Posted by:
orsonsplatt
(
)
Date: October 09, 2010 08:19PM
I think it's easy to believe whatever you want to believe. I've been reading lately about how contravening evidence can actually increase faith. When it's in your interest to believe something, you can believe it. I think it is easier for some people than others - like it's easy for some people to be hypnotized and impossible for others.
I think most GAs probably have doubts in the backs of their minds. But I think that's true of every Mormon. GAs aren't special, and the illusion that the Church is what it claims to be is probably maintained even at the highest levels regardless of doubts.
As former believers, I think it's tempting for us to believe that the simple truth will make the scales fall from the eyes of the Mormons. But beliefs can be impervious to the sharpest intellect and the greatest weight of knowledge. Look at D. Michael Quinn, for example, who, I've read, still believes.
I think GAs, and other Mormons, say to themselves, "That doesn't seem right, but I know the Church is true because of my spiritual experiences." And then they consciously dismiss their doubts. That's what I did until I was 23 and back from my mission.
I also think that many GAs are simply not educated in Church history and apologetics and leave that stuff to FARMS. That was certainly my impression from a recent post that included a link to a recorded conversation with an apostle.
I also think GAs are very canny and do things in a way that most members of the Church would find shocking. Like many patriarchs, they probably do ordinances and blessings by rote. They probably make very calculated decisions about things that are supposed to be inspired, such as where to send missionaries. But instead of causing them to doubt whether they are really God's chosen, they assume that that's how God works - through their thoughts and actions. (edited to add last paragraph)
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/09/2010 08:25PM by orsonsplatt.