Faith Crisis
Last year, a month prior to October 2016 General Conference, I was interviewed for a Mormon Stories episode. Of course, John Dehlin was the host. I knew him when he was a young Lad in Houston. Back then, his father was my business partner. Thirty years ago, I lost track of him.
We reconnected quite by accident. My unexpected and gut-wrenching faith journey was about to begin. That small boy, now become a tall man, would soon help me in an important quest.
My faith crisis led me out of the church. Then to Jesus. Then back to the church in an effort to keep my covenants and…..to stand up for those who are being marginalized and hurt within the Savior’s own earthly kingdom.
All this ultimately brought me to a vital doctrinal discovery…the Law of Common Consent. A gorgeous commandement given by Jesus through the prophet Joseph Smith. The Lord ordained this mechanism to help keep His church on track and to correct errors along the way. But, it’s a concept that hasn’t been taught in classes or from the pulpit for years.
How to share it? How to get the word out? Friends pointed me to John Dehlin and his Mormon Stories Podcast. We talked off and on for months. I was nervous. Friends and family continued to leave the church. I became aware of more and more harm being done by policies never approved by the vote of the church. My apprehension eventually evaporated. We scheduled the interview.
John Gives A Warning
Months in advance of the recording, I had asked John, “What are the risks of doing this podcast?”
His response, “If common consent gets any traction, you will be excommunicated.”
I have more trust in the church than that. Common Consent is the law of God. I believe Jesus has our backs when we don’t turn our backs on Him. Actually, I believe that Jesus always has our backs, no matter what.
Here’s the Mormon Stories interview. Thanks to my friend, John Dehlin.
To see comments on Episode 649, click HERE.
Other Resources
Common Consent Scriptures & Doctrine, click HERE.
Common Consent Register—A Record of Those Who Disapprove, click, HERE.
Email notifications that can be sent to Bishops and Stake Presidents, click HERE.
Do We Love Jesus Enough?, click HERE.
The Only True Hope for The Only True Church, click HERE.
If I Don’t Dissent…I Consent, click HERE.
Tocubit Is Invisible's Cubit 
Sam, have a question on this voting opposed. Are you voting opposed to the Prophet and quorum of 12 Prophet seekers and revelatory or to the policy on gays? Are these two separate issues or all in one?
To me, these are separate. Just like I can vote against things in the voting booth, I can still support my city, state or country. Is this different? And how does one vote against a policy if it’s not brought up separately, but still let the leaders (bishops and stake presidents as well) that in general we support them, but do disagree with certain policies (or persons for callings)?
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Hi Lani,
I don’t like the word “opposed.” When Jesus gave his law of common consent, he didn’t use this loaded term. Approval or disapproval is the way he put it. So, I view it as voting disapproval no opposition.
I’m disapproving of the prophet and apostles because they and the church are disobeying the Law of Common Consent.
In addition, I disapprove of the gay policy. Since the apostles are refusing to put it up for the required vote, my only method of manifesting disapproval is to do it when their names are presented.
I’m pretty sure that after the votes are counted, I’ll be on the losing side. That’s perfectly OK. Then I go back to sustaining the apostles….until the next vote is called for. In the meantime, I continue to disapprove of the policies that have never been put to the vote of common consent. According the the prophet Joseph F. Smith they are not binding on the church until ratified by a majority vote.
Love, Sam
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