# 90 Thoughts on October 2017 General Conference

Lincoln Cannon shares 90 reflections on the October 2017 LDS General Conference, examining each talk through a transhumanist lens of faith and transformation.

Each spring and fall, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the largest Mormon denomination) holds a worldwide conference. For ten hours over two days, top leaders of the Church speak in-person to over 20,000 members gathered in a conference center in Salt Lake City, and via Internet and television broadcast to a much larger audience (probably in the millions) gathered in homes and church buildings around the world. The most recent conference was held yesterday and today.

[Image: General Conference]

Below are 90 of my own thoughts as I watched [October 2017 General Conference](https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/general-conference/2017/10?lang=eng). As is my custom, the thoughts include observations, and range from affirmations to criticisms, and from questions to assertions. My intent is to provoke reflection, questions, and comments. I feel this is essential to meaningful engagement with the conference, which is something I value as a member of the Church.

- I wonder if we’ve already received Thomas Monson’s [last general conference sermon](https://t.co/JdhafNcnGn)?
- Eyring looks healthy and happy. Good. For me, he represents [an important influence on Mormon tradition](https://t.co/GddDviFI0a).
- Uchtdorf suggests humans feel the call of heaven like non-human animals instinctually feel their way home across great distances.
- Uchtdorf finds encouragement in the weaknesses of religious leaders in our history. If they can do divine work, so can we.
- Uchtdorf says God works through us if we make an effort, learning and applying. Christian discipleship must be an active faith.
- Oscarson is the first woman to speak at LDS conference. Maybe she thought too few women spoke last time. ;)
- Oscarson wants to have a face-to-face conversation with me rather than have me tweet about her! :)
- The main limitation of tech communication compared to face-to-face is its relatively low bandwidth, for now. That will change.
- Oscarson just shared a picture of her daughter-in-law and my friend, Marie-Laure Oscarson, who taught me French in the MTC.
- Oaks says exaltation is more than salvation, and that exaltation is a family matter. Isn’t all of humanity our family?
- Oaks construes progressive marriage law as worldly, but most of the world is conservative on marriage law.
- Oaks points out that the Proclamation explicitly promotes straight marriage. But it does not explicitly demote gay marriage. Why?
- Dear Elder Oaks, why did God NOT inspire you and the other authors of the Proclamation to demote gay marriage explicitly?
- Pingree says God uses ordinary persons to accomplish extraordinary things. How about immortality and eternal life!
- We often over-emphasize criticisms of the world and under-recognize that Mormon scripture teaches that Earth will become heaven.
- Christofferson says we ought to fully and completely incorporate the life and character of Christ in our being. This is theosis.
- Christofferson encourages holiness, as we esteem God holy. This is the sublime esthetic, the holy esthetic, the holy spirit.
- I like the French translation of “Holiness to the Lord” on LDS temples, transliterated back to English: Sanctity to the Eternal.
- Christofferson points out that we’re not alone in salvation. We are the Body of Christ. Salvation is not individual after all.
- Holland jokes about the apparent impossible weight of Jesus’ command to be perfect as God is perfect.
- Holland encourages personal improvement in a way that doesn’t include ulcers, anorexia, or depression.
- Holland points out that we now “live in a Telestial kingdom.” So let it be settled: progression between heavens must be possible.
- Holland points out our only hope for perfection is as a gift of grace. Exactly. Forgive. Give grace as received. It’s the only way.
- Holland is perhaps the most empathetic advocate of divine grace that Mormon leadership has ever produced.
- Holland discourages toxic expectations of ourselves, each other, and Church leaders. Good advice. We all need each other’s grace.
- Holland points out the sublime Mormon teaching that Jesus himself progressed “grace for grace” and extends it to us.
- Amen, Elder Holland. Amen.
- Salvation is not an individual matter. It requires grace, of God and of each other. We are saved as the Body of Christ, not alone.
- I know I’m not the only Mormon who finds the Scandinavian Jesus with an Oxford accent incredibly distracting from the message.
- Remember. Technology is not the enemy. [Technology empowers our participation in the work and glory of God](https://t.co/6wpjkZMQ6l).
- I look forward to the day when technology empowers the average person, if she chooses, to heal others as medical doctors do today.
- Uchtdorf is letting Eyring take his turn at facing the opposition votes. :)
- “I’m trying to be like Jesus.” This may be the most dangerous song Mormons teach our children to sing. ;)
- Stevenson compares the solar eclipse to small mundane matters that block our vision of large sublime matters. Interesting analogy.
- Stevenson rightly points out that technology is not inherently good or evil. It’s just power to use for good or evil.
- Stevenson reminds us that the carefully crafted self-presentations on social media are always incomplete. Life is complex.
- Stevenson says, “Let us use technology to help each other … become our finest.”
- I’m not sure Stevenson’s “gospel glasses” metaphor works as well as his “gospel eclipse” metaphor.
- Owen points out that repentance should be framed as uplifting progress. It is change, taking on Christ. It is transfiguration.
- Owen says the Atonement is not merely for sinners. It’s for saints too. At-one-ment requires all. Reconciliation requires all.
