The LDS Church and Learning How to be "Wise"

[_kairos]

Yes, what Kishkumen said. I think you agree with Sternberg, as indicated by the examples you gave from your own experience--e.g., the architect that is very "technically" or "book smart," but who seems to lack in other areas.[/quote]

For the life of me i cannot come up with one name of a Mormon who is "wise" in the sense being spoken of. The elder statesmen of this religion seem to be those who "apply the rules' to come up with correct or "wise' answers, like you are in financial trouble then "pay your tithing first", got an addiction 'read your scriptures and pray".

in wise persons there is a sense of guiding an individual toward change or transformation ,not by rules but teaching how to "be" in a certain ethical situation or life crisis or decision point. "look inward, try this, seek that, evaluate yourself honestly, etc then "decide".

i would like for some here to name Mormon wise men or women- carol lyn pearson comes to mind for me. otherwise i am drawing blanks.

k

[_canpakes]

I agree that the LDS Church does teach "ethical reasoning" in a matter of speaking, but is this really what Sternberg is talking about?

I think the LDS Church has done an increasingly poor job of teaching ethical reasoning. What they have taught is obedience to authorities in place of ethical thinking, and that is why so many LDS people are underdeveloped in that area.

Interesting statement.

It always seemed that a simplistic (apologies up front for that) argument could be made that a morality derived from a particular religion is generally based on what that religion states is good or bad, dependent on a particular authority's whims and absent of any objective considerations. By contrast, a successful system of morality or ethics determined outside of any particular religion must rely to some extent on rationalizing with consideration for the common good or cooperation with others.

Put another way: if Thomas Monson spoke from the pulpit at the next GC and unexpectedly stated that it was permissible or beneficial to kill gentiles, how would the membership of the Church respond? Would a rational morality support following the religious authority, or support abandoning it?

I'm sure that Peterson has an answer for this tucked away somewhere that would maintain the Church's moral superiority in such an event.