Comments on: Worldviews

By: Kent (MC)

Kent (MC) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:44:31 +0000

A simplified epistemology for all religious traditions likely requires the teaching that truth can be gained through sacred texts, traditions, and divine (or supernatural) interaction. I think Buddhism fits this model fine (with regards to epistemology) since gurus and texts tell you how to find enlightenment (even if they aren’t explicit in doing so; what “not to do” is just as important as “what to do”). You may want to look at this PDF document entitled “What is a Worldview?”, where they omit number 7 on the list.

By: Matt W.

Matt W. — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 20:11:52 +0000

Kent: Can we really say all 7 are required for a worldview? I wish I had some models of how Apostle plays this out. For Example, does Buddhism have an epistemology? I think looking at other examples, I would get a clearer idea of what is needed in an LDS worldview.

By: Geoff J

Geoff J — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:39:58 +0000

And may God bless you and yours as well â€œBruce in Montanaâ€

By: Bruce in Montana

Bruce in Montana — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:14:22 +0000

And may God bless you and yours “Geoff”.
Maybe someday you’ll outgrow name-calling.

By: Geoff J

Geoff J — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 01:39:48 +0000

Bruce: ya think Joseph Smith had/has â€œfundie-leaning viewsâ€?

You think Joseph Smith lived in the 60s-80s?

See Jacob’s #18 and Kent’s #19 for who I was referring to.

The term â€œfundieâ€ comes across as a bit of an insult to some fundamentalist mormons.

Yeah, but it is probably preferable to my other favorite term for fundies: “nutjobs”

By: Kent (MC)

Kent (MC) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 19:42:54 +0000

Yeah, what Jacob said. The fundamentalism I am referring to is more about the adoption of a God with more Calvinistic attributes.

By: Jacob J

Jacob J — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:24:58 +0000

Bruce, I don’t think Geoff’s phrase “fundie-leaning views of some of our leaders at that time [60s-80s]” refers to fundamentalist mormons. The leaders in question leaned toward views found in christian fundamentalism with respect to a wide range of issues.

I am all for love and tolerance of people I disagree with. That does not mean I have love for all of their views, nor does it preclude me from making sure I don’t provide a platform for views I find destructive and wrong.

By: Ray

Ray — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:58:09 +0000

Having said that to Bruce, he is a perfect example of the need to accept that people see the world in differing ways. I don’t mean at all to belittle his worldview; rather, all I mean to do is point out how inconsistent it seems to me based on mine.

By: Ray

Ray — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:56:25 +0000

Bruce, it’s hard to feel close to people who still spout the racist justifications of previous generations. Are your women silent in church? “Go figure.”

Sometimes, change really is a good thing – and Joseph himself is a perfect example of that, as he changed both existing ideas and his own mind over time. It’s hard to make a solid argument against change and claim adherence to the spirit of Joseph’s restoration.

By: Bruce in Montana

Bruce in Montana — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 03:05:48 +0000

Wow. With respect Geoff….ya think Joseph Smith had/has “fundie-leaning views”?

I’ll be the bigger man and not start an ugly spirit-void exchange but can I submit that the fundamentalist worldviews are the closest to mainstream that exist.

The “leaders” advocate understanding and tolerance for other faiths but when it comes to love for those with who they share the most history…something seems amiss. Go figure.

The term “fundie” comes across as a bit of an insult to some fundamentalist mormons. I hope that it’s their perception and not the real intent. It could be akin to calling the mainstream church a “monogamous sect”. :)

We, who should be the closest and reaching out to each other for understanding, seem to have a lot of “bad apples” on both sides who have caused us to think of each other as enemies. Nothing should be further from the truth. If I’m permitted to recommend a reference that can clear up a lot of misunderstanding…
mormonfundamentalism.org is a great place.