What Do You Think Of This Video?

[teddyaware]

I thought it was simple, yet profound.

 

 

 

I disagree 100%. See, I have one advantage. I am not on Facebook nor am I reading other message boards. So my first interaction with the video was in this very thread. I think rather then cognitive dissonance it is much more likely that those who didn't like it had their opinions of it prejudiced by others who pointed out reasons why they didn't like it. And then when they watched it they immediately caught hold of what others said and it made them uncomfortable. 

 

I don't know why the boy started to cry, but I think it is just as likely if not more so that he is a sensitive little boy who is in tune with the spirit and his emotions. I saw a woman in the crowd wiping tears from her eyes so maybe there was a spirit there. I wouldn't think there was anything wrong with this video if instead of Elder Bednar it was Kirk Cameron, who does make me a little uncomfortable.

 

I do find it interesting that people are attacking Elder Bednar though. Mark my words, he is the next target of this kind of stuff. I think it is fair to say that he is a little bit of a hardliner, and may be cast out of the same stuff as President Packer (who many also love to criticize). Add to that the fact that he is so young and I think it makes a lot of people uncomfortable that he is going to be a leader of the Church for a very long time to come.

I agree with you. I also think the negative reactions some have had toward this video are part and parcel of the politically correct age in which we're living.

 

Elder Bednar taught young Bryson an important and memorable lesson that day that could very well affect his life in a positive way forever. And I believe I picked up on the fact that Bryson knew Elder Bednar was a kind man, a very good and decent man of God. I believe Bryson knew by his tenderness, manner and speech that Elder Bednar loved and cared for him deeply and only wanted the very best for him. I believe Bryson cried because he felt the love of God in those teaching moments he spent with a concerned Apostle of the Lamb.

The prophet Jacob taught "O the greatness of the mercy of our God, the Holy One of Israel! For he delivereth his saints from that awful monster the devil, and death, and hell, and that lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment." But Elder Bednar -- who knows better than most the reality of Jacob's solemn testimony concerning the devil, and who with love and gentleness did the very best he knew how to warn Bryson of that very real and mortal danger -- is like the rest of us, a fallen, mortal man. And because he isn't already eternally perfect, in spite of his most sincere and best efforts, his demonstration may have fallen short of the standard of perfection. But rather than cut our beloved brother some slack for his human imperfection, some harshly and rashly paint his actions in the strange and eerie color tones of the naysayer, who views most everything in the dark shades of cynicism, skepticism and negativity   

 

With a sweet spirit and compassionate spirit, Elder Bednar tried to warn young Bryson there's an awful monster afoot who seeks to devour the souls of men without mercy. But maybe it's a better idea to just pretend that awful monster doesn't exist, and not try too hard to warn the world of his malevolent intent. After all, no matter how we try to sound that warning we're always going to fall short of the mark of a perfect performance. And if we do that, the people will talk.

Edited January 23, 2014 by teddyaware

[mfbukowski]

Everyone seems to be ignoring the fact that the kid had enough courage to ask the question in the first place, or, if it was scripted, to accept the part.

 

If he was so timid, that would never have happened.

 

No harm, no foul, great lesson.  I think the kid felt the spirit.  It's not every day you get hugged by an apostle.

Edited January 23, 2014 by mfbukowski

[mfbukowski]

 

I wouldn't think there was anything wrong with this video if instead of Elder Bednar it was Kirk Cameron, who does make me a little uncomfortable.

I have met and had a discussion with Kirk Cameron, and he definitely can be a real jerk.

[cinepro]

I would also point out that the question isn't really that hard.

 

 

Boy: "If you, like, stop reading the scriptures, how is the best way to get back into them?"

 

So the question is "What's a good way to start (or get back into) reading the scriptures?"  I have to admit that, among all the other reasons, I'll never be an apostle because if someone asked me this question, I would never in a million years think to answer it the way Elder Bednar does.  Because the kid already knows he should be reading the scriptures.

 

And now suddenly he has an apostle equating his not reading the scriptures with "sin".  My answer would probably be something much less deep and inspired, something along the lines of "Hey, you could try just reading a single verse each day.  Start with a very small commitment.  And when you've read that one verse, you can keep going if you feel like it.  But no matter how tired you are, or how busy, you'll always have time for at least one verse."  I would also suggest setting a goal and sharing that goal with someone I trust, as well as different ways to look at the scriptures so it's not so boring.

