For the Latter-day Saint, no matter where they may be on their faith journey, it is near impossible to ignore the buzz surrounding the anticipation, predictions, reactions, etc. of its semi-annual general conference. This April’s conference proves to be unique due to the fact that, well, President Nelson came right out and told us that it would be (he actually used the word “unforgettable”[1]), as it just so happens that this conference coincides with the 200th anniversary of what is referred to as Joseph Smith’s “First Vision,” an experience which has proven to be foundational in both LDS theology and lore. I too have been caught up in the hype, which seems to only have intensified with the global pandemic of Covid-19, the disruption of missionary service, the refugee crisis, Utah/Idaho earthquakes, locust swarms in East Africa, etc. In light of this, I want to share some thoughts that I’ve been stewing over, and look forward to the discussion that I hope will follow.
The Apocalypse
First, for many, it seems that the apocalyptic nature of some of these world-wide events is just a little too close for comfort (as recently discussed by Christopher Blythe[2]), pushing people to ask, “are we truly preparing for the second coming with all this?!” I want to give my firm answer to that question---YES---we are preparing for the second coming. From a theological perspective, we have been preparing for the second coming since the time of our mortal birth, for indeed, as Jesus said, “the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 3:2). Its of importance to point out that many early Christians were certain that Christ’s 2nd coming was to be within their lifetime, just as the early Latter-day Saints were certain that the 2nd coming would be within theirs. It is clear that there have been numerous historical instances where the signs of the times seem to match Biblical prophecy surrounding the event. With that in mind, what did Jesus mean, then, when he said “the kingdom of heaven is at hand”?
All take comfort in the notion that during the millennial reign, peace and righteousness will triumph. The attitude of, “if I can just hold on until then…” becomes dominant, and we FORGET we have been given mandate to be disciples NOW in a way that ushers in the kingdom of heaven WITHIN each of us (Luke 17:21). We need not wait for our life’s transformation---we must usher it in NOW, each of us, through radical acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice and grace. So what, then, of the apocalypse? In Greek, the word for revelation is “apokalypsis”, meaning an “unveiling, exposure, or revealing.” While the Book of Revelation is usually understood to be a prophetic text revealing the “end times” scenario, it might also be a text which causes us to reflect inward, on the individual state of our souls. When all has been revealed of us, what will be the nature of our souls? Will we be found lacking? Perhaps holding a temple recommend, or recently returned from a mission, maybe married in the temple---all good things. Yet, while having done those things (or in doing them), do our lives reflect the fruits of the spirit as outlined in Galatians 5? I think that culturally, Latter-day Saints too often take comfort in the things they can show they have done or are doing, without perhaps doing the “apocalyptic” work of self-reflection which leads us to a state of humility, fully reliant on the Savior who is the author and finisher of our faith. Socrates stated, “the unexamined life is not worth living,”---I would add that the unexamined life IS NOT life at all, but merely an imitation. The scriptures are full of symbolism surrounding the “living water” and “new life” that comes through being born again in Christ. Indeed, without that very real experience (Mosiah 27), we cannot hope for a fullness of this life, or of the life to come.
In conclusion, any world event reflective of the “end times” should be one that awakens us to our need for re-birth in Christ. Without this, I fear too many of us will find ourselves saying that which was said in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you.” As Graham Cooke teaches, we never really come to know ourselves unless we come to know God. We are created in His image, meant to reflect His glory. When our lives are full of the fruits of the spirit, we can be confident we are known to Him.[3]
My Hopes for General Conference
I have been searching furiously for a direct citation to a quote I’ve heard on occasion (and if you know it, please contact me!) along the lines of, “sometimes we are so busy in the beehive, we forget to step out and go back to the grove.” Our origins as Latter-day Saints lie in that grove---in asking questions, seeking answers, and communicating with the divine in a revelatory manner. The 200th anniversary of “The First Vision” affords us the opportunity to do just that---to take a break from the “beehive” and step back into the grove, to seek revelation from on high surrounding critical and timely issues that face our global church.
With that in mind, my hopes for General Conference are as follows:
1) That we as saints REMEMBER that we are indeed that, a GLOBAL church. Regionally, members have their own unique cultural perspectives that influence they way they understand and practice gospel principles. The leadership is trying to speak to ALL of us, all 16 + million, and that no doubt is a heavy burden! If something said in conference doesn’t seem to be applicable or relevant to you individually, be open to the fact that it might be exactly what one group of saints thousands of miles from you need to hear.
2) That we see a continued sense of “genuine” persona from our leaders---leaving behind the generation’s old style of “from the prompter” type speaking and pushing towards a more genuine presentation of emotion and relatability.
3) That we as saints remember that our leaders are PEOPLE, not microphones (to paraphrase Abraham Heschel). While we sustain our 15 as “prophets, seers, and revelators,” that does negate the reality that messages are still delivered to us in the congregation through the lens of lived experience, personal bias, and best intentions. That is why there are 15 of them, and that is why the restoration is “ongoing” --- if we as a people are a work in progress, surely then, so is the church.
4) Listen with COMPASSION. This has been said over and over by those wiser than me, so I will just second those things that have been said. Listen with compassion to the speakers, listen with compassion to the responses your brothers and sisters have to the speakers, and listen to YOUR OWN response with compassion. We are, all of us, in a unique place of lived experience and understanding on our “faith journey.” PLEASE provide AMPLE GRACE to allow people their own reactions to the speakers, even if that differs from your own. Through that grace, it is my hope is that we can have authentic discussion and processing that will lead to edification and a sense of community.
And lastly…
My Predictions
It goes without saying that, shortly before a general conference, a common past-time of many Latter-day Saints is predicting what “might” be said from the pulpit. I am no exception to that rule and enjoy throwing in my two cents. So. In light of the direction from President Nelson in regards to conference preparation, as well as the social climate of the church, “hot topics,” and things being discussed from the pulpit these last few general conferences, I think there is a good possibility that
1) Young women will now pass the sacrament alongside the young men.
2) Women will now take part in both blessings of comfort and healing, as well as participating in the blessing of a child (exactly how, I am not certain).
3) Some kind of formal titles will be given to Bishop’s wives, Stake President’s Wives, Mission President’s wives, etc. to better formalize the reality of work those women engage in alongside their husbands.
While I have thought out each of these “potentials” and have solid academic/scriptural reasoning behind them, please take this part with a grain of salt, (as do I!). Time will tell! Happy General Conference, all.
[1] https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/church/news/2020-a-bicentennial-year-with-april-conference-different-from-any-previous-conference-president-nelson-says?lang=eng [2] https://juvenileinstructor.org/called-home-missionaries-and-prophecy-in-the-latter-day-saint-tradition/?fbclid=IwAR2yNFgJzBkfbAg-3TkaKeO4pGNs2S9SvsGUQk5bLPstWeHuJHy3TJtha-Q [3] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgHvyfqHfcw&t=2s
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