Called to Serve wrote:There's whole threads on that subject, and I don't care to get started on it. If you want quote for the leaders telling us not to think, just stick around for a while. I'm sure another one will surface soon.natasha wrote:Called to Serve: I think the scriptures are full of "warnings" and suggestions. I'm sorry that this talk has irritated you in some way. I think it's fine to give and receive counsel and use it when it applies to you in various life situations. I don't recall our leaders EVER saying we shouldn't think.Called to Serve wrote:You did catch that it was sarcastic, but I think you missed the overall point. There is something seriously messed up when "leaders" are warning you against activities which encourage you to think.
Loving "warnings" indeed. They should be warning us not to take their word for anything instead.
Please note that I was not decrying the fact that leaders ought to be giving warnings. It's the type of warnings they are giving that is concerning. Humble servants of God always tell you to think about their words and pray about them. They tell you to disregard them if they don't seem right. They aren't afraid of study groups where people might disaffect. They trust the Lord and put that sort of thing in the Lord's hands.
True servants of the Lord are willing to stand alone. They are willing to send out a message that offends every single person on the earth. They aren't worried about retention or numbers. They know that true disciples of the Lord will listen to their words and they are content with that. That our church leaders are concerned about people getting together and discussing ideas is very telling.
You are completely disregarding a primary responsibility given to the Priesthood leadership to protect the flock against grievous wolves entering in and scattering them. This has scriptural precedent and it is a vital role given those who preside in the kingdom. Paul warned about it in his time and that warning continues to our day. I know many that come from broken families who wish that their loved ones had heeded the warning given by Priesthood leaders not to get involved in study groups like those the First Presidency warned against as stated earlier in this thread. Just go ask some who have lost loved ones to offshoot groups like the one I mentioned earlier out of Sanpete County Utah what they think of these "enlightening" study groups.