Jack Naneek reviews the tension between the old guard and the young upstarts. The old guard is smarter than we give them credit for being, and the young upstarts are often not as prepared as they should be. Literalism is compared with the power of metaphor. In the end, we learn that mastery of self is a better source of happiness than trying to change those around us.
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Jack. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, not only this issue, but the others also.
Much of what you said resonates with me and makes sense. But there is one angle that I think is missing. That is why stay? If you were to take what you are saying and to go to an extreme of replacing the LDS church and instead say the same thing about being in the Nazi party – does it make sense? I am not saying the church = the Nazi party. I am just trying to say if one feels the church on the balance isn’t good for them, then I think they should leave and find another denomination or cause to put effort into.
Hi Happy Hubby, I hear you. I think if one feels the experience, teachings and/or culture of church aren’t good for them, then looking elsewhere makes sense. I even think that bringing ideas and experience from elsewhere is the only way to keep the church healthy–something we are afraid of collectively as a people. At the end of the day, for me, it’s more like marriage. Is there only one person one should marry? Or is there a wide range that will work? Once married, should one continue to consider this question? Or, is it healthier to say, God brought me on this path, to this person, and I’m going to proactively contribute to the marriage rather than gripe about how I didn’t find my soulmate. It broadens what truth means for each of us individually and requires more surrender to powers beyond this world that are guiding our experiences. We struggle with these questions as much as any catholic, Muslim or Buddhist. I think its the process of thinking through and the ultimate transcending of these questions that leads us to universal truths about our existence and what brings happiness.
This is my favorite episode you’ve done so far. Very excellent, I couldn’t agree more with the way you’ve articulated things. Its right where I feel like I’m at with my journey and my current perspective and relationship to the church. Thanks so your work, you’re doing good work and you definitely have a knack at speaking.
Thanks Hope_for_things. Very kind. I think there is a wide range of thought and experience going on inside our community and I hope good folks like you will continue to share your thoughts and insights with the broader community! We all need each other.
Genius!! – Thanks again!!
This comment is late in coming, and actually belongs in another podcast, but I need to tell you at some point how absolutely BRILLIANT your analogy of the olive tree allegory in Jacob 5 was to a person underdoing a faith transition.
Took my breath away.
Everything you do is good, but this was breathtaking!
Keep up the good work!
RFM
Thank You RFM. I am humbled by your comments and appreciate the support. Coming from a scholar like you, it is high praise indeed.
This episode was absolutely brilliant. In some respects I think the last few years have been disappointing for reform minded Mormons and I’ve been thinking about if there are more effective ways for us to engage. Your thoughts were very helpful.