Spong’s "Beyond Theism"

[Anonymous]

Mike, I’ve taught a lot of what wayfarer has said in this thread in multiple LDS meetings (both general meetings and leadership meetings) over the years, and I’ve never had anyone object strenuously – but that’s because I’ve taught elements of it using “Mormon-speak”. Iow, I’ve modified it slightly to approximate as closely as I could, understanding I was “pulling my punches” a bit but knowing that’s the only way I could teach things that I believe are very important “truths” and have them accepted.

It’s a lot like my discussion with wayfarer in another thread about the difference in how I write about “becoming” even though I believe in “being”. I believe it’s better in many situations to teach what I can teach effectively, even if that means I teach a “lesser principle” in many situations.

wayfarer, I agree with pretty much everything you’ve said in this thread. I think the biggest mistake we make (the collective “we” meaning people who live generally good lives) is looking for God in all the wrong places (as Arwen or someone else just said in another thread). I think we really do believe we can become Gods in the future, but we often don’t believe we are (or can be) gods – that we are our own “I am” – in the here and now. In that way, we haven’t shed totally the effects of the Great Christian apostasy, to use Mormon-speak again.

[Anonymous]

Old-Timer wrote:

I think we really do believe we can become Gods in the future, but we often don’t believe we are (or can be) gods – that we are our own “I am” – in the here and now. In that way, we haven’t shed totally the effects of the Great Christian apostasy, to use Mormon-speak again.

You could just say “I WILL BE” instead of “I AM” in this case. If that makes it easier to speak in church, fine. I think it loses the concept of being authentically in the present. line upon line…

[Anonymous]

As I’ve said before, this is an interesting post.

You all have discussed many things I’ve never considered before or haven’t considered for a long time.

I feel sorry for anyone who is fearful, nervous or angry about being exposed to new ideas or beliefs.

It doesn’t mean that I agree with it all. But, it sure challenges my ideas & makes me think.

For me, that’s what makes this life interesting & gives it “texture”.

I’ve never liked the “canned” questions & the “canned” answers we sometimes get at church.

Wayfarer, I have to ask a question:

You have obviously put alot of thought into the spiritual side of your life.

How do you reconcile or deal with “the way” & your church experiences? I would find dealing with both of them to be frustrating. With “the way” you are free to explore your spiritual life without (what seems to be) any limitations.

To be fully active in church, we have answer very specific questions.

a. Are you a full tithe payer?

b. Do you keep the WoW?

c. Do you wear your garments day & night?

e. etc.

There are only (2) that directly deal with the role of JC.

I am considering the possibility of becoming active again. Plus, defining what active means for me.

Currently, when I go to church I participate very little to the lessions given. (SS & PH)

The lessons seem to be the same I participated in years ago.

When I come home, I feel angry or a waste of my time.

How do you keep it together without going your “own way”?

If I come back, I want to be honest about it.

I want to feel as though I’m a better person or better follower of JC.

This question is really for everyone.

Again, I hope this is not off topic.

Mike from Milton.

[Author]

Posts