Farther along than the church

[Anonymous]

The following post, written by Steve Evans at By Common Consent, is thought-provoking – as is the comment thread. I recommend it highly.

“Farther along than the church” (http://bycommonconsent.com/2014/06/24/farther-along-than-the-church/)

[Anonymous]

I think it’s important that he clarify what he said so as not to be misquoted. However, recent events have convinced me that sometimes, the leaders in the church are “behind” in bringing the church up to what is right and good.

The post you reference assumes that the leaders in the church are always on top of their game in recognizing what is right and wrong, and when the time is right for change.

History has shown this is not always true. The recent disavowal of the priesthood ban is a case in point. Prophets do lead the people astray sometimes. Also, the system of lifetime callings in the prophetic and apostolic positions may well entrench beliefs that were the product of prior societal norms (and not revelation) persist well into times of more enlightened thought. I also think that items portrayed as revelation are not always revelation, but “the best understanding of the leaders in power at a given time”.

So, there will definitely be times when certain members are “ahead of the church”. I would never claim that in an article I wrote, though, as it sound arrogant, but I do believe we have an organizational structure that resists change. As a result, we have members who reach conclusions the church takes many years or decades to realize on their own.

Companies undergo transformations when they bring a new president to power; the church doesn’t have that luxury, so old beliefs tend to become entrenched in our culture and even perceived as doctrine that is VERY HARD to change. It makes for a slow, unadaptive organization on many issues and a very entrenched culture.

I will give the church credit for one thing though — they seem to adapt well to changes in the business numbers. When the rate of increase in church membership started slowing, the leaders quickly responded by lowering the age at which females can become missionaries. When it appeared the church would lose all of its properties, there was a quick revelation to outlaw plural marriage.

[Anonymous]

Quote:

The post you reference assumes that the leaders in the church are always on top of their game in recognizing what is right and wrong, and when the time is right for change.

Actually, it doesn’t, SD. The message is very different than that summary. I suggest reading it again, a little more slowly and carefully.

[Anonymous]

So, is his summary that you can be further along than the church, but don’t ever publically disagree or criticize the GAs of the church even if you are correct and they are wrong?

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[Anonymous]

cwald wrote:

So, is his summary that you can be further along than the church, but don’t ever publically disagree or criticize the GAs of the church even if you are correct and they are wrong?

Not exactly. He just said do so with an acknowledgement of your limitations and even peril. He says there is peril, not just from the church, but also inwardly if you are unwilling to be led by church leaders (e.g. you lose respect for them entirely due to their inferiority in this one matter) or are too prideful about your ability to be right. Crowing about your superior knowing (which he is calling revelation) cheapens your rightness.

Quote:

it’s ok to think differently than the church currently thinks, but there are inherent limitations: you cannot announce to mankind that you are right and that the church is wrong.

Anyway, I think it’s a good point.

[Anonymous]

I like the following quote:

Quote:

You have looked on the other side of the boulder and seen something special. Your response is not to cheapen that experience, or to use it to gain clout or authority that is not yours. If you are farther along — and it’s possible you are — than acknowledge to yourself the simple fact that you and everyone else are learning, and rejoice in that. What people on earth can know about God is growing. Our response should conserve humility and recognition that we are each entitled to learn independently, while also recognizing and respecting the revealed pattern for how the church is to be governed. That last part is particularly tough to swallow when you have happened upon something really important where you think — you know — that the church is just wrong.

I’m not saying that Steve’s post is the only way to see or approach things, but I think it’s a good example of trying to find a balanced way – that focuses on principles and not mandating any particular view on any particular topic or issue.

[Author]

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