Today I want to discuss two types of changes. These two types of changes are different in their effect, yet at the same time, inseparably linked.
The first type of change is one with which I am certain we are all quite familiar: Changes in our circumstance. In the past few weeks, a couple of major circumstantial changes have taken place in my own personal life, both of which will likely have a profound impact on the remainder of my life.
First, my wife and I learned that we are expecting our first child. I can't think of any happier change that could have come to our lives, and at the same time, I can't think of anything that will have as much impact. Just a few days ago we were able to “see” the baby for the first time through ultrasound. We even saw her little heart beating (yes, we are going to predict it is a girl already).
Second, I learned rather suddenly that I had been selected to begin my dream career within a month. This change will involve us moving from continent to continent, as well as beginning an entirely new chapter in our life.
While these circumstantial changes in my own life are drastic, impacting, and meaningful, they are not unique to myself. All of us face circumstantial changes in our lives. Some such changes are largely based on our own decisions and actions. Others are outside of our hands. Nevertheless, they are something which we all face.
The other type of change is one which is completely up to us: Changes in our character. These character changes can come as a result of circumstantial changes, or they can come simply because we set out to change ourselves. Nevertheless, changes in our character are not always easily obtained, and almost never come suddenly.
The more I study topics related to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the more I have recognized the essential nature of change. Without change, there is little purpose to life in general. In fact, we often use a religious word to describe this principle, though we might not recognize it as such: repentance.
It has been my experience that we human beings have an ongoing love/hate relationship with both changes in our circumstance and changes in our character. On one hand, we welcome positive change, new life developments, etc. We often look to the future, hoping for one day when certain things will be different. Often people even look back, wishing things would change and go back to how things used to be.
On the other hand, we yearn for stability and a feeling of comfort and familiarity. We fall into simple habits and routines with little effort, and desire to cluster with those most similar to ourselves. Some may even wish for change with all of their hearts, but resist it with all of their strength.
I admit that when I first began studying the principles of Mormonism, the one that stood out and appealed to me above all others was this principle of change. Mormon terms such as the “plan of salvation,” “eternal progression,” and “exaltation” are all variations of this process of change.
Now, as I face major changes in my circumstance, I can't help but think about what changes in my character will (or should) follow. What characteristics am I lacking which will help me be a better father? What habits need to be changed in order to make me a better worker?
Change is nothing new to any of us. Even the youngest of us have constantly be confronted with changes in our lives. Some are embraced, while others are avoided. Nevertheless, it is my belief that change is not only inevitable, but it is an essential part of a happy and meaningful existence.
Any thoughts on change?
DISCLAIMER:
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Mormon Diplomacy Part III: Humanitarian Services
Humanitarian programs are one of the best ways for an organization to improve their diplomatic efforts. Doing so is becoming increasingly popular among all sorts of organizations. In my opinion, however, there is no organization which does this as effectively as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Of course, I may be a bit biased, but, working in the field of international development, I am not completely ignorant on the subject. Today I would like to share a little about LDS Humanitarian Services, including what they do, and what makes them so unique.
Most church members, as well as many others, are aware of the humanitarian efforts of the Mormons. However, I have found that there is little detailed knowledge beyond that awareness. While studying International Development in graduate school, I realized that I too was among those with a very limited understanding of what the Mormons actually do in terms of an organizational development plan, and sought to remedy the solution, a process in which I am still engaged.
My first chance came when I took advantage of an assignment given in one of my courses, which was to conduct an in-depth study of the practices of a major development organization. Dr. Isaac Ferguson, the former director of LDS Humanitarian Services, was kind enough to give me a lengthy interview and gave me tons of information which I was able to transfer into a successful research paper.
Since then, I have continued to learn by viewing Humanitarian Services in practice. As a Peace Corps volunteer, I have been lucky to interact regularly with the full-time humanitarian directors for the Church in both Romania and Moldova, and even have been permitted to participate in some of their projects.
So, what then does LDS Humanitarian Services do? First of all, they focus on five major global initiatives:
1) Clean Water: Helps set up access to clean water for the estimated 1 billion people on the earth who still don't have access to clean drinking water. (For development nerds like myself who want to see how this fits in line with the UN's Millennium Development Goals, see goal number 7).
