The Singing Wasn’t the Same

Also disappointed. No doubt there are some benefits, but it feels more like a slow and grudging retreat.

Collectively, we either need this change, or … we deserve it.

My initial reaction is that this is a move to improve attendance of the Women’s General Session, which in my experience is spotty in part because it isn’t Conference weekend. The Brethren are aware the Priesthood will lose something, but have judged that what the women will gain makes this a net plus for the Church as a whole.

I don’t like it, but I think they’re probably right.

🙁

I think all Christian churches have made the move to simplify things, unfortunately.

We need thicker Mormonism, but in many ways we’re getting thinner mormonism. Probably for many of the reasons that we need it thicker.

Is one reason perhaps to try and make the experience of overseas Mormons more similar to that in the heartland, a redistribution of spiritual resources; with an inevitable degree of levelling-down?

EIether way, if this is part of a trend it goes against the possibility of a sustained-enhanced Benedict Option for Mormons; because the BO seems to need a ‘complete’, fully-engaging sub-culture withn the general culture.

Consequently, Mormons (especially in the heartlands) may find a greater need of autonomy (within the faith) – which has, to a much greater extent, been the experience of most other Christian denominations.

This will save me some money, only having to take the boys out to eat once a year now.

I thought this was aimed at reducing the burden on those that have to travel great distances, outside of well-populated areas of the Church. I kind of doubt that the Brethren would make the change out of defeat. PH session in my area seems to be almost as well-attended in person as it was before they put it online.

In my circles this announcement elicited collective cries of disappointment, but I also don’t think it has to be a sign of defeat or of the unworthiness/unreceptiveness of the members. I figured the brethren must know about situations where it is a real strain on those organizing it (those who speak? Plan? Set up? I don’t know, because it seems like the setting up of the conference center, etc. would all be done by paid workers) and they want to place less strain on those people. In reality I have a hard time imagining who is dealing with this strain, but I assume there must be someone? Since that’s what the statement said. Maybe members in other countries? That’s all I can think of.

Because for ME, obviously, it’s not a strain but a pleasure and a joy! (Yes, even priesthood session—I love sending my boys off all dressed up and then eating ice cream with them when they get home.)

I always think it’s so weird though, when someone says in response to an announcement like this (or the always-rumored change to 2 hrs of church), “good, this gives people more time with their families). I saw someone commenting that exact thing about this announcement. Huh?? They really think people are going to take the Saturday night before Conference and say, “hey, we have two extra hours, let’s have some spiritual family time since there’s no conference!” I think people will forget all about it and that time will be resorbed into Facebook and watching football.