So I missed all of conference, and after looking at facebook, I thought I'd watch this powerful talk everyone was talking about by Elder Holland. It was powerful, and it was a solid reminder that I believe the Book of Mormon is the word of God. He said something that struck me--that those that leave the church have to walk around, under or over the Book of Mormon. Well said, and it is one of those things I don't doubt.
Oh how I wish I could reconcile the rest so easily. And hear the real story as to why God seems to have decided to inflict homosexual desires on all of us, and what he really wants us to do or not do about it. But I think I need to hear it from him at this point. Hope all of you are well.
... those that leave the church have to walk around, under or over the Book of Mormon.
ReplyDeleteThe Book of Mormon purports to be factual, literal history. This is a pretty outrageous claim, and the burden of proof lies solely on the shoulders of the book's apologists. Whether someone is in the church, outside the church or waiting in the parking lot isn't relevant to the discussion. Attempts (like Elder Holland's) to scapegoat those who for any of a number of compelling reasons no longer submit to LDS authority only further divide and polarize us. (I keep waiting for the olive branch that never comes.)
Anyway, that's my $0.02.
(I like your blog. Best of luck to you!)
Elder Holland's talk was powerful and I felt the witness of its truthfulness. Even in my darkest hour, I loved the words and spirit of King Benjamin's address.
ReplyDeleteWith all respect. Many of us have never felt we "walk around under of over the Book of Mormon."
ReplyDeleteThat's a VERY self serving statement.
Some may feel that way and I'm not trying to contend, just making it clear that my personal opinion is that that statement is not true.
Todd--thanks for sharing that. It isn't my wish to offend anyone. I was just sort of struck by it, wondering why I could receive a testimony of the book of mormon, yet no explanation of all the issues.
ReplyDeleteMany Latter-day Saints see the BOM as divinely inspired scripture without insisting that it's a literal history.
ReplyDeleteMy only quibble is the tendency to see folks who move away from activity in the church as somehow morally diminished.
MohoHawaii: Don't all organized religions play that game? They all claim the "right" way to God, and offer various roadblocks and tools to make it the "whole" way.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd agree with that assessment.
ReplyDeleteIf you'll indulge me one more less-than-faith-promoting remark, I find that churches derive their holiness from the holiness of their members. In other words, religious institutions package up the "goodness" of the individual congregants and then deceitfully convince their members that the church is the source of that goodness. To me, it's people who are holy, not a rich and powerful institution. Money and power are corrupting, not sanctifying. (Jesus did quite well without a portfolio of media properties and a satellite broadcasting system.)
It was a very powerful talk. There were other great talks at conference, too. Love seemed to be the theme. We're going to need it when this war gets worse. Saw a thing on The Colbert Report tonight about gay almost-marriage in Washington and the possible publication of people's names who petitioned against it. The show's "The Word" cited "rhymes with schmormons" as the people who didn't want that list published. Then the segment ended with Colbert saying something about us folks being forced to climb into the closet the gays are leaving behind. Except that he said it way better. And my husband and I looked at each other, both thinking the same thing: We're going to be blacklisted.
ReplyDeleteIt's going to get all the more difficult so it is important to sort out the whys. I think I've finally figured it out. If you ever want to email me, the info is on my blog BecomingSomething.com
Natasha.