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President Monson's messages: New temples and keep feelings in check
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What? | 9:33 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009
So, I just read the article about the unveiling of the sword of Joseph Smith.
Very interesting. Now what was that you were saying about anger Brother Monson?
What? | 11:02 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009
It's President Monson...and yes Joseph Smith had several weapons, in fact
was ordered by the US government to start the Mormon Battalion, weapons yes
anger not so sure. I would be a little angry in his shoes myself, but I
seriously doubt that he was. You try being tarred and feathered and not have any
anger...hmmm thought so.
Don't comment | 11:13 p.m. Oct. 3, 2009
Avoid anger? I guess that means no reading, or responding, to comments
anymore.
;-(
;-(
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 12:05 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
weapons are not physical manifestations of anger. They are tools that can be
used for good or ill. Just like all of man's tools.
I'm Mormon | 12:10 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Did we stop reading the old testament? Didn't Jesus get mad at the money
changers? Anger is part of the human-and divine-experience. To say that anger is
aligned with Satan ignores the scriptural accounts of past prophets. This is a
curious conference talk and one that deserves scholarly scrutiny.
Bernard | 1:07 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Yes brother, pls allow me to remind you that our Prophet is a man called of God
and we as humble faithfull servants should obey and heed the words of our
Prophet. Modern day revelation and councel are given to us today for our
salvation.
SdSmith | 1:09 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Why would he equate anger with evil? Anger is a natural emotion, and as a
mother of a child with behavioral problems, I know that we are taught that anger
is a perfectly acceptable emotion, it is how you express it, or process it that
can be troublesome. It is very healthy to be angry, just deal with it
appropriately.
Andrea | 1:12 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Why is it that with literature, like Dante or Shakespeare, we deepen our
analysis, we ponder the words, context, historical environment, possible
interpretations and so on, and with the most important and profound of any
books, the Holy Scriptures, we proceed as if they were non-sense poems for
children? Did Jesus got mad? Well, I believe the choice of words is important...
He was NOT mad. At all. What about righteous indignation? What about the
difference between divine anger and human (natural man) anger? Not quite the
same, aren't they?
Chad | 1:13 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
I'd bet he's referring to the equation Anger + Stupidity = Hate. If I
judged the people here in UT by the responses in these forums, I'd have to
say that President Monson has a point.
Mik | 2:16 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
mormon: we didnt stop reading old testament or new testament, which you propably
referred to.
But we believe in continuous revelation. And even Christ said to Nephites that contention is of the devil in 3 Nephi 11.
Love all, serve all. That was Christs core message.
But we believe in continuous revelation. And even Christ said to Nephites that contention is of the devil in 3 Nephi 11.
Love all, serve all. That was Christs core message.
Anonymous | 2:18 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Sometimes people tend to stuff angry feelings that manifest themselves in the
form of depression, hopelessness and self destruction. Unfortunately we
don't always realize what is happening and things get out of hand before we
actually realize what is happening. This lends itself to mental illness and
other disorders.
KLD | 3:16 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
I think the average listener knows the kind of anger he's talking about.
Most of us have felt it and know we should do better. It deserves scholarly
scrutiny, yes, but faithful adherence, even more.
Psychologist | 4:48 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
President Monson is right - but it takes some emotional maturity to understand
what he is saying. Feelings come and go but we decide to entertain them or act
upon them. We can choose to put the feeling of anger away and replace it with
another, more productive feeling (and consequent action). We always have a
choice.
Therapists understand that anger is just a cover for our more vulnerable feelings of hurt and fear. So, if we commit ourselves to deny anger then we are better able to discover and address our deeper, truer feelings. Anger is just the facade we choose to keep from feeling those more tender feelings. You can argue this truth but that doesn't make it any less true.
Therapists understand that anger is just a cover for our more vulnerable feelings of hurt and fear. So, if we commit ourselves to deny anger then we are better able to discover and address our deeper, truer feelings. Anger is just the facade we choose to keep from feeling those more tender feelings. You can argue this truth but that doesn't make it any less true.
