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So, I was teaching a lesson to the young men yesterday from the Aaronic Priesthood Manual, about sacrifice. I came across this quote from Elder Bruce McConkie that I found very interesting: “The law of sacrifice is that we are willing to sacrifice all that we have for the truth’s sake—our character and reputation; our honor and applause; our good name among men; our houses, lands, and families; all things, even our very lives if need be.”
It came from his conference address in April, 1975. I found it interesting because of his use of the word ‘truth’ and in my own endeavor to find the truth in or out of Mormonism. I suspect Elder McConkie was using the word ‘truth’ as a synonym for ‘The Gospel’ or ‘TCoJCoLDS’, never intending that there could be truth found in opposition of these things. Still, I find it heartening to my soul. I think the pursuit of truth is a noble goal worth sacrificing for, which is why I feel such anguish when everyone in my TBM Mormon life seems to treat me as inferior, misguided, led-away-by-the-devil, etc., when all I am trying to do is discover the truth, wherever it lies.
Well FWIW, I support you in your endeavor regardless of where you find truth. I’m just not in your family or local community. I also love how I can, like you, find “truths” and inspiring ideas from people I might not always agree with on the surface of things (like BRM). We really all are on the same team. I like to think of it that way at least.
“Oh say what is truth? Tis the fairest gem that the riches of worlds can produce…..” The above is from a hymn that the ward of my youth use to sing all the time. I havn’t heard it for years. I wonder if it is even in the current hymnal? My take on it back them was the CoJCoLDS encompassed all truth. I view things differently today. If it has been removed from the hymnal, I wonder why? I don’t have one here at home to check.
Wow, I can’t believe I agree completely with BRM! 😳 😈 And, the irony/paradox is so thick, I can’t even express it over the internet!
😯 😆 George, it’s still in the hymnal. I’ve sung it occasionally in the last two wards I’ve attended. I’m not sure Elder McConkie was as narrow in his interpretation as you believe. He might not find truth in exactly the same ways, and he might disagree with what others see as the truth, but I think he honestly believed in the concept. Personally, I think that’s refreshing and wonderful – even if the individual end results are paradoxical and puzzling.
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