What If We Are Wrong?
We like to study various perspectives and thoughts on the Gospel and come to some conclusion within ourselves, but what if our take is wrong? Suppose no matter how sound our summary of a point of doctrine may be it is wrong because the eternities are not bound by the limitations of our thoughts or ideas.
Considering the above do you feel you will rather stay with what many term 'The Basics" or will you feel that it is better to seek, inquire and risk finding delight in being wrong for the moment? Now many of you reading this may say to yourself... I know I am right on this particular point but this Thread asks the question "What If" you are wrong?
I am 100 percent sure that we will all be wrong on many of our perceptions. I think we will realize that much of what we held important in this life will seem unimportant, and we will realize there were some things we should have focused on.
The longer I live, and the more people I meet, the more I realize that God judges not on what a person has, but what they do with what they have.
It would not surprise me that God blesses the faithful Christian, Muslim, or Jew as he does the faithful Latter Day Saint. I have always admired a faithful person in their religion, regardless of that religion.
I believe all are on a different level of progression, and it is silly to judge others on where they are on that journey. I have known Baptists, Lutherans, who I would say have a very strong relationship with their savior (Some who I would say have stronger relationships in certain aspects then me)
Professor Catherine Corman Parry stated
(As quoted by Elder Dallin Oaks)
QUOTE |
""¦ While there are many things we must make judgments about, the sins of another or the state of our own souls in comparison to others seems not to be among them. "¦ Our own sins, no matter how few or seemingly insignificant, disqualify us as judges of other people's sins" |
I believe our thoughts are similar on the matter, and I would dare say we may even find that we have become so wrapped into a 'traditional' aspect of 'Doctrine' which may really be tradition or perceptions of men that we are pulled entirely from the TRUE objective of life. This is why I love to read near death experiences. It is fascinating how in death we all seem to be reminded of several things:
1. Material things are of no consequence
2. God loves ALL his children
3. We all need to spread love rather than be wrapped up in limitations
4. We all need to just to do good and not be wrapped up in procedures
I think this is true Doctrine and all the other theories and precepts although fun to explore have a place. I do believe that it is important to seek though, we are commanded to do so, in doing so we are thought how to utilize love and make our own love more perfect until it become perfect love.
Well, if we are wrong I hope each one of us would try to live our lives in the best way possible by doing the things that really matter such as serve those who are in need and trying our very best to teach our children to be good people. We should be doing that regardless I know but sometimes I find the Church and its leaders emphasizes way too much external programs and activities that distract you from the REAL things we should be doing. In my opinion, of course.
I get where you are coming from LDS concerning Church Programs, but I am wondering if members actually would do the things they needed to do unless there were some structure and organization (our own law of moses so to speak). I know how lazy I can get unless there is a plan of action (made by me or someone else). I freely admit this is one of my weaknesses and I have issues with my level of love for my fellow man (self imposed insulation from other, because of my personality). It seems that some church programs help me get out of my natural shell, to help others.
So JD, I like number 4 on your list, but I struggle to do things without having it planned a little bit. That is my issue and I intellectually see the need to simplify my life by loving God and my neighbor and using this as my guide. I just have to catch up with what I know to be the ideal, and then to simply help others out of a true love of Christ and my fellow man, rather then be commanded to do so(home teaching, service projects).
I suppose we are saying as Jesus stated
QUOTE |
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. |
QUOTE (dbackers @ 8-Jul 09, 8:53 PM) |
I am wondering if members actually would do the things they needed to do unless there were some structure and organization (our own law of moses so to speak). |
Not forced, but gently persuaded. We do not go from not loving our fellow man to loving him the next instance (at least not in my case). Again I am not projecting, but I feal that man sometimes needs reminders, symbols, scriptures, admonitions by prophets, and time to begin to love one's fellow. I would assume that this is part of the mortal experience, and why we have been given a time to learn and grow. Church programs can assist in this for some people, and for others just the command to love thy neighbor is enough.
It has not been for me, so I appreciate the reminders and programs.
QUOTE (dbackers @ 8-Jul 09, 11:15 PM) |
Not forced, but gently persuaded. We do not go from not loving our fellow man to loving him the next instance (at least not in my case). |