Mixed messages and the future of the church

[jkwilliams]

From the Salt Lake Tribune:
https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2021/06/11/dave-winslow-lds-church/

The essay focuses on how the church simultaneously preaches love and tolerance and condemns love and tolerance. The author suggests that this mixed messaging may play well to older, more conservative members but risks alienating younger members. 

“One example of far too many: The Oct. 1, 2020 church newsroom statement on Conversion Therapy and Canada Bill C-6, states, ‘The Church hopes that those who experience same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria find love, compassion and understanding from family members, Church leaders and members, and professional counsellors. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we condemn any mistreatment or unkindness toward LGBTQ persons in any form.’

“However, the May 28, 2021, Church News article by Elder Tad R. Callister states, ‘He (Satan) disguises his plan of attack with alluring labels such as ‘pro-choice’ for abortion, ‘love and compassion’ for endorsement of same-sex marriage, and ‘environmental emergency’ for promotion of a zero-growth population agenda.’

“Either ‘love and compassion’ towards the LGBTQ+ is good discipleship or part of Satan’s evil plan. The contradiction rivals that of the ‘I’m a Mormon’ campaign, becoming a victory for Satan. God is not the author of confusion or flip-flopping doctrines and policies. Yet this message inconsistency occurs regularly.”

I definitely have seen how this kind of disconnect affects younger members. Some young members I know have said they pray every night that Heavenly Father will open the hearts of church leaders. Other young members I know have simply walked away from the church. 

Food for thought. 

Edited June 13, 2021 by jkwilliams

[Teancum]

22 minutes ago, jkwilliams said:

From the Salt Lake Tribune:
https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2021/06/11/dave-winslow-lds-church/

The essay focuses on how the church simultaneously preaches love and tolerance and condemns love and tolerance. The author suggests that this mixed messaging may play well to older, more conservative members but risks alienating younger members. 

“One example of far too many: The Oct. 1, 2020 church newsroom statement on Conversion Therapy and Canada Bill C-6, states, ‘The Church hopes that those who experience same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria find love, compassion and understanding from family members, Church leaders and members, and professional counsellors. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we condemn any mistreatment or unkindness toward LGBTQ persons in any form.’

“However, the May 28, 2021, Church News article by Elder Tad R. Callister states, ‘He (Satan) disguises his plan of attack with alluring labels such as ‘pro-choice’ for abortion, ‘love and compassion’ for endorsement of same-sex marriage, and ‘environmental emergency’ for promotion of a zero-growth population agenda.’

“Either ‘love and compassion’ towards the LGBTQ+ is good discipleship or part of Satan’s evil plan. The contradiction rivals that of the ‘I’m a Mormon’ campaign, becoming a victory for Satan. God is not the author of confusion or flip-flopping doctrines and policies. Yet this message inconsistency occurs regularly.”

I definitely have seen how this kind of disconnect affects younger members. Some young members I know have said they pray every night that Heavenly Father will open the hearts of church leaders. Other young members I know have simply walked away from the church. 

Food for thought. 

Young people in general are less interested in the trappings of organized religion. This seems to be the case across the board. I think the LDS Church has an even tougher battle.  People are not stupid and they tire of the inconsistencies as well as the rigidity. I think those 40 and under are less likely to put up with it.  Add to that the church services are painfully boring and the correlated curriculum bland and banal and thus you will lose more younger people. I wonder about the time and money demands as well.

Edited June 13, 2021 by Teancum

[LoudmouthMormon]

48 minutes ago, jkwilliams said:

“Either ‘love and compassion’ towards the LGBTQ+ is good discipleship or part of Satan’s evil plan. The contradiction rivals that of the ‘I’m a Mormon’ campaign, becoming a victory for Satan. God is not the author of confusion or flip-flopping doctrines and policies. Yet this message inconsistency occurs regularly.”

David Archuletta seems to see little to no forced contradictions here.

https://www.facebook.com/davidarchuleta/posts/336379227844254

[jkwilliams]

Just now, LoudmouthMormon said:

David Archuletta seems to see little to no forced contradictions here.

https://www.facebook.com/davidarchuleta/posts/336379227844254

Which is why he’s pleading for people not to judge or exclude him. 

[teddyaware]

1 hour ago, jkwilliams said:

From the Salt Lake Tribune:
https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2021/06/11/dave-winslow-lds-church/

The essay focuses on how the church simultaneously preaches love and tolerance and condemns love and tolerance. The author suggests that this mixed messaging may play well to older, more conservative members but risks alienating younger members. 

