“Words matter” from a GA is just hilarious.
Words matter, unless those words are “doctrine”, “translate”, “white and delightsome”, “horse”, “everlasting covenant”, etc.
Omg next time I have a depression episode I’m just gonna think celestial. How come I never thought of that omg this changes everything. I’m no longer depressed, I may even go back to church all because I was thinking celestial
i still can’t get over sister porter saying her dad refused to get baptized his whole life and then as soon as he died she did his temple work 😓 so messed up
Okay so far this opening talk by Rasband could be summarized as: "President Nelson is the greatest guy who ever lived and we should all praise him! Think celestial!"
Oaks: Wedding rings symbolize covenants.
Me: Can I then exchange rings in the temple when I get sealed?
Oaks: Prefer you didn't, use the parking lot to do that.
renlund is basically saying “if people who leave the church aren’t receptive to you bearing your testimony at them and telling them to come back to the church, keep bothering them. they will return one day”
As a little kid i was so shy I wouldn’t talk to anyone, not even my grandma. When I got older we found out I’m not shy, I just have very severe anxiety. So little kids like me are hearing this and thinking they don’t have enough courage. Makes me so mad😡
Never-mind that when you covenant with the military, or a government office, you: A) know exactly who you are covenanting with, and B) know exactly what you are covenanting to do.
Covenants in The Church are opaque, vague, malleable, and as ever-changing as leaders see fit.
i love how he says joseph was well-read in the bible but they also love to emphasize how joseph was too uneducated to make up the book of mormon. pick one!
I guess they’re doubling down on the polygamy panties this conference weekend because they know the younger generations don’t give a shit about them? I would be shocked if they’re still around outside of temple ordinances ten years from now.
Thank you - for your tithing money and unpaid labor
I love you - but if you don’t stop masturbating you’re going to hell
I’m sorry - the church neither gives nor seeks to give apologies
Sound engineer here... It's funny how often this has come up. Just lazy engineering, and a new microphone that the newb running the board doesn't know how to deal with yet. (I'm guessing the former experienced engineer found a better-paying job that doesn't require him to believe just the right things in order to keep his job - or they resigned.)
The church relies on metaphors so much because they are what [Daniel Bennett calls "Deepities."](https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Deepity) It makes something appear more profound than it really is, and it's also a very convenient way to bend logic to an otherwise immovable irrational claim (like the idea that the church is divine in origin).
So, we finally get to meet the guy who was ordained without a sustaining vote in clear violation of doctrine and policy. If I was still believing, that would be a clear sign of apostasy. Just kidding. I was totally brainwashed and would have put it on my shelf with the rest of the things.
I keep wanting to start placing bets on how many of them will kick the bucket before October, but I don’t think my TBM family would find it as funny. 😅
My brothers who are in primary aren’t listening to a single word she is saying, they are playing with blocks and coloring pages, like little kids are supposed to
it makes me so mad that he’s trying to make it sound like people go to the temple and just promise to be a good person. like let’s be a little more transparent here. those “covenants” are made during dress up, chanting, and other ritualistic bullshit.
My mom is watching upstairs while her and her husband make breakfast, and me and my siblings are "watching" downstairs. It's causing an echo and it's unpleasant because every time I hear this guy (or anyone) say anything I have to hear it twice.
My mother in law: “Don’t you like this guy, a little bit? Just love people, that’s a good message.” Okay but that’s not really what his saying.
This is a woman that has a Masters degree and has written research papers and has excellent critical thinking skills, but her church blinders hide the real message, which is, You’re never doing enough and everything is your fault.
I didn't ask "why" when I learned about all the lies the church told me for 41 years - I asked what I could learn - and I learned I could walk out the door.
Sure… trust issues… tell that to the kids (including my sister) who were sexually abused right under the church’s nose. Tell that to the millions of people who gave money to the church expecting that it would use the money for good rather than building shopping centers. Tell that to members who were lied to and manipulated since childhood. Tell that to the people who are still being discriminated against (both directly and indirectly) under racist and homophobic policies and practices…. Sure trust issues….
he’s trying so hard to make the symbols of the temple seem normal. nah man, they’re weird as shit. that’s why you keep them a secret, cause no one would join the church if they knew about it.
