Posted by:
Brother Of Jerry
(
)
Date: September 26, 2023 02:15PM
>They need to quit asking in the interview if they are honest with their fellow man and ask if they are honest with themselves.
Amen, CP
Just this last week in the SLTrib, there were two relevant articles that caught my attention.
In one, historian Richard Bushman, who wrote a somewhat candid history of JS, said he never doubted the existence of the gold plates. Actually I think he said he never doubted the gold plates, which I suppose gives him a little wiggle room that he never said they "existed". Mormons (among others) are famous for that sort of weasel-wording. Like "we saw the plates with our spiritual eyes." Yeah, right.
If Bushman has never doubted the plates, he is better than the Q15, who have backed off several times on the claims of the BoM. They took the displays of metal plates out of the SL Temple visitor center. You almost never hear the term "Lamanite" in GC anymore. The angel Moroni rarely shows up on the top of temples anymore, and Mormon is now a dirty word that makes Jesus cry. Yes, the Q15 have their doubts about the BoM. Mostly, IMHO, that it is irredeemably racist, plus there is extremely little scientific evidence backing the story up, and a ton of disconfirming evidence.
The other story was essentially a "testimony" by columnist Gordon Monson about why he is still active Mormon. In a word, feelings, though he goes on at some length.
That's interesting because he often pokes holes in Mormon behavior, both at the member level, and at the institutional level. His criticisms are pretty much on target, and I am sure he gets a lot of email asking why does he still stay, or perhaps more pointedly, if he is so critical, why does he not leave?
I don't think he is being honest with himself either, but that is a tough call to make. All you need to be sincere is to believe your own lies. I think he is sincere. He is also in a position where both his criticism of Mormonism, and his dedication to Mormonism are essential ho his keeping his job at the Tribune, and may be essential to keeping his marriage and/or friends. All of that may influence his attitude.
For a lot of people, leaving Mormonism is a very high-cost decision in terms of friends, family and job. At least you get to keep your tithing, which softens the blow some. :)