“One example of far too many: The Oct. 1, 2020 church newsroom statement on Conversion Therapy and Canada Bill C-6, states, ‘The Church hopes that those who experience same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria find love, compassion and understanding from family members, Church leaders and members, and professional counsellors. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we condemn any mistreatment or unkindness toward LGBTQ persons in any form.’

“However, the May 28, 2021, Church News article by Elder Tad R. Callister states, ‘He (Satan) disguises his plan of attack with alluring labels such as ‘pro-choice’ for abortion, ‘love and compassion’ for endorsement of same-sex marriage, and ‘environmental emergency’ for promotion of a zero-growth population agenda.’

“Either ‘love and compassion’ towards the LGBTQ+ is good discipleship or part of Satan’s evil plan. The contradiction rivals that of the ‘I’m a Mormon’ campaign, becoming a victory for Satan. God is not the author of confusion or flip-flopping doctrines and policies. Yet this message inconsistency occurs regularly.”

I definitely have seen how this kind of disconnect affects younger members. Some young members I know have said they pray every night that Heavenly Father will open the hearts of church leaders. Other young members I know have simply walked away from the church. 

Food for thought. 

If the Church is true and the Book of Mormon’s prophecies are true — and I believe they are — the restored Church of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God on earth are going to marvelously succeed far beyond any doubter’s imagination. It will be a total and complete victory for God and his saints, and the most ignominious defeat imaginable for those opposed to Christ and his Zion.

But just as it was in Book of Mormon times, the journey to that most glorious victory will be fraught with many dangers, tribulations, and seemingly insurmountable setbacks of every kind, including times when many from the younger generations will depart from the faith because of the fair lies of Satan and the enticing precepts of this doomed fallen world. But in spite of everything conceivable that the devil will utilize to overthrow the Church of Christ, including an unprecedentedly vast and vicious worldwide persecution of the saints by the combined might all the nations of the gentiles (see 1 Nephi 14), he and his witting and unwittingly allies will fail most decisively and miserably.

Just as it was in the days when the enemies of the Church murdered the Prophet Joseph Smith, and then mistakenly imagined that they had finally triumphed over the Latter-Day Saints when the ragtag remnants of the Church fled in untold suffering and deprivation to one of the ‘waste places’ of the west, the ultimate triumph of Zion is also assured, and the fervent hopes of all the cynical enemies of the Church who anticipate its dissolution and final destruction will be dashed to pieces when all that they gleefully anticipated will come to naught.

1 Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers.

2 They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ.

3 And now because of their unbelief they could not understandthe word of God; and their hearts were hardened.

4 And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God.

5 And now in the reign of Mosiah they were not half so numerous as the people of God; but because of the dissensions among the brethren they became more numerous. (Mosiah 26)

Edited June 13, 2021 by teddyaware

[ttribe]

7 minutes ago, LoudmouthMormon said:

David Archuletta seems to see little to no forced contradictions here.

https://www.facebook.com/davidarchuleta/posts/336379227844254

Yes, it sure seems like he is feeling perfectly comfortable within the LDS paradigm, so much so that he doesn't have to plead with the community to accept him...

Quote

I just invite you to please consider making room to be more understanding and compassionate to those who are LGBTQIA+, and those who are a part of that community and trying to find that balance with their faith which also is a huge part of their identity like myself. I think we can do better as people of faith and Christians, including Latter-day Saints, to listen more to the wrestle between being LGBTQIA+ and a person of faith. There are more than you may realize going through that wrestle after all the misunderstandings that come with it. I don’t think it should come down to feeling you have to accept one or the other. For me to find peace the reality has been to accept both are real things I experience and make who I am. I’ve yet to figure out what that means but I appreciate you listening to this personal matter. Again I don’t feel comfortable sharing it, but felt I needed to to bring more awareness to people in my same situation and let you know you’re not alone. You can be part of the LGBTQIA+ community and still believe in God and His gospel plan. And people who don’t experience what’s outside of the norm being just heterosexual I just plead that you be more understanding to people who experience and struggle with things that you may not experience and understand yourself. I’ve tried for almost 20 years to try and change myself until I realized God made me how I am for a purpose. And instead of hating what I have considered wrong I need to see why God loved me for who I am and that it’s not just sexuality.