 

But the whole "make the kid feel like he's sinning and heading into Satan's territory if he doesn't read the scriptures" is another way to answer the question, I guess.  Different strokes for different folks and all that.

Edited January 23, 2014 by cinepro

[Calm]

Everyone seems to be ignoring the fact that the kid had enough courage to ask the question in the first place, or, if it was scripted, to accept the part.

 .

Which is why I speculated it might simply be a bit of stage fright when the reality hit him...

Maybe it is just me, but he looks upset almost from the beginning, his face starts scrunching up. There are no close ups till later so it is hard to tell.

Nothing wrong with stage fright as it can hit even hardened professionals, I think any kid who is willing to even try something like that should be admired.

[Tacenda]

I would also point out that the question isn't really that hard.

Boy: "If you, like, stop reading the scriptures, how is the best way to get back into them?"

So the question is "What's a good way to start (or get back into) reading the scriptures?" I have to admit that, among all the other reasons, I'll never be an apostle because if someone asked me this question, I would never in a million years think to answer it the way Elder Bednar does. Because the kid already knows he should be reading the scriptures.

And now suddenly he has an apostle equating his not reading the scriptures with "sin". My answer would probably be something much less deep and inspired, something along the lines of "Hey, you could try just reading a single verse each day. Start with a very small commitment. And when you've read that one verse, you can keep going if you feel like it. But no matter how tired you are, or how busy, you'll always have time for at least one verse." I would also suggest setting a goal and sharing that goal with someone I trust, as well as different ways to look at the scriptures so it's not so boring.

But the whole "make the kid feel like he's sinning and heading into Satan's territory if he doesn't read the scriptures" is another way to answer the question, I guess. Different strokes for different folks and all that.

Right on Cinepro! This in a nut shell. I hope that kid doesn't have nightmares, not that you said that, but right on. Edited January 23, 2014 by Tacenda

[Calm]

I would also point out that the question isn't really that hard.

 

 .

If I understand the interactive nature of the book, the segments are inserted into various sections of the book in order to expand on the subject. His answer probably works better given that context.

[juliann]

 

 

But the whole "make the kid feel like he's sinning and heading into Satan's territory if he doesn't read the scriptures" is another way to answer the question, I guess.  Different strokes for different folks and all that.

He did tell him it wasn't that big of a deal and attached the sinning to multiple acts, such as not being nice to siblings although that could get lost in all the object lessoning.  I saw reading scripture presented more as an aid in staying on the right side.  And there seems to be an assumption that the boy was not reading his scriptures rather than just asking about not reading them.  As for the crying, well...that, unfortunately, is how we now roll.  It is more unusual to get through church without having to give someone a kleenex than not.   I'm betting the boy was simply following expectations, we cry and swoon when we are in close proximity to church leaders.

 

What made me chuckle were the rows of people on the wrong side of the line when he turned the boy around to walk toward them into the sin side.

[Calm]

"I'm betting the boy was simply following expectations, we cry and swoon when we are in close proximity to church leaders"

I looked at the beginning again...full screen and he does seem to me at least to be shaky as soon as he gets near Elder Bednar. I was thinking it could have been the 'don't be nervous' might have cause him to think how nervous he was and triggered stage fright (no big deal if so, he still did exactly what he needed to do) but now that you have mentioned it I can see how a prior discussion of the importance of an apostle, etc. might have cause an emotional reaction (doesn't even have to be nerves, just overwhelming excitement can result in physical symptoms...think of bursting out crying because of overwhelming happiness).

This is me just passing time as I am stuck in bed trying to keep my feet warm today...please no one equate the time and effort put into this by me for significant concern. I think the boy did a fine job given his age...many kids I know wouldn't be able to even get the question out...and not a few would rather be grounded for life than do something like that. And I think the presentation fills a need for many who feel uplifted and connected by more personal interactions so I think it is a good thing that Deseretbook is offering a variety of options for personal study, even if I would prefer just reading the book myself or even better (for me) just reading a conference talk about the subject.

Perhaps I like more formal modes because I don't like the emotion that often goes with the personal, it is distracting to me, but for some it deepens the experience. If we were all the same, how boring it would be even if more efficient.

PS: I also think "cheesy" can be a lot of fun in the right context, I don't see it as a problem if the video is staged including trying to make it feel more spontaneous...like I said before, it works for a lot of people. Nothing wrong with it.

 "What made me chuckle were the rows of people on the wrong side of the line when he turned the boy around to walk toward them into the sin side."

There is a fun symbolism about that now you've pointed that out.

