Comments on: Diversity in the Church http://www.mormonheretic.org/2008/01/28/diversity-in-the-church/ Stuff they don't talk about in Sunday School Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:23:56 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.3 By: mormonheretic http://www.mormonheretic.org/2008/01/28/diversity-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-18 mormonheretic Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:54:03 +0000 http://www.mormonheretic.org/2008/01/28/diversity-in-the-church/#comment-18 I once heard a quote to the effect that the church needs more mission presidents who are physicians, than businessmen who are trying to close a quick sale. I really think that it is better to slow down conversion to the truly converted, and avoid the quick baptisms. I have heard that it takes at least 1 year to become a Catholic and a Jehovah's Witness. I'm not sure if I advocate waiting that long for someone to join the LDS church, but I think 2 months might be a good enough waiting period. I once heard a quote to the effect that the church needs more mission presidents who are physicians, than businessmen who are trying to close a quick sale. I really think that it is better to slow down conversion to the truly converted, and avoid the quick baptisms. I have heard that it takes at least 1 year to become a Catholic and a Jehovah’s Witness. I’m not sure if I advocate waiting that long for someone to join the LDS church, but I think 2 months might be a good enough waiting period.

]]> By: Mormon Paleo http://www.mormonheretic.org/2008/01/28/diversity-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-15 Mormon Paleo Wed, 30 Jan 2008 12:53:11 +0000 http://www.mormonheretic.org/2008/01/28/diversity-in-the-church/#comment-15 I suppose I am more blandly orthodox here with respect to diversity. I would rather just trust in the Lord, in His ways, and in His timetable. Boring, I know. But I have no preference as to racial diversity. It could be noted that Elder Uchtdorf is the first foreign-born member of the Quorum in some time. Going to church for a month or two: I do agree that it seems as if some individuals are rushed into the waters of baptism (we've all seen it) before they are ready, and quickly go less active in response. Having a longer-term pattern seems like a good idea. After all, enduring to the end is about faithfully keeping the commandments of God, not a one-time fit or burst of passion. But how can missionaries and members work together to grow the ward without the members growing bitter about the missionaries baptizing anything on two legs? My opinion is that the Brethren think and study and pray for answers to these questions, and I believe that many current policies, including Preach My Gospel, are an answer to those prayers. That's not to say that more answers will not come. I remember a YM leader some years ago telling about how when in Mexico in the 1970s, missionaries would move very quickly from initial Church contact to the waters of baptism. Sometimes, it would be in the same day. Of course there were problems with that approach, and current Church policies reflect that history. I suppose I am more blandly orthodox here with respect to diversity. I would rather just trust in the Lord, in His ways, and in His timetable. Boring, I know. But I have no preference as to racial diversity. It could be noted that Elder Uchtdorf is the first foreign-born member of the Quorum in some time.

Going to church for a month or two: I do agree that it seems as if some individuals are rushed into the waters of baptism (we’ve all seen it) before they are ready, and quickly go less active in response. Having a longer-term pattern seems like a good idea. After all, enduring to the end is about faithfully keeping the commandments of God, not a one-time fit or burst of passion. But how can missionaries and members work together to grow the ward without the members growing bitter about the missionaries baptizing anything on two legs? My opinion is that the Brethren think and study and pray for answers to these questions, and I believe that many current policies, including Preach My Gospel, are an answer to those prayers. That’s not to say that more answers will not come.

I remember a YM leader some years ago telling about how when in Mexico in the 1970s, missionaries would move very quickly from initial Church contact to the waters of baptism. Sometimes, it would be in the same day. Of course there were problems with that approach, and current Church policies reflect that history.

]]> By: Doc http://www.mormonheretic.org/2008/01/28/diversity-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-13 Doc Wed, 30 Jan 2008 02:42:06 +0000 http://www.mormonheretic.org/2008/01/28/diversity-in-the-church/#comment-13 I have been pulling for elder Kikuchi ever since hearing him in person on my mission over 15 years ago. Yet, it never seems to happen. He would be a wonderful choice. I have been pulling for elder Kikuchi ever since hearing him in person on my mission over 15 years ago. Yet, it never seems to happen. He would be a wonderful choice.

]]> By: dpc http://www.mormonheretic.org/2008/01/28/diversity-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-10 dpc Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:52:17 +0000 http://www.mormonheretic.org/2008/01/28/diversity-in-the-church/#comment-10 "Also, I really think it would be great if a Hispanic or black apostle was named." My money's on Elder Kikuchi...We'll see. One thing that I would like to see, however, is that at General Conference, the speakers get to deliver talks in their native languages, with subtitles in English during the live conference. If GAs prepare their talks in advance, I don't think it would be problematic. If they speak off the cuff, as it were, it would be a huge logistical nightmare. “Also, I really think it would be great if a Hispanic or black apostle was named.”

My money’s on Elder Kikuchi…We’ll see.

One thing that I would like to see, however, is that at General Conference, the speakers get to deliver talks in their native languages, with subtitles in English during the live conference. If GAs prepare their talks in advance, I don’t think it would be problematic. If they speak off the cuff, as it were, it would be a huge logistical nightmare.

]]> By: John Dehlin http://www.mormonheretic.org/2008/01/28/diversity-in-the-church/comment-page-1/#comment-9 John Dehlin Tue, 29 Jan 2008 15:46:03 +0000 http://www.mormonheretic.org/2008/01/28/diversity-in-the-church/#comment-9 Love the "subjective" tag. :) Love the “subjective” tag. :)

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