See 80 Over 80,” Slate magazine’s annual list of the nation’s most powerful people over 80 years old.
“The top spot this year goes to 82-year-old Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the only person on the list to rule over millions of people as a prophet of God.”
Spread the word on Twitter using tags #lds and #monson.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Awesome, Larry.
While it’s nice that the church is getting some positive coverage, two things bug me about this article.
1) I highly doubt that President Monson would like being considered the most POWERFUL man over 80 years old. Power is definitely NOT what he is seeking. I think President Monson would echo the words of Captain Moroni: “I seek not for power, but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God (Alma 60:36).”
2) The line in the article that describes the Prophet as “the only person on the list to RULE over millions of people as a prophet of God.” That is definitely something that President Monson does NOT do.
That being said, it’s nice to see positive coverage of the church!
I agree with Nathan. I can already see those who oppose the Church for its standing on the issue of same-sex marriage and others using this article to warn America against the “power” of the Mormon prophet.
1. Although Captain Moroni did not seek for power, there is no doubt that he had it, right?
2. Rule isn’t exactly what he does, it’s more like he guides or serves millions of people. He is however, clearly the head of the church, and millions look up to him and follow him, even though, technically we are following Christ.
Frankly, he is not the most powerful man over 80 in the United States. Just read the backgrounds and history of all the others on the list. A member of the Supreme Court has more power (secular speaking) in his thumb than Pres. Monson ever will have. The only reason he was included was because of California Prop. 8, as if that was the most important thing that happened in the United States. If their reasoning is true, than any and every Mormon Prophet would be first on that list every year.
Jettboy,
I thin you are spot on in your assessment. This does seem to be directly connected to the prop 8 business. Many non-members will recognize this right away. Many members however, won’t necessarily see it that way. I’m thinking why the article was worded they way it was about Monson. It seems positive, but the implications aren’t particularly positive.
Oh, the irony in the title given to Pres. Monson in this particular instance. Ironic in the fact that he is the most powerful man on earth in regards to the keys he holds, which is miles away than the reason he was given this title. No matter how you stack it, the church will be ridiculed for this. What is also ironic is to think a 12 year old Deacon has more power given to his Spirit than the other 79 people on this list put together. It’s pretty funny to think President Monson is given this spotlight for such a trivial thing, that pales in comparison to who this humble man truly represents. Profound, isn’t it?
GB
Idaho Falls, ID