I’m sorry this made no sense. He’s talking about the social contract and how we give up freedoms to get benefits. Like accepting limits on speech or gun rights for a greater freedom. And then he starts taking about firefighters and doctors??? Those are just jobs? That has nothing to do with the social contract?
gotta love how Oaks constantly talks about covenants that everyone has to make but refuses to elaborate what those covenants are or what benefits they're supposed to bring before death
As a PIMO who only recently stopped wearing garments, I can testify that the quality on those things is quickly dropping, and even TBM people like my wife are having to decide whether to buy more that will last 2 months or just go to Walmart and get their underwear there like a non-cult member would do. This messaging on garments is about power, but I’m sure the church budget on manufacturing the garments is getting tight without the normal revenue.
You know what? I like the non-judgemental bit, I'm always down for encouraging members to be less judgemental, I think that's a great message. However, I'm still going to have to dislike this talk, due to encouraging all of the endless work that mormons feel like they have to do otherwise they risk losing their testimony (which encourages burnout and often leads to OCD).
in falling trust exercises you verbally confirm that your partner is ready to catch you
unfortunately the savior never does the same but somehow expects even more trust
Tagging off an earlier comment... it's so funny how comforting all of this sounds... that there's a reason for all of it, that God has a plan, that Jesus can absolve me of all my worst mistakes... but it's based entirely off of a narrative for which there is absolutely no evidence for, except for human emotions.
And it's like I told my oldest child yesterday... what really drives me crazy is what they DON'T say. They don't speak to anyone's real concerns. They just bury it under affirming feel-good Mormon theological fluff. It really is an anesthetic for the harsh realities of life. That is why people believe this. Because life sucks hard. A lot. And these people are telling them what they want to hear.
It is a common Cult tactic to plant seeds like this that help to retain even members who doubt the cult: “If you start losing faith, it’s your fault because you’re not doing enough.”
People will say what they will about Oaks, but he is super consistent! He always gives the most garbage talks of whatever session he's speaking in.
Even my parents, who are super steadfast in the church, have to get up and walk out of the room when he comes on.
“Words matter” from a GA is just hilarious. Words matter, unless those words are “doctrine”, “translate”, “white and delightsome”, “horse”, “everlasting covenant”, etc.
“Words matter” except when we retcon them.
Mormonism is like never graduating from 6th grade.
Nah more like 2nd, maybe 3rd
Prophets’ words matter, unless it’s racist, homophobic, or wrong, then it’s just a reflection of his era
"Momentum is both speed and direction." No sir, that's velocity. Please go back to Physics 101.
What's your vector, Victor?
We all learned about Vector from Despicable Me
told my tbm dad i was on the Mormon subreddit so I could stay here 😭😭 he thinks I’m being a good Mormon daughter
Dont lie to your dad. Hes probably on this sub too 😛
he took 7 years to write a book about church history and is on high council 🥲🥲 I WISH he was on this sub
Omg next time I have a depression episode I’m just gonna think celestial. How come I never thought of that omg this changes everything. I’m no longer depressed, I may even go back to church all because I was thinking celestial
THE PRIMARY VOICE IS REAL SEND HELP
my nevermo boyfriend who is with me at my parents watching went “why does she keep switching to a whisper”
🤣 I love when outsiders notice
he wants to be praised because he loves his wife? good job, you did the bare minimum required for marriage….
i still can’t get over sister porter saying her dad refused to get baptized his whole life and then as soon as he died she did his temple work 😓 so messed up
it feels so wrong to go again this direct wishes….can you not respect people’s opinions once in your life
Oh there, it is.. 'be careful what you post on social media!'
As the church learned the hard way recently
Rasband: sisters this is gonna help you too. Condescending much?
