ALarson Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 (edited) I thought I'd just start another thread about this since my other one (regarding the talk in Sacrament Meeting) is not really discussing the essays. Last evening, I got a call from my Bishop who asked if I would think about helping him put together and teach some of the lessons for the 5th Sunday discussions on the essays. This has been a request from the Stake President for all the wards in our stake (that the essays be discussed on the 5th Sunday). The first lesson will be on May 31st. I know there are many on here who will say that I'm the last person who should teach these lessons and I understand why. It may surprise them to know that I somewhat agree with them too. The reason the Bishop thought to ask me is because he and I have discussed the essays in depth and also (as I've mentioned on here a few times), there is an informal group in our ward who has discussed the essays and one of his counselors has been involved in most of those discussions. When I first learned more details about some events, behaviors, and teachings from church history, I struggled and eventually just stopped attending for awhile. My main issue was learning the details of how polygamy was lived by Joseph Smith (and others). It is an emotional topic for me mainly because of things that occurred in my own family as I grew up (between my Mother and Father). But I was able to work through most of my issues (I still don't accept that polygamy came from God) and I decided to return to full activity. When I made that decision, I knew I was returning to join those who believed. I was rejoining them. So, I made a commitment that I would never do or say anything that would harm or destroy any of their testimonies by volunteering information or raising my hand and being argumentative, etc.. And, I have kept that commitment. However, I also made the commitment to never lie if someone asked me a direct question. I'd tell them what I believed, but I'd also tell them that they needed to research and study that topic for themselves. So, this brings me to today. I want to help the Bishop out, but I don't know if I can be objective (especially on the polygamy essays). So maybe I should offer to help with all of them, but opt out of those essays discussing polygamy. I talked to a few in the group we have, and they want me to represent them. One even said they'd be disappointed if I didn't take this opportunity to get the truth out there. One thing I did tell the Bishop is that there is more on each topic, more in-depth information that is not included in the essays (at least most of them), but I feel strongly he should stick to only the information that's given by the leaders in the essays. There are footnotes given where members can go home and do more studying on their own. Also, I know that calmoriah has posted that there are places to go for suggestions from the leaders as to how to teach about the essays. Can you re-post those calmoriah? Any other suggestions would be great too from anyone. Like the suggested order in teaching the topics, etc. Should they be taught in the order they were released (by date)? Thanks! (Edited for spelling error) Edited May 5, 2015 by ALarson 1
bluebell Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 I'm sure you'll be a big help to your bishop. I guess if i were you i would just make sure and tell him when you know you won't be able to be objective. He can do what he wants with that information. I don't know though that any group needs to be represented in regards to the essays (which are about certain topics and not really about how people react to each topic).
ALarson Posted May 5, 2015 Author Posted May 5, 2015 I'm sure you'll be a big help to your bishop. I guess if i were you i would just make sure and tell him when you know you won't be able to be objective. He can do what he wants with that information.Thanks bluebell. My Bishop is aware of my feelings and must still feel that I can be of help to him. As the other thread that JHLPROF started reveals (about the SS teacher being released for discussing information from an essay), these should be discussed so members (and ward leaders) can understand the material and information that has come from the leaders.
HappyJackWagon Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 Awesome! Good luck. If you work closely with the Bishop and have his buy-in on what is being discussed it will go smoothly. This kind of approach is needed church-wide
Tacenda Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 I would love to see for my eyes that this really would happen in an LDS ward 5th Sunday. I will believe it when I see it....wait....that's what I thought before the church put up those essays!! And see what happened then. But seriously if you're in the SLC area, I'd love to attend. Of course I'll bet it will be standing room only with you teaching! 1
hope_for_things Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 Congrats, I hope this kind of a thing can happen in my ward and stake. I applaud you for your courage. Take a look at this article about the race and the priesthood lesson being shared in an Elder’s quorum a few months back, I thought it was interesting and sounds like the discussion went well. http://rationalfaiths.com/eq-lesson-race-priesthood/ 1
JulieM Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 (edited) I'd love it if this became a church wide program of instruction. And, I'd love to hear you teach, alarson. I think you should go for it and teach the ones you feel comfortable teaching and just maybe help behind the scenes for the others. Edited May 5, 2015 by JulieM
stemelbow Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 I'd love it if this became a church wide program of instruction. And, I'd love to hear you teach, alarson. I think you should go for it and teach the ones you feel comfortable teaching and just maybe help behind the scenes for the others. Yeah, where do you live ALarson?
