Review: "As We Gather Once Again"

A Brief Review of "As We Gather Once Again" 

by Thomas S. Monson, President of 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

"Should there be changes which need to be made in your life, may you find the incentive and the courage to do so as you listen to the inspired words which will be spoken."

President Monson's opening remarks to the 182 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints followed the pattern of concision, historical reference, gratitude, hope and prayerfulness that has become a standard in the rhetoric of the LDS Church conferences. He remarks on the small beginnings of the church and how the organization has moved forward, despite challenges, even as technology has moved forward, which technology multiplies the reach of the conference, today, many times over. Monson creates a realistic perspective with his tone by recognizing a balance: the troubling nature of the world as compared with an awareness that "there is also much that is good and uplifting. As we declare in our thirteenth article of faith, 'If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.' May we ever continue to do so." Monson approach, here, sets a good example of how a healthy perspective does not live entirely in the world of good things nor entirely in the world of bad things.

Monson also makes a point of creating an awareness of the individual as related to spiritual issues. In the close of his remarks he asserts that "Our Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us and our needs." Even before the end, though, Monson addresses the individual and the individual's means of creating a spiritual life:

"I thank you for your faith and devotion to the gospel. I thank you for the love and care you show one to another. I thank you for the service you provide in your wards and branches and in your stakes and districts. It is such service that enables the Lord to accomplish many of His purposes here upon the earth." 

It is especially important in the LDS Church to take time to recognize individual contributions to "this great cause in which we are all engaged" when the religion's doctrine depends so much on the individual's agency. Also, this emphasis on the microscopic--personal acts of love as opposed to large organizational service efforts--echoes the doctrine's very democratizing emphasis on simple things and simple people ("by small and simple things" or "precept upon precept" or "the simple things of the earth", confounding the wise, etc.).

The thrust of Monson's remarks is one that declares belief in the doctrine of the LDS church, belief in the efforts of those he addresses striving to live that doctrine, and belief in the power and benefit that might be gained from participating in the conference for which he is presenting the introductory speech.