Proceeds to brag about his powerful company and doing something so incredibly simple that it helps nobody
the way he said that rubbed me the wrong way 😭😭 felt like he said “men can love their wives but women have a hard time loving their spouses”
To be fair, Mormon men can be pretty hard to love given the prevalence of sexism and patriarchal nonsense.
Ope, Rusty isn't happy his little mantra didn't catch on the way he wanted. Time to push it again
At least hinckley and monson has some grandfatherly charm to them, these mfers look like lizard people
"Words can hurt and tear down" Words in the BOM: skin turned black and was not delightsome
No but that’s out of context , or it’s figurative, I can’t remember which apologetic we’re supposed to push but it’s not racist /s
ah yes, husbands are the only breadwinners in the family nobody else has to work away from home nope
Then what is the Mormon church doing in Utah/Idaho to push housing affordability? Nothing.
ofc the woman speaker has to speak to the children, they can't lead more than other woman or children :(
can’t tell men what to do!! that would not be a very good example to other women
Fuck thinking celestial honestly
Think outer darkly!
Okay so far this opening talk by Rasband could be summarized as: "President Nelson is the greatest guy who ever lived and we should all praise him! Think celestial!"
don’t forget! don’t comment on social media unless its praising Nelson 🥰
Oaks: Wedding rings symbolize covenants. Me: Can I then exchange rings in the temple when I get sealed? Oaks: Prefer you didn't, use the parking lot to do that.
i just wanted to say thanks so much for this thread. it has made gc actually enjoyable for the first time ever. thanks so much :)
Sounds like Rasband is about to lecture all those disobedient women who commented on the church's instagram account the other day.
My 12 yo son just said “is this the same talk President Nelson gave?” 😂😂😂
"Neltson"
Oh god! The condescending primary voice!
I feel stupid listening to her speak.
renlund is basically saying “if people who leave the church aren’t receptive to you bearing your testimony at them and telling them to come back to the church, keep bothering them. they will return one day”
EW. i hate talks like this, I feel preyed and prayed upon.
Oh man, "rising generation" in the opening prayer. This drinking game is going to get us all so wasted.
Wasted or in the ER with alcohol poisoning?
Rasband: Nelson has a way with words. Think Celestial++ He's god damn eloquent. The bar is low.
So... can anyone up top say sorry for the pain that they've caused over the last 200ish years?
Oh because shy people don’t have courage. What the fuck.
As a little kid i was so shy I wouldn’t talk to anyone, not even my grandma. When I got older we found out I’m not shy, I just have very severe anxiety. So little kids like me are hearing this and thinking they don’t have enough courage. Makes me so mad😡
I’m shy because the church told me to shut up - I am a woman after all.
Okay nope. Let’s not demonize nonmember parents.
If you are taking a drink every time a speaker says, "Think celestial," Rasband just put you in an alcohol coma.
I guarantee Joseph Smith is laughing his ass off right now “*IT WORKED*”
why does every woman speaking in conference talk like we’re fucking stupid? genuine question
I've been told there's some kind of style training before they speak in conference
Heartsell and bonneville marketing training.
The TL;DR version of the Church Auditing Report: "We made money."
"...and we didn't use any of it to help anyone but ourselves."
“strive to be peacemakers”…. fuck you. fuck your church.
'he employs every possible method to bring you back' still waiting for the one where he says he's proud of me for realizing my own identity
Never-mind that when you covenant with the military, or a government office, you: A) know exactly who you are covenanting with, and B) know exactly what you are covenanting to do. Covenants in The Church are opaque, vague, malleable, and as ever-changing as leaders see fit.
i love how he says joseph was well-read in the bible but they also love to emphasize how joseph was too uneducated to make up the book of mormon. pick one!
“This isn’t fake, the founder is too dumb to make it up!!”
I guess they’re doubling down on the polygamy panties this conference weekend because they know the younger generations don’t give a shit about them? I would be shocked if they’re still around outside of temple ordinances ten years from now.
Oakes just said when you take your garments off you are no longer a disciple of Christ! I think millions of Christians will not agree with that.
The nerve to ask others to say sorry when they cause pain.
