A Survival Guide for General Conference: Saturday Morning Session (October 2022)
This series will be a cheat sheet guide for people who would prefer not to watch all of General Conference. Now you can have some points to discuss with your TBM family or friends where necessary and gives you the option to choose which talks you want to listen to (if any).
Saturday Morning Session
Session conducted by: Henry B. Eyring - Second Counselor, First Presidency
Session Choir: Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
Invocation (opening prayer): David P. Homer
Benediction (closing prayer): Taylor G. Godoy
Songs sung:
In Hymns Of Praise
Guide Us O, Thou Great Jehovah
Have I Done Any Good?
Rejoice, The Lord Is King
Brightly Beams Our Father’s Mercy
All Creatures Of Our God And King
Opening speech: Dallin H. Oaks - First Counselor, First Presidency
Key Points: What the LDS Church and its members do for the poor and distressed, what other organisations have done
Giving to those in need is a principle in all Abrahamic Religions and others as well
A few months ago the Church reported for the first time the extent of its humanitarian work worldwide. In 2021 the Church expenditure for those in need was $906 million.
These figures are in an incomplete report of our giving and helping. They do not include the personal services our members give individually as they minister to one another…and the 2021 report makes no mention of what our members do individually through innumerable charity organisations connected with the church.
Oaks reminds people that in 2831 (less than 2 years after the restored church was organised) the Lord revealed the revelation to its members (and Oaks believe to all His children worldwide): “Behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not very wise servant…Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteous; for the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward”.
Contemplating this Oaks is reminded of the Book of Mormon and King Benjamin “whose sermon included this eternal truth:‘When ye are in the service of your fellow being ye are in service of your God”.
Oaks discusses the various organisations that the Church has worked with over the years like the Red Cross and Red Crescent agencies across dozens of countries. He advises that these organisations have provided the children of God with crucial relief during natural disasters and conflicts…While each humanitarian organisation has its own areas of specialisation, we share the common goal of relieving suffering among God’s Children.
After giving some additional examples of people from other faiths/backgrounds Oaks summarises that just because people/organisations do good things it doesn’t mean that everything they say/do is good - but rather that God inspires many organisations and individuals to do good.
All of the humanitarian efforts of the LD Church seek to follow the example of a righteous people described in the Book of Mormon: “and thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were sick, and they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in it”.
Quotes:
“Our 2021 expenditures for those in need in 188 countries worldwide was $906 million, almost a billion dollars. In addition, our members volunteered over six million hours of labour in the same cause”
“Over the many decades of our humanitarian work, two organisations stand our as key collaborators. Projects with the Red Cross and Red Crescent agencies in dozens of countries have provided the children of God crucial relief during natural disaster and conflicts…While each humanitarian organisation has its on areas of specialisation, we share the common goal of relieving suffering among God’s Children”.
“The book of mormon teaches that “everything which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to service Him, is inspired of God”.
“In supporting that [religious freedom] we serve our own interests but also the interests of other religions”.
Personal Synopsis:
Honestly, the gall on this one is a bit beyond belief and it doesn’t need much comment.
I think someone needs to council Dallin H. Oaks on what Matthew 6:1-4 says about giving to the needy:
1Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.
2 Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth:
4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.
In addition to this the LDS Church does not detail in their report that what they are counting as expenditure is actually made up of non-financial donations which they are costing and counting as a dollar amount.
The Church lists several examples of the expenditures that they are counting as part of the $906 and from the list it is clear that this number is not money donated. Instead, they are putting a dollar amount on the food/clothing they are donating, and on the services they are providing.
What isn’t made clear is that these non-financial donations are often provided to the Church for free, the church is just facilitating the goods/services being passed on.
I feel that it is disingenuous to claim that $906 million was expended when large parts of this are actually where people have donated clothes, food, or time to help others in need. There is no detailed breakdown of how they valued the time of people volunteering at the Family Services programmes, how they valued the clothes that were given to them for free, or how much of this amount is the cost assigned for the thousands of people who volunteer their time to work at the farms and canneries that produce the food for the bishops’ storehouse.
Second Speaker: Dieter F. Uchtdorf - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Topics: Jesus loves you, there is a revised version of Strength of Youth
Key Points:
Uchtdorf advises that he has had a strong prompting to address the young men and women (as well as those who use to be young), and all those who love young people and want them to succeed in life.
Uchtdorf has a special message from Jesus Christ especially for those between the ages of 11-18, that Jesus loves them all. No matter what doubts they may have about mistakes/choices made that He loves them. Uchtdorf advises that Christ would not make excuses or minimise mistakes, but that he would ask you to repent and leave your sins behind, to change so that he can forgive you.
