The talks about talks is relatively new — in my Ward, it is about 4 years old (or so).

Prior to this sad development, when I was asked to talk, it was left to me to prayerfully choose the topic. I would then immerse myself in scriptures, Ensign articles, great LDS books (especially the incomparable “Christ’s Ideals for Living” by O.C. Tanner — this book provides a blueprint for any talk or lesson — First, look to Christ’s life and teachings during His ministry; Second, look to the scriptures; Third, look to teachings of Church leaders; Fourth, look to the great lives and wisdom literature outside of the Church; Fifth, look to one’s own life and experiences.) When people were left to their own spiritual devices to select and then prepare for a talk, more often then not the listener was blessed with a talk that inspired. (I know that I heard many such talks before I joined the Church, and I marveled at the ability of “common” Church members to give such beautiful sermons.)

Assignments to talks about talks, on the other hand, stifles the speaker, and correalates the thoughts and feelings to the point that the talk is often lifeless. If Church members are no longer going to be entrusted with their own inspiration when giving a talk, I would rather that the Ward just pull up a television set during Sacrament Meeting and let us watch a DVD of the chosen General Conference address.

(I really do think that the “talks about talks” method is hurting our missionary program. It is very difficult to invite a friend to a Sacrament Meeting if you know that the presentation is going to be the less-than-impressive process of talking about someone elses talk. This degree of control over the expression of spiritual thoughts and feelings could seem to visitors unfamiliar with the full beauty of the Church to be the opposite of the inspired adage to “teach correct principals and let them govern themselves”.)

Caveat: The “talks on talks” model may have some value to newly baptized members or to youth. However, for 90% of any given Ward, it is a method that robs us of the opportunity to learn from the wisdom and inspiration of fellow brothers and sisters who carry with them the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

I love it when once in a while we get a creative missionary in our ward who harnesses their talents to enthuse members and the community into some action. I wish there was more of them!!

Re-Talks about talks.

Do you know where this came from? I don’t remember it say, 10 years ago, but then it started and proliferated. Did the suggestion come from on high?

Had it not been for Sister Salvania and her cheap Chinese food stall in the Lexington Market, untold missionaries would have starved. Her beef and broccoli was the only vegetables many elders got.

re: 14:

You should have tried crabcakes and Saltines, instead of the loaves of bread. They may not have joined the Church, but they would have called you ‘hon.