In Herriman | 5:36 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
We know that Jesus drove the money changers out of the temple. That, alone, is
not evidence that he was angry. Jesus showed no anger during his illegal arrest,
illegal trials, torture and crucifixion. And all of that is in the New
Testament. ;)
To I'm Mormon | 5:41 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
I must have missed Jesus and the money changers in the "Old
Testament." I re-call it very well in the New Testament. So much for
"scholarly scrutiny."
Are we really going to push back on controlling our anger? I mean really? All the hate in this world and a message about being better people needs to be "scrutinized." I give up!
Are we really going to push back on controlling our anger? I mean really? All the hate in this world and a message about being better people needs to be "scrutinized." I give up!
Elwood Johnson | 5:52 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
President Monson's remarks are right on for this time in our nations
history.
Carole Knowles | 5:56 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
It is human nature to get angry. It is divine nature to not stay angry. We are
His children. We have the ability to move on.
Anonymous | 6:10 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
I'm Mormon:
Righteous anger is one thing, like being upset when one's sacred beliefs or traditions are maligned, or when you or someone close to you is deeply wronged.
Beating a toddler near to death, however, because she pulls your game system off the shelf, or flying off at other people who hold differing opinions or don't meet your expectations, is the kind of petty, unrighteous anger President Monson was referring to.
Anger is a natural thing to feel, but it's what you do with it that counts.
Righteous anger is one thing, like being upset when one's sacred beliefs or traditions are maligned, or when you or someone close to you is deeply wronged.
Beating a toddler near to death, however, because she pulls your game system off the shelf, or flying off at other people who hold differing opinions or don't meet your expectations, is the kind of petty, unrighteous anger President Monson was referring to.
Anger is a natural thing to feel, but it's what you do with it that counts.
To I'm Mormon | 6:52 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
I don't believe you are Mormon. Old testament? You are trying to
criticize the indefensible. Everyone knows anger is not a good emotion to act
out on and causes only trouble.
Anonymous | 7:12 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
To "I'm Mormon," since when did Jesus get mad in the OLD
TESTAMENT? He wasn't even BORN in the Old Testament. Scholarly scrutiny is
the hallmark of intellectual apostacy. It's time to humbly ask in prayer,
not argue a point...that's the point, let go of your anger and feel!!
J.Council | 7:36 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Could not help notice all the controversial comments here but on a more positive
less religious point, I shall never forget the kind relationships with my many
LDS friends for over 30 years. I've traveled globally and in most of the
states and while living in Utah I've found the LDS people a kind and
generous people even though I diverge with some of their religious teaching. I
recall the saying of a former metrology lab co-worker from Hercules Aerospace,
"When the saints meet; the heaven's weep." Thought that was a
humorous comment yet still recall that and other expressions with regards.
I'm Mormon Too | 7:48 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
To "I'm Mormon." Apparently you don't read the Bible at
all. Jesus was in the New Testament. In Matthew Jesus taught, "Ye have
heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever
shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That
whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the
judgment." In my opinion Jesus' anger at the temple was with cause as
they had made his house a den of thieves. So you can take your anger issues and
all the scholars and dead prophets, as for me and my house we will follow Jesus
Christ and take counsel from a living prophet in our time. See you at Church
next Sunday?
Anger and Pride | 7:51 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
If we look at the examples President Monson provided in his talk, we see that
each one had pride as a factor with the anger. This anger is uncontrolled and
leads people to act in a manner that they ordinarily wouldn't act in.
Rarely do we see accounts of what Elder Talmage referred to as "righteous anger", involving Christ casting out the moneychangers and Joseph Smith speaking to the prison guards at Liberty Jail. There is an Ensign article about anger and contention I found useful which was published in September of 1988 I suggest those who are interested to take a look at.
Rarely do we see accounts of what Elder Talmage referred to as "righteous anger", involving Christ casting out the moneychangers and Joseph Smith speaking to the prison guards at Liberty Jail. There is an Ensign article about anger and contention I found useful which was published in September of 1988 I suggest those who are interested to take a look at.
