Where is the Joy in Mormonism?

[_BishopRic]

Gaz, consider the possibility that all the things you say are "reverent," "appropriate," etc., are simply because that is what you were taught they are. In other words, a somber meeting is "reverent" because that is what you've been taught "reverent" looks like. To others, there is a significant spiritual experience (maybe even a reverence) to the loud, soulful singing of gospel music. Still others consider absolute silence the highest form of meditative reverence.

Point is, we see "appropriateness" as what we've been taught it is -- and that may be very different to another person.

[_harmony]

Gaz, consider the possibility that all the things you say are "reverent," "appropriate," etc., are simply because that is what you were taught they are. In other words, a somber meeting is "reverent" because that is what you've been taught "reverent" looks like. To others, there is a significant spiritual experience (maybe even a reverence) to the loud, soulful singing of gospel music. Still others consider absolute silence the highest form of meditative reverence.

Point is, we see "appropriateness" as what we've been taught it is -- and that may be very different to another person.

Excellent response, Ric.

I remember a particular Sunday morning, when a gentleman from another ward played a medley of hymns for the special music. It was an absolutely breathtaking experience. He started out quietly and ended with a rousing The Spirit of God. Totally amazing, totally appropriate, considering every single one of the passages was from the hymnbook. But the music director was castigated and he never played for us again. The bishop called it a performance and said we were to not have that kind of music in Sacrament Meeting, that it wasn't reverent. I'm like... Holy sheep shorts, Batman! They were hymns from the hymnbook!

That's the kind of stupidity that just irks me no end. Heaven forbid we should actually enjoy a special music number!