Posts Tagged ‘ belief ’

To many, “do you believe in the gospel?” means “do you cognitively accept this set of propositions to be a map of reality?”

Which is more important?  What a person believes or actions they take?  What about works done without faith?  Deep thoughts. Discuss.

The story is often told of a person who complained to a friend that she couldn’t see well.  The friend took of her glasses, handed them to the friend, and said, “Try these – they work well for me!”  I suspect we have all had a boss or a friend that fits this description. When [...]

What is faith? Is it something believed or something in action, and do we choose it?

Recently I was thinking about a conversation Bruce Nielson and I had years ago in which he pointed out something I was also beginning to see: that many who were criticizing the church or doubting their own spiritual experiences wanted to limit “the spirit” to whatever agreed with their own political or personal viewpoints.  Joe [...]

How do believers best help doubters work through their doubts? Can their efforts be counterproductive? How does a compassionate believer avoid worsening doubt?

Something a little different from Bishop Bill this week: The other day I was thinking about all the “inactive” Mormons I’ve talked to over the past 30 years. In that time, I’ve been an Elders Quorum President twice, a bishop’s counselor twice, and a bishop. By inactive, I mean people that haven’t been to church [...]

In swimming lessons this week I was teaching a brother and sister, 6 and 7 year olds who seemed to magically pick up everything I presented. I demonstrated the breaststroke kick and the first time they tried it their little legs moved exactly as mine had, propelling them smoothly through the water. No land drills [...]

I’ve been a big fan of blogging about Alma 32. I have a thought experiment, two part to a greater analysis, a counter-metaphor, and those are just the post I’ve remembered! The other night, I had the opportunity to explore the topic again…but this time in auditory format on Mormon Expression podcast. The story actually [...]

Today’s guest post is by Glenn. Thanks Adam, for the kind words and the introduction.  Since I have already described the content of my testimony and my immediate reasons for giving it over at Mormon Expression, I want to continue here with Adam’s theme, and focus on the reactions I received from people in the [...]