As I was listening to conference, I noticed that Elder Uchtdorf's talk addressed some of the things we've talked about in our own discussions. Here is an excerpt, and some discussion questions. Can't wait to hear your thoughts.
Those Who Leave
The search for truth has led millions of people to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, there are some who leave the Church they once loved.
One might ask, “If the gospel is so wonderful, why would anyone leave?”
Sometimes we assume it is because they have been offended or lazy or sinful. Actually, it is not that simple. In fact, there is not just one reason that applies to the variety of situations.
Some of our dear members struggle for years with the question whether they should separate themselves from the Church.
In this Church that honors personal agency so strongly, that was restored by a young man who asked questions and sought answers, we respect those who honestly search for truth. It may break our hearts when their journey takes them away from the Church we love and the truth we have found, but we honor their right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own conscience, just as we claim that privilege for ourselves.5
Unanswered Questions
Some struggle with unanswered questions about things that have been done or said in the past. We openly acknowledge that in nearly 200 years of Church history—along with an uninterrupted line of inspired, honorable, and divine events—there have been some things said and done that could cause people to question.
Sometimes questions arise because we simply don’t have all the information and we just need a bit more patience. When the entire truth is eventually known, things that didn’t make sense to us before will be resolved to our satisfaction.
Sometimes there is a difference of opinion as to what the “facts” really mean. A question that creates doubt in some can, after careful investigation, build faith in others.
Mistakes of Imperfect People
And, to be perfectly frank, there have been times when members or leaders in the Church have simply made mistakes. There may have been things said or done that were not in harmony with our values, principles, or doctrine.
I suppose the Church would be perfect only if it were run by perfect beings. God is perfect, and His doctrine is pure. But He works through us—His imperfect children—and imperfect people make mistakes.
In the title page of the Book of Mormon we read, “And now, if there are faults they are the mistakes of men; wherefore, condemn not the things of God, that ye may be found spotless at the judgment-seat of Christ.”6
This is the way it has always been and will be until the perfect day when Christ Himself reigns personally upon the earth.
It is unfortunate that some have stumbled because of mistakes made by men. But in spite of this, the eternal truth of the restored gospel found in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not tarnished, diminished, or destroyed.
As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and as one who has seen firsthand the councils and workings of this Church, I bear solemn witness that no decision of significance affecting this Church or its members is ever made without earnestly seeking the inspiration, guidance, and approbation of our Eternal Father. This is the Church of Jesus Christ. God will not allow His Church to drift from its appointed course or fail to fulfill its divine destiny.
1. Did you find the overall tone surprising? That it seemed to encourage or at least respect questioning?
2. Did you find Uchdorf's frankness that things have happened that could cause people to question refreshing? Did you find his explanation of why there are unanswered questions (that we just don't have all the information or that we need to study the facts in more depth) satisfying?
3. How do you feel about Uchtdorf's discussion of "Mistakes of Imperfect People?" Is stating that "doctrine is pure [but] . . . imperfect people make mistakes" satisfying to you? How much imperfection in how high of places is too much? Or, conversely, what degree of perfection seems requisite to you in a "true" church?
4. Case study: Teen girl is date raped by stake president's son and becomes pregnant. Member of stake presidency presses her to drop charges so guy can still go on mission and imply that it was her fault for dressing provacatively. If facts are true as stated by victim, does this shake your faith? Can it be explained as the "mistakes of man?" Can you come up with an explanation that is satisfying to the girl?
