The Church and “Outward Appearance”
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- Опубликовано: 7 фев 2025
- See past Sunday Musings: SundayMusings.org
Numerous examples exist of church decisions being made out of concern for the institution\'s image. What can we learn from what scripture says about focusing on outward appearance rather than what is right? 
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The truth doesn’t fear scrutiny. The church fears scrutiny.
You put it so well in just a few words!
Bingo! 💯
No they just don't want the name of the church to be put in a bad light because the anti's will make mountains out of mole hills. There's nothing the church hasn't allowed to come out if it wasn't biased against the church.
@cohort29
You are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT. It is the knowledge of TRUTH that STRENGTHENS the faith & testimony of any individual, not a misguided adherence to error/fallacy and not the hiding or burying of the Truth for purposes of appearance or public image. The latter WEAKENS the individual.
Truth is strengthened when error is stood up next to it. Truth (and all who stand with and for it) has no fear of fallacy, but fallacy fears the light of Truth which exposes error in & by its light. This is why those whose position is with error are prone & quick to use the satanic tools of CENSORSHIP/SILENCING of Truth. Because error/fallacy cannot stand in the light of Truth without being exposed for what it is. If those promulgating error/fallacy can successfully SILENCE those speaking Truth, they can control their own errant narrative a while longer.
staying in control over your flock and money. Soon even free Holy Ghost and personal revelation will be talked down since both cause too much radical knowledge each person for themselves. Already in the temple I was told to obey and do as told and leave the Holy Ghost interacting to the leaders. I pray to God to save the Church.
The following quote is from eminent LDS scholar and late BYU professor Hugh Nibley. Nibley taught us this principle about keeping up appearances in the Joseph Smith Lecture Series, 1972-73, regarding the topic “What is Zion?”.
“The worst sinners, according to Jesus, are not the harlots and publicans, but the religious leaders with their insistence of proper dress and grooming, their careful observance of all the rules, their precious concern for status symbols, their strict legality, their pious patriotism . . . the haircut becomes the test of virtue in a world where Satan deceives and rules by appearances.” (Hugh Nibley, Joseph Smith Lecture Series, 1972-73, “What is Zion?”)
So it's more sinful to pretend to be righteous than it is to be an outright sinner. Interesting.
Correct. It is worse to violate a law you have than one you aren't aware of. @emmafrazier6251
Perhaps Nibley's word choice of 'the worst sinners' is insufficient. I think the point is that those who are sinning(to whatever degree), and are on a relatively equal socially prescribed standing as those around them will be scrutinized/discerned as an equal. Whereas those in positions of authority and responsibility are looked at differently. They are trusted. So their choices, whatever the motivation, cast a greater circle of ripples for good or bad.
Connor, I can’t thank you enough for the things you say here. For taking the time to say the hard thing (at least for many). To me, what you said here was very familiar to me. Hahaha, I actually sang the lyrics of “Do What is Right” to my bishop during Covid. Except, I added the following line, “Battle for Freedom…”. I informed him that I refused to wear a “face covering” and objected to seeing a notice from the federal government (CDC) on the door of the church delineating the manner we were to worship. I recited the 1st amendment to him regarding religious freedom. I asked him if it made logical sense, he being a doctor, that speakers would come to the podium with their
face covered; uncover their face and place the covering on the surface next to the podium, say their peace, then recover their face and walk off the stand. Only, to be followed with another person doing the same thing and placing their face covering in the same location as the previous person and on and on it goes. I asked, is this an effective way of preventing the transmission of disease? Sadly, he had little to say to me. I don’t understand why it is so difficult to state, “the emperor has no clothes.”
Again, thank you very much. I very much appreciate the work you are doing and it gives me hope for the future.
Our Bishop would wipe down the podium with bleach wipes before the next person could talk 😂
awesome example here. thank you
Great idea, to sing thah! Great work, to think of challenging the person on the putting the masks on the podium!
This was so interesting and informative for me. I am an active member but do not live in Utah. My rose colour glasses of the church organization completely fell off during COVID. There is a difference between our faith and the organization. I will continue to be mindful and question everything.
THE ORGANIZATION has proven itself tobe CORRUPT
Me too
Safe and effective was a lie i could not swallow.
Yet i hope they get rebuked back into the light
This is one of the best videos I have found that provides a solid foundation for being doctrinally confident (very important as we "question everything" so that we don't question the foundations of our faith at the same time)
ruclips.net/video/kpZpcwY0MQo/видео.html
I love President Nelson’s warning of the “Coming days … impossible to survive spiritually… without the …. close companionship of the Holy Ghost”. It was because of the Safe-Effective Siding with a corrupt Government, eyes were opened and the absolute Need for Holy Ghost closeness became that Light tower in our lives. But now, according to Gong’s scripture quote it appears we are in danger of being called rebellious because we seek the truth from God Himself directly doing exactly what the prophet said we should do, except they claim being elect and designated to be that chosen servant, truth and light is in their hands that gives them cover for their works and conspiracies in darkness. Rats in power will condemn the light.
Gong is a CFR guy for most of his life.. look up goals of CFR
I'm literally in counseling right now because my parents are much more concerned with appearance. I wasn't abused, but I was thoroughly trained not to listen to myself snd to self consciously consider what my choices would look like. At almost 40 I'm finally learning not to care what other think. I do what will keep me healthy snd happy snd in tune with my Savior.
