What happens when rather than get in close to the sticky issues of Mormonism you step back? In fact step back so far as to see the 30,000 foot view and look at what Mormonism has standing in the way of its truth claims. And how such speaks to just how reasonable and rational it is to release one’s belief in the faith and to step away having allowed oneself to be a rational logical critical thinking human being.
What happens when rather than get in close to the sticky issues of Mormonism you step back? In fact step back so far as to see the 30,000 foot view and look at what Mormonism has standing in the way of its truth claims. And how such speaks to just how reasonable and rational it is to release one’s belief in the faith and to step away having allowed oneself to be a rational logical critical thinking human being.
Scriptural IssuesBook of Mormon 19th Century MaterialBook of Mormon AnachronismsPlagiarism from New TestamentBook of Abraham issuesBible Translation plagiarized from Adam Clarke’s commentaryTheological changes in canon over time2nd and 3rd IsaiahSpiritual Manifestation IssueMoroni vs NephiFirst Vision DiscrepanciesSeeing the Cumorah Cave in Palmyra New York in spite of being a clean hillPeter James and John PH restoration added lateMoroni blessing MantiBrigham Young TransfigurationIssues with Joseph Smith’s CharacterLying about polygamy to Emma and othersManipulating Lucy WalkerPattern of approaching girls or young women in his home for intimate relationships (Lucy Walker, Fanny Alger, Partridge Sisters, Lawrence Sisters)PolyandryNancy Rigdon & The Happiness LetterUnderage girls (two 14 year olds, two 16 year olds, two 17 year olds)Treasure DiggingOther financial frauds: Kirtland anti-bank, land issues, bad loansScience and Critical ThinkingGreat FloodTower of BabelShiz rises after head cut off2000 stripling warriors in a battle with a more experienced larger military force and not a single soul was lost not to the battle and not to infection afterwards inspite of many fainting from bloodlossBattles in the Millions around Cumorah and what it takes to have military engagement that largeMoroni blessing MantiTrans Oceanic VoyageLamanite DNAAge of the earth & EvolutionChurch AdministrationSecond Anointings100’s of Billions of dollars saved in investments rather than solving world problemsNepotismLeaders are insulated and promote yes menWell paid LeadersSCMCPast Prophetic DeceptionAdam God DoctrineRacial Curse and Racial ValiancyJoseph Smith mock wedding with Partridge SistersTreasure DiggingMountain Meadows (Brigham’s destruction of the marker and lying about it and blaming the Native Americans)1890, 1904 Manifesto1933 lying about the 1886 John Taylor RevelationModern Prophetic DeceptionElder Holland (BBC Interview, Story about missionary meeting his brother, Double Digit Stake Creation every week of our lives)Paul DunnPresident Nelson (Flight of Death, Zimbabwe, Lady in the hat)Bruce R McConkie lying about Brigham teaching Adam GodElder Oaks lying about Electroshock Therapy at BYU under his presidencyWhitewashing and carefully worded denials of the Gospel Topic EssaysTom Monson JrQuinton Cook – HospitalGordon B Hinkley “I don’t know that we teach it. I don’t know that we emphasize it”Ronald Poelman and the re-do of his conference talkFalse or embellished Faith Promoting storiesSeagulls and CricketsSweetwater CrossingHolland, Nelson yarn stretchersBrigham Young TransfigurationWhale of a taleWilfor Woodruff Founding FathersLorenzo Snow’s Jesus VisitationTrauma Placed On MembersTemple (Sexism, Objectifying Women, Penalties)One on One interviews with children and others by an untrained clergy“Worthiness” interviewsToxic PerfectionismPatriarchy Marginalizing womenMarginalization of people of colorDestruction of idiginous people’s identity“Indian Placement Program”Diminishing those who lose faith with labels (chaff, lazy, sinful)Not having a single good story about those who leaveGaslighting people continuously regarding their historyAll the harm with polygamyClaiming Tithing will get you out of PovertySocial IssuesWomen have lesser place in mortality and in heavenChurch still currently maintains that God actually sorted people via their skin color (Be One Celebration)Church imposes significant harm on LGBT membersCivil Rights was CommunismNot Proactive or reactive on Sexual AbusePeople who stop believing are less than and believers should stay at distanceAlways 30-40 years late on almost every social issue in spite of being led by Prophets, Seers, and RevelatorsGlobal/government influences: Defeating ERA, Prop 8, LDS Senator votes for Iraqi War “where boots go, missionaries follow,” the two LDS men (one a Bishop) part of US Govt torture program, cultural appropriation/erasure among Native Americans, Polynesians etc, lobbying against church clergy being mandatory reporters, attempt to make Utah a two-party recording consent state, etcStop here and discuss how every facet of Mormonism’s truth claims when dealt with logically are in favor of the critic. That when understood collectively, the only fall back Mormonism has is Spiritual Testimony. That in spite of all the issues, I still believe because I know by the Holy Ghost that it is true. Except the Holy Ghost doesn’t get a free passIneffectiveness of the Holy Ghost as a tool to convey truthElevation EmotionIllusory Truth EffectTaking Seriously the Spiritual experiences of those outside your faithHow completely wrong past leaders were in spite of their “Knowing”How wrong members have been at past times holding views with certainty when such views have been abandoned or disavowedHoly Ghost can be tested and it does no better than no Holy GhostLeaders have been deceivedmembers have been deceivedAnd as if that isn’t enough if you apply the same critical thinking to Jesus of Nazareth you end up having another pillar of challenges that hits at the truth of Mormonism (Though I admit also all of Christianity)Historical JesusDating of New Testament AuthorsWrestling with New Testament gospel contradictionsUnderstanding the prevalent views of Biblical CriticismHow myths are created (Sapiens)How stories easily get embellished (compare with Mormonism)How much easier in an age of unverifiable history When supernatural happens and when it doesn’t Issues with the nativity narrativeBONUS ROUND (Not Covered In Episode)
Immoral, harmful beliefs taught as moral and good.Problems with the concept of “fallen” man (unnecessary guilt and/or lack of personal accountability)Idolizing parricide as act of “love” and “loyalty” (God + Abraham)Justifying God’s abusive and narcissistic behaviors as “love”Forgiveness expected for misbehaving leaders “give Brother Joseph a break”Lack of empathy/blame for victimsTheological: the Flood, Hell for non-believers, misfortune as punishment (LGBTQ, apostates, etc)Local/current: blaming SA victims, clergy abuse victims, etcInternal morality given to God or those perceived to speak for himBiblical atrocities excused, even genocideGives space for modern atrocities to be committed/accepted (even victims sometimes)Early and modern polygamy/underage rape/traffickingModern spouse/child abuseMurder, theft, imprisonment of apostates/defectors/outsiders (Oliver Cowdery, Danites, Lori Vallow/Chad Daybell)Obligations to support systems that harm self/others (sexism, Prop 8, etc)Personal choices/freedoms overridden in favor of the group idealsThe post Mormonism LIVE: 065: Mormonism & The 30,000 Foot View appeared first on Mormon Discussion by Bill Reel.
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