DiscussMormonism.com

I've been enjoying a few of the "Mormon stories" Podcasts that have been put up on itunes. Yesterday I finished the 5 part interview with Richard Bushman. On the last interview they discuss the interactions between questioning Mormons or ex-mos and the faithful. What interested me was John Delin's comments about how all who have problems with the church are not raving sinners. Some are honest people with honest questions who were upset when they learned some of the harder truths. Bushman states that he would like to see a more open and straightforward dialogue between the Church and those that are questioning these things.

I don't know if that will ever occur as far as the Church taking the time to delve into these discussions with the dissaffected. But as for myself I have come around to seeing that those that leave the church arent exactly laden with sin and refuseing to give up bad habits. Participating in a board like this has given me alot of great insights and caused me to think in new ways.

Gazelam wrote:I don't know if that will ever occur as far as the Church taking the time to delve into these discussions with the dissaffected.

That would be suicidal, since it would expose even more people to the issues who otherwise wouldn't hear of them.

But as for myself I have come around to seeing that those that leave the church aren't exactly laden with sin and refuseing to give up bad habits.

You are to be commended.

Participating in a board like this has given me alot of great insights and caused me to think in new ways.

That's fantastic. We should all emulate your example.

Good for you Gazelam. I've noticed that too. Thanks for sharing that.

I would really recommend listening to the Bushman interviews, they are fantastic and they directly discuss the heavy issues that everyone here is so interested in.

Theres also one I am in the middle of now with the Todd Compton that is great. I really need to get his book. I hate that the only account I have of Josephs wives is "No man knows my history".

What makes the Bushman interview so good is that he is an active faithful member who is curently serving as a patriarch ! His answers are honest and faithful and he takes on the heavy issues.

Gazelam wrote:What makes the Bushman interview so good is that he is an active faithful member who is curently serving as a patriarch!

He's not serving as a patriarch anymore; he was disfellowshipped until further notice.

Dr. Shades wrote:

Gazelam wrote:What makes the Bushman interview so good is that he is an active faithful member who is curently serving as a patriarch!

He's not serving as a patriarch anymore; he was disfellowshipped until further notice.

Wow ! When did this happen?

Wow! Gaz did not even wince when Dr. Bushman inoculated him.



Sounds like Gaz inoculates himself:

Gaz, have you listened to the podcasts with:
Dr. Ted Lyon,
Darius Gray and Margaret Young,
and Grant Palmer?

Gaz,

I've noticed you've backed off a bit as well. If you'd like to remain a TBM, you shouldn't be reading Bushman's and particularly Compton's books, though. I think a person of your character would have increasing difficulty in justifying the practices of those that were once my heros. It's an excruciatingly lonely road.

And yes, not everyone leaves to justify their weaknesses. I'm 45 years old. I have resigned. I have yet to take a drink of alcohol in this life. I am still committed to remaining faithful to my bride of 20+ years. I won't permit my daughter to date till she's 16. I remain honest in my business dealings. I still repent when I make mistake (not to God, but to those that I might offend). I will admit that my language has become saltier at times and I have started to drink Pepsi for the first time in 30 years. Yeah, some of us don't really fit the guy with horns mold.

I am now a "dry Mormon".

Inconceivable wrote:I have started to drink Pepsi for the first time in 30 years.

You have started down the slippery road my friend. It is litered with "those who think young". While its extra sweetness may be appealing to those youthful sweet tooths, Coke is the drink of the generation who saw us through the great depression and into the golden 50s.