[allquieton]

Some of these, although technically correct, do not reflect reality (as I see it). Take Number 9 for example. The quote by Brigham is strong and I’m glad Faust reminds us of this principle…But in my experience it is generally not okay with other Mormons to question/examine the statements of Church leaders. I would be even more hesitant to say it is encouraged. In my experience it has usually made people worry or get defensive–even when presented in the most benign language I can come up with.

[allquieton]

I like parsing–I think the accuracy and clarity it encourages is helpful. But there is always more than one way to interpret something. I have seen people whittle a single talk, or even a paragraph into absurd messages. Or into messages that ignore, or even contradict what that author has said elsewhere. So if you parse something controversial out of a statement, I think the burden is on you to explain any such discrepancies. It’s not fair to ignore an entire body of statements by an author, in clinging to a meaning you teased out of one short text they wrote.

[allquieton]

I think God expects us at some point to cast away the lens through which we interpret the scriptures. Maybe at the point where we realize the lens contains other people’s interpretations. I think God gave us the scriptures to counteract the creeping of untruths into the church. But if no one questions the popular or cultural interpretations, then the advantage is lost.

[allquieton]

The Church says anyone can be a prophet, but not the prophet. Obviously we don’t sustain everyone as prophets, seers, and revelators. I think they ought to clarify. Or have they already?

Scriptures often use the phrase holy prophets to describe the kind of prophet I’m talking about. And actually I don’t think the BoM ever uses the word prophet in any other sense.

Btw–I know that Joseph Smith said something to that effect, but it seems to me that the Church is only recently emphasizing the anyone-can-be-a-prophet doctrine. Any thoughts?

[allquieton]

It’s hard to answer, not knowing more about the situation. But if the main objection is knocking doors, I would say just cowboy up and do it. It’s a part of Mormon culture, it’s an expectation, or a rite of passage in Mormonism. He shouldn’t let himself get bullied into it, but also it’s fair for Mormon culture/families to have this expectation of it’s men. If it turns out to be a disaster he can always call it quits–which I don’t think has any more stigma than not going. But who knows, he might like it, or at least persevere through the challenge of it. I say give it a shot, unless he is the type that will just do damage to the effort.

I am exactly the personality type that hates knocking on doors, yet that is what I did daily for 2 years. Maybe the hardest part for me was being expected to use salesman-like tactics–but I eventually figured out how to deal with that. Knocking doors wasn’t as bad as I thought and there were other parts that more than made it worth it.

[allquieton]

Thanks everyone for your answers.

Bill,

I have had those kinds of feelings about Church leaders. I probably even believe that they should be leading the Church and have authority. I get hung up on the definition of a prophet. I think what the scriptures (and God) mean by “prophet” is different from what the Church means. I go with the scriptural definition and find myself having to say, “no” to that one question.

I tried to explain myself in one interview and ask what is meant by “prophet” in that question. The interviewer seemed sympathetic, but ended up saying I needed to answer the question with a simple yes or no, by my understanding of it. Not sure if it was more this leader’s take on it, or if this is typical of Church leaders. But it seemed like he didn’t want to decide what the question meant or if I was worthy. It was all up to me, which I find frustrating. Though I suppose that could seem liberating to some.

I could go even further with the definition of a seer. The BoM says a seer uses the Interpreters. I don’t think anyone even thought of this when writing the question. I also don’t think prophets are always Church leaders–or vice versa. There are cases of this in the BoM I think. There’s more, but needless to say, I tend to take things literally.

If the only question was, Do you feel worthy to go to the temple, I could say Yes. But I don’t feel good saying yes, the way the question is worded…

[allquieton]

I thought I replied to this post, but it’s not showing up…Does it sometimes take a while for a post to get approved?

[allquieton]

Rix wrote:

1) if one really believes that there will be an “end” to the earth — soon — then they are much more likely to disregard the care of it today;

2) most religions profess that there are “chosen” people, and secondarily, chosen land for said people. This has led to countless wars and hatred between the people claiming their position and entitlement;

3) when you have the attitude that you are superior to another, because of a proclaimed birthright, can you really be “moral” to another? IOW, can you really live the Golden Rule with that attitude?

I disagree, mostly.

1. People take care of many things, even if they are bound to end or be destroyed eventually. I think they take care of what they feel is important.

2. I don’t think “most” religions profess the chosen people idea. And I think that it is an excuse for, rather than a root cause of, war or hatred.

3. Most religions suggest not having a superior attitude. (Christ specifically railed on the Pharisees for having this attitude, and going on about how they are Abraham’s descendents.)

This post sound a lot like an atheist argument I read. Richard Dawkins or Sam Harris–one of those guys.

Also, I’m new here–I don’t understand the Liahona/Iron Rodder labels…Can someone explain?

[allquieton]

With the Nephi/Laban story, you seem to be saying that the scriptures do not agree with what people are telling you. That’s an easy one for me. I go with the scriptures–every time.

When I experience a situation like this, I also make sure to search my heart, and search my motives. I ask myself, Am I being deceived? Am I trying to justify some sin of mine? I pray to God that I will not be led astray, and if everything still looks right and feels right, I go ahead with it.

[Author]

Posts