Edited January 23, 2014 by calmoriah

[Tacenda]

I just can't let go that this video could have been set up, what, with the rug etc. Don't like it, because it makes me distrustful, now if they had mentioned that it was a construct (the script)to help better answer questions fine, but it didn't.

[Antoni]

the rug has featured in at least one DVD before too (Elder Holland's on for his "In Times of Sorrow" book). He didn't use it for an illustration I assume it's just a prop to fill up the large floor space.

 

I like the DVD teaching that comes with some of the books. Whether it's staged or not, I'm not sure. 

 

When I first saw this dvd I felt sorry for the kid but felt Elder Bednar handled the situation well considering how nervous the boy got. 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Even though it's more than a year old, this video featuring Elder David Bednar is gaining traction on Facebook and elsewhere on the web. It's very polarizing, even among members of the church. What do you think about it?

The interesting thin is how many may think he was teaching on the boy's level of understanding...he was teaching on all our levels.

[cinepro]

Cinepro the Personal Trainer:

 

Client: Cinepro, I'm trying to exercise more, at least a little every day.  Do you have any advice for me?

 

(Pulls client over to large mirror and points to client's midsection)

 

Cinepro: Do you see this?  This is what flab is.  And back here...(points to rear end), we're going to call this "Jabba the Hutt" territory.  Alright?  And over here (points to his own midsection), this is "washboard territory".  Every time you exercise, you're getting closer to washboard territory.  But when you don't exercise, you're moving back into Jabba the Hutt territory. 

 

Now question.  All of a sudden, you haven't exercised in a week.  You're turning into a fat tub of goo.  You're heading into flab territory again.  Do you like being this close to "tub of goo" territory?  Can you feel the chest pains? You're not in control anymore. 

 

So in order to get started again, just remember what it was like to be a fatso.  Does that answer your question?

 

Client: (Tearfully) If I say yes, will you stop telling me I'm fat?

Edited January 23, 2014 by cinepro

[teddyaware]

Cinepro the Personal Trainer:

 

Client: Cinepro, I'm trying to exercise more, at least a little every day.  Do you have any advice for me?

 

(Pulls client over to large mirror and points to client's midsection)

 

Cinepro: Do you see this?  This is what flab is.  And back here...(points to rear end), we're going to call this "Jabba the Hutt" territory.  Alright?  And over here (points to his own midsection), this is "washboard territory".  Every time you exercise, you're getting closer to washboard territory.  But when you don't exercise, you're moving back into Jabba the Hutt territory. 

 

Now question.  All of a sudden, you haven't exercised in a week.  You're turning into a fat tub of goo.  You're heading into flab territory again.  Do you like being this close to "tub of goo" territory?  Can you feel the chest pains? You're not in control anymore. 

 

So in order to get started again, just remember what it was like to be a fatso.  Does that answer your question?

[scene at a large, enthusiastic rally taking placed outside LDS Church headquarters in Salt Lake City. The hundreds in attendance are carrying placards that say the same thing they are loudly chanting] " Cinepro for Church President! Cinepro for Church President! Cinepro for Church President! Cinepro for Church President! etc.................................................................................................................................................

Edited January 23, 2014 by teddyaware

[Calm]

I just can't let go that this video could have been set up, what, with the rug etc. Don't like it, because it makes me distrustful, now if they had mentioned that it was a construct (the script)to help better answer questions fine, but it didn't.

But they did, it is described as being for the purpose of adding information in the promo bit on the website. It isn't their fault that it isn't being attached to it as people pass it along.

An analogy in a book or nonspontaneous talk will be scripted, edited, proofed and polished. I don't see the difference between it being simply described in writing or acted out visually.

But perhaps I am not understanding the specifics of your concern though....

[Calm]

the rug has featured in at least one DVD before too (Elder Holland's on for his "In Times of Sorrow" book). He didn't use it for an illustration I assume it's just a prop to fill up the large floor space.

 

I like the DVD teaching that comes with some of the books. Whether it's staged or not, I'm not sure. 

 

When I first saw this dvd I felt sorry for the kid but felt Elder Bednar handled the situation well considering how nervous the boy got.

Good catch on the rug.

[Calm]

Cinepro the Personal Trainer:

 

Client: Cinepro, I'm trying to exercise more, at least a little every day.  Do you have any advice for me?

