Tag: Mormon church

Whose Church is it, anyway?

imageWhen the LDS church was organized on April 6, 1830, it’s official name was The Church of Christ.  Four years later, in 1834, it’s moniker was changed to The Church of Latter-day Saints.  The final name alteration occurred in 1838.  By revelation received through Joseph Smith, we are now known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

What is the meaning of the phrase “of Jesus Christ?” My understanding is that it signifies the church belongs to Jesus.  This is His church.  Well, that sounds pretty good to me.  After all, I’ve decided to follow His teachings and example.  What better place to worship than in the church that belongs to him.

So, what is the meaning of the phrase “of Latter-day Saints.”  I’m going to interpret it the very same way.  The church belongs to the Latter-day Saints, the citizens of this restored organization!

Man, do I like that.  The church belongs both to Jesus and to His followers.  No wonder He instituted the Law of Common Consent.  We are partners in church ownership and church GOVERNANCE.  “All things must be done . . . by common consent in the church.”

This is not the church of prophets or apostles, of seers or revelators.  We have them.  And, of course, they are a vital part of church GOVERNANCE.  But, the church does not belong to them.  Rather, it belongs to the rank-n-file citizenship & to the Lord.

This opens a whole new perspective on the Law of Common Consent.  We are fellow citizens in the Household of God.  How much more important this makes the regimen of our quarterly voting to express approval or disapproval to the leaders the Lord has put in place.

Today, I have a greater love for my church.  Jesus values me and my opinion as an equity partner in his earthly organization.

Citizen or Subject?

One Vote

What is my status in the LDS church?  Am I a citizen or a subject?

I’ve always enjoyed the scriptures and have read the LDS canon many times.  It all started when I was a young kid.  My mother presented me with my very own bible.  Originally, it had been a gift from my Godmother, the day I was born.  I loved that bible.  Just opening it released a rich leathery fragrance, never to be forgotten.  Except in fairy tales, I had never heard of a Godmother.  With this magical title engraved on the cover, my enchantment with the holy word was compelling at a very tender age.

Fast forward to the present.  I have new favorite scriptures.  Not a new printed volume. Favorite verses.  Verses that I’d never fondly connected with before.  Presenting a trio of my new precious passages:  1 Ephesians 2:19, D&C 28:13 & 124:144.

3D’s

The two polar extremes in organizational governance might be described as Democracy vs. Dictatorship.  I’m going to designate a person’s status as citizen in a democracy and as subject in a dictatorship.  When weighed between these two D’s, where does my church stand & what is my status in it?  Of course, I recognize that each bullet is very incomplete.  Below, Denomination refers to the LDS Church.

Who chooses the leaders?

Democracy:        The people.

Denomination:  The leaders, claiming divine selection.

Dictatorship:      The leaders, often claiming divine selection.

Freedom of Speech?

Democracy:        Protected by law and venerated by its citizens.

Denomination:  Not towing the faith promoting line appears to be prohibited.

Dictatorship:      Not allowed, unless it tows the party line.

Criticism?

Democracy:        Freedom to dissent and criticize is protected.

Denomination:  “It’s wrong to criticize leaders of the church, even if the criticism is true.” –Dallin H. Oaks.    People are supposed to believe and obey.

Dictatorship:      None tolerated.  People are supposed to believe and obey.

Rank?

Democracy:        In theory, all have equal value.

Denomination:  In theory, all are alike unto Christ.

Dictatorship:      Everyone is inferior to the dictator and privileged class.

Opposition?

Democracy:        A vital and signature characteristic.

Denomination:  “Questions are honored but opposition is not.” –Dallin H. Oaks 

Dictatorship:      Not even the slightest is tolerated.

Citizen or Subject?

I’m not exactly sure how the church fares on the democracy vs. dictatorship line-up.  If Democracies have citizens and dictatorships have subjects, the points above do not make a clear case for what my status is in the LDS church.

Which brings me back to my new favorite scriptures.

Ephesians 2:19.  “Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”

YESSSSS!!!  I’m taking this literally and at face value.  If ever there was a scripture to “liken unto me,” at this time in my life, this is it.  I’m not a lower class citizen, but a fellow citizen with ALL the saints, i.e. all members of the church.  Are the apostles members?  Of course.  So, I’m a “fellowcitizen” with the highest leaders.  For me, that’s chock full of potent meaning.  I am a CITIZEN!

