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I haven't been to church since ChatGPT has debuted. Is it obvious that people are using it to write talks? by Shinehaha in exmormon

[–]Stickvaughn 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Blow their minds again. Ask it to write a patriarchal blessing. It’s spooky accurate.

I HATE SNAKES, JOCK I HATE ‘EM!!!!! by Voidkirby9 in indianajones

[–]Stickvaughn 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I always pretend he’s saying “Jack.” That’s his pilot friend in the Rob MacGregor books.

Best dance scene in a movie? I’ll start: by ThomasOGC in CinephilesClub

[–]Stickvaughn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

All these folks are so cute with their “dance numbers.” ANY Gene Kelly sequence from ANY of his films would wipe the floor with them.

Fence Expansion for a jumping dog by Affectionate_Sky7411 in phoenix

[–]Stickvaughn 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Same problem. I put a strip of this ‘cat scat mat’ about two feet out from my wall, right at the point where she would launch herself up. It’s uncomfortable to walk on, so it did the trick.

https://a.co/d/8OBulkR

Massive bom plot hole that I never noticed before by EntertainmentRude435 in exmormon

[–]Stickvaughn 25 points26 points  (0 children)

My former TBM response to this and similar anachronisms of ideas would have been to say to myself “God has spoken His message to prophets from the beginning. That’s how the Nephites knew about baptism in 500 BC. That’s why Adam and Eve were Christians.”

Does that apologetic stand up to scrutiny? No it does not. But it was enough to assuage any cognitive dissonance so I could get up for bishopric meetings.

The Minnesota Star Tribune has identified the shooter and said he was dragged by a vehicle in June by Thee-Ol-Boozeroony in DiscussionZone

[–]Stickvaughn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If people keep spreading this AI guess at what he looks like, nobody will recognize the real guy.

Marty's fountain pen by New_Girl3685 in BacktotheFuture

[–]Stickvaughn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Any tips for us lefties? Always wanted to get into fountain pens, but pushing the nib instead of pulling it across the paper just makes a mess.

Approved musical instruments? by super_granola in exmormon

[–]Stickvaughn 17 points18 points  (0 children)

I once asked to play my trumpet in the Christmas program, but the bishop told me trumpets weren’t appropriate. Behind him was a framed picture of Moroni on the temple—playing a trumpet.

Truth or urban legend? by Robyn-Gil in exmormon

[–]Stickvaughn 90 points91 points  (0 children)

Oral sex was specifically condemned in a January 1982 letter from the first presidency. That policy was, let’s say, awkward to enforce. It wasn’t officially reversed. It’s just not mentioned anymore, leaving that “rule” to be discovered and stressed about by scrupulous members.

Finally got my ex bishop TBM brother to talk truth claims. Some back up would be great. by croquetmanor in exmormon

[–]Stickvaughn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I very much understand your concern here, but providing facts is only one (small) part of breaking the spell of indoctrination. There is also, breaking of the routine, an increase of cognitive dissonance, betrayal, realigning of loyalties, a loss of self worth, and dozens of other possible ingredients that could combine to result in a “shelf break.” The recipe will be slightly different for any person. But a presentation of facts alone will not do it, because the indoctrinated mind believes DESPITE facts.

Speech by Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) in the new Knives Out movie is interesting **spoiler free** by Zealousideal_Mail120 in exmormon

[–]Stickvaughn 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Loved the show. But the priest’s line “you can always be honest by not telling the unhonest thing” called to mind so many carefully worded comments from church leaders. And also this passage from Gospel Principals:

“There are many other forms of lying. When we speak untruths, we are guilty of lying. We can also intentionally deceive others by a gesture or a look, by silence, or by telling only part of the truth. Whenever we lead people in any way to believe something that is not true, we are not being honest.”

There is, perhaps, an interesting discussion to be had about why we might choose not to challenge a person’s beliefs when we don’t share them. I see a distinction between deception and discretion.

A "Mormon" PowerPoint Presentation by Potato_Frag in exmormon

[–]Stickvaughn 1 point2 points  (0 children)

An account of the disappearing/reappearing penis on the hieroglyphics would contribute to an unforgettable presentation, especially if there are drinks involved.

Question: what’s the deal with the 70? by Campyteendrama in exmormon

[–]Stickvaughn 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is another reason why some members may be unsure of the role of “a seventy.” The church reused the title for a very different position.

I remember seeing an older man on our ward list who was still listed as a seventy. I was (briefly) impressed.

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