Bishop Bans Electronic Devices

[Scott Lloyd]

18 hours ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

This past Sunday our Bishop announced that electronic devices such as phones and tablets would no longer be allowed in the chapel.  He said that these devices detract from the Spirit of Sunday meetings and that using these devices in the Chapel was disrespectful.  He also mentioned that this ban may be extended to all Sunday meetings, and not just those held in the chapel as he's received a number of complaints from teachers and others.

I don't know of another ward with this policy and other members of my Stake told me their bishops havent said anything about it so I don't this this is a Stake-wide thing.

Has anyone else seen this in their wards or stakes?  

I'm torn.  I love having my iPad with all of the scriptures and hymns in one place that is easy to search and mark up.  But I also see a a handful of ward members playing games and even watching videos so I understand what the bishop is trying to do.

Q

I think that particular bishop is riding off on a hobby horse and needs to be reined in. 

If it were me, I would tell him in private of my objection to his directive, that it strikes me as unrighteouss dominion, and I would gently inform him of my intention to take the matter to stake leadership or higher if need be. 

By the way, would you mind telling us your general locale? I'd like to know if this is something I need to be concerned might happen where I live. 

Edited June 24, 2016 by Scott Lloyd

[Garden Girl]

I don't think our ward has to worry about electronic devices being banned since our Bishop stands at the pulpit and reads stake announcements, etc from his ipad/phone... he does, however, ask everyone to silence or turn off their devices.  And I finally bought a notebook so I could have my scriptures, manuals, hymnal, etc all in one place... in fact, very few people do not use their devices during classes.  I love my paper scriptures and resisted the idea of an electronic device, but now admit it is convenient and easier to carry.  I've turned the volume down so there are no annoying noises, etc.  My screen is 5"x8" so nice and plain...

GG 

[ladyshanae]

17 minutes ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

So you wouldn't sustain the bishop?

I've always been taught that the bishop has stewardship and presides over Sunday meetings.  Especially sacrament meeting.  Not sure how I feel about ignoring his counsel.

I don't think using my phone to read my scriptures or the Ensign during the sacrament is going to send me on a slippery slope to hell. I know my personal situation better than the Bishop. I also know that I don't use my phone inappropriately during meetings. I don't allow my teen to bring his phone and every item my three little ones bring are church related or paper and crayons, though I do allow tablets during Stake Conference, but only church related apps. I think this Bishop is overstepping. And if using my device for church related stuff means I don't sustain my bishop if he "bans" them, then sure - I don't.

Of course I don't agree with that assessment but, whatever. God knows my heart. And I'd probably also talk to the Bishop about how I feel about the whole thing, too. Maybe he'd say something that'd change my mind, but who knows.

[Scott Lloyd]

29 minutes ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

So you wouldn't sustain the bishop?

I've always been taught that the bishop has stewardship and presides over Sunday meetings.  Especially sacrament meeting.  Not sure how I feel about ignoring his counsel.

I don't think sustaining the bishop entails complying with what isn't right. I sustain him as he speaks and acts in behalf of the Lord. 

[Robert F. Smith]

7 hours ago, HappyJackWagon said:

This is unfortunate.

Is he banning people from reading their scriptures in the chapel? Is he banning people from using the hymnbooks for singing? Is he banning people from using other books/resources to help keep children quiet (like the old fashioned quiet-books)?

Electronic devices are simply modern versions of these same things. If I were in that ward I would continue to use my ipad as I currently do, which is mainly using lds.org resources on the ap.

If the bishop would like to treat his congregation with the respect he's asking for, he could ask them to use their electronics respectfully. He could ask them not to play Candy Crush or Subway Jump during the sacrament so they can focus on the savior. But outright banning all electronic devices is a massive overreach and I wouldn't follow him on that.

Exactly.  Not long ago, Elder Ballard even praised the gps app on his cell phone, comparing it to Lehi's Liahona.  https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/05/that-the-lost-may-be-found?lang=eng .  The Luddites among us will likely continue to denigrate modern technology, much to the detriment of the Church.

[MosiahFree]

1 hour ago, Scott Lloyd said:

If it were me, I would tell him in private of my objection to his directive, that it strikes me as unrighteouss dominion, and I would gently inform him of my intention to take the matter to stake leadership or higher if need be. 

I can't think of anything more contrary to the Gospel than this notion. I'd simply follow the Bishop's lead and maintain a sweet spirit while doing so, not having access to my tablet for a few hours isn't a back breaking burden, though I can imagine to a modern day teenager this might seem an outrageous demand, but I'm part of this Church to not be like the rest of the world. 

[MosiahFree]

34 minutes ago, Robert F. Smith said:

The Luddites among us will likely continue to denigrate modern technology, much to the detriment of the Church.

