Went through the Temple last week...

[_Scottie]

[Everyone knock off the personal attacks, or I'm going to start deleting!! Lets focus on the issues, not the posters!!]

[_Trevor]

If anyone is curious why many LDS folks avoid this message board (who are otherwise aware of it), take a look at the method of discourse by Ray A herein. It will give you a very good idea.

If you had used "collegeterrace" as an example, I would have agreed with you, and not because I have anything against collegeterrace. If LDS people can't deal discussing Mormonism with someone like Ray A, then I would submit that Ray is not the one with the problem.

[_LifeOnaPlate]

I certainly don't mind criticism, but at times I do mind arrogance and incivility.

That's not necesarily a trait unique to posters here. Are you really reading the MAD board? And posts that come from Obiwan, Selek and others. Catch this reply from Selek to Mary:

My reading of the MAD board has declined as well.

I certainly don't think a tu quoque argument helps you in that regard especially since I don't hold the MAD board above reproach.

Only seeing things one way?

Sometimes I certainly do.

Only seeing things one way?

I suppose you have missed times when I have disagreed with selek or otherwise encouraged him to tone it down. I wouldn't accuse you necessarily of seeing things "only in one way," rather, that you see narrowly in this instance.

Now you tell me, Life, what if someone on MAD said that to Daniel Peterson? Does the word "bias" come to your mind?

I certainly don't think a tu quoque argument helps you in that regard especially since I don't hold the MAD board above reproach.

And what would happen to a poster on MAD who said that President Hinckley "checked out"?

Look in your own territory before pointing the finger at others, Life.

I certainly don't think a tu quoque argument helps you in that regard especially since I don't hold the MAD board above reproach.

[Guest]

If anyone is curious why many LDS folks avoid this message board (who are otherwise aware of it), take a look at the method of discourse by Ray A herein. It will give you a very good idea.

If you had used "collegeterrace" as an example, I would have agreed with you, and not because I have anything against collegeterrace. If LDS people can't deal discussing Mormonism with someone like Ray A, then I would submit that Ray is not the one with the problem.

Ah, but I have hope for Ray A and believe he has done and can do better; that is the difference! [we all have our moments]

[_Ray A]

I'll respect the wishes of Scotty to not continue this here. If you want to, start another thread, while I reply to Wade.
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[_Who Knows]

...[sitting through the temple ceremony] is like watching grass grow...

I suspect that [watching grass grow] may well be a reflection of our inner selves. We get back from it according to the effort we put into it. If we, ourselves, are interesting and proactively interested, we will tend to be continually fascinated by the many layers of learning that may be pealed back each time we [watch]. Whereas, if we, ourselves, are borish and tend to sit back expecting to be spoon-feed information or seemingly dare others to entertain us (a malady inflicting not a few young people throughout modern society), then we will likely come away bored.

Or, watching grass grow, is just actually boring, and there's nothing to gain from it.

[_LifeOnaPlate]

I suspect that [watching grass grow] may well be a reflection of our inner selves. We get back from it according to the effort we put into it. If we, ourselves, are interesting and proactively interested, we will tend to be continually fascinated by the many layers of learning that may be pealed back each time we [watch]. Whereas, if we, ourselves, are borish and tend to sit back expecting to be spoon-feed information or seemingly dare others to entertain us (a malady inflicting not a few young people throughout modern society), then we will likely come away bored.

Or, watching grass grow, is just actually boring, and there's nothing to gain from it.[/quote]

Sometimes that can actually be a very nice activity. I think what wade says holds true in that regard.

[_Mister Scratch]

If you had used "collegeterrace" as an example, I would have agreed with you, and not because I have anything against collegeterrace. If LDS people can't deal discussing Mormonism with someone like Ray A, then I would submit that Ray is not the one with the problem.

Ah, but I have hope for Ray A and believe he has done and can do better; that is the difference! [we all have our moments]

Ray has successfully pointed out just how biased and one-track your brand of criticism is, though, LoaP. You responded to his point about hostility on the MAD board by crying "tu quoque"...over and over and over again. The point, to a certain extent, however, is valid. Sure, you might criticize Selek, or some other "lower rung" apologist, but I think we can all rest confident that you will never, ever criticize DCP, or Hamblin, or any other "important" apologist. Take a look at this, for example:

"I am not a one-note jackass who lacks even the slightest pretense of substance." Joey

Is that helpful? Could DCP "do better"? Would you be brave enough to tell him so? Would you be brave enough to voice criticism of his l-skinny behavior, or his Quinn gossipmongering?

No. Of course not.

But you could do better!

[_The Nehor]

Is that helpful? Could DCP "do better"? Would you be brave enough to tell him so? Would you be brave enough to voice criticism of his l-skinny behavior, or his Quinn gossipmongering?

Yes, and funny. Probably, but why bother?

I'm brave enough to voice criticism of your gossipmongering despite your lack of support for it.

[_silentkid]

Sometimes that can actually be a very nice activity. I think what wade says holds true in that regard.

I actually said that it (the temple ceremony) would be like watching the grass grow if grass were boring. Personally, I find observing nature to be very peaceful and insightful, much more insightful and relaxing than the man-made rituals of the temple.

So, back to the boring aspect of it. What do you estimate your ward's monthly temple attendance is? 20%? Higher or lower? What keeps active members from attending if it is such an insightful and interesting experience? It might be work or family time or whatever, but I'll bet you'll find that your ward members will make time for other activities, like going to movies or sporting events or concerts or watching TV etc. in lieu of going to the temple. Why is that? I contend that it's boring and that they really aren't getting as much out of it as one would think if it was so amazing.