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It’s almost like we’re too afraid to love, so we settle for boring, rote impersonal, cookie-cutter TRADITION.
Possibly, but I actually believe that the men have an even harder time of it in some places. In my culture, the men are supposed to put up and shut up, and we don’t generally display much emotion. Women, I think, though are seriously tough with one another when it comes to outward appearance.
Old-Timer wrote:Featherina, I think it’s important in a setting / discussion like this to point out something that gets overlooked all the time by lots of members:
The manuals in the Church are sparse – and intentionally so. The directions are quite clear that the intent in many classes is to engage the members in discussions about the topic being addressed. Iow, the ideal is that we talk about things with each other – especially in classes that aren’t introductory in any way (as opposed to Goepel Essentials, where it is assumed that most people won’t have heard the same lesson multiple times).
Iwo, we are supposed to be doing more of what you are saying here – but it’s much easier for the teacher AND the students not to prepare and participate in that manner.
I don’t know about sparse… most of the time, the lesson is not completely covered, because there simply isn’t time, or we get off on a tanget.But I get what you mean.
And I agree – it is easier to be less personable.
Mom3, I understand that religious gatherings are in themselves somewhat “organized” & not so much from the heart.
I also understand that some people have more to learn about basic manners than others.
Yet, this doesn’t mean we should settle for rote lessons that require “certain” answers.
Nobody said getting along with others & loving each other would be easy – but worth it!
Brian Johnston wrote:I think though that one of the greatest potential assets of a religious community is the family aspect of being there for each other. And by “being there,” I mean emotionally and spiritually being present with others in love — to mourn with those who mourn, etc.
I agree… but I think sometimes people just don’t know how to do that… they need someone to take their hand & show them.That’s why we have home & visiting teaching… which often doesn’t get done. I think having 10 minute chat sessions might be better at looking after the one who could otherwise fall between the cracks right in front of everyone’s manual-centered eyes.
SamBee wrote:Quote:It’s almost like we’re too afraid to love, so we settle for boring, rote impersonal, cookie-cutter TRADITION.
Possibly, but I actually believe that the men have an even harder time of it in some places. In my culture, the men are supposed to put up and shut up, and we don’t generally display much emotion. Women, I think, though are seriously tough with one another when it comes to outward appearance.
I’ve noticed that sometimes too.We have a lot to learn – in being kind to each other & in allowing for some humanity (imperfection).
I think as we get to know each other (esp. in relationships that we live together)… we tend to push each others’ buttons.
Although it’s a real pain… having our buttons pushed can be a healing opportunity… for us first, & then for others, because we’ll have more compassion & less condemning of others.
Life is short! We’re not going to be here forever!
We need to LIVE! LOVE! & LAUGH all we can!
BTW… I think I should have used a different word in the thread title… maybe
“Time to Chat With Each Other”instead of Counsel. Time for Chat- You’ve got me 100%. I love a Linger Longer thing. Even every fifth Sunday to begin with, then move up to every other week. One of my happy favorite memories were from years ago when Sunday was a 3 separate meeting a day style. There was a lot more mingling after the meetings. We weren’t in desperate hurry to head to the next meeting. As a kid sometimes I got bored because the adults were always talking, but if I had friends and we were busy walking on the bike racks and brick flower beds it was great. It is one of the things I miss when they changed to the block system.
I do agree that I think over time more people would enjoy time to chat, and just connect. Count me in Featherina, I nominate you president of the Caring and Sharing Commitee. The Savior I love would like it, too.
Thanks, Mom3. 🙂 We do need time to connect with each other.
Maybe it could be simply discussing a question from the lesson…
Or “get to know you” questions…
What’s your favorite quote/song/activity?
When was the last time you laughed/cried?
How would you describe how you feel right now based on types of movies…
…(comedy, adventure, documentary, horror, trivia game show, romance etc.)?
What is a goal your working on?
What is a dream you haven’t set to a goal yet?
Who has showed love to you in a meaningful way?
What did you play often, as a child?
What’s one of your best memories?
What inspires you? And why?
etc.
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