 

[ttribe]

1 minute ago, teddyaware said:

...the ultimate triumph of Zion is also assured, and the fervent hopes of all the cynical enemies of the Church, who anticipate its dissolution and final destruction, will be dashed to pieces and all that they gleefully anticipated will come to naught.

Do you talk like this in real life?  I mean, that's A LOT of dramatic flair in a single run-on sentence.

[jkwilliams]

1 minute ago, teddyaware said:

If the Church is true and the Book of Mormon’s prophecies are true — and I believe they are — the restored Church of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God on earth are going to marvelously succeed far beyond any doubter’s imagination. It will be a total and complete victory for God and his saints, and the most ignominious defeat imaginable for those opposed to Christ and his Zion.

But just as it was in Book of Mormon times, the journey to that most glorious victory will be fraught with many dangers, tribulations, and seemingly insurmountable setbacks of every kind, including times when many from the younger generations will depart from the faith because of the fair lies of Satan and enticing precepts of this doomed fallen world. But in spite of everything conceivable that the devil will utilize to overthrow the Church of Christ, including a unprecedentedly vicious worldwide persecution of the saints by the combined might all the nations of the gentiles (see 1 Nephi 14), he and his witting and unwittingly allies will fail most decisively and miserably.

Just as it was in the days when the enemies of the Church murdered the Prophet Joseph Smith, and then mistakenly imagined that they had finally triumphed over the Latter-Day Saints when the ragtag remnants of the Church fled in untold deprivation and suffering to one of the ‘waste places’ of the west, the ultimate triumph of Zion is also assured, and the fervent hopes of all the cynical enemies of the Church, who anticipate its dissolution and final destruction, will be dashed to pieces and all that they gleefully anticipated will come to naught.

1 Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers.

2 They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ.

3 And now because of their unbelief they could not understandthe word of God; and their hearts were hardened.

4 And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God.

5 And now in the reign of Mosiah they were not half so numerous as the people of God; but because of the dissensions among the brethren they became more numerous. (Mosiah 26)

Whose fervent hopes are you talking about? And where is this “unprecedentedly vicious worldwide persecution”? 

Here’s a tip on effective persuasive writing: use hyperbole sparingly, or you come across as a drama queen. 

[jkwilliams]

17 minutes ago, ttribe said:

Do you talk like this in real life?  I mean, that's A LOT of dramatic flair in a single run-on sentence.

I dunno. I kind of like the image of you, me, and Teancum sitting on lawn chairs knocking back a few beers and gleefully anticipating the demise of the church. 😂

[jbarm]

I know...

If the Church only endorsed gay marriage or female ordination then it would grow, right?

Community of Christ did so and saw 25 % of members leave. 

Episcopalian Church did so and has seen a 50% drop in membership. 

Potential retention of a few liberal members at the cost of losing the core of conservative members is quite irrational. 

If the Church is just an expensive club which changes its rules to meet the whims of it's members then it will follow the same path. 

Jb

Edited June 13, 2021 by jbarm

[jkwilliams]

2 minutes ago, jbarm said:

I know...

If the Church only endorsed gay marriage or female ordination then it would grow, right?

Community of Christ did so and saw 25 % of members leave. 

Episcopalian Church did so and has seen a 50% drop in membership. 

Potential retention of a few liberal members at the cost of losing the core of conservative members is quite irrational. 

If the Church is just an expensive club which changes its rules to meet the whims of it's members then it will follow the same path. 

Jb

You missed the point. 

[JustAnAustralian]

2 hours ago, Teancum said:

Young people in general are less interested in the trappings of organized religion.

I've seen this.

They may choose to work on the Sunday daytime and get the money rather than an early or late shift on another day (especially if they have school and it's their first job).

They may be on a sports team with Sunday games scheduled, and want to stay on the team.

They may choose to do school work on Sundays instead of going to church.

Plenty of things can keep them away.

1 hour ago, jbarm said:

Community of Christ did so and saw 25 % of members leave. 

Episcopalian Church did so and has seen a 50% drop in membership. 

And the UMC is also in the process of splitting by the looks of it.

 

59 minutes ago, jkwilliams said:

You missed the point. 

What is the point you're after?

The letter author (and by extension you) seem to be claiming that we can't love and support people unless we also love and support their actions.

Or have I missed your point?

Edited June 13, 2021 by JustAnAustralian

[jkwilliams]

Just now, JustAnAustralian said:

I've seen this.

