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For those that are interested here is a recent interview with President Oaks and his wife Kristen at Joe's Ranch which is the location on the Olsen Family Reunion and sometimes called the Joe's Valley Family Reunion. He's been attending for 85 years. In this interview he talks about the importance of family and the relationships that can be strengthened by regular/consistent get togethers. And importantly that these relationships can continue into eternity.

He has definitely set an example!

Apparently this is the first time he's ever worn a bolo tie.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjbEwsa-A-I&t=2s

You can tell that he and Kristen are lovebirds.

Regards,
MG

MG 2.0 wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2026 10:14 pm

And importantly that these relationships can continue into eternity.

I remember that when I first heard a member talk about how the LDS faith allowed for families to be together for eternity, I wondered, “which religion would not allow that?”.

But I appreciate the promotion of family togetherness nonetheless.

canpakes wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2026 10:50 pm

MG 2.0 wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2026 10:14 pm

And importantly that these relationships can continue into eternity.

I remember that when I first heard a member talk about how the LDS faith allowed for families to be together for eternity, I wondered, “which religion would not allow that?”.

But I appreciate the promotion of family togetherness nonetheless.

In my interactions with those not of our faith and in talking with fellow members of the church, I think you are correct, many religions allow for a hope that families will continue to have associations/relationships in a hoped for afterlife.

Regards,
MG

canpakes wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2026 10:50 pm

MG 2.0 wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2026 10:14 pm

And importantly that these relationships can continue into eternity.

I remember that when I first heard a member talk about how the LDS faith allowed for families to be together for eternity, I wondered, “which religion would not allow that?”.

But I appreciate the promotion of family togetherness nonetheless.

What did you think about 'the man' as you listened to Dallin Oaks during the conversation with the reporter?

Regards,
MG

canpakes wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2026 10:50 pm

MG 2.0 wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2026 10:14 pm

And importantly that these relationships can continue into eternity.

I remember that when I first heard a member talk about how the LDS faith allowed for families to be together for eternity, I wondered, “which religion would not allow that?”.

But I appreciate the promotion of family togetherness nonetheless.

Mormonism is one of the few religions whose version of the afterlife guarantees that families will be separated from some family members for eternity. If you consider the “family” to be just your parents, siblings, grandparents, children, and grandchildren, there isn’t a single Mormon family that has all those family members doing all that is required for them to be together in the Celestial Kingdom. Not even Apostles families are intact. It’s even worse if you start taking into account aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, in-laws… Take Elder Gong, he has a gay son. So for him, the Gong family will be in the Celestial Kingdom for eternity, without one son. That’s the doctrine.

It’s also worth noting that the “lovebirds” Dallin and Kristen will be joined by “lovebird” June in an eternal thruple. That’s also the doctrine. They both seem to be looking forward to that.

Not all the relatives there left the reunion with a positive feel about the interaction. This post gives some insight to how Oaks has broken the shelves of relatives and they had boots on the ground. https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/com ... tm_term=1

I Have Questions wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2026 10:58 pm

Mormonism is one of the few religions whose version of the afterlife guarantees that families will be separated from some family members for eternity.

“Families can be separated forever, through heavenly father’s plan…”

It’s a great little primary song to scare children into staying Mormon.

drumdude wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2026 11:48 pm

I Have Questions wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2026 10:58 pm

Mormonism is one of the few religions whose version of the afterlife guarantees that families will be separated from some family members for eternity.

“Families can be separated forever, through heavenly father’s plan…”

It’s a great little primary song to scare children into staying Mormon.

Families can be together forever...emphasis on can. The church has never taught that families will be together.

We come back to this nasty thing of free agency/will. God does not forcibly restrict or mandate human choices...therefore, individuals choose their own paths.

All is contingent on following the gospel path, rather than an automatic universal status for everyone. Do you think that the kind of life that God lives IS for everyone no matter how moral agency was lived out in this life?

Regards,
MG

MG 2.0 wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 30, 2026 12:38 am

drumdude wrote: ↑

Thu Oct 29, 2026 11:48 pm

“Families can be separated forever, through heavenly father’s plan…”

It’s a great little primary song to scare children into staying Mormon.

Families can be together forever...emphasis on can. The church has never taught that families will be together.

We come back to this nasty thing of free agency/will. God does not forcibly restrict or mandate human choices...therefore, individuals choose their own paths.

All is contingent on following the gospel path, rather than an automatic universal status for everyone. Do you think that the kind of life that God lives IS for everyone no matter how moral agency was lived out in this life?

Regards,
MG

Some would argue that Christ’s universal atonement was… universal.

Those who stand to gain might try to sell Christ’s atonement back to you for a price. 10 percent of your paycheck may suffice. We take cash or check.

drumdude wrote: ↑

Fri Oct 30, 2026 12:50 am

Some would argue that Christ’s universal atonement was… universal.

Those who stand to gain might try to sell Christ’s atonement back to you for a price. 10 percent of your paycheck may suffice. We take cash or check.

Celestial protection racket.