Tuesday, May 01, 2007
If only we could have heard more from Elder Holland....
I haven't read any of the other interviews yet, but Elder Holland, in his usual warm and articulate and yet forthright way, really gave a great interview. You can read it here. Too bad more of his words weren't included. Polygamy, historical folklore (especially as relating to blacks and the priesthood), homosexuality....he addresses tough issues with finesse. He also bears bold testimony along the way and explains the price of membership very well -- all with classic Elder Holland big-heartedness.
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4 comments:
You're right, M&M, this is a fantastic interview. I love the spirituality of his words. He denies nothing, he pulls no punches, he is puts his faith in the forefront. I was touched by what he said about blacks and the priesthood when he was asked about his opinion on what past leaders had said about the doctrine:
"They, I'm sure, in their own way, were doing the best they knew to give shape to [the policy], to give context for it, to give even history to it. All I can say is however well intended the explanations were, I think almost all of them were inadequate and/or wrong. ..."
I appreciate the willingness to see error, acknowledge it, move on.
I think the documentary would have taken on quite a different tone if more of Elder Holland's words had been used. His words on revelation were powerful. One of my friends emailed me to say,
"If they are talking about a faith, a religion, mention SOMEWHERE the name Jesus Christ. It was almost a deliberate absence of the name of Jesus anywhere...anywhere. The Father and The Son were mentioned in the first vision almost in passing. If they were focused on the people, the Mormons, they still need to mention that He is integral part of our lives."
Using more of Elder Holland's interview certainly would have changed that.
BiV,
I agree wholeheartedly. Those words about blacks and the priesthood were powerful to me as well. I think it helped clarify a lot -- that whatever happened before 1978 is something we don't understand; what we should embrace and focus on is what we believe and try to live NOW. As President Hinckley has said, racism has NO place in our faith and that is what we should live and teach.
The other thing that just impressed me was his LOVE. The lines that are drawn (commandments, etc.) are there for a purpose, but they aren't for lack of love. I loved his heartfelt desire to walk right next to someone who struggles, to help that person endure to the end. I've long felt that Elder Holland is someone who gives a really good glimpse of what Christlike love is all about.
Thanks for the comment. I have to admit to wishing that a few more of the faithful members could and would have put their faith more "at the forefront."
Elder Holland always has such a way with words. My single most spiritual moment involving another person was when I was able to hear him speak to a group of just 200 people. It made me hunger to hear more, personally, from the apostles. His words made me vow that, no matter what, I will never give up.
He probably doesn't remember when I said "I won't" as we shook hands, but that promise to an Apostle of Christ has sometimes been the only thing I've had to cling to.
SilverRain,
Thanks so much for your comment. Elder Holland is amazing! And I'm grateful that he was able to give you something to hold on to -- I think we all need something like that sometimes.
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