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LDS leader's '07 address still causing controversy

in the LDS church often make me cringe when I hear them speak. As I listen to them it is apparent that so many of them have never lived overseas or have been exposed to any other culture. One spa=eaker years ago spoke on her daughters dating habits and driving the car to her prom. I wonder how many women and girls in Taiwan, or South America could remoely identify with her talk. The problem is that many LDS Utahns tend to project thier culture to the world and expose thier limited understandings.

Let's get one thing clear here... The LDS church is not a democracy. If you have a problem with the doctine either get over it or leave, it's that simple. The doctrine of the church comes from God, not from men, so who are men (and women) to question the authority and doctrines of God? Come on people! You can argue and 'discuss' all you want, but that will never change the facts or the church's stand on issues. Sister Beck's talk was inspired and would not have been allowed in conference if it was not directly in line with the church's teachings. I find it interesting that a mere 500 women who have taken issue with this talk are getting such media coverage when there are over 5 or 6 million women in the church and the rest of us were uplifted by this talk and grateful to hear it.

The article states that the panel discussed that Sister Becks comments:

"narrow the role of women in the church by minimizing the contribution of those who don't have children and stay at home to raise them"

I would also question the contribution of someone who DOES NOT have children yet STILL insists on staying home to raise them...

Not because I think they're lesser people, but because something fishy must be going on...

I think the problem here, is that there are many people that are looking for an excuse to be offended. Sis. Beck's talk was directed, specifically to MOTHERS. The topic of single mothers and contributions by women--throughout history--has been addressed by leaders on previous occasions. Sis. Beck wanted to address MOTHERS, and their role in raising and nurturing children. You're looking beyond the mark. Sis. Beck's talk did not mention working mothers, single mothers, single women, or divorced OR widowed women. Her remarks were directed at MOTHERS. It is hard to believe that you people could spend several hours dissecting a twenty-minute talk. Don't you have more to do?

WWJD

As a non-Mormon, I found her talk to be excellent. The lady is right on the money. It is feminist ideology and liberalism that has contributed to the decay of America for many years. If mothers would listen to this woman - not just Mormon mothers, but ALL mothers, our country and our children would be much better off. Women have more "power" then they realize, and that power shows years later when their children grow up to be good men and women - or "not".

Motherhood (and fatherhood) are the most important "jobs" people can undertake. A man (woman) may be CEO of the biggest corporation, but when all is said and done, all that remains (on Earth) after they are gone are their children.

The people who complained about what she had to say should just get a life. No one is forcing them to read/listen to her comments.

Sister Beck is in a leadership position but she is not the prophet or an apostle. I don't see her words hold the same weight as thiers.
I can see what she is saying but a more sensitive approach to the situation could work a little better.

"Aagard was approached by several audience members in the hallway after the presentation, defending her right not to be offended by what church leaders say about her role. One man told her, "You're a slave and you don't even know it.""

Typical hypocrisy from a so-called open-minded liberal!

I hope the responses that this article are sure to generate in this comment section are enlightening. This is a great topic to consider. Often, so much of what it written here is said with such vitriol and anger against the LDS church that the messsage loses all its potential meaning in a rush of negative emotions. Folks, how about thinking first, then writing, and let's get a good dialogue going here. And remember, th fact that someone has a different opinion than your doesn't make yours less valid or theirs wrong.

Some people just can't see the eternal perspective can they? They want worldly achievements that won't mean anything in the after life...

Does anyone recall men acting this way after being chewed out by one of the general authorities in the church? I�ve been to a lot of priesthood sessions and there seems to always be at least one talk from someone telling men to grow up, honor their priesthood, and start acting like men. These talks, while making many men uncomfortable, usually motivate the majority of attendees to be better fathers, husbands, and priesthood holders. Women get a similar talk and they fall to pieces. For years I�ve thought the female members of the church were more mature and the church would fall apart without them. Maybe I need to reconsider my position.

I am glad that this topic was brought up. As an Active LDS man, I was troubled by the original 07 talk.
A women's spiritual credit rating is not determined by the number of offspring and BYU grads she raises.

As a father who washes dishes, changes diapers, and reads stories to my children, I am grateful for words of encouragement by Sister Beck for my wife of seven children. On a daily basis, I see what an incredible sacrifice it is for her. Society seems to only validate women whose lives are centered outside the home. I recognize that many women can't have children, and are in the workplace whether they want to be or not. And clearly many of these women are accomplished professionals. But all of that should not diminish the incredible work done by women who are having children and rarely get any validation for doing so.

You're dreaming if you think 5-6 million women heard that talk. It's significant that 500 women have risked their membership to talk about how they feel.

You are absolutely correct about the content not being allowed if it wasn't directly in line with church teachings. All talks are vetted beforehand. Interesting that. If the speaker was chosen by inspiration and prepared their talk by inspiration then I suppose it's just good form to double-check them.

This is a perfect example where we are called to be in the world but not of the world, we can't secularlize the role of womanhood, nor manhood. There are God ordained roles that are completely equal in necessity and importance. Families are central to God's plan, through the restoration we learn that God blesses us individually in helping us become more christlike, but also blesses us as families. We are called to be good sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, etc. The family is so important to God, and because its so important to God, it should be equally important to us. Satan's greatest weapon is to attack families, to break them up with pride, anger, selfishness. To tear them apart with immorality by breaking law of chastity. Instead of fighting within about what offends us, we should be uniting together to defend the family, to defend the roles of fathers and mothers, to defend the sanctity of marraige, the responsibility of taking care of children, to live the higher law. God is such a loving heavenly Father and I'm so grateful for his Gospel and this church that remains steadfast in an unsteady world.

Thank you Sister Beck for your inspired conference address. The fact that it is stirring so much discussion among these women is evidence that this was exactly what was needed to be said. You are an inspiring leader and your address was a masterpiece.

I am happy to have my wife work. I lost out on two tenure track positions at BYU because they were being pushed to hire females. Now, I get to send the kids off to school and meet them when they come home. While most men are commuting, I'm playing basketball with the kids. What a deal!

Teaching the ideal does one of a few different things. 1) it draws the ire of those that don't believe that it is the ideal, 2) it makes some who don't live up to the ideal feel guilty, and 3) it makes others who don't live up to the ideal want to strive towards it. This article describes all three responses. Clearly, Church leaders are hoping that people will respond in the third way, while knowing that many will respond in one of the first two ways. However, don't expect Church leaders, like anyone else who strongly believe they are right, to change their tune.

Sister Beck's talk sopke of an ideal way to mother. Something to strive for. I don't live the ideal she was talking of even though I'm a mother. I work and my husband stays home (working frelance). I wasn't offended by her talk in the least bit. I think people will always look for ways to criticize and she is unfortunately the recipient of the criticism.

To "Women-Leaders". Your comments were based mostly on asssumptions. People with your frame of mind and attitude will always look for the negative as you have done. To "I sustain Sister Beck and Bear Hug "- Bravo to you enlightened women and I ditto everything you said. We do know what is right and will never compromise what we know to be true. We just have to pray for these women who are choosing to question what is good in our lives. Hopefully their eyes will be opened and their hearts softened.