Jesus might point out that your covenants with Him made when you are baptised and renewed each time you partake of the sacrament give you a special connection with Him. The kind of connection the scriptures describe as being yoked together so that with His help you can carry any burden.
The reason why you’re here on earth is to learn, grow, and progress and become everything your father in heaven has created for you.
There’s a lot of confusion in the world about what is right and wrong. Truth gets twisted to make evil seem good and good seem evil. But when you earnestly seek the truth - the eternal unchanging truth, your choices become much clearer.
You will still have temptation and trials, bad things will happen - But you can manage when you know who you are, why you are here, and when you trust God.
Important Announcement: To help you make Christ’s doctrine the guiding influence in your life, the LDS church has prepared a revised version of the Strength of Youth. It has been refreshed to better cope with the challenges and temptations of our day.
Watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of our Lord. Even unto the end of your life.
You know best how to groom yourself. You know what to watch and read, where to spend your time, and who to associate…Jesus Christ has very high standards for his followers and the invitation to earnestly seek his will and live by his truths is the highest standard possible.
If the Saviour were standing here today he would express his endless love for you, his complete confidence in you. He would tell you that you can do this.
Quotes
“I believe Jesus Christ would want you to see, feel, and know that he is your strength. That with His help there are no limits to what you can accomplish, that your potential is limitless”.
“There’s a lot of confusion in the world about what is right and wrong. Truth gets twisted to make evil seem good and good seem evil. But when you earnestly seek the truth - the eternal unchanging truth, your choices become much clearer”.
“The Strength of Youth focuses on the foundation for your choices. It focuses on values, principles, and doctrine instead of every specific behaviour”
Personal Synopsis:
I am normally a huge Uchtdorf fan. In my opinion, he has always been the kindest and most level-headed member of the quorum. Unfortunately, this talk bothered me. I know that there will be many TBM’s who don’t think this talk is about “same-sex attraction”, but if you review the changes made to the Strength of Youth book you will see that there has been a massive change in the way that they approach sexuality in relation to being same-sex attracted and that it would make sense that this is who this talk is aimed at.
When Church leaders argue against “confusion” on “right” and “wrong” they normally are referencing something popular in the worldly discourse. In this instance, there has been a high focus on how LGBTQ+ members are treated, and by telling members that they can overcome the worldly (and hence incorrect) idea that loving someone of the same gender is a sin they can try and coerce people into believing that this issue is straight cut.
What they won’t want to admit is that their scriptures state that the adversary is not capable of positive emotions such as love, so if that is the case then how can acting upon this life be committing a grievous sin?
Third Speaker: Tracy Y. Browning - Second Counselor - Primary General Presidency
Topics: Jesus loves us, we need Him to continue in the right direction
Key Points:
Browning speaks about her dependency on using glasses to see. She uses these as a metaphor to show that glasses are a tool that helps her to clarify, focus and ground the world around her; and to show a need for tangible guidance to point her in the right direction.
This mirrors a significant observation about our relationship with Jesus Christ. In our lives which are often filled with questions, worries, and pressures we can have confidence that our Saviour's love for us (along with his teachings and laws) is something we can depend on.
Jesus Christ is both the purpose of our focus and the intent of our destination. To help us to remain fixed and heading in the right direction the saviour invites us to see our lives through him to see more of Him in our lives.
As Covenant children of God, we have been uniquely blessed with the rich supply of divinely appointed tools to improve our spiritual vision.
The Prophet has promised that “nothing invites the spirit more than fixing your focus on Jesus Christ…he will lead and guide you in your personal life if you will make time in your life each and every day”
The Law of Moses was given to the early Israelites as a preparatory gospel, designed to ready the people for a higher covenant relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This law pointed believers to look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ and was set out to help people focus on Jesus Christ, and get a better understanding of Him.
By the time of Christ’s ministry the Israelites had lost sight of Christ in the observances, setting aside and adding to the law unauthorised practices that had no instructive symbolism pointing to the true and only source of their salvation and redemption - Jesus Christ.
In this state the children of Israel believed that their beliefs and practices we a path to redemption and had reduced the Law of Moses to a set of protocols administered to rule civilian life.
This required the Saviour to restore focus and clarity to His gospel, this restoration was rejected by many. Then the Saviour through his eternal atonement ended the codes, regulations, and ceremonial practices observed by the people of Israel.
