Russell's Death Spiral

[Hagoth]

Which session of the General Conference was this from?

Obviously before the most recent one. The red chairs appear to be in situ.

[2bizE]

Speaking of RMN’s health death spiral, I was reading on Reddit today about a “theory” that the recent changes to the temple ceremony and the new policy regarding transgender are likely the work of Oaks rather than RMN. He also theorized that RMN is incapacitated - on his death bed - and no longer calling the shots.
Now we know this happened with both Ezra Taft Benson and Tom Monson. They both took a health dive and the FP took over. This theory is very plausible as RMN was looking really aged last we saw him.

https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/comme ... eo_change/

[deacon blues]

I'm reminded of rumors of possible manipulation of Thomas Monson in his dementia tainted last few months. I recall the Exclusion policy was discovered in November 2015, and Monson passed Jan. 2, 2018.

[Cnsl1]

I remember seeing Monson speak live at an event in 2010 when I was mostly TBM. He did not connect his points, rambled, and let slip some old man bigotry/racism common to his generation. I wonder if by 2015 he had any clue to what was going on and that maybe Oaks pushed through the exclusion policy. Interesting that while Nelson called it revelation at the time, it was his presidency that changed it.

Again, interesting that the trans policy comes when Nelson may be incapacitated and maybe Oaks is again pressing his agenda. Probably no way we can know, but it's some interesting circumstantial evidence.

[moksha]

Again, interesting that the trans policy comes when Nelson may be incapacitated and maybe Oaks is again pressing his agenda.

I do not wish to see the First Presidency indulging its hatred at the expense of the commandment to love the others. Why must the Brethren be consumed with hatred?

[Cnsl1]

Again, interesting that the trans policy comes when Nelson may be incapacitated and maybe Oaks is again pressing his agenda.

I do not wish to see the First Presidency indulging its hatred at the expense of the commandment to love the others. Why must the Brethren be consumed with hatred?

Well, obviously in their minds it's not hated, but a love of God and God's commands. It's very very difficult for them to step outside their box and consider how these policies are the antithesis of love. In their minds, there are absolutes. God created man and woman. Bio-sex/gender is the same thing and are eternal aspects to our existence. People choose to be different or it's a mental disorder. They feel the "trans movement" is a devil-inspired attack on the family and they have to protect the sanctity of the family. And it's not just our top Mormon leaders. I hear much more hateful rhetoric from the conservative Christian groups and people from those groups. Based on my limited experience in my little world, the Mormon members seem, for the most part, pretty tolerant and loving towards the LGBTQ+ community. Not all of them, of course, but the majority. Maybe they are saying different things inside their own homes, but they do not seem to be actively discriminating in public. Maybe they are really trying to follow Jesus and the teachings of Jesus, and if so, that's great. I think many members are starting to see the dichotomy between policy and what they feel to be "right".

[moksha]

Well, obviously in their minds it's not hated, but a love of God and God's commands. It's very very difficult for them to step outside their box and consider how these policies are the antithesis of love.

Here is a brief clip from believing members affected by Oaks' new policy:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/j0yPPlXbQW0

Makes me wonder whether we might look back at Nelson's Tall Tales with nostalgia because they at least were benign.

[Hagoth]

My attitude has always been that I will remain a member of the church until they kick me out, but this is the first time I'm feeling some motivation to resign. I think it was when I heard Laura Lee Hall, former temple architect, bishop and stake president talk about how she felt welcome and loved in her ward until this policy told her she had to stop using the women's room and attending Relief Society, and instead use the men's room and attend Elders Quorum. I am SO SO SO glad my daughter no longer has any interest in participating in this stupid-ass church.

[moksha]

[moksha]

Does anyone know if the Russell M. Nelson Birthday Extravaganza Superpalooza will be broadcast on all Utah TV stations?

Live interpretation will be available in Adamic, Arabic, Cantonese, Cebuano, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Klingon, Kolobian, Korean, Mandalorian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Reformed Egyptian, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Tagalog, and Tongan.

[MoPag]

Does anyone know if the Russell M. Nelson Birthday Extravaganza Superpalooza will be broadcast on all Utah TV stations?

Live interpretation will be available in Adamic, Arabic, Cantonese, Cebuano, English, French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Klingon, Kolobian, Korean, Mandalorian, Mandarin, Portuguese, Reformed Egyptian, Russian, Samoan, Spanish, Tagalog, and Tongan.

I love you Penguin!!!

Makes me wonder whether we might look back at Nelson's Tall Tales with nostalgia because they at least were benign.

So much of what Rusty does, like his Tall Tales, seem to stem from his petty insecurities. Another example is his grudge against Hinckley for "Mormon" name thing. And the fact that he had to absolutely out do GBH on temple building. I don't sense the same petty insecurity in Oaks. His insecurities come from a much darker place. And that makes him all the more dangerous.