Once more, on those dissenting votes at General Conference

Here’s some historical background on negative votes at General Conferences of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

http://ldsliving.com/story/78523-dissenting-votes-at-conference-everything-you-need-to-know?utm_source=ldsliving&utm_medium=email

Plainly, Saturday’s “No” votes weren’t the first.

Moreover, I’m serenely confident that they won’t be the last.

What distinguishes the “New Atheism” from the old familiar variety is its aggressiveness, and its insistence that it owes no respect to religious faith.  Maybe not exactly the same thing but also, I think, not unrelated:  Dissent from the teachings and policies of the Restored Church is taking on a much more “in your face” attitude than it once did.

I really like the response of Erin Hallstrom, who was there in the Conference Center on Saturday afternoon:

http://ldsliving.com/story/78556-my-experience-in-the-conference-center-during-the-opposing-vote

There are several of us, I think, who still sustain the Brethren and accept the claims of Mormonism, and I agree with Sister Hallstrom — think of 2 Nephi 2 — that opposition makes our sustaining vote for Church leadership less routine and, therefore, more meaningful.

I’m happy to raise my right arm to the square.  With many others, my wife and I did precisely that while listening at home on Saturday afternoon.