Comments on: Baptism Goals

By: rick

rick — Mon, 20 Feb 2006 08:40:55 +0000

Just talked to the mishies the other day and they said in our area that the focus is on fellowshipping.

I guess the Magrath/Raymond/Cardston areas don’t generate many baptisms toward the goals anyway.

By: Kim Siever

Kim Siever — Sun, 19 Feb 2006 20:47:13 +0000

It turns out the idea of baptismal goals is far from dead. This morning, it was made known to me that the Canada Calgary Mission currently has a mission goal of 55 baptisms per month.

By: mtnnomad

mtnnomad — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 23:26:06 +0000

You got me! I’m thrilled that people are actually reading my rants. My blog is fairly light and doesn’t take itself to seriously. The writer(me) often needs reminding that the blog is really being read by anyone.

I obviously do some “selling” on my blog. I guess my very comment that blogs should share, not sell was a type of selling. I guess what I was trying to say, was that on a discussion-based blogs where the topics are fairly subjective, sharing goes further than trying to influence others or shut them down. What makes it interesting on this religious blog where the religious doctrine is so centralized and testimonies of members so strong, that commenters can feel ok about telling others to stop sharing/selling “such and such” opinions because it goes against doctrine or mainstream Mormon beliefs. There I am selling again. Thanks for that polite mirror.

By: Bookslinger

Bookslinger — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 23:05:11 +0000

mtnnomad wrote on his blog: “I believe that everyone should be using Firefox as their browser, but if you’re a blogger and need another reason to make the switch, here’s one.”

That is certainly acceptable. And I agree Firefox is good. I might even call it “Much to be desired, above all other browsers!” :-)

But, isn’t that trying to influence others to use Firefox? Isn’t that “selling” the “idea” of Firefox? (I use Firefox by the way and I like it.)

I like to be a proponent too. Here’s the horn that I like to toot: (Okay, so call me a One-Note Johnny” !)

I believe that everyone should take Chinese and English Books of Mormon and go eat at Chinese restaurants. Hey, you gotta eat anyway, right? But if you’re not already a ward missionary, go here and read how to do it.

By: mtnnomad

mtnnomad — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:42:08 +0000

I think blogs are for the presenting of ideas. IMO, not for the influencing of other’s views. It’s about sharing not selling.

By: Bookslinger

Bookslinger — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:36:24 +0000

LT: It’s one thing to say “I disagree with you, and here’s why…”, or “You’re wrong, and here’s why…”

But what you told Steve EM in #11 was “stop…”

The first example is an opinion or belief. The second would be an order, even when dressed up with “can I ask you politely to..”.

Same with #14. That was bad form, regardless of the “please” in there.

It’s not your belief that is annoying people, it’s your presentation and lack of manners/diplomacy.

I’m not very good at people-skills myself. I think I’m better than I used to be years ago. It comes with practice and learning to absorb feedback and adjust. I still have to weigh things carefully before I speak or type, or else I come out looking the fool.

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:15:32 +0000

I go back to D&C 121. It says that it is the nature and disposition of nearly all men, that as soon as the get authority begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. It is a scriptural warning about this type of thing to all of us. The church is true, and it is run by imperfect people who are apparently nearly always prone to some level of unrighteous dominion after they get a calling of authority.

By: ltbugaf

ltbugaf — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:14:29 +0000

Bookslinger: I thought ‘blogs were about presenting ideas for the purpose of influencing each others’ views. That’s what I’m doing when I say we should disregard Steve EM’s advice/example, and stay faithful to the Prophets (including the ones that Steve denounces). I don’t quite follow how doing that makes me a “cop.”

However, it’s become clear that I am as unwelcome to you here as I was to Mary on the Garments thread. Since that is the case, I’ll just leave.

(Can’t guarantee that I won’t check back in after a few days, but I should at least wait until the hostility has time to cool.)

By: ltbugaf

ltbugaf — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:10:14 +0000

And please be leery of people who simultaneously say they’re not trying to influence your choices when they obviously are.

By: Bookslinger

Bookslinger — Wed, 15 Feb 2006 22:08:15 +0000

LT Bug AF: Oh thank you! I’m sure glad you’re around to warn people about who to avoid. Is there anyone else we should be warned about?

By the way, could I please see your blog-cop badge?