What are you willing to change an opinion about?

[_honorentheos]

jon,

The wiki on the temple lot case should give you the background. Here

Polygamy became part of the trial because the Reorganized church asserted that Joseph Smith did not originate the practice. This was part of their case to show that they were the legitimate religious heirs of Joseph's church, and thus the Temple Lot in Missouri. The Salt Lake church supported the case of the Hendrikites. Surviving polygamous wives of Joseph Smith testified that Joseph had indeed been their husband and, as part of describing the nature of the relation, reported Joseph as being their husband in very deed, including carnal intercourse.

If you follow the link I first provided it states which quotes are testimonies given during the trial.

[_consiglieri]

PS, I expect very little activity on this thread because I've already found most people are set in stone, which is fine.

I once read a great quote about how most people pick up their beliefs on the street corner and then will fight to the death to defend them.

I like to think I am open to changing my mind about most anything, though I admit this is a relatively recent phase for me.

But then I may just be deluding myself.

For what it's worth, Zeez, you seem like a person with a very open mind and willing to go where the evidence leads you.

All the Best!

--Consiglieri

[_consiglieri]

I imagine that BCSpace has probably changed his opinion about a few things as a result of his participation on these boards.

He has certainly learned to narrow his definition of "doctrine."


All the Best!

--Consiglieri

[_Valorius]

I've noticed it is very rare for anyone on this board to say something like, "You know, that's a good point. I'm going to look into that." It's even more rare to hear this same person follow up with, "So, I looked into this and decided that you are right and I was wrong."

Is there anything out there you are even willing to change your position on? If we can figure out what those are, maybe we could discuss them.

I'm willing to change my opinion on:

1. The existence of God
2. Is it ethical to lie in a TRI
3. LDS is well positioned to grant females the priesthood
4. Generally, LDS provides a net positive for youth
5. It is possible to be intellectually stimulated at church

You?

After you have admitted you were wrong and the other person right a lot of times, then it becomes easier to do so. It isn't personal. When people take it personal - make it an issue of Victory and Defeat - it's harder to admit. But if you look at it as a search for "impersonal" truth, it's not as hard to admit when I am the one who held the incorrect view.

1. I have changed my beliefs about God regularly and often. I am very willing to change my beliefs about the Nature of God.
2. I am willing to change my opinion about the suitability of polygyny. Maybe it works in some contexts, and should be allowed or even encouraged. I don't know.
3. I'm willing to change my opinion about angels. Presently, I do not believe in them as beings separate from human beings.
4. I am willing to change most of my opinions about Jesus, the one exception being that it would be virtually impossible to convince me he is God himself. Not that I wouldn't admit it, given convincing proof of some kind. It would just have to be really, really convincing proof.

-1. I am afraid that experiences have pretty much closed my mind to change on the question of whether there is a true church or religion. I suppose I am open to reconsidering this, if some new, strong evidence were presented; I do not expect it.

-2. It would be nearly impossible to convince me that God has much to do with any church's tithes and offerings. Especially for a church that hides its finances.

-3. It would be nearly impossible to convince me that God had a direct "hand" in the foundation of any religion on the planet. I am willing to change my opinion, but the bar is incredibly high.