The LDS church requires its members to extend significant trust to its leaders. "The Brethren" at the top are sustained as "prophets, seers, and revelators" who literally speak for God. Local leaders, while not looked upon as prophets, are still trusted as being led by the "spirit", having highly sensitive judgment (aka, "discernment"), and being a safe, trustworthy resource to their flock. Members are encouraged to embrace confirmation bias, and to hold their trust in the leadership and doctrine above any personal concerns or questions they may have about the church's truth claims. Unfortunately, history has shown us that much of the trust the members have placed in the church, its doctrines, and its leaders has been misplaced. In the best case, this misplaced trust creates disappointment. In the worst case, it irreparably harms families, breaks hearts, and destroys dreams.
If you're old like us, you'll remember a series of commercials on TV about Parkay margarine. The premise was that it tasted like butter...
Join Mike and Dave as they introduce the new MormonTalk podcast series!Note: This podcast is not for devoted Mormons - it is for those...
The Mormon church is well known for claiming to have answers to life's great questions. The church's truth claims can completely supplant an individual's...