I fell like the ones concerned about others being concerned are likely the ones concerned about appearance. Could it be that people think others are thinking they think or should think the same way they do, like I do? I think others can think what they want, it's just to bad that they don't think like me.😍
I love your insight here, as an active member I really enjoy learning about the inner workings of the church, it builds my testimony that we are all imperfect worker bees, And hopefully one day the church and all of us will be made perfect.
Something I learned many years ago that I'm not pleased with is that the #1 priority of 'all' organizations, businesses, government and yes church's is to maintain their own existence. Everything else is secondary. The company comes first. The people come in second.
My fear statement by the leadership of the church when the lights go out and we are being over ran by outside forces, "Stand down".
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers…”
[…and some lawyers, and some PR specialists, and some therapists and lobbyists]?
Honestly the institution may be justified in some of this, but the danger is when the tail begins to wag the dog.
I love what you have to say! I enjoy your thoughts, and your knowledge. You are spot on with this one. Thanks for all you do and share with all of us.
Appreciate your musing. I do think, though, that sometimes we don't see the big picture. Our myopic view can think things don't make sense, seen a little crazy, but in the end, the Lord is in the details and has it covered.
Trying to keep an open mind here.
God is working with supremely imperfect men and women to do something we can't fathom and here we are waxing smart. Imagine having your every comment, conversation, and opinion scrutinized by thousands of people who think they know better because they saw a clip. I am all for reasoning and striving to improve all workings of the church but make no mistake - God is in the work of the Church of Jesus Christ, and imperfect men and women are doing their best (failing miserably every step of the way, and yet, still doing their best). Their job is among the most difficult I can imagine. No one in the comment section, nor Connor, nor me, could do a better job. God bless
It is much better to be able to voice one’s opinion to others who understand why and where feelings come from than to leave the church. There is a huge difference to the corporation of the church and the gospel. If you don’t recognize that you are in the minority. Our Father in Heaven chose who our Savior would be and the plan. The plan of free agency allows us to think for ourselves and to pray and get answers either directly or through the Holy Ghost. We are not auditioning for a position as a leader we are voicing differences of opinions and places where different choices may have been better. It goes on everywhere, everyday.
your argument DOES NOT GIVE LICENSE to the top leaders to LIE !!!!!!!!!!
agreed! @@traciwavra7346
I ever get a smile forming on my lips when I see these musings titles.
I love honesty and authenticity.
I told cousins this last year that there is no more server “anti-Mormon” literature anywhere than the Book of Mormon itself. Nephi, Moroni, and others slam us intensely with our corrupt church culture.
I attended the Hubner play in 91 or 92 at BYU when one of Hubners friends was in attendance. Powerful.
Im a Full TBM and although I tend to worry how your videos can harm some peoples faith I have to also have to say that I fully agree and wish we didnt want to be liked so much by the world. I live in a 30% amish and 20% mennonite neighborhood.....and they are much more like how we should be.They are very family oriented and happy. Why isn't home schooling pushed and promoted so our kids are out of the world's influence same as the amish ? Why do we push women into careers and "education" more than emphasizing children and family formation ? Why are your daughters and grand daughters walking around with as much flesh as they can show? Why dont we push modesty? Why did a study show that LDS single women are having more sex than single Lds men? Why is the LDS divorce rate not too far behind the nations rate while the amish are near Zero? Why are we concerned with fitting in with the world and jamming needles into our arms? Why are men painted as homer Simpsons to appease and pedestalize women at every turn? I really wish our culture was not so close to the worlds. In fact I think LDS members are more cliquish and concerned with appearances than most. SLC, BYU and the family are in severe decline ....and I am stunned that we dont seem to see it. Instead we whitewash it for appearances...and we are largely terrified of offending women.
Well said,"DROP THE MIKE...BOOM!"
Whitewashing is a foundational Mormon practice tbh. That probably explains why you have legitimate concerns.
The truth should be able to withstand scrutiny.If it can't, it probably isn't truth.
Perception
In the eyes of man over doing what is right in the eyes of God?
Idaho dentist pedophile secretly protected by the church and law enforcement + $300,000 & NDA...
ruclips.net/video/XNEHgeat3iQ/видео.htmlsi=PcR_WTqE2SF6PM_0
This abuse thing does go back, a ways, and involves even general authorities, doing damage control or covering up for whistleblowers trying to discredit them. That’s a whole other can of worms. You see, we as leaders had to report sex abuse cases to authorities here in Tennessee. I’m not sure what the policy is today, but years ago that’s what we always had to do. And to me this is an excusable.
The name of the church is important, but so are the children and protecting them from the abuse.
www.sltrib.com/religion/local/2023/12/04/recordings-show-how-lds-church/
www.sltrib.com/religion/local/2023/12/04/takeaways-aps-investigation-into/
www.sltrib.com/religion/2023/04/27/nearly-23b-awarded-sex-abuse/ www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/article271103342.html www.idahostatesman.com/news/local/crime/article254264008.html
This is the most serious of many in my view, a general authority trying to keep a whistleblower from going to the temple and being sealed… www.deseret.com/2008/2/21/20072068/idaho-man-files-sex-abuse-lawsuit-against-scouts-lds-church
www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-04-27/riverside-woman-to-receive-2-3-billion-in-sex-abuse-lawsuit-that-also-accused-the-mormon-church
💯
You just described the Pharisees in the modern day....
I agree with your concern. I noticed the same thing shortly after the church hired me to manage the FamilySearch website in 2008. Religious leaders should be focused on the people, not on the image of the corporation.
