Richard Bushman, "My Belief", pt. 1

The origins for this series can be found in "My Belief, Reprinted from BYU Studies 25:2 (1985)". It was originally an essay that appeared in "A Thoughtful Faith: Essays on Belief by Mormon Scholars, ed. Philip L. Barlow (Salt Lake City: Canon Press, 1986)."

I know ignorance of the law does not excuse the individual for breaking it; so with that being said, I don't know if I can or cannot reprint this article in part or in whole? If someone wants to write BYU Studies and inform them of what I'm doing please feel free to do so; I would be happy to take their opinion into consideration when I decide what I do or don't write.

Finally, before we begin, I must declare my status as an individual who is wholly and completely uneducated. I have no idea how to really use a semi colon and I'm not sure how to cite sources. Mostly, I just try to copy how others have done it in the books I read. I have no idea if my sentence and paragraph composition is correct, but I try. I feel a lot like Nephi when he said:

" 1 And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people; neither am I ^amighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man ^bspeaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men" 2 Nephi 33:1

Perhaps, some of you may be touched by the Spirit, despite my abilities as a writer. If so, praise God.

My Belief
Richard L. Bushman

"...The issue in my mind never had anything to do with Latter-day Saint doctrine specifically. I was not bothered by the arguments against the institutional Church, which so troubled people today, or the problems of Mormon history, another current sore spot. I was not debating Mormonism versus some other religion; the only question for me was God. Did he exist in any form or not? I was not worried about evil in the world as some agnostics are. I suppose Mormon theology had made the existence of evil perfectly plausible. I simply wondered if there was any reason to believe. Was all of religion a fantasy? Were we all fooling ourselves?"

At this time in Richard's life, he was a sophomore at Harvard. "Logical positivism was at a high tide" and he was introduced to new ideas and new people. I suppose at different points in people's lives they begin to really ask the most fundamental of questions, Is there a God? Where am I from? Where am I going when I die? And, why am I here? I think it's wonderful that Richard started from the most essential of questions, "Is there a God?"

Agnosticism is a wonderful place to start in my opinion. To really admit, that perhaps, we don't know, can be extremely liberating. King Lamoni's father offered one of the most faithful and wonderfully agnostic prayers I've ever read or heard:

18 O God, Aaron hath told me that there is a God; and if there is a God, and if thou art God, wilt thou make thyself known unto me, and I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day. And now when the king had said these words, he was struck ^aas if he were dead. Alma 22:18 (emphasis added)

The answers did not come quickly for Richard. Despite the fact that, "...doubts came on strongest in the spring of my sophomore year…the preceding Christmas holiday, I had been interviewed for a mission and received a call to New England...Did I have enough faith to go on a mission?" Richard was left, "wondering if I were a hypocrite and if fear of displeasing my parents was all that carried me along." His honesty here is refreshing. In fact, Richard's honesty is one of his most endearing qualities. The admission after the fact, that he considered and conteplated his own hypocrisy is admirable. It is extremely difficult for me to be introspective about my own hypocrisies. But the maxim is true that "you must first admit you have a problem." The simple fact that he may be doing things simply to please his parents is another frank and honest admissions I don't think most missionaries make. These types of admissions leave one open to criticism and vulnerable to attack. I don't like feeling that way but Richard's example is worth emulating. I'm sure I'll start next week.

Here's another bit of honesty I adore, "I think looking back, that my agnosticism was a little bit of a pose, a touch of stylish undergraduate angst." How wonderfully refreshing. I'm sure we all strike poses through life, but few are willing to expose and discuss their juvenile posturing.

Finally, he admits, "It was true enough that my bosom did not burn with faith; on the other hand, I was quite willing to pledge two years to a mission. So I went"

I am elated in reading this last sentence. “I went.” It’s an action! “Went” is a verb. He didn’t sit around like Plato’s philosopher king. He did something. Whether right or wrong at this time, he knew not, but he acted in good faith. Faith that what he was doing was good. Faith that all would turn out for the better. Faith in a God that he wasn’t even sure existed. This attitude is exemplified in counsel given to President Gordon B. Hinckley from his Father while on a Mission:

“Dear Gordon, I have your recent letter. I have only one suggestion: forget yourself and go to work.”

Well, he got his call, forgot his troubling issues and went to work. It is incredibly brave, humble, and faithful; which is why it reminds me of Alma 32:

27 But behold, if ye will awake and arouse your faculties, even to an experiment upon my words, and exercise a particle of faith, yea, even if ye can no more than ^adesire to believe, let this desire work in you, even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of my words.

