What if President Boyd K Packer becomes the next President of the Church?

[William James]

I have noticed recently that Elder Boyd K Packer (the president of the council of the Twelve) has become the new punching bag for the critics (LDS) on this board. He seems to have replaced Elder McConkie and President Joseph Fielding Smith as the most vilified and hated of the modern apostles. I am frankly shocked at the disrespect and open hostility exhibited by some "LDS" board members. Since he is the President of the Council of the Twelve, it is within the realm of possibility that he could one day become the President of the Church if President Monson passes away before he does. So I was curious to see how the vote would go with some here.

In my own opinion, it would be a disaster for the LDS Church and generally if BKP would become the president of the church. But to be clear, although that is my opinion, I still believe that BKP is a man of God, and I sustain him as a prophet, seer, and revelator. Nevertheless, one's status as a man of God, or even a prophet, in no way insulates his purported revelations from scrutiny, and a great many errors have been perpetuated by believers mistaking a leader's personal opinion for authentic revelation (even when the purported revelation is cloaked in officiality). So at this point, while I would "sustain" BKP in his official capacity, I would not swallow everything he says just because of his position. Though I believe BKP is sincere, I also strongly believe that he lacks critical thinking skills and is very closed minded and autocratic in his theological approach. Though I bear no ill-will to BKP personally, I honestly believe the LDS Church would be much better off if BKP never becomes president. I therefore selected the second choice in the poll.

[USU78]

I have noticed recently that Elder Boyd K Packer (the president of the council of the Twelve) has become the new punching bag for the critics (LDS) on this board. He seems to have replaced Elder McConkie and President Joseph Fielding Smith as the most vilified and hated of the modern apostles. I am frankly shocked at the disrespect and open hostility exhibited by some "LDS" board members. Since he is the President of the Council of the Twelve, it is within the realm of possibility that he could one day become the President of the Church if President Monson passes away before he does. So I was curious to see how the vote would go with some here.

It's not recent at all. It's been going on since the mid '70s at least. Miracle of Forgiveness and BKP's "Little Factories" Priesthood Session address have been the bugaboos of homophiliacs' nightmares ever since.

[BCSpace]

TSM had some harsh words for critics of the Church, directed at gay activists iirc, when he became President. No one mentioned anything then. BKP has merely expressed the doctrine of the Church forthrightly. I like someone who doesn't mince words. But it makes little difference which of the apostles gets that job. Nothing as far as doctrine or policy as it's all the same God. For what little differences there are, it would be good for the Church to have BKP as President. More unbelievers would be outed and hopefully repent or leave the Church. It would be less likely for a cafeteria believer to join the Church, etc. Jesus came not to send peace.....

[Brenda]

If President Packer ever becomes the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I will sustain him with joy, faith, and sincerity. He will be my prophet, seer, and revelator. I would be honored to be a member of the Church he would lead in the name of Jesus Christ.

Six

DITTO DITTO DITTO DITTO DITTO !!!!!

[mfbukowski]

I don't care who's the prophet, as long as it's not me.

I think you should run for Pope instead.

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

I have noticed recently that Elder Boyd K Packer (the president of the council of the Twelve) has become the new punching bag for the critics (LDS) on this board. He seems to have replaced Elder McConkie and President Joseph Fielding Smith as the most vilified and hated of the modern apostles. I am frankly shocked at the disrespect and open hostility exhibited by some "LDS" board members. Since he is the President of the Council of the Twelve, it is within the realm of possibility that he could one day become the President of the Church if President Monson passes away before he does. So I was curious to see how the vote would go with some here.

I like him...

[David T]

Of course I'd sustain him.

[blueadept]

I think you should run for Pope instead.

Since he's weird in having dual membership in both churches, I say he should run for both...

[ELF1024]

Since he's weird in having dual membership in both churches, I say he should run for both...

Hmm... would that cause a merger?

[mfbukowski]

Hmm... would that cause a merger?

No, just a rift in the Apostatic Continuum which might be good for a major, but very local, thunderstorm.

[Bsix]

Where are the Internet Mormons!!??

The don't get much more "chapel" than President Packer. Yet, over 80% of the online aplogists who voted...said that they would sustain President Packer as the leader of the Church.

