Re: [TruthTalk] Dave uses Socratic Method of Teaching LDS doctrine on TT

[Dave Hansen]

David Miller wrote: Blaine wrote: ... it came through to me that she was one of my immediate ancestors, a woman born in Norway, who had been active in converting her husband and family to Mormonism, and that she was there to show her approval of what we were in process of doing. Blaine, I appreciate you sharing experiences like this. While I might have a different understanding of what events like these are all about, it gives me insight into a side of Mormonism that I might not otherwise have. Question for Dave Hansen: Dave, I have noticed over the years that Blaine has many mystical experiences like this one that he has shared, and that he is actively engaged in astrology. I have never seen you share of such experiences. I am curious about how you perceive Blaine's reports like this one. Do you readily accept them as stated and interpreted? DAVEH:  Yeah.......Pretty much so.  Such experiences are not uncommon in Mormonism.  That however does not necessarily mean that each and every one of them is accurately reported.  Nor would I state for a fact that every such experience is proof of what I believe.  I know of one personal example where an old friend (whose memory is worse than mine) drew an incorrect conclusion based on mistaken identity and a lack of background knowledge. How many in Mormonism do you know who embrace astrology and the kind of mysticism that Blaine does? DAVEH:  This may surprise you, but Blaine is the first LDS person I can recall to make such claims.  If there are others, but I've not found them to be open with their beliefs.  You and I do know one former LDS TTer who is in what might be called a fringe area though....remote viewing.  Golly....TT does seem to attract the weirdos, like Paul Smith, Blaine and me, eh!  In all my years (nearly a half century now) of being a Mormon, I don't think I've seen such peculiar diversity in the LDS people I've known!     Now...before you think that I am decrying Blaine's astro-beliefs.....perhaps there is something to consider there.  I'm not well versed in such fields, but I suspect there are some Biblical comments that might suggest a relationship to out of this world happenings that influence our lives here in mortality.   Blaine can probably fill you in on that, if you want to ask him. Do you, Dave, accept astrology too? DAVEH:  No.  But that doesn't mean I outright reject it either.  Critics of Christianity might find a lot of mysticism and astrology in what many TTers believe.  Yet I bet most TTers would ascribe stereotypical astrologers to be under the influence of Satan....which is pretty much the way I lean.  Perhaps the truth falls somewhere between the two extremes. I guess I am trying to understand the kind of diversity in Mormonism in regards to present day mysticism. DAVEH:  I'd say Blaine is probably not your average Mormon when it comes to accepting astrology.  But maybe I am judging too swiftly, as I really don't know much more about his beliefs in that regard than what you and I've seen in his posts.  Perhaps he'll elaborate..........though I will not encourage him to do so, as it will just give a few other TTers added incentive to criticize. Peace be with you. David Miller. -- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dave Hansen [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.langlitz.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If you wish to receive things I find interesting, I maintain six email lists... JOKESTER, OPINIONS, LDS, STUFF, MOTORCYCLE and CLIPS.