28 Now, we will compare the word unto a ^aseed. Now, if ye give place, that a ^bseed may be planted in your ^cheart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your ^dunbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to ^eenlighten my ^funderstanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

29 Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.

30 But behold, as the seed swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow, then you must needs say that the seed is good; for behold it swelleth, and sprouteth, and beginneth to grow. And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow. (emphasis added)

Brother Bushman, the great historian; the biographer of Joseph; the Stake President; the Temple sealer; the Husband and Father; had doubts. I feel comforted in that, because so do I.

My whole life I felt less than because my faith at times seemed non-exeistent. I felt less than because at times I wondered if God really did exist. I felt strange because I constantly seemed to want to "know". And yet, Brother Bushman seems to have weathered the storm. In fact, he seems better for having made the journey. In my opinion, it seems we can only receive answers if we are willing to ask the questions.

Big UP!

Lamanite

P.S. That is not to say that I lack a testimony, as some will assume. Those who know me, there will be no doubt. To those who don't, bumbaclot!

Next time a discussion of Richard’s first real experience with the Book of Mormon.

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The Supreme Court, Justice Scalia, and Christianity

Clarence Thomas and Antonin Scalia are my favorite sitting Justices. (Roberts and Alito have potential) Here is some typical Scalia:

QUOTE

Scalia was only too happy to...reject the moral relativism of the modern world. "For the son of God to be born of a virgin? I mean, really. To believe that he rose from the dead and bodily ascended into heaven. How utterly ridiculous," Scalia said at a meeting of the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic fraternal organization. "God assumed from the beginning that the wise of the world would view Christians as fools, and he has not been disappointed." pg 200 The Nine, Jeffrey Toobin

Scalia has always held fast to "truth" as it is, not as he perceived it, and damn the world if they didn't agree. I think he really tries to see things, "as they really are".

Within the context of the Supreme court, the 1990's to present represent a dramatic shift from originalism to severe activism, IMO. And so it is with Christianity, and possibly Mormonism.

As Mormons I don't think the doctrines of the Church have changed or evolved, but I do see a shift in the attitudes of members toward liberal agenda items like gay marriage, abortion, and chastity. The majority of Mormons will be quick to profess the doctrines of the Church are absolute, but it seems our "tolerance" for these licentious behaviors are beginning to increase. They also seem to be influenced and molded by popular opinion and double speak. Take for example the catch phrase, "freedom of choice" masquerading as a euphemism for infanticide. The slippery slope is becoming a luge.

I fear that the absolute nature of eternal truths are beginning to take on a form of mortality as they lay dormant and are discarded in favor of modern sophistry.


Big UP!

Lamanite

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FAIR Pic's

Random Guy I don't know and should have cropped him but you guys may know him :-)


Daniel C. Petersen


Steve Smoot aka Rommelator


Kerry Shirts aka e=mc

DCP- I don't really know him. It's like trying to talk to B.B. King at a blues festival. He's the rock star of Apologetics. And I'm pretty sure he doesn't want that title. And to those in the picture who remember, I almost laughed my face of when he said that one funny thing about the Dome and the Temple.

Steve-It was great meeting you. It really is quite disgusting the multitude of factoids and literary references floating around that cavernous brain of yours. Very thoughtful. Don't forget to have fun! Put down that book and go for a hike.

Kerry- This guy is so excited about life it's contagious. Of course he's bright. But more than anything else I remember about Kerry is his smile. That guy is always smiling. He's excited about his video camera. He's excited about books. He's excited about sharing his excitement. Above all the apologetics, he's just good people!


P.S. the gang sign I'm throwin up is actually a representation of the star of David often used by Rasta's.

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Larry Poulsen

Random Mulekite


If this was a picture from within a Yugoslavian prison, we may have a "slight" chance at winning the jails beauty pageant.

Didn't get a chance to talk to Larry much. I enjoyed his lecture but came up with more questions at the end than I had at the beginning. I think that's a good thing! Thanks Larry.


Lenny from "Of mice and men"

Life on a Plate, Big Brutha Blair


LOAP, has always been good to me. When everyone (MADB) doubted my faithfulness, he saw my motives and intentions for what they were-- honest inquisitiveness. Thanks man. This dude is sick with talents and abilities and I have a sneaking suspicion that despite all the intellectual prowess, he is the first one to show up for ward canning and moving members in or out of the Neighborhood. He reminds me of this " ...and the second is like unto it, love your neighbors." NIVofS Thanks again!

