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Re: I’m not a fan of the planned 2018 Mormon curriculum

Robert Merrill — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 14:03:22 -0000

I've been avoiding this entire post and all it's comments since I am surprised there's a lot of pushback on this, and I worry it was started with the intention to "stir the pot" more than anything else. That whole bitter fountain/clean water paradox thing... I am already cringing because I am sure someone will read this and think I am self-righteous (aren't we all?) or worse, someone will read this and think somehow THEY are not "good enough" because their personal experiences at church are not "enough" up to some unachievable standard.

None of that is what I mean.

I am confident that, were we sitting together talking about this, and you could hear the inflection in my voice and the warm love that I have for my Savior and this wonderful church, it would come out more like I intend -- a hand of fellowship truly asking for us to come together, not apart, and see if the prophets and apostles truly have something inspired for us to learn about in this new curriculum change -- something we can't quite see yet, but we should grasp and hold on to and TRY to make it work because we still see through a glass darkly...

I guess where I am coming from is that I am not sure this is really something to get that worked up over, is it? I mean, being asked to walk across the plains would be a harder thing to ask, wouldn't it? Oh, and there's a reasonable chance someone in your family (or all of them) will die along the way. Just so you know.

Are we all a little like Naaman and expecting some great thing to happen here, but since this is such a small thing that feels somehow distasteful to us (like the dirty Jordan river) we are tripping over this a little?

I am just a member like all of you so I have no special "access", but as I am trying to pay attention to the prophets and apostles and the way the church is moving forward (at least in North America), there's a few themes that I think I am starting to see here:

1) It is up to you and me, individually, to find the Lord, come unto Him, apply the atonement in our life and bind ourselves to him through proper ordinances and covenants. It's up to us to do the daily religious observance required to spiritually be fed and bake our personal loaves of "daily bread". Like mannah, we cannot rely on our past stores to feed us today or in the future. We need to struggle to find it daily.

2) Loving our neighbors as ourselves is becoming more and more important than about anything else. It means getting out of our own homes and loving people where *they* are and a little less praying for "those that could not attend today that they will attend next week" without any effort to make that come to pass.

3) The church is a superstructure designed to provide, like a conduit, access to covenants, ordinances, blessings, judgement, repentance, access to the temple as well as temporal and spiritual assistance as well as a superficial social outlet and opportunity for us to lift and serve and help each other through the joy of common association. But the church is NOT our religion. The church is NOT responsible for your daily bread and can NOT provide it.

But I think the safety of "the Church" has been a crutch for many for a long, long time.

Is it too much to say that I think many of us may think our lamps are trimmed, only to find, when the bridegroom cometh (or when terrible temptations or trials are heaped on our heads) that we are lacking the oil and faith it takes to stand and go in with the Lord.

We are told that diligent and faithful worship of God on the Sabbath and keeping that day holy will save us in the Celestial Kingdom -- but keeping the Sabbath day Holy is a much bigger thing than parking our cars at the chapel for three hours on Sunday, isn't it? Maybe this is about the prophets putting the pieces of the puzzle in our hands and saying "Here are some tools. Figure it out. God will guide you as you diligently seek Him" but not telling us how (because we always learn more when we have to struggle to find it).

The people in 3 Nephi heard the voice announcing Christ's coming /three/ times before they understood it. They had to both open their ears to hear it, *and* look "steadfastly" toward where the sound came from. That's focus!

Yet, considering that it was the voice of God, I am sure it's exactly the kind of voice most people would have wanted to hear! --But it didn't come easily. It wasn't the booming megaphone we think of. It was quiet. It was not easily understood. They had to work for it. They had to WANT to hear and understand. If it was hard for them.

These were people who had just had three days of crazy darkness along with terrible upheaval, death, fires, earthquakes, confusion and destruction-- they must have been emotionally and physically completely WRUNG OUT. Yet, even in THAT condition, they still needed to FOCUS mentally, physically and spiritually to hear the still small voice.

And compared to that, there's me on a regular Sunday--

I am the first to admit that sometimes I waltz into Sunday meetings after a week of filling my head with music and media and "news" and podcasts and books and social media feeds and pictures of exotic travel destinations (I cant afford) and cat videos and memes and and and and and.... and a lot of the *world* on me. In my mind. In my heart. Nothing terrible. Nothing pornographic. Nothing that would keep me from being worthy -- but then I walk into the chapel and want--no, expect--to have a spiritual experience magically distilled on my soul like the dew from heaven.

