Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Technology Use -- a Two-edged Sword

Dear family and friends,
For better or for worse, my family and I are in many ways addicted to technology. Our phones seem to be the last thing we consult before going to bed, and the first things we look at it when we rise. Our daughters live and die on social media. We are often in the same room together, all looking down at a screen and not really together in any sense of the word. I check emails, social media, news, calendar, Church sites, coin websites, shop for stuff, and do crossword puzzles all through technology. It is completely interwoven in my job as well. It's in our phones, cars, computers, watches, etc.

While technology can bring us together (such as in this email) it often divides and isolates me from my wife, and us from our children.

I readily acknowledge that technology will only become more prevalent in the world, but I am wondering how my family and I can strike a healthy balance between the cyber world and real-world experience and relationships.

The concepts presented in this article have caused me to reflect:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/09/has-the-smartphone-destroyed-a-generation/534198/
and in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjaM0tdxtYA
I would love to hear your thoughts: 
  • How do you monitor your children and yourself to use technology wisely?
  • What rules or guidelines do you use?
  • Do you ever have technology "fasts" in your home?
  • How do you stay grounded with humans?
Sincerely,
Elephantnavel

 ================================

 Insightful reply from my brother:
My first reaction: I hate my cell phone; I hate Social Media. Then it occurred to me: this new technology is also powerful and good. 

Like anything (and I mean anything) if used incorrectly, it become a vice. If used properly, it becomes a tool.

I teach the stake missionary preparation class. In one of our lessons, we talk about sharing gospel.

This ain’t your father’s mission. In the old days, we would go out finding people. Now, people are finding us.

In my opinion, the days of searching for investigators will diminish as investigators search for us. In other words, using technology will be better than going door to door. For example, see how these missionaries are using technology in Japan to get people to attend English classes at http://goeigo.org/. 

After my mission prep class on finding people, I send them the links below. I also give them the attached handout. I am really pro-technology when being a member missionary. 

I know this really does not answer all of your questions. Bottom line: make technology something that strengthens real relationships!

Peter


P.S. These are the links I send my mission prep class. 


VIDEOS

•  Watch the video “Developing the Faith to Find” (2:55), The District 1. https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2007-04-024-developing-the-faith-to-find

• Watch the video “The Lord of the Harvest: The Adams Family” (4:41). https://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/members-and-missionaries#media=68481808465443923540

• Watch the video “Sharing Your Beliefs” (2:02). https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-01-013-sharing-your-beliefs

• What the video about the missionaries teaching the plan of salvation at Union Park using chalk (3:49). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJhLtjl246k

TALKS

“Sharing the Gospel Using the Internet” by Elder Russell M. Ballard Adapted from a commencement address given at Brigham Young University–Hawaii on December 15, 2007.  https://www.lds.org/ensign/2008/07/sharing-the-gospel-using-the-internet?lang=eng

“To Sweep the Earth as with a Flood” The following is the text of the address Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles delivered on August 19, 2014, during Campus Education Week at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood?lang=eng



• Explore the mormon.org website and explore the site’s resources, such as videos, articles, and profiles posted by members of the Church. Share a video, article, or other page with others using social media.

• Create your own profile on mormon.org. Share your profile with others using social media.

• Share a Mormon Messages video and your feelings about it using social media.

RESOURCES

The Church has many websites about harnessing the power of the Internet. 

Social Media Helps for Members 

Use of Online Resources in Church Callings 

Using Media for Sharing the Gospel. 

Sharing the Gospel Online 

Sharing via Mormon.org 

Sharing via Social Media

Sharing via Blogs

Social Pages

Facebook

Google+

Twitter

YouTube

Pinterest

Instagram

Tumblr

Quora
This is a website where you can answer questions about the Church. 


Japanese English Classes
See how Japanese missions are increasing baptisms through free English classes using technology. http://goeigo.org/ 
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Saturday, September 16, 2017

The World is Full of Contradictions

The world is full of contradictions. 

Alcohol
 The world favors allowing adults to drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is considered essential at parties and other social functions. On the other hand, we readily acknowledge how harmful alcohol is:
  • Fetal alcohol syndrome
  • Alcoholism
  • Drunk driving and countless automobile accidents and deaths
  • Unwanted pregnancies
  • Humiliating and embarrassing behavior in public
  • Frequent accompanying violence and abuse
  • Contributes to obesity
  • Teenage drinking
I just don't understand why our society so fiercely defends the use of such a harmful substance. 

 Sexual Practices
Much of the world condemns the Mormon Church for our past practice of polygamy, yet casually condones all sorts of sexual practices, including adultery, fornication, cheating on others, multiple lovers, pornography, and homosexuality.

