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According to an article in the Deseret Morning News, Elder Ballard addresses that the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints need to join the global conversation and use new technology to stand up for what they believe in.
“There are conversations going on about the church constantly,” Elder Ballard said. “Those conversations will continue whether or not we choose to participate in them. But we cannot sit on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the church teaches.”
This month has brought a lot of attention, negative and positive, to the Church and it is up to us as members to take the attention as an opportunity for missionary work. There will be a lot of people with questions about our beliefs and it is up us to answer them.
LDS faithful can change perceptions of the church “one conversation at a time,” through a clear and simple message of the Restoration. Elder Ballard said the Internet is a great tool to start these conversations. In his remarks, he suggested members consider the following:
- Start a blog “and share what you know to be true.”
- Download videos from official church and other appropriate sites and send them to your friends.
- Comment on news media sites that report on the church “and voice your views as to the accuracy of the reports.”
Elder Ballard continues:
“Do not be afraid to share with others your story, your experiences as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ,” Elder Ballard said. “We all have interesting stories that influence our identity. Sharing those stories is a non-threatening way to talk to others. Telling those stories can help demystify the church.”
I feel it is wonderful that the Church embraces technology to share the Gospel:
- The Official Church website has tons of information for members and non-members alike.
- The Church has provided us with an online Scripture Edition that is easy to use and quite frankly a necessity for myself.
- The Church Public Affairs has created an official profile on YouTube and has been releasing videos.
- The Church provides an area for News Releases, Stories, Commentary, Statistical and Background Information at their Newsroom website.
- There is even an official Technology website called LDSTech just for the Church.
Members seem to be doing their part as well with the following:
- LDS & Mormon Blogs – A non-church ran directory of LDS bloggers.
Other Links:
- Official Church Press Release: Apostle Urges Students to Use New Media
- Full Video of Elder Ballards Speech
Official YouTube Video:
2008 is just a few days away. Hard to believe, but true. With the change of year, most of us feel some strangely innate need to make the coming year better than the past one in some areas of our lives.
I resolve this year to consistently read the Book of Mormon. Sure, as a born and raised Mormon who served a mission, I’ve read it numerous times. I’m a religious slacker though. I have times when I read the scriptures but those times have become more rare as I’ve aged. The last time I read it was when President Hinckley challenged all members to read it in 2005.
So why should I read it again now? I’m always conflicted on what facet of the gospel or LDS church history to study. What will benefit me most at the time? Scriptures frankly bore me and are a chore to read, probably because as I was growing up, scripture study often interrupted more “fun” things I was doing. I like to read the Ensign and some books written by General Authorities so I often pass this off as my “scripture study.” But let’s be honest – lately I haven’t even done much of that type of study. Anyway, I feel now is a good time to get back to the Book of Mormon for the following reasons:
1) I need to teach my children the Book of Mormon. I don’t want them to be teenagers when I realize that I’ve never read the Book of Mormon with them and they have no idea what the book is about.
2) The LDS curriculum calls for the study of the Book of Mormon in Sunday School this year. So by studying it maybe I’ll actually be able to contribute in class.
3) I need a spiritual boost. I was remembering recently some of the spiritual experiences I’ve had in my life. These almost always occurred when I was doing the right things, studying and actively making God a part of my life.
So this is my plan for this year:
I will read the entire Book of Mormon for my personal gospel study.
I will STUDY the Book of Mormon with my wife and children. By this I mean I don’t care how much we read, I want them to learn while we’re reading it. The main thing is to establish the habit. The best time for us to read is immediately after dinner. This last year we had some times where we studied the New Testament and we would usually only read a few verses but I made sure the kids were listening and we discussed what we were reading. We will do the same with the Book of Mormon.
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