I had a thought that I wanted to run by you all as I review some of my conference notes and mussings. One in particular that I keep coming back to is President Monsen’s “Call of Duty” talk.
Knowing that those men whom we sustain as prophets are not out of touch with the world and knowing that Pres. Monsen in particular loves to speak in parables and metaphors, I wondered at the use of the term "call of duty" especially since it is the title of the top selling video game of 2011…”Call of Duty”…being more that mere coincidence…
In his talk Pres. Monsen uses the word ‘Duty’ around 24 times and references the particular phrase “Call of Duty” 5 times. Not only does he use the phrase, but then uses vivid military metaphors (Marines on the beach of Kwajalein Atol, and the YM of his ward in the service) to help illustrate this need for the men of the priesthood to rise to their DUTY and do that which is BEST.
Personally, I do not believe that this is a coincidence in any respect. Only because every male in that audience under the age of 50 would be inclined to think of that video game series named “Call of Duty” in this instance. The repetition of the phrase and metaphor would only make us think it more. My question is “Why do you think he did this?” Or more importantly “Why do you think the Lord inspired him to do this?” What is the lesson being taught?
I have my thoughts…I wonder what yours are?
I’ll post my thoughts in the coming days.
(BTW – I’m not a gamer…I’ve actually never played this game. I am however aware of the popularity and impact it has on the industry, and as an animator I can appreciate the art of it all.)
Since there are no comments here yet, I'll tell you why I think our Prophet did this...I think that every time the words "Call of Duty" left his mouth, every man in the building under the age of 30, suddenly listened just a little more intently. What would be most interesting is to take a look at what he says JUST AFTER the phrase "Call of DUTY"and see what it is that he wants those younger guys to hear.
ReplyDeleteI also think that the term "Call of Duty" awakens within men a sort of 'primal' spirit. That unbreakable part of us that will rise to the occasion when called upon. That is another post though.