Racism
In a previous post, I elaborate on the abundant contradictions of racism.

God
The USA believes in God. We pledge allegiance to our republic as one Nation, under God. Our motto is, "In God we trust" (this saying is on all of our coins and currency, and it is a federal law to have that motto posted in all schools). The current year indicates how many years it has been since Jesus Christ came to earth. 

 Ironically, nowadays most people seem to be afraid to mention God's existence for fear of public disdain. There are almost no movies that openly tout the existence of God. We have eradicated the practice of prayer or the mentioning of God from our public schools. We seem to be speaking out of both sides of our mouth.

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Thoughts on Racism

The world at large generally condemns racism, but turns a blind eye when it come to some forms of racism:
  • The existence of Black Entertainment Television (BET). If there were a White Entertainment Television, the world would freak out and call it racist.
  • The campaign for Black Lives Matter. Of course black lives matter, as do brown lives, yellow lives, red lives, white lives, etc. But if there were a counter-campaign promoting White Lives Matter, people would attack it as racist.
  • The existence of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Again, if there were an association for the advancement of white people, society would go nut on its being racist.
  • Awarding scholarships to students based on race. Martin Luther King said we should base our judgments of others on the content of their character, not the color of their skin. I agree with King. 
  • The social acceptance of allowing black people to call each other a "brother." This happens all the time on television and in music. It is a subtle reminder that, if I am not black, I am not accepted by you. On the other hand, if I have black skin, I am automatically considered a part of your family.
  • The widespread practice of denominating Americans into subgroups with hyphenations. If we don't want racism to be at the forefront of our minds or mouths, why call anybody an Asian-American, Native American, or African-American (especially if they're not from Africa)? How would the world react if I were to insist on being called a Caucasian-American, or a Welsh-Dutch-American? (If I was born in the United States, shouldn't I be considered Native-American then?)
  • The social acceptance of allowing black sings to use the "n" word in their music, whereas condemning its us everywhere else as the most heinous, abominable word in existence.
If we truly want to eradicate racism in all its forms, we cannot tolerate it in any direction, toward any population -- large or small.
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The Way Homosexuality is Changing (in) Society

Over the past decade the promotion of homosexuality continues to gain popularity. It is strange. In my youth there was indeed a homophobia in society, and almost nobody was (openly) homosexual. There was a general disapproval for those who practiced homosexuality.

 Nowadays things have changed dramatically, and continue to do so. It almost feels like it is against the law to disapprove of homosexuality. I fear sharing my opinion publicly, for fear of attacks. Even people in my church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, many of whom claim to be believers, are speaking in favor of accepting homosexuality and going against the doctrines on the family. I live in fear that my career may be threatened because of my stance on this issue, and hence fear to speak out about my feelings and position. It is as if I am now the one in the closet.

 Questions I would like to address:

 1) Am I against the practice of homosexuality? Yes. Why? Because:

  • Homosexuality threatens the traditional family where one man is married to one woman. It blurs and confuses gender roles. Homosexuals often adopt the mannerisms and dress of the opposite gender. Homosexual women often act like men, and homosexual men often act like women. I often wonder nowadays what it is to be (and look like) a man. Kids need a mother and a father, each of whom provides vital modeling and nurturing to the child. 
  • Homosexuality impedes the propagation of the human race. Homosexuals cannot procreate; however, legislation allows them to adopt children of heterosexual parents. 
  • The acceptance of homosexuality promotes more homosexuality. Society's promotion of homosexuality, and the allowance of homosexual couples to adopt children open children's minds to considering homosexuality as a viable alternative. Conversely, it reduces the likelihood that children will envision a heterosexual family, where one husband and one wife are parents who raise their children.

 2) Do I think we should persecute homosexuals? Absolutely not. They are my brothers and sisters. I do, though, view homosexuality as a sexual sin, in that it goes against God's intended purposes for the family and for the way the body procreates. I also view extra-marital, pre-marital, and adulterous sex as serious sins, all because they tinker with the powers of procreation. In addition, I would be uncomfortable allowing homosexual adults to tend my son, out of fear that their lifestyle might permeate into my son's mind as an acceptable alternative to consider.

 3) As an administrator at a public school, how do I treat homosexual students? I love them! I strive to treat them just the same as all other students, by showing them kindness, courtesy, acceptance, enthusiasm for life, and encouragement in their academic progress.

 4) What is my position on transgender bathrooms? I don't know. Maybe we just need gender-neutral, individual bathrooms.