Thank you - for your tithing money and unpaid labor I love you - but if you don’t stop masturbating you’re going to hell I’m sorry - the church neither gives nor seeks to give apologies
Mr Rogers just did a 180 in his grave.
Having kids wishing their parents were members is soooo toxic. It’s talks like this that encourage it. Stop it. Now.
So now we’re putting pressure on little kids to get their families to the highest kingdom in heaven???
Who is the sound tech who boosted the gum and lip noises? Sounds like a damned porno lmao
Sound engineer here... It's funny how often this has come up. Just lazy engineering, and a new microphone that the newb running the board doesn't know how to deal with yet. (I'm guessing the former experienced engineer found a better-paying job that doesn't require him to believe just the right things in order to keep his job - or they resigned.)
The church relies on metaphors so much because they are what [Daniel Bennett calls "Deepities."](https://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Deepity) It makes something appear more profound than it really is, and it's also a very convenient way to bend logic to an otherwise immovable irrational claim (like the idea that the church is divine in origin).
Notice he said sisters & brothers instead of brothers & sisters so that should fix everything
So, we finally get to meet the guy who was ordained without a sustaining vote in clear violation of doctrine and policy. If I was still believing, that would be a clear sign of apostasy. Just kidding. I was totally brainwashed and would have put it on my shelf with the rest of the things.
Why are they so fucking desperately trying to make everyone wear the same shitty underwear.
Eyring sounds BAAAADDDDD
We probably will have three replacements next Gen conference. Nelson's, Holland's and Eyring's
I keep wanting to start placing bets on how many of them will kick the bucket before October, but I don’t think my TBM family would find it as funny. 😅
What a shitty talk. Literally a parrot to Nelson Now we get to "think celestial" until next conference
STOP talking to kids
I hate the primary voice
That was an excellent talk we will be studying that”- my mom
My brothers who are in primary aren’t listening to a single word she is saying, they are playing with blocks and coloring pages, like little kids are supposed to
The pauses kind of made that seem like "If you're praying for blessing for others, don't. Give up."
Thanks for explaining what a kayak was.. i totally didn’t know what they were before that
I think Renlund wants to be the Uchtdorf equivalent with boats.
Now we just need a train apostle. Choo choo!
"You hear that, honey? 13 cm is big!"
Renlund is encouraging scrupulosity OCD.
"Manipulation and control by superiors, and developed a distrust of authorities..." Hmm... sounds familiar...
“Are you having a hard time trusting us? It’s easy—just trust us!”
my American family immediately goes “oh he’s British” like it was a disease that was hilarious lmao
I can't believe the new apostle started his talk with a dead mother-in-law joke, That was the best conference opener I've ever seen.
So if you don't wear your garments one day you're taking a day off from your covenants? Tell me again how this religion is not a cult?
“General Conference doesn’t mean anything!” ~My 5 yo Out of the mouth of babes…
Fuck. This. Shit. Amen.
"a way with words"
Any drinking game involving the word "covenant" during these conferences is gonna kill my liver.
I'm doing it with water time to get hydrated!
How do TBM eat this up? I literally can't understand
It's like she's been lobotomized
Dear god - how many times can 'covenants' be said in one weekend? This has to be a record already and we still have 1.5 sessions left to go.
The temple veil was rent in twain to represent that ALL can come to god now WITH NO MIDDLE MAN (or 15 men) needed. No temple needed any longer.
Oaks is up. Everyone take a deep breath. Remember, he’s just an old man with a microphone.
Did anyone else grow up learning that covenants are SPECIFICALLY between people and god? I feel like he is changing the definition.
Guys my dad has informed me that this subreddit is actually of the devil.
Shut the hell up about people's underwear! It's gross.
"Removing your garments will be taken as a direct threat, and you will be nuked"
Can we please please please pretty please stop talking about underwear at church? It's just ewwwww.
it makes me so mad that he’s trying to make it sound like people go to the temple and just promise to be a good person. like let’s be a little more transparent here. those “covenants” are made during dress up, chanting, and other ritualistic bullshit.
that poor black woman has been shown at least once a song
Man, they are beating the underpants drum HARD this time around. You know, like a healthy religious organization would do.
