Out of Obscurity… and into what?

[Anonymous]

Heber13 wrote:

Do you think there are any absolute doctrines that could not change?

That is a great question. For me, pretty much your points 1-5 have been fairly well deconstructed in one form or the other. Numbers 4 and 5 particularly are of little importance to me anymore. I think at this point I could see virtually any change in doctrine of policy and still remain a member. Well, okay, as I wrote that I realized that if it becomes any more authoritarian I may not be able to stomach it anymore. I long for the days of Hugh B. Brown, Henry Eyring, James Talmage, J. Golden Kimball, and the other more liberal minded general authorities. I would like to see some of them in the mix in the church hierarchy. But alas, it does not seem to be the direction we are headed.

I guess if I did have to nail something down it would be love and service. For example, if the church adopted a formal clergy I would see little reason to stick around since I feel like serving others is what makes the church great for me.

[Anonymous]

jmb257 wrote:

Well, okay, as I wrote that I realized that if it becomes any more authoritarian I may not be able to stomach it anymore. I long for the days of Hugh B. Brown, Henry Eyring, James Talmage, J. Golden Kimball, and the other more liberal minded general authorities.

an interesting response, JMB. You know, it seems that is the way of things. The push is for more liberal minded, less rulesy, more tolerant religions. It just seems that is my impression of other religions, which is what many mormons feel is unique and attractive…we are not like other churches, we are unique, different, unbending, the truth that stays constant in an ever changing world.

But it doesn’t really stay constant. It changes also. I just wonder how far it will go.

[Anonymous]

just me wrote:

Maybe a good question is: What is doctrine? What is the core that cannot change?

Over at New Order Mormon, there have been discussion trying to figure out exactly what are the basic and unchanging doctrines of the LDS Church. We came to this humorous conclusion once a while ago. Three simple doctrines in order of priority:

1. The Church is true.

2. Follow the Prophet.

3. If your question has not been answered yet, go back to #1

It was funny.

[Anonymous]

Heber13 wrote:

jmb257 wrote:

Well, okay, as I wrote that I realized that if it becomes any more authoritarian I may not be able to stomach it anymore. I long for the days of Hugh B. Brown, Henry Eyring, James Talmage, J. Golden Kimball, and the other more liberal minded general authorities.

an interesting response, JMB. You know, it seems that is the way of things. The push is for more liberal minded, less rulesy, more tolerant religions. It just seems that is my impression of other religions, which is what many mormons feel is unique and attractive…we are not like other churches, we are unique, different, unbending, the truth that stays constant in an ever changing world.

Well, this is extremely subjective. Many Mormons feel it is unique, but there are loads of people out there who wouldn’t/don’t like it. I’m fine with that, but realizing that my point of view definitely does not fit the mold. Also, personally, I think this is part of the stage 3 faith that is encouraged by most religions. The fact is, we live in a changing world. And part of being successful in life is learning to adapt to it. Many people love, and take comfort in unchanging rules. These are the SJs in life. And thank goodness for them. But there are many others who promote the change necessary to keep an organization from diminishing. And thank goodness for them too. Take for example companies who don’t embrace the latest technology. They almost invariably wither away. Those who learn to rapidly, and efficiently adapt to changing markets and technologies flourish. Mormonism exists today because it has adapted (albeit under tremendous pressure).

[Anonymous]

Valoel wrote:

just me wrote:

Maybe a good question is: What is doctrine? What is the core that cannot change?

Over at New Order Mormon, there have been discussion trying to figure out exactly what are the basic and unchanging doctrines of the LDS Church. We came to this humorous conclusion once a while ago. Three simple doctrines in order of priority:

1. The Church is true.

2. Follow the Prophet.

3. If your question has not been answered yet, go back to #1

It was funny.

Funny yes, but also I suspect very serious for some TBMs.

[Anonymous]

jmb275 wrote:

Take for example companies who don’t embrace the latest technology. They almost invariably wither away. Those who learn to rapidly, and efficiently adapt to changing markets and technologies flourish. Mormonism exists today because it has adapted (albeit under tremendous pressure).

Interestingly, you see the church using technology (satellite, internet, geneology records, mp3 files of conference…) and use it for good purposes, and it has been very successful.

I also find the Amish groups interesting in their devotion to hold on to the past as a way to teach principles of hard work and the purity found in simple things in life.

[Anonymous]

Heber13 wrote:

jmb275 wrote:

Take for example companies who don’t embrace the latest technology. They almost invariably wither away. Those who learn to rapidly, and efficiently adapt to changing markets and technologies flourish. Mormonism exists today because it has adapted (albeit under tremendous pressure).

Interestingly, you see the church using technology (satellite, internet, geneology records, mp3 files of conference…) and use it for good purposes, and it has been very successful.

Yes, especially lately.

Heber13 wrote:

I also find the Amish groups interesting in their devotion to hold on to the past as a way to teach principles of hard work and the purity found in simple things in life.

Yeah, it is interesting. I’m not sure why holding people back from technology, and the rest of society helps teach principles. As if those principles can’t be taught in the modern world. But to each her/his own!

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