I recently ran across a new approach to false doctrine: praising it.
As in:
“Dear President [insert name of Area Authority]:
I was so excited when Bishop X, of the YY 13th Ward taught a lesson recently, I had to write you to suggest that he should be the lead speaker at the upcoming Stake Conference. What he taught was so striking, I’m also copying the Ensign because I am certain they will want to commission an article by him. His doctrine is spreading like wildfire and it was a dramatic realization to me.
He explained that foreordination extends to all of the things that happen in this life. That we choose everything that happens. He wanted us to know that human suffering is something that people choose from before this life or is part of the judgments of God and that we do wrong by interfering. Obviously, with a higher understanding we no longer need to pay fast offerings or worry about others.
It was amazing doctrine, and liberating too. It seems to make everyone more relaxed and happier with what they are doing, or not doing, with their time and their money. If only more people understood the way the gospel all fits together to remove guilt and that we are engaging in pride and rebellion against God when we try to change the lot of the poor, I think we would have less sin in the world.
I know you won’t want to miss out on the chance to fully appreciate the doctrine or the impact it can have beyond our ward. Already people are passing along summaries to family members and friends in other wards.
Sincerely yours,
You can imagine the impact that such a letter might have. I’ll bet you can think of half a dozen other places a similar letter might be written.
I’m still debating the considerations of sending out such a letter when you don’t have mistaken enthusiasm for the doctrine.
On the other hand, they sure can draw some attention. 😉
Wheat & Tares 
I don’t know if it’s necessarily “false doctrine” to everyone. While the 13 million LDS members may disagree with it, over 1 BILLION Hindus would actually agree with it.
Some basic tenets of Hinduism:
– We are all born into roles (castes) which reflect what happened prior to this life, and which are designed by God to teach us what we need to move on after this life
– Our primary goal should be learning to accept our lot in this world and to praise God as we go about our daily lives
– We will ultimately be judged by God on how we accept the role that God has defined for us.
I’m pretty sure I predetermined this to be false doctrine in a previous life!
I actually sent my lette yesterday. I’m looking forward to the response.
Awesome Jeff! Well played sir.
Re Stephen
Seems like a great strategy. I’ve actually been pondering something like this. But then I was called to the YM presidency and no longer have to deal with false doctrine. Anyone ever noticed how the young people seem to stick to the basics? Nice!
Is it entirely honest to pretend to be enthusiastic about a speech, when the truth is the opposite?
Only if you know the recipient of your enthusiasm lacks the recognizing sarcasm gene.
Mike S.:
Seems like Christianity is in for some serious conversation with Hinduism. I now understand why there is conflict among the faiths in India, and why Christianity makes its inroads among the poor.
PaulMI have the sarcasm gene, but I tend to overindulge its expression in my life. The post was hilarious, though. Thanks to Steve M.
Nice, Steve.
Thomas, well, of course the writer of the letter at issue was excited about the doctrine.
But you can see my conflict to the extent I’m tempted to do something similar to get the same result when I’m not enthusiastic about the doctrine.
Wowzers. I think I’m too diplomatic to actually send something like this, but I can appreciate it between friends.
Now that would be fun, making up “praise” for various things 😉
“Now that would be fun, making up “praise” for various things”
Some call it General Conference….. 🙂
False doctrine, there’s a lot of that going around. This past fast and testimony meeting I sat up in the front pew because I wanted to bear my testimony. The woman sitting next to me started a conversation and I said I wanted to sit up front to be the first because I get to anxious and it helps me concentrate better. She began twisting everything I said and I finally told her I no longer wanted to continue the conversation. She, however pushed on and shoved scripture at me and stated that I was letting Satan influence me. She then had the nerve to tell me that I needed to develop a relationship with God. Are you kidding me. I told her she was being annoying and got up and walked away. I still got up and bore testimony, but it wasn’t near what I wanted it to be because I was still angry.
I’m sick of people pushing this crap on me. First of all, illness has nothing to do with Satan. Illness has to do with us agreeing to have a mortal body. And people saying that to people who have mental health disorders are in serious need of mental health check up themselves. Seriously, right before I want to get up and bear testimony. Can there be land of misfit mormons who insist on imposing there former belief system on the general population. All I can say is she is lucky I walked away, I don’t promise to do that the next time and in as much told my bishop that to.