This is the commentary episode on the story found in episode 3 “The Prodigal God.” I have replayed the story in this episode so you can follow the comments easier.
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Stories For Mormons: 004: Commentary on “The Prodigal God”
I’m glad I decided to listen to this episode.
I wasn’t able to comment or understand the parable the last time.
It is helpful to reflect on the story of a sad heaven, but it no longer represents my present view of thinking… so the whole thing becomes a bit absurd.
God wants you to be where you will be happiest, the labels of ABC, or CK, TK, & TK, seem to denote that one is necessarily better than the other which may not even be the case.
We will be where we feel most comfortable to being. Hopefully that includes the presence of God too… the giver of life, love, joy, and happiness.
I really liked Brad Wilcox’s talk, where it isn’t God kicking us out of heaven but rather ourselves. God invites us all to be part of the CK, but will you rather go to outer darkness instead? Perhaps we can invite those who don’t feel comfortable with us to come join us anyway. The struggle in life is to love and accept everyone, and be kind.
Personally, I don’t need more bullies of any type in my life, so if we can cast them out until they want to return on more humble terms then all our welcome.
Any organization or religion that focuses on punishments and rewards will ultimately create a culture that has a base in shaming those who do not merit the rewards. The idea that “we are the ones keeping ourselves out of the presence of God” i also find problematic. If a king were to tell the subjects that those who can run a mile in 10 min will have the blessing of not being taxed but those who do not meet the standard will be taxed, who is the bully? Are the people who can’t meet the standard choosing not to live tax free because they can’t run that fast. Even with training some may not be able to meet the standard. In my opinion a system that has rewards and punishments as the ultimate goal will always be burdened by divisions and a focus on behavioral control or what Richard Rohr calls “sin management” rather than spiritual transformation. Guilt trips and shame may be able to control behavior for a time but will never be able to facilitate spiritual transformation. And will ultimately lead to a rebelion or reformation. Are we not seeing this throughout Christianity as a whole?
Amen!
Thanks for sharing