It is this sacrifice that led the shift from sacrificial burnt offerings to our rendering of a “broken heart and a contrite spirit”…from the ordinance of sacrifice to the ordinance of the sacrament.
When we bring our offering to the Saviour we are being invited to see more of Jesus Christ in our lives as we humbly submit our will to him. Jesus is the only source and way to receive forgiveness and redemption.
Browning talks about her own testimony and how she has learned to better understand her spiritual motivations for discipleship. She believes that as we allow Jesus Christ to direct us in all things we will receive testimony that all things denote there is a God - that where we look for Him we will find Him.
Quotes:
"As we seek for the blessings of the spirit in our lives, we will see things as they really are, and as they really will be…The Saviour can also be our compass and our pilot as we steerhroh both the calm and the turbulent waters of life”.
“nothing invites the spirit more than fixing your focus on Jesus Christ. He will lead and guide you in your personal life if you will make time for Him in your life each and every day”.
“Friends, Jesus Christ is both the purpose of our focus and the intent of our destination. To help us to remain fixed and heading in the right direction the Saviour invites us to see out lives through Him in order to see more of Him in our lives”.
“When we bring our offering to the Saviour we are being invited to see more of Jesus christ in our lives as we humbly submit our will to him”.
Personal Synopsis:
I found Browning's talk surprisingly refreshing, and it is the first time I have felt a real connection with a female speaker at a general conference.
Her talk was very Christ-focused and just felt genuine. While the topic was just another run-of-the-mill 'Jesus is good' talk that you could hear a variation of each conference, I feel it was presented differently from what we may have had from other speakers.
Fourth Speaker: Dale G. Renlund - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Topics: personal revelation only works in a certain framework, only the prophet received revelations about the church, we should not ask for revelation on something that God has already answered
Key Points:
Renlund opens with a quip about how many people (including himself) have been greatly influenced by Dieter F. Uchtdorf which explains in part what is about to say…then he starts discussing aeroplane pilots (if you don't know, Uchtdorf is well known for his aeroplane analogies)
Well-trained pilots fly within the capacity of their aircraft and follow the directions from air traffic controllers regarding runway use and flight path. Simply stated, pilots operate within a framework.
No matter how brilliant or talented they are, only by flying within this framework can pilots safely unleash the enormous potential of an aeroplane to accomplish its objectives.
Similarly, we receive personal revelations within a framework. As we strive to stay on the covenant path it is the Holy Ghost that will show us all things that we should do.
The promise of revelation through the Holy Ghost is awe-inspiring, much like an aeroplane in flight. Much like aeroplane pilots we need to understand the framework within which the Holy Ghost functions to provide personal revelation.
When we operate within the framework the Holy Ghost can unleash astonishing insight, direction, and comfort. Outside of this framework no matter our brilliance or talent, we can be deceived.
Renlund advises that there are 4 parts to this framework.
First, we must read and follow the scriptures as these will instruct us on how to receive personal revelation and the rules for this (e.g. no asking something for our pleasure or to promote our agenda, that we must ask in the name of Jesus Christ).
the second element is that we will only receive personal revelation within our purview and not within the prerogative of others. We must stay within our runway.
The third element is that personal revelation will be in harmony with the commandments of God and the covenants we have made with Him.
Recognise what God has already revealed to you personally. If God has answered a question and the circumstances haven’t changed then why will the answer be different?
The lesson of personal v.s prophet revelations was shown early on in the history of the Church when Hiram Page (one of the eight witnesses of the Book of Mormon) claimed to be receiving revelations for the entire church. Several members were deceived and wrongly influenced.
In response to this, the Lord revealed that “no one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith until I shall appoint another in his stead”.
Doctrine, Commandments, and revelations for the church are the prerogative of the living prophet, who receives them from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Renlund tells a story of a time he received a call from a man arrested for trespass. This man believed he had received a revelation that there were additional scriptures in the building he had entered and that upon finding these he would receive the gift of translation along with additional scripture and doctrine that would change the direction of the church.
Renlund told the man he was mistaken and refused to even pray to know if it was true. He advised that he did not need to pray about it because only the prophet receives revelation for the church and it would be “contrary to the economy of God” for others to receive this sort of revelation.
Examples of personal revelations can be where to live, what career path to follow, or whom to marry. Church leaders may teach doctrine and share inspired counsel, but the responsibility for these decisions rests with you. It is your revelation to receive.
When we ask for revelation on something that God has already given the clear direction we open ourselves up to misinterpreting our feelings and hearing what we want to hear.
