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“The church is true”. It references implicitly the Doctrine and Covenants statement that Joseph’s church was “the only true and living church upon the face of the earth”. Is it a useful expression? Pros:
[list][*]it expresses joy (a positive emotion) in finding the right path[*]it offers reassurance to the weak[*]it promotes growth[*]it promotes loyalty[/list] Cons:
[list][*]it implies my Church and my religion are “above average” or even “unique”.[*]it fosters partisan feelings and antipathy[*]it implies perhaps my personal beliefs are true as they stand today[*]It encourages a convergence on a single “True Doctrine” and discourages diversity[/list] A word about single True Doctrine vs. Diversity. Of course I believe there is One Truth. But none of us alone possesses it, and all of us, even the church as a whole, carry a huge piece of cultural, institutional, family, and personal baggage that clouds our judgement and vision. Diversity and an open ear to all 6 billion around us is the fastest way to unload that baggage and get on to the Truth. Hence the Golden Rule and all that other good stuff.
Tom
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