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GENERAL CONFERENCE
Total Articles:
12
The Mormon Church holds what they call "General Conference" twice per year, the first weekend in April and first weekend in October. These conferences are held in the massive conference center in downtown Salt Lake City. Here Mormon General Authorities give talks that are broadcast on TV, Radio and Satellite.
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 | Las Vegas Betting Odds For General Conference
Thursday, Mar 30, 2006, at 12:26 PM
Original Author(s): Seneca
Topic: GENERAL CONFERENCE -Guid- | ↑ | Here are the odds of certain events occuring during General Conference
1 in 1 chance Hinckley will say 'Marvelous' or 'Beloved'
1 in 2 chance Monson will say 'the bard said' or some reference to 'the bard'
1 in 4 chance Eyring will get teary eyed
1 in 1 chance a new GA who speaks will kiss the prophets butt during his talk
1 in 1 odds a prayer will go over 5 minutes
1 in 2 odds whoever speaks from the General Relief Society Presidency will talk about following the Brethern better.
1 in 4 chance the Primary Speaker will talk at a 3rd grade Level
1 in 5 a comment will be made at the priesthood session about how the young men are 'a chosen generation'
1 in 6 chance Scotts talk will be about sex somehow.
1 in 10 to the 10th power polygamy will be mentioned along with Joseph Smith
1 in 10 chance something about avoiding television shows like 'Big Love' will be mentioned.
1 in 10 to the 19th power the members will be told to start packing to move back to Missouri
1 in 10 to 2nd power a black person will give a talk.
Any other odds making?
| http://www.sltrib.com/conference/ci_3...
Hinckley -
Quote:
"Racial strife still lifts its ugly head . . . even right here among us,"
Hard to believe when it is taught on page after page of your "sacred" scriptures.
Monson -
Quote:
It is a human tendency to want the things which will give us prominence and prestige.
Like becoming the next prophet?
Quote:
We live in a time when borrowing is easy," Monson said. "The day of reckoning will come if we have continually lived beyond our means."
Interesting how the church asks for 10% + of a persons income, tells them to have big families, that the mother should stay at home and not work, that all their financial problems will work out if they just stay active and pay their tithing, build multimillion dollar palaces of worship using only the finest material that members are told represents celestial glory which they are to strive for, and then they wonder why so many mormons are sinking in debt and declaring bankruptcy?
Julie B. Beck (Even the women have to use their middle initials?)
Quote:
Her mother's faith would "lead her to answers about medical treatment," Beck told her audience.
Is this really the model we want parents in Zion to follow? Forget consulting medical doctors, just pray about it and God will tell you what medicines you need to heal your child!
Hale -
Quote:
"Every time we go out, every decision we make, we are either choosing to move in [the devil's] direction or in the direction of our Savior," Hales said. "But the adversary must depart if we tell him to depart. He cannot influence us unless we allow him to do so, and he knows that."
See elder no-mo if you just keep telling Satan to depart you would not have those evil homosexual urges!
Did anyone hear Nelson's talk? Some one on RfM claimed he said polygamy was either a mistake or did not happen? He apparently quoted a scripture from section 49 about marriage and a man and a woman becoming one flesh but I haven't seen any specific quoute where he called polygamy a mistake. Perhaps the poster was simply reacting to the contradiction between section 49 and 132.
| | | After Watching Hinckley And Faust's Talks, There Is No Doubt About Where They Stand In Regards To The BOM And 1st Vision
Monday, Apr 3, 2006, at 07:28 AM
Original Author(s): Thedrive
Topic: GENERAL CONFERENCE -Guid- | ↑ | Hinckley: "I know that the BOM was written by ancient prophets."
Hinckley: "The 1st vision was a true occurance. The father and the son appeared to Joseph Smith on a bright day. There is no doubt about it."
Faust: "I have a witness of the truthfulness of the gospel. I've had it since I was young."
Faust: "We know that Christ appreared to the Nephites in ancient America..."
Faust: "Joseph Smith translated the Book of Moses. He also translated the Book of Abraham from ancient scrolls purchased (from an artifacts dealer)."
No doubt about it, they stated exactly what they wanted to. The BOM is not an 'inspired work of fiction'. It is literal history. The Book of Abraham's translation is from the scrolls.
How's Daniel C. Petersucker going to spin this one?
| | | Conference So Far ... Packer And Bednar
Monday, Apr 3, 2006, at 07:43 AM
Original Author(s): Bob
Topic: GENERAL CONFERENCE -Guid- | ↑ | I couldn't watch any of the others.
I watched Packer and realized that he really hates himself. Now that I own a business and have lots of practice reading people, this is my conclusion about Boyd.