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Louis C. Midgley

Matt Roper

Sione aka Lamanite

Jan

Louis is an amazing man with a surprising knowledge of the Pacific. He was lighthearted and intelligent. I thought it was funny to see him argue with Rod Meldrum(?). Pointless, but entertaining. The most wonderful part of Louis is his wife. She is absolutley lovely, and I don't think he would mind me saying so.

Matt Roper is a real asset to Mormonism. I'm actually not sure what he's working on but I will share this with you. During 1996ish, Matt did a radio show. I don't know why he was doing it, or why I was listening, but I tuned in faithfully. I can't remember one thing he said, but I remember feeling excitement that others approached the Gospel from the same perspective I did. I saw that Matt was well on his way, and it gave me hope. My conversion was influenced by Brother Roper.

Sione- I equal two Louis Midgley's! I don't know if I should be proud or head to Weight Watchers.

Jan- Absolutely stunning. Aside from being gorgeous, her intellect is sharp and quick like a two edged sword. She is sensitive and attentive. She is a good listener. She has the Savior's image in her countenance. I'm a better man for having met her. Thanks for sharing!


Juliann- she is in the picture farthest to the left. She asked that I not post her picture on the internet. I can tell you that she kind of looks like Bo Derek, without the braids. Juliann was kind and welcoming. She speaks carefully, her words are measured. I admire that. I just blurt out whatever comes to mind. I thank her for her involvement in FAIR, it has been a tool in my progressing faith.

LOGP

You know Blair should tell someone when he puts a link up to their website. I really need to tidy up first.

Anyway, the notes below have remained un-edited and un-touched since the Conference and will remain so. Why? Lazy and it's best to leave things as they flowed from my brain. I like that policy. That's why I still read the 1830 version of the Book of Mormon.


Big UP!


Lamanite


PS Pic's coming tomorrow from the Conf.

Today's Conference

No notes today. Just going to relax and enjoy.


Big UP!


Lamanite

Larry Poulsen

Book of Mormon Geography


Battery Low.

Men like John Sorenson (sp?) and Larry cannot prove with any Geography that Jesus appeared to the Nephite's or that He died for our sins. However, they can give us a reasonable idea of where and when their story took place.

There are some problems of Larry's model if the "Loose" translation theory is correct. The issue lies in Joseph's possible translation of the directions, e.g. North, South, East, and West, in the modern usage of the words, or he may have translated the directions according to the Nephite's use of the words to express their own unique orientation to their surroundings

Jeffrey Bradshaw

Jeffrey Bradshaw- The message of the Joseph Smith translation: A Walk in the Garden


Again, many slides so it is difficult to communicate ideas without the graphic.

Two interesting points made. (this guy talks really fast so its hard to keep up). Anyway, it's always fascinating to me how much information Joseph possessed. Especially since he often waited to share it with the Saints until they were prepared to receive it, sometimes as long as 10-15 years. Also of note is the comment Brigham Young made stating that Joseph, near the end of his life, wanted to go back and perfect the scriptures especially where the Lord had constrained him.

Bradshaw is rehashing a lot of what Nibley originally put forth regarding the Temple and its symbolism of the Universe and the Garden of Eden. Can't see anything earth shattering (and I actually know a thing or two about temple symbolism) :-)

Much discussion about the tree of life, the menorah, the temple, and Jesus Christ all being symbolic of the latter.

Amazing picture of syrian painting dating 1750bce depicting scene VERY similar to modern LDS Temple practices, including washings and offerings of signs. Moreover a 12 century painting depicting the Savior placing Adam under covenant with the exchange of grips and signs, while Even participates by offering a sign of covenant.

AMAZING!

Picture of Mecca to denote the "heirocentric" (sacred center) nature, or the "emphallos" (my words) depicting the navel, or place of nourishment.

Speaking of "the midst". Same symbolism as above, suggesting to the mind that Jesus Christ is the center of all things, nourishing all things, that all may bow in concentric circles confessing that he is the Christ.

Ephrem's Conception of Eden

Holy of Holies

Veil

Holy Place

Outer courtyard

(*incomplete table above)

Battery Dying! oh no!!!


Although Satan had been doing that which had been done in other world, the sin or affront to God and man, lie in his doing that which he was not authorized to do. He appeared and offered to provide things he could not deliver, by distorting that which was Sacred.

