Again, today I heard another unfortunate instance of someone expressing their distaste in the behavior of the Church in getting involved in political affairs. This person went on to say that because of the Church's activism in favor of Proposition 8, he felt that he had to disassociate himself from the Church.
If you'll follow me for a moment I'll return to the subject momentarily.
My job is extremely tedious. I needed some form of entertainment while I worked. I didn't want to have music blaring in my ears the whole time, so I took to putting general conference talks and BYU devotional speeches on my Palm and listened as I worked. Today's playlist was particularly enlightening. Neal A. Maxwell controlled most of the playtime. (Enter initial topic of discussion)
I was intrigued by some of his words in his talk, "Meeting the Challenges of Today", given 10 October 1978.
"Discipleship includes good citizenship; and in this connection, if you are careful students of the statements of the modern prophets, you will have noticed that with rare exceptions--especially when the First Presidency has spoken out--the concerns expressed have been over moral issues, not issues between political parties. The declarations are about principles, not people, and causes, not candidates. On occasions, at other levels in the Church, a few have not been so discreet, so wise, or so inspired.
"But make no mistake about it, brothers and sisters; in the months and years ahead, events will require of each member that he or she decide whether or not he or she will follow the First Presidency. Members will find it more difficult to halt longer between two opinions (see 1 Kings 18:21).
"President Marion G. Romney said, many years ago, that he had "never hesitated to follow the counsel of the Authorities of the Church even though it crossed my social, professional, or political life" (CR, April 1941, p. 123). This is a hard doctrine, but it is a particularly vital doctrine in a society which is becoming more wicked. In short, brothers and sisters, not being ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ includes not being ashamed of the prophets of Jesus Christ. "
1 comment:
Holy moly, and this was 30 years ago. If this isn't prophecy, I don't know what is!!! This is truly dividing the Church, just like I have ALWAYS said it would (and people wouldn't believe me... pur-lease...). They believe the Prophet until he says something they just think is plain ol' mean!
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