Bednar does not believe himself to be an apostle. His talk was given because he asked Hinckley why he had not yet received his special witness. He looked sick and empty. I'm sure his advice from Hinckley was to go to conference and teach about the spirit so that he could have the spirit.
I'm convinced that Bednar is really struggling. I've never seen a conference talk that looked so difficult to deliver. It was like every word had to be chisled from him. His material was so basic, he had clearly been told that "a testimony is found in the bearing of it."
| | | Faust Forgets Some People Remember
Monday, Apr 2, 2007, at 06:49 AM
Original Author(s): Mr. Nba
Topic: GENERAL CONFERENCE -Guid- | ↑ | James Faust gives an emotional talk on forgiveness in General Conference 4/07. His second example is Mac Christensen, whose son Steve was killed by Mark Hoffman.
Now, this event was not 177 years ago. It's only 22 years ago. Faust fails to mention that Hinckley and Oaks, (who right on cue, was the next speaker) were indirectly responsible for Steve's death. It would have been more appropriate for Hinckley and Oaks to come to the podium together and ask for forgiveness for their involvement. No, they did not conspire with Hoffman. But their lust for power and control contributed to this horrible event.
Is Faust so unaware of the truth? I guess the best defense is a good offense.
|  | All Hail The Prophet Of Platitudes
Monday, Apr 2, 2007, at 06:59 AM
Original Author(s): Hermes
Topic: GENERAL CONFERENCE -Guid- | ↑ | I’ve only read summaries and reports of this weekend’s general conference 4/07, but once again, the world is left with nothing but re-hashed pabulum for the converted. Give the sheep another dose of, “Gee, ain’t it great to be us?”
In his current effort to instruct the planet on all things spiritual, he spoke on the nature of God. From the SL Trib…
“During the morning session, Hinckley said he found the Nicene Creed, a statement from 325 A.D. about the relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ that most Christians accept, to be ‘confusing.’ The LDS Church relies instead on the personal experience of founder Joseph Smith, who claimed to have a vision of God and Jesus in 1820. ‘He knelt in their presence; he heard their voices; and he responded,’ Hinckley said. ‘Each was a distinct personality.’”
Well, Gordito, at least the Nicene Creed has shown some consistency over the centuries. In less than 20 years, Joseph Smith could not keep his story straight about his meeting and chatting with deity from one version to the next. Three versions of who he talked to that day. Do you teach that?
Another thing…if this was such a perfect witness, why did Smith a couple of years later, have to pray to know whether or not God existed? Good thing he was rewarded with a visit from a sunshiney white Jewish Indian zombie who forgave Smith (once again) of his sins and told him a golden book was on its way. Do you teach that?
The myths continue.
Hinckley regurgitates folktale and the flock drools, thinking they are getting something of worth.
| | | Mormon General Conference Has All The Warmth Of A Corporate Board Meeting
Saturday, Apr 4, 2009, at 03:36 PM
Original Author(s): Shepherd
Topic: GENERAL CONFERENCE -Guid- | ↑ | I wish they would drop the stupid cover of spiritual topics and just get right down to business.
Talk about the mall, how apostles are wealthy and connected, the state of church owned businesses, perhaps even a motivational speech for all the ladder climbers out there that could make it into the upper management of church leadership.
I guess they do it all underhanded rather subtly like talking about tithing(money) or prepping the youth for leadership positions(power). I mean they're already delivering a dry speech off a teleprompter with no feeling- when their voice cracks like they're about to cry, those tears should be wiped with a designer handkerchief or hundred dollar bill .
As they roll off this glib dribble, it's evident these men are focused on bureaucracy, on organization and rules-these are career wealthy businessmen reading prepared speeches that have been checked by the church legal department, not poor fishermen speaking off the cuff.
This church is a business and the apostles are members of the board, of the elite. The prophet is the CEO. They have about as much qualification about speaking of religious things as a car salesman does about surgery.
| I watched general conference this morning with new ears, not buying into the sales pitch anymore.
What did I hear this time? "Serve the collective." Oh my. Absolutely nothing about truth, virtue, honesty, courage. Nothing. Only serve, obey, conform.
One talk addressed the difficult economic times in which many can't make ends meet. Absent was mention of any of the aforementioned principles which might actually have strengthened listeners. The offered solution was to do without, make do with what you have . . . sacrifice. I couldn't help but think of Ayn Rand's (paraphrased) words about beware of those asking for sacrifice for they intend to benefit from your sacrifice.
Sure enough. The next few sentences were about (you guessed it!) tithing. The speaker said the kindest three words are "I love you" and the kindest four words are "We can't afford it." Oh brother. How about WE CAN'T AFFORD TITHING?
