Posted by Gunnar on February 22, 1999 at 05:15:53:
In Reply to: Hi Kim posted by Cezoram on February 21, 1999 at 22:22:31:
: It most certainly has. It has changed its scriptures (God's word) and doctrine in order to keep up with the times. But don't believe me - research it for yourself.
I'm not bothered by the fact that Mormon Doctrine has changed to accomodate changing circumstances and new evidence that make some of the old doctrines no longer viable or defensible. What bothers me is the inability or refusal of church authorities to admit the possibility that such changes have been necessary and have occurred, or that early church leaders could have been mistaken about the divine origin of at least some of their doctrines. One of the most important lessons of history is that no individual or organization or belief system is less likely to be infallible than one that is foolish and/or arrogant enough to claim infallibility. Nevertheless, the church can be and often is a powerful influence for good and decency, and has made a positive difference in the lives of many people. I am very dismayed by the strong tendency of too many critics of Mormonism to throw the baby out with the bath water.
: No breaks until all your research into the church is through - history, doctrine, the works.
One criticism I have of the above statement is: When is one's research ever through? There is so much that has been written and said that it would take much more than a lifetime of full time, diligent study to thoroughly cover everything. Most conclusions must be tentative and subject to frequent reevaluation followed by reconfirmation, modification or rejection as warranted by new and more complete evidence as it becomes available. The inability of major organized religions to acknowledge that with respect to their own dogma
is their greatest deficiency.