Some excerpts from a GREAT Mormon Stories podcast

A friend of mine (Spencer) has excerpted some quotes from Richard Poll that were on Mormon Stories. There are some excellent thoughts for this group. I am going to post some of them and provide the actual link to the full content at the end:

For me faith is what an earlier Paul said it is. The substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen. It transcends empirical knowledge. And because what humanity learns by reason and experience is both finite and fallible, it may even contradict such knowledge. I feel no compulsion to choose between them, unless it becomes necessary to act. [Many issues that have strained relationships between Latter-day Saints] do not require resolution. For pragmatic and doctrinal reasons I believe in suspending judgment in such cases.

My testimony will, I suppose, be most of most interest to people like me. People for whom neither dogmatic fundamentalism nor dogmatic humanism provides convincing answers to life’s most basic questions.

James Madison cautioned: “When the Almighty Himself condescends to address mankind in their own language, His meaning, luminous as it must be, is rendered dim and doubtful by the cloudy medium through which it is communicated.”

Because I believe, with Madison, that everyone, including Paul and the other prophets, saw eternity, or sees eternity through a glass darkly, prophetic infallibility, scriptural inerrancy, and unquestioning obedience are not elements in my faith.

If I were in charge of the church I would make some changes. Since I am not, I must be patient, but I need not be passive.

“As my brothers and sisters [speaking of church leaders], they are entitled to my sympathy, support, and suggestions.” “History tells me that leading any organized religion is more of a priestly rather than a prophetic function.”

“[While being] aware of our own spiritual nakedness, help create a better royal wardrobe rather than abandon the court and the kingdom. Reinforcing my resolve to carry on is the conviction that among our dedicated and prayerful prophet leaders there must be a growing awareness that the present bureaucratic approach to us Mormon mavericks is not only counterproductive, but morally questionable.”

http://latterdayspence.blogspot.com/2010/12/richard-polls-faith-pillars.html