It seems to be one more indicator that the schism in the LDS Church declared by Dr. Shades is simply not true.

Six

[jadams_4242]

I have noticed recently that Elder Boyd K Packer (the president of the council of the Twelve) has become the new punching bag for the critics (LDS) on this board. He seems to have replaced Elder McConkie and President Joseph Fielding Smith as the most vilified and hated of the modern apostles. I am frankly shocked at the disrespect and open hostility exhibited by some "LDS" board members. Since he is the President of the Council of the Twelve, it is within the realm of possibility that he could one day become the President of the Church if President Monson passes away before he does. So I was curious to see how the vote would go with some here.

We must not ever forget that wonderfull mantle that falls upon a prophet...

[Tsuzuki]

I think you should run for Pope instead.

Already got that job.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discordianism#Popes

[Bernard Gui]

Before Ezra Taft Benson became the Prophet, I heard dire predictions of a mass exodus from the Church if he ever became the Prophet; didn't happen.

Before Joseph Fielding Smith became the Prophet, I heard dire predictions of a mass exodus from the Church if he ever became the Prophet; didn't happen.

Before Spencer W. Kimball received the revelation about the priesthood , I heard dire predictions of a mass exodus from the Church if it eve happened; didn't happen.

Thanks for stating this. I remember all three events exactly as you describe them.

The hysteria over Pres. Benson and Smith was over the top, far more than I hear

with Pres Packer. My mission president was a son of Pres Smith, who became President

during my mission. He often said his father was the most misunderstood man in the

Church.

Bernard

[sunstoned]

BKP served his country in WW2. That buys a lot of cred in my book. He also speaks his mind, and he is not ashamed of the doctrine that he believes in. That is very refreshing.

[Muc'ul Ajwalil]

If Boyd K Packer became president of the Church, I would still sustain him.

Doesn't look like that will be the case though. I could very easily see Elder Holland, Elder Bednar, or perhaps, both of them, become prophet...

[krose]

Where are the Internet Mormons!!??

The don't get much more "chapel" than President Packer. Yet, over 80% of the online aplogists who voted...said that they would sustain President Packer as the leader of the Church.

It seems to be one more indicator that the schism in the LDS Church declared by Dr. Shades is simply not true.

What part of the Shades theory leads you to believe that Internet Mormons would be likely to oppose an anointed prophet?

[Bsix]

What part of the Shades theory leads you to believe that Internet Mormons would be likely to oppose an anointed prophet?

Shades' theory proposes that the LDS Church is undergoing a literal schism and has become two distinct religions...conservative "Chapel" Mormons who believe the teachings of the prophets (Who he deems to be Chapel Mormons)...and liberal "Internet" Mormons who do not believe the teachings of the prophets.

Shades likens the dicotomy between the two as so great that to be an Internet Mormon is to have converted to another religion.

It would seem to me that the Mormon Apologetics Discussion Board is as close to Internet Mormon Zion as you can get. The LDS here are active internet users and are members of an web-based Mormon doctrinal community. We are exposed to virtually every criticism charged against the Church. We are engaged in debates and discussions regarding the teachings of the Church. If "internet" Mormons exist...you are likely to find these heretics here at high rates. (In fact, that is why Shades conducted the 'internet' side of his orginal research on the precursor this board -- ZLMB.)

Yet, there seems to be (based on this poll) overwelming support for the most "Chapel" of all LDS leaders -- President Packer. (Note: If you were to discount those who voted in the poll who are not LDS or who no longer believe in any aspect of Mormonism, the rate of approval for President Packer is even higher.)

I find such overwelming support of President Packer from this group to be surprising with regards to Shade's theory.

Six

[mercyngrace]

There will not be massive exodus and he will easily be sustained among the membership.

As a nonmember, there's only 3 individuals who regularly talk at GC where it's best that I leave the room. BKP is on top of that list but who really cares what critics think.

I've always enjoyed President Hinckley's and President Monson's talks. I don't expect that to be the case with President Packer.

Even as a devout member who has much love and admiration for Elder Packer, I've felt some of his remarks struck a harsh tone over the years. I used to imagine him as the kind of dad you were afraid to disappoint where then-Elder Monson was the kind of dad who would tickle you and take you on walks to the park.

