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“The church is true”. It references implicitly the Doctrine and Covenants statement that Joseph’s church was “the only true and living church upon the face of the earth”. Is it a useful expression? Pros:
it expresses joy (a positive emotion) in finding the right path
- it offers reassurance to the weak
- it promotes growth
- it promotes loyalty
Cons:
it implies my Church and my religion are “above average” or even “unique”.
- it fosters partisan feelings and antipathy
- it implies perhaps my personal beliefs are true as they stand today
- It encourages a convergence on a single “True Doctrine” and discourages diversity
A word about single True Doctrine vs. Diversity. Of course I believe there is One Truth. But none of us alone possesses it, and all of us, even the church as a whole, carry a huge piece of cultural, institutional, family, and personal baggage that clouds our judgement and vision. Diversity and an open ear to all 6 billion around us is the fastest way to unload that baggage and get on to the Truth. Hence the Golden Rule and all that other good stuff.
Tom
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