Apparently, the speaker's wife wanted a dress many years ago that they couldn't afford. Hummmm. Back then a dress was, maybe, $20. He felt soooooo badly. I'm guessing the speaker made more than $200/month. Probably could have bought several dresses with that month's tithing.
I also kept thinking about GA's salaries. Fifteen old suits, so to speak, whose families are set for life. Everybody goes to BYU for free. Seems like all these guys are related in some way. (Notice that one of the speakers was a Packer, and I don't mean KKK. Oooooo. I bet the speaker's wife doesn't pass by dresses that she wants NOW.
Honestly, I listened to five talks and ALL I heard was serve the corporation with a couple of worship us's (and I mean GA's not God) thrown in for good measure. If I hear another word about leaders' infallibility (when not speaking as a MAN, of course), I'm going to puke.
Then, there the token woman's talk, the token African-American choir member. It's just too much.
It's all just brainwashing. It's about regularly droning on in member's ears the conformity manta. An old bishop of mine used to say that even the most stalwart member was just three absent Sundays away from inactivity. He could be right. He also use to say the BOM wasn't history. I think I need to get back in touch with that guy! I think he knew more than he was saying.
| | | Reed Smoot Hearing Testimony On The Calling Of Apostles
Thursday, Apr 30, 2009, at 08:19 AM
Original Author(s): Knot
Topic: GENERAL CONFERENCE -Guid- | ↑ | I was just looking at the Reed Smoot hearings which I thought might be useful to "Brad" who posted a question on the board, and I noticed something unrelated:
President Joseph F. Smith makes it quite clear that apostles are not called by revelation (after the first 12 selected by Joseph Smith).
It's on page 91-92 of vol 1 of the congressional proceedings. Here "Mr. SMITH" is Joseph F. Smith.
"Senator McCoMAS. I should like to ask one question. You say that the councilors are appointed by the president of the church. How are the apostles selected ?
Mr. SMITH. In the first place they were chosen by revelation. The council of the apostles have had a voice ever since in the selection of their successors.
Senator McCoMAS. Had a voice?
Mr. SMITH. Yes, sir.
Senator McCoMAS. Have they had the election of their successors to perpetuate the body of apostles since the first revelation ?
Mr. SMITH. I do not know that I understand your question.
Senator McCoMAS. You say the first apostles were selected in accordance with revelations.
Mr. SMITH. Yes, sir.
Senator McCoMAS. Revelations to whom?
Mr. SMITH. To Joseph Smith.
Senator McCoMAS. And the twelve apostles were then first named ?
Mr. SMITH. Yes, sir.
Senator McCoMAS. When vacancies occurred thereafter, by what body were the vacancies in the twelve apostles filled?
Mr. SMITH. Perhaps I may say in this way: Chosen by the body, the twelve themselves, by and with the consent and approval of the first presidency.
Senator HOAB. Was there a revelation in regard to each of them?
Mr. SMITH. No, sir; not in regard to each of them. Do you mean in the beginning?
Senator HOAR. I understand you to say that the original twelve apostles were selected by revelation ?
Mr. SMITH. Yes, sir.
Senator HOAR. Through Joseph Smith ?
Mr. SMITH. Yes, sir; that is right.
Senator HOAR. Is there any revelation in regard to the subsequent ones?
Mr. SMITH. No, sir; it has been the choice of the body.
Senator McCoMAS. Then the apostles are perpetuated in succession by their own act and the approval of the first presidency ?
Mr. SMITH. That is right."
"No, sir; it has been the choice of the body." I don't think they teach this doctrine anymore...
The document can be found here:
http://www.archive.org/details/procee...
| | | Policy Change That Made Possible The Joseph F. Smith Church Presidency
Monday, May 18, 2009, at 08:27 AM
Original Author(s): Alex71va
Topic: GENERAL CONFERENCE -Guid- | ↑ | In 1899 the church policy was that the President of the Church was to be the longest ordained Apostle in the church. At the time this person was Lorenzo Snow who was the church president with Franklin D. Richards who had been ordained the same day being President of the Twelve and next in line to the Presidency. Behind him in ordination seniority were John Willard Young, 1st Counselor George Q. Cannon, Brigham Young Jr. and 2nd Counselor Joseph F. Smith. On December 9, 1899 Franklin D. Richards died and with Lorenzo Snow in poor health there was great concern felt within the First Presidency that if Snow died then John Willard Young (then age 55) would become the next church president.
John Willard Young was a son of Brigham Young who had been ordained an Apostle at age 11. He never served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve but served in several positions of top leadership due to his Apostolic status. From 1873 to 1876 he was an Additional Counselor in the First Presidency just as Gordon B. Hinckley was in 1981-1982. For slightly less than a year in 1876-1877 he was First Counselor in the First Presidency until his father died. Then he spent 14 years as a Counselor to the Quorum of the Twelve. During these years he often got himself in trouble with the Twelve for living a lavish lifestyle and each time he faced discipline he'd humble himself and be reconciled. Finally in 1891 when it looked serious that the First Presidency and Twelve were going to release him he abruptly resigned his position as a General Authority though he remained an Apostle for the rest of his life and a participant in the Branch were he lived in New York City.
