To my fellow Latter-day Saints on Yahoo! Answers... What do you think of Elder Ballard's recommendation?

Question

Speaking at a graduation ceremony, Elder Ballard urged BYU-H graduates to participate in online discussions about the Church. http://www.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/apostle-urges-students-to-use-new-media

I'll admit that I feel like I'm addicted to Yahoo! Answers, and that I waste too much of my time on here. However, after reading this article, I actually feel better about spending so much time answering questions about the Church.

Of particular interest to me were the following statements:

"...conversations about the Church would take place [online] whether or not Church members decided to participate in them."

"We cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches."

"Perceptions of the Church are established one conversation at a time."

Answer 1

I followed Elder Ballard's admonition about Internet forum discussions three years ago--an act that reactivated me in the Church.

I had been inactive from 1972 to 2004. In November 2004, after obtaining the Internet hook-up, I quickly noticed on a message board all the inaccuracies about the Church and began to respond. This led to doing research to confirm my answers.

There was, and still persists, much antagonism toward the LDS Church on these forums, but I immediately made it known I refused to be confrontational; that I'd only post the best accurate reply possible and let the reader determine for his or herself my answer.

My participation in that message board forum has waned, but I monitor, and sometimes, add my two cents to a question or statement about Church doctrine for those genuinely interested.

Because of Internet interaction, I am back on the right road toward righteousness and am currently serving as a stake high councilor--all because I had to respond to attacks on Mormonism. My testimony has built beyond my expectations and I know beyond doubt this Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the true restored church upon earth and will be here when the Savior returns to the world the second time.

Answer 2

That is SO cool! After the last General Conference I wrote Elder Holland a letter thanking him for his talk. I explained that the Friday before Conference there were several questions about Conference on Yahoo Answers, one of which was from a non-member who said that he wanted to know where he could go to see General Conference because he was curious about the church but wanted to know more about it and our beliefs on Jesus Christ before he went forward and asked the missionaries. I told Elder Holland that this young man said that he would go and listen and "if they speak of Christ then I'll know that they are Christian". During Elder Holland's talk I thought about the young man and hoped he was listening. The Monday after Conference I went back to his question and edited my response to include a link to Elder Holland's talk and noticed other's had done the same.
I didn't think Elder Holland would respond, but to my surprise he did and said that he was glad that any of his words might help and encourage someone on the world wide web. (I paraphrase, but that's the gist of his remarks.)
And now to hear that Elder Ballard is also approving of Internet conversations about the church. Well, it makes me feel so much better about my time here. My intent when I started this was to use this as a way to strengthen my testimony in the hopes that one day I would feel comfortable bearing my testimony in Fast & Testimony meeting. That hasn't happened yet, but I really do enjoy answer questions about the church on here. And I agree with Elder Ballard, the preceptions of the church ARE established one conversation at a time. If all anyone hears about the church is that from our critics then no wonder we hear some of the crazy things we hear on here. I think it's important that those of us who are comfortable doing so, share our knowledge and beliefs online in forums like this.

It makes me wonder if there will ever be an online mission. Probably not, but wouldn't that be an interesting mission to have?

Answer 3

I am here to help those that I can with clear answers to clear questions. I try to use discernment to know which questions are worth answering. None of us has the time to catch every question crosses this forum. I rely upon each of the other respondents to catch the questions that I miss and I'm sure they do the same.
As for Pastor Art and others, these answers on this board are not definitive. We have opinions that may not be completely correct. I'm sure that most of us try to answer to the best of our ability but we might get something wrong from time to time. The scriptures and personal revelation in response to humble prayer is where you will find definitive answers.
As for hiding things, we prefer not to make common that which is sacred. If I am talking to you face to face in a private conversation, I can give you better answers than I can give on a public forum. Even though we try to answer sincere questions, there are profane individuals on this forum that will mock and belittle what should be a serious subject response. Therefore, certain subjects will not be discussed in here as being inappropriate.
So for any that have specific questions of a delicate or sacred nature, then please contact one of us privately for a personal response.

Answer 4

Elder Ballard's recommendations confirm what the Holy Spirit has already told me... that it is important to the Lord that I do spend time on Y!A.

Like many of you said, I have also found a much stronger spiritual feeling through thinking about and answering questions... but I think it's more than that. I felt the same powerful spiritual feeling when I was doing family history research on a regular basis. The Spirit is telling me that these things are important to the Lord.

Like guitarpicker said, the opposition gives us so much opportunity to grow. I experienced the same feelings as a teenager while defending the faith to my father, who was a very outspoken critic of the church in our home. Every time I spoke calmly and rationally against his tirade, I felt an outpouring of the Spirit.

As we strive to have the Holy Spirit to guide all of our words, we feel and express a *LOVE*... that strengthens the hearts of everyone involved.

LDS shouldn't get angry and report people. Fight evil with love, and wrong thought with information, given in a spirit of innocent faith. Assume the best intentions ... having faith in people makes them feel loved, which softens their hearts to feel the Spirit of the Lord.

When Jesus did answer those who were trying to trick him, it was usually with a calm, rational answer that completely stumped his critics. He spoke with overwhelming love and compassion, touching people's hearts. We can do that, too, if we have faith in people, and go with the feelings of the Holy Spirit, which feel like *LOVE.*

Answer 5

That is why I am back on today. We need to speak up and make our voices heard. This is part of taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth.

However, there have been some valid criticisms stated here. Those who are going to respond online need to do their homework first.

Pastor Art, when you say "documents" are you referring to something you have read yourself, or to quotes you have read in other books? It might make a big difference.

If it isn't in the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, or statements from, or endorsed by, a President of the church, then I wouldn't consider it a source document.

Answer 6

So far I've felt very good about spending a little time on Yahoo Answers answering religious questions.

However, if you feel guilty or addicted, you're most likely spending too much time. I've found that it's easy to procrastinate doing certain important tasks by spending too much time in good but less important activities. It's easy to spend time on Yahoo Answers, so I've had to be careful with it.

Answer 7

Aww, you beat me to it --

I'm wondering if this means we regulars have been inspired? or if this is merely justification for our time spent here...
but seriously, I often shy away from negative comments and rants, not seeing any reason to answer merely to get 2 points... after seeing Elder Ballard's talk, I realize that I need to answer more often, if only to make sure the truth is found in every 'conversation' about the Church.

Answer 8

There is so much misinformation spread across the Internet, and much of it is opinion passed off as doctrine.
I consider it a very good idea that Mormons go on-line and distribute true and accurate info.
It amazed me how much incorrect stuff is out there and how much non Mormons shares stuff as "correct" when it is so inaccurate.

Answer 9

Thank you for that information, I'll have to go back and read that address more thoroughly, but I am still here and will continue to answer for my beliefs...

To an earlier poster - we do know what we stand for - the reason that you seem to think that we don't is that you already have your mind made up and don't want to listen to what we have to say... if you have any questions, feel free to email me...

Answer 10

Yes, that was cool. I was thinking of retiring from yahoo after Christmas and may still do that for a while, but then I read that and thought, hmm, maybe just standing up for what you believe helps in indirect ways as well.