Helen Whitney and the Princeton panel presentation

[_Some Schmo]

You know what charity? I've just come to the conclusion that stupidity is not your problem. It's insanity.

The answers to the questions you've given are excellent examples of crazy-making dysfunction through obfuscation. What's sad is that it appears you actually think your answers are reasonable, which is why I've determined (assuming your writing is truly representative of who you are) that you must be certifiably insane. Seriously. No sane person could talk the way you do with the expectation they are going to believe you're saying anything of substance, value, or containing an ounce of internal logic.

This is not an attack. I actually find myself mildly concerned and think you should seek help. I know you won't, but you should for the sake of the people around you.

Anyway, carry on.

[_dartagnan]

I thought you couldn't handle the straightforward answers and had to weasle and sidestep. Does that make me a prophet? Or prophetess?

So much for straightforward answers...

Did Joseph Smith lie or didn't he?

Yes or no.

I didn't ask for your own attempt to weasle, side-step, justify and obfuscate. I asked a simple question but you couldn't answer it straightforwardly.

Thanks for proving my point that even the most apologetic of the apologists cannot even bring themselves to admit a simple truth in unambiguous terms. You might very well make a great prophetess some day, since this is precisely the kind of thing that characterizes Church Presidents.

[_charity]

Schmo, I am glad I don't live in your universe. If you think I am bordering on insanity, I guess I should put on my best Jack Nicholsen voice and say, "You can't handle the truth!"

[_charity]

I didn't mean to imply that your answers weren't sufficient or welcome; I was actually addressing my comments more to the underlying idea of the original post - namely that the church itself, in its official capacity in providing responses or representing itself to the general public, does not generally provide direct responses. What I was trying to convey (badly) was that your answers don't satisfy the general desire for the leaders of the church themselves to provide the hard answers (addressing the "rough edges" as it were). And I don't expect the general authorities to come to this board to answer folks' questions (their "picky little nothing questions" in your snarky terms) - that was kind of my (badly made) point. Hopefully I'm a little more clear on what I'm trying to say.

I am sorry if that sounded snarky. But it is the truth.

I understand the frustration. I would like to have some answer, just plain our of curiosity. But that is the point. It is only out of curiosity. It has nothing to do with my salvation, which is the work of the Church and all the leaders. So you (speaking generally, not just skippy personally) want the Prophet to answer the question of how many of the women sealed to Joseph Smith had consummated relationships with him? What does that do for your salvation? NOTHING. Was part of the presentation of the endowment taken from a Masonic ritual? What does that have to do with your salvation? NOTHING. Where exactly was the city of Zarahemla? What does that have to do with your salvation? NOTHING.

That's the point.

[_the road to hana]

Of course, I understand that. And it is the first line defense of the critics and anti-Mormons. "Well, you aren't official. I want to hear the answer to my picky little nothing question directly from the Prophet." Well, folks the Prophet isn't going to answer your picky little questions. That isn't the job of the Prophet. Threefold mission of the Church.

Exactly!

This is exactly what the assertion is, (except for the picky part).

No one can tell anyone what is or is not official doctrine.

I personally do not see how official doctrine from God, upon which God's church is established is viewed as "picky little nothing questions." Be that as it may, there is little hope of knowing what is or is not doctrine in the LDS church as was pointed out in the clip.

~dancer~

TD, the Church is about salvation. It isn't about LDS Trivia The Home Game.

But Charity, isn't it one of the selling points of the church that it advertises itself to have the answers to questions that other religions do not?

If that isn't the case, why does it make the claim?

[_Some Schmo]

Schmo, I am glad I don't live in your universe. If you think I am bordering on insanity, I guess I should put on my best Jack Nicholsen voice and say, "You can't handle the truth!"

Um... I'm pretty sure we live in the same universe. I wasn't actually asking you to further the idea that you were insane, but thanks for volunteering that anyway.

I also appreciate the laugh. I think it's charming that you actually think you know the truth. Just don't overuse the insanity gambit.

[_The Nehor]

Schmo, I am glad I don't live in your universe. If you think I am bordering on insanity, I guess I should put on my best Jack Nicholsen voice and say, "You can't handle the truth!"

Um... I'm pretty sure we live in the same universe. I wasn't actually asking you to further the idea that you were insane, but thanks for volunteering that anyway.

I also appreciate the laugh. I think it's charming that you actually think you know the truth. Just don't overuse the insanity gambit.

The insanity gambit has worked for me for years.

[_dartagnan]

Can I get a straightforward answer yet?

Did Joseph Smith lie?

[_Imwashingmypirate]

arggghhhhh ha ha harrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.............................. :P

[_Some Schmo]

The insanity gambit has worked for me for years.

Worked for what? Justification for membership in your religion? I suppose so.

(Couldn't resist... :D)