During ward council recently, we discussed creating a second gospel doctrine class. Because of space constraints, another class would be helpful, but many were concerned about people being more interested in one class than the other and the effect it might have on the teacher of the less popular class. Of course, where others see problems, I see possibilities, so it occurred to me: Let the market work. People will gravitate to the best class, providing teachers an incentive to make their class better. This healthy competition could dramatically improve the quality of teaching throughout the Church. Of course, some teachers will not rise to the occasion, which is fine. Teaching may not be their comparative advantage, and there’s always room for more supervisors in the nursery.

Some might object that a market approach would deprive opportunities for people who may not be well-suited for teaching but who could learn a lot from it. This is misguided. We can learn a lot from any calling, and the market will simply help direct people into more suitable positions. This would help us all “lift where we stand” instead of trying to stand somewhere we shouldn’t.

We could start with limited experiments in second gospel doctrine classes, and if it proves successful, start branching out: two Elders’ Quorums, two Relief Societies, two bishoprics, etc. And speaking of lifting where we stand, who’s to say that Pres. Uchtdorf might not be a better prophet than Pres. Monson?

I know a lot of people feel betrayed by capitalism right now, but how about we give it another chance?