- Framing repentance in context of “atonement,” as Mormons do, has interesting ramifications. Change. Be one.
- Cook says our time on Earth is as fleeting as a British summer. :)
- Cook contrasts the smallness of humanity with our divine potential, no matter our race or gender.
- Cook says Christ-character includes humility, righteousness, and intelligence. There’s both some heart and some brain there.
- Cook says emphasis of authenticity sometimes leads to arrogance. He’s right.
- Authenticity has no inherent value. It may have contextual value. Love the superhumanity in your neighbor as in yourself.
- Cook quotes, “The test of greatness is how one meets the eternal everyday.” I imagine the Gods reminding themselves of that.
- Rasband rejects coincidence. I wonder if God rejects coincidence. Is there a way around Heisenberg and Godel? I doubt it.
- Rasband says God orchestrates. I trust that to be the case. I also consider that completely compatible with coincidence.
- It seems to me that there is no need for orchestration where there is no possibility of coincidence.
- Rasband says agency fits into the plan of God. I wonder if he thinks God always knows our choices in advance of us making them.
- Rasband quotes the Bible, which claims that all things will work together for good. That’s an idea worth trusting—actively.
- Haleck points out that Church members in developing areas contribute as illustrated by the story of the widow’s mite.
- Nelson, speaking now, is most likely the next president of the LDS Church—perhaps soon because Monson’s health appears poor.
- Nelson emphasizes “him” and “his” describing God. I wish our leaders would talk more about Heavenly Mother.
- Nelson calls attention to the idea that progress continues after this life. I love this very Mormon conception of heaven.
- Nelson says death allows us to progress to the next world. I wonder if he would tell the Three Nephites that? ;)
- Renlund’s reasoning on the relation between priesthood and atonement doesn’t make sense to me. Wish we could ask questions.
- Renlund seems to be suggesting there’s some kind or extent of unique access to atonement for priesthood holders. Strange.
- Evans encourages questioning and shows respect for good persons that question matters related to the Church. I like that.
- I’m interested in an LDS leader talk comparing and contrasting scientific knowledge with confidence in trustworthiness of religion.
- Uchtdorf is emphasizing a conception of spiritual light. For some inspiration, look at [“light” references in ](https://t.co/NdXtdof8KI)*[Doctrine and Covenants](https://t.co/NdXtdof8KI)*.
- Uchtdorf points out that Mormon scripture equivocates between “light” and “spirit” and “truth.” He could add “intelligence.”
- Nice to hear Uchtdorf mention Christ as the “light of the world” after previous talks on negative characterizations of the world.
- I want to be OF that world of which Christ is the light—to those with ears to hear. ;)
- Eyring points out that it takes great faith to sustain imperfect leaders. He’s right, but he’s among the easier to sustain. :)
- Eyring mentions that Bishops have a hard job because ward members know their weaknesses. Indeed. What a difficult job.
- Eyring’s persistent willingness to vulnerability about his own shortcomings is among the reasons he’s relatively easy to sustain.
- Bingham says Christ can relieve disasters and commotions in the world. I’d like to hear LDS leaders say more about those problems.
- Hallstrom addresses the problem of evil. Without a solution, he praises faith in the face of evil. This is unsatisfying for many.
- Bednar takes up the subject of theosis, taking on the divine nature, progressing grace by grace as exemplified by Jesus.
- Zwick says we should look past easy assumptions and stereotypes. Amen.
- Ballard encourages remembrance of Mormon pioneers. I’m often inspired by their practical perseverance in pursuit of our vision.
- Ballard raises warnings against charlatans who promote supernatural healing. Good call. Science and medicine matter.
- Ballard criticizes sexism, racism, and “nationalism.” I wonder what he thinks constitutes the latter.
- Callister describes the complexity of the production of the *Book of Mormon*. Strong point. It is strange book.
- Callister rightly points out that the purpose of the *Book of Mormon* is to advocate the Gospel of Christ, and not history.
- Koch encourages saying “Amen” after talks, to signify agreement. Okay. But I don’t always agree! :)
- I’m concerned that some may interpret Koch’s thoughts to mean they should not express disagreements constructively.
- I do not feel united with persons who withhold constructive expressions of their disagreements from me.
- Ellis asks if we trust imperfect persons to lead us well? Sure. But I don’t trust them to lead us perfectly.
- Ellis says some people create businesses from nothing. Hmm. Not even God created the world from nothing, according to Mormonism.
- Parrella also takes up the theme of authoritarian obedience. Our culture excessively emphasizes this.
- I think we should give more attention to persuasion and less attention to obedience. And I suspect we would like the results.
- Parrella quotes the *Book of Mormon* declaration that [death is an “awful monster.”](https://t.co/nkJWArHtmL) I like that passage.
- Andersen shared some visuals depicting light moving across the world. Conference would probably benefit from more use of visuals.
- Andersen gives insight into how LDS leaders prepare conference talks. I appreciate the humanity of it.
- Andersen repeats the denunciation of “nationalism.” What do LDS leaders mean by this?
- Andersen shares some thoughts and words in tribute to Elder Hales, who passed away during conference.
- Anderson quotes Monson in conclusion, emphasizing love. That’s a good way to end.

