I think the LDS Church wants to have more control in defining itself.
Or possibly allowing us to define it. I think it would be wise for the church to stick to the basics on doctrinal matters and let the theology grow as it will. There is room for many kinds of beliefs in the church, as long as we agree on what Ostler would call "orthopraxis". That is perhaps all the control and definition that is necessary.
I think it would be wise for the church to stick to the basics on doctrinal matters and let the theology grow as it will. There is room for many kinds of beliefs in the church, as long as we agree on what Ostler would call "orthopraxis". That is perhaps all the control and definition that is necessary.
[T]he Lord does not need the help of men to defend his kingdom (see D&C 85:8 ). Yet even today there are those who fear the ark is tottering and presume to steady its course. There are those who are sure that women are not being treated fairly in the Church, those who would extend some unauthorized blessing, or those who would change the established doctrines of the Church. These are ark-steadiers. The best intentions do not justify such interference with the Lord’s plan. President David O. McKay said:
“It is a little dangerous for us to go out of our own sphere and try unauthoritatively to direct the efforts of a brother. You remember the case of Uzzah who stretched forth his hand to steady the ark. (See I Chron. 13:7–10.) He seemed justified, when the oxen stumbled, in putting forth his hand to steady that symbol of the covenant. We today think his punishment was very severe. Be that as it may, the incident conveys a lesson of life. Let us look around us and see how quickly men who attempt unauthoritatively to steady the ark die spiritually. Their souls become embittered, their minds distorted, their judgments faulty, and their spirits depressed. Such is the pitiable condition of men who, neglecting their own responsibilities, spend their time in finding fault with others.” (McKay, Gospel Ideals, p. 258.)
President John Taylor observed:
“We have more or less of the principles of insubordination among us. But there is a principle associated with the kingdom of God that recognizes God in all things, and that recognizes the priesthood in all things, and those who do not do it had better repent or they will come to a stand very quickly; I tell you that in the name of the Lord. Do not think you are wise and that you can manage and manipulate the priesthood, for you cannot do it. God must manage, regulate, dictate, and stand at the head, and every man in his place. The ark of God does not need steadying, especially by incompetent men without revelation and without knowledge of the kingdom of God and its laws. It is a great work that we are engaged in, and it is for us to prepare ourselves for the labor before us, and to acknowledge God, his authority, his law and his priesthood in all things.” (Taylor, Gospel Kingdom, p. 166.)
To paraphrase King Noah, who is Blake Ostler, that I should know him?
Or to paraphrase evil spirits in Acts of the Apostles, Jesus I know, and Thomas S. Monson also, but who is Blake Ostler?