They may choose to work on the Sunday daytime and get the money rather than an early or late shift on another day (especially if they have school and it's their first job).

They may be on a sports team with Sunday games scheduled, and want to stay on the team.

They may choose to do school work on Sundays instead of going to church.

Plenty of things can keep them away.

And the UMC is about to split.

 

What is the point you're after?

The letter author (and by extension you) seem to be claiming that we can't love and support people unless we also love and support their actions.

Or have I missed your point?

No, the point was about mixed messages. You can’t say that people should treat LGBTQ+ with love and compassion while saying that “love and compassion” for LGBTQ+ is part of Satan’s plan. You’ll alienate people doing that. 

[bluebell]

2 hours ago, jkwilliams said:

From the Salt Lake Tribune:
https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2021/06/11/dave-winslow-lds-church/

The essay focuses on how the church simultaneously preaches love and tolerance and condemns love and tolerance. The author suggests that this mixed messaging may play well to older, more conservative members but risks alienating younger members. 

“One example of far too many: The Oct. 1, 2020 church newsroom statement on Conversion Therapy and Canada Bill C-6, states, ‘The Church hopes that those who experience same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria find love, compassion and understanding from family members, Church leaders and members, and professional counsellors. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we condemn any mistreatment or unkindness toward LGBTQ persons in any form.’

“However, the May 28, 2021, Church News article by Elder Tad R. Callister states, ‘He (Satan) disguises his plan of attack with alluring labels such as ‘pro-choice’ for abortion, ‘love and compassion’ for endorsement of same-sex marriage, and ‘environmental emergency’ for promotion of a zero-growth population agenda.’

“Either ‘love and compassion’ towards the LGBTQ+ is good discipleship or part of Satan’s evil plan. The contradiction rivals that of the ‘I’m a Mormon’ campaign, becoming a victory for Satan. God is not the author of confusion or flip-flopping doctrines and policies. Yet this message inconsistency occurs regularly.”

I definitely have seen how this kind of disconnect affects younger members. Some young members I know have said they pray every night that Heavenly Father will open the hearts of church leaders. Other young members I know have simply walked away from the church. 

Food for thought. 

I don't personally see this is a disconnect or a mixed message, but I do see it as a poorly communicated thought.

What I believe Callister is saying in the bold above is the equivalent of what Rick Warren said a long time ago--"The problem is that tolerant has changed its meaning. It used to mean 'I may disagree with you completely, but I will treat you with respect. Today, tolerant means - 'you must approve of everything I do.' There's a difference between tolerance and approval. Jesus accepted everyone no matter who they were. He doesn't approve of everything I do, or you do, or anybody else does either. You can be accepting without being approving."

I think Callister is trying to say that today people demand that love and compassion must equal endorsement of SSM, or it's not love and compassion, and that that mindset (the underlined part) is a "disguise" of satan.  He's not saying that love and compassion for lgtbq people is a disguise.

I actually think that the slc tribune article is making Callister's point:  that society is now at the place where many sources of information will "preach" that anything less than full endorsement is worthy of derision. 

[The Nehor]

2 hours ago, teddyaware said:

Just as it was in the days when the enemies of the Church murdered the Prophet Joseph Smith, and then mistakenly imagined that they had finally triumphed over the Latter-Day Saints when the ragtag remnants of the Church fled in untold suffering and deprivation to one of the ‘waste places’ of the west, the ultimate triumph of Zion is also assured, and the fervent hopes of all the cynical enemies of the Church who anticipate its dissolution and final destruction will be dashed to pieces when all that they gleefully anticipated will come to naught.

Nice twist on the scene from the Grinch movie.

Little Cindy Loo Who: Teddyaware, what is the gospel really about?

Teddyaware: VENGEANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Glenn101]

2 hours ago, jkwilliams said:

“Either ‘love and compassion’ towards the LGBTQ+ is good discipleship or part of Satan’s evil plan. The contradiction rivals that of the ‘I’m a Mormon’ campaign, becoming a victory for Satan. God is not the author of confusion or flip-flopping doctrines and policies. Yet this message inconsistency occurs regularly.”

When you set up or accept this type of strawman argument, no one wins. If you say the only way to show love and compassion a particular person is to accept what that persons desires as okay, the door is shut.

