Dr. Moore
You know, the one in which he encourages members to “choose to believe” and discourages doubters from “rehearsing” their doubts with other doubters. Such a sad setback when it comes to fostering intimacy among family and friends, in essence explicitly telling faithful members with questions not to discuss doubts with fellow questioning members. It’s Doubt Your Doubts 2.0.
OK, of course, I did not watch any conference. I was quite busy enjoying my Hebrew lessons instead, a much more enjoyable and valuable use of my time.
But an idea just struck me rather forcefully just now in reading your point here. I'm sincerely trying to put myself in Nelson's place, AS a bonafide prophet. If I knew........if I ***KNEW*** I could get revelation for serious problems (doubt considered one of these), and I could talk to Jesus, because that's......well........what I do as a prophet in Mormonism, duh, I would say something along the lines of -
"My beloved brothers and sisters. In this world of doubt and heart ache, of questioning, and wondering what are we to do, I am pleased to ask you to discuss these doubts with me and my Brethren the Apostles, because we have Jesus who can give us help here directly if we do not grasp your points of doubt and problems with the doctrine of Jesus Christ. You can ask us anything, and we are preparing now an entire magazine for you to send your doubts to, and we will provide answers after we talk to Jesus and see what he says of issues we probably can't help out with. We are producing an open platform for all questions and doubts to be shared and shared alike, along with our answers from Jesus as he communicates to us His Divine Wisdom in all matters you have doubts with. He being our loving Savior and elder Brother, and having all knowledge is more than happy to provide timely and sage advice, wisdom, and scriptural answers to any kind of question you may have."
This entire idea of trying to tell doubters to not talk to other doubters just doesn't pass the smell test to me. Lookit, lets be honestly real here. If I have any questions on physics, or I run into someone who sincerely and seriously doubts atoms exist, etc., I have a very good friend right here (Physics Guy, and Dr. with, etc.) who I can turn to and ask questions and learn from, and then SHARE his information. We are in direct contact online. He is an expert, and we can keep physics 101 questions and provide viable and real answers, not turn around and tell those who have questions do not talk about it!
The very stance Nelson has taken truly, without an antagonism whatsoever toward him, shows me he really isn't sure if he talks to Jesus and has a pipeline. That is astonishing to me that he says do not talk about them, and yet ALSO does not say something along the lines of the above point I am making. Look I have already told several people about this group here, the various scientists, mathematicians, and historians and if anyone needs any kind of question answered I am more than happy to present it here, and I know we can work out the ideas. I am truly GRATEFUL for this! Wouldn't Nelson also be truly GRATEFUL for the help if Jesus really was there for him?!
It just seems odd and seriously off the stance he has taken. It gives no assurance whatsoever that there is anyone there, day or night giving him actual instructive revelations that matter to people. Everyone has doubts, some are seriously serious. You mean to tell me Jesus wouldn't mind helping out with at least those by telling Nelson?! I cannot fathom he wouldn't! But, I mean, sincerely and as humbly and as comforting as I can post this, it does not appear that Jesus is even real and discussing anything with Nelson. He is on his own. I feel sad for him being cornered into making this kind of just......well......improbable stance, IF JESUS IS REALLY THERE AND WILLING. It is astonishing that Jesus, knowing all, is not willing to pitch in and share some actual knowledge on so many issues isn't it? I am NOT trying to antagonize here. I am NOT mocking or pointing fingers and laughing here in this post. I am sincere. The underlying issue appears to me is Jesus, based on everything the church has ever taught since Joseph Smith, OUGHT TO BE THERE for the PROPHET when in need, and Jesus right now, today, without question, sincerely, honestly, as realistically as I can possibly say this IS IN DIRE NEED WITHIN Mormonism.
And yet Nelson can only come up with something so inept, so lousy, and uncomforting, so unhelpful as don't talk to anyone else who doubts?!