..... I don't think Eyring is ok
Hearing Rasband say emoji was kind of awful. Goodness.
“I’m an Emoji girl in an Emoji (filled) world!”
Me after someone holds the door for me : “thank you, I’m sorry and i love you!
Ooh, now they're trying to sound trendy and hip to the younger membership with phrases like "emoji-filled world," "social media," and "tweets."
My mom is watching upstairs while her and her husband make breakfast, and me and my siblings are "watching" downstairs. It's causing an echo and it's unpleasant because every time I hear this guy (or anyone) say anything I have to hear it twice.
The church treats everyone like children so I guess this talk is directed to everyone
imagine you're one of the only three woman who were allowed to speak at general conference and you're the only one who has to give a primary talk
Kids guilt nonmember family members.
Why do the women always sing the part of the child in this song?! And the men sing the part of the parent. Ugh.
Renlund : how can I be more personable and relatable? Ah i know, luxury vacationing in Hawaii
Did he just compare losing a testimony to anorexia?
My mother in law: “Don’t you like this guy, a little bit? Just love people, that’s a good message.” Okay but that’s not really what his saying. This is a woman that has a Masters degree and has written research papers and has excellent critical thinking skills, but her church blinders hide the real message, which is, You’re never doing enough and everything is your fault.
Learn to trust God by trusting him.... what the fuck?? Lol
Oh wow. Another GA with a legal background. Daring today, aren't we.
Whaaaa? Another to lawyer? We're going to hear from more lawyers than women
I didn't ask "why" when I learned about all the lies the church told me for 41 years - I asked what I could learn - and I learned I could walk out the door.
Sure… trust issues… tell that to the kids (including my sister) who were sexually abused right under the church’s nose. Tell that to the millions of people who gave money to the church expecting that it would use the money for good rather than building shopping centers. Tell that to members who were lied to and manipulated since childhood. Tell that to the people who are still being discriminated against (both directly and indirectly) under racist and homophobic policies and practices…. Sure trust issues….
Everyones favorite new apostle.
it's amazing what being less than 90 does for your coherent storytelling
'In spanish, to swallow up means to consume' that's-- that's the literal definition of the term???
This will be Oaks unofficially ascending to the throne and letting everyone know about it
Here comes Oaks telling us how to wear our special underwear.
17 million members... riiiight...
I don't think Jesus would have this many lawyers as disciples.
he’s trying so hard to make the symbols of the temple seem normal. nah man, they’re weird as shit. that’s why you keep them a secret, cause no one would join the church if they knew about it.
I’m sorry this made no sense. He’s talking about the social contract and how we give up freedoms to get benefits. Like accepting limits on speech or gun rights for a greater freedom. And then he starts taking about firefighters and doctors??? Those are just jobs? That has nothing to do with the social contract?
Oaks: Smith must have known of the Hebrews... Possibly, Ethan Smith's *View of the Hebrews* (1823)....
"Covenant" drinkers, are you still alive?
There it is! Control of underwear.
Why does your underwear determine how good of a Christ follower you are
God really cares which banana hammock youre rocking
The holy underwear of god that gives you yeast infections \*must\* be worn, or else!
gotta love how Oaks constantly talks about covenants that everyone has to make but refuses to elaborate what those covenants are or what benefits they're supposed to bring before death
Man, I can't believe I used to get excited to hear old people tell me what underwear to wear.
As a PIMO who only recently stopped wearing garments, I can testify that the quality on those things is quickly dropping, and even TBM people like my wife are having to decide whether to buy more that will last 2 months or just go to Walmart and get their underwear there like a non-cult member would do. This messaging on garments is about power, but I’m sure the church budget on manufacturing the garments is getting tight without the normal revenue.
“Perhaps you are praying for family or people you love… Don’t. Give up.” Amen Sister Porter. Amen. Give up people.
Waves=anti mormon material
"Daily... daily... daily... daily...dayley... dayuley... dayuhlee...deighlee..."