Responsiblities—The Law of Common Consent

In my chosen denomination, the Mormon Church, a wonderful and weighty responsibility is given to its citizens by Jesus Christ, himself.

D&C 28:13  “For all things must be done in order, and by common consent in the church, by the prayer of faith.”   Beautiful, strong and solemn language!

“All things.”  That doesn’t leave much wiggle room.  “Not only are Church officers sustained by common consent, but this same principle operates for policies, major decisions, acceptance of new scripture, and other things that affect the lives of the Saints.”  -D&C Student Manual, Section 26: The Law of Common Consent,  LDS.ORG

“Must.”  Wiggle room dwindling.  Sounds like a commandment.  Sounds like I, and the leadership, should embrace this “law” with sobriety and thoughtfulness.

“By common consent.”  Not by consent of the leaders.  By common consent of the common—the Fellowcitizens.  That includes me.  A citizen, not a subject.

Consider this quote from John H. Widtsoe:  “When the church or any part of it does not function for the good of man, it fails to function properly and corrective measures should be undertaken.”  Elder Widtsoe’s comment implies that the church can “fail to function properly.”  As a citizen, I play a vital part in church governance.  A sobering responsibility it is . . . to seriously consider my role in encouraging “corrective measures to be undertaken.”  The power that Jesus has graciously and wisely entrusted to the citizens of the “Household of God” is the authority to vote.

How is Common Consent Collected?

My absolute favorite scripture:  D&C 124:144  “And a commandment I give unto you, that you should fill all these offices and approve of those names which I have mentioned, or else disapprove of them at my general conference.”

Jesus had just given to Joseph Smith a long list of names for various offices.  He then commands Joseph to take these names to general conference for approval or disapproval.  This is certainly not a dictatorship.  Jesus has instituted a system of approval/disapproval by means of voting in conferences.  Even the names that He, Himself, has chosen and designated by direct revelation, are to be voted upon.

Why my favorite scripture?  This verse tells me just how much the Savior values my opinion, values me as a person, and trusts me as a fellowcitizen.  Jesus wants me to be an active part of the governance of His church.  Unlike democracy, I don’t select the leaders.  Like democracy, I am expected to vote my approval or disapproval.  This puts into living practice a principle revealed in the Book of Mormon.  “It is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right.” (Mosiah 29:26)

In my church, I Am a Citizen not a subject!

 

 

Greetings World!

OK.  I know it’s a pretty small world, with only one lonely inhabitant.  Me.  At least for the moment.

For a long time, I have wanted to put my thoughts down on paper, metaphorically speaking.  Over the past couple of years, unexpected philosophical developments have shaken my life.  They have been quite disconcerting.  In October 2015, seven months ago, a friend suggested that I start posting my thoughts in certain social channels.  I did.  By golly, I found it to be delightfully addicting, cathartic and validating.  It also helped me move forward and hone my life’s direction.

Over the past week, several people, in the groups where I post, have suggested that the amount of time I invest in composing would be better served by a blog.  I love the Facebook communities.  There, I know many and am known by many.  The feedback is plentiful, interesting, and helpful in refining my thought processes.  The posts by others frequently enlightens and uplifts.  At my friends’ gentle nudging’s I’m following their recommendation to venture into a new world.  One that is exposed to public scrutiny.  No longer behind the protective blanket of closed groups.

For my blog’s theme, I’ve selected religion and spirituality.  I’m Mormon.  Was raised Mormon.  At 19, I served a 2 year full-time mission to Guatemala and El Salvador.  Married in the temple.  Raised 6 children in the church.  Have actively served in many callings .  I’m still an active Mormon.  But, my faith is transitioning.

For the time being, I plan to discuss changes in my belief, decisions I’ve made, and actions I am in the process of taking.  My faith journey is by no means complete.  Over the past seven months of posting, much mind morphing has materialized.  I’m sure more will be forthcoming.  This faith journey has been exciting and exhilarating . . . at times.  At others, it’s been a source of frequent anger, sadness, loneliness, alienation, frustration, and depression.  My friend who suggested writing was right on.  It has been a great help to vent, think, contemplate and refine through the written word.

Now, off to the blogosphere I go.