I don't think setting aside our electronic devices for a few hours one day of the week is a detriment to anything but the pixelated glow of idolatry by way technocracy. Why forsake obedience for something so trivial? This isn't Chick-fil-A, it is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and we don't tell our appointed leaders we are going to go above their heads if we are not allowed our smart phones, especially if we already own the material in print!

[6EQUJ5]

1 hour ago, Scott Lloyd said:

By the way, would you mind telling us your general locale? I'd like to know if this is something I need to be concerned might happen where I live. 

I'm very far from the Wasatch Front.  

[Tacenda]

1 hour ago, Robert F. Smith said:

Exactly.  Not long ago, Elder Ballard even praised the gps app on his cell phone, comparing it to Lehi's Liahona.  https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/05/that-the-lost-may-be-found?lang=eng .  The Luddites among us will likely continue to denigrate modern technology, much to the detriment of the Church.

And the seer stone...

https://www.instagram.com/p/BG7QoiWDyB6/

 

[Tacenda]

I can't believe some of you well known stalwart LDS...you're starting to act like a bunch of heathens.

[VideoGameJunkie]

Some little children with autism of ADHD need to play on their parents laptops so they behave.

[Robert F. Smith]

2 hours ago, MosiahFree said:

I don't think setting aside our electronic devices for a few hours one day of the week is a detriment to anything but the pixelated glow of idolatry by way technocracy. Why forsake obedience for something so trivial? This isn't Chick-fil-A, it is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and we don't tell our appointed leaders we are going to go above their heads if we are not allowed our smart phones, especially if we already own the material in print!

So, despite your own moniker, you want King Mosiah to  give up his Gazelem?  And we all need to forget that our Scriptures, lesson manuals, and hymns are all on our phones and tablets?  We need to ignore the advice of the Brethren, just because you are a Luddite?

[Meadowchik]

If my kids are with us at church, this can work. But if some are home, my phone stays on and I check it from time to time for calls.

[Traela]

5 hours ago, VideoGameJunkie said:

Some little children with autism of ADHD need to play on their parents laptops so they behave.

Well, no, they don't need to, it's just the most convenient form of distraction.

I also don't actually need my tablet, but for youth Sunday School I would really rather not print out the lesson, print out all the talks that go with the lesson, arrange for AV equipment to show the video clips, and then try to get said AV equipment to actually work.

 

[HappyJackWagon]

10 hours ago, ladyshanae said:

If devices were meant to be banned, churches wouldn't have Wi-Fi, lesson manuals wouldn't be strictly online (youth manuals), and videos wouldn't be included and encouraged to use in certain lessons to name just a few things.

I use my phone, as others have mentioned, for my scriptures, church magazines, and occasionally the hymnal. I used my iPad constantly when I was teaching the YW. My former Bishop actually stopped printing a program and it was either emailed to you the morning of or you could access it via lds.org (a decision I actually hated lol). 

As someone who is neck deep in technology and married to an IT manager, we we're both tire of people vilifying technology. I'm a stinker and I'd use my devices regardless because I think that's my decision to make, not the Bishop's.

Exactly right!

The church hasn't invested a gazillion dollars on technology to have it banned at church. The bishop is acting like a little dictator.

[HappyJackWagon]

8 hours ago, Robert F. Smith said:

Exactly.  Not long ago, Elder Ballard even praised the gps app on his cell phone, comparing it to Lehi's Liahona.  https://www.lds.org/ensign/2012/05/that-the-lost-may-be-found?lang=eng .  The Luddites among us will likely continue to denigrate modern technology, much to the detriment of the Church.

Great point. If the bishop objects and to using a cell phone or tablet we could simply suggest that it's our modern version of a seer stone.

 

[ladyshanae]

8 hours ago, MosiahFree said:

I can't think of anything more contrary to the Gospel than this notion. I'd simply follow the Bishop's lead and maintain a sweet spirit while doing so, not having access to my tablet for a few hours isn't a back breaking burden, though I can imagine to a modern day teenager this might seem an outrageous demand, but I'm part of this Church to not be like the rest of the world. 

To me it's less about WHAT he's saying and more about the control issue - why can't I decide what's appropriate for me and my family to do during the sacrament so long as it's not disrupting the reverence/Spirit of the meeting. You know, aside from the fact that I have two children in particular who don't understand what whispering is (5 and 2 year olds - only do much can be done LOL).

If there is a ward-wide issue worth technological issues during Sacrament Meeting, address it in a third hour meeting on a fifth Sunday. Otherwise, discuss it with the people who might be causing issues. And/or give counsel from the pulpit to encourage limiting the use of your devices during Sacrament Meeting. But an all out ban? No, that's overstepping. And if a conversation with the Bishop didn't change either of our views, you bet I'd be knocking on the Stake President's door.

D&C 121:41 - 43

[HappyJackWagon]

8 hours ago, MosiahFree said:

I can't think of anything more contrary to the Gospel than this notion. I'd simply follow the Bishop's lead and maintain a sweet spirit while doing so, not having access to my tablet for a few hours isn't a back breaking burden, though I can imagine to a modern day teenager this might seem an outrageous demand, but I'm part of this Church to not be like the rest of the world. 

