Middle Way Mormonism

[Hamba Tuhan]

3 hours ago, Benjamin Seeker said:

Taking truth claims literally means someone believes in the literalness of various claims made by Mormon doctrine, history, etc.

But what does that mean? I believe that the Book of Mormon is literally the word of God. But does that mean that I believe in literal Nephites and Lamanites? I've been largely agnostic on that point for most of my life, in that I mostly didn't think about it. I was happy to assume that such was the case and to speak as though that were the case, but I wasn't fussed either way. Until a singular experience earlier this year left me with a new awareness of the reality of at least some of the Book of Mormon prophets. Did I somehow become more literal in my faith in that moment? More orthodox?

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So, if we took the priesthood as an example, someone who believes in that literally believes that the real and resurrected John the Baptist, Peter, James, and John visited JS and bestowed the true authority/power of God.

My testimony of the priesthood doesn't depend at all on the acceptance of past events that neither I nor anyone else now living witnessed (and which almost no contemporary witnessed either). I have seen firsthand the blind regain their sight and the dead restored to life through the administration of the Melchizedek Priesthood. I think that may mean something about the literalness of its restoration, but I don't know that for a fact. What does that mean about me?

[The Nehor]

1 hour ago, SouthernMo said:

I think they key question(s) here are how you define ‘gospel’ and if you see that definition as synonymous with ‘Mormonism.’

If you see them as the same, then probably closer to orthodox or TBM...

But, we can all chose which labels we want and which we reject.

I define the gospel as the good news of the redemption and the instructions and covenants that define how to access that redeeming grace.

I define the church as the Kingdom of God on the Earth that will grow into establishing Zion and will be the instrument of Christ’s rule when He returns. Not sure what this “Mormonism” thing is you are talking about. Perhaps it is an old designation we discarded some time in our past.  

[Bernard Gui]

4 hours ago, Benjamin Seeker said:

Temple worthy, at least on the surface of action and profession considering they are "acting."

Intent has nothing to do with worthiness? IMO, integrity is the foundation of all covenants. Why would someone go to all the trouble to pretend to be acting like a Saint to get into the temple? Where is honesty?