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The reviews look great, and it does not appear Anti-Mormon at all — really, about what many of us are doing here — keeping our relationships intact while believing in unusual ways. I intend to buy this one and put it in my Kindle collection. Interesting, the author has a degree in Civil Discourse from BYU. I wonder what that actually means? Something to look up.
I will probably provide a review here after I read it…
The description includes the following statement: Quote:What do you do when your beliefs differ from your spouse, parent, child, sibling, or friend? For many Mormons, these differences can be heartbreaking. This book explores how the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness can save our relationships even when we disagree with those we love.
I have seen some couples where one member never joined the church, they participated as much as they could & were happy.
Recently the daughter of a bishopric counsellor married a Jewish man. He comes to church every Sunday & they are very happy.
In the cases I remember, you never would know that one is not baptised. They usually fit in very well.
I think it’s very possible to be that way…I think I am being that way now, actually. By the way, I looked up what civil discourse means — the writer of the book has a degree in it from BYU. I didn’t know you could do a degree in it…here is one definition of “civil discourse”..
Quote:
Civil discourse is engagement in discourse intended to enhance understanding. Kenneth J. Gergen describes civil discourse as “the language of dispassionate objectivity”, and suggests that it requires respect of the other participants, such as the reader. It neither diminishes the other’s moral worth, nor questions their good judgment; it avoids hostility, direct antagonism, or excessive persuasion; it requires modesty and an appreciation for the other participant’s experiences. In Book III of An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, John Locke contrasts between civil and philosophical discourse with the former being for the benefit of the reader, and the public goodIt sounds like a very good foundation for an author riting a book on how to get along with people who believe differently than you do…can’t wait to read it!
I’ve put this book on my Amazon wish list. It looks great. A quote from the blog post LookingHard linked to:
Quote:If we’re not careful, what we call truth is merely that which has been repeated often enough to make us feel comfortable.
This is why nearly everyone’s default worldview is the one we were born into.
The French writer Michel Montaigne noted this phenomenon as he visited different countries throughout Europe. People in each country seemed to believe without question that they had the truth and that their customs were the best in the world. Montaigne wrote, “There is always the perfect religion, there the perfect government, there the most exact and accomplished usage of all things.”
In other words, tradition blinds us with its comforts and familiarity. As the behavioral economist Daniel Kahneman once said, “Familiarity is not easily distinguished from truth.”
This idea is what instigated my own faith crisis. When I looked carefully at my beliefs, I couldn’t say whether I believed them due to cultural tradition or on their own merits. Prayers went unanswered, and everything broke down. I feel a great deal of compassion for those who still live in their cultural bubble. I can’t blame them one bit, and I can’t wish on them the popping of the bubble.
Daeruin wrote:I feel a great deal of compassion for those who still live in their cultural bubble. I can’t blame them one bit, and I can’t wish on them the popping of the bubble.
I’ve come to rest on the point where ignorance is bliss. While I seek what I think is the truth in situations, if someone else is happy in what may or may not be the truth, I don’t feel the urge to disturb it if it makes them happy. Particularly my two family members right now.
Looks interesting. I’ve gotten away from reading but would like to get back to it for sure. Think I’ll pick this up soon. Here is a link to the author’s article in the Tribune. It starts out sounding a bit pessimistic but then he makes a great comment about “Sad Heaven” — where you are saved in the Celestial Kingdom, but sad that the rest of your unbelieving family is not with you (or vice versa). He makes the comment that we don’t know exactly what happens after death, but we know we are together here and now, and should spend that time in unity with our family members. Great article!
http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/4190887-155/op-ed-belief-in-sad-heaven-hurts Thanks for sharing SD. It is so true. And looking at having that happen to me does make it a bit more real.
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