Blixa wrote: That part that you quoted, consig? From that other person? That other person has not read much early Mormon history because that is not even close to being an accurate description of charismatic gifts in the early church.
No question about it...many gifts were present. But it all had to be reined in by Joseph because it was becoming too chaotic. And this did create problems for the early church but it needed to be done.
It is an interesting read and the conclusion explains why charisma needed to be institutionalized: In its embryonic stage Mormonism fulfilled radical Seeker expectations, with the restoration of charismatic authority and theocratic government. The later shift away from charisma did not preclude revelation and spiritual gifts but rather drew boundaries within which charisma was allowed. Charisma was institutionalized. Once the institution had been stabilized, then spiritual exercises such as the Kirtland temple endowment—which exemplified the evolving Mormon concept of authority by combining spiritual endowment and angelic endowment—could safely unfold and missionaries could be more confidently sent into the world to teach by the spirit. This effected, in the words of German sociologist Max Weber, the "routinization of charisma" and enabled the growth, stability, and endurance of Mormonism.12
Many of those who struggled against Smith within the Mormon movement were influenced by Seekerism to the point that they believed only in charismatic authority. The complaints of David Whitmer and William E. McLellin are illustrative in this regard. According to Whitmer, he at first reluctantly accepted the shift to a bureaucratized concept of priesthood bestowal but upon further reflection eventually concluded that Smith had departed from the ideals of the Book of Mormon and other early [p.218]revelations. Whitmer’s and McLellin’s claims that angelic ordinations were late additions to Mormonism are supported by considerable circumstantial evidence. The early emphasis on charisma, the lack of a clear priesthood restoration concept in the Book of Mormon and in the "Articles and Covenants of the Church of Christ," the additions made to the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants concerning angelic ordinations, and statements of early leaders all demonstrate the shift to accommodate evolving notions of authority and governance. However, despite the reluctance of Whitmer and McLellin, the imprecision of the Seeker tradition regarding the restoration of authority allowed most others to make the adjustment without difficulty. Thus, I would argue, the shift in the Mormon concept of authority was consistent with most Seeker expectations.
I intend to lay a foundation that will revolutionize the whole world. Joseph Smith We are “to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church, or in any other, or in no church at all…” Joseph Smith
Consig's idea of chucking out the manual and allow teachers the maximum freedom to teach what they want...would doom the church. The manual is needed to give direction to the classes and to keep the church of one mind. The problem comes with the teacher and with the students. They must make the manual interesting by engaging with the ideas through dialogue and questioning.
I intend to lay a foundation that will revolutionize the whole world. Joseph Smith We are “to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church, or in any other, or in no church at all…” Joseph Smith
why me wrote:Consig's idea of chucking out the manual and allow teachers the maximum freedom to teach what they want...would doom the church. The manual is needed to give direction to the classes and to keep the church of one mind. The problem comes with the teacher and with the students. They must make the manual interesting by engaging with the ideas through dialogue and questioning.
And yet the Church is soon to be dispensing with the manuals in favour of a less structured lesson format to give the teachers more leeway for freewheeling discussion.
September 12, 2012
To: General Authorities; General Auxiliary Presidencies; Area Seventies; Stake, Mission, and District Presidents; Bishops and Branch Presidents
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
We are pleased to announce a new curriculum for Young Men and Young Women and for youth Sunday School classes. The new curriculum integrates basic gospel doctrines, as well as principles for teaching in the Savior's way that are also being introduced into the seminary curriculum. The focus is on strengthening and building faith, conversion, and testimony, using the most current teachings of the General Authorities and general auxiliary presidencies.
The curriculum initially will be available online in 23 languages, beginning in January 2013, and will replace the existing manuals. Additional information will be provided in upcoming area council, coordinating council, and local stake and ward training meetings.
We are confident the new curriculum will bless youth in their efforts to become fully converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Sincerely yours,
Thomas S. Monson Henry B. Eyring Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The First Presidency
What is Come, Follow Me: Learning Resources for Youth? Come, Follow Me: Learning Resources for Youth is a new curriculum that will help teachers teach in the Savior’s way and help youth become more fully converted to the gospel.
What classes will use Come, Follow Me? Aaronic Priesthood quorums, Young Women classes, and Sunday School classes for youth ages 12 to 18 will use the curriculum for Sunday instruction.
What manuals does Come, Follow Me replace? The following manuals are now obsolete: Aaronic Priesthood Manual 1 (34820), Aaronic Priesthood Manual 2 (34821), Aaronic Priesthood Manual 3 (34822), Young Women Manual 1 (34823), Young Women Manual 2 (34824), Young Women Manual 3 (34825), The Presidents of the Church (31382), and Preparing for Exaltation (31384).
“We look to not only the spiritual but also the temporal, and we believe that a person who is impoverished temporally cannot blossom spiritually.” Keith McMullin - Counsellor in Presiding Bishopric
"One, two, three...let's go shopping!" Thomas S Monson - Prophet, Seer, Revelator