Where are you personally on the faith spectrum?

All over the spectrum, depending on which doctrine I am considering – and depending on whether I am considering the doctrines literally or non-literally.

As a comprehensive summary, I would say I have very strong faith – based on my own definition of what that means. I try to live my life in accordance with the substance of those things for which I hope but can’t see. Thus, I believe I have strong faith. I also believe that view is wholly consistent with the core of the Gospel that I believe constitutes pure Mormon theology.

If the question was about how much I actually believe specific doctrines as taught by the stereotypical, literal, traditional, orthodox member, my response would be different.

Also, I think the wording of the bottom option doesn’t match the question or the other options. I think it should be “no faith” – or the other options should focus on what percentage of doctrines one believes. I think “no faith” fits the question and overall options better.

I put my rating between neutral and medium. The old faith geiser ain’t what it used to be. At one time, I would have put myself at the top of the scale.

For me, the spiritual experiences I had during prayer when I prayed about the truthfulness of the Mormon message is what keeps me in the game. If it wasn’t for that, I probably would have said neutral or way less than that. The human nature of the church, juxtaposed with its claims about divine authority, as well as the experiences I’ve had, dented my testimony, and my inner peace, to the point I can’t say I’m much above neutral.

Would I like the simplicity of total faith? I think I would. That’s why i keep myself open to do an about face at some point,. I also don’t underestimate the power of God to provide me with life changing experiences and revelation that will change my heart back to the way it used to be. I believe He has the power to do that — and that keeps me in the game.

We’ve got the wall, we’ve got the hammer and the nail… I’m the jello.

Is this in reference to the things that are unique to mormonism (BoM, Kolob, 3 kingdoms) or is this mormonism taken as a whole (chastity, honesty, charity, BoM, Kolob, 3 kingdoms)?

I’d also need to know if I’m locked into the Gospel Principles manual interpretation of mormon doctrine or if I’m free to use my co-opted interpretations of mormon doctrine? 🙂

As a whole, as seen through your unique lens.

A five, mostly due to all the tens and ones.

I’m sitting around the 2 mark. Mostly because the survey mentions Mormon doctrine. My faith in Mormon-specific doctrines is pretty low (BofM, D&C, temples, etc.). However, if the survey was asking where your faith lies in the gospel, I would have been closer to a 7 or 8. I completely accept the gospel as Christ taught it. I believe it all comes down to love, charity, hope, peace, kindness, service, etc. And, while the church encourages those things, so does every other church, so I can’t say I feel that our church has a monopoly on gospel teachings. I don’t know if any of that makes sense! :crazy:

Makes sense to me. So if you are crazy, you are not alone!

I have myself as a “2” … But that might be too optimistic.

This was a rank of Mormon religious faith doctrines. I interpret that as doctrines that are specific to Mormonism.

BOM, D&C, temple ceremonies, garments, etc.

There is a huge amount of goodness in the LDS church .. But this poll was about doctrine and that is my FC.

OTOH, my belief in God is a “10” .. Belief in hope, faith, charity, Golden Rule, be kind, do good .. Those things are hugely important in my life.

Ray:

A very interesting question. I meet so many people in and out of the church who see so much in life as “God’s Will”. Calvinism — the whole belief of pre-ordination and pre-destination is still alive and well. I disagree with Calvinism. It takes away free-will. Calvinism is too often used as an easy excuse. No empathy or intervention is needed if one truly sees suffering as the will of God. For this reason, Patriarchial Blessings bother me to a certain extent. They can be pre-destination focused .. When people start talking of their successes being “meant-to-be” and “Pre-Ordained” my discomfort increases.

I remember having my oldest daughter die, and having some TBM tell me that my DH and I must have picked that burden in the pre-existence. That his children were healthy because he hadn’t picked that burden. And I wanted to respond,”Did YOU really just SAY THAT??!!!” And I didn’t say much in response to his idiotic statement . I was too diplomatic then. I am finding in my FC, that my language is less circumspect and I don’t tolerate as much crap. (I wish I had found my spine a little sooner .. )

I believe God love EACH of us in an extraordinary manner. I believe he wants wonderful things for each of us .. ALL of his children. I also believe God expects each of us to help each other as much as possible — not to change religions — but to help in basic ways of food, shelter, clothing, empathy, service. I don’t think he care much about what religion we affiliate with. I think he cares very much how I treat people, how I help people, how I am a force of goodness in the world.

And yet .. None of those good acts are going to earn me a place with God. I don’t think the system works like that either. I have no idea how the system works. That is God’s business — not mine. But if I can truly be a force of goodness and service in this life, I am not worried about the next life. God is pleased with me and that will have to be enough.