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Mormon Theories Or Mormon Doctrine

Mormon Theories or Mormon Doctrine

Which one makes you more excited: Mormon Theories or Mormon Doctrine?

Strange question? Not really, I will define both:

Mormon Doctrine: Subjects well defined by the Church in which there is not much room for doubt or confusion. Examples of this: Faith in Christ, Restoration of the Priesthood, the Sacrament, Book of Mormon, etc.

Mormon Theories: Those things brought up by Members (or persons disguised as Members) where the Church has not declared any significant input. Such subjects often end up being opinions based on scriptures joined together (or outside sources) that fit the convenience of the theory. The Jehovah Witness use this kind of argument by what I call "pasting quotes together" until it backs up what they want to say.

Here is an example:

I will now quote for you this:

And now that you understand and agree I will give you this one:

Thus, because I give you source one and two together it matches right? Nope.

Now, which one is more exciting for you? Be honest now. Consider your answer.

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JB asked:

Interesting question. Since you use the word, "excited," I will answer "Mormon Theories." This is because I am well acquainted with 'subjects well defined by the church."

We are encouraged in scripture to ponder. Pondering results in theories, until revelation changes that.

I am also assuming that a "Mormon theory" is not a purposeful attempt to beguile, but a legitimate belief. The scriptures you site seem to indicate an attempt to deceive.

Mormon Theories Or Mormon Doctrine Studies Doctrine Mormon

I used it as a basic example to show that some will take scriptures to match whatever theory they wish to come up with, push or defend. If one wanted to focus on the use of brutal physical punishment / torture or war as being justified then one might site the scriptures mentioned as an example.

Keep in mind a theory is just that - a theory, it may deceive indeed if people do not keep in mind that it is not fact, but I often see people try to prove their theories as fact by making it sound exciting, hence the Thread.

I think that is the same for most of us, but the more I study the Gospel, the more I realize that the essence of the word or the revelation and true meaning of it comes in the action of the subject. For instance... Faith, a simple subject, yet do we have faith sufficient to move mountains? Why not if we are so familiar with the subject? We truly do not understand the depths of the subject if we have not enabled it in our lives. For me, it is like reading a book about France and actually going to France, meeting the people, eating their food, smelling French air, etc.

Just something to ponder.

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JB said:

Indeed. Maybe because the manner of using faith is such deep doctrine. In the Book of Mormon, we have the account of Nephi:

There seems to be a bit more about having faith than most realize.
Moving mountains is part of an extensive package. Does one have to have his Calling and Election Made Sure to do this? There are indications in this direction.

Doctrine Mormon Theories Mormon

Well, my purpose in using Faith was just a sample of one of those Topics we may become bored about when it is brought up, but I feel that it is because we just hear about it rather than ourselves reveal actual accounts of faith miracles. Probably because we have none to share. Herein lies the sad fate of us... we seek after things we do not understand, even in what we see as basic.

Rather off topic, but... Topics such as Calling And Election Sure, Temple Ordinances and the like are only shared in the LDS Mature Board, so I will not encourage Discussion on that here, sorry.

Mormon Theories Or Mormon Doctrine

Well of course the Mormon theories seem more "appealing". Having said that, all within reason. It is exciting even refreshing to hear these theories but when we study them or use them to rationalize our own shortcomings they become a dangerous tool. It is the natural man in us to want to accept/agree with those "doctrine-theories" that sound good to us but that the are not necessarily doctrine or even scriptural.

Mormon Theories Mormon Doctrine

For me Gospel Doctrine is more exciting. The more I learn about the basic doctrine and teachings of the Gospel the more I find there is to learn. There is always another level to unravel and discover. The theories are interesting and many are worthy of discussion. But it is only when the theory begins to connect with doctrine do I find it becomes exciting.

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It seems fitting to repeat something I posted in an earlier thread:

Thus, if we will teach diligently, the grace of God will make sure that we are taught theories more perfectly. Some theories are expedient to know.