Thesis proposal
Young Latter Day Saints are leaving their faith in droves. Materials questioning church history and doctrine are widely disseminated. Often, these materials raise issues that Millennials are learning about for the first time. This shock exposure can lead these people to mistrust what other sources have told them about the history of the church and the principles of the Gospel. In order combat this phenomenon, we must hold honest and genuine discussions concerning historical events and controversial gospel principles in our homes and classrooms. However, this must be done using the Spirit and love in the interest of preserving testimonies, not nullifying them.
| Arguments Against | Arguments against the Against |
| Knowledge of this information is not essentially to our salvation so there is no purpose in teaching it. We are only to teach “things essential to our salvation.” | Yes, but how can you speak against something if you don’t know what is being said against you? How can we hope to change public perception of us as a church if we avoid at all costs trying to find out what exactly they are saying about us? |
| Not everyone’s faith is strong enough to purposely go look for things that could be wrong with their image of the church. | It is better to find out information in a spiritually charged environment where it is easier to discern what is right and what is wrong, than to find out under your own circumstances where any number of variable factors might influence and change how you receive information. Learning about why people dislike us can actually help strengthen testimonies because it can lead to practice using the Spirit to discern what is right and wrong, true and false. |
| Most of it is false anyway. | Yes, but not all of it. It helps to discuss these things and help people understand that the prophets are indeed inspired and divine, but still human. Controversial church issues are also important to discuss because the church does not advocate blind following—it advocates critical thinking, use of the Spirit and understanding. |
| It’s better to just never know what other people are saying about us and just mind our own business. | The Gospel is for everyone. There is no “us” and “them.” We are not pitting ourselves against “them.” There is, however, differences in understanding and we cannot bridge the gap without fully understanding ourselves what the issues are and how they were formed. |
| Some of our history and doctrines might freak some people out. |
As always, such discussions must be done with tact, manner, use of the Spirit, and the spirit of discernment.
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I think this is a great topic. I know many many people my age who still don't know that Joseph Smith had multiple wives. This can cause problems when they are first introduced to it. For example, if someone were to read this blog and read the beginning of my comment, they could be really offended if they had never heard that before. I learned this in a spiritual setting, with a careful seminary teacher communicating to us with the Spirit that yes, Joseph Smith did not like it, but sometimes you do what the Lord asks when you don't know why he asks it. Now I can at least keep a cool head if someone asks me about it and tries to pin me. I can agree with them, give an educated and respectful answer, and move on to things that are "essential." I am so grateful for that.
ReplyDeleteI really find your topic selection fascinating. I really think it's something that will hit home with your audience. It's certainly engaging. You do a great job of comparing and contrasting the argument and looking at both sides. I also see that you are beginning to question how we might combat the issue.
ReplyDeleteKeep asking yourself how your audience might perceive your argument, what might their reactions be to the piece? How can we persuade them to consider your call to action?