I spend a lot of time reading a variety of views on the Church and Mormonism in general. Every so often some online community of saints or former saints who are critical of the Church whip themselves into a moral panic. They talk about all the problems with the Church and bring out a laundry list of things that must be talked about or things that every Church member should know. Whenever I spend too much time listening to the tinkling cymbals and sounding brass I listen to what the Church leaders are actually concerned about and what they are talking about I notice a fundamental disconnect between what the Church critics think is important and what Church leaders think is important.
I was reminded of this when a visiting General Authority spoke in my ward a few months ago, and again last General Conference, and again today.
3 comments:
Church leaders are busy preaching Jesus Christ and Him crucified and the need to perfect the saints.
The other crowds have a compass rose of gripes, but they miss the mark completely. Then again, you'd expect that, wouldn't you?
There are plenty that have gripes, but there are a few who are sincere in their concern for the Church. They see a problem, and it is a legitimate problem, but what they worry about is insignificant compared to the work that Church leaders are trying to accomplish.
It's a bit like worrying about whether or not you left the garden hose running, when you are evacuating ahead of a hurricane.
Some preparations and problems to solve are just much more pressing and much more important.
Arguing endlessly (and you don't) about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin can not lead people to create a Zion society. I'm with you that there are matters of interest (don't rise to the level of 'concern' with me) that I'd like to see addressed, but I default back to Alma 12: 9-11. Mysteries are interesting but their understanding is predicated on righteousness.
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