readstoomuch Posted January 8, 2016 Posted January 8, 2016 Maybe I can shed some light on this thread by talking about another thread and my experience with it. There is a thread about Bruce R McConkie`s last testimony shortly before he died. The testimony was very moving to me. I am like many in that it was one of the most powerful spiritual experiences of my life. When I was on my mission I read extensively from BRM and his father-in-law Joseph Fielding Smith. I thought I had all of the answers. Then I learned that I didn't, because a good chunk of what BRM, JFS and other Church literature said was not historically or theologically accurate. Probably more historical than theological since to LDS, theology is often synonymous with history. Interestingly, more accurate history could be faith-promoting and exciting to me. I still find that the case and lament that fact. The Church and the gospel can be quite interesting and we lose those opportunities far too often in our meetings. So what am I saying? You can be an intellectual and still be moved by the spirit when someone like BRM gives you that opportunity. BRM was overly conservative and by the book. He also seemed to say over time about being wrong. I had problems with him, but I still respect him much. I think the error of many people`s path can be when they value the intellectual over the spiritual or vise versa.. They must both be combined together to make things work the best. That seems to be God`s plan for me. I`m not supposed to rely too much on either. Thank you Bruce R McConkie for bearing your testimony to me and millions of other in conference just before you died. Thank you for every lstep that the Church takes in being historically accurate (can you say Joseph Smith Papers?). 1
rockpond Posted January 8, 2016 Author Posted January 8, 2016 3 hours ago, readstoomuch said: Maybe I can shed some light on this thread by talking about another thread and my experience with it. There is a thread about Bruce R McConkie`s last testimony shortly before he died. The testimony was very moving to me. I am like many in that it was one of the most powerful spiritual experiences of my life. When I was on my mission I read extensively from BRM and his father-in-law Joseph Fielding Smith. I thought I had all of the answers. Then I learned that I didn't, because a good chunk of what BRM, JFS and other Church literature said was not historically or theologically accurate. Probably more historical than theological since to LDS, theology is often synonymous with history. Interestingly, more accurate history could be faith-promoting and exciting to me. I still find that the case and lament that fact. The Church and the gospel can be quite interesting and we lose those opportunities far too often in our meetings. So what am I saying? You can be an intellectual and still be moved by the spirit when someone like BRM gives you that opportunity. BRM was overly conservative and by the book. He also seemed to say over time about being wrong. I had problems with him, but I still respect him much. I think the error of many people`s path can be when they value the intellectual over the spiritual or vise versa.. They must both be combined together to make things work the best. That seems to be God`s plan for me. I`m not supposed to rely too much on either. Thank you Bruce R McConkie for bearing your testimony to me and millions of other in conference just before you died. Thank you for every lstep that the Church takes in being historically accurate (can you say Joseph Smith Papers?). I have a large collection of final testimonies from prophets and apostles. They are inspiring to read. Great post. Also, to tie your comments back in to the OP, I think you'd appreciate Prince and how he does a great job of balancing the intellectual and the spiritual. IMO. A few posters are going to be suspended if the backbiting doesn't stop. Thread closed
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