You -- We

2009-6-15 01:48:00

Paul wrote:

"I have learned long ago that when writing a letter to someone not to use the word "YOU" or any derivative of it. It is so accusatory and finger pointing. I have always substituted you for we or I. Or when you do use it, use it in the positive -- not negative -- or not use(d) the word at all."

JJ:

I admit that I could sweetened that letter a bit, but believe me as long as the authorities realize that an excommunicated member is trying to enlighten them they will place it in the "File 13" [trash] you mentioned.

I do not see much softening from avoiding the word "you" as I use it often with my best friends and no offense is taken.

If someone writes me and says "I read your book, The Immortal, and I liked it." And another says, "I read The Immortal, and I didn't like it." It makes absolutely no difference to me.

I couldn't say "we as members" or "we as priesthood holders" because I was not even a member of The Church or the Priesthood. I had to write the letter as an outsider. There was not much "we" that I could have honestly used.

From the experience I did learn that one cannot enlighten the LDS [Latter-Day Saints] by telling them, however nicely, that their leaders are on the wrong path. I have had much greater success with the LDS just by teaching correct principles without mentioning any conflicts with their doctrine. For the first couple years I taught on the Keys, members did not even know I had a Mormon background because I did not mention it; but nevertheless, I still wound up drawing quite a few members of "The Church."

I have no problem with anyone going to any church in which they feel comfortable while being on this forum. Members are welcome to take what they find useful here and use it as they see fit.