## More Thoughts on General Conference

If you enjoyed reading my thoughts on this general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you might also enjoy reading my thoughts on other general conferences. Here's a list, in reverse chronological order, of the conferences for which I've published thoughts:

- [29 Thoughts on April 2026 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2026/04/thoughts-on-april-2026-general-conference.html)
- [59 Thoughts on October 2025 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2025/10/thoughts-on-october-2025-general-conference.html)
- [38 Thoughts on October 2024 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2024/10/thoughts-on-october-2024-general-conference.html)
- [95 Thoughts on April 2022 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2022/04/95-thoughts-on-april-2022-general-conference.html)
- [75 Thoughts on October 2020 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2020/11/thoughts-on-october-2020-general-conference.html)
- [47 Thoughts on April 2019 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2019/04/47-thoughts-on-april-2019-general.html)
- [49 Thoughts on October 2018 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2018/10/49-thoughts-on-general-conference-of.html)
- [80 Thoughts on April 2018 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2018/04/80-thoughts-from-lds-church-general.html)
- [90 Thoughts on October 2017 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2017/10/90-thoughts-from-lds-church-general.html)
- [59 Thoughts on October 2016 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2016/10/59-thoughts-from-lds-church-general.html)
- [124 Thoughts on October 2015 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2015/10/124-thoughts-from-lds-church-general.html)
- [97 Thoughts on October 2014 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2014/10/97-thoughts-from-lds-church-general.html)
- [73 Thoughts on October 2013 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2013/10/73-thoughts-from-lds-church-general.html)
- [100 Thoughts on October 2012 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2012/10/100-thoughts-from-lds-church-general.html)
- [92 Thoughts on April 2012 General Conference](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2012/04/92-thoughts-from-lds-church-general.html)

Syndicated from [Lincoln Cannon](https://lincoln.metacannon.net/2017/10/90-thoughts-from-lds-church-general.html).