Exploring Mormon Thought

Topics Discussed:

• Ego Maintenance, Self-Deception, and Authenticity

• The Bondage of Sin and Agency

Topics Discussed:

• LDS Light on Original Sin

• Epistemological Assumptions of Moral Obligation

Topics Discussed:

• The Traditional Paradigms of Original Sin

• Can We Be Guilty For the Acts of Another?

We discuss different ethical theories and evaluate if they fit with the LDS commitments and doctrine. We layout the positive and negative aspect of each theory and come up with a theory of ethics that is scriptural and consistent with the LDS world view and revelations.

Topics Discussed:

• The Possibilities of Ethics in LDS Thought

• An LDS Teleological Ethic?

• The Human Rights Objection

• The Distributive-Justice Objection

• The Genuine Friendship Objection

• A Duty-Based LDS Ethic?

• The Overbroad Rule Argument

• The Underinclusive Value Argument

• An LDS Agape Theory of Ethics in Alignment with the Gospel of Christ

In his contribution to The New Mormon Challenge, Francis Beckwith argues that the LDS view of God(s) cannot explain the existence of objective moral obligation and that the “classical” view which he purports to defend can.

https://www.amazon.com/New-Mormon-Challenge-Francis-Beckwith/dp/0310231949

Topics Discussed:

• Beckwith's Argument

• Why Beckwith’s Argument Necessarily Unsound

• Are Moral Laws Logically Dependent On God’s Nature?

• Is God a Morally Perfect Being?

• Beckwith’s Equivocation in His Use of “God”

We discuss the problems with praying to a God who has All-Controlling power. We ask whether manipulation can ever be conducive to an authentic loving relationship. We overview the strengths of the Open Theism movement for relating to God through prayer. Finally, we discuss a Mormon view on the problem of prayer and what options are available and what unique solutions the LDS view of God can provide to this issue.

Topics Discussed:

• Prayer to an All-Controlling God

• Manipulative Love?

• Divine Openness and Petitionary Prayer

• Mormonism and the Problem of Prayer

We discuss the problem of prayer. I may speak to God, but how could I impart any information that He doesn’t already know? I may ask God, but how could I ask for anything that he isn’t already dedicated to offering for my greatest good? I may seek God, but how could I ever suppose that he hasn’t already sought me?

Topics Discussed:

• The Problem of Prayer

• A Relational Solution

We start the 2nd volume, The Problems of Theism & The Love of God! We do an overview of the book and then dive into the first chapter. If we take 'God is Love' seriously what does that tell us about our relationship with God and others? Is God's love unconditional?

Topics Discussed:

• Mormonism and God's Love

• The Logic of Love

• The I-Thou Relation

• Unconditional Love and Fellowship

Links: Elder Nelson Article- https://www.lds.org/ensign/2003/02/divine-love?lang=eng

The Book of Mormon has both obvious 19th century influences and anachronisms as well as very strong evidence for having ancient origins. The Expansion theory, introduced in an article by my father in 1987, looks at all the evidence and tries to come up with a solution that preserves both. I wanted to find out the nuances of the view and see if it still held up. Enjoy!

Links:

Original Article: https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V20N01_68.pdf

Update: http://www.timesandseasons.org/harchive/2005/04/updating-the-expansion-theory/

Response to Criticism: blakeostler.com/docs/criticexpansionth.pdf

Back when the book was released in 2001 there was a Sunstone "Author Meets Critics" session for this book. The speakers took most of the time leaving my dad only a few minutes to reply to the critiques offered. Well obviously that isn't enough time so I thought we could go more in depth on answers to issues brought up as well as in some other sessions that are about the topics in the book.

Links:

God's Ultimacy:

http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL00375.mp3

Author Meets Critics:

http://sunstonemagazine.com/audio/SL01231.mp3

God's Relation to the Universe:

http://www.newcoolthang.com/index.php/2010/01/god-and-the-universe-before-after-or-with/1853/

Topics Discussed:

• God's Ultimacy

• God's Power

• God Knowing All Possibilities

• God and Time