Our Platform for Outlining Colorado’s Future

Background: I am trying to dissect the following article: “ The Mantle Is Far, Far Greater Than the Intellect ” by Elder Boyd K. Packer, BYU Studies 21, no. 3 (1981). Reasons to agree Reasons to disagree Any church could say this, but if they all set logic aside, their is no way to advocate one above the other. People will be forever trapped within a certain faith tradition, without saying that one is better than another in a logical, informed sort of way. You just have fru-fru- and la-de-da to back you up, and everyone just ignores anything the other guys say, because they aren't looking at the world through the correct contact lenses. If spiritual powers attended the work of the LDS church, you would see more blessings in the lives of its members. If spiritual powers attended the work of the LDS church its leaders would have said fewer stupid things. If spiritual powers attended the work of the LDS church its leaders would have made fewer mistakes. The spiritual powers of the chu...

Reasons to agree If everyone says they are doing what God tells them to, and that we don't have to have logic, then each religion could have absolute moral authority, while all advocating the opposite conclusions. Reasons to disagree “The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor. 2:14).

Reasons to agree Some things that are true are not very useful . Reasons to disagree It is hard to know for sure when the spirit has told you something is real, and so you should be able to back up your decision with logic.

Reasons to agree We should judge the world, according to Gospel principles, not the church according to worldly principles Reasons to disagree The end does not justify the means. Just because truth is critical of your church doesn't mean truth should be altered. 

Reasons to agree Gordon B. Hinckley: "Well, we have nothing to hide. Our history is an open book. They may find what they are looking for, but the fact is the history of the church is clear and open and leads to faith and strength and virtues." ~ Dec. 25, 2005 interview with The Associated Press God is a God of Truth God doesn't need us to lie for him Reasons to agree Some things that are true are not very useful . If the spirit tells you the Church is true, then you are going against the spirit when you investigate negative aspects of the Church.

Reasons to agree Cults focus on controlling every aspects of their member's lives. I would say 90% of people who grew up in the 80s were told they couldn't pass the sacrament if they weren't wearing a white shirt. You get weird looks at church if you don't wear a white shirt. Reasons to disagree Catholic priest all wear the same uniform. In the Mormon church ever male member is a holder of the priesthood. The white shirt and tie is sort of arbitrary, but it is seen throughout the world as a more formal attire, and the church leaders don't want to be informal .

Reasons to agree If a white shirt is a symbol of righteousness, aren't black pants, shoes, belts, and suits a symbol of evil? Reasons to disagree Just because you can take the white shirt idea to weird extremes doesn't mean it is bad . Lots of good things can be twisted to weird extremes.