BookofMormonLuvr Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 (edited) In one topic a teacher is released for teaching one class from the essays- in another topic one is asked to teach all the adults from the essays. Seems the church needs to clarify a little better the role of the essays. Edited May 5, 2015 by BookofMormonLuvr
JulieM Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 In one topic a teacher is released for teaching one class from the essay's- in another topic one is asked to teach the all adults from the lessons. Seems the church needs to clarify a little better the role of the essays.I thought the same thing! No wonder there is confusion when you read about the poor communication between the leaders in Salt Lake and the local priesthood leaders about the essays. Maybe the news story about the SS teacher will cause a change and a more direct communication. However, the information is there if the bishops and stake presidents look for it.
The Nehor Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 In one topic a teacher is released for teaching one class from the essays- in another topic one is asked to teach all the adults from the essays. Seems the church needs to clarify a little better the role of the essays.Or we leave it in the hands of local leaders who are best able to know what their stakes and wards need. 1
ALarson Posted May 5, 2015 Author Posted May 5, 2015 Or we leave it in the hands of local leaders who are best able to know what their stakes and wards need.Yeah, I get what you're saying. I do think that some more specific instructions or guidance or communication directly to the Stake Presidents and Bishops would be helpful. But, the reality is that it seems to depend on what the feelings of the Stake President are regarding the essays (or if he's even aware of them or read them) as to whether or not the essay topics will be discussed more at a ward level. I would imagine that very few Bishops would begin to hold classes on the essays without the approval of the Stake President.
Calm Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 Also, I know that calmoriah has posted that there are places to go for suggestions from the leaders as to how to teach about the essays. I am not sure that is what I meant...would have to see what I said. But I think I meant the videos that talk about the intended areas in which the essays can be used (eventually replacing the Gospel Principles manual inmissionary work, family home evening, personal study as well as curricululm) and not how to instructions. I will see if I can find the videos again. They may still give you some ideas, it has been a long time since I watched them I don't remember specifics much more than the above.
Calm Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 (edited) Videos are here, the three links with the blue arrows and questions right above the search box: https://beta.lds.org/topics?lang=eng#media= PS: I think showing the videos would help ease some fears about the essays...you know having someone who is a GA speak about what they are...maybe not as reassuring as hearing about them in General Conference, but a visual impact of a leader actually confirming their usefulness will lead to relaxation that this is just 'normal' church stuff even if new. Edited May 5, 2015 by calmoriah
Calm Posted May 5, 2015 Posted May 5, 2015 They had this one of beta site and probably have a version on the updated site that would likely be better to use if it has been changed so as to not confuse those who aren't as computer aware and would just go to the regular site looking for it, but I think it is a good idea to the whole process by placing the essays in the Gospel study topic and use this to frame good ways to explore and learn: https://beta.lds.org/topics/gospel-study?lang=eng I am hoping to turn my brain off and take a nap so may or may not get to looking for a newer version.
Calm Posted May 6, 2015 Posted May 6, 2015 There is this article that came out when the updating started awhile back that may be helpful in introducing the essays as well: https://www.lds.org/church/news/new-gospel-topics-page-encourages-personal-and-family-study?cid=HPTH111413174
teddyaware Posted May 6, 2015 Posted May 6, 2015 (edited) Please do understand I'm not being mean or sarcastic when I ask the following question: But I'm trying to understand why the bishop would call upon someone who no longer believes the Church is literally true to speak on such a delicate subject? While I do believe it's very possible there may be a sound method to the bishop's apparent madness, it would seem someone with an unshakable testimony that the Church is literally true would be the a better choice to help with a presentation on the essays. This would be especially true if many of your fellow ward members are aware that you suffer from shaken faith syndrome. Even so, I wish you the best in your assignment. Edited May 6, 2015 by teddyaware
Popular Post Buckeye Posted May 6, 2015 Popular Post Posted May 6, 2015 Please do understand I'm not being mean or sarcastic when I ask the following question: But I'm trying to understand why the bishop would call upon someone who no longer believes the Church is literally true to speak on such a delicate subject? While I do believe it's very possible there may be a sound method to the bishop's apparent madness, it would seem someone with an unshakable testimony that the Church is literally true would be the a better choice to help with a presentation on the essays. This would be especially true if many of your fellow ward members are aware that you suffer from shaken faith syndrome. Even so, I wish you the best in your assignment. Who exactly are you asking? ALarson's bishop does not participate on this board. Why not just give him (the bishop) the same deference you do to many other church leaders? For example, the Hawaii bishop who removed the sunday school teacher. 5