Personal revelation will never be given that is contrary to the commandments of God. Some might point out that Nephi violated a commandment when he killed Laban. However, this exception does not negate the rule.
Quotes:
“Doctrine, Commandments, and revelations for the church are the prerogative of the living prophet, who receives them from the Lord Jesus Christ”
“ When we ask for revelation on something that God has already given clear direction we open ourselves up to misinterpreting our feelings and hearing what we want to hear”
“I invite you to have the confidence to claim personal revelation for yourself, understanding what God has revealed, consistent with the scriptures and commandments He has given through his appointed prophets and within your own purview and agency”.
Personal Synopsis:
The whole Nephi v.s. Laban thing is just wild. Renlund wanted to get it out there that there are various reasons why Nephi was the exception. He argues that it is not like Nephi WANTED to kill Laban. it wasn't for his benefit, but to provide scriptures to a future nation - it is a weak argument but probably not one many members will think too much about.
Fifth Speaker: Rafael E. Pino - Of the Seventy
Topics: accepting and establishing new traditions and customs that will help keep us on the covenant path
Key Points:
Pino discusses the idea that we all have customs and traditions that are personal. These come from our family or come from the community in which we live and we hope to keep all those that align with the principles of the gospel.
Edifying customs and traditions are fundamental to our efforts to stay on the covenant path and those that are an obstacle we should reject.
Frequently the things we do in a habitual way we recognise as “normal”. People can have different customs and what is normal for some can be odd for others.
Pino would like members to meditate on church customs and the way they are influencing our families. These include
1. Personal and family study of the scriptures - everyone is responsible for learning the gospel, and parents should be teaching it to their children
2. Personal and family prayer - this allows us to communicate personally with our heavenly father
3. Attend sacrament meeting weekly - we do so to remember Jesus Christ as we take the Sacrament. Here we renew our covenant to remember Him and keep his commandments
4. Partake frequently in temple work and in doing family history - this work is the means of uniting and sealing families for eternity
Pimo prays that our normality may allow us to experience that state of never-ending happiness that is promised to those who keep the commandments of God
Quotes:
“If we are steadfast and immovable in doing good, our customs will be in accordance with the gospel and they will help us to stay on the covenant path”
Personal Synopsis:
This talk is pretty standard and doesn’t have anything that is controversial. Pino relates some personal experiences on how his perceptions have changed as he has experienced different cultures and relates this back to how members can overcome something they may feel is different to their own traditions (e.g. not praying together as a family) and how these changes are beneficial.
Sixth Speaker: Hugo Montoya - Of the Seventy
Topics: love god, love your neighbour, we are dependent on God, we can control being happy
Key Points:
The eternal principle of love is manifested by living the two great commandments; Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and Love your neighbour as yourself
It is not enough to avoid being a stumbling block for others; it is not enough to notice the needy on the road and pass by. Let us take advantage of every opportunity to help our neighbour, even if it is the first and only time we meet him in this life
Montoya believes that loving God is the first great commandment because of what He means to us - we are His children; He oversees our welfare. We are dependent on Him and His love protects us.
We have agency and the Lord allows us to be tested, but whether we are making or falling into temptation, the plan provides a Saviour so we can be redeemed and return to the presence of God.
God answers prayers according to his infinite mercy, and love, and in his own time.
When circumstances turn bad we can still be happy because happiness does not depend on the circumstances but on our attitude toward the circumstances
Quotes:
“Adversity in our lives can cause doubt about the fulfilment of the promises that have been made to us. Please trust in our father. He always keeps his promises and we can learn what he has to teach us”.
Personal Synopsis:
This talk is also a pretty standard message given at general conferences, and while most of it is harmless there are some parts which hold a dangerous message. Montoya quotes President nelson saying “the joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives”, the point is that we can make ourselves happy no matter what happens. He gives a couple of examples of people who have overcome adversity, one being a couple who experienced the loss of their child just days after being born. Montoya explains that this loss meant the couple developed great faith in the Saviour Jesus Christ and trust in the plan of salvation. Their love for the long-awaited child who died suddenly is greater than their grief.
This is such a tragic story, and I know that sometimes people can find comfort in the idea of an afterlife but there is a difference between finding this comfort and feeling like you should be happy in the midst of tragedy. Unfortunately, this idea is a very common one, and it does not allow people to feel their emotions and work through their grief. When people feel that they should be happy there is pressure to present a facade so that they can try and fit in with others, but this can only be held up for so long and eventually, the negative emotions are going to come out somewhere.