I have a (step)son, now deceased, who was gay. He had been a member of the church but was removed from the church membership rolls because of his lifestyle. I learned to love all of my second wife's children and he was no exception. We had a good discussion about the situation when he came out. He understood my position on the the matter and the matter never came up again. My wife and I accepted him as he was. He still was our son and we loved him. We placed no difference between him and any of our other children. The last time I saw him he kissed me on top of my head (the bald spot) and we hugged before he departed. He knew that I and my wife both loved him. It was not an either or situation for either of us.

Glenn

+

[jkwilliams]

9 minutes ago, bluebell said:

I don't personally see this is a disconnect or a mixed message, but I do see it as a poorly communicated thought.

What I believe Callister is saying in the bold above is the equivalent of what Rick Warren said a long time ago--"The problem is that tolerant has changed its meaning. It used to mean 'I may disagree with you completely, but I will treat you with respect. Today, tolerant means - 'you must approve of everything I do.' There's a difference between tolerance and approval. Jesus accepted everyone no matter who they were. He doesn't approve of everything I do, or you do, or anybody else does either. You can be accepting without being approving."

I think Callister is trying to say that today people demand that love and compassion must equal endorsement of SSM, or it's not love and compassion, and that that mindset (the underlined part) is a "disguise" of satan.  He's not saying that love and compassion for lgtbq people is a disguise.

I actually think that the slc tribune article is making Callister's point:  that society is now at the place where many sources of information will "preach" that anything less than full endorsement is worthy of derision. 

I don’t think that’s it at all. I took his point as read: the messaging has been contradictory, between tolerance and demonization, and it’s turning people away. I think it’s a valid point. 

I suspect the church is trying to walk a fine line and not succeeding well. 

[JustAnAustralian]

9 minutes ago, jkwilliams said:

No, the point was about mixed messages. You can’t say that people should treat LGBTQ+ with love and compassion while saying that “love and compassion” for LGBTQ+ is part of Satan’s plan. You’ll alienate people doing that.

Elder Callister isn't saying that "love and compassion" for LGBTQ+ is part of Satan's plan. 

Quote

He disguises his plan of attack with alluring labels such as ..., “love and compassion” for endorsement of same-sex marriage,"

He is saying that Satan uses terms like "love and compassion" to push endorsement of SSM.

It's pretty clear that what he says is Satan's use of "love and compassion" is different to the church's use of it.

[jkwilliams]

Just now, JustAnAustralian said:

Elder Callister isn't saying that "love and compassion" for LGBTQ+ is part of Satan's plan. 

He is saying that Satan uses terms like "love and compassion" to push endorsement of SSM.

It's pretty clear that what he says is Satan's use of "love and compassion" is different to the church's use of it.

Then he’s doing a poor job of communicating that. Again, that’s the problem. 

[JustAnAustralian]

1 minute ago, jkwilliams said:

Then he’s doing a poor job of communicating that. Again, that’s the problem. 

It's there in the text.

Quote

He disguises his plan of attack with alluring labels such as “pro-choice” for abortion, “love and compassion” for endorsement of same-sex marriage, and “environmental emergency” for promotion of a zero-growth population agenda. 

 

[jkwilliams]

1 minute ago, JustAnAustralian said:

It's there in the text.

It’s just funny that he’s calling the very words the church used an alluring label used by Satan. This just isn’t that difficult to understand. 

Edited June 14, 2021 by jkwilliams

[california boy]

1 hour ago, jbarm said:

I know...

If the Church only endorsed gay marriage or female ordination then it would grow, right?

Community of Christ did so and saw 25 % of members leave. 

Episcopalian Church did so and has seen a 50% drop in membership. 

Potential retention of a few liberal members at the cost of losing the core of conservative members is quite irrational. 

If the Church is just an expensive club which changes its rules to meet the whims of it's members then it will follow the same path. 

Jb

You did miss the point.  In the 80's the Church ran a long campaign based on strengthening families and being good parents.  I remember many in the community who didn't particularly share the same beliefs as the Church, but the reputation of the Church was that it was a strong family centered Church.  That message appealed to a lot of people.  And Church growth during this time was impressive.  We heard talks about how we were living in the time Daniel foretold where happening.  Then the Church lead an attack on gay marriage.  THAT has torn families apart.  The message of the 80's is no longer how the Church is perceived in the community.   Now the message is, the dwindling of belief among members was foretold and expected.  

