I really dig this series. I think it's a fun mental exercise to go through for myself once in a while. I baptized my son last weekend and the combination of that event and JL's thread on Faith and Evidence got me thinking about this again.
So here are some random beliefs of mine, in no particular order:
-The BOM is an inspired work through which I have had numerous experiences that I would characterize as both enlightening and spiritual
-I have no idea if the BOM is historical, but if I had to guess, I'd say it's not. However, like many works of literature, it's fictional/non-fictional status does not rob it of its inspirational power.
-I believe that there is a supreme being, but I doubt that He is anthropomorphic, at least in the way that I would guess most Mormons believe He is.
-I believe that Joseph Smith had a special gift, perhaps even one of prophecy. I believe that he believed he saw God and Jesus Christ, and that this experience changed and inspired him. He then went on to accomplish much and inspire millions to seek out God.
-He was not perfect, nor was everything that came out of his mouth truth. However, I have a hard time believing that he ever intentionally deceived anyone.
-I believe that the Mormon Church is the best vehicle out there to improve men. It is not the only vehicle, but in my experience, it is the best. That said, it does not have a corner on truth, and has much to learn from all other creeds and philosophies, particularly eastern ones (not surprising, given its western roots). I have met a higher percentage of truly good people in the Mormon Church than out of it.
-I believe that our beliefs derive their importance and value from their effect on our actions, not from their veracity.
-I believe that Church discipline for sinful actions (not willful dissent) is one of its most un-Christian aspects.
A few firmly held political beliefs:
-I believe that capital punishment is wrong in every circumstance except war.
-I believe that our resources would be much better spent on adapting to the consequences of global warming than on reversing it.
That's off the top of my head. Can I still be Mormon?
What do you guys believe?
So here are some random beliefs of mine, in no particular order:
-The BOM is an inspired work through which I have had numerous experiences that I would characterize as both enlightening and spiritual
-I have no idea if the BOM is historical, but if I had to guess, I'd say it's not. However, like many works of literature, it's fictional/non-fictional status does not rob it of its inspirational power.
-I believe that there is a supreme being, but I doubt that He is anthropomorphic, at least in the way that I would guess most Mormons believe He is.
-I believe that Joseph Smith had a special gift, perhaps even one of prophecy. I believe that he believed he saw God and Jesus Christ, and that this experience changed and inspired him. He then went on to accomplish much and inspire millions to seek out God.
-He was not perfect, nor was everything that came out of his mouth truth. However, I have a hard time believing that he ever intentionally deceived anyone.
-I believe that the Mormon Church is the best vehicle out there to improve men. It is not the only vehicle, but in my experience, it is the best. That said, it does not have a corner on truth, and has much to learn from all other creeds and philosophies, particularly eastern ones (not surprising, given its western roots). I have met a higher percentage of truly good people in the Mormon Church than out of it.
-I believe that our beliefs derive their importance and value from their effect on our actions, not from their veracity.
-I believe that Church discipline for sinful actions (not willful dissent) is one of its most un-Christian aspects.
A few firmly held political beliefs:
-I believe that capital punishment is wrong in every circumstance except war.
-I believe that our resources would be much better spent on adapting to the consequences of global warming than on reversing it.
That's off the top of my head. Can I still be Mormon?
What do you guys believe?
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