It is just not possible to be happy 100% of the time, nor should we ever strive for that. We can better appreciate the good things in life when we have been through difficult circumstances, but we don’t have to put a silver lining on even tragedy and pretend that it is a blessing. I am not advocating for looking at everything in a negative light, but rather that it is ok to feel sad - it is natural to grieve. People should not be made to feel that everyone can just feel joyous all the time if they choose it because that is just not true. We can try to make the most of bad situations, we can try and find levity in dark moments - but we should never have to feel guilty for not being happy.
Seventh Speaker: Ronald A. Rasband - Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Topics: the importance of the Book of Mormon,
Key Points:
In the Book of Mormon the phrase “this day” is used repeatedly to call attention to counsel, promises, and teachings. At general conference, we come to hear council for this day that we may be true at all times to the Lord and His gospel
Rasband holds up his 1970 edition of the Book of Mormon saying that no other book is as important to his life. He speaks about a challenge he was issued by his mission president to read an unmarked copy of the book at least twice.
In the first reading, he was to mark or underline everything that pointed to or testified of Jesus Christ. The second time he was to highlight the principles and doctrine of the gospel. He went on to read this 2 more times and he marked out passages that stood out.
There was more to this than just marking the scriptures, with each reading Rasband was filled with a profound love for the Lord and he felt a deep-rooted witness of the truth of His teachings and how they applied to this day.
President Nelson is always sharing his testimony and a copy of the Book of Mormon, he has given away hundreds of copies to various people from all backgrounds and faiths. He could give them so many things wrapped in ribbons that would sit on a table/desk/cabinet as a reminder of his visit, but instead he gives what is most precious to him.
Rasband invites all on this day to give a Book of Mormon to someone, anyone. they need the words of the Lord found in this book. They need the answers to the questions of everyday life and of eternal life to come.
Quotes:
N/A
Personal Synopsis:
Rasband wants members' help in “flooding the earth” with the Book of Mormon. There is pretty much no depth to this talk, it’s like watching a long boring ad for the new and improved gospel app.
Eighth Speaker: Russell M. Nelson - President of the Church
Topics: TW: ABUSE
Key Points:
We rejoice that more temples are being built across the world. With the dedication of each new temple, additional Godly power comes into the world to strengthen us and counteracts the intensifying efforts of the adversary.
Abuse constitutes the influence of the adversary. It is a grievous sin.
Any kind of abuse of women, children, or anyone is an abomination to the Lord. he grieves and I grieve whenever anyone is harmed.
those who perpetrate these hideous acts are not only accountable to the laws of man but will also face the wrath of God.
For decades the church has taken extensive measures to protect children in particular from abuse. There are many aids on the church website and Nelson encourages members to study them
The adversary has disturbing tactics, among them is to blur the line between what is true and what is not. The amount of information available at our fingertips makes it increasingly difficult to determine what is true.
Some would have us believe that truth is relative - that each person should determine for themselves what is true. Such belief is wishful thinking. God is the source of all truth.
Quotes:
“I urge each of us to be alert to anyone who might be in danger of being abused and to act promptly to protect them”
Personal Synopsis: TW abuse, rape
I feel like this is a topic I need to write an essay on to express how Nelson's words are completely worthless. There are hundreds of people who have suffered abuse within the LDS church, and church leaders have done nothing but victim blame and cover it up.
The fact is that bishops have been made aware of members of their congregation who are convicted paedophiles and yet they have given these people access to children where they have been able to continue their abuse. Nelson asks that we use the aids on the church website to get more information on this topic - but if you search the word abuse in articles one of the first that display is one where they advise that abuse victims can consent to abuse. That they must speak with their church leader to determine what responsibility they bear.
I have spoken with women who have been raped and then punished both at BYU and by their bishop. Women who lost privileges because they were told they are in part to blame for what happened. There are practices in the church that inherently protect abusers and silence women. The LDS church systematically discriminates against women, often holding them (at least in part) responsible for the abuse they have suffered. Priesthood holders are told that their “power of discernment” helps them to determine truth, yet often it can lead to victims not being believed, or worse being punished for alleged responsibility. The patriarchal nature of the church can lead men to believe that they are superior to women and can lead women to believe that they should always question their behaviour before questioning or criticising a patriarch.
While I believe that women experience abuse differently to men that does not mean that the experience that men have is not valid. It is important to remember that abuse is something that can and has happend to both men and women in the church, and it can also be carried out by either party.
This is not about a handful of church leaders behaving badly, it is about a system that cannot in its current state adequately protect anyone from abuse.
