mentalgymnast wrote:I suppose I'm open to a wider definition of "things [as they] really are".
No idea what you mean?
I suppose that may be. In my case, however, knowing many of the more esoteric and quirky teachings encapsulated within this thing we call Mormonism, I would have to say that truth would have to be the greater object in view. Mormonism has some fairly difficult doctrines/theology to swallow.
When I say beliefs I am talking about many beliefs. One can have more desire for certain beliefs within a religion then others. Mormonism does not have any quirky difficult doctrines for those like us who grew up in the church. We can be much more attached to certain beliefs then others. If you really want quirky check out Scientology.
There are some LDS claims that I would just as well not have to 'believe'. So again, I am more concerned with what 'truth' may be.
Many members change or ditch certain beliefs. Some troubling ones they may hold onto if they are necessary for other very desired beliefs. Your belief the Book of Abraham was inspired of God is a good example. You may realize giving up on it means accepting Joseph as a fraud, so you only change things to the extent that it is still inspired(catalyst). Your desire to believe exceeds your desire to know the truth about Joseph as a real prophet.
Not some. Many. Over twenty years worth.
I'm not convinced that he was definitively and/or by default a religious fraud. I am open to him being the conduit through which a creator/God performed a latter day work that is somehow important in the eternal scheme of things.
Of course you are open to him being inspired of God. This is the one beliefs that is desired more then most others. I can relate having had a great desire for this belief as well.
As has been mentioned in this very thread, we ought not to expect that there would be a lot of evidence of Him. It's the nature of the historical record and those that recorded it...or didn't.
That is not the problem. The lack of any good evidence of his life means the stories are going to be very inaccurate. This is a huge problem in view of what the Book of Mormon claims.