In early 1900 the Brethren were very concerned. Many of the General Authorities disliked Young. He was next in line to succession. The First Presidency came up with a new policy that succession was to be based on when you became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve. The policy was unaminously sustained by the rest of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve.
This had an impact of moving George Q. Cannon up from 3rd in seniority to 2nd in seniority, Joseph F. Smith from 5th in seniority to 3rd, Brigham Young Jr. staying at 4th with Smith moving ahead of him, and John Willard Young being dropped altogether from seniority. This was all done quietly. With Cannon and Smith both being counselors in the First Presidency and Cannon having been ordained before Brigham Young Jr. this switch was unnoticed by anyone as BY Jr. continued to serve as President of the Twelve. In early 1901 Cannon died then Smith became 1st Counselor.
Then in late 1901 Snow died and Smith was quick to reorganize the First Presidency. Brigham Young Jr. set up the tradition that continues to this day with the #2 Apostle motioning to have the #1 Apostle sustained and ordained the President of the Church.
In the meantime John Willard Young made a trip to Utah upon Snow's death. Likely this was in order that he could take up his position as President of the Church as he understood that as senior Apostle that he should do so. However he must have been disappointed to learn of the policy change in 1900 and the quick reorganization that Smith accomplished with John Willard Young's brother Brigham Young Jr. As a result John Willard Young returned to New York City.
BTW if you had moved into the New York branch or joined the church there in the next couple decades its likely that the Branch President or others would've pulled you aside and warned you to not lend any money to Brother Young. He always had serious financial trouble. He ended up destitute and spent the last several years of his life working as a hotel elevator operator.
He outlived Joseph F. Smith and died in 1924.
| I don't think this will offer much comfort, but it will reinforce your idea that the church scoundrels alter their words, to make them more acceptable before printing them in the Ensign.
When I was an institute teacher at the Moscow, ID Institute we used to videotape the conference talks, and felt a lot of pride that we had "a complete set of conference talks" (whatever that means.
Anyway, I was reading Sunstone one day about Ron Poelman's talk in the 1980's (84? 86?) that was completely re-touched. The GAs did not like his talk because it seemed to give members permission to make independent decisions, rather than making the church the center of their lives. I believe his talk was called, "The Difference Between the Church and the Gospel." In other words, "the gospel" or your inner spiritual life is more important than the church (he referred to it as "merely the scaffolding" for the gospel.
I found the talk among the video taped cassettes. Sure enough, the videotaped version we had in our library was refreshing, common sense, and offered a balanced perspective - unusual for the times. And sure enough, the doctored talk was much different.
The GAs had Poelman give his doctored/amended version of the talk the next Monday in the empty Tabernacle, with the lights turned down. The dummies even supplied a cough track, to make the kinds of normal background sounds you hear when people are in the audience.
I used to give my institute classes both written versions of the talk (Sunstone provided the side-by-side versions) as well as show them the original talk and then the doctored video taped version that was sent to ward libraries.
It was fun to merely ask: Why did they do that?
The point is, the GAs are lousy cheats and liars.
| | | General Conference Message: Stay Away From The Internet
Monday, Oct 8, 2012, at 07:57 AM
Original Author(s): Infymus
Topic: GENERAL CONFERENCE -Guid- | ↑ | Walter Gonzalez:
"Today surrounded by so much information we might think that navigating millions of webpages will give us all that we need to know. We can find good and bad information on the web. But information alone is not enough. God has given us another source for greater knowledge even knowledge sent from heaven. Our heavenly father can give us such knowledge when we navigate the celestial web in our hearts and minds."
LOL, the "Celestial Web".
Quentin Cook:
"Some have emerged themselves in internet materials that magnify, exaggerate, and in some cases invent shortcomings of early church leaders. Then they draw incorrect conclusions that can effect testimony. Any who have made these choices can repent and be spiritually renewed."
Neil Anderson:
"There has always been a few who want to discredit the church and destroy faith. Today they use the internet. Some of the information about the church, no matter how convincing, is just not true."
MormonThink has really got these old farts pissed off. I wonder how many of them had to change their conference talks around at the last minute because of Twede.
It's the same old song and dance they've done for years.
And for me, I will continue to send Mormons to FAIR and FARMS/NWI because it will reaffirm to them that there are issues. Those sites will plant doubts, doubts will lead to more research and then they'll end up on sites like mine - or Twedes'.
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