Like minute rice.

It's like my soul is challenging God (or at least the Bishopric): "Feed me. Instantly. Spiritually uplift me. Awe and inspire me to the point that I forget about that sweet movie I saw last night and the awesome preview for the movie "coming soon" that I am already planning to see."

Isn't that a little bit silly?

Who the "flip" am I to to come in there, to the House of God, the creator of the Universe with all these thoughts on my mind (none of them "evil" but all of them "normal") and then complain that God isn't doing enough to effectively entertain me!

The summary is, I think real worship is different than what we see at least 50% of the members of our wards do each week. It has something to do with what we do when we're not at church, and it has something to do with developing such as strong, burning, aching desire to be close to the Savior that we go to Church to be lifted and filled, but we come with open hands to receive ANY offering that gets presented - even if it comes in an initially unsavory or unexpected way such as the form of someone else who is in quiet despair, but you get the hint that you can be a friend to them in a way nobody else can. So you say hello and ask if you can find time this week to go for a walk and visit and just "talk".

And let the Spirit guide you.

Something about the way the church is moving feels like we're pivoting back to "the one". There is less and less formality about the "order of things" in the church and things are getting more and more conversational. Breaking down walls. Opening up ideas and inviting all to come and participate.

But then getting OUTSIDE the chapel walls and bringing religion into our homes and, more permanently, into our hearts.

Prodigals, not preaching.
Good Samaritans, not sermons.

Re: I’m not a fan of the planned 2018 Mormon curriculum

Robert Merrill — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 12:30:20 -0000

What would you do instead to feed the sheep?

Re: I’m not a fan of the planned 2018 Mormon curriculum

Robert Merrill — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 17:04:28 -0000

🤔 thoughtful. Thank you!

Re: I’m not a fan of the planned 2018 Mormon curriculum

Robert Merrill — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 16:19:44 -0000

Danny, thanks for replying. It's a fascinating side of things that I appreciate you saying, and I am curious about more, should you determined to share. I definitely am NOT asking you to be silent. I absolutely find it interesting why the curriculum, which seems like a small thing in the overall scope, is worth passing comment if the entire religion, to you, is false, wouldn't the content of the 3rd sunday relief society be mere blather? Its got me curious, is all. There's more there, which intrigues me.

To your other comments,
I agree the church is high demand.
I agree the church is tangled in complex societal issues and though I see many of them differently than others might, there is no denying that these are complex and interesting issues that need careful attention and care.
I agree that from the right context, any broad-sweeping doctrine from any religion, societal group, political party or social club can be seen as damaging to society. My grandmother was shamed for being part of the Sierra Club! (what?!) Darned fools trying to save the planet!! haha.

What I can't shake is that when I study the life and teachings of Jesus, I feel the spirit. When I read and ponder about the messages in the Book of Mormon, I feel it, too. And, when i simplify my life and lift or help another person, that same thing is there again. Peace. Witness. Surety. I feel it.

It's not something I can share. It's not something I can explain or give. You surely had experiences like this in your life that, at the time spurred you forward, albeit now feel hollow and maybe even painful to you, and a part of me aches for that truly--not because I think its my place to change you, but because surely you deserve joy and not anything less--regardless of your adherence to this church.

I'd be curious about that, should you want to share.

I see joy in people's lives when they live the simple teachings of this Gospel.
I see joy in people's lives when they adhere to myriad other faithful ways of living as well.
I also see pain in people's eyes when they feel they have missed out, lost faith, fallen short or just simply don't deserve to be happy.

I have felt that way.

I hate the idea that you may have lost that joy or that you may have painful feelings about that part of your life now. Yet, if you have found peace now, then who am I to tell you that you are wrong? I cannot and would not do that. Just as I cannot describe away the feelings I have had, tender and sacred, that spur me to continue in my chosen path.

Some have chided me for this, thinking perhaps that I am naive to the world or a more enlightened life outside of the "bubble" or mormonism, but the path I walk is my own. Fully and completely and blatantly, purposefully chosen. Sometimes, it has been walked with feet bloodied in pain and trial and tribulation. Other times, I have been blessed to walk this path in joyful peacefulness with spiritual rose petals to cushion my steps. Still other times, terrible times, I have chosen deliberately to walk other paths and reap their natural and terrible rewards.

