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I never really thought of myself as a Liberal Mormon, and not to beat a dead horse, but yesterday’s discussion and article made me think about the words – Liberal Mormon. Historically, Mormon, was a name of derision used against the early Saints. In a very sage move, Joseph Smith co-opted it, stating it meant, “more good”. (I will look up the reference to this in a bit, it’s in a church manual somewhere).
This public definition became a moniker the Saints hung onto. Think “I’m a Mormon” campaign. Mormon was now cool, not despicable.
Liberal – by one definition, is generous. To use liberally is to use generously, bounteously, abundantly. “Giveth to all men liberally”.
Using these definitions – I announce that I am a Liberal Mormon or hope to become one. I want to be generous in my giving, abundant as My Heavenly Father and if Mormon means more good, I want to do more good.
As of today – I thank Sis. Hinton for asking me if I was a Liberal Mormon, it was a question I never would have asked myself. Now I have an answer – yes I am a Liberal Mormon and it has nothing to do with my American Politics.
Wonderful message. Thank you. I would rather be liberal than tight-fisted and miserly – and those are the opposites in question here.
mom3, I love that thought. Reminded me of the story told in the Ensign about being proud of who you are:
Quote:Joseph F. Smith was 19 when he returned from his mission in Hawaii. As he traveled from California to his home in Utah, he was confronted one morning by a “wagonload of profane drunks … , shooting their guns, yelling wildly, and cursing the Mormons.” One of the drunks, “waving a pistol,” came toward him. Although Joseph “was terrified, he felt it would be unwise and useless to run … , and so he advanced toward the gunman as if he found nothing out of the ordinary in his conduct. ‘Are you a — — — Mormon?’ the stranger demanded. Mustering all the composure he could, Joseph answered evenly while looking the man straight in the eye, ‘Yes, siree; dyed in the wool; true blue, through and through.’ Almost stunned by this wholly unexpected response, the gunman stopped, dropped his hands to his sides, and, after looking incredulously at Joseph for a moment, said in a subdued tone, ‘Well, you are the — — pleasantest man I ever met! Shake. I am glad to see a fellow stand for his convictions.’ So saying, he turned and walked away.”
Source: Elder Ballard, Oct 1997 GC “Stand for Truth and Right”
Maybe if someone asks me if I am a liberal mormon…I can say, “Hell ya…through and through!” (although I doubt I will be quoted in any GC talks)It probably leaves less of a come back for anyone to know how to respond to someone with that kind of conviction, don’t ya think?
Great OP. Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
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