I worry about things being attributed to me from private conversations or speaking events where the public was invited. I choose words with great care. The difference between truth and error can be quite a fine line in some important matters. Therefore, when I say, teach, write or answer a question with exact language in mind, and the listener or reader does not retain the distinctions when they attempt to repeat what I’ve said, I wind up being confronted with things I never said, don’t believe and would never teach. One of the reasons for this blog is so I can control what is attributed to me. I’m very willing to be held to account for what I teach or write. But I’m not willing to be held accountable for someone else’s understanding or partial recollection of statements I have made.
Category: Thoughts
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Apologetics
I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and am loyal to it as an institution and as the proponent of a faith. Although I am keenly aware of the flaws any body of men and women will display, those weaknesses inherent in the human condition do not diminish the greatness of an institution. I believe in constructive explanations about shortcomings, ways to understand or process what appear to be flaws. In that sense only do I believe in apologetics. To deny the existence of shortcomings is, I believe, to depart from the warnings given to us by Christ, Nephi, Mormon, Moroni, the Apostle Paul, Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and others. I like the comment made by President Hugh B. Brown about us Mormons: “We are a lay church; and this gives rise to much mediocrity.”
It helps to have a sense of humor if you’re going to try to be a faithful Mormon. It also requires thick skin.
The Kingdom of Heaven contrasted with Hell
It is a misnomer to speak of the “kingdom of the Devil” because the description presumes something more organized than is the case. It is difficult to organize when fear, hatred and anger are the primary motivations. Love is a far more cohesive, creative and loyalty producing motivation. All that Satan does is designed to destroy itself, as well as all those who follow him.
This Blog
I’m trying to put into a blog what would require many hours of individual emails and conversations. Hopefully this will both answer the many questions I keep receiving and allow me to stay productive with my family, job and Church responsibilities.