Mister Scratch wrote:Terrific questions, Nehor. "Official doctrine," as you are quite right to point out, is very, very difficult to pin down in the LDS Church. At its very root, the word "doctrine" means "teaching." Thus, anything that is authoritatively taught within the Church ought to be considered "official doctrine." But we all know that's not the case. For example, various reasons for the ban on Blacks on the priesthood were "taught," but how many of those are considered to be "official doctrine"? There is another level to this, too, which is the way these [un?]official teachings affect people's day-to-day lives, for example, the WoW. Is it "official doctrine" to not drink caffeinated beverages? Is it "official doctrine" to not wear two earrings?
In a sense, your first question vis-a-vis "official doctrine" reflects back on your first question about obedience. Part of the "unquestioning" obedience that one finds in the Church comes as a result of (in my opinion) ignorance. In fact, I would argue that at least some of the Brethren would prefer that the membership remain totally in the dark on some controversial subjects. And again, I think it is very important to remember that this obedience is achieved in very subtle ways. E.g., most TBMs talk about treating the leaders with "respect." But what this really means, from a more objective perspective, is that TBMs have thrown away their God-given right to question the authority of the leaders in any meaningful or public way. Of course, any good TBM with a background in apologetics will just say, "I haven't thrown away my right to criticize, I just *choose* not to criticize." Oddly enough, I have never, ever seen a TBM criticize any of the living Brethren. Is this really just "choice", on a massive, mob-mentality scale? Or is there something deeper at work?
So, to get back to your original point, (I.e., point #1), I would say that the "dulling of the mind," so to speak, comes not from a "program of indoctrination," but from ignorance, and from other socialized behaviors in the Church, such as a totalitarian unwillingness to question the Brethren, or even lesser leaders, as evidenced by the almost always unanimous sea of hands that are raised during sustaining votes.
While I accept the definition of teaching I find that most people don't mean that when they're talking about doctrine unless they're willing to defend every silly thing ever uttered in Church (I promised a friend I would take him to really nice $50 a plate Brazilian restaurant if we can get through a 3 hour block with nothing false said at any time....it's been 3 years now). When people say doctrine what I think they mean is beliefs that are accepted as rock-bottom truths held by all faithful members.
I would say that the earrings and the Word of Wisdom are counsel and not doctrine. If the latter counsel is not obeyed it's true that you cannot attend the Temple. The Word of Wisdom is temporary. The Lord said he would drink wine new in his Father's kingdom. He might bring some with him when he comes back. I don't think the earrings thing is a permanent command either like the Pauline dress standards we are all flouting. :)
The question about criticism is a good one. I have criticized the teachings of some of my leaders. I don't criticize the people themselves. For example several months ago a member of the High Council came to talk to my Ward. He gave a talk that I disagreed with...rather strongly. After the meeting I talked with him briefly and asked him a few questions about what he said. It mitigated some of what I disagreed with. That night I had a few friends over for dinner and we talked about what was said. One person agreed with him and the rest agreed with me. I have not done the things he said I should have. This is not new to me either. When I was growing up every Sunday my dad would ask all of us (all 7, it took a while) what we learned that day and we would discuss some of the Sacrament Meeting talks. We'd shoot some things down we thought were unsound and discuss how to use the rest of it. I do remember once a member of the family said that one of the speakers (a local leader) was an idiot. My father kindly but firmly corrected him and told him it was not his place to pass judgment on any individual or to demean anyone or their office.
Perhaps my experience is atypical though I knew many families that did something similar. I happen to think it's the right way to do it though.
In regards to "questioning the Brethren" I think that falls into two categories that should be considered separately:
First, there is the questioning of the decisions they make in regards to what actions the Church should take with a global effect (New Temples, Policies, Spending, Investment, Missionary Rules, Temple Standards, Our plans for World Domination in 2012). In this I have little to say and little to criticize. In this I trust my leaders to do what they're told or that God will move them out of their place if they get into too much trouble. The latter is more a matter of faith than anything else. If you don't believe God is at the helm I wouldn't trust a system built that way. I do think it is very efficient though and that if God is in overall control that the whole thing will glide on and the errors will be taken care of. Fallible men are the top working out their own salvation the same way I am. Mistakes will happen. In my experience they are rare. It sounds crazy to others but I just don't worry about it.
Second, there is the counsel and direction given directly to the members to help guide their life. The problem they are dealing with is giving counsel to a vast audience in vastly different circumstances and conditions. Also, Elder Scott has recently brought up again something Joseph Smith taught, that there is a general Plan of Salvation taught to the whole human race that includes the ordinances of the Gospel, the key portions of our Theology, and the Universal commands we are all living under as laid out in our canon. Then there is what the individual has to do which varies hugely between people. Most of what the Brethren teach is applicable in some way to my life. If not, I toss it. In a YSA Fireside Broadcast I attended the Apostle speaking said (paraphrased) that if you felt that his counsel did not apply to you than that was between you and God and please don't write him a letter explaining why you should be exempted. If you are concerned about it, talk to your Bishop. When hearing the Brethren and leaders giving me counsel I use utilitarian principles to separate the wheat from the chaff (that may be wheat to someone else). The exception is when the Spirit attends (quite often) and gives me guidance above and beyond what is said or (more rarely, but often enough) he tells me to chuck what they're saying and that something else will work better.
I also don't see unquestioning obedience in the Church. If you concentrate on the superficial, yes, most people keep the Word of Wisdom, attend their meetings, and feed the Missionaries. Many aren't reading and praying every day. Tithing percentages on the whole are not that good. There is still gossiping, lying, and people who just aren't dedicated enough to fast, pray, and meditate until they figure out what God wants them doing and do it. I'm struggling to get there and every time I do I have to struggle to stay there.
In my experience also those who REALLY believe that there is a God and are dedicated to acting on that knowledge become first-class thinkers, just not necessarily in an academic sense. When you're arguing secular philosophy you're generally playing with counters by comparison. When you have found God you then have to really think things through. You need to find out what God is like, what he wants you to be doing, what changes you need to make in your life, and what knowledge you need to search out to continue the journey.
To quote Joseph Smith (from the front of my scriptures):
"The things of God are of deep import; and time, and experience, and careful and ponderous and solemn thoughts can only find them out."
"Thy mind, oh man, must stretch as high as the utmost heaven." (speaking of how to achieve exaltation)
"Surely he knows that DCP, The Nehor, Lamanite, and other key apologists..." -Scratch clarifying my status in apologetics
"I admit it; I'm a petty, petty man." -Some Schmo