Standing up for the prophet--revisited

[All-American]

Originally Posted by BYU71

I think the brethern are all human. I think some enjoy the power and prestige.

I think Pres. Hinckley was one of the most genuine humans and I didn't detect even a bit of letting power and prestige go to his head.

I think it was President Monson who said that President Hinckley sincerely believed that when the saints sing "We thank thee oh God for a Prophet," he thought they were singing about Joseph Smith.

Oddly enough, the song only mentions prophets once. But that's another story.

President Hinckley would remind himself from time to time that it was the office, not the man, which the saints honored. I recall President Packer addressing the accolades that often follow after men in the higher chairs of the church, saying that they merely come with the position.

[myboynoah]

Originally Posted by All-American

I think it was President Monson who said that President Hinckley sincerely believed that when the saints sing "We thank thee oh God for a Prophet," he thought they were singing about Joseph Smith.

Oddly enough, the song only mentions prophets once. But that's another story.

President Hinckley would remind himself from time to time that it was the office, not the man, which the saints honored. I recall President Packer addressing the accolades that often follow after men in the higher chairs of the church, saying that they merely come with the position.

Their positions put them in difficult positions. Elder Nelson spoke at our Stake Conference in France and my wife was near the front (thanks to being English speakers) and took the kids up to meet him afterward (forgive their groupie mentality). He happily shook hands and even allowed some photos, but my wife said he looked uncomfortable when asked to sign autographs and declined.

[All-American]

Originally Posted by myboynoah

Their positions put them in difficult positions. Elder Nelson spoke at our Stake Conference in France and my wife was near the front (thanks to being English speakers) and took the kids up to meet him afterward (forgive their groupie mentality). He happily shook hands and even allowed some photos, but my wife said he looked uncomfortable when asked to sign autographs and declined.

I've seen him do the same thing before, as a matter of fact. I guess that crosses the line between church leader and celebrity.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by All-American

Oddly enough, the song only mentions prophets once. But that's another story.

I mentioned that to a family friend just the other day during church. She looked at the verses then back at me, dumbfounded. "I always thought the song was about prophets."

Funny what happens when you actually read the words you're singing.

Originally Posted by All-American

President Hinckley would remind himself from time to time that it was the office, not the man, which the saints honored. I recall President Packer addressing the accolades that often follow after men in the higher chairs of the church, saying that they merely come with the position.

Elder Neal Andersen once related to me an interesting story that happened years ago when he was on assignment with Elder Packer. (The anti-Packerites will have a hard time with it.)

Apparently Elder Packer was speaking before the congregation when he announced, "I know who I am! I'm nobody!" Then he pointed to Elder Andersen, "You're nobody, too, Elder Andersen. And if you ever forget it, the Lord will remind you, and it won't be pleasant."

[Tex]

Originally Posted by myboynoah

Their positions put them in difficult positions. Elder Nelson spoke at our Stake Conference in France and my wife was near the front (thanks to being English speakers) and took the kids up to meet him afterward (forgive their groupie mentality). He happily shook hands and even allowed some photos, but my wife said he looked uncomfortable when asked to sign autographs and declined.

I was once standing near the podium when I heard Elder Nelson with a smile tell an autograph seeker, "I've been asked by the prophet not to sign autographs. Whose counsel do you think I should follow?"

Poor guy felt pretty sheepish, I think.

[BigFatMeanie]

Originally Posted by All-American

I've seen him do the same thing before, as a matter of fact. I guess that crosses the line between church leader and celebrity.

It specifically says in the handbook (even in the red book - book II) that church members should not seek autographs of General Authorities.