@I'm mormon | 7:55 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
I think there is an obvious difference between god's righteous indignation
and us becoming angry over trifling things. Anger is not conducive to the
spirit of the Lord, the whole point of his talk. Christ was not angry, he was
disappointed and righteously indignant. We must realize that the biblical
translation are what they are, meaning they probably didn't have many words
to describe disappointment or irritation beyond the word "anger."
Ryan | 7:57 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
I'm Mormon, it's not that hard to do the scholarly scrutiny. James
1:19-20. You can read the whole thing but it states in part, "For the wrath
of man worketh not the righteousness of God." There are multiple times
where the Lord states, "Vengeance is mine," telling us to leave it to
him to repay. I do not have space to go into all the nuances here. There is a
difference between righteous indignation and anger, and one need only look
around to see the tragic results of mankind acting upon anger. That is what he
is talking about. How about Psalm 37:8? "Cease from anger and forsake
wrath." Or Psalms 16:32, "He that is slow to anger is better than the
mighty." Or Eph 4:31, or Eccl. 7:9? These are Old and New Testament
scriptures dealing with the dangers of anger. I do not think this will pose much
of a scholarly challenge to see that this teaching is in harmony with both the
Old and New Testament teachings on anger.
fani | 8:00 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Pres. Monson's message is about anger and it's effects on our lives.
Is is ok to be angry? sure it is but don't let that anger dictate your
life.
If you are angry because your team lost, or dinner is not ready, or you lost your job, etc - these are the feelings that we need to refrain from because it will create more problems at our homes.
If you are angry because your team lost, or dinner is not ready, or you lost your job, etc - these are the feelings that we need to refrain from because it will create more problems at our homes.
Jason | 8:09 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
One of the talks said something about getting an education. Anger comes from
ignorance. Learning conflict resolution skills or taking an anger management
course might be useful. It also would be useful if this was taught in church or
schools...
As far as what Jesus did was in consequence of their robbing people and making the temple a marketplace. This is what is called righteous anger the same kind of anger that a parent has when a child has not followed the rules and gives them the consequence for their behavior.
As far as what Jesus did was in consequence of their robbing people and making the temple a marketplace. This is what is called righteous anger the same kind of anger that a parent has when a child has not followed the rules and gives them the consequence for their behavior.
Oh my | 8:29 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
"This is a talk that deserves scholarly scrutiny"
OH Dear
OH Dear
American Citizen | 8:32 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
You choose the words, anger, indignation, protest, etc. Jesus aggressively
dealt with greedey men in the Temple of Solomon. An American Soldier with a
weapon defending his country is also agressively doing a dirty job that has to
be done.
The anger referred to in this conference talk is the foolish loss of self control. It's dangerous and stupid. Road rage kills people.
The anger referred to in this conference talk is the foolish loss of self control. It's dangerous and stupid. Road rage kills people.
Cosmo | 8:32 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Re:I'm Mormon; You must have meant the New Testament.
Anonymous | 8:46 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
I do believe that Jesus in the New Testament, and not the Old Testament. And if
you actually listened to his talk, he spoke of harboring anger and getting angry
at things of little or no consequence.
Julio Inostroza | 8:47 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
What a Joy¡ for Saints in Concepcion Chile, after so many years of rumors
and expectatiosn, we finally have a Temple.But, now we have to work to keep this
Sacred House busy.
Ed Meyer | 8:47 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
I'm thinking that controlling your anger and not beating your wife is
better than using Jesus example at the temple as a reason to justify anger. My
guess is that the key is learning to control anger. Once you have learned to
control it then, perhaps, anger could be an appropriate response though I'm
not sure I'm a good enough man to get to that point.
Mentay | 8:50 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
The writer Scott Taylor did an excellent job with the recap. Great conference so
far. I can't wait to hear the rest of the talks today. Conference is like
an oasis in a dry desert.