Thank you, Connor, via this video, for "doing what is right, and letting the consequences follow."
This was a great session. I’m a 71-year-old former bishop and active member of the Church. You have verbalized very eloquently the way I have felt for years. I lost my Temple Recommend for two years because I don’t file income tax returns. Fortunately, Elder Eyring intervened in my behalf.
similarly many people are running to the safety of the Holy Ghost as false judgment is rendered in ineptitude upon those that think for themselves aka the Holy Ghost.
Honest question I’m completely lost when it comes to this word of wisdom since you were a bishop is beer a no no with verse 17 in section 89 saying it’s ok
Honest question…if you don’t pay your income taxes can you consider yourself honest in all your dealings? I’m assuming that’s why your temple recommend was withheld. I only ask this because I know people who don’t pay honest taxes (they write off everything under the sun) but consider themselves temple worthy. I personally can’t do that and feel like I’m being honest, but that’s just me. I’d love to hear another’s perspective on this.
@@jaromywilkins6246I submit that just because someone is (or was) a bishop doesn’t mean they know more about doctrine than anyone else. I absolutely love our newly-called bishop…he’s so humble about the calling that he very frequently admits “I don’t know, I’m still learning” or “I’m new to this”. Yesterday he and I (and a couple other people) had a conversation about how fallible the leaders of the church are and that our testimonies must be built on things other than the people or the institution. I’ve considered the beer issue myself, and all I can add is that nowadays most water is clean enough that it truly is better for us than beer (and it’s easy to filter if not). Or I suppose the best answer is that “we know not, save the Lord has commanded us”.
Writing stuff off isn’t wrong you should do it yourself also paying taxes isn’t what you could consider honorable right the government uses it to literally kill babies among thousands of other misrepresentations there are tax codes you use with business that you should use and if it means you come out not paying taxes that’s great remember the church doesn’t pay taxes either we had a revolution because of tax as well keep that in mind
Them asking more than once "Is he gay?" came off immaterial to the matter at hand. It was weird. Also...Gong gives a presentation on how the church is in danger of having its sensitive information leaked and then ends it with a scripture saying that the wicked will have their secrets shouted from the rooftops. Ummm...interesting choice.
most appropriate
Also a TBM with similar concerns. I appreciate you looking at these issues head on and the good work you’re doing.
Thank you for your bravery!! I hope they don't punish you for showing this and bringing things here to the attention of so many. It's hard to read the words of Jesus Christ and not question when we see those, who should no better, ignore what Jesus Christ has told in those scriptures. Thanks again.
If the Church was worthy of a temple recommend via the same questions they ask the us members the outward appearance would take care of itself.
"...and I am concerned, that, in some cases--maybe many cases..., the Church officers are making decisions based on protecting the _image_ of the Church as one of its core priorities, as opposed to a focus on _doing what is right_ as a primary, or perhaps sole focus."
_Sigh..._
In the handbook of instructions listed among the reasons for ex-ing a person is they talked bad about the church, it's doctrines, or it's leaders. All of those Christ was guilty of. All of them are about image.
Brilliant.
The image or reputation of the Church should be in alignment with the doctrine of Jesus Christ. We should trust God not man in doing missionary work. We should not water down doctrine to get missionaries into a country. That would be putting our trust in man not God.
it’s not water down anymore, it’s actually full blown alignment.
Agree wholeheartedly. If the church focused on their teachings as an ' us against the world' thing, people worldwide would be drawn to the church out of curiosity if nothing else. Especially now! 👍
Great thoughts. I’m a former high counselor, bishop, etc and was disfellowshipped and then excommunicated for sharing how Joseph smith felt about polygamy. This is over 4 years ago before it became abundantly clear Joseph was a monogamist. In my quest for truth I spoke to all my current leaders and in particular the stake president who called me as a bishop and then he served later as a mission president and now as a seventy. Over and over in my discussions with them they didn’t want to look at scriptures or rewritten church history etc. It was put it on the shelf and protect the image of the church. They tried to put a scarlet letter on me and protect people from talking to me. The truth shouldn’t need protection. It will only become stronger as it is analyzed and understood. Unfortunately for the church, the deeper we look at scripture and history the more we see the LDS church has chosen the ways of the world over truth. They lie to protect their image or keys to authority. Just like Moses had a real experience with the Lord and then the Jews kept pointing to Moses abd couldn’t recognize the Lord, the LDS church points to Joseph and the keys and can’t recognize the Lord right in front of them. They’re whites sepulchers and will not be ready for the Lord’s return. Being a good global citizen is more important to the president of the church than being in the kingdom of God.
Liar.
@@WatchingwaitingG2D Is he? Either Joseph was lying when he vehemently denied practicing polygamy as well as Emma who stated the same. Or he didn't lie. Which is it? You can't have it both ways.
@@sarahpeacock9686believe what you want and let others do the same
@@traciwavra7346 eh, that attitude has lead to the current climate. Polygamy was in the church since Joseph, regardless of what the Michelle Stone camp seems to cherrypick history for.
yup
Ever wonder why you never hear of Zenos in the Old Testament?! He says in Alma 33
This part of Zenos’ testimony:
9 Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations.
10 Yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast out and have been despised.”
I realized that maybe back then church was just as awful, so maybe he was grumbling out loud!😂
I was like,”I’m not alone!!! A prophet that understands!
