- ji on Freedom of Reaction: How Did You Participate in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 5/31?: “I am back in Ukraine, and I am sort of glad I missed the U.S. fifth Sunday discussion. It sounds like OP’s ward handled it by not allowing any discussion – that might have been a wise approach. In the sacrament meeting opening prayer, the sister asked for God to return to the country. The sacrament meeting speaker told of her faith amidst her evacuation from the east and the loss of her son and her joy in her daughter. She read what she styled as a poem, but was the 23rd Psalm. There were no children, as parents have taken them to safety out of the country – there is a Primary president, but no Primary. There were maybe up to 30 people in attendance, including ten or so men, but only four wore ties.” Jun 1, 19:59
- on Thoughts on Future Projects: “This post and comments strongly feel like a good ol’ boys club. Admittedly, anything related to LDS history is pretty much a branch of that club. Of these choices, I would be most interested in the Documents project if it would include historical context, what events prompted the statements, what problems were they meant to address or prevent, and include some that may have been superseded or rescinded. You are correct that you choices and commentary would likely be controversial, but it may provide insight into how these things come about.” Jun 1, 17:45
- on Freedom of Reaction: How Did You Participate in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 5/31?: “We had 3 speakers in Sacrament Meeting that all spoke in one or another about being peacemakers. Usually I get frustrated when everyone is talking about the same thing, but they all were different enough that it was quite enjoyable. I am outside the US, so we didn’t have the lesson on the US Constitution. We had a discussion about strengthening marriage that seemed to go well. Since it was a 5th Sunday, we had a Munch and Mingle. I really enjoy fellowship in that short of environment. Overall, with the good talks, the nice discussion, and the social time, I definitely felt like a “fellowcitizen with the saints”” Jun 1, 14:57
- on Freedom of Reaction: How Did You Participate in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 5/31?: “Here’s a few of my thoughts in reaction to what happened in Church yesterday (5/31): One of the speakers in sacrament meeting mentioned the name of a brother in our ward who is a Ph.D. Student in Near Eastern Studies, and has become the de-facto scripture expert in the ward. This led me to think about stereotypes and how education, personality and other factors create certain roles in our wards and branches, and other groups. Does every ward have someone who is considered the ward scripture expert? Is there always someone who is the extremely friendly greeter, who seems to know and be friendly with everyone? Is there always a family history expert? How do these things happen? Another speaker mentioned that some might find the talk to be a “trauma dump.” After hearing the talk, I can see how the speaker would fear that. But as I’ve studied about literature and speaking, I realize that people have a need to express themselves. One of the brilliant things about LDS practice is that we get people involved, and we give opportunities for members to speak, give testimony, teach, etc., and express how they feel and what they think. Of course, they are always speaking to an audience, and are probably adjusting what they say to fit the audience (and there are social pressures that usually keep them in acceptable bounds). But these opportunities mean we can not only receive lessons and talks, but also express ourselves. The lesson on the Constitution indicated that it is built on respect for the rule of law, a bedrock principle that allows us to live the law of God. Unfortunately (in my mind at least) the lesson didn’t go into what we should do when the rule of law isn’t respected, and when the Constitution itself is under attack. Will we be able to live the law of God without it? ” Jun 1, 11:59
- on Thoughts on Future Projects: “Thanks for pointing that out Mike. I hear that one had a good editor. I’ve added that to my to-read list. And thank you to everyone in general for the thoughtful feedback.” Jun 1, 11:25
- on Thoughts on Future Projects: “On of my favorite entries in my book “Counselors to the Prophets” published by Eborn Books is the the chapter on George A. Smith contributed to that project by C. Kent Dunford. I agree that George A. would be a fascinating book-length biography, and would happy to share that chapter with you for reference if you start down that path (Kent Dunford died in 2024 at the age of 90. Great scholar!).” May 31, 22:00
- on Thoughts on Future Projects: “Kerry, it was actually while reading your John Steele bio that it clicked that we need a George A. Smith bio.” May 31, 17:19
- on Thoughts on Future Projects: “George A. Smith is perhaps the most needed biography of an important nineteenth century Mormon figure. The Pusey Smith family biography was constrained by family timidity and lack of access to good resources (also by a format not lending itself to a full biography). Zorah Jarvis’s book was a strong family effort; given the tremendous resources now available George A. could get a terrific biography by a diligent researcher like yourself. I thought the Rey L. Pratt suggestion veery intriguing, too.” May 31, 11:50
- on Transportation Theory and Algorithmitizing Mission Assignments: “Having processed a few hundred missionaries through the ward or mission system, I noticed a pattern with some of them. They felt a compelling urge to study (and then did study) certain languages. They were often intrigued not just with the language but with the people and culture. A large percentage of the time, they were called to go there. I have counseled with young people to listen carefully and early to such promptings and then to act on them. I think the inspiration for a calling can truly involve not just the one issuing the calling but can come much earlier to the one who will be called. FWIW, I bombed the language test in 1975, I’m sure. I was so disappointed that I went to an English-speaking mission, even though it was in Australia. (I wanted to go to Russia, but that wasn’t an option then.) When I was set apart, I was told I was being sent there to bring a (singular) person into the gospel. That happened the last few weeks, and I’ve been connected with him in a great brotherhood ever since. (FWIW, I did end up serving in Russia many years later, to my astonishment and joy.) All that being said, I can for sure see AI producing a preliminary draft for mission appointments, like when I write a memo. ;-)” May 31, 10:16