In the last few years, I've sensed a softening of Elder Packer's language and tone. Maybe it's age. Maybe it's growth. Maybe it's just that I used to listen to his words rather than his intent. I don't know. One thing I know is that for years, Elder Packer spoke as a warning voice, trying desperately it seemed at times, to scare us away from the ugliness of the world. More recently, he's been speaking as a gentle guide, leading us toward the beautiful arms of a loving Father. (Both regional conferences I saw him in last year revealed this side of him.)

This most recent GC talk that got everyone stirred up was nothing compared to things he's said in the past. It was almost a dismissive reminder of how powerless Satan is and how incredibly powerful each of us is.

So maybe, blue, if he's around in April, stay in the room and see if you sense a difference.

PS Happy Thanksgiving, my friend

[Robspectre]

Even if you HATED the guy, what difference would it make? Israel hated Moses at times...Still he was the Prophet. I personally like Elder Packer and see absolutely no problem with him being Gods chosen spokesperson. I am very active (LDS) and attend Church as often as possible. I firmly believe we should "Follow the Prophet" always. I do not believe our Father will let him lead us astray. Did I mention I like Elder Packer?!

[Bsix]

Did I mention I like Elder Packer?!

The issue with President Packer is less to do with what fellow Mormons think of him...as it does with what the critics and exMormons think of him.

President Packer is to exMormons what Sarah Palin is to Liberals. They drive their critics bat-crazy.

To the vast majority of the LDS Church (including supposed Internet Mormons) he has very, very high levels of support.

Six

[Robspectre]

to Bsix:

I like polarizing people. Usually that means they stand their ground. I'm sure he has made mistakes. That is what makes him human. I think the PC movement should be done away with. I like him, and I don't know anyone personally that does not. Man says what he believes...I like it. Oh, and did I mention that I like Elder Packer? I also like Pres. Benson a lot too.

P.S.

Do we care what exmo's and critics think? They will not be happy till a standing Prophet comes out and says,"It is all a big lie...go home folks. From Joseph to Me (current Prophet), we have all been false Prophets and secularism is the only God."

Oh...I like Glenn Beck too. (Crowd throws rotten fruit at me now)LOL

[mfbukowski]

Shades' theory proposes that the LDS Church is undergoing a literal schism and has become two distinct religions...conservative "Chapel" Mormons who believe the teachings of the prophets (Who he deems to be Chapel Mormons)...and liberal "Internet" Mormons who do not believe the teachings of the prophets.

Shades likens the dicotomy between the two as so great that to be an Internet Mormon is to have converted to another religion.

It would seem to me that the Mormon Apologetics Discussion Board is as close to Internet Mormon Zion as you can get. The LDS here are active internet users and are members of an web-based Mormon doctrinal community. We are exposed to virtually every criticism charged against the Church. We are engaged in debates and discussions regarding the teachings of the Church. If "internet" Mormons exist...you are likely to find these heretics here at high rates. (In fact, that is why Shades conducted the 'internet' side of his orginal research on the precursor this board -- ZLMB.)

Yet, there seems to be (based on this poll) overwelming support for the most "Chapel" of all LDS leaders -- President Packer. (Note: If you were to discount those who voted in the poll who are not LDS or who no longer believe in any aspect of Mormonism, the rate of approval for President Packer is even higher.)

I find such overwelming support of President Packer from this group to be surprising with regards to Shade's theory.

Six

No, it just proves how stupid the theory is!

[Deborah]

I love Pres. Packer's directness and I think he is purposely used to give strong messages. I doubt he cares much about what the critics say. It is highly unlikely he will be prophet as he is appearing very frail now. But I hope he continues speaking firmly and without apology on what are gospel principles, whether the world, or even church members, like it or not.

[Koloborator]

If the Homosexual movement actually thinks that the pressure they put on our church will do the same thing that happened to the mainstream Protestant Churches, then they're wasting their time.

-After all, we do have a backbone and are quite familiar with outside pressure and persecution.

I have to speak up for my homosexual friends, who are among the kindest, most responsible, and reverent people I know. I don't know whether they are part of a "movement," but they do understandably want to be accepted for the people they are. They aren't putting pressure on anyone. They are reminding us by example that everyone deserves respect and kindness.

And who is more familiar with persecution anyway: Mormons or gay people?