Comments on: 5 Questions After 5 Years – From A Longtime ‘Nacle Wannabe

By: hawkgrrrl

hawkgrrrl — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:14:27 +0000

Extremely late to the party, but here are my thoughts on the 5 questions:
“1) What can we, within the Mormon internet writ large, do to better support those in pain? I know we are doing a lot. But can we do more?” I think we have to 1) be welcoming of everyone. The tent of Mormonism may have some boundaries, but let’s seek to enlarge it, especially on line where dialogue is possible. 2) we have to talk about the painful issues that can’t be talked about elsewhere and help people find ways to deal with their pain constructively.

“4) How might we aggregate the “best of the Bloggernacle” into a centralized resource that provides more directed support to those in need?” Some content really does deserve to be aggregated somewhere permanent and made easily searchable. Not sure how/where, but I totally agree.

“5) Most importantly, how do we support positive growth in the institutional church in ways that do not simultaneously weaken this incredible force for good in the world?” I’m not sure quite how the b’nacle and the institutional church work together. I think the b’nacle should be what it is, and if the institutional church wants grass roots input – here it is.

By: annegb

annegb — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:46:15 +0000

Actually, I rhink we’d all be interested if any of us admitted to having a torrid affair with our bishop.

By: annegb

annegb — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:44:07 +0000

PS, I’d be interested if you admitted to having a torrid affair with your bishop, Ardis. I’m sure others would be, as well.

By: annegb

annegb — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:43:07 +0000

I didn’t know you were a wanna be. You’re my hero, John.

By: John Dehlin

John Dehlin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 02:42:18 +0000

Jared/Silus,

Feel free to ping me at mormonstories@gmail.com

Jana — Thanks so much for writing. I’m very happy for you and your husband. I hope we can meet someday soon. Come visit in Logan!

By: Jana H

Jana H — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 06:08:47 +0000

Fabulous news, John! Your new project sounds wonderful and I look forward to listening in.

If it means anything, you can claim me as another formerly someone lost and disaffected member brought back into the fold through your efforts. In a joyous turn of events, my husband was recently baptized into the church. If I had not resolved my issues, neither of us would be experiencing the quiet peacefulness of the spirit in our lives.

Thank you.

By: Silus Grok

Silus Grok — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:01:25 +0000

#35 John–

I’m interested, too!

By: Jared

Jared — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:43:50 +0000

#35 John–

I’m interested. I would be interesting to see what might come of it. The need is there.

By: John Dehlin

John Dehlin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:14:50 +0000

Thanks, Hunter. I’m nervous, but excited.

I’m banking on enjoying the practice of Psychotherapy once I’m done.

Wish me luck!

By: Hunter

Hunter — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:48:46 +0000

John, thanks for taking the time to explain your involvement levels, and also your insights as to the relative value of the bloggernacle.

And good luck as you start into your new program at Utah State. I absolutely loved school from kindergarten through law school, but the thought of “going back” makes me want curl up in a corner and reach for my blankey. So, I admire you (and anyone else) for starting a new degree. All the best!