And since Alma had memorized Zeno’s words, he probably related as well!
Alma decided on that testimony in particular to recite to the people who were poor that were cast out of their synagogues …which is really a commentary on the shallow type of people who were regular synagogue attendees!😅
I was amazed at the Quorum in thier conversation discussion videos. Protect the image of the Church we should remember our failure.
It’s a little concerning to see Elder Gong totally quote a scripture from D&C and with no context incorrectly apply it to Julian Assange. Oh boy!!
It just feels like we r being led by men rather than God. The gifts of the spirit evidenced in the scriptures are not being played out the same today. When Christ comes again, will he tear us down like he did the Pharisees and the Sadducees?
If there is tearing down, it wouldn't be the members. It would be the leadership
@
Wouldn’t it be anyone who hasn’t followed him like he has said in the scriptures?
As an active members it falls to me to do the right thing. I had an experience once. I was entering a local business when I can into a member of our small branch at the time. I greeted him and shook his hand. He left and I went to the counter to conduct my business. The business owner asked me how I knew him. I told him, he was a member of our congregation. The business owner was surprised and told me this member had not been honest in a large business transaction. This gave him a very low view of the church at that moment. I was very disappointed. I say all that only to say if we do the right thing regardless, the correct perception will follow.
oh, dear
Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing such valuable experience with us.
Thank you Mr.Connor Boyack
Another fantastic video! Thank you
11:04 I can only imagine the thing on their minds must be, “How are we going to protect the family and the home from these influences?”
Thanks for telling the truth.
it is disturbing that Gong refers to Julian Assange as an extreme anarchist in the name of freedom fighting. Jesus was equally viewed as such by despots who sought to hold onto their control.
jesus christ is THE MOST RADICAL who ever walked and whoever WILL walk this earth !!!!!!! his way is not the way of natural men
As President David O. McKay taught: “This principle of free agency and the right of each individual to be free not only to think but to act within bounds that grant to every one else the same privilege, are sometimes violated even by churches that claim to teach the doctrine of Jesus Christ. The attitude of any organization toward this principle of freedom is a pretty good index to its nearness to the teachings of Christ or to those of the Evil One” (Conference Report, April 1950, p. 36).
I served in the St. George visitor center on my mission and I learned at a young age, image is everything.
Also narrative and perception
Well homosexual acts is a oath you make when you’re going to corrupt God‘s people when cain killed Abel, he made an oath with his brothers through homosexual acts and all corrupt and evil groups make that oath with one another so it’s no wonder they’re asking if he’s homosexual or not! it’s filtering into our church as well so duh
what a Great musing Bro 👌
15:52 the #WordOfWisdom specifically talks about how God ordained plants for our use. (D&C 89:10-11).
I'm going to counter by asking you if your ancestors come from Central Asia. If they didn't, you probably don't have a good claim to be using cannabis as a medicine.
Agree completely. I find it ironic that the church is spending billions to earthquake proof the SL temple, by saving the outward appearance but have redone the inside. What’s the point in keeping it and not just completely rebuilding a replica like we did in Nauvoo (which would be cheaper and faster) if not to preserve the integrity of it? It’s just for outward appearances and lots of money wasted imo.
Cupcake, that's history. SMH.
They found a lot of problems. The lime mortar in the sub foundation had eroded so bad that they didn’t use a boring machine to dig under the foundation. They dug all the dirt out by hand fearing the vibration from a machine would damage the temple. They are finding some of the granite blocks in the walls have turned to rubble. Very little of the temple’s interior will be original. They pretty much gutted it. The extent of the restoration needed on the foundation and walls required gutting the whole basement. The Celesial room will pretty much be the least remodeled room.
Tunnel from temple to masonic lodge .. nelson is member of Skull n Bones...nothing to see here or hear ..
@There is a Huge underground complex at the church Administration block. Mostly for parking. I’ve been in it. They ride in electric golf carts it’s so big but I don’t think a tunnel goes to the Masonic lodge on South Temple. There’s a tunnel that goes to the temple and tabernacle.
@@bettescott950if being a Reptilian is a real thing, pres. Nelson certainly fits the bill!
Too bad Connor isn’t an apostle he’d do a better job!
We'll said. If an institution claims to be God's only true church, shouldn't its primary focus be on doing what's right according to truth (and the God of Truth it claims to represent), rather than fretting about how the world sees it?
Church leaders: Be good global citizens.
Jesus: "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also." John 15:19-20.
The blind leading the blind, LDS church will continue to stubble and bumble. The church is the obstacle to Christ gospel and stands in opposition to the doctrine of Christ found in the Book of Mormon . We fallow the law of the D&C,the Jews looked beyond the mark and despised the words of plainness so it is with the lds.
Years ago I watched 'Spotlight' and was horrified, I can still remember the thought that came to my mind, 'What would you do if your Church handled abuse the same way' - I understand abuse is going to happen with big organisations, whilst that is a huge problem, for me another huge problem is how the abuse is dealt with, which is why I am converted to Jesus Christ and what I believe to be, His restored gosepl, NOT the institution which calls itself his Church, they are not the same, Christs Church are His people !!
yup
I cant tell the difference between our church leaders and politicians loyal to the state or the mainstream narrative. So much anti-freedom opinions and govt obedience.
The following quote is from eminent LDS scholar and late BYU professor Hugh Nibley. Nibley taught us this principle about keeping up appearances in the Joseph Smith Lecture Series, 1972-73, regarding the topic “What is Zion?”.
