- dlc on A Museum Review: The Museum of Utah: “my family and i visited last week when i was off for the 4th holiday weekend. it was overwhelming in the best sense; we definitely walked out thinking “we’re gonna have to come back, there’s just too much to see and process in one visit”. highly highly recommend if you are in the slc or surrounding areas. worth a drive.” Jul 7, 16:42
- on Church in Contrast: Participation and Meaning in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 7/5?: “I often use our ward fb page to comment on some of our s/school, or priesthood lessons on aspects of the lessons from which I have learnt, or to make further comment. I find our ward fb page to be an excellent medium to engage in gospel topic discussions.” Jul 7, 15:30
- on A Museum Review: The Museum of Utah: “If that’s an offer to fund it, Jonathan, I’m game!” Jul 7, 11:34
- on A Museum Review: The Museum of Utah: “This is a great category for new posts. Chad, we now need you to systematically visit museums and historical sites throughout the U.S. and/or internationally.” Jul 7, 11:09
- on Church in Contrast: Participation and Meaning in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 7/5?: “Last Lemming – I would love to hear how your ward’s out-of-the-closet Lesbian framed her rebuttal in Gospel (not political) terms. That would be so hard to do!” Jul 7, 08:48
- on Church in Contrast: Participation and Meaning in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 7/5?: “Last Lemming: That sounds really interesting. Perhaps the issue is to what degree do opposing statements like that create anger and disharmony. While some discomfort is probably good (it often leads to examining what you think and why), if it goes too far, it can actually make people retreat into their pre-conceived ideas and not consider what others think. Unfortunately, I think we (the membership of the church in general) shy away so much from differences like what you saw that we don’t have experience dealing with them, which makes such situations harder. Jonathan: I agree!! One of the most important thoughts I find myself thinking when I’m in meetings is simply “It’s not necessarily about me!”” Jul 7, 07:17
- on “Offer Your Whole Souls” (Gold from the Plates: Greatest Hits Sermons from the Book of Mormon): “Thanks, Seth and Jack! I’ll submit another chapter to T&S soon.” Jul 6, 23:48
- on Church in Contrast: Participation and Meaning in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 7/5?: “Similar to Kent’s experience, I thought one of the testimonies offered was unwarranted, confusing, and more than questionable in terms of doctrine. But it was also exactly what one person in the meeting needed to hear and really helped them enjoy the rest of the meetings and have a positive experience at church. So I pretty much just let people say what they will when moved on by the spirit while I stay out of the way.” Jul 6, 20:04
- on Church in Contrast: Participation and Meaning in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 7/5?: “One testimony in our meeting endorsed the idea that the US should be a Christian nation. In response, our resident out-of-the-closet lesbian delivered a powerful rebuttal. She didn’t pretend that she was not prolonging controversy but explained that she was not willing to let the controversy always be one-sided. She did however, frame everything in gospel, rather than political terms. She’s obviously pretty fearless. The bishop never budged.” Jul 6, 17:06
- on Church in Contrast: Participation and Meaning in Church (Or What Did Church Lead You to Think About) Yesterday, 7/5?: “Here’s a few of my thoughts in reaction to what I experienced in Church yesterday (7/5): As always, some of the things said in the testimonies given didn’t match my understanding of the gospel. I usually find those testimonies among the most fruitful for thought, since I have to think through what they say and why I don’t agree. Often those speaking are simply not well informed. And I’m glad that they help me improve my understanding of the gospel. One testimony was given by an immigrant, who mentioned how lonely it is when you don’t speak the same language as everyone else. They said “the only thing I need is to have one friend.” What an important idea! Its been said before, but I suspect most of our wards and branches don’t do well with those who are different or who don’t speak the language (even though its common to have RMs in our wards who have served elsewhere — unfortunately many don’t maintain their ability to speak). It isn’t hard to get in the habit of reaching out to people at church who are unfamiliar and make sure that they have someone to talk to. One member gave a testimony for another member who now resides in a care facility. We all knew the testimony because before entering the care facility, that member gave his same testimony every month. It was a little emotional to hear it — oft repeated things become familiar, and end up with emotions tied to them. I would have preferred to have the missing member there, but I was glad to hear the testimony regardless. In the Sunday School lesson, we discussed the “still small voice” passage from 1 Kings, and I realized that the context for the great wind and the earthquake was Elijah escaping the wrath of Ahab and Jezebel. As absolute monarchs they had the ability to take his life. They had the power. In contrast, the Lord displayed that He had even more power, over nature itself in the form of wind, fire and earthquake. BUT THE LORD WAS NOT IN THAT POWER. He was in the still small voice. The power of humans is almost always unrighteous—it is often violent and often takes away the freedom and wellbeing of individuals. The Lord is NOT in such power. Violence is not His way. ” Jul 5, 21:02
