Learning from Others Who See Things in Very Different Ways

“You do find, every once in a while, someone who has actually thought about the same problem in a very different way — and that can be the most important sort of catalyst: the kind that leads to new discoveries.” (Harvard Magazine)

Last night I read some from “Answers to Gospel Questions.” Apparently in the 60’s you could submit questions to the Ensign (or equivalent) and the Prophet would answer a few per edition.

Several things struck me –

1) That there are some mysteries (gaps) in our belief (like where the missing 10 tribes are)

2) That there are those that are quite anxious to have the church take a position on these matters so we can know exactly what we are supposed to believe. (They feel uncomfortable with uncertainty and not knowing and so they appeal for an authority figure to make a declaration and when various persons in authority differ they appeal to the Prophet.)

3) These same individuals expect the Prophet to know everything (like the location of the 10 tribes)

4) Some individuals in pressing for a clear stance may just get one (be careful what you wish for), and may in turn effect a narrowing of the scope of generally accepted range of belief inside the tent of Zion.

One question and answer struck me as particularly humorous.

The individual framed the question by stating that some women in her neighborhood would get together about once a week to drink cola and play card games with the prize being some random item brought by a rotating member of the group. The individual then stated that she does NOT like to attend, but asked what the Prophet thought of such meetings.

Well, the Prophet (Joseph F. Smith [the un-bearded one]) said that cola was bad for you and that card games at best were a waste of time. Much better, he said, to spend your time in discussion of Gospel topics, or listening to historical narratives of the restoration, or sharing faith promoting experiences.

Well, I can just imagine this “kill joy” questioner taking this answer back to the RS and putting a stop to what might have been some fun little gatherings by some of the other women.

While I have the luxury of finding this funny (because I am so removed from the event and because there is so little at stake), I understand that just such requests for clarification are what ultimately put a stop to the blessing and anointing of women in childbirth by sisters in the RS and the loss of that special privilege by the women of this church.

I am thankful that the current church leadership seems reluctant to make what some may refer to as speculative pronouncements that might serve to squelch diversity of opinion on the effected topics and thereby reduce the likelihood of learning from that diversity as Ray suggests.