I do not think myself above any other or better than anyone. I think I am probably the lowliest and smallest. I also dont think I have the answers or that I have solved anything. And I have nothing to prove and no agenda to convey. I simply have enough hard-scrabble experience with the world and enough questions have been answered for me in ways that are seared into my soul that I cannot deviate from this course without first denying that I ever knew God and his Son, my Savior, who loved me when I wasn't worth loving. And spared me when I wasn't worth sparing.

As you and I walk beside each other right now on this path, I hope only to listen and learn, and when we see each other again along the way, I only hope you'll give a nod of respect in passing--fellow traveler to fellow traveler--seasoned, battle tested, hopefully wiser not wearier since we last crossed paths with each other.

Re: I’m not a fan of the planned 2018 Mormon curriculum

Robert Merrill — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 16:38:59 -0000

agreed. Very very detailed and thoughtful. Thanks!

Re: I’m not a fan of the planned 2018 Mormon curriculum

Robert Merrill — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 16:35:53 -0000

I dont think you and I go to the same conference ;)

Re: I’m not a fan of the planned 2018 Mormon curriculum

Robert Merrill — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 16:31:45 -0000

Truly, I think that’s a curious way to respond, too. You simply did to Minja what you felt she was doing to you — called them out claiming that they feel holier than you.

Perhaps the sarcasm at the end of the intial comment was unwarranted, but, truly, how would I lead an entire church across all these continents, and make things applicable across all cultures and across all people?

A way to allow each local Relief Society or Quorum choose their own lessons based on the “rails” of current and recent conference talks (so we dont start hauling off into our own doctrines or trying to decipher Abrahamic Heiroglyphics) actually sounds like a brilliant way to do it, when I think of it in that context.

I’m glad im not in charge :)

Re: I’m not a fan of the planned 2018 Mormon curriculum

Robert Merrill — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 16:26:56 -0000

Definetly sounds like it’s not for you. I truly do wish you the best. I feel the core of the church has nothing to do with the things you noted above, but of course I would say that since I am “in”. Just curious why the new curriculum is interesting enough to comment on, since you’re doing fine now, it appears? Honestly curious why its even worth your time. I tend to ignore things online that I consider mere foolishness, which it seems you would consider the Mormon faith to be. Why bother with us?

Re: I’m not a fan of the planned 2018 Mormon curriculum

Robert Merrill — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 10:32:43 -0000

Sister, have you brought these concerns up in your teacher council meeting and to your ward Council? Those two bodies are responsible for the teaching in your ward. You and they together can develop a way to make this joyful and welcoming for everyone. I bet all of you can develop a great way to help eachother.

There seems to be little explanation of how this will work because you and I are asked to be the ones to fast and pray and carefully study and prayerfully teach.

And I really hope that covering the topics of conference does not mean reading conference talks. If you take a cue from the youth Come Follow Me manuals, it’s lots of overall topic conversation starters and very little verbatim reading. A healthy amount of media too, but the number one part is the discussion at the beginning of class about how are YOU (classmember) are doing. How’s your life? What’s real out there? What are you struggling with? And how can we help? Then talk, if it’s right. And adjust the lesson if it’s needed, or postpone the lesson completely, if the spirit dictates.

As I read this and think about the RS teachers in my ward, and some of them who may be cautious about the curriculum change, the thought strikes me that I’m glad your ward has you—to be curious, and to be hopeful about “how can this material help my sisters and friends in my ward?”

Wrestling with that question between you and the Lord will surely ensure that, at least when you’re teaching, your relief society will be loving, welcoming and full of vibrant discussion and the spirit!

Re: This is Water: David Foster Wallace's Classic Commencement Speech Brought to Life

Robert Merrill — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:19:05 -0000

This is so unfortunate that such a FANTASTIC video has been PULLED. :/ Dear David Wallace Literary Trust.... You are losing out BIG time if you don't let this bloom. PAY Robert Johnstone for filming this (AMAZING) and republish it.

OR, HECK, let the thing go viral and get your ad on the video
OR, HECK, ask Johnstone to give you the video and give him 10% or 1% of the MANY THOUSANDS of ad revenue dollars this could make for the trust.

Re: Provo Rec Center Grand Opening Announced

Robert Merrill — Tue, 07 May 2013 13:36:09 -0000

Your link's brok'd. Get pricing breakdown here: http://www.provo.org/rec_ce...

Re: The Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card: Why It’s Worth The Higher Fee

Robert Merrill — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:58:55 -0000

Thank you for the recommendation and analysis. I used your site to make my choice. Thanks!

