Recognizing a problem is not solving it in the same way that a diagnosing an illness is not treating it.
It is always the first step, however, to recognize a defect. We don’t solve a lot of problems because we fail to acknowledge their existence.
Then there are those who will argue that a defect is not really a problem, but a feature. Don’t be fooled by salesmanship. Defects are never features.
This was a comment in response to a question about problems with the LDS Church.
I think it is always more helpful to be positive. Whether there are problems or not, we are better off discussing how to improve. However, we cannot do that without recognizing that there are some problems.
One thing I’ve noted with some of the responses I’ve received when I raise some of the “problems” – as I see it – is that it’s almost always viewed as an attack on the brethren or the president.
It may indeed by the way I approach the conversation, or the way I address the topic, but without fail any perceived weakness which is brought to the attention of others seems to symbolize the apostasy of someone raising the point.
This, to me, is just one more way we are “strangely touch on controversial” topics, as Nibley noted. I was admittedly raised with the mantra of “Church members are not perfect, but the Church is perfect” in the front of my mind.
When, in reality, at least to me, it should read: “Neither the Church nor the members are perfect, but the Gospel is perfect.” This would thereby shine the attention on the Gospel and, especially, on Christ and away from the institution and other mortals.