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I guess a follow up question would be is what the TBM consensus is. Whether it is a literal translation or just Joseph’s attempt to reconcile doctrinal issues. Is it possible to be a Christian in the sense of simply trying to follow the teachings of Christ? Do I have to subscribe to the supernatural element (resurrection, atonement, etc?) Can I just say that I believe that Christ was a great teacher who taught that we should love and serve one another? Can I follow Jesus the way others follow Buddha?
This was in response to the previous post who described his wife as saying “so what, he was only a man” One of the issues I have is the double standard between Joseph Smith and the rest of us. So what if Joseph Smith used his position of authority to coerce young girls, married women, etc into having sexual relations with him. He was only a man. He isn’t perfect.
But if I were to do something similar, I would be excommunicated, my priesthood stripped away.
If we are going to be forgiving of Joseph Smith for his sexual indiscretions then we must also do the same for the rest of the church.
The fact that gets me the most is that all of the mental gymnastics set forth by the apologists are only necessary if you accept the claim “Joseph Smith is a true prophet” as absolutely true. In order to preserve the veracity of that statement, we find ourselves throwing out all the things he said and claimed in order to make them fit with present knowledge. Remember that Joseph claimed that he was translating the hieroglyphics themselves. He made multiple statements that the papyri were written “by the hand of Abraham”. He produced a paper on egyptian grammar. He truly believed that he was translating the language himself.
And we can’t forget the incidents surrounding the Greek Psalter, and the Kinderhook plates. Events which, in and of themselves, show that not only could Joseph not recognize or translate ancient languages (or made up ones), but he either couldn’t tell that he was ignorant, or he deliberately lied in order to perpetuate his claim of being a Seer.
If we are going to examine the evidence rationally, and with an open mind, then we have to be willing to entertain the notion that Joseph may not have been a prophet afterall. In which case, he was a highly imaginative person who could whip out a fantastic story.
I think you should just read the BOM and pray until you change the way you feel. You obviously don’t have the spirit with you. Just kidding
I went to BYU (degree in Chemistry as well), though I was a TBM and married so I didn’t experience the fun that comes with single life at BYU.
I would agree with everyone else though. Stick it out for two more semesters.
Regarding your feelings and disaffection, I would exercise extreme caution over what you say to others. While there are a lot of people who feel the same way you do, there are enough judgemental, intolerant pricks who will jump at the chance to report someone to the BYU Secret Police.
