The Responsibility of Church Leaders....

[_truth dancer]

Yesterday in church the meeting was centered on America.

One women shared her strong testimony, and quoted from the Book of Mormon, that The United States, was a chosen country, a promised land, set aside from all others so the church would be established in this land. She spoke of the promise in the Book of Mormon that there would be no Kings. She taught the congregation all about the millions of people (descendants of Lehi), who lived long ago here in America. It was clear she had absolutely no idea of the history of the Americas. She even stated how amazing it is that the Nephites lived in a society so similar to ours even though it was two thousand years ago, which convinced her that the Book of Mormon was a true book.

Now, the question for me was this:

Does the church have a responsibility to share information about the Book of Mormon, to help those who believe in what is clearly false even by the standards of leaders and scholars?

In other words, I'm rather convinced that the majority of scholars and church leaders have let go of the HGT and all that goes with this and yet, there are still believing members convinced in its truth who have never heard of the LGT.

The woman speaker in church shed tears as she testified of the truths she taught about the Book of Mormon. I felt sad for her.

Why haven't church leaders straightened folks out on this topic?

~dancer~

[_The Nehor]

Yesterday in church the meeting was centered on America.

One women shared her strong testimony, and quoted from the Book of Mormon, that The United States, was a chosen country, a promised land, set aside from all others so the church would be established in this land. She spoke of the promise in the Book of Mormon that there would be no Kings. She taught the congregation all about the millions of people (descendants of Lehi), who lived long ago here in America. It was clear she had absolutely no idea of the history of the Americas. She even stated how amazing it is that the Nephites lived in a society so similar to ours even though it was two thousand years ago, which convinced her that the Book of Mormon was a true book.

Now, the question for me was this:

Does the church have a responsibility to share information about the Book of Mormon, to help those who believe in what is clearly false even by the standards of leaders and scholars?

In other words, I'm rather convinced that the majority of scholars and church leaders have let go of the HGT and all that goes with this and yet, there are still believing members convinced in its truth who have never heard of the LGT.

The woman speaker in church shed tears as she testified of the truths she taught about the Book of Mormon. I felt sad for her.

Why haven't church leaders straightened folks out on this topic?

~dancer~

The good teachers and leaders try but the truth is most people won't learn real truth until they want it badly enough. Either she is not reading the book or is forcing a paradigm of her own making on it, I'm not sure what leaders can do. The Church can't compel people to become scholars. The Sunday block gives us enough time for brief lessons and these focus mostly on religion. Part of me thinks we've gone backwards as the School of the Prophets ended up discussing almost everything but people really don't have an excuse. With the Internet available and the ease of access we have to books the only thing maintaining people's ignorance is a lack of time and/or laziness.

Then I turn on Christian TV and realize that there are people doing far, far worse. Ministers teaching lessons from the Bible where either they don't know the context themselves or they think people are too stupid to understand a more complex story. I'm not sure which is scarier.

When do Church Leaders have the opportunity to straighten people out? The best way are the Seminary and Institute programs but I've met Seminary graduates who can't put together a very basic timeline of the Book of Mormon. If you know how to make people want knowledge let me know. Hopefully we can turn it into a chemical weapon and save the nation :)

[_Ray A]

Does the church have a responsibility to share information about the Book of Mormon, to help those who believe in what is clearly false even by the standards of leaders and scholars?

It has. Sorenson wrote a two or three part series on the LGT (included in his articles) in The Ensign 1983. I have been aware of this since then.

In other words, I'm rather convinced that the majority of scholars and church leaders have let go of the HGT and all that goes with this and yet, there are still believing members convinced in its truth who have never heard of the LGT.

Because they don't read enough. How long have you known about it, TD?

The woman speaker in church shed tears as she testified of the truths she taught about the Book of Mormon. I felt sad for her.

Why haven't church leaders straightened folks out on this topic?

I'm sure she wasn't shedding tears over the details, but what she felt. I used to cringe too, so I know how you felt.

Okay exmos, fire away with the usual barbs. I have a meeting to go to.

[_Seven]

The good teachers and leaders try but the truth is most people won't learn real truth until they want it badly enough. Either she is not reading the book or is forcing a paradigm of her own making on it, I'm not sure what leaders can do. The Church can't compel people to become scholars. The Sunday block gives us enough time for brief lessons and these focus mostly on religion.

I think most members would welcome something new in Sunday school for a change. It would provoke some exciting disucssion and instill a desire in members to learn more about their religion.

Part of me thinks we've gone backwards as the School of the Prophets ended up discussing almost everything but people really don't have an excuse. With the Internet available and the ease of access we have to books the only thing maintaining people's ignorance is a lack of time and/or laziness.

Chapel Mormons will never do research about Mormonism on the internet outside of the safety net given to them by the church. Same with books. That's the start of apostacy in their minds. To accuse them of laziness is ignorance. This is why it is the leaders responisiblity to at minimum give a basic explanation on myths in the church. They can also direct members on what scholarly work to read on the subjects if they don't want an entire lesson as the focus. It's nothing but excuses to say the church doesn't have time to give basic information on topics like this.