“The worst sinners, according to Jesus, are not the harlots and publicans, but the religious leaders with their insistence of proper dress and grooming, their careful observance of all the rules, their precious concern for status symbols, their strict legality, their pious patriotism . . . the haircut becomes the test of virtue in a world where Satan deceives and rules by appearances.” (Hugh Nibley, Joseph Smith Lecture Series, 1972-73, “What is Zion?”)
Apostle Stephen L Richards taught in a General Conference address on April 9th 1932 titled “Bringing Humanity to the Gospel.” the following quote: “I fear dictatorial dogmatism, rigidity of procedure and intolerance even more than I fear cigarettes, cards, and other devices the adversary may use to nullify faith and kill religion. Fanaticism and bigotry have been the deadly enemies of true religion in the long past. They have made it forbidding, shut it up in cold grey walls of monastery and nunnery, out of the sunlight and fragrance of the growing world. They have garbed it in black and then in white, when in truth it is neither black nor white, any more than life is black or white, for religion is life abundant, glowing life, with all its shades, colors and hues, as the children of men reflect in the patterns of their lives the radiance of the Holy Spirit in varying degrees.”
“Do not, brethren, put your trust in man though he be a bishop; an apostle, or a president; if you do, they will fail you at some time or place, they will do wrong or seem to, and your support be gone; but if we lean on God, He never will fail us. When men and women depend on God alone, and trust in Him alone, their faith will not be shaken if the highest in the Church should step aside. They could still see that He is just and true, that truth is lovely in His sight, and the pure in heart are dear to Him. Perhaps it is His own design that faults and weaknesses should appear in high places in order that His Saints may learn to trust in Him and not in any man or men.” -GEORGE Q. CANNON, “NEED FOR PERSONAL TESTIMONIES,” (15 FEBRUARY 1891), COLLECTED DISCOURSES 2:178. SEE MILLENNIAL STAR 53:658-659, 673-675.
No controversy means little commitment required.
Except when the commitment required is blind obedience.
@@V.X.4blind obedience - I read that in comments all the time. Is it another Utah thing? I'm a convert. I was Catholic. That was blind obedience ie don't read the scriptures, don't question, leave the church means you go to h3ll. As a Latter-Day Saint, I was taught to SEARCH, Ponder, Pray. Question, (Isaiah come let us reason together), seek confirmation from the Holy Ghost. That's what I have been doing for 44 years now. I didn't get the shot. I believe Joseph was monogamous as he said he was and I believe Brigham Young almost destroyed the church. I also believed God when he said the gospel was restored and would never be taken from the earth again. Brigham helps prove that. So tell me where "blind obedience" comes in.
@@V.X.4LOL, good comment
@@reppi8742I agree. Good comment.
@@reppi8742Blind obedience is encouraged. There are also people like you who do not obey blindly.
Truth is what matters! ❤ thanks for this!
I’m wondering if the angel studios movie is going to include any wrong doing by members at that time against helmuth? I need to revisit the details of his story but didn’t his branch president or something turn him in and wasn’t he ex communicated and then reinstated later? Is this going to be a soft telling of the story or are there going to be some ruffling of feathers. I prefer the feather ruffling!:)
I think it is so important to follow personal revelation with our Savior. Thank goodness I received a testimony from the Holy Ghost because there is a lot of messiness going on. We have to be real and honest and just be who we are no matter the consequences.
Connor… great point! Thanks for sharing
Amen. Amen. Amen.
Thank you Connor.
I guess it’s not possible but I sure as heck wish the church would stick to its knitting. I can’t tell you the culture shock when I moved to SLC from Idaho 18 years ago. The church IS NOT the same everywhere. The politics of the church really leaves a horrible taste in my mouth and I’m sure others. You have to be very strong to look past the corporation of the church and hold strong to the gospel. Not everyone in my family has been able to do that
AVOID UTAH LIKE THE PLAGUE. I SAW IT COMING BACK IN THE '60S.
Spot on Conner
Connor make a video about the United Nations and the Church.
ruclips.net/video/Lxko2pbfh6o/видео.html
I find it interesting that the church seems to be on the wrong side of history time and time again. I frankly wonder if there is anything they get right. When a 17 year old boy is more capable of standing up for what is right than Christ's representatives, I start to wonder if they represent Christ at all.
these are good questions and we know the right answer, don’t we?! 😊
@savedbygracethrufaith I hope that was sarcasm because, collectively, we clearly don't 😅
@@kraniodesign4555 yes /s Of course, Christ is not in the LDS church, it’s a work of fiction by a false prophet and distorts the nature of God in a false gospel. Ask the many ex-Mormons who had the epiphany that the church is not true. Ask them why. Most in the church are afraid to have that discussion because they think it will hurt their faith. Of course it will, but that’s because the Mormon faith is a masquerade. Real truth can withstand scrutiny and we should seek it, not hide from it.
@@kraniodesign4555I hope this was sarcasm as well otherwise they are gaslighting themselves 😅
@@kraniodesign4555 The leaders represent themselves and the image of the church because the image is what keeps the people coming and paying the money to them.
Parents could always attend interviews with their children, if they wanted to.
I'm a fan❤
RE second clip. Can’t believe you would disparage Elder Perry’s lament. Well founded and well within his right as a moral leader with responsibility in Israel.
I agree with Elder Perry too.
the only MORAL LEADER iS JESUS CHRIST!!!!! AND NONE OTHER !!!!!! NOT EVEN MORONI.
