new to the area and looking for a church. I have found that most churches do a few things really well and others not so well. This particular Assembly of God church excels at acceptance. It is a real “come as you are church”. They have accepted and welcomed us to participate (they greet us by name) as often as we like knowing that we are still Mormons of good standing. They have an evening service and “kids place” program that we attend almost weekly. Because it is in the evening, it does not conflict with LDS meeting times.
PM me if you have additional questions so as not to derail this thread. Thanks!
John chapter 6 is a big reason why I’ve decided to remain in the church. I rely on that chapter, following DJ’s observation – by directing my own return. Elder Ballard uses “to whom shall we go?” from that chapter but I feel more care has to be taken to ensure we don’t do or say things in an effort to try to direct other people’sreturn. If we’re not careful that same passage that holds inspiration for many can become a form of coercion. There’s the door but good luck finding someone that treats you as well as I treat you. Remember that in the story Peterasks Jesus“to whom shall we go?” not the other way around. I only bring this up because I’ve seen how things typically pan out. People remember doubt your doubts from Uchtdorf’s talk but remember little else of the more welcoming things he said. David may have directed his own return but it’s a subtle enough point in the story that I don’t believe it will get picked up on. There have been enough talks during the October conference where I’m positive “those that leave” will be the topic of many SM talks and PH/RS lessons. If we want directing our own returns to be a part of the grace we extend people I think we are going to have to be the ones to call attention to it in the lessons we attend.
I keep getting the feeling this is a do over of D. Todd Chrisofferson’s talk. Today is not my day. This talk is not my cup of tea. I appreciate church callings but I don’t like the idea that we are less faithful if we don’t accept one. I agree, mom3 – but he did just say “the natural man or woman”. It is a really little thing in the overall context of this talk, but I like it, nonetheless. 
Also, just to say it, comparing full-time service to the balance regular members have to fight isn’t fair, imo.
This is another good talk for orthodox members. That is how I deal with it.
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