Jump to content
Seriously No Politics ×

Choosing A New Apostle


Recommended Posts

Posted

Considering they are looking for worthy latter day saints, I think whoever they choose will be like them in at least that important way

 

There are plenty of worthy people from all backgrounds. 

Posted

From that august authority Wikipedia:

 

A black man in a quorum where the other 11 were white would definitely be a minority.

 

So a minority shouldn't be called simply because they are a minority?

Posted (edited)

Right, and God provides members of all races all over the world, but we still have to do the work of getting to know them and giving them leadership opportunities. Even if we don't relate as well to them due to language barrier/cultural differences etc

I never said there wasn't work involved for the Church leaders in issuing a calling. Why are you saying or implying that I did? I've stated just the opposite, in fact.

Edited by Scott Lloyd
Posted (edited)

I never said there wasn't work involved for the Church leaders in issuing a calling. Why are you saying or implying that I did? I've stated just the opposite, in fact.

 

Just continuing the "doing your homework" theme. You can't reap where you haven't sown. 

Edited by Gray
Posted

There are plenty of worthy people from all backgrounds.

Which is why your conclusion that they wouldn't know a worthy member they interact with simply because they have a different background as unfounded

Posted

The interrelationships may have been God's means of preparing them for service.

 

It also might be showing that there are chosen genealogies in the Church which are pre-ordained to a special purpose.

Posted

Absolutely, but I think it's more an issue of familiarity (I don't see it as nepotism at all).

If you are looking for a good man with a worthy life you are going to look at those you have had the opportunity to know and observe.

I'm not willing to concede that familiarity is always the more influential factor.

 

I believe God is able and willing to prompt His servants to opt for the less obvious choice. See 1 Samuel 16:7.

Posted

I'm not willing to concede that familiarity is always the more influential factor.

 

I believe God is able and willing to prompt His servants to opt for the less obvious choice. See 1 Samuel 16:7.

I tend to agree. I think it was president Grant who mentioned his inspiration to called Melvin Ballard over his friend and Ballard was practically a stranger to him

Posted

I'm not willing to concede that familiarity is always the more influential factor.

 

I believe God is able and willing to prompt His servants to opt for the less obvious choice. See 1 Samuel 16:7.

 

I would agree if I'd seen many examples of that in my lifetime.

I am not denying the possibility, merely recording the probability based on observation.

Posted

Just continuing the "doing your homework" theme. You can't reap where you haven't sown. 

I'm just wondering why you are trying to quarrel with me when I've already said essentially the same thing you are saying.

Posted

It also might be showing that there are chosen genealogies in the Church which are pre-ordained to a special purpose.

 

Now that is an honest explanation based in doctrine.

Which is why we can probably guess who the next apostle will be by looking at a few variables (family, experience, current position etc).  Or at least create a pool of likely candidates.

Posted

Which is why your conclusion that they wouldn't know a worthy member they interact with simply because they have a different background as unfounded

If an apostle can, during the course of a weekend, name a new stake president from among a pool of strangers, it occurs to me that the First Presidency can select a man whom they don't know intimately to be an apostle.

Posted

Which is why your conclusion that they wouldn't know a worthy member they interact with simply because they have a different background as unfounded

 

Worthiness is a topic for temple recommends. Church callings go far beyond simple worthiness. 

Posted

I'm just wondering why you are trying to quarrel with me when I've already said essentially the same thing you are saying.

 

I'm wondering why you think I'm trying to quarrel with you? That's news to me. 

Posted (edited)

I'm wondering why you think I'm trying to quarrel with you? That's news to me. 

Oh, maybe it stems back to post #59 and everything you've said to me since then, despite all my efforts to make my position clear that the Church leaders still must do some deliberation, prayer and other work even after the Lord has facilitated their meeting the man He has chosen as the next member of the Twelve.

Edited by Scott Lloyd
Posted

Worthiness is a topic for temple recommends. Church callings go far beyond simple worthiness.

I disagree. Worthiness and revelation are the most important factors

Posted

If an apostle can, during the course of a weekend, name a new stake president from among a pool of strangers, it occurs to me that the First Presidency can select a man whom they don't know intimately to be an apostle.

 

The difference between choosing a SP and an Apostle is like the difference between hiring an employee and finding a spouse.

Posted

The difference between choosing a SP and an Apostle is like the difference between hiring an employee and finding a spouse.

I scarcely had become acquainted with my wife-to-be before we began dating. Less than five months later we were married.

 

The selection process for my current job took longer than that.

Posted

From that august authority Wikipedia:

 

A black man in a quorum where the other 11 were white would definitely be a minority.

 

Is Elder Uchtdorf our current "token" Apostle?  He's the only non-US citizen.

Posted (edited)

Is Elder Uchtdorf our current "token" Apostle?  He's the only non-US citizen.

Where did I state or imply that any of the current Brethren are in their positions due to tokenism?

 

By the way, he is in the First Presidency, so his title is President.

Edited by Scott Lloyd
Posted

I would agree if I'd seen many examples of that in my lifetime.

I am not denying the possibility, merely recording the probability based on observation.

 

I think Mike Quinn's historical analysis of the familial relationships between LDS GAs supports your hunch that it is a possibility.  

Posted

I disagree. Worthiness and revelation are the most important factors

 

If it was just down to worthiness, half of the Q12 would be Hispanic members with no leadership experience. 

Posted (edited)

Where did I state or imply that any of the current Brethren are in their positions due to tokenism?

 

 

 

I'm asking about abstract definition.  You said minority could = token and was wondering how you may apply it to the current leadership.

 

 

 

By the way, he is in the First Presidency, so his title is President.

 

Thanks, Scott.  I've been a member nearly 40 years now and  understand that members of the FP may be referred to as *either* Elder or President.  But I appreciate your "correction."  You darn Utahan  you!   :)

 

ETA:  The next time Scott refers to "pulling the Uchtdorf card" I think we should all jump in ensure that the phrase is "pulling the PRESIDENT Ucthdorf card."

 

http://www.mormondialogue.org/topic/65165-the-church-has-never-been-stronger-elder-cook/?p=1209483117

Edited by sethpayne
Posted

Oh, maybe it stems back to post #59 and everything you've said to me since then, despite all my efforts to make my position clear that the Church leaders still must do some deliberation, prayer and other work even after the Lord has facilitated their meeting the man He has chosen as the next member of the Twelve.

 

That doesn't really help. But if you wish to interpret my posts has hostile toward you, I can't stop you. I'd just say that I've never felt any hostility or antipathy toward you. 

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...