The Consiglieris Must Be Crazy!

[_consiglieri]

What do you think your local leaders will have to say about you taking on this role?

Isn't it funny that this is the only thing which causes me even mild trepidation?

What should I say if a local leader criticizes me for taking this upon myself?

Should I say it is not meet that we should be commanded in all things?

Should I say it is of God and I dare not deny it lest I fall under condemnation?

Should I stamp my feet, plant my fists on my hips and shout, "You don't own me?"

Should I say that if the LDS Church were doing its job, I wouldn't have to?

Any other ideas?

All the Best!

--Consiglieri

[_consiglieri]

I liked the last line.

"Yours in the bonds of Christ."

Anyone that desires to follow the Christian God is surely in bonds; subject to his whims and wishes, up to and including, feeling inspired to do a community dialogue while mowing your lawn.

I think Jesus wasn't kidding when he said to take up your cross and follow him.

Curious...if they ask you how to do a *specific* handshake and ask for a demonstration, would you do it? I'm guessing it could come up as innocently as "my pastor's wife said they do secret handshakes in the temple, can you show us what that is?"

There is an awful lot I can say about the temple without going into subjects I have promised to not disclose.

I would not demonstrate a specific handgrip or sign or anything, but I would certainly talk about the fact that they exist. That seems fair.

Or I could say, "Hello, McFly! Why do you think they call it a secret handshake? Next question!"

All the Best!

--Consiglieri

[_consiglieri]

Hi Consig,

Interfaith panels and discussions are one of my small industries on my campus, so I felt compelled to pass on two things I’ve learned.

I should have consulted with you first! I just got back from dumping the letters in the mailbox and find this waiting for me. Sometimes efficiency is not a blessing.

First, I’d reconsider using the word “fellowship” in your letter, it won’t bother liberal churches, but if you want any chance with the more conservative leaning churches, they might see that as some kind of codeword for something like an ecumenical drum circle. “Friendly and substantive dialogue” or along those lines might better choice in my opinion.

Dang it! I was hoping to talk the natives lingo and avoid Mormon phrases like "testimony" and such. I hope they will get the idea in back of it, though.

Second, be careful how you do the QnA. This is usually the worst part of any public event, because there never fails to be a handful of John Waynes who are more interested in making a monologue or debating you than asking some kind of sincere questions. People just love to ramble on and everyone stops listening after 30 seconds anyways.

I was already thinking about the young Turk scenario. It will probably be a good idea to put all the coordinating of things into the lap of the pastor so he can dictate how long people ask questions and when to cut them off. That way I don't come across as not wanting to answer.

I expect many will be suspicious at first, but hopefully after they see how bruisingly honest I can be, a relationship of trust will begin to develop. Of course, there are people who, once they have identified an enemy, will never be dissuaded.

I will definitely let you know if anybody takes me up on this offer. It sounds like you would have lots of good ideas to contribute. The natural side of me thinks it will never happen. But I honestly feel the idea was impressed on me last evening. It certainly wasn't something I was considering, although other elements of what has been going on my life could have combined to come up with this idea.


All the Best!

--Consiglieri

[_consiglieri]

Just be prepared to talk about the inner working of the temple and garments. That is going to come up. Oh, and the question - how many wives do you have?

I have two.

The first clings on against my will.

The second has a husband against hers.

Temple marriages can have odd ramifications . . .

All the Best!

--Consiglieri

[_consiglieri]

Good luck and knock them dead

Then return and report...

Roger, that!

[_consiglieri]

Third, Prepare a handout.

Good idea.

What do you think it should contain?

[_consiglieri]

Oh, I note that there is a sex offendor in the Hancock County Illlinois jail.

Knowing how clever MDD posters tend to be, I changed the name of the county to protect the innocent.

And to stave off Will Schryver.

All the Best!

--Consiglieri

[_MCB]

Oh, I note that there is a sex offendor in the Hancock County Illlinois jail.

Knowing how clever MDD posters tend to be, I changed the name of the county to protect the innocent.

And to stave off Will Schryver.

All the Best!

--Consiglieri

That made it even funnier.

[_mercyngrace]

What do you think your local leaders will have to say about you taking on this role?

What should I say if a local leader criticizes me for taking this upon myself?

All the Best!

--Consiglieri

Tell them you took it upon yourself 34 years ago when you heeded the invitation to stand as a witness for Christ.

Or, if a local leader is belligerent about it, you could say, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

But I don't recommend the latter option. LOL.

[_consiglieri]

Tell them you took it upon yourself 34 years ago when you heeded the invitation to stand as a witness for Christ.

Or, if a local leader is belligerent about it, you could say, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

But I don't recommend the latter option. LOL.

I do like option A.

Option B is too easily countered with, "Why do you think we blacklisted you, Nimrod?"

All the Best!

--Consiglieri