DevanJensen

Joseph Smith’s First Vision in the Restoration video. Recently I talked with several friends about John Dehlin and Kate Kelly, two Mormons who have made themselves public figures because of their anti-orthodox views or protests. I appreciated hearing my friends' different perspectives on this situation. My goal is not to sway anyone to my camp but to share principles to promote civil discussions of these sensitive issues. 1. Remember that we're unlikely to convince the opposing camp.   It's human nature to take sides on an emotional issue and then defend that ground (regardless of where the truth actually is). As a culture, Mormons have debated difficult social issues before. We will debate them again. We've been through emotional debates over abortion, civil rights, the Equal Rights Amendment, and the MX missile crisis. The current crisis, though heated, is smaller. 2. Even though we're not likely to sway each other's opinions, let's listen. List...

David O. McKay, age 17. Courtesy of lds.org. On May 29, 1899, just three months before the end of his mission in Glasgow, Elder David O. McKay felt "an excellent spirit of love and unity" at a missionary meeting. He wrote in his diary that "a peaceful heavenly influence pervaded the room." Another missionary, Elder Woolfenden, said: "Brethren, there are angels in this room! I see two there by Brother Young. One is his guardian angel. The other is a guardian angel, too; but I don't know whose it is." Elder McKay wrote in his diary that "everyone present, impressed with the spirit of the occasion and sensing the divine influence, could testify to the truth of his remarks." President James McMurrin recorded words he was inspired to say to Elder McKay: "Yes, there are angels in this room, and let me say to you, Brother David, Satan has desired you that he may sift you as wheat, but God is mindful of you. If you keep the faith you will ye...