Questioning the scriptures as an "Answer Book"

[Anonymous]

Old-Timer wrote:

How is that different than any other recorded word that is not deemed to be scripture?

I understand what you wrote, but nothing in the last comment is unique to what religious people call scripture.

So, with that in mind:

1) Do you see all inspired writings or utterances as scripture, regardless of their origin or religious acceptance?

2) Do you accept all religious foundation texts as scripture – or just the Mormon standard works (and prophetic messages)?

3) How expansive is your definition?

4) Do you believe reasonable people can disagree, even significantly, about what constitutes scripture and the meanings of scripture – or is there one, true canon and interpretation for each tome, passage, story, verse, etc?

I will attempt to answer your questions as I currently understand inspired texts and scripture. I believe in evolution of thought because my journals and notes pertaining to scripture (and inspired texts) has evolved a great deal during my lifetime.

1) I do not classify all inspired texts as scripture. I do not even consider all of our standard LDS “scripture” as scripture. In essence I believe that there are two classifications of “scripture” as well as several levels of “scripture”. For me the first classification of scripture are revelations given concerning the laws, ordinances and covenants of the plan of salvation. These revelations I consider essential, critical and of the greatest importance. I believe this is what is meant by the “Fulness of the Gospel”. The second classification of scripture I believe are revelations given to inspire, direct, help, comfort and give understanding to those that seek divine assistance with their mortal journey that may or may not have any direct bearing on the laws, ordinances and covenants of the plan of salvation. As a side note – I do not fine scripture that beneficial in resolving doctrine and truths outside of the fulness of the gospel.

As to the levels of scripture, I believe that there are basically but not exclusively: a) to all mankind. b) to the children of the covenant (church members in general). c) to various regions which includes areas (under area authority), stakes (under stake authority), wards (under ward authority) and individuals and families (under priesthood ministering authority). I believe that I have personal scripture to which I alone am and will be held, accountable. I see no purpose in exposing others to my personal scriptures that are not invested in my personal mortal journey.

2) I am not sure how to answer your second question. I believe that every religion provides spiritual (moral) truths to which those that hear such truth will be accountable. To them such may be believed to be scripture. I have no problem with what anyone believes as long as they are true and loyal to what ever it is they believe. I also believe that no one will be accountable for truths that they are not exposed to or taught. I believe that there are nuggets of truth to be found everywhere and in all things. If I were prospecting for gold – I would search where I could or at least believed I could find the largest and most deposits of gold. Where I felt the most comfortable, the most liked or the most respected would not be a priority. Also, if I happened upon any deposits of gold by accident, even in a place I never expected to find any – I would not abandon or ignore it.

As for our LDS standards works (scripture) – I believe that they are not yet completed and that there are many things (nuggets of truth) that of necessity are needed to be revealed to complete even our “fullness of the gospel”.

3) How expansive is my definition? I believe it applies to all truths – in religion, politics or public affairs, science, mathematics, music and any other means to discover truth. I believe all truth is encompassed by G-d and revealed to us by G-d as we are able to accept it. I also believe that there are efforts to corrupt truth – so much is the power of corruption that I believe without divine help it is impossible in mortality to discern the light of truth from that which has been corrupted. I believe this from my own experiences.

4) I believe that in the quest for truth – be it science or religion (or whatever) that reasonable people will have and should have different points of view. I even believe that such points of view can be exclusionary – meaning that they are contradictory. When points of view are contradictory, I believe that one or both must have flawed elements. For me, if someone has an opinion (point of view) different than my own and it is an opinion I have not previously considered – I believe that I owe it to myself as well as them to explorer that new view as carefully as I would consider any of my own. If I have considered such a point of view previously and found it or believed that I have found it flawed – I believe I should express my understandings as best as I am able. If, however, they are offended or angered by my attempts to deal with my concerns – I will withdraw and leave then to their opinion somewhat myself concerned that there may be things I have not properly consider.

I do not believe that reasonable individuals searching for truth will be angered or offended by someone having a differing opinion. But I also believe that the more reasonable people communicate and share their points of view – meaning listening carefully to each other that they will tend toward convergence of ideas and away from divergences of concepts. I also believe that if one or both has created lines in the sand that they will not cross – that reason will have it limits and that a conscientious is doubtful at best and most likely impossible. I also consider any concept of idea that I find interesting and likely reasonable – to be unreasonable until I find conscientious with others that are willing to critically consider my concept from the standpoint of it having some flaw somewhere.

[Anonymous]

Thanks, watcher. I appreciate your response. It helps me understand you much better.

[Author]

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