Welcome Eric: Our First Guest Blogger
Posted by Wade on March 8th, 2006
As many now know, our mission here at the Blogger of Jared is to tip the balance on the proverbial scale of bloggernacle insight. To some extent, we think the ‘nackle has failed to provide a good cross-section of Mormon views. Of course, we aren’t pointing the finger at any particular blog or bloggers, rather we have simply decided to take a different approach: We have made it a point to defend past and current Church doctrine and authorities. In our view, some posts, threads and comments from other blogs have crossed the line of interesting speculation into unproductive, even destructive, criticism. From this perspective, we seek to provide a balance toward true orthodoxy.
Therefore, it is with pleasure that we announce the first guest blogger appearance to the Blogger of Jared: Eric Nielson. Eric is an Idaho native who served an LDS Mission to Atlanta Georgia from 85-87. He graduated from Ricks College (now BYU Idaho) in 1990; married Rebecca Turner in the Denver Temple in 1989; received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Idaho in 1992 and went on to receive a Masters degree in the same field in 1994. He has four children - all boys, and works as a mechanical design engineer and project manager.
Welcome Eric!
I am very flattered to be invited to guest blog here. I have often wondered if more that 3 or 4 people even knew I was blogging on the MA. I suppose it may be 5 or 6, hurray!
I am not sure I am the bringer of true orthodoxy or not. I certainly believe in the basic teachings and doctrines of the church. In general I will defend the church and its leaders. When I do question things it is to try and understand.
I had an interesting conversation two days ago. After much searching I finally tracked down my favorite baptism from my mission. What an outstanding young man he was. He was an eagle scout as a non-mormon. First African American to be valadictorian at his high school. A couple of weeks after his baptism he was teaching the investigator class. Amazing young man.
After about three or four years we eventually lost touch. I finally found him on a google search through his current employer. I called him on the phone. What a joyous conversation we had! In the course of the conversation I found out that he is not currently active in the church. His work has him traveling all over the world about 80% of the time. It would be hard to keep up church attendance under such circumstances, and I don’t judge him, I love him.
In my desire to help him stay in touch with the church, and with me, I told him about my blog and recommended he check it out. I hope something I write might touch his heart in a positive way and possibly lead him back to full activity. I am not trying to brag at all by saying this. My blog is small and simple in name and content, and so am I. But if you had a relative or close friend that you really hoped would want to either join the church or return to activity in the church would you recommend your blog? If not, why not?
I don’t want anyone to think that I am part of directly criticising a blog or personality on the bloggernacle in doing this. There are enough positive things to talk about. I want to discuss the gospel of Jesus Christ, the doctrines and teachings of the church, culture and life within the church, in a positive and uplifting way. Seeking for truth and understanding without grinding any axes whatsoever (or at least very few). I hope that I can in some small way be a positive influence, and improve myself in the process of making such an attempt. Is this orthodoxy?
Comment # 1 left by Eric on March 8th, 2006
But if you had a relative or close friend that you really hoped would want to either join the church or return to activity in the church would you recommend your blog? If not, why not?
Eric:
Those questions/statements are true Gems! In a way, I wish you would have used this comment as your first post.
I have actually thought about this very question in my own approach to blogging here, and to be honest, it has definitely affected the manner in which I have addressed some issues.
The fact that you want to discuss the gospel of Jesus Christ, the doctrines and teachings of the church, culture and life within the church, in a positive and uplifting way is the very reason we welcome your contributions here! This approach is true orthodoxy, and it is our approach too.
Comment # 2 left by Wade on March 8th, 2006
I admit to a very orthodox view of LDS things myself. On the other hand, I know very few Orthodox members of the Church beyond, perhaps, behavior. Regardless of what the more “liberal” members/semi-members might think, there is a wide range of viewpoints allowed even within the generally defined orthodox lines.
It seems that Mormon Orthodoxy is more about the cultural perceptions of the place members live. A more liberal culture will see Mormonism as constricting. A less liberal culture will see Mormonism as radical in its teachings. Really depends on what teachings they are trying to critisize.
That is what makes Mormonism such an easy “target” to those who disagree. Your a liberal? Press on about authority and clean lifestyle. Your a conservative (especially Christian)? Point out what are considered non-traditional teachings about Christ, Heaven, and etc. I have found that a person’s views about Mormonism is more about the individual than the religion. What you say about it says probably more about you than what you say about it.
Comment # 3 left by Jettboy on March 9th, 2006
I have found that a person’s views about Mormonism is more about the individual than the religion. What you say about it says probably more about you than what you say about it.
True! I think this applies to a person’s views of anything, not just Mormonism.
Comment # 4 left by Wade on March 9th, 2006
You boys have fabulous taste.
Eric, your voice, while often creative and willing to experiment upon the word, is deeply, thoroughly, and profoundly faithful, and one that I am thrilled to see further shared in the ‘nacle.
Huzzah!
Comment # 5 left by Naiah on March 11th, 2006
Naiah:
Thank you so much for your support and kind words. I hope to find evidence of you hanging around here.
Comment # 6 left by Eric on March 11th, 2006