Amazing image of the Apron of Charlemagne, eighth century

Under Satan's suggestion that they hide their nakedness by making aprons out of fig leaves, he again does something that was originally intended to be done for them by God. Eventually God will cloth us with immortality and Eternal life.

Another image of Annubis Leads Nakht Towards the Entrance to the Outer land. Egyptian.

Discussion of being clothed in flesh. I'm giddy with excitement at this flood of information. Discussion being consecrated with oil at certain spots and purposes. Underlying this entire lecture is Eden including the Tree of Knowledge and the Tree of Life, and sometimes a third tree (can't even begin to go into it, too good!)

Got to publish before battery dies.

Panel Discussion-

Brian Birch, Blake Ostler, and James Faulconer


Blake Ostler- Philosophical traditions and histories are not my specialty. Not that I have a specialty, but I'm good at some stuff and philosophy is more often than not over my head. It often becomes so abstract that I could care less. I like to think about stuff so I do consider myself a philosopher. Anymore than that and I tend to get lost.

He prescribes a fascinating use for philosophy. He encourages us to "be careful", meaning to take special care with how we speak to each other. Philosophy is merely an opportunity to approach each others most strongest arguments, while asking, what is it that has inspired this individual to dedicate their whole life to this line of thinking?

James Faulconer Philosophy vs. Religion (my words).


Brian Birch- Blah blah blah. Can't get into this. It lacks feeling and weight for me. Some people may get off on this, but it's seems unnecessarily complicated.

Ok...the Q&A portion is extremely good. I really enjoy thinking and analyzing and engaging in any thought experiment. Critical analysis is wonderful, but I think philosophers can take it a bit too far, and it then becomes an exercise in tedious fancy pants nonsense. LOL

Darius Gray and Margaret Young

Nobody Knows- The untold story of black Mormons


Personally having met Darius, I sense and feel a great intelligence, devotion, and spirituality that is very moving.

So Darius just shared his own experience regarding his personal revelation from God that the Church was true. However, he still had questions regarding racism within the Church. And yet, he moved forward without having answered all his questions and became a faithful member. I like this pattern, that of acting upon the light and knowledge we have received of God despite all else. I feel it is more noble to move and act upon the light we have received, despite hell and earth, than it is to satisfy our own wants and desires.

Darius shared his own experience when he found own the Priesthood would be extended to all worthy males. Very moving, very touching.

Absolutely amazing! I'm blessed for having been here.


Respect,

Sione

Mark Wright

Deification- Divine Inheritance and the Glorious Afterlife in the Book of Mormon and Ancient Mesoamerica

Simply put; Humans can become God's. However,the Mesoamerican definition of a "God" and the "Divine" is much different from the Western concept of a Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent being.

This talk will be difficult to comment on without the visual aids being used. This presentation also requires me to understand Mesoamerican religious traditions and a MASSIVE paradigm shift regarding Nephite theology.

Quick note on a minor/major problem, depending on your perspective, is the use of Presentism in the content of Mark's talk:
Presentism is a mode of historical analysis in which present-day ideas and perspectives are anachronistically introduced into depictions or interpretations of the past. More on Presentism

A few notable items regarding Mayan Kingship and Deification

Mayan King being anointed prior to becoming a King. Office of kingship not only political but probably endowed the individual with a mortal deification as well as allowing for post mortal celestial glory like unto the Sun.

If Mark's statements are accurate representations, (and I do not question honesty only objectivity as a Historian and Mormon) of Mesoamerican theology then there is an exciting similarity between Nephite theology and specifically King Benjamin and his coronation ritual.

FAIR Conference Notes

OK I couldn't help it.

Mike Ash- Shaken Faith Syndrome

Whabout doubt?- The Church is biggest enough for those who doubt. I think doubt may ultimately lead to apostasy. A rather extreme view perhaps, however, I think that 'questioning' will often lead to a increase in light and knowledge and ultimately increase our discipleship.

Cognitive Dissonance- This phrase often has a negative connotation. The actual "dissonance", that is to say, the uneasy feelings created by these conflicting thoughts or cognition may again lead to greater faith if the individual seeks resolution through study and faith. The problem lies in the exclusion of one or the other of those two factors of learning.

Some who experience cognitive dissonance when introduced to new information (Polyandry for instance) may abandon their beliefs entirely or only some of them.

Some may stuff that crap way down and smile and pretend everything is fine.( I think most Mormons fall into this category)

Or one may take the new discovery and choose to analyze by study and faith to reconcile with our primary beliefs. I like this one the best.

