Dallin Oaks

[miles45]

<SIGH>

From what I understand, what hoops is saying is that in some circumstances, a child is better served by their participation in extracuricular activities and the positive interaction with his peers and what are (hopefully) adult role models as opposed to a home environment that is less then our LDS "ideal". Is that correct?

If that is the case, good for him. If he has benefited from this in his own life then that is terrific. If he is able to help youth who are not getting that kind of support from their families that we would all want our children to have, again, that is terrific.

I havent read anything he has said as an "attack" on us.

I enjoyed Elder Oak's talk and I will apply the things that he said in my life as they fit in my life. We are all individuals in different circumstance. We will all try to live our lives as best we can and apply what we learn along the way as best we can.

We arent all going to come to the same conclusion and same methods. What is "Best" for me, may not be what is "Best" for Hoops or anyone else. If Hoops' "Best" provides him and the kids he is able to influence with fulfillment, God bless him.

We all have to look inward and determine what that is for each of us.

[Daniel Peterson]

I wonder if the reactions to what Oaks said would have been the same if he instead would have said, "But here is a caution for families. Suppose Church leaders reduce the time required by Church meetings and activities in order to increase the time available for families to be together. This will not achieve its intended purpose unless individual family membersâ??especially parentsâ??vigorously act to increase family togetherness and one-on-one time. [school choirs] and technology toys like video games and the Internet are already winning away the time of our children and youth. Surfing the Internet is not better than serving the Lord or strengthening the family. Some young men and women are skipping Church youth activities or cutting family time in order to participate in [school plays] or to pursue various entertainments."

No problem at all with that. If school choirs or school plays interfere unduly with family life and religious activity -- I've never heard of such a case and, for several reasons, find the notion unlikely -- some reflection, and perhaps even some tough decisions, might be appropriate.

[Pahoran]

Here Hoops, just for you:

There is beauty all around

When we win the game,

There is joy in ev'ry sound

When we win the game.

Peace and plenty here abide,

Smiling sweet on ev'ry side,

Time doth softly, sweetly glide,

When we win the game.

Win the game,

Win the game;

Time doth softly, sweetly glide,

When we win the game.

In the cottage there is joy

When we win the game,

Hate and envy ne'er annoy

When we win the game.

Roses bloom beneath our feet,

All the earth's a garden sweet,

Making life a bliss complete,

When we win the game.

Win the game,

Win the game;

Making life a bliss complete,

When we win the game.

Kindly heaven smiles above

When we win the game,

All the world is filled with love,

When we win the game.

Sweeter sings the brooklet by,

Brighter beams the azure sky,

O, there's one who smiles on high,

When we win the game.

Win the game,

Win the game;

O, there's one who smiles on high,

When we win the game.

Regards,

Pahoran

[LifeOnaPlate]

It was interesting to read the responses, especially by those who obviously had a bad experience with sports. I honestly feel bad for you if your parents forced you to participate in any activity that you hated. Some kids are forced to take music lessons for 10 years (yep, that was me). Fortunately my parents allowed me to participate in sports also.

I wonder if the reactions to what Oaks said would have been the same if he instead would have said, "But here is a caution for families. Suppose Church leaders reduce the time required by Church meetings and activities in order to increase the time available for families to be together. This will not achieve its intended purpose unless individual family membersâ??especially parentsâ??vigorously act to increase family togetherness and one-on-one time. [school choirs] and technology toys like video games and the Internet are already winning away the time of our children and youth. Surfing the Internet is not better than serving the Lord or strengthening the family. Some young men and women are skipping Church youth activities or cutting family time in order to participate in [school plays] or to pursue various entertainments."

I was in choir, band, and all the plays and managed to attend church, FHE, and youth activities regularly, in addition to getting decent grades. If these activities began adversely effecting me- like excessive sports can- I'd whole-heartedly agree. I have no problem with your suggestions being included.

[gmormon]

The rules in my family have always been:

1. Family First
   
2. Church Second
   
3. School Third
   
4. Friends Fourth
   

That doesn't mean there wasn't adjusting from time to time. However as a general rule, and my kids knew to take this into consideration anytime they tried to schedule something

[LifeOnaPlate]

The rules in my family have always been:

1. Family First
   
2. Church Second
   
3. School Third
   
4. Friends Fourth
   

That doesn't mean there wasn't adjusting from time to time. However as a general rule, and my kids knew to take this into consideration anytime they tried to schedule something

Seems fair to me.

[Daniel Peterson]

You mean the priorities weren't

1. Church First

2. Nothing

?????

But isn't that what Elder Oaks was demanding? (The Elder Oaks who has never had a professional or personal life apart from Church activities and callings?)