Members often hear lofty comments about these leaders so it is no wonder they think callings reflect God's special approval.
[ (bold added) /quote]
Roger asks, "Well, don't they in the Mormon schematic?"
John Larsen stated:I think the GAs are almost universally venerated as special people who should be modeled because they are exceptional people. I listened to portions of the last two funerals and it was clear, in the rhetoric that each increase in responsibility in the Church was considered a promotion. Even the Church News, when giving bios of mission presidents, stake presidents and GAs lists past callings like a resume. To not acknowledge this I think you would have to be either naïve or disingenuous.
They most certainly are venerated, and to be modeled. Tis the way of the Mormon world. Or the RC, or the general Celebrity obsessed groupies in every arena. Unfortunately popularity is THE criteria upon which masses evalute ability... Roger