NEW TESTAMENT | 8:51 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
The account of Jesus and the money changers is in the NEW TESTAMENT. It is often
missquoted in attempts to justify acting out anger but I believe Jesus Christ is
a loving person and in control of his emotions and do not believe we need to act
out and use this story to pretend that is the message. We were not there to hear
his voice and inflexions. He took charge when HIS father's temple was being
desecrated and directed the profiteers to leave. We did not live in that time
and place to fully understand the culture and how it was viewed at the time. I
follow Jesus Christ's example by keeping calm and at peace, loving my
family and others and when something is amiss sternly speaking the truth without
anger or malice. I seriously disagree that HE would have been screaming or
shouting, or angrily using whips on PEOPLE as if to "punish" or
discipline them - although discipline means teach!
To: I'm Mormon | 8:55 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
We haven't stopped reading the Old Testament, but I think you know that.
If you were a scholar of the Scriptures, you would understand that Christ was
not angry but righteously indignant. If you were a scholar, you wouldn't
try to infer things in President Monson's talk that weren't there, and
would take it in context..........
If you wish to scrutinize in a scholarly manner, please start with your own views.
If you wish to scrutinize in a scholarly manner, please start with your own views.
Cats | 8:56 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
I can't believe all the weird comments. He's telling us to try not to
be angry. That's good counsel. How could anyone argue with that.
We all have anger at times. We're all human. He's just asking us to try not to be angry as much as possible. That's all. I don't think it requires a lot of "scholarly scrutiny." It's pretty plain on the face of it. Good Grief!!!!
We all have anger at times. We're all human. He's just asking us to try not to be angry as much as possible. That's all. I don't think it requires a lot of "scholarly scrutiny." It's pretty plain on the face of it. Good Grief!!!!
Shelley | 8:57 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Give the councel of the General Authorities, including President Monson, a try. See if it improves your life.
Some people go around with a chip on their shoulder, just waiting for a family member, a co-worker to justify the anger these people feel. Is this a good thing? Does it build strong families or work places?
About the sword and weapons-- well, that is just silly. If you took all of the weapons out of Utah, there would be no hunters, fishermen, they carry knives to clean the fish or police. Anger and weapons should not mix. Use you heads people and your hearts when you listen to General Conference. The messages are for the world, not just those of us who live in Utah. There are profound truths spoken of, by men of God. Where else can you find such wisdom-- CNN?
Some may need help | 8:59 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
In Matthew 23 it is recorded that Jesus spoke of those who through deceit would
twist words and strain at this or that but who would omit the weightier matters.
This is good teaching here. Take what you can from it. Those who do will
become every day better and better. Those who mock and spurn will not. Find
the good, abandon the bad. We all need to allow less room for anger and more
for compassion and charity. Thank you for these kind insightful words at
General Conference. We obviously need them. Just take these posts for example.
Juan Figuroa | 9:22 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
To Sd Smith: Anger is a secondary emotion, and while it may be
"natural," it's not inevitable. Here's why: The primary
emotions that give rise to anger (ie, sadness, hurt, disappointment,
frustration, et al) are inevitable, but needn't manifest as anger.
Anger's a choice. One could just as easily choose more productive responses to primary emotions. The Savior wasn't "angry" when He threw out the moneychangers. He was proactive in fixing a problem.
It might even have LOOKED like anger to an observer. But it wasn't. It was productive, purposeful action.
Anger's a choice. One could just as easily choose more productive responses to primary emotions. The Savior wasn't "angry" when He threw out the moneychangers. He was proactive in fixing a problem.
It might even have LOOKED like anger to an observer. But it wasn't. It was productive, purposeful action.
Z | 9:24 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Some of these comments, if I may make the point in a calm, non-angry manner,
illustrate that if we are purposely trying to misunderstand, we will find a way
to do so.
I wonder if at the heart of that motivation is the desire to avoid self introspection and commitment.