Connor, someday I’m gonna treat you to dinner-so glad you’re saying something!
Connor take it or leave it, I believe the Savior once said that you should agree with your enemy while you’re in the way with him unless he takes you and cast you into prison and you are unable to pay. Make you friends with the friendsof mammon yet at the same time he said you cannot have two masters. I try to take this all in to digest it as regards to the church, organization and leadership, and how they run the organization we know as the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints, and it all comes back to them not being perfect yet at the same time the Lord has called them, and I know this, I have received this confirmation directly from the Lord . I will agree with you, the leadership of the church are not perfect they’ve said as much in public and they make mistakes just as well as you or I do however they are still prophets, seers, and revelator. President Nelson has admitted over the pulpit that he has lost lives under his hands in his profession. That’s some pretty heavy duty stuff. I consider this other stuff you’re presenting pretty trite compared to that. I agree that we should question things openly or in confidence where either way is appropriate however, we should be building our testimonies according to the council we’ve received through scriptures, through living profits, and through the voice of the spirit of Jesus Christ, which is also known as the Holy Spirit. you should know all of this I know you have your causes within the realm of libertarianism and I respect that.
By the way, I really love your Tuttle twins books and have them on my shelf. Thank you for providing good literature like that.
I can see how the comments from the leadership of the church in those leaked videos would be problematic for folks of a alternative lifestyle disposition. But I really have no problem with them asking that even if it was off topic. I agree with an earlier comment or talking about how this stuff has everything to do with secret combinations, and has every right to ask about that even if he does get backlash for it.
Just one more thing, I can’t help, but wonder if the leaders of our church are trying to do a very difficult balancing act with public image and promoting the cause of our saviors church. Please consider that before you jump to these conclusions or lead people to conclusions their fallen profits or somehow totally unworthy of being in these positions.
God bless you, brother.
The church has members and missionaries in so many different countries the church really does have to be careful what it says or does. Say the wrong thing and you can put people in danger. Really the church is building temples and running missions. It now takes me ten minutes to go the temple instead of an hour because the deep pocketed machine in Salt Lake built a new one. It’s now easier to get more temple work done.
It is good there are more facilities and opportunities for growth, however, if that cost is playing up to the 'world', playing it safe or nice at the cost of institutional integrity.. there's gonna be some receipts to pay.
@ Since when has the church ever been perfect? I’m not going to complain about how it’s ran because frankly I have no control over it. I can choose to stay in it or leave. I have no control over what the First Presidency and Q12 do. It’s the stone rolling forth and that stone wanders but overall it goes where the Lord wants. Yeah it will leave a history of mistakes and lots of drama in its wake but does that matter when you cross over and are greeted by relives you are sealed to and did their temple work for? Christ is going to judge us on what we did with what we had. If a church leader screws up well that’s their problem.
@@l7846 two things can be true at the same. It's great the kingdom God is growing, and the stewards of said kingdom should take cyber security seriously.
To me, you are a modern day Moroni. Teaching truths no one wants to hear. These same "believers" would again crucify Christ if He wasn't returning with a sword. The AC spirit is so prevalent throughout the world, he seems to be soon appearing. Because the lie is easier than the truth, many will be deceived. Thank you for helping us to follow the most important one, the Creator and Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. Our Father has to be proud of the job you are doing, much as Moroni did in trying to stop the slaughter of truth tellers and believers of which there seem to have been few.
There are only a few places for the truth seekers to congregate to share their love and faith of the Savior and not man. Thank you!
Moronic is a made up fictional character...
@@jacoblewis2961 Dude, no one cares what you think.
Perfectly said Connor.
Well said. Couldn’t agree more.
I am not embarrassed or upset by any of these leaked videos. I am not as old as the general authorities who seem to upset you, but I do agree with them. Homosexuality is a sin and drug use, including marijuana are not good for individuals or our society as a whole.
Amen!
I voted to legalize cannabis in my state (not Utah) because I have spoken with vets who said it saved their lives, because it eases the pain of some people with illnesses such as cancer, and because it has other benefits. After it was legalized, my sister was visiting from another state. She developed a very bad migraine headache and asked to return so she can lie down for the afternoon. This meant cancelling some planned activities. Instead, we went to a local pot shop, discussed her need with a knowledgeable staff member, and he sold us some sublingual drops with high CBC and low THC. He explained that the THC was needed to activate the receptors for the CBC, and that she would not get high. Her terrible headache was gone in under three minutes, and we resumed our activities because she no longer needed to go rest. And she wasn't high. And then she cried when she learned that the medicine was illegal in her state.
Conor is not talking about recreational use. You truly think medical marijuana to ease extreme nausea during chemo or help a vet is better than a handful of chemicals created by Phizer? Yea I’ll disagree with you all day long.
@@traciwavra7346D&C 89:10
And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man.
Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
D&C 78:19
And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
John 10:10
...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
D&C 59:17-19
17 Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards;
18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;
19 Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.
Pleasing the eyes, gladdening the heart, and enlivening the soul doesn't appear to be reflected anywhere in the medical literature because those are all recreational activities.😂
I graduated from BYU in 2005. I was in Iraq in 2008. I lost a child in 2010. My PTSD cost me a marriage already. Cannabis saved my life but I still lost my LDS community, my entire support group. Now it's fine to be LDS and a medical cannabis user.