Re: The Evernote Site Memory Button

Robert Merrill — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:41:49 -0000

Id like to add this to wordpress jetpack, but all the links are b0rk'd :( Maybe update this blog post with "Hey, thanks for visiting, but we aren't doing this anymore"

Re: Building Wealth for Building the Kingdom

Robert Merrill — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:27:51 -0000

Good seeing this link, Devin! I've enjoyed reading your book. Thanks.

Re: My APX Story

Robert Merrill — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:51:49 -0000

Contact an employment attorney.

Re: Salary Infographic 2012

Robert Merrill — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:07:46 -0000

What information are you looking for?

Re: YES! Your Resume’s File Name DOES Matter

Robert Merrill — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:25:18 -0000

Just got a resume titled "name - desired_title - emailaddress" brilliant.

Re: Making a First Unimpression

Robert Merrill — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:56:27 -0000

So true, @ryanthejenks. His personal brand is absolutely corroded in my book.

Re: Making a First Unimpression

Robert Merrill — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 18:33:38 -0000

I wonder. I was referred to him by a trusted colleague who said he's a really nice guy. I wonder if he was just trying to be efficient, but in the meantime I become just roadkill.

Re: One suspect nabbed in hit-run that killed 2 LDS missionaries | The Salt Lake Tribune

Robert Merrill — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:41:35 -0000

The only "side" I am arguing is that all the "illegal" talk is missing the point... the point that likely the missionaries themselves would have argued... that all life is precious and that all of us have the same maker, regardless of where we come from or what we have done with our lives, we ALL need to come to God eventually. So, lets stop railing the immigration problem and mourn the tragic death of two young men who will never have their voices heard on earth again.

Re: One suspect nabbed in hit-run that killed 2 LDS missionaries | The Salt Lake Tribune

Robert Merrill — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:52:50 -0000

Makes me sad I live in a state so bigoted that people can't fathom that anyone but so-called "illegals" make mistakes or wrong choices. How self-righteous can you get!!?? Beside the PATHETIC belief here that the people in the car were obviously intentionally here to break the law, avoid justice and hurt white people.

Go ahead, hate all you want. There's two lives ended here and four more involved here that will never be the same... Plus their families... Plus their friends.

Likely, those missionaries would have been first on the scene if something happened to the people in the car... Regardless of skin color or bigoted prejudices of the people in the car.

At the end of the day, this is a tragedy in and of itself, but this happens so often none of us would have even heard of it if the victims weren't LDS missionaries and/or one of them from Utah. One person turned himself in... that takes guts. Lots of people here are hurting, and no amount of self-righteous blathering here (myself included) is going to help any one of these people improve, change or come closer to God.

Are we really a society so unable to cope with tragedy that we can't think for a second that this was possibly an accident and that justice will be served--one way or another--in the end?

And, as Utahns, are we really that pathetically unable to recognize that, no matter how you slice it, any belief centered in prejudice against another human is false on its face and condemned in not only our constitution but also in every prevailing religion on earth?

Re: New Dock App Introduced With Thunderbolt Gingerbread Update

Robert Merrill — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 14:03:50 -0000

Lame that this broke, yes, but seems that if you dock your tbolt before turning your car on (power to the charger) it launches car mode... lame? yeah, but better than nothing.

Re: Siri says some weird things

Robert Merrill — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 14:59:49 -0000

Ahh, and this is the difference between Google's (awesome) ability to return datasets and Apple's (awesome) ability to feel different about your life.

Re: YES! Your Resume’s File Name DOES Matter

Robert Merrill — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:06:00 -0000

Great points, Jim. Macs are apparently smarter than PCs.... though most corporate HR likely are still on the latter.

Also, it seems that most modern ATS systems I am using seem to do a reasonable job with parsing PDF files as long as they are "printed" or "saved as pdf" from whatever application made them. If you print it on paper, then SCAN it into a PDF file (what?) or some other black-magic way of getting a PDF, then, yeah, you're gonna have problems.

If you're not sure, send two copies. Chances are high at least someone can READ one of the files, which is really the point.

Just yesterday, someone sent me a "wps" file. Really, I can't read that file format, folks. There are 10 computers in North America that still can, and I didnt think they were on the Internet.

Re: Funhouse figures from flat facets fouls fizzicks facts

Robert Merrill — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 10:01:13 -0000

Seems like the perfect way to design a cloaking device... Just reflect back to the viewer/camera/radar everything but yourself.

Harry Potter's cloak is likely lighter, but magic does tent to have that advantage.