General Conference Discussion Thread!

[Calm]

im, there is one inerrant doctrine in the LDS faith and that is there is no such thing as inerrancy.

Where man is involved there is error. Even if everything an individual stated was inerrant, due to the less than precise way humans deal with language, the hearer would never hear the exact message the individual was conveying. Conference talks, along with all other inspired writings and speeches, are not mathematical equations. Until we have developed a verbal language to match mathematics, we must realize that there is no inerrancy in mortal communication.

I believe God gets past this by communicating by the Spirit, but at this point due to our limited ability with spirit even while on his end communication is inerrant, on our end it is not.

I believe that God sees this as a useful reality. If there were inerrant answers out there for us, we would be able to stop going back to God for the answers because we would have received the ultimate, final answer in the inerrant truth. Instead we have to constantly double, triple, and endlessly recheck our understandings by going to the Lord. What a great way to get his children to talk to Him, give men insatiable curiosity with no one to give them answers save God.

Edited April 1, 2012 by calmoriah

[Calm]

One more point for im,

What inspiration means to me is that if I listen with sincerity to an inspired message, the Spirit will open up to me. It is not so much the information contained in the talk that is important (though it can certainly direct our thoughts and actions towards God which is essential to developing communication skill with the Spirit), but the shared experience of the Spirit....which can open our minds and hearts to ANY message the Lord sees us in need of, not only the specific topic the speaker is dealing with.

[Nominee]

You have a good point. Unfortunately, when people leave the lds church it is sometimes over what a GA said over a hundred years ago by reading a quotation out of context or without understanding that leaders were working there way through doctrine too.

Yes, and I cry for them. The Spirit was driven away long before such damaging decisions were made. I have learned from my own past experience that in order to come to such conclusions one must refuse the Spirit and be unwilling to hear God. I pray every soul finds their way home.

Edited April 1, 2012 by Nominee

[KevinG]

Yes - don't forget your duty to pray and ponder and see how the messages fit your situation.

You cannot live forever on borrowed light (or other peoples answers).

[inquiringmind]

im, there is one inerrant doctrine in the LDS faith and that is there is no such thing as inerrancy.

Where man is involved there is error. Even if everything an individual stated was inerrant, due to the less than precise way humans deal with language, the hearer would never hear the exact message the individual was conveying. Conference talks, along with all other inspired writings and speeches, are not mathematical equations. Until we have developed a verbal language to match mathematics, we must realize that there is no inerrancy in mortal communication.

I believe God gets past this by communicating by the Spirit, but at this point due to our limited ability with spirit even while on his end communication is inerrant, on our end it is not.

I believe that God sees this as a useful reality. If there were inerrant answers out there for us, we would be able to stop going back to God for the answers because we would have received the ultimate, final answer in the inerrant truth. Instead we have to constantly double, triple, and endlessly recheck our understandings by going to the Lord. What a great way to get his children to talk to Him, give men insatiable curiosity with no one to give them answers save God.

Thank you Calmoriah.

[why me]

I think that the american media is listening to this conference, hoping for a surprise to make news. Hopefully, nothing sensational will come out. At this moment, if the media is listening to the messages and just what is being said, the conclusion will be: Mormons are good people, with much respect for Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the family, for life and for good ol' traditional values.

Edited April 1, 2012 by why me

[Nominee]

I think that this conference is on its way to being one of the best. If the critics would listen with open hearts and see just what these men and women are saying at conference, and how there words are words of love and respect and meant to give comfort and make societes a better place to live...their criticisms may just be less.

You just made me cry again! I witnessed this happen within my mother today. Her heart was softened by the words of the prophets. So much so that she could not keep it inside! She had to call and tell me.

This conference is outstanding! Everyone in my world is buzzing about it. Some really profound and memorable talks have been given today. Praise the Lord!

[why me]

Yes, and I cry for them. The Spirit was driven away long before such damaging decisions were made. I have learned from my own past experience that in order to come to such conclusions one must refuse the Spirit and be unwilling to hear God. I pray every soul finds there way home.

Leaders are also a 'work in progress', needing some fine 'polishing' too.

[Nominee]

im, there is one inerrant doctrine in the LDS faith and that is there is no such thing as inerrancy.

Where man is involved there is error. Even if everything an individual stated was inerrant, due to the less than precise way humans deal with language, the hearer would never hear the exact message the individual was conveying. Conference talks, along with all other inspired writings and speeches, are not mathematical equations. Until we have developed a verbal language to match mathematics, we must realize that there is no inerrancy in mortal communication.

I believe God gets past this by communicating by the Spirit, but at this point due to our limited ability with spirit even while on his end communication is inerrant, on our end it is not.

I believe that God sees this as a useful reality. If there were inerrant answers out there for us, we would be able to stop going back to God for the answers because we would have received the ultimate, final answer in the inerrant truth. Instead we have to constantly double, triple, and endlessly recheck our understandings by going to the Lord. What a great way to get his children to talk to Him, give men insatiable curiosity with no one to give them answers save God.

