Mormon Destiny - Mediocrity or Fanaticism?

[_Mercury]

Will mainstream Mormonism in 20-50-75 years appear more like mainstream christianity or will it (as I believe) veer into fanaticism as it moves farther and farther into decline?

[_LifeOnaPlate]

I predict it will either become more like mainstream Christianity, or it won't.

[_Mercury]

I predict it will either become more like mainstream Christianity, or it won't.

Can you be more vague? There is not enough uncertainty in your response, why don't you increase it.

[_Gazelam]

The First Vision seperates us from all of the false churchs that broke away from Catholocism. That would be every single one of the Protestant churchs.

We know who the Father is and we accept him as a literal Father. The so called christian churchs have no concept of these two facts, not to mention they have little or no understanding of the need for authority to act in Gods name.

It is impossible to blend Mormonism with modern christianity. That is not to say they are not good people, I have no doubt many of them live far better lives than many Mormons with the little unerstanding thay have of who Christ is.

[_Ray A]

Will mainstream Mormonism in 20-50-75 years appear more like mainstream christianity or will it (as I believe) veer into fanaticism as it moves farther and farther into decline?

So far the Church history shows that it becomes less, and less fanatical.

1) Abandoning polygamy.
2) Opening the PH to all males.
3) Giving women a greater voice. (In 1978 women were not even allowed to offer prayers in Sacrament.)
4) Listening more to scholars (FARMS was not accepted when it first started, but eventually got the seal of approval).
5) Not officially publishing extreme views (Ezra Taft Benson's views on communism were withheld from official publication in East German countries in 1979, nor were his views on "Fourteen Fundamentals In Following The Prophets" ever officially published in Church media)
6) Cutting down "Church time" with the consolidated schedule, and allowing more individual time (in 1980).
7) The openness to different views of creation, and questioning things like "Creation Science".

I also believe that the Church will eventually listen more to the voices of its ex-members (as Charity indicated).

I think Mormonism has a great future, primarily because "the glory of God is intelligence", and "Mormonism accepts truth" wherever it comes from (even if it takes a while).

I see no reason to believe that it will become more fanatical. When I left, in 1987, questioning was anathema. I am very gratified to see the changes, and that is what has rekindled my interest so much. I think some things should not be compromised, and I will back the Church on this, as unpopular as it may be. If the Church goes in the direction of Spong's thinking, then Mormonism has no more relevance. It might as well pack it up, and hand it over to Spong.

[_harmony]

Will mainstream Mormonism in 20-50-75 years appear more like mainstream christianity or will it (as I believe) veer into fanaticism as it moves farther and farther into decline?

So far the Church history shows that it becomes less, and less fanatical.

1) Abandoning polygamy.
2) Opening the PH to all males.
3) Giving women a greater voice. (In 1978 women were not even allowed to offer prayers in Sacrament.)
4) Listening more to scholars (FARMS was not accepted when it first started, but eventually got the seal of approval).
5) Not officially publishing extreme views (Ezra Taft Benson's views on communism were withheld from official publication in East German countries in 1979, nor were his views on "Fourteen Fundamentals In Following The Prophets" ever officially published in Church media)
6) Cutting down "Church time" with the consolidated schedule, and allowing more individual time (in 1980).
7) The openness to different views of creation, and questioning things like "Creation Science".

I also believe that the Church will eventually listen more to the voices of its ex-members (as Charity indicated).

I think Mormonism has a great future, primarily because "the glory of God is intelligence", and "Mormonism accepts truth" wherever it comes from (even if it takes a while).

I see no reason to believe that it will become more fanatical. When I left, in 1987, questioning was anathema. I am very gratified to see the changes, and that is what has rekindled my interest so much. I think some things should not be compromised, and I will back the Church on this, as unpopular as it may be. If the Church goes in the direction of Spong's thinking, then Mormonism has no more relevance. It might as well pack it up, and hand it over to Spong.

Not one new revelation in over 25 years. That track record just sucks, for a church with the only prophet on earth qualified to speak as God's mouthpiece.

[_Ray A]

Not one new revelation in over 25 years. That track record just sucks, for a church with the only prophet on earth qualified to speak as God's mouthpiece.

What "new revelation" would you like to see? Tell me.

[_harmony]

Not one new revelation in over 25 years. That track record just sucks, for a church with the only prophet on earth qualified to speak as God's mouthpiece.

What "new revelation" would you like to see? Tell me.

Why? Are you going to wave your magic hat with your magic stone in it, and make it happen?

[_Ray A]

Why? Are you going to wave your magic hat with your magic stone in it, and make it happen?

Is that your answer? Take the floor - tell me what you would like to see. I await enlightenment, and will consider your viewpoint, then debate it, if necessary. You might have a font of wisdom I can't predict.

[_charity]

I also believe that the Church will eventually listen more to the voices of its ex-members (as Charity indicated).

What??? I sure didn't make myself clear on something, although I don't know what it was. What do you think I said?