Posted by:
Changed Man
(
)
Date: April 05, 2012 01:26PM
I was subjected to listening to Conference at home last weekend, and in the Saturday morning session, Donald L. Hallstrom of the Presidency of the Seventy stood up and spoke about being converted to the gospel. It was the normal fluff and crap, but I bristled when he said:
"We often wonder: How can someone be fully active in the Church as a youth and then not be when they are older? How can an adult who has regularly attended and served stop coming? How can a person who was disappointed by a leader or another member allow that to end their Church participation? Perhaps the reason is they were not sufficiently converted to the gospel—the things of eternity."
Excuse me? I said, "Ouch," out loud, and DW caught it. Later she asked me to come upstairs, and she asked me about it. I told her it was extremely offensive to me. She said Mr. Hallstrom was a stupid "Utah Mormon" who should have been pulled aside by the Brethren and set straight. I agreed, but did anyone do that, or did they let his insulting, cult-mindset viewpoint stand as an example to the believers? Anyone? Anyone? Nope.
For the record, I was 100% committed and bought into it hook, line, and sinker for 30 years, complete with mission, temple marriage, callings, FHE, scripture reading, etc. It was my commitment to the truth and seeking further light and knowledge that led me to the unvarnished facts. I was converted to the gospel and church, but now I'm converted to the truth. Big difference, Mr. Hallstrom.