Bloggernacle trashes Sister Beck's talk

Most of the time, I enjoy bloggernacle discussions.  But sometimes I feel there is too much criticism of Church leaders.  This is one of those times.

My children, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends, are all aware of my participation in the bloggernacle.  For that reason, I want to clearly state my objection to some of what is currently being said about a talk given Sunday morning by the Church's Relief Society general president, Julie B. Beck.

More than 30 years ago, I took an institute class at USU.  The Church-published manual contains a chapter on "The Purpose and Importance of General Conference" and includes this comment from President Spencer W. Kimball:

"Let no arrogant, self-assured, self-styled intellectual discard the truths there taught and the testimonies there borne, nor argue with the messages and instructions there given." (Living Prophets for a Living Church, 1974, p.92.)

I have always loved President Kimball's fearlessness.  He continues:

"I hope you will get your copy of the [Ensign] and underline the pertinent thoughts and keep it with you for continual reference.  No text or volume outside the standard works of the Church should have such a prominent place in your personal library shelves." (Ibid.)

Fourth-Sunday priesthood and Relief Society lessons are taught from selected addresses in the most recent general conference issue of the Ensign.  Sister Beck's talk will likely be discussed in many wards.  I believe her message is important and entirely appropriate.

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