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There is an interesting element of the Star Wars theology, if you will, that parallels one of my favorite verses in the Book of Mormon – and constitutes a non-doctrinal reason I am as active as I am (completely, including being a temple worker and coordinator). Interestingly, both the Star Wars element and the Book of Mormon verse tend to be simplified by most fans / members with whom I have spoken. In Star Wars, there is a dark side and a light side – and there are subtle points when it is clear that the duality within each person is central to “balancing the force”. In a real way, without the dark side there would be no true light side – and the light side eventually would become the dark side.
We all are aware of the Book of Mormon verse that says there has to be opposition in all things, but few people consider that enough to realize the implications of that all-encompassing wording. “All” things includes each person – and it also includes the LDS Church itself. There MUST NEEDS be opposition in the LDS Church.
I stay, in one way, to provide balance to the LDS force – to provide opposition in all things – to keep my people diverse. However, I try to do so in a way that truly constitutes a balance – moderation – unity despite difference – charity – etc. I am NOT trying to be the one true voice that corrects and contradicts and, in the ideal end, converts and, in practical terms, silences opposing views; I am not convinced I understand everything well enough to be confident I am right and others are wrong in many cases, and I don’t want my view to become the new, exclusive orthodoxy.
I just know balance and opposition in all things are harmed when I (and every other individual) is absent and/or silent – so I stay to help others feel comfortable expressing their own views, as well, even when I disagree with them.
First off, I’ll forgive you for your blasphemy against the Force (you implied that Star Wars is not doctrinal)… Which of Fowler’s Stages do you feel like you identify with the most?? And do you feel like your “opposition in all things” approach has changed as your faith has evolved (in the Fowler sense of things)? How has that worked for you?
The reason I’m asking is that I imagine (though it may not actually be the case), that a Stage 6 “opposition” would tend to come with a lot less angst and frustration than a Stage 4. And is it better for Stage 4’s to generally keep their mouths shut in public until they can work out some internal peace?? This is from someone who craves a more meaningful, different, and less-repetitive experience at Church, but isn’t sure how it would be received…
Good catch Ray. I always read the verse as “opposition to all things” i.e. That outside forces would oppose us. But by a correct reading with “in”, then is reads that the opposition will come from within.
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