In my teens, in Sunday School we studied “Christ’s Ideals for Living” by O.C. Tanner. We brought our scriptures to Church each Sunday and learned about Christ’s attributes and how to become more like him. In meetings, we quoted passages of Scripture in our talks while others followed along in their Standard Works. The sound of rustling pages was delightful.
Today we sometimes quote as much from the Brethren in our lessons and talks as we do from the Scriptures. Some ignore Jesus’ teachings about blessing little children and speak about excluding some of them from receiving blessings. Some ignore Jesus’ teaching about casting stones at an adulterous woman and cast stones instead at those who are already marginalized. Some become more focused on ways to exclude others than to include them.
I would not return to a time when my black brothers and sisters were denied priesthood blessings. I would not return to a time when women could not pray in Church or speak in General Conference or when brutal punishments were enacted in temple ceremonies. But, I would return to a time when we focused on Jesus and his attributes: mercy, compassionate, honesty, kindness, and love.
Perhaps by becoming a more Christ-centered Church, leaders would enact policies and procedures that better ensure that are alike unto God. We will decide to safeguard children and women instead of protecting perpetrators. We will bless all of our children. We will find a way to love a little more.
I do not suggest we become Pharisaic followers of the law, but do suggest that perhaps as we focus on the Word, we can become more Christ-like as a Church and as members.
I attend many Sacrament Meetings where Christ is seldom mentioned except for the sacramental prayers. I hear many talks that extol the virtues of Church leaders rather than of Jesus. I participate in too many lessons where General Authorities’ edicts trump Christ’s teachings about mercy and justice and charity.
As a Church, we can do better.
We must do better.