Did This SP Go Too Far?

[Indy Coug]

Originally Posted by Archaea

Very odd situation which might have been avoided through historical innoculation.

Innoculation? Joseph Smith and polygamy is hardly top secret material. I'm calling BS on this guy's claim he didn't know about this until a few years ago, ESPECIALLY since he claimed he went on a mission.

Actually, his little rant about losing his faith in the church due to his historical research sounds very familiar after hanging out in this Den of Innoculation.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by Indy Coug

Innoculation? Joseph Smith and polygamy is hardly top secret material. I'm calling BS on this guy's claim he didn't know about this until a few years ago, ESPECIALLY since he claimed he went on a mission.

Actually, his little rant about losing his faith in the church due to his historical research sounds very familiar after hanging out in this Den of Innoculation.

His story may not wash and the claim of a SP making a public proclamation is also strange. This is the first of which I am aware.

It certainly is strange and not everything adds up.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by UtahDan

I think it does have that interest. And yet, many apostates are excommunicated every year and this is not done so far as I know. I guess I wonder why the church's legitimate interests are protected in this fashion here but not in all cases.

It seems like this man fits several parameters to combine for a perfect storm:

1. He held public leadership positions
2. He is vocal about his views
3. He has openly apostasized
4. He intends on remaining "active" (such as it is)

That seems like recipe for confusion among those less spiritually mature than BYU71.

Originally Posted by UtahDan

One effect will be to humiliate the mans family. I actually have much more sympathy for them than him. He is apparently public about the fact that he doesn't believe in the church any longer so I can't fathom why he would care whether it was announced in sacrament meeting or on a full page ad in the newspaper, unless it is out of concern for his family.

That may be an effect, but I don't think it can be fairly reasoned that it is a supporting cause. And I don't doubt he's concerned about the effect on his family, but he should've considered that when he went public. It's his own behavior that has brought this down ... as you have already noted, not every apostate gets it read from the pulpit.

[MikeWaters]

I like the idea he is remaining active. It can be a useful provokation.

[BYU71]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

I like the idea he is remaining active. It can be a useful provokation.

Heck yes, let him remain active. However, if I was his Bishop I would let him know he is using the facilities and although he isn't required to pay tithing he doesn't get a free ride either. I would charge him a useage fee for the amount of time spent in the building.

[Flystripper]

Originally Posted by Tex

And I don't doubt he's concerned about the effect on his family, but he should've considered that when he went public. It's his own behavior that has brought this down ... as you have already noted, not every apostate gets it read from the pulpit.

Just to clarify, he went public after the church informed him that they were going public.

That being said I am sure his family would have suffered whatever embarrassment they will suffer whether the leaders read his name in church or not. It is not as if these things don't become popular on the relief society gossip circuit.

[BYU71]

Originally Posted by Flystripper

Just to clarify, he went public after the church informed him that they were going public.

That being said I am sure his family would have suffered whatever embarrassment they will suffer whether the leaders read his name in church or not. It is not as if these things don't become popular on the relief society gossip circuit.

You are right. He is probably really ticked that it comes out that he is a theological threat, not very juicy.

If it had been left up to the imagination of the sisters, he could be a well known Don Jaun in the area. A cheating SOB.

[MikeWaters]

how could a guy who just found out that JS had more than one wife be a threat. He must be a mental midget.

[BYU71]

Originally Posted by MikeWaters

how could a guy who just found out that JS had more than one wife be a threat. He must be a mental midget.

The real threat is the ward and leaders of the ward he grew up in. Sounds like his brothers are also folding like cheap suits over the issue.

I am greatful for my ward leaders and parents. Countless inaccuracies coming to light have not injured me.

[MikeWaters]

I recall the Petersons growing up. They taught a sunday school class when I was about 14 or so. They were great. They were Mormon liberals, and would slip in a juicy fact or two during their lessons. Stuff that had been carefully hidden from us up until that point. I can't remember any examples, but stuff like "Joseph Smith had more than one wife you know". I don't know if it was that, but stuff that made your eyebrows raise a little.

I remember that they were taken in by the bishopric and reprimanded. I can't remember if they were released or just told to not mention stuff like that again.

Thank you Br. and Sister Peterson for telling the truth.