This is the theme of Harold Bloom's book, "The American Religion." He means that
we believe we have a body of knowledge not known to the body of Christians in
general. I'd suggest reading his book for more information.
"John W. Redelfs" wrote:
> I recently heard Mormonism referred to as American gnosticism. What does
> that mean? Does it mean salvation through the acquiring of secret
> knowledge? And if that is so, are we not modern gnostics? For we are
> taught that gospel knowledge is the most important kind of knowledge and we
> call our temples a "house of learning." We go there to learn things that
> cannot even be discussed outside the temple. We learn line upon line,
> precept upon precept until we have learned... what? And if this knowledge
> not available to every person sitting in the Ketchikan Ward Elder's quorum,
> if all of the saving ordinances are not available except to those who have
> mastered some esoteric temple knowledge, does that not make us gnostics?
>
> I am asking this out of genuine ignorance. In other words, it is not a
> rhetorical question. I am not asking as a method of teaching. I would
> like to know the answers to these questions.
>
> John W. Redelfs [EMAIL PROTECTED]
> ===
> "I can image a world without war, a world without fear, a
> world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that
> world, because they'd never expect it.' --Jack Handy
> ===
> All my opinions are tentative pending further data. --JWR
>
> /
> /// ZION LIST CHARTER: Please read it at ///
> /// http://www.zionsbest.com/charter.html ///
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>
--
Marc A. Schindler
Spruce Grove, Alberta, Canada -- Gateway to the Boreal Parkland
We do not think that there is an incompatibility between words and deeds; the
worst thing is to rush into action before the consequences have been properly
debated
To think of the future and wait was merely another way of saying one was
a coward; any idea of moderation was just an attempt to disguise ones unmanly
character; ability to understand a question from all sides meant that one was
totally unfitted for action. Pericles about his fellow-Athenians, as quoted by
Thucydides in The Peloponessian Wars
Note: This communication represents the informal personal views of the author
solely; its contents do not necessarily reflect those of the authors employer,
nor those of any organization with which the author may be associated.
/
/// ZION LIST CHARTER: Please read it at ///
/// http://www.zionsbest.com/charter.html ///
/
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