 5) What about people who are born with homosexual tendencies? That is a sensitive subject. I am sympathetic to those who have those tendencies. I view it in the same light as anyone born with any sort of tendency: look to God and give it your all to keep His commandments.

 The widespread acceptance of homosexuality is an untried experiment. There are future we may not now foresee, and I fear the destruction of a stable society.
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Elder Holland Speaks with Sam Brooks a Few Weeks Before His Death

During the final months of my father’s life, when his condition was so feeble due to his cancer, we moved him to the Legacy Village of Provo. I wrote a letter to Elder Holland, asking if he could come visit my dad. 

Dear Elder Holland,

I am the son of Samuel Brooks Jr., who was the Food Services Director at BYU during the time that you were president of BYU. His dad is the same Sam Brooks (Sr.) who, as you once mentioned in one of your speeches, slept on the steps of the old Dixie Academy in 1911 in order to be its first student. We love St. George as much as you do! (Here is my dad -- in his Dixie hat and shirt -- with my mom, and a painting of Samuel Brooks Sr. on the wall.)

My father adores you. Our whole family adores you.

 

Four years ago, my dad was diagnosed with skin cancer on the crown of his head. Gradually, the cancer manifested itself elsewhere, on his face, in his lungs, and eventually in his brain. He has undergone countless treatments, radiation, and chemotherapy. He is now in stage 4.

Recently my dad was placed on hospice. The doctors have given him one to three months to live. As it was so burdensome on my mother to take care of him at home, we ended up having to move him to an assisted living facility in Provo. He is currently residing at the Legacy Village of Provo, located at 4146 N. University Avenue. He is in room #1209.

Please, if it’s not too much to ask, I invite you to pay a brief visit to my dad. It would mean the world to him. He has lived a faithful life to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and would love to see you before he passes.

Sincerely,
Tim Brooks


Elder Holland’s secretary called to tell me that unfortunately Elder Holland’s schedule would not permit that, but that Elder Holland would like to call Dad. I gave her the number and Elder Holland called Dad. Elder Holland called on November 1, 2016, at 1:20 pm. When he called, my mother and my sister Heidi were in the room. They put the phone on speaker, and Heidi, who was sitting next to a computer, transcribed their conversation.


JRH: Carolyn, Carolyn, is Sam there?

Mom: Yes.

JRH: Sam are you there, can you hear me?

Dad: Yes, can you hear me?

JRH: Yes, I can hear you loud and clear.  Well, I love you Sam and wanted you to know I've been thinking about you.  I want you to know that the Brooks flag is flying high. It boosts my spirit just to hear your voice, Sam. Are you doing okay today?

Dad: I'm doing okay.

JRH: I hear you're sick, Sam, and wanted you to know how much I love you. I love you Sam, and I just got home last night from being overseas.  Not only do we have the tie of Southern Utah, we also have the tie at BYU. Thanks for all you did as a great leader at BYU. You are a world class colleague. Thanks for being a great, great colleague. You did a wonderful job. I love you like a dear friend. I love you like crazy. I want you to know that I will put your name on the prayer roll in a prayer circle that is specifically for general authorities and the Quorum of the Twelve. It will be on the prayer roll led by Thomas S. Monson and that's not so bad! I love you, Sam. Your whole family will be on the prayer roll for just the general authorities and Quorum of the Twelve. You are a dear friend. Carolyn, keep me posted, please and tell me how he's doing. Carolyn, keep in touch and tell me how my boy is doing. Carolyn, make sure you keep in touch. Stay in touch.

Take care, Sam. I sure love you.


Sam passed away 13 days later, on 14 November 2016. Our family is grateful that an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ would take the time to give our father some encouraging words. It meant the world to all of us. 
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Letter to the Former Believer

To the man who formally believed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,

Where did you stray? Do you no longer study the scriptures, and offer sincere prayers?

Why the nit-picking on little things? You overlook the big picture. Do you not remember how you once felt? Do you not remember those calming moments when the Holy Spirit enveloped you, and you both felt and knew it was true, real, beautiful, and good?

Where does the real issue lie? Perhaps your concerns are decoys from the real concern. Are you struggling with a commandment, such as the Word of Wisdom or chastity? Do you struggle with pornography?

Or is some aspect of Church history gnawing at you? Can you put that concern on hold until you understand more, or are you going to throw out everything and denounce the Church as false on account of one or two hang-ups? Don't forget: One cannot judge 19th century behavior with 21st century eyes. It simply isn't fair. I have found that there is usually more to the story, and that eventually it will all make sense.

I would invite you to reflect on where you have been, and what you have learned and known. All is not lost. Give the doctrines a chance again. Try again. And sincerely repent.

Sincerely,
Your friend
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