[_barrelomonkeys]

In other words, I'm rather convinced that the majority of scholars and church leaders have let go of the HGT and all that goes with this and yet, there are still believing members convinced in its truth who have never heard of the LGT.

~dancer~

What is HGT and LGT?

[_msnobody]

In other words, I'm rather convinced that the majority of scholars and church leaders have let go of the HGT and all that goes with this and yet, there are still believing members convinced in its truth who have never heard of the LGT.

~dancer~

What is HGT and LGT?

LGT- limited geography theory

HGT- hemispheric? geopgraphy theory If I recall correctly

[_Polygamy Porter]

In other words, I'm rather convinced that the majority of scholars and church leaders have let go of the HGT and all that goes with this and yet, there are still believing members convinced in its truth who have never heard of the LGT.

~dancer~

What is HGT and LGT?

Passing futile attempts by internet Mormons to hold onto something they know has no credibility and zero evidence, and likely will never have either.

[_Polygamy Porter]

Yesterday in church the meeting was centered on America.

One women shared her strong testimony, and quoted from the Book of Mormon, that The United States, was a chosen country, a promised land, set aside from all others so the church would be established in this land. She spoke of the promise in the Book of Mormon that there would be no Kings. She taught the congregation all about the millions of people (descendants of Lehi), who lived long ago here in America. It was clear she had absolutely no idea of the history of the Americas. She even stated how amazing it is that the Nephites lived in a society so similar to ours even though it was two thousand years ago, which convinced her that the Book of Mormon was a true book.

Now, the question for me was this:

Does the church have a responsibility to share information about the Book of Mormon, to help those who believe in what is clearly false even by the standards of leaders and scholars?

In other words, I'm rather convinced that the majority of scholars and church leaders have let go of the HGT and all that goes with this and yet, there are still believing members convinced in its truth who have never heard of the LGT.

The woman speaker in church shed tears as she testified of the truths she taught about the Book of Mormon. I felt sad for her.

Why haven't church leaders straightened folks out on this topic?

~dancer~

What on earth were you doing in a Mormon chapel?

Remember that the majority(95%) of the tithe paying membership are chapel Mormons. Most bishops are chapel Mormons as well. The bishop that I left under and his replacement were so chapel, that they smelled of the synthetic bench cushions. Neither had even heard about the papyrus rediscovery, kinderhook, Zelph, polyandry, Smith's six shooter at Carthage, Masonry connections to the temple.... etc.. etc..

Additionally, the few bishops that know it does not align with the current mo'pologetics know that it is a can of worms and opening it would result in losing at least a few members due to WTF? moments which drives them to google, or at the very least cause him many nights talking to members who SWEAR they were told there were PILES of archaeological evidence that the Book of Mormon occured near the Cumorah in upstate NY.

Remember that the Mormon faithful are comprised of the deceived and the deceivers.

[_The Nehor]

I think most members would welcome something new in Sunday school for a change. It would provoke some exciting disucssion and instill a desire in members to learn more about their religion.

Chapel Mormons will never do research about Mormonism on the internet outside of the safety net given to them by the church. Same with books. That's the start of apostacy in their minds. To accuse them of laziness is ignorance. This is why it is the leaders responisiblity to at minimum give a basic explanation on myths in the church. They can also direct members on what scholarly work to read on the subjects if they don't want an entire lesson as the focus. It's nothing but excuses to say the church doesn't have time to give basic information on topics like this.

I tried as a Gospel Doctrine Teacher to put additional information in my lessons. I was told by many members of the class that I was more confusing than helpful. I probably was. I can't even begin to give a background in the time alotted. It became clear to me that my job was to teach things that would bring in the Spirit so my class could have communicated to them the things they need. Focussing on the interesting and new kept about 5 people interested. They were the ones learning on their own anyways and all I was doing was confusing the rest. It was a disservice.

It is laziness or at least having other higher priorities. Mormons (even these Chapel ones that I am one of) have ample resources to conduct studies. It's not the Church's job to provide recommended reading lists. We are already told to seek out of the best books wisdom. Not to do so is laziness or making a choice to pursue something else. I live in the Church and regularly converse with these so-called Chapel Mormons. Many people plan to one day do more in-depth studies and figure that one day they will learn more. It is not fear holding them back. I remember a Missionary who told me that one day he would spend more time and actually study the Scriptures much more in depth. I somehow doubt that he has time now if he didn't when he had 3 hours of study time every morning.

This sounds like bragging but I found out much of what you seem to think people should know. I learned it because I wanted to know. I bought books, I read articles, I researched in libraries. Those who want knowledge will find it. Those who don't won't. Some of them may not need it. For some reason I do. This life is definitely not an intelligence test being given by God or we'd all be royally screwed but maybe I have a calling or some trial that this information will help me with.

[_Mercury]

Why haven't church leaders straightened folks out on this topic?

~dancer~

It would be career suicide.