Email from my GA friend

[_Trevor]

Two questions.

1. When you say "truths" are you thinking in terms of philosophical truths only?

2. If so, what philosophical truths are contained in the Book of Mormon that are not found in the Bible?

In answer to the first question, I would say theological and philosophical.

There are some interesting doctrinal tidbits in the Book of Mormon:

The "sealing power" being conferred upon one whose will is in perfect alignment with God.

"Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy."

The natural man is an enemy of God, and will remain one unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and puts off the natural man.

I am sure that big fans of the Book of Mormon would know much more than I do. It may be that similar ideas can be found in the Bible, but I doubt that it makes the Book of Mormon completely redundant.

[_cinepro]

I do agree that if the LDS church goes the way of RLDS it will dramatically alter its future.

I don't know about going "their way", but it looks like we might just meet them in the middle on the subject of Joseph Smith's polygamy.

[_Dr. Shades]

I hope his interesting answer does not indicate that he is uncertain about many of the LDS Church's unique claims. I have no desire to see the Utah church go the way the Midwest one did.

Why on earth not?? You're not a believer, are you?

I can only see the reduction of political power wielded by a multi-billion dollar tax-exempt corporation as being a good thing. Do you disagree?

I have no problem with the CoC, but I like the idea of a diversity of views existing, and I don't like the reduction of Mormonism into yet another flavor of Protestantism.

Do you also like the idea of millions of people being guilted into forking over 10% of their incomes?

[_Trevor]

Why on earth not?? You're not a believer, are you?

As I have repeated on many occasions, including today, I do not believe LDS claims.

My interest in Mormonism staying unique is along the order of hoping that Zoroastrianism or the Mandaeans do not die out. I like the religious diversity they represent, and, frankly, I resent the theological hegemony of modern Protestantism.

I can only see the reduction of political power wielded by a multi-billion dollar tax-exempt corporation as being a good thing. Do you disagree?

I would have to admit that the reason I chafe at the LDS Church's political and financial power is because I usually do not agree with them. Still, I would not mind doing away with the tax exemption of certain kinds of organizations under certain circumstances.

Do you also like the idea of millions of people being guilted into forking over 10% of their incomes?

Better than people forking over their money at gunpoint. Here again it is a matter of perspective. If people believe they are getting something of value from their membership, much like, let's say, a gambler enjoys the thrill of tossing away a portion of his income for the thrill of chance, who am I to deny them the opportunity of voluntary contributions?