Years ago I read Karen Armstrong’s book, “A History of God”. And then a few years(?) later…time gets rather fuzzy…I read Jared Diamond’s book, “Guns, Germs, and Steel”. During these years I was also bouncing around reading Bart Ehrman, the Tanners, Quinn, and a LOT of other stuff. Oh, yeah, then there was B.F. Skinner. A lot of younger folks around here probably never heard of him.Gadianton wrote: ↑Wed Mar 01, 2023 5:32 pmMG wrote: But there are so many competing philosophies and worldly distractions that can pull one away from the covenants that have been made with God I think that reinforcement and additional light and knowledge can act as a bulwark against losing one’s connection with God and the Savior
Had you not read Muhlestein's book to reinforce your bulwark, what philosophy would most likely distract you from your connection with the Savior?
And YES, you numbskulls , I read all of these books, including many I’m not mentioning. Believe it or not, as Ripley would say.
Anyway, already having grown up in a Sunstone/Dialogue/Psychology Today home I was prepped for becoming a disaffected member of the church and all things religious (at least as far as orthodoxy is concerned).
So it wasn’t just ‘a philosophy’ it was the views and ideas express that had philosophical underpinnings that held my interest and impacted my worldview for a number of years. But along with all of that I remained active in the church, held a recommend, had callings, etc.
But I’m not saying that it wasn’t a rough ride. That’s why at times I’ve expressed a degree of empathy for those here that might be in the middle of ‘the stuff’, or may have come out the other end as a disbeliever or critic.
Long story made short, I’ve come out the other end, so to speak, with my faith intact. Although, as with others that have been ‘through the mill’ I went through a period of deconstruction and reconstruction of my faith.
I think I’ve brushed over the time capsule of ‘ideas’ that I’ve sailed through to arrive where I’m at.Gadianton wrote: ↑Wed Mar 01, 2023 5:32 pmIf you don't mind me saying, ever since I've read your posts, you've struck me as someone with a near indestructible bulwark. I have a hard time imagining any idea -- of the ideas I know about of course -- being the slightest bit distracting to your basic beliefs in God and the Savior. And so, I really don't think you needed to read Muhlestein's book or really, any LDS publications. Although, feel free to do as you wish, but if you disagree with me, I would be interested in the ideas you find most threatening to the bulwark.
If we were to break bread together…like do lunch, man, ha ha…I think we would be able to understand each other better. I could go on and on with the roller coaster of ideas I’ve read and come in contact with since I was a teen. That’s been a long while back now!
Unfortunately, I can’t make others (Doc, for example) believe me…but, oh well. It is what it is.
Anyways, that’s for starters.
I have faith in the Savior and that He is the creator/redeemer of mankind. That God is our Father. And that the Spirit/Holy Ghost can lead us towards truth. Sometimes, for some folks, it can be a long haul.
I don’t have a lot of patience for those that ‘jump ship’ at a relatively early age though. Faith and the truth claims, specifically, of the CofJCof LDS are important enough to not cast aside without a thorough investigation. Not saying that you and others haven’t done your due diligence and have come out the other end in a different place than believers that have also done due diligence.
We can coexist.
Regards,
MG