Are you seriously saying that you can't think of anything more contrary to the gospel than following a bishop's unreasonable dictates? Yikes.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has NOTHING to do with obeying the whims of a bishop regarding electronic devices. It's about following the example of Jesus. And if I recall correctly, Jesus regularly railed against the Pharisees and Sadducees for inflicting additional commandments on the people and relying too much on the law.

The bishop is not Jesus and he does not create commandments in the name of God. That's called taking the Lord's name in vain.

[Tacenda]

1 minute ago, HappyJackWagon said:

Are you seriously saying that you can't think of anything more contrary to the gospel than following a bishop's unreasonable dictates? Yikes.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has NOTHING to do with obeying the whims of a bishop regarding electronic devices. It's about following the example of Jesus. And if I recall correctly, Jesus regularly railed against the Pharisees and Sadducees for inflicting additional commandments on the people and relying too much on the law.

The bishop is not Jesus and he does not create commandments in the name of God. That's called taking the Lord's name in vain.

Just a funny side note...I remember when my bishop was first put in, his son played video games with my son, except wasn't allowed to play Call of Duty.  He said his dad was going to put the stops to all these kids playing COD because he is now like the dad of the ward, or in charge, something like that.  I thought it was pretty funny.    

[mtomm]

Guess I would have to go back to playing tictactoe with piece of paper and a pencil if I was in that ward.  But the bishop probably already banned that, too. Because distractions in sacrament meeting are a new thing.  

How about being grateful that people made the effort to show up.  

Edited June 24, 2016 by mtomm

[6EQUJ5]

15 minutes ago, ladyshanae said:

To me it's less about WHAT he's saying and more about the control issue - why can't I decide what's appropriate for me and my family to do during the sacrament so long as it's not disrupting the reverence/Spirit of the meeting. You know, aside from the fact that I have two children in particular who don't understand what whispering is (5 and 2 year olds - only do much can be done LOL).

Our perspectives are so different.  I believe the bishop *is* in control over sacrament meeting.  It is his stewardship.  I feel really uncomfortable acting as if I have received an exception from the inspiration given to the bishop *regarding his own stewardship.*  Sacrament meeting isn't mine to control. 

Like I said, I don't personally like this new policy and I'm very tempted to ignore it or simply conceal my iPad (it is a mini so that wouldnt be too hard to hide in a book or something).  But I also want to respect the bishop's stewardship and inspiration for the ward.  I could just sit in the foyer so we'll see how this plays out.  I think other members of my ward have strong feelings about this too.

[HappyJackWagon]

8 minutes ago, 6EQUJ5 said:

Our perspectives are so different.  I believe the bishop *is* in control over sacrament meeting.  It is his stewardship.  I feel really uncomfortable acting as if I have received an exception from the inspiration given to the bishop *regarding his own stewardship.*  Sacrament meeting isn't mine to control. 

Like I said, I don't personally like this new policy and I'm very tempted to ignore it or simply conceal my iPad (it is a mini so that wouldnt be too hard to hide in a book or something).  But I also want to respect the bishop's stewardship and inspiration for the ward.  I could just sit in the foyer so we'll see how this plays out.  I think other members of my ward have strong feelings about this too.

Stewardship does not equal control. They are not the same thing.

The bishop is responsible for planning good meetings and overseeing the ordinance of the sacrament. That doesn't mean he is in control of the congregation. Attempts to control the behavior of others is antithetical to the gospel.

 

BTW- out of curiosity, how old is this bishop?

 

Edited June 24, 2016 by HappyJackWagon

[Duncan]

let's be honest who can read the little writing on these machines anyways? and there is no X in "Thanks"

[6EQUJ5]

16 minutes ago, HappyJackWagon said:

Are you seriously saying that you can't think of anything more contrary to the gospel than following a bishop's unreasonable dictates? Yikes.

The gospel of Jesus Christ has NOTHING to do with obeying the whims of a bishop regarding electronic devices. It's about following the example of Jesus. And if I recall correctly, Jesus regularly railed against the Pharisees and Sadducees for inflicting additional commandments on the people and relying too much on the law.

The bishop is not Jesus and he does not create commandments in the name of God. That's called taking the Lord's name in vain.

Brother Wagon,

I think this policy is overkill but I would not go as far to say that bishiop has nothing to do with Jesus.  The bishop represents Jesus in worthiness interviews etc... and Jesus has given the bishop responsibility to take care of the ward.  The bishop does is the Lord's representative to ward members I think.

Q

[Tacenda]

4 minutes ago, Duncan said:

let's be honest who can read the little writing on these machines anyways? and there is no X in "Thanks"

I blame this board for my looking on my phone during Sacrament meeting.  Way to go!