Distinguishing the Box from the Gospel Pearl

[David T]

It appears to me that the narrative framework by which the Gospel is taught is often confused with the Gospel itself. Some appear to not even understand that there is a difference, or that the two can be separated.

In the Church, one of the most popular frameworks presenting the Gospel Message is what I call the Unified History method. Within this method, everything can be taught in the frameworkof a single cohesive and consistent story. Everything in all the scriptures needs to fit together in a single flowing narrative, and anything that doesn

[Nathair/|\]

The only other specifics I can think of is that while they didn't necessarily have to have happened the way they were presented, there had to be a divine council (including the calling of YHWH to be the messiah), a creation a fall and the second coming. If the idea that the flood was the earth's baptism is more than a folk doctrine (I don't have enough information to have a position), then a global flood may be necessary.

[David T]

The only other specifics I can think of is that while they didn't necessarily have to have happened the way they were presented, there had to be a divine council, a creation

In any specific way?

a fall

Other than our own individual choices to enter mortality and sin?

and the second coming.

A future event.

If the idea that the flood was the earth's baptism is more than a folk doctrine (I don't have enough information to have a position), then a global flood may be necessary.

How would that effect your personal salvation?

[Nathair/|\]

In any specific way?

Other than our own individual choices to enter mortality and sin?

A future event.

How would that effect your personal salvation?

For the divine council, it was necessary for someone to be chosen to save me and for the decision to be made to offer me the chance to come to Earth. For the Creation and Fall, see 2 Nephi 2. For the second coming, I grant your position, but I still think it is necessary. For the earth to be baptized, well, it is supposed to be the Celestial Kingdom, and if there is only one Celestial law... Of course, if that is just folk doctrine, the story changes.

Yours under the essential oaks,

Nathair /|\

[cinepro]

Perhaps the analogy would be more relatable if the pearl were invisible?

[Maidservant]

It appears to me that the narrative framework by which the Gospel is taught is often confused with the Gospel itself. Some appear to not even understand that there is a difference, or that the two can be separated.

In the Church, one of the most popular frameworks presenting the Gospel Message is what I call the Unified History method. Within this method, everything can be taught in the frameworkof a single cohesive and consistent story. Everything in all the scriptures needs to fit together in a single flowing narrative, and anything that doesn

[Jeff K.]

The prophets continue to guide us as to the distinction between the pearl and the box. Consider the Vatican, which is a beautiful box, and yet, the pearl there is gone (from an LDS theological perspective).