Re: [TruthTalk] The Spalding Enigma

[Blainerb473]

In a message dated 7/21/2005 6:12:55 P.M. Mountain Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Blainer: > Motivation to believe or disbelieve can come from other > sources than emotion.    I am talking mainly about approval > from significant others, such as parents, TT members, friends, > etc.  I see it every day. Good point, but isn't that emotion?  Isn't the desire for approval or the fear of rejection emotion?   **Blainer:  I would say fear of disapproval is definitely emotional.  Maybe desire for approval could be seen as such too.  On the other hand, reinforcement or punishment of a belief system could be taking place as one is engaged in relationships with significant others without fear or desire entering in.  One is just socially rewarded/punished  for the correct/incorrect  response, whether made with forethought or otherwise.   But please note that I said one needs to be INDEPENDENCE of SPIRIT to be a true seeker after truth.  This refers to receiving approval from a higher source than one's immediate peers/significant others.   1 Nephi in the BoM , chapters 8 and 11 tell of visions had by Lehi and, later,  by his son Nephi, wherein the two men see visions of a tree of life, laden with sweet, white fruit, which represents the love of God.  Leading up to the tree is a path, beside which is a rod of iron, which represents the word of God.  To get to the tree and partake of the fruit, one must hold to the rod of iron, which leads through mists of darkness.  Overlooking the path is a great and spacious building, filled with many prideful people dressed in worldly clothing.  They are jeering at those feeling their way along the path, holding to the rod of iron, and continue to jeer and mock those who reach the tree.  Some on the path, and some near the tree, are ashamed, and fall away into forbidden paths.  Those who reach the tree and continue to feast on the fruit, grow stronger in the Lord, and are able to resist the influence of those in the building.   These visions tell us that one may rely upon the love and approval of God, and thereby resist the temptation to be influenced by worldly approval.  As Jesus said, I am with you always, even unto the end.  Through these means, we Mormons are able to resist the jeering/yelling/mocking, put-downs such as spelling Mormon with a lower case first letter, etc. of  the like of various and sundry street preachers, i.e., Kevin, Perry, etc.  :>) Blaine wrote: > Independence of spirit is key to being > a true seeker of truth. Scientists call this objectivity.  Is this the same thing, in your opinion?   **Blainer:  To some extent, objectivity has similar qualities as independence of spirit, but of course lacks the spiritual component, faith. It seems to me that humility is closer to what is being identified here as important.  If objectivity is the key to seeking truth, then scientists would find Christ (since he is truth), wouldn't they?  I'm thinking out loud here, Blaine.  Help me out.  :-)   **Blainer:  Objectivity w/o faith is limited to what can be observed with the five senses.  The spiritual component of Faith takes objectivity beyond the here and now, and allows one to experience the spiritual realm.  The sixth sense is involved. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man."  (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed.  If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.