 

The boy seemed to be at least of normal intelligence. If it was scripted (and I don't see any other reason for them having pages in their hands that I saw at least one person reading as if she was checking or following along plus the boy seemed like he corrected his question as if he hadn't phrased it as he had intended), then the boy would have known the purpose of the answer was not just for him but for all the readers of the book and it could have easily been someone else standing in his place. If it was scripted is there any reason to assume it was the boy's actual question and not just given to him?

That doesn't exclude him from taking it personally as it is likely that at sometime in his life he wasn't reading scriptures or being nice to his siblings, etc. including something he wasn't being perfect in at that moment (after all a generic principle is something applicable to all)but does anyone actually think he didn't understand Elder Bednar was teaching a generic principle, one that applied to everyone since no one is perfect?

[teddyaware]

So Cinepro spoofs on Elder Bednar's demonstration, presumably because Cinepro thought the demonstration was a weak and ineffectual lesson. In reality the demonstration was very powerful, so much so that this video has become fodder for anti-Mormons. Look it up and see for yourself.

 

The most important and dramatic part of the demonstration is something I took note of right away, and it's the very same portion that the anti's have picked up on with their carping. But before I get to my point, it's important to quote from the Book of Mormon to set the stage...

22 And behold, others he flattereth away, and telleth them there is no hell; and he saith unto them: I am no devil, for there is none—and thus he whispereth in their ears, until he grasps them with his awful chains, from whence there is no deliverance.

23 Yea, they are grasped with death, and hell; and death, and hell, and the devil, and all that have been seized therewith must stand before the throne of God, and be judged according to their works, from whence they must go into the place prepared for them, even a lake of fire and brimstone, which is endless torment.

24 Therefore, wo be unto him that is at ease in Zion! (2 Nephi 28)

 

If you remember, when young Bryson stepped off the rug and onto the portion of the flooring that was deemed the 'devil's territory,' Elder Bednar stood behind Bruson and firmly wrapped his arms around the boy's upper body so that he was unable to move. Bryson was asked to try to turn around and make his way back to the safety of the 'Lord's territory" on the wool rug, but Bryson was unable to do so because he couldn't escape the grasp of Elder Bednar's powerful restraint. This was a graphic and powerful depiction of the solemn warning spoken of in the above quote from Nephi.

 

The point is that Elder Bednar was teaching Bryson to stay well within the safety of the Lord's territory because the devil's goal and fondest hope is to grasp the slothful and unwary with his awful chains of spiritual bondage and spiritual death. And in order to avoid this possible frightening eventuality, it's best to remain steadfastly on the Lord's side. And just in case there are some here have forgotten, one third of the Father's spiritual children were grasped with those awful chains and for them there really was no deliverance. The devil's whole plan revolves around destroying our free agency and making us the slaves of sin.

 

Elder Bednar's demonstration was indeed a very powerful one! So much so that I wouldn't be a bit surprised if some of this board's participants will now start howling about this demonstration "stepping over the line of propriety."

Edited January 24, 2014 by teddyaware

[Rob Osborn]

I liked the video. Very simple and easy to understand with a great illustration on how "doing nothing" is what leads to the devil having power over us because we have moved away from Heavenly Fathers influence and light slowly day by day. I have seen thi sin my own life and in others especially

[Storm Rider]

I agree that's it's a great gospel lesson. It does seem, however, that it would read better on paper than as a real-time, observed object lesson. In particular, I found the interaction with the little boy very, very uncomfortable.

 

Why? I did not see anything that made me feel uncomfortable. What were you reacting to?

[nebula]

Any close physical interaction between an adult male religious figure and a tearful young boy is bound to make at least a few people nervous! If the kid hadn't seemed so distraught, it would be easier to watch-- but I don't see anything wrong here.

[mfbukowski]

Clearly this should prompt a full-blown FBI investigation and prison terms for all involved when its obviously fraudulent and nefarious intent is established.

[Storm Rider]

I think it says more about each of us than it does about the interaction between Elder Bednar and this young man. The mere fact that a man would embrace a boy makes specific individuals uncomfortable?!? For what reason?  Does a man's embrace always entail a negative connotation?  Is a man never supposed to embrace anyone except a grown woman and then only if he asks if it is permissible first?  

 

This type of discomfort seems very perverted and twisted. 

[NEDRA]

I don't like being grasped from behind by anyone, especially uninvited.

[teddyaware]

I don't like being grasped from behind by anyone, especially uninvited.

I do like being grasped from behind in surprise, as long as it's somebody who loves and cares for me. To each their own.

 

Do you think Elder Bednar did something wrong in his demonstration?

Edited January 24, 2014 by teddyaware