HappyJackWagon Posted May 6, 2015 Posted May 6, 2015 Please do understand I'm not being mean or sarcastic when I ask the following question: But I'm trying to understand why the bishop would call upon someone who no longer believes the Church is literally true to speak on such a delicate subject? While I do believe it's very possible there may be a sound method to the bishop's apparent madness, it would seem someone with an unshakable testimony that the Church is literally true would be the a better choice to help with a presentation on the essays. This would be especially true if many of your fellow ward members are aware that you suffer from shaken faith syndrome. Even so, I wish you the best in your assignment. I think it could also be that someone who has "experienced" the trauma that can come from the essays and the shaken faith that can accompany that would have a different perspective. That person may be more willing to accept the nuance and complexity of the essays in contrast to the stark black and white teaching we typically get. In short, someone like ALarson may be able to present in a compassionate and understanding way that more dogmatic individuals may not be able to. 2
diamondintherough Posted May 6, 2015 Posted May 6, 2015 My only suggestion for the op is to keep in mind that people go to church to be uplifted so have a game plan on how to handle discussions so it doesn't become negative, turn into a debate, etc. 1
ALarson Posted May 6, 2015 Author Posted May 6, 2015 Please do understand I'm not being mean or sarcastic when I ask the following question: But I'm trying to understand why the bishop would call upon someone who no longer believes the Church is literally true to speak on such a delicate subject? While I do believe it's very possible there may be a sound method to the bishop's apparent madness, it would seem someone with an unshakable testimony that the Church is literally true would be the a better choice to help with a presentation on the essays. This would be especially true if many of your fellow ward members are aware that you suffer from shaken faith syndrome. Even so, I wish you the best in your assignment.I understand what you're asking, but you'd need to ask my Bishop (and my Stake President who approved my name to help teach the discussions on the essays) the reasons why they asked me to help. I tend to believe it's because there are many in our ward and stake who feel as I do and who have come to them with doubts and questions. I've worked through them, returned to full activity and temple attendance. I hold a leadership calling in our ward and I have a good rapport with the members in our ward. But again, you'd have to ask my Bishop and SP the questions you asked above, for their exact reasons. (And your use of "shaken faith syndrome" gave me a good laugh. What a phrase ) 2
ALarson Posted May 6, 2015 Author Posted May 6, 2015 Videos are here, the three links with the blue arrows and questions right above the search box: https://beta.lds.org/topics?lang=eng#media= PS: I think showing the videos would help ease some fears about the essays...you know having someone who is a GA speak about what they are...maybe not as reassuring as hearing about them in General Conference, but a visual impact of a leader actually confirming their usefulness will lead to relaxation that this is just 'normal' church stuff even if new.Thank you so much for your help and response, calmoriah. I think these videos look great so far (I'm still watching some of them). The other links you posted will be of great help and I'll share those with my Bishop too. We're meeting tonight to discuss the lesson plan for when we teach in a few weeks. We're starting with "Race and the Priesthood". Again, calmoriah, thank you. You are the best and you add such balance to this forum, I appreciate your efforts here to help me.
mfbukowski Posted May 6, 2015 Posted May 6, 2015 (edited) Thank you so much for your help and response, calmoriah. I think these videos look great so far (I'm still watching some of them). The other links you posted will be of great help and I'll share those with my Bishop too. We're meeting tonight to discuss the lesson plan for when we teach in a few weeks. We're starting with "Race and the Priesthood".Again, calmoriah, thank you. You are the best and you add such balance to this forum, I appreciate your efforts here to help me. Al, Welcome to the wonderful world of leadership. The goal is to balance the members different levels of understanding, and never ever hurt someone's testimony.The way you do that, is to stick to the written word and let it speak for itself, regardless of the ambiguity. It's a great responsibility.One more thing. Unless you were standing in a lot of bedrooms in the 1840s no one really knows what happened.If I were you I would try to balance that against the possibility of damaging someone's testimony. Edited May 6, 2015 by mfbukowski 1
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