This seems especially appropriate for those of us who spend time on Mormon blogs. This is from Elder Quentin L. Cook:
Many who are in a spiritual drought and lack commitment have not necessarily been involved in major sins or transgressions, but they have made unwise choices. Some are casual in their observance of sacred covenants. Others spend most of their time giving first-class devotion to lesser causes. Some allow intense cultural or political views to weaken their allegiance to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some have immersed themselves in Internet materials that magnify, exaggerate, and, in some cases, invent shortcomings of early Church leaders. Then they draw incorrect conclusions that can affect testimony. Any who have made these choices can repent and be spiritually renewed.
Sounds like the Brethren have been reading the bloggernacle.
While I feel like “internet Mormons” are often willing to ignore the good about early church leaders and focus on the bad, I also feel like sometimes church leaders and well-meaning members give off the impression, either through words or deeds, that “the faithful must ignore the bad and focus on the good” of early church leaders. My own path through life now involves recognizing both exist, and not trying to deny either truth. This is how the truth has made me free…
Heh, when he said that I thought of the bloggernacle too…
What Elder Neil L. Andersen said reminded me of a different part of the Bloggernacle: “There is an important principle that governs the doctrine of the Church. The doctrine is taught by all fifteen members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. It is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk. True principles are taught frequently and by many. Our doctrine is not difficult to find.”