I didn't know you helped legalize in Utah. I moved to Nevada to be able to grow legal and have a normal life where I can afford my meds. I never thought I would see the culture change, and so quickly. Thank you, Connor, for your work. ruclips.net/video/kGt798eStcw/видео.htmlsi=5Dywmc41dQJu6-Ky
I've spoken up against pot for years online, and all the recreational users rave about the "medical" benefits in order to justify getting high, and even the "medical" users can't see why it's wrong to use it recreationally. After talking with all these pot smokers for years, and having them threaten me, dox me, and do all kinds of other terrible things to me online, I have said that we all need to speak up against pot even more and that it should be illegal forever, not because of marijuana itself, but because of the people who use and defend it! I HOPE you are against recreational use and that you agree with me on this, how horrible the recreational users are and why we need to speak up. And also, so many people have different definitions of "medical" use. That's another huge problem and makes me realize why we need to speak up even more.
You don’t get excommunicated over MJ use esp for medical use. So how did you lose your community unless you removed yourself?
thank you for your unfathomable sacrifices.
@@Cindybin46D&C 89:10
And again, verily I say unto you, all wholesome herbs God hath ordained for the constitution, nature, and use of man.
Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:
5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
D&C 78:19
And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
John 10:10
...I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
D&C 59:17-19
17 Yea, and the herb, and the good things which come of the earth, whether for food or for raiment, or for houses, or for barns, or for orchards, or for gardens, or for vineyards;
18 Yea, all things which come of the earth, in the season thereof, are made for the benefit and the use of man, both to please the eye and to gladden the heart;
19 Yea, for food and for raiment, for taste and for smell, to strengthen the body and to enliven the soul.
Pleasing the eyes, gladdening the heart, and enlivening the soul doesn't appear to be reflected anywhere in the medical literature because those are all recreational activities.😂
Thank you for your Service and God bless you with your family. That's a lot to deal with, thanks for pushing through the struggle.
I'm a big fan of using things that God has already created in nature. 🇺🇸
Watching at Elder Gong's video and as a tech professional myself (I actually work as a contractor for the Church), his talk tells me nothing that wouldn't be considered a standard practice everywhere else. The church has contact data of most if not all of its members, and a lot more information about its own workforce. Is it really that bad to want to protect against hacks?
I have yet to finish the video, but there is nothing controversial in what Elder Gong is saying, any organization that has any kind of informational system should have decent security practices to prevent being hacked or have their information leaked or tampered with. Companies that don't do that are the reason why there are massive rainbow tables with unencrypted passwords in the deep web and people who use them for brute force cyber security attacks.
Edit: I hadn't seen the comments by the end being so focused on something that had nothing to do with the presentation at hand.
Gongs scripture he quotes at the end is a problem. Out of context and misapplied.
The Lord will eventially correct church officials if it is needed. Right now they must feel like getting along is more needed.
This RUclips channel is awesome, your average view count deserves to be 20x what it is now. Thanks for what you do and your research.
You are right on.
Another very interesting musing. You always make me think. Thank you!❤😊
When you describe yourselves as "God's chosen people" is a blind spot and a set up for a fall.
RE first clip. I’m glad the Brethren were more concerned about issues of morality than cyber security.
Any organization seeks to protect its image so as to better accomplish its goals. Protecting image is reasonable so long as it is not dishonest and does not cause harm to others. Protecting image becomes harmful if these negative consequences occur.
There shouldnt be anything concerning or surprising about these leaked video. All they show is something every member should already know which is the leaders of our Church are errant men who have opinions about social issues of the time. It would odd if all they shared was the technical issues within the Church. They would just be robots with no opinions or personal concerns of their own.
"But he is a confirmed homosexual?" Lol, what does that have to do with the conversation on cyber security?
Lol, governments, corporations, etc. have long known that gay men are an information security risk. Nearly every single James O'Keefe undercover video is of a gay man spilling the beans about his coworkers or superiors because he hopes it'll help him smoke sausage.
Maybe we need to hear the entire conversation to understand??
@@danascully7358 I don't think so. I think that homosexuality was on their minds a lot during that time because it was a hot topic as legalizing gay marriage at the federal level was a hot topic at the time.
The topic of self preservation reminds me of Peter when he is trying to conceal himself as Jesus is on trial. It doesn’t go all that well for him, but after the resurrection, Peter has no problem being bold. Self preservation is a tricky thing for a large organization.
I think this is where the church is at and the pendulum is going to swing the other way soon. For now we are abiding and growing and then things will get to a point when the Church will have to take some stands that will bring the heat.
I think the root of this entire problem is the perception of “the church”. I know most people listening think this is God’s true church, but I believe His true church are the people that follow Jesus and take His name upon them. They are the disciples. They are not part of a 501(c)3 because they got baptized and are members. To me, this is just a business, more organized religion, so of course they are going to protect their image at all costs. Not the Lord. He didn’t have any fancy buildings, He didn’t care what underwear you wore, his doctrine was very simple and He just wants our hearts and to follow Him.
Yes, Jesus taught to just follow his teachings on our own, and not trust in or follow so called prophets or formal religions, because there are no perfect people to lead them or be prophets. Thus everyone will often be wrong and people will always get easily led astray by the errors and falsehoods that always are done or taught, whether intentionally or not, in all religions, as we see has been happening in this church too since it started.
THIS VIDEO, by a Country mile, is some of your BEST WORK CONNOR !!!!!!