I wonder if at the heart of that motivation is the desire to avoid self introspection and commitment.
norm | 9:24 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Yes people get angry, it is part of the human experience, we must remember that
we are sons and daughters of God. We are not animals, if anyone remembers God
has said that the natural man is an enemy to Him. The natural man is quick and
willing to resort to anger or violence in order to get his or her point across.
A son or daughter of God will find a way to channel that anger into a positive
action. It doesn't matter if we have a mental handicap if we truly follow
the spirit we can learn to control our anger and put it to good use. That is
what the gospel is all about, the answers are right there in front of us we just
have to be willing to look and accept them.
Bill | 9:37 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
But, Jesus was angry when we cleared the temple, so not all anger is
unjustified.
Samiam | 9:38 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Where thoughts go, energy flows
Question | 9:39 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
What aspect of anger is good?
Eccl 7:9
Prov 16:32
Eph 4:31
Col 3:8
James 1:20
The scriptures use the word anger many times. It is important that as students of the Holy Bible we learn the context and how the word is being used. If someone cuts me off while I'm driving and I get angry, I don't believe that is good. If some criminals start beating an innocent child and I intervene and defend the child, the word anger could be used to describe my actions and I think my actions would be good and appropriate so long as they are intended to defend and not provoke.
Eccl 7:9
Prov 16:32
Eph 4:31
Col 3:8
James 1:20
The scriptures use the word anger many times. It is important that as students of the Holy Bible we learn the context and how the word is being used. If someone cuts me off while I'm driving and I get angry, I don't believe that is good. If some criminals start beating an innocent child and I intervene and defend the child, the word anger could be used to describe my actions and I think my actions would be good and appropriate so long as they are intended to defend and not provoke.
blooit | 9:40 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Anger, like frustration, sadness, or lust - can be felt. What President Monson
taught was not to YIELD to that anger. Natural or not, we should not give in to
it nor act on it. Lust is also a natural feeling, but one we should control.
You whiners and nitpickers are hilarious. His talk would be great advice for anyone or any religion. A religious leader speaks on controlling anger, and people whine about it.
You must really have a bone to pick, or way too much time on your hands! LOL
You whiners and nitpickers are hilarious. His talk would be great advice for anyone or any religion. A religious leader speaks on controlling anger, and people whine about it.
You must really have a bone to pick, or way too much time on your hands! LOL
Anonymous | 10:23 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
"Scholarly scrutiny" tends to lead to anger against people who are
"non-Christians."
Three words | 10:58 a.m. Oct. 4, 2009
"Wrath of God"
It's a natural emotion. How you handle it is what counts. Bottle it up and you will have serious problems.
We have a great many ways to dispel such energy, including a civil discourse with those that anger us, dismissal of it when it ultimately does not matter, or through constructive physical activity until such a time as we can handle it in a non-violent manner.
Anger has been a catalyst for a great many changes for the good, throughout mankind's history. Ultimately, it is the reaction to this powerful emotion that helps define us in the eyes of God.
It's a natural emotion. How you handle it is what counts. Bottle it up and you will have serious problems.
We have a great many ways to dispel such energy, including a civil discourse with those that anger us, dismissal of it when it ultimately does not matter, or through constructive physical activity until such a time as we can handle it in a non-violent manner.
Anger has been a catalyst for a great many changes for the good, throughout mankind's history. Ultimately, it is the reaction to this powerful emotion that helps define us in the eyes of God.
Awake | 12:12 p.m. Oct. 4, 2009
Anger interfers with the understanding and free flow of your soul comunication.
Anger, hurt and dispar only add more power to the black souls.
JAYEG | 12:32 p.m. Oct. 4, 2009
On another thread, I mentioned the cost of the temple in D.C., approximately 15
million to build...and voiced the opinion that 15 million would go a very long
way to fill empty bellies and shelter the homeless.
You should have seen some of the angry responses my opinion prompted.
Perhaps those who became angry missed part of President Monson's talk.
You should have seen some of the angry responses my opinion prompted.
Perhaps those who became angry missed part of President Monson's talk.
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