What is the Greatest Challenge Facing Mopologetics?

[_Mister Scratch]

What some may see as the biggest challenge to LDS apologists, others may view as the biggest opportunities for the same.

Its simply a matter of how we each choose to look at things--which point, to me, essentially strikes at the heart of Mormon related disputes, if not most all disagreements. ;-)

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

This doesn't make any sense at all. How can the Book of Abraham be seen as an "opportunity" in any way whatever?

[_wenglund]

Beyond "I think, therefore I am." leading to, "I have spoken with God, therefore he is" and working my way to, "I think, therefore I must become God.", I don't see reason as the source of my faith. Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of reasons to believe in God. However, I can't start from a blank slate of existence (assuming no spiritual visitations) and work my way up to God.

I personally have found the reasoning in Alma 40 to be quite useful in testing and growing in confidence and increasing in understanding of a myriad of general and specific religious beliefs. In fact, much of my spiritual epistemology has been derived, in part, through employing Alma's rational methodology.

It, and other forms of reasoning, have also enabled me to better abide the faith-promoting gospel and commandments--and this by seeing sense in abiding the gospel and commandments (beyond just a growth in faith).

And, through using these forms of reasoning, I find myself better prepared to teach.

But, that may just be me.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_wenglund]

What some may see as the biggest challenge to LDS apologists, others may view as the biggest opportunities for the same.

Its simply a matter of how we each choose to look at things--which point, to me, essentially strikes at the heart of Mormon related disputes, if not most all disagreements. ;-)

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

This doesn't make any sense at all. How can the Book of Abraham be seen as an "opportunity" in any way whatever?

It is not something your negatively-oriented mind is prepared to receive (which is why it doesn't make sense to you), so there is no point in my even saying. Those who are positively disposed will have already gotten the sense of it.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_Phaedrus Ut]

I chose the internet. I'm waiting for a First Presidency message read during sacrament meeting warning members not to google when preparing sunday school lessons.


Phaedrus

[_Gazelam]

I'm still amazed that the Book of Abraham is even viewed as a problem. It stands as a witness of Joseph Smiths prophetic mantle, especially when compared to the other Book of Abrahams that have come forth since then. The same can be said of the Book of Enochs that have come forth. On a doctrinal basis alone they are brilliant and shed forth more light on the nature of God and man than nearly any other books of scripture!

[_Gazelam]

And oh yeh...

I voted the internet, because theres not a faster way in the world to find the disgruntled ex Mormon who claims they have some keen insight when they actually haven't understood a single damned thing theyve read.

[_Trevor]

I'm still amazed that the Book of Abraham is even viewed as a problem. It stands as a witness of Joseph Smiths prophetic mantle, especially when compared to the other Book of Abrahams that have come forth since then. The same can be said of the Book of Enochs that have come forth. On a doctrinal basis alone they are brilliant and shed forth more light on the nature of God and man than nearly any other books of scripture!

You're right. That ancient pseudepigrapha is a lot crappier than the modern pseudepigrapha of Joseph Smith.

[_Gazelam]

Joseph did have a way of making the complex simple to be understood. Could we have asked for a better dispensation head?

[_Mister Scratch]

What some may see as the biggest challenge to LDS apologists, others may view as the biggest opportunities for the same.

Its simply a matter of how we each choose to look at things--which point, to me, essentially strikes at the heart of Mormon related disputes, if not most all disagreements. ;-)

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

This doesn't make any sense at all. How can the Book of Abraham be seen as an "opportunity" in any way whatever?

It is not something your negatively-oriented mind is prepared to receive (which is why it doesn't make sense to you), so there is no point in my even saying. Those who are positively disposed will have already gotten the sense of it.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Oh, they have? Well then, perhaps you could point them out. Go ahead and tell everyone what "sense" they got out of your post.

[_wenglund]

What some may see as the biggest challenge to LDS apologists, others may view as the biggest opportunities for the same.

Its simply a matter of how we each choose to look at things--which point, to me, essentially strikes at the heart of Mormon related disputes, if not most all disagreements. ;-)

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

This doesn't make any sense at all. How can the Book of Abraham be seen as an "opportunity" in any way whatever?

It is not something your negatively-oriented mind is prepared to receive (which is why it doesn't make sense to you), so there is no point in my even saying. Those who are positively disposed will have already gotten the sense of it.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

Oh, they have? Well then, perhaps you could point them out. Go ahead and tell everyone what "sense" they got out of your post.

Then again, perhaps not...since that would be both superfluos and patronizing. I am fine leaving you in the dark.

Thanks, -Wade Englund-