Posted by:
mrtranquility
(
)
Date: February 04, 2013 04:40PM
This seems like a major contradiction in that he also describes myriad ways in which is NOT a believer. He is miles and miles away from being a TBM and could never pass a TR interview I would think. Perhaps what he is trying to say is that he is simply happier running with the Mormon tribe. Based on hearing him recount his early years in previous interviews, what I recall is that he really loved the Mormon culture part of his experience growing up. I have no such warm memories of my LDS upbringing.
Based on his interview I would also say he got majorly love-bombed by his SP. When parties disagree no one changes their mind unless a foundation of trust is established first. Sounds like the SP did that by having weekly sessions with JD over a long period of time. It also sounds like the SP is pretty good on his feet and is smart enough to try Plan B when Plan A doesn't produce the desired result. It also sounds like there was weeping by both parties which helps to cement the emotional bonds.
The other salient thing I got out of the interview was the Daniel Peterson scrape. Few have positioned themselves in the middle ground as well as JD, and I've always contended that that's the best vantage point from which to enact meaningful change. The DP incident supports my hypothesis. It seems that JD was the catalyst for pushing DP and his minions out the door. Perhaps LDS, Inc. has finally learned you cannot delegate your apologetics to the Island of Misfit Toys.
This will be interesting to see how Dehlin's journey goes from here. I hope he continues to keep us in the loop.