The IRONY, and with respect, the complete and utter BS that the Restored Church of Christ runs with the FAKE NARRATIVE that they're A-political, is so far from the truth, that it's a borderline lie.
You really struck a cord with me, and your intrinsic biblical mantra of doing what is right, regardless of the consequences.
Rather worrying is the neo-liberal stance of appeasing the public image, rather than sticking to it's CORE ROLE, of spreading truth.
Many thanks for your efforts on helping to make Marijuana legal in Utah, and all the other issues that you are focusing on, that are good for human flourishing.
It is not so simple. Dichotomies almost always fail. Obviously, you have to pay attention to image if one of the core principles of your religion is to proselytize. The missionaries wouldn't be baptizing anybody if they never bathed and you could barely stand to be near them for the smell. There is a balance and that balance is difficult to find.
I disagree. I don't understand your use of "dichotomy failing." The missionary example is a stretch too, altho I think I understand what you were trying to say.
Random...
This "image" focus has dripped down to the least units and individuals. One of my pet peeves is the insistence of a certain clothing style dependent on genetic type (😂).
Women, if wanting to be acceptable as wearing Sunday best, better be wearing a skirt to the Temple, if not some units on Sonday. Is it true the additional two seams of the lower garment is a foundational expression of faithfulness and/or following Jesus?
So there's word the Garment is/going to be altered for "certain" areas of the Church, whose weather is such and such, but for the vast membership of Western Europe and the Northern & Western hemisphere [USA & Canada], the wearing of slacks/pants/trousers is not allowed for the women who volunteer to sell at the Distribution Centers or attend the Temple.
Right.
@@l7846 The false dichotomy is that there are only 2 options, as if there are none in between. Real life includes both the inward and outward. You notice in this video that Connor has a nice camera, lighting, sound, and background set up. This is all outward, and I am sure his choice to have reasonably good video production was not by accident, because he understands the value of "outward appearance" to get his message out.
Connor, the “church” in not a “church” is an instituition , a corporation , it is why is so important to have good image
I'm concerned you started with thinking you need to metaphorically steady the ark. God chooses the apostles and prophets and guides them, so they can guide us. I am not omniscient so I rely on personal revelation to confirm their words. They are not infallible, they are human, but they rely on the Lord to guide them and one way is for them to need unity, or at least multiple witnesses for us to follow.
My experience has been so similar and mind boggling.
Thats scary that the church wats to be liked over doing what's right.
The Salt Lake Church is allegedly surveying its members on whether the members think polygamy was started by Brigham Young or by Joseph Smith.
“Image of the Church” is more about the arrogance of leadership-who, like Pharisees, must be seen publicly as the highest moral authority. The institution which manages the Church, is self-responsible for the greatest harm to the Church (but the institution will always blame external forces for perceived harm).
Is Elder Rasband falling sleep in the background?
Gong is former CFR so that tell me all I need to know about him and his intentions. That man was and continues to be part of a secret combination. He is no apostle of th Lord.
And Nelson is Skull and Bones and Owl and Key. I can't rationalize that anymore.
Gong was also a Rhodes Scholar, which definitely plays into all of this.
What does CFR stand for?
@@JJ-ti8qr Council on Foreign Relations
@@JJ-ti8qr Council Foreign Relations.
The world did not love Jesus, the world did not accept Him. He still stood behind everything He taught and gave His life. I don't like how often we proclaim the growing numbers of the church worldwide as a witness to our truthfulness, and our success is a sign of God's approval, but is it though? We of course can continue flex our standards and continue growing until we take over the world but in the end when we arrive to the world domination, what will remain from once restored church? Jesus left us with an important warning: whosoever wants to save their life will lose it. The life here means the comfort of material world full of opportunities. The church in attempts saving its "life" can potentially lose it.
Thank you for all you did for the marajuana bill. Some of us are grateful!
The push around requiring two parties in order to record, is scary! Very dangerous.
Conner, if you understand how ridiculous the church’s positions are, knowing that they no longer represent God, and recognizing that they never truly did after Joseph Smith and a body of the Saints but not individually; then what are you afraid of ?
As a body of the Saints, why let them represent you? And if they do not, then, if Jesus does, then why not do what he did?
This seems so nit picky. We all know people are corrupt and flawed. If someone recorded me in my private conversations, I'm sure I could appear uninformed and ignorant. Aren't we beyond thinking everyone is perfect or should be perfect? Also, aren't we beyond thinking what humans do has to affect our relationship with Christ? No human is between me and God. Knowing the flaws of man makes me cling tighter to God. The scriptures at the end around 41:00 we must apply to ourselves instead of pointing fingers at others.
1 Nephi 2:1-2 "...Blessed art thou Lehi, because of the things which thou hast done; and because thou hast been faithful and declared unto this people the things which I commanded thee, behold, they seek to take away thy life.
2 And it came to pass that the Lord commanded my father, even in a dream, that he should take his family and depart into the wilderness."
Lehi obeyed God, and *because* of that he left his home and dwelt in a tent the rest of his life. Always brings it home to me that we need to do what God asks of us, no matter the consequence. A prosperity gospel is not what is found in the scriptures. I would argue that Lehi was very blessed, but not in a worldly sense at all.
Lehi was a prophet. Connor is not.
@@homesteading60 your comment makes no sense. If you respond again, I will ignore you. Not worth my time.
I'm really curious about what the Jehovah's Witnesses did in World War II with the Nazi's.
'..if it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing.'
Mick Jagger