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churchistrue linked to this and I listened. It’s only 49 minutes. I apologize if it’s already been talked about; I’m not finding the discussion if it was. http://www.mormondiscussionpodcast.org/2015/11/perspectives-richard-bushman/ An imperfect summary:
What does “church is true” mean to you?
– Most fundamental meaning is that God is in this work. He is helping us, helping our leaders. What I don’t think it means is that no one else in the world can come to God without the church. I have evangelical friends who are stronger followers of Christ than I am.
-Our church’s mission is producing people of goodwill. Mormons learn to be generous, to sacrifice, get along with others, avoid competition… We should carry that goodwill out into every part of our lives…make the most of this wonderful cultural experience. We should join forces with others also doing God’s work.
Book of Mormon
-Book of Mormon is a puzzle for us, even people who believe it heartily. Begins with the puzzle of the translation process. We don’t know how it worked. The theology of it is very much 19th century – like a 19th century understanding of the Hebrew Bibile. On the other hand, there are things in it that are ancient. We’re working our way through it. I don’t think it comes out of Joseph Smith’s mind, and yet it has a modern ring to it.
-I personally believe in Nephites…There are faithful Mormons who are unwilling to take a stand on [the book’s] historicity. I disagree with them, but I can recognize that they can be fully committed to the gospel in every way and still have questions about the Book of Mormon. …They are very good people. … If the book brings you closer to Christ, it’s fulfilled its mission.
Prophets – (have they seen Christ, etc.?)
-I wouldn’t question the possibility, but I don’t think it’s face to face all the time. The spirit of the Lord infuses their mind, their judgment, [gives them a sense of how] to accomplish good.
-They’re people we have to respect and honor as spokesmen for God. But everything comes through the human mind….
-Important for us to believe that the leaders of the church receive inspiration because it anchors us. Because we believe he guides his prophets, we believe he can guide us, too.
Prophets – (erring, as in priesthood ban)
-You can never abandon your own conscience.
-The brethren make mistakes; can’t expect perfection. What I’m pleading for is respect for their positions and taking what they say seriously.
-They’re not going to condemn you for disagreeing in the right spirit. It doesn’t mean you can’t speak and write your mind, but democracy/American politics is not our model. Our model is brotherhood and sisterhood where we try to work together and reach understanding. We need to maintain the spirit of brotherly and sisterly cooperation. Within that spirit you can say all sorts of things.
Scripture
-I think the biggest problem is trying to discern what they mean, how they apply now.
-But, for instance, God commanding genocide – okay to say it’s wrong. I don’t have to subscribe to that. We have to try to understand why people would write that way. Sometimes to relieve anxiety and anger.
Section 132 (do you see church setting it off “to the side’?)
-It’s going to be a subject of much discussion because it seems contrary to the church’s own teaching
-I think it’s always a mistake to try to bury cultural statements because they’re uncomfortable in a particular point in time. I don’t like discrediting any part of our cultural history.
-We should look at Joseph’s commitment to bonding people. Marriage was one way of doing that.
-Need to continue to contemplate it. Be patient in talking about it and see where it leads us.
-It’ll get very complicated before it simplifies.
Faith transitions
-Line upon line. We really have to go where [church history] documents lead us. We have to adjust to what we find.
-When talking with people in faith crisis, my current response is to ask how they feel about Christ. Make sure you have a Christ-centered foundation.
Doctrine
-Role of prophet is to make teaching of the past relative to the present. The nature of conservatism…
-The constitution hasn’t changed. We are committed to it and have to make it work now.
-Ask ourselves what scripture/doctrine means to us now.
LGBT issues
-I’m all for understanding and acceptance. We’re a pastoral people – we take care of our flock.
-I don’t think we should put parents in the position of choosing between children and the church.
-I personally wish that we could make our congregations safe for gay people. I’m probably out of harmony with leaders…. I wish we didn’t have to discipline practicing gay people.
-I think we should open our doors and allow them to sit safely in our congregations.
-May take years….
Women
-Claudia doesn’t think women need the priesthood, but she thinks women need to be heard. We need to have the voices of women in all major decisions.
-(More about Elder Oaks’ priesthood talk and possible ways for women to participate)
Next book
-Finishing a book on early American farming
-Next will be: Joseph Smith’s Gold Plates
Just wanted to say that I really enjoyed your post. Unfortunately the speaker system on my computer is on the blink, so I am not going to be able to actually listen to the podcast for who knows how long. I appreciated the summary you provided. Thanks. It’s hard to catch it all, and I didn’t, so everyone is free to tinker with the transcript. Re. non-literal believers of the Book of Mormon: How exactly can the church make room for them? And if we could do it quickly, how many more members would we retain?
I thought someone as respected as him expressing his dismay at the LGBT policy was significant.
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