change, slowly but change still

 Elder Oaks:

"On the subject of public discourse, we should all follow the gospel teachings to love our neighbor and avoid contention. Followers of Christ should be examples of civility. We should love all people, be good listeners, and show concern for their sincere beliefs. Though we may disagree, we should not be disagreeable. Our stands and communications on controversial topics should not be contentious. We should be wise in explaining and pursuing our positions and in exercising our influence. In doing so, we ask that others not be offended by our sincere religious beliefs and the free exercise of our religion. We encourage all of us to practice the Savior’s Golden Rule: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” (Matthew 7:12).

When our positions do not prevail, we should accept unfavorable results graciously and practice civility with our adversaries. In any event, we should be persons of goodwill toward all, rejecting persecution of any kind, including persecution based on race, ethnicity, religious belief or nonbelief, and differences in sexual orientation."

such obedience

"We have heard men who hold the priesthood remark that they would do anything they were told to do by those who preside over them -- even if they knew it was wrong. But such obedience as this is worse than folly to us. It is slavery in the extreme. The man who would thus willingly degrade himself should not claim a rank among intelligent beings until he turns from his folly. A man of God would despise this idea. Others, in the extreme exercise of their almighty authority have taught that such obedience was necessary, and that no matter what the Saints were told to do by their presidents, they should do it without any questions. When Elders of Israel will so far indulge in these extreme notions of obedience as to teach them to the people, it is generally because they have it in their hearts to do wrong themselves." (Joseph Smith, Jr. in the Millennial Star, volume 14, number 38, pages 593-595)

Now THERE is a leader!

OZY:

So the Tibetans do not need a Dalai Lama anymore?

DALAI LAMA:

No, I don’t think so. Twenty-six hundred years of Buddhist tradition cannot be maintained by one person. And sometimes I make a tough joke: We had a Dalai Lama for almost five centuries. The 14th Dalai Lama now is very popular. Let us then finish with a popular Dalai Lama. If a weak Dalai Lama comes along, then it will just disgrace the Dalai Lama. (The Dalai Lama laughs.)

OZY:

How old do you want to become?

DALAI LAMA:

The doctors say I could become 100 years old. But in my dreams I will die at the age of 113 years.

OZY:

You have written and said that you can affect your rebirth.

DALAI LAMA:

I hope and pray that I may return to this world as long as sentient beings’ suffering remains. I mean not in the same body, but with the same spirit and the same soul.

OZY:

It is said that whoever has achieved enlightenment will not return.

DALAI LAMA:

The first Dalai Lama became 80 years old. There his disciples said that he was ready for a place in heaven. He replied: “I have no desire for any of these heavenly places. I want to be reborn, where I can be of use.” This is my wish, too.

Read more: The Dalai Lama: On China + the Future of Tibet | C-Notes | OZY 
http://www.ozy.com/c-notes/the-dalai-lama-on-china-the-future-of-tibet/34231.article?utm_source=A1&utm_medium=pp&utm_campaign=pp

I care

You seem to look at our generation and think that it is wicked because of its changing fashions and styles, its messy hair, multiple earrings or tattoos. Our generation looks at yours as morally bankrupt because it seems to care more about the length of our haircut than the intentions of our heart. It seems to care more about loyalty to authority than social justice. We are pleading for a chance to make a real difference on the world, to have a real impact, to eradicate poverty, to clean up the environment, to help broker peace among nations, to reduce corruption and increase accountability in government, to innovate technologically, but instead our culture encourages us to go with the flow, to not make waves, to be loyal Republicans and loyal citizens to a corrupt government, to choose respectable status-quo professions and toe the line in our jobs and church lives. We are told not to question and not to think too hard. Our generation is currently struggling not because it doesn't care but because it cares too much, far more than yours seems to.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/athoughtfulfaith/permalink/713293088756826/

tattoo

"If I were to get a tattoo of my beliefs, it would simply say: Subject to change upon reevaluation."

Ride the edge

fron the bio ofJuanita Brooks by Levi Peterson:

When young Juanita argued with her Sunday School teacher incessantly, her father "drew an analogy which Juanita would long after make famous among liberal Mormons. A cowboy who wants to turn a stampeding herd can run neither in it nor against it; he must ride at the edge. 'Happy sounds are generally better than cursing,' she would quote him as saying, 'but there are times when he must maybe swear a little and swing a whip or lariat to round in a stray or turn the leaders. So don't lose yourself, and don't ride away and desert the outfit. Ride the edge of the herd and be alert, but know your directions, and call out loud and clear. Chances are, you won't make any difference, but on the other hand, you just might.'"

Dolores Umbridge

Here’s what’s so bad about Dolores Umbridge, and consequently, what Millenials can’t stomach from their co-religionists at church (poison in any group):

1. She’s controlling, meeting any challenge to her authority with more rules.
2. She ignores what is unpleasant rather than preparing for it.  She prefers not to deal with reality.
3. She’s smugly self-righteous.
4. She mistakes titles and hierarchy for competence.
5. She has no real experience, and thus no judgment.
6. She is petty and cruel toward those who threaten her worldview.  She prefers to shoot the messenger or at least make him write “I must not tell lies” in his own blood hundreds of times.
7. She expects and rewards tattling.
8. Her clothing choices wouldn’t look out of place in Relief Society.

from:
http://www.wheatandtares.org/14440/what-would-dolores-umbridge-do/