Given the 2nd Annointings thread that we've just had, I was thinking about the GAs, and I thought about Elder Packer.
Does the fact that hands were laid on his head and it was pronounced that he will be a God in the Celestial Kingdom, without fail, explain anything about his attitude?
It's one thing to be opinionated and to have a high opinion of one's own wisdom and understanding. Is it another thing altogether to have a high opinion of one's own wisdom and understanding, and to have been promised by an Apostle, or the Prophet, that one has already passed the test for Godhood? Is this why Packer operates the way he does?
Is the 2nd Annointing like the "ever so much more so" magic powder, which enhances whatever qualities a thing has that you sprinkle it on? So a meek, mild, kind old LDS man gets his CAEMS and he's perhaps even meeker, milder, kinder? And an egotistical, self-confident and assertive guy who gets his CAEMS becomes even more egotistical, more self-confident, and more assertive?
What do you guys think? Would Packer operate the way he does if he didn't think he'd already been declared God material?
2nd annointings and Elder Packer - does it explain anything?
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_Sethbag
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2nd annointings and Elder Packer - does it explain anything?
Mormonism ceased being a compelling topic for me when I finally came to terms with its transformation from a personality cult into a combination of a real estate company, a SuperPac, and Westboro Baptist Church. - Kishkumen
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_asbestosman
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Re: 2nd annointings and Elder Packer - does it explain anyth
Sethbag wrote:What do you guys think? Would Packer operate the way he does if he didn't think he'd already been declared God material?
I think he would. Most of us initially act without considering eternal consequences. It's the apologies and sorrow that take the salvation thing into account (as well as normal relationship consequences).
That's General Leo. He could be my friend if he weren't my enemy.
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_Moniker
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Asbestosman, I act all the time with absolutely no thought to eternal consequences (as in a reward in heaven) but more attempting to live up to the standards I set for myself. Yet, it is the reflection that allows me to recognize if I live up to them or not. I fall short way too often.
I see people all the time that proclaim to be Christians, that are yearning for that eternal reward, that act like real asses. I imagine ego is something manifested individually and less to do with their belief that they're a God. Although, it can't help for someone to believe they're already a God. Sheesh, I hope he's not disappointed. :)
I see people all the time that proclaim to be Christians, that are yearning for that eternal reward, that act like real asses. I imagine ego is something manifested individually and less to do with their belief that they're a God. Although, it can't help for someone to believe they're already a God. Sheesh, I hope he's not disappointed. :)
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_asbestosman
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charity wrote:I think Elder Packer's actions are just fine. I don't think anyone here is surprised by that.
I don't think Elder Packe is any worse than you either. ;)
(Please note the smilie. The joke is that I wonder if many people think you and him are equals in rudeness. I'm not jumping on the bandwagon myself.)
That's General Leo. He could be my friend if he weren't my enemy.
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_Runtu
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charity wrote:I think Elder Packer's actions are just fine. I don't think anyone here is surprised by that.
I always thought he was blunt and rather dogmatic, but I never had any issue with him until I worked for the church. The day that he gave the talk about the three threats to the church, I was shocked and disappointed to hear him making fun of some rather painful letters he received from members. No sympathy. No attempt at understanding. Just leading a loud chorus of derisive laughter.
I've never been able to see him the same way after that.
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_asbestosman
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charity wrote:Rude? How so? Him, not me.
Hopefully I am wrong about wondering. I cannot think of any examples offhand for you or him. Then again, I'm generally not one to keep a record for the purposes of grudges.
Edit: are you saying you think Elder Packer is rude? Woudln't that constitute something wrong with his behavior? I'm confused.
That's General Leo. He could be my friend if he weren't my enemy.
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_Runtu
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asbestosman wrote:charity wrote:Rude? How so? Him, not me.
Hopefully I am wrong about wondering. I cannot think of any examples offhand for you or him. Then again, I'm generally not one to keep a record for the purposes of grudges.
I'm not holding a grudge. My experience simply changed my impression of the man.
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_Gadianton
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Seth,
I think your suggestion brings up other issues. Test: measure Packer's arrogance without 2ndA. Measure his arrogance after. If there is not a significant difference, then I think it would prove that he's not really a believer, deep down. If I had just been promised Godhood, it would be like getting an acceptance letter to Princeton multiplied by a few thousand times. I'd be holding my snoot up high, I'd sniff and I'd snort, and have nothing to do with the non-2ndA sort.
I think your suggestion brings up other issues. Test: measure Packer's arrogance without 2ndA. Measure his arrogance after. If there is not a significant difference, then I think it would prove that he's not really a believer, deep down. If I had just been promised Godhood, it would be like getting an acceptance letter to Princeton multiplied by a few thousand times. I'd be holding my snoot up high, I'd sniff and I'd snort, and have nothing to do with the non-2ndA sort.