Mormon Elitism

Elitism is probably the single strongest natural (wo)man tendency that exists. Therefore, it probably is the single hardest natural (wo)man tendency to eradicate. Therefore, it is the single most deeply rooted “bitter fruit” that corrupts the vineyard.

Otoh, self-esteem and divine potential are necessary, wonderful, empowering principles. They are the only way to fight the opposite of elitism – defeatism. (and that’s not an intuitive juxtaposition of opposites) Therefore, we simply MUST be taught that we are of infinite worth.

Mormonism is a fascinating combination of foreordination and universalism (UNIQUE chosenness among the chosen ALL) – perhaps the most fundamental paradox that exists within its theology. We are special, but just like everyone else. There is great need for the Church and the Gospel in this life, but those who don’t have it here will have a chance to have everything later.

I don’t think “The Church” encourages elitism; I think mortality encourages elitism, and “The Church” is a product of mortality. I think “pure Mormonism” discourages elitism – but it’s SO hard to get rid of that blasted natural tendency to separate us and distinguish us and lift ourselves at the expense of others.

Motes and beams and pruning trees, I guess.

It’s a classic example of the ideal and the perfect balance. On either side lies the trap. It’s an almost impossible to define position that leads to divinity. It’s the infinitely precise point where the area of the circle equals the area of the square.

We humans look around us in the world and see that we are special. We are the only living creature (creation) sophisticated enough to wonder why. We are the ones with the ability to transcend our instinct and nature if we choose. This is beautiful and exciting. It is very positive, an innate sense that we are evolving towards something “godly.”

If ignored, it leads us into the trap of stagnation. But then taken too far in the other direction, it leads one into the trap of pride — another form of stagnation.

So are we special when we make our life a quest, a treasure quest of enlightenment? Yes. Are we therefore superior to everyone else? Don’t depend on that

To be “in the world but not of the world,” is one way we say it in the Church. I think all of these metaphors are pointers to a transcendent potential. Elitism misses the mark though. A powerful mythological story to express the hero’s journey is the life of Jesus Christ. He was God (the Son of God), subjected himself to the experience of humanity and conquered. What was the purpose though? The purpose was to use the treasure to save everyone else, not to pay the fee to enter an exclusive club.

We are special if we make our self special. Simply being a member of the Church or being ordained to the priesthood isn’t enough.

– Celestial Kingdom awaits only the very valiant and elect of God

– Being a member is being the elect of god, chosen people, many are called but few are chosen. Being Mormon brings responsibilities because one is favored in God’s eyes.

– Obeying truth qualifies for greater blessings than those who are not of our faith

– Youth are taught they are stronger…held back until these last days to fight in the increasingly difficult environment in this war between good and evil

– My son is turning 12 and was told that when he receives the priesthood, he will be special…that all those other kids in his school will be different than he is…he will be special, because he will be a worthy priesthood holder

The celestial kingdom awaits everyone who wants it when they are ready — everyone, no exceptions. That’s our doctrine. Not everyone with a membership card “gets it.”

Being a member might be helpful, but it isn’t a free ride. Being aware and receiving wisdom and enlightenment does bring responsibilities IMO.

Obeying truth qualifies one for more truth. That’s a blessing. I am not a believer in prosperity gospel though for sure. The blessings we receive are spiritual. Again, mere membership will not give a person any blessing except perhaps easier access to a system that encourages the quest.

The whole “last days” Saturday’s Warrior image is an LDS cultural idea. They’ve been telling youth this for 150 years. I think in a broad, universal way it is generally true. Again, membership is not the sure sign.

Your son will be different when he is ordained. It will actually mean something of substance if he does something with the idea. The idea of being a beacon of light and and example, encouraging the best in others is good. The idea of being better and entitled to something is wrong.

I recall an epithany I had on my mission when I understood what was said in the Pearl of Great Price about the 3 intellligences that God did not create but are eternal. I had always thought that God made me just the way I was and wondered why he had made me so dumb in one area and my companion so smart in that area. I used to blame God for my problems (like a child who blames their parents for how they turned out). When I realized I have always existed as a thinking being in the universe and that I choose to become like God in the pre-existence, it made a huge difference in my paradiagm. I could no longer blame God for how I turned out. He just gave me the opportunity to go through the plan of eternal progression and decide whether I really wanted a fullness of joy. He clothed my eternal intelligence with a spirit body and then allowed me to get a physical body. How I progress and choose to live my life after being raised spiritually in the pre-exisitence and by my earthly parents was now up to me. But, the PofGP mentions these 3 eternal intelligences as one being greater than another or one being more intellilgent than another. I worked in a hair salon one time that was not very busy. Most of the stylists that worked there would go in the back room and play cards for hours each day when the salon was slow. They had little ambition to do anything else with their lives. They had done this for 8 years I was told when I started there. I felt driven to accomplish things and would read books, or do things to improve myself. I was told I had the blood of Abraham running through my viens in my PP blessing and was one of the noble intelligences. I guess it made me feel special but not necessarily superior to anyone else. I just wondered why some people seem so motivated in life to be all they can be and others are content to be mediocre. I see this in people, in and out of the church. I have always looked at the church and gospel as an opportunty to serve, learn, and grow. All the callings I have been given over the years in the church did develop me as a person and gave me many spiritual experiences that I have come to value. I do find that when you do not use it, you loose it like a muscle that atrophies. So, everything comes down to personal responsiblity to me.