The Nehor wrote:The process I have described is how to rationalize evil using God as an excuse.
That is not what I am doing. I'm of the belief that the Abraham scroll is still missing. Polygamy? I have no idea. Trump reality? Book of Abraham disputes and arguments about men and women long dead who can't defend themselves SHOULD be trumped by first-hand knowledge.
There are many things I dislike about the Gospel and the Church and the temptation to cut the ties I've formed has always been strong. I tried to leave it all behind several years ago. He brought me back. He wouldn't let me forget what he had shown me. I think the procedure I have laid out can't apply to me. Too much of me would rather walk away for me to be convinced that I'm 'dreaming' up excuses to stay.
I don't think you're dreaming up excuses to stay. The one position I really respect among church members is the one you've articulated: "I stay because I have had specific spiritual experiences that for me are paramount." I can't argue with that, as that's what kept me in the church for 40 years. Obviously, you and I differ on whether such spiritual experiences are valid indicators of truth, but that's really a subjective decision.