 

2 hours ago, teddyaware said:

If the Church is true and the Book of Mormon’s prophecies are true — and I believe they are — the restored Church of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God on earth are going to marvelously succeed far beyond any doubter’s imagination. It will be a total and complete victory for God and his saints, and the most ignominious defeat imaginable for those opposed to Christ and his Zion.

But just as it was in Book of Mormon times, the journey to that most glorious victory will be fraught with many dangers, tribulations, and seemingly insurmountable setbacks of every kind, including times when many from the younger generations will depart from the faith because of the fair lies of Satan and the enticing precepts of this doomed fallen world. But in spite of everything conceivable that the devil will utilize to overthrow the Church of Christ, including an unprecedentedly vast and vicious worldwide persecution of the saints by the combined might all the nations of the gentiles (see 1 Nephi 14), he and his witting and unwittingly allies will fail most decisively and miserably.

Just as it was in the days when the enemies of the Church murdered the Prophet Joseph Smith, and then mistakenly imagined that they had finally triumphed over the Latter-Day Saints when the ragtag remnants of the Church fled in untold suffering and deprivation to one of the ‘waste places’ of the west, the ultimate triumph of Zion is also assured, and the fervent hopes of all the cynical enemies of the Church who anticipate its dissolution and final destruction will be dashed to pieces when all that they gleefully anticipated will come to naught.

1 Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers.

2 They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ.

3 And now because of their unbelief they could not understandthe word of God; and their hearts were hardened.

4 And they would not be baptized; neither would they join the church. And they were a separate people as to their faith, and remained so ever after, even in their carnal and sinful state; for they would not call upon the Lord their God.

5 And now in the reign of Mosiah they were not half so numerous as the people of God; but because of the dissensions among the brethren they became more numerous. (Mosiah 26)

Can I ask you a sincere question?  Is there ANY situation that you can think of where a person could not point to some scripture to "prove" it is just a fulfillment of what has been foretold?  

Edited June 14, 2021 by california boy

[JustAnAustralian]

3 minutes ago, jkwilliams said:

It’s just funny that he’s calling the very words the church used an alluring label used by Satan. This just isn’t that difficult to understand. 

The label is alluring precisely because it is used by the church. If Satan can convince people the only way show "love and compassion" is by supporting same sex marriage, then church members (and others) who want to show "love and compassion" for them can be guilted into supporting SSM.

[CV75]

3 hours ago, jkwilliams said:

From the Salt Lake Tribune:
https://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2021/06/11/dave-winslow-lds-church/

The essay focuses on how the church simultaneously preaches love and tolerance and condemns love and tolerance. The author suggests that this mixed messaging may play well to older, more conservative members but risks alienating younger members. 

“One example of far too many: The Oct. 1, 2020 church newsroom statement on Conversion Therapy and Canada Bill C-6, states, ‘The Church hopes that those who experience same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria find love, compassion and understanding from family members, Church leaders and members, and professional counsellors. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we condemn any mistreatment or unkindness toward LGBTQ persons in any form.’

“However, the May 28, 2021, Church News article by Elder Tad R. Callister states, ‘He (Satan) disguises his plan of attack with alluring labels such as ‘pro-choice’ for abortion, ‘love and compassion’ for endorsement of same-sex marriage, and ‘environmental emergency’ for promotion of a zero-growth population agenda.’

“Either ‘love and compassion’ towards the LGBTQ+ is good discipleship or part of Satan’s evil plan. The contradiction rivals that of the ‘I’m a Mormon’ campaign, becoming a victory for Satan. God is not the author of confusion or flip-flopping doctrines and policies. Yet this message inconsistency occurs regularly.”

I definitely have seen how this kind of disconnect affects younger members. Some young members I know have said they pray every night that Heavenly Father will open the hearts of church leaders. Other young members I know have simply walked away from the church. 

Food for thought. 

There are older members who feel the same way they do, so Winslow’s generation / political leaning gap is a false dichotomy. But given these particular young members you know, I think they need friends (young or old, the more mixed the better) who can help them distinguish opinion from facts, whether they read it in the Church News or the SLT (and both Callister’s and Winslow’s articles are opinion pieces).

Then they need to learn to discuss others’ opposing opinions in good faith, challenging their own bias and not focusing on provocative, cherry-picked one-liners and memes. I think the rest of their disconnect is a matter of faith and discipleship.

[jbarm]

I really didn't miss the point.  The underlying point of the critics is that the Church needs to embrace and endorse gay marriage to truly be pro family or whatever. 

This post is making the same argument, just from an oblique angle.