polygamy chic

Good Reason

Google Books: Mormon Studies goodness

Republicans, Romneys, and Mormon Moments: American Images of the LDS in the 1950s

The General Conference of the LDS Church is happening next weekend and as is often the case with these events there are rumors surrounding it. One website (some guys blog so not the best source) is reporting that Apostle "Russell M. Nelson has announced to a number of Stake Presidents that President Thomas S. Monson has received a revelation that will affect every man, woman, and child in the church. This revelation is supposed to be announced in the upcoming general conference." This would hardly be worth mentioning were it not for others rumors that Monson is suffering from Alzheimer's disease, rumors whose plausibility is bolstered by Monson's unusual public absences in recent months. The Church President did not attend the recent SLC Pioneer Day parade as he usually does, and was absent both from the Buenos Aires temple rededication as well as the Brigham City temple dedication, he has also not be confirmed for the upcoming temple rededication in Boise Idaho. Even more interestingly while Monson did attended his recent 85th birthday bash at the Conference Center, the usually verbose octogenarian did not speak at the event, but rather a pre-recorded thank you from the man was played while he was in the room. Also I am unable to locate anything on the Church website that will confirm he is to speak at conference.

If President Monson is suffering from Alzheimer's the revelation rumors could be related to a possible announcement related to that fact. It may be that First Presidency members Eyring and Uchtdorf are to pick up added responsibilities in the running of the Church much as Gordon B. Hinckley did in the later years of both the Kimball and Benson presidencies. It is also not inconceivable that a President Emeritus position might be in the works, as exists in the former Reorganized LDS Church. This could result in the Packer presidency much feared by church liberals. Then there is the whole Mitt Romney factor. Anyway all this has me more interested in the upcoming conference then I have been in some time, I wonder what's going to happen.