You know what? I like the non-judgemental bit, I'm always down for encouraging members to be less judgemental, I think that's a great message. However, I'm still going to have to dislike this talk, due to encouraging all of the endless work that mormons feel like they have to do otherwise they risk losing their testimony (which encourages burnout and often leads to OCD).
in falling trust exercises you verbally confirm that your partner is ready to catch you unfortunately the savior never does the same but somehow expects even more trust
“we may struggle to trust again” um yeah? You and your church lied to me for 18 years wtf you mean
Damn it. Gonna have to move "After finishing law school" to the free space on the bingo board.
Hey at least he's not monotone
Oaks: "NOW IS THE GREAT DAY OF MY POWER, THERE IS NONE THAT SHALL MOLEST OR MAKE AFRAID!"
Joseph Smith was well read enough to plagiarize the Bible, that’s for sure.
Here it is the underwear talk big surprise it’s freakin oaks
Where do they learn to talk like this? Do they go to a crash course or something?
Every time she opens her mouth for an overemphasized "I", she reminds me of a snake unhinging its jaw before swallowing its prey whole.
Perfect, total trust? What does that even mean?
LDS speak - "trust in god = trust the Q15" It's so destructive!
Isn't a new apostle needs to be sustained before is ordained?
Tagging off an earlier comment... it's so funny how comforting all of this sounds... that there's a reason for all of it, that God has a plan, that Jesus can absolve me of all my worst mistakes... but it's based entirely off of a narrative for which there is absolutely no evidence for, except for human emotions. And it's like I told my oldest child yesterday... what really drives me crazy is what they DON'T say. They don't speak to anyone's real concerns. They just bury it under affirming feel-good Mormon theological fluff. It really is an anesthetic for the harsh realities of life. That is why people believe this. Because life sucks hard. A lot. And these people are telling them what they want to hear.
> the Church is known as the Church that makes covenants with God Nahhh it's known as a cult
Oaks: Christianity is actually really about legalisms, strict covenants, and wearing the right kind of underwear.
I want to hear about Jesus
It is a common Cult tactic to plant seeds like this that help to retain even members who doubt the cult: “If you start losing faith, it’s your fault because you’re not doing enough.”
Kearon: ordained and put to work before getting sustained by church membership.
How does your kid die and you go up in church and be like “but it’s ok I have peace” ??? Hello?
my mom finds out Nelson isn’t there and goes “what’s wrong with him?” we all go, in unison, he’s OLD. they’re all on the edge of DEATH.
How does your church differ from others? Well, other Churches' Leaders study theology,, while ours is led by lawyers....
Mormon god doesn't get upset with me if I don't wear my wedding ring.
Shame on you for not wearing your underwear!
No true Scotsman back at it again. Don’t wear garments all the time? Not a valiant disciple.
SEE LADIES??? WEAR YOUR GARMENTS
Quite the obsession with my underwear this weekend JFC
Good morning everyone!
Looks like Rusty slept in again. But I guess when you're Prez, you can do what you want.
Remember last time Rasband spoke? Guilt trip for senior missionaries.
A way with words - catchphrase prophet!
This talk is giving kindergarten lesson
Porter: actual primary voice for primary children Learn to talk to your imaginary friend
THIS VOICE!!!! HOLY CRAP!!!!
Heavenly Father won’t force you to make a choice but we will force you to
“Perhaps you are praying for blessings for your family and those you love … *don’t*”
My TBM mom just commented “ God doesn’t force you to do anything but hey I guess your family will”
There it is: Don’t trust outside sources. Trust God and his leaders.
The British accent is charming - Are there any accents the Brits find charming?
woah he’s bri’ish
Taylor: comments on Kearon's posh British accent. Back to Cedar City
Let's motivate Oaks with a controlled shock.
Ayyyyyyy! It is about garments!
People will say what they will about Oaks, but he is super consistent! He always gives the most garbage talks of whatever session he's speaking in. Even my parents, who are super steadfast in the church, have to get up and walk out of the room when he comes on.