The difficult part of this process in my opinion is the tendency to force the new info into a mold that is pre-existing. Instead of allowing the entire belief system to evolve. For example, the idea that Joseph was dishonest with Emma about his practice of Polyandry is unsettling (that's a euphemism). It seems impossible to accept that he is both a Prophet and a dishonest husband. What to do? Simple. And I hate to belabor the point, but it is my belief that a search for truth through study and faith will yield a positive developmental experience.

We must not forget that there are certain truths with cannot be found out through exercises of the 'intellect'. To truly know that Jesus is the Christ, one must have it revealed by and through the Holy Ghost. However, without the mental examinations that there must needs be a Savior, or to have relief from some internal misery, or some other form of inquiry, there is nothing for the Holy Spirit to teach, answer, or witness.

Black and White thinking has always been a cognitive distortion for me. It has taken time to recognize and repair this critical thinking error. To be sure, truth is absolute, but the application and infinite number of variables must allow for a continuum that displays every shade of gray between black and white. Some will want to debate this fact but we can simply look for "exceptions to the rule" within the Book of Mormon to find evidence of "grays" that allow for multiple applications of divine truth (e.g. Taking a life and Nephi).

Confusing Tradition with Doctrine- I could go one for 1229 days. It's best not to get me started. The ultimate rule for me is this:

1. Can tradition or statements be reconciled with the standard works.
2. Has there been a contiguous practice or policy from Adam to President Hinckley.
3. Spiritual manifestation from God that the tradition, policy, practice, or statements are true.

I will publish after each talk and try to clean up grammar and sentence structure later, as well as rounding out thoughts at the end of the day.

FAIR Conference 2008

I will be at the FAIR 2008 Conference on Thursday and Friday. I may or may not comment on the subject matter covered there.

My hopes are that this will be intellectually stimulating as well as adding some richness and depth to some of those truths I hold sacred and dear.


FAIR


Big UP!


Lamanite

Revelation

Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 
Mat 4:6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in [their] hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 
Mat 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 
Mat 4:10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 

Here we see the Savior and our common enemy Satan in dialogue using the phrase "it is written" to reference scripture. This phrase is found all throughout the old testament and is used in much the same way. 

What has always fascinated me is that according to Satan's own interpretation he is able to use scripture to suit his own needs and support is own agenda. Likewise,  many men and women will use the word of God to further their own evil designs.

Scripture can mean whatever we claim or interpret it to mean. Going back to the early Church and the Patristic Fathers we see that without Prophets, Apostles, and especially personal revelation things quickly become clouded and susceptible to the philosophies of men.  Near the end of the Jewish second temple period we see how quickly Hellenization took place as a result of Greek philosophies being off as divine.

Anyway that leads me to then ask the question; how is it that we correctly interpret scripture and come to a knowledge of the truth? I would answer that even with Prophets and Apostles we must come to know the truth ourselves through personal and continuous communion with God by and through the Holy Ghost.

And now the dilemma, How do I hear, recognize, and interpret the communications of the Spirit? To illustrate I quote from Gerald Lunds book "Hearing the voice of the Lord":

"I was so Sure! A young Bishop...received a call in the middle of the night to go to the hospital. A woman in the ward had colapsed into unconsciousness as she was preparing for bed. Now she lay in a coma. The desperate husband asked the bishop to come and help administer to her. When the bishop arrived, the man was so distraught he asked the bishop to give the blessing. "It was a deeply emotional moment", my friend said...As I began the blessing, suddenly I had this overwhelming feeling of peace and light come over me. I stopped for a moment and looked into my heart. Was this really from the Lord or just me, I wondered. I had never experienced anything so powerful before, and I decided the feeling was truly from the Lord."

Relived to have such clear direction, he proceeded with the blessing. "I promised her that she would be healed, that she would be raised from the bed of her afflictions, that she would have the privilege of raising her children to adulthood in this life...It was a wonderful experience. I wept for joy. The husband did as well...But I had been home for only a few hours when the husband called to tell me that his wife had passed away without regaining consciousness."

The questions about personal revelation roll on and on. 

What does it feel like when the Lord is speaking to me?

What is a stupor of thought, and what does it feel like? Can I really just forget something I have been strugglingg over for months?

What is the burning in the bosom? What does it feel like when it comes?

And how do I interpret those feelings when they are wonderful in expression but so ambiguous like in the case of the bishop above?

Interested in any responses,

Lamanite