In September of this year, after “much anxious prayer,” a bishopric member decided I would be the right person to speak on the theme of the Second Coming. There are 100 things I’d rather speak on, and 200 reasons I didn’t really like this theme. But I decided I could find new ways to think …
Speaker: Kim McCall
JOSEPH SMITH AND THE RELIGION OF EXPERIENCE
In select passages of Joseph Smith’s writings are the makings of a new, extraordinary religion. Unlike traditional monotheistic belief systems, with their complex layers of doctrines, rituals, and practices, the religion of experience makes no claims and affirms no premises. Its basis is the autonomy of the individual as manifested in the fundamentals of human …
FAITH AS A DEADLY SIN OF PRIDE
In an April 1989 General Conference talk, Ezra Taft Benson said, “Pride is the great stumbling block to Zion.” This presenter agrees. An unquestioned, aggressively supported faith tends to dismiss logical argument and evidentiary consideration, thereby involving the abdication of one’s responsibility as a thoughtful moral agent. This is a form of pride that continues …
Faith as a Deadly Sin (of Pride)
In an April 1989 General Conference talk, Ezra Taft Benson said, Glenn Cornett, Kim McCall
SL10355: The Mormon Bibles
The King James Version of the Bible (1611) is the official Bible for the LDS Church while the RLDS Church has adopted the Joseph Smith Translation, published by the Reorganization in 1867, as its official Bible. Kim McCall will present a paper on the KJV, and William D. Russell will present a paper evaluating the …
SW09006: Confessions of a Gospel Doctrine Teacher
This session gathers past and present gospel Doctrine teachers to discuss their approaches to teaching and creating meaningful experiences in their classes. What are their strategies for leading great discussions or answering hard questions? What would their “dream” class be? What have they learned about themselves and their students over the years? What are their …
Meaningful Approaches to Scripture
Meaningful Approaches to Scripture As Gospel Doctrine teachers know, Latter-day Saints approach scripture in a wide variety of ways. Some cherry-pick the verses or interpretations that support their views. Others seem to still rely on long-ago ‘reads’ of certain scriptural stories. Still others imbue stand-alone verses with vastly different meanings than the real scriptural context …
THE FIRST TWO OF FIVE BRIEF ESSAYS ON THE ATONEMENT
In these two essays, I work to lay out the rationale and groundwork for any serious LDS consideration of the atonement of Christ. The first essay explores the context of the project. Why should we engage in such speculation as this? What is the LDS view of the role of reason in religious and spiritual …
REVELATION VS. INSPIRATION (Note: only 50% was recording)
(Note: only 50% was recording) Latter-day Saints often claim that they are guided by revelation from on high in a variety of ways, while still holding to a position implied in one interpretation of the First Vision that every other church is directed by the precepts of men. But how accurate is this assessment? How …
THE FIRST TWO OF FIVE BRIEF ESSAYS ON THE ATONEMENT
In these two essays, I work to lay out the rationale and groundwork for any serious LDS consideration of the atonement of Christ. The first essay explores the context of the project. Why should we engage in such speculation as this? What is the LDS view of the role of reason in religious and spiritual …