We kicked him out after about 5 minutes (this was about 8 years ago).

I think the reason why they are crazy is because they can’t tell the difference.

That is bad enough, but what is really scary are GA’s that try to sound like prototypical GA’s.

–

Bookslinger, there’s every difference between what you do and the kind of situation we — at least I — are thinking of. You offer; they impose. You care enough about the nuances to make sure a Muslim understands that your material is Christian; they don’t care about offending. You deliver your material and step into the background; they keep coming back to strengthen their personal position. You’re thinking of doing good for the person you’re talking to; they’re thinking about what’s in it for themselves.

Sometimes, those on the fringe, or those we think to be flawed, are humble enough to be more receptive to the more unconventional promptings of the Spirit.

As tools of discernment, we have at least three things available:

1) The Lord’s order of a top-down hierarchy for church doctrine and directing the activities of various church units: The First Presidency, the Quorum of the 12, the 70′s, the area 70′s, Stake presidents, Mission presidents, Bishops and branch presidents, quorum/RS presidents, family heads, individuals. We’re all free to share opinions, but revelation, doctrine and commandments come from the top down.

2) We are all entitled to some form of spiritual discernment or to receive confirmation from the Holy Ghost about what we see, hear or read.

3) Local leaders with whom we can consult confidentially, and review with them any seemingly crazy ideas we might have. (So far no one’s told me to stop talking to strangers and offering them a “church book” in their language.)

This post _really_ hits home with me, because I realize it’s my life-long lack of awareness of social conventions (or rather the late development of that awareness) that has enabled me to ask a stranger “Hey, would you like a free book in your language from my church?”

It’s an example of how God in His mercy turned a weakness or handicap into a strength or useful tool.

So I’d say to be charitable to the fringey folk, the awkward, the flawed, and the late bloomers. In regards to those you think have caused or might cause trouble for others, take your concerns to the Bishop or quorum/RS president. Chances are the bishop is already aware of their situation. And if it’s a matter of abuse, and your Bishop doesn’t take it seriously, go to your stake president. And if you honestly think children have been hurt, or are in imminent danger, take it to the police too.

I honestly haven’t met any crazies who fit this description at church. I’ve met plenty of crazies, just none that thought they were all that.

I did however meet a crazy on my mission while out one day. He had long hair down to the middle of his back, and a well trimmed beard. He was extremely well groomed and had nice clean clothes on. He claimed he was walking to the coast to preach the gospel. We asked him if he’d heard of the Book of Mormon, and he said yes, and that he believed in it. We also asked him if he believed that a man had to be ordained of God by laying on of hands. That’s when he told us that God’s hands appeared and God laid his hands on his head and called him to be an apostle. Well, we couldn’t argue with him on this matter. He totally had us stumped. We gave him a copy of the Book of Mormon and sent him on his way. I will forever remember him as Gary the Apostle.

Is your sense so finely developed to get this over blogs, or do you know this person in real life? Fascinating comment.