The gospel really is simple. The “dumbed down” stuff really is the basics gospel. Look in 3rd Nephi where the Lord says “this is my doctine”, then gives the doctrine, then says “what I just gave you is my doctine.” It’s short and sweet. “Scholars” and “intellectuals” try to make too much of the gospel.

Agree on Deseret Book. But then, its owned by the church.

On God’s favorite scripture, I think the only _specific_ book of scripture that we’ve been commanded to read (aside from being told to “search [all] the scriptures”) is the book of Isaiah, as told in 3 Nephi chapter 23.

OOHHHH Brian, start a discussion about Deseret Book issues. I have one. Order from them and it takes a month. Order from Amazon and it rarely takes longer than a week.

I do not mind John BTW for teens. He is good at motivating them. I think that adults should have moved past him in their spiritual/gospel knowledge level. I gag at the dumbing down of adults. I expect my mind to be stretched and expanded by professional speakers. John BTW is entertaining like TV. Too much TV turns the brain to mush.

I still think John Btw made a good case for the scripture, but I think there are many scriptures we have not had a chance to love yet. Who knows, the sealed portion could have a scripture highlighted that says, “This is my favorite scripture.”

I have not gone to a “Time Out for Women” because I am boycotting it. I agree that as a business Deseret Book has the right to conduct business any way they see fit. What sticks in my craw, is they have the right to advertise at church (get called a fireside rather than a seminar) and no one else is allowed to.

Brian what you describe is true. It also goes for business owners in a not a LDS majority area. They expect the member’s business too. This subject makes me cranky.

Good points, Geoff.

My dislike is driven by my experience working at an LDS format radio station and meeting people in the LDS entertainment business. There was an attitude with SOME of the entertainers that all Mormons should buy their music and owed them a living. I saw behavior and attitudes that I considered reprehensible and that left a sour, if not bitter taste in my mouth.

I’m not easily won over, I guess is what I’m trying to say.

–People who make money giving speeches (of all political and religious persuasions).
–People who make money putting on inspirational seminars.
–All people who run “for profit” web sites.
–All people who write books.
–The Brethren, who do not have other jobs and are compensated for leading and directing the Church (isn’t their job to inspire and lead people?).

I am NOT saying that John Bytheway is comparable to the Brethren. I have actually never been to any of his talks and only heard snippets here and there. I can tell you that there are many, many young men and women who appreciate him and whose testimonies are helped by him.

My only point is that people rush to condemn people for making money on the fireside circuit, but I don’t think they’re thinking through all of the implications of such a position. Yes, firesides are usually free, and serving in the Church is usually not compensated, but is making money from firesides wrong? If so, how about making money from writing inspiring Mormon books? And if that is wrong, how about writing Mormon history or academic books? And where do you draw the line?

Note: this comment is not aimed at your #8 — it is meant to get people to think about the reflexive “I don’t like John Bytheway” position many people take.

I’m always leery and guarded when it comes to paid firesides and conferences like these. My wife said it was a huge spiritual uplift, which I don’t doubt, but I have a hard time supporting people who make their money on the fireside circuit.