Thumbs up. Great post, Calmoriah.

[zerinus]

I know this is probably a dumb question, but is every GA who speaks in General Conference speaking as a prophet (and is everything they say in their talks wholly inspired)?

P.S. I tend to think in terms of black and white, and on and off (and I suspect it leads to some misunderstandings sometimes.)

There is a way that you can tell:

D&C 52:

14 And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations—

15 Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances.

16 He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances.

19 Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens.

D&C 50:

22 Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together.

23 And that which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.

[zerinus]

duplicate post

Edited April 1, 2012 by zerinus

[why me]

You just made me cry again! I witnessed this happen within my mother today. Her heart was softened by the words of the prophets. So much so that she could not keep it inside! She had to call and tell me.

This conference is outstanding! Everyone in my world is buzzing about it. Some really profound and memorable talks have been given today. Praise the Lord!

I just skimmed two of my favorite critic boards, and the posters are complaining about the conference, seeing negatives everywhere. Truly amazing how they can miss the deeper message of how to live life and how to be a human being in the process.

[The Nehor]

I am usually inspired in some way by conference but this one seems different. Maybe I was more ready this time then usual.

God has been trying to tell me a few things for weeks now and some conference speakers finally opened the conduit so God could speak frankly (especially Elder Holland). I didn't begrudge people their blessings but was wondering why I didn't seem to be seeming the same things. Need to stop being the elder brother in the prodigal son. If I have to wait longer before getting the lamb to make merry with my friends then I will wait.

[BlueDreams]

I am usually inspired in some way by conference but this one seems different. Maybe I was more ready this time then usual.

No, It was for me too. I don't know why, but it had my heart burning from beginning to end. I learned so much; I felt like I was being changed just by watching. It gave me a number of answers that I really needed to hear and it just felt good. I can't wait for today's conference!

But first breakfast!: French toast made from french bread, omelet, and a yogurt sounds special enough I think.

With luv,

BD

Edited April 1, 2012 by BlueDreams

[Nominee]

I am usually inspired in some way by conference but this one seems different. Maybe I was more ready this time then usual.

God has been trying to tell me a few things for weeks now and some conference speakers finally opened the conduit so God could speak frankly (especially Elder Holland). I didn't begrudge people their blessings but was wondering why I didn't seem to be seeming the same things. Need to stop being the elder brother in the prodigal son. If I have to wait longer before getting the lamb to make merry with my friends then I will wait.

Maybe you are more ready this time than usual but if that is it than I am more ready too as have been most all my friends because it does seem different this time! I feel hugely blessed and those around (including you ) are talking of the exceptional inspirations and blessings they are receiving also. This conference has been special.

I don't know how many times I can say awesome, fantastic, incredible, outstanding, and amazing! but this conference has been all these things. Elder Holland's talk was superb! But I can't even pick just one because every talk touched me. I was even moved by the way President Uchtdorf rolled all those names off his tongue flawlessly, as Deborah mentioned. Gift of the Spirit?

[Gillebre]

David Archuleta was in the MTC Choir in the Saturday Afternoon Session.

He's going to Chile.

[Garden Girl]

No, It was for me too. I don't know why, but it had my heart burning from beginning to end. I learned so much; I felt like I was being changed just by watching. It gave me a number of answers that I really needed to hear and it just felt good. I can't wait for today's conference!

But first breakfast!: French toast made from french bread, omelet, and a yogurt sounds special enough I think.

With luv,

BD

I had a "burning" experience too, BD... I love it when just out of the blue that happens, and I get the feeling "this is true; this is right." I always thank Heavenly Father for the witness by the Spirit. It strengthens me and enables me to stand firm.

GG

[JeremyOrbe-Smith]

Not really sure how Uchtdorf manages to be the Second Counselor and a ROCKSTAR at the same time, but I'm sure glad he does.

Edited April 1, 2012 by JeremyOrbe-Smith

[mercyngrace]

Not really sure how Uchtdorf manages to be the Second Counselor and a ROCKSTAR at the same time, but I'm sure glad he does.

How is it done? Through the love of God.

Amen.

[Nominee]

He's quoted my favorite scripture! He's quoting my favorite scripture! Romans ch12!

[mercyngrace]

Not really sure how Uchtdorf manages to be the Second Counselor and a ROCKSTAR at the same time, but I'm sure glad he does.

He's quoted my favorite scripture! He's quoting my favorite scripture! Romans ch12!

If I had a lighter, I'd be holding it up right now.

[Daniel2]

Warching conference with my kids... I loved Elder Uchtdorf's talk this Sunday am session!!!

[Matthew J. Tandy]

Well, Elder Richard G. Scott's talk is now destined to become quoted by anti-Mormons for decades to come! He outright mocked the Big Bang, evolution, etc. It's not the point of his talk, but he expanded the scope beyond it.

[Nominee]

If I had a lighter, I'd be holding it up right now.

Awww, man, someone hook up mercyngrace with a rep point from me! Mine aren't working.

[JeremyOrbe-Smith]

*sways in unison*