President Eyring conducted the Saturday afternoon session, featuring talks by Elder Oaks, Elder Hales, Elder Zeballos, Elder Callister, Elder Watson, Elder Anderson, and President Packer. Direct quotations (based on my notes) are given in quotes; phrases without quotes are my summary of the remarks given.
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Twelve, on God’s love and law:
- Despite mortal confusion over the relationship between love and law, love does not supercede or render inapplicable law or God’s commandments. Mercy cannot rob justice.
- Counsels a balanced response rather than extreme reactions (ignoring it or bringing harsh family disapproval) to “cohabitation” by adult children.
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Twelve, against secularism and atheism:
- “Atheism … is spreading across the world.”
- “Without God, … our mortal experiences would have no purpose.”
- Bore a moving testimony that God lives.
Elder Jorge F. Zeballos of the Seventy, on the Atonement:
- “God will not require more than the best that we can give.”
Elder Tad R. Callister of the Seventy, on the Restoration:
- Joseph Smith restored knowledge of four fundamental facts not recognized by contemporary Christianity.
- Some people get sidetracked and lose their faith over minor issues: “There will always be some intellectual crisis looming on the horizon.”
Elder Kent D. Watson of the Seventy, on being temperate:
- Temperance (avoiding anger and pride) is a divine attribute of Jesus Christ, a spiritual gift available through the Holy Ghost.
- Like tempered glass or tempered steel, a tempered soul is one that has gained increased spiritual strength.
Elder Neil L. Anderson of the Twelve, on repentance:
- Testifies of the Savior’s overpowering love for a repentant soul.
- Apart from the rare unforgiveable sin against the Holy Ghost, “there is no sin that cannot be forgiven.”
President Boyd K. Packer of the Twelve, on hearing the guidance of the Spirit:
- “We are given our agency; we must use it wisely.”
- “One of the adversary’s sharpest tools is convincing us that we are no longer worthy to pray.”
Loved Elder Callister’s talk!
Really enjoyed this session. I also was very moved by the choir’s version of “I Know My Redeemer Lives.”
I think I am better prepared for this conference than others, beecause more talks seem edifying to me.
Decidedly did not enjoy Elder Callister’s talk. But he’s emeritus now, so I suppose I shouldn’t worry about it.
I think the Elder Callister that was made emeritus is a different person (Douglas?). The one that spoke today looked to me like he might be the son of the released Elder Callister.
We have a confirmation on that, Sean. Elder Douglas L. Callister (born 1939) is going emeritus; his brother, Elder Tad R. Callister (born 1945), delivered the talk in this session.
And let’s give a shout-out to Grandpa Bill’s GA Pages (that’s where the links giving the Callister bios go), which Grandpa Bill continues to update and which already show Elder Douglas L. Callister as being emeritus.
In the LDS religion we believe that to be with your loved ones in the next life you need to be sealed through ordinances in the temple. If you bring up this point with anyone else of any faith they respond, “Why wouldn’t God let me be with my loved ones in the next life?” Elder Oaks brought up this point, and when I heard it I started to hang onto his every words to see if he would respond in such a way that I could then respond in an accurate way.
I felt that he never did. He just stated the point, but never really made a direct responce to that. While I did love the talk I felt let down.