2) Neonatal Resuscitation: Provides profession training which helps greatly reduce child mortality. A few months ago, a great Neonatal Resuscitation training took place in Romania. (See MGD number 4).
3) Vision Treatment: It is estimated that nearly ½ of the people who go blind in the world (over 20 million people) could have their blindness cured through a simple surgery for cataracts. Thousands of local doctors in developing countries are trained on how to treat these problems.
4) Wheelchair Distribution: This is one of my favorite programs. Just a couple of months ago I was able to be present for LDS Humanitarian Services distributing 80 wheelchairs in the area.
5) Emergency Response: Perhaps what Humanitarian Services is known for best, the Mormons have made a name for themselves both by the level of post-emergency aid they provide, as well as the organization and rapid response they are able to provide.
In addition to these major programs, the the Humanitarian Services general fund allows for thousands of small projects around the world. The manner in which these projects are identified is about as grassroots as you can get. Many funding organizations require those seeking funding to come to them with specific requests. LDS Humanitarian Services, does just the opposite. Humanitarian representatives independently seek out and offer assistance to organizations which they identify as most deserving. Their criteria is based on both need and the level to which representatives feel the organizations are truly providing a positive social change.
All aid given through these small projects goes directly to material goods, thus ensuring that all donations are used for their intended purposes. In just the last year in our area alone the humanitarian representatives have provided equipment for a sports club for handicapped people, as well as replacing the transmission on the only van used by a struggling aid organization for children.
A few other interesting tidbits about Humanitarian Services: Some may be familiar with two different names, “LDS Humanitarian Services,” and “LDS Charities.” In fact, these two organizations the same. The name they use depends upon the country in which they work. Countries in which the religious organization of the Church has been officially recognized work under the name Humanitarian Services. “LDS Charities” is the name of the Church's non-profit organization which functions in those countries without official church presence.
Another thing I found very interesting was the fact that no tithing is used in conjunction with LDS Humanitarian Services programs. All funding comes from individual donations, which, for those who have ever made donations to the Church of Jesus Christ, are found on the “Humanitarian Aid” line on a standard tithing slip.
LDS Humanitarian Services is also unique in the fact that none of the public donations go toward overhead costs (salaries, rent, utilities, etc.), and all donations go directly to humanitarian aid. This is possible for a number of reasons. Firstly, operations are run in conjunction with existing church infrastructure (sharing offices, etc.). Secondly, the vast majority of LDS Humanitarian Services “staff” are in fact volunteers. Most of the in-country humanitarian representatives are retired couples opting to serve are missionaries for 1 ½ – 2 years. The small full-time staff which does exist is funded through separate, non-donated funds coming from the Church's for-profit management corporation.
All in all, I have been quite impressed with the Church's Humanitarian Services program. I hope you have found this very brief description of LDS Humanitarian Services to be interesting as well. If you have other questions, please let me know!
Further Reading:
And Who Is My Neighbor
Talk given by Presiding Bishop H. David Burton in the April 2008 General Conference, outlining many of the humanitarian efforts of the Church.
Of course, I may be a bit biased, but, working in the field of international development, I am not completely ignorant on the subject. Today I would like to share a little about LDS Humanitarian Services, including what they do, and what makes them so unique.
Most church members, as well as many others, are aware of the humanitarian efforts of the Mormons. However, I have found that there is little detailed knowledge beyond that awareness. While studying International Development in graduate school, I realized that I too was among those with a very limited understanding of what the Mormons actually do in terms of an organizational development plan, and sought to remedy the solution, a process in which I am still engaged.
My first chance came when I took advantage of an assignment given in one of my courses, which was to conduct an in-depth study of the practices of a major development organization. Dr. Isaac Ferguson, the former director of LDS Humanitarian Services, was kind enough to give me a lengthy interview and gave me tons of information which I was able to transfer into a successful research paper.
Since then, I have continued to learn by viewing Humanitarian Services in practice. As a Peace Corps volunteer, I have been lucky to interact regularly with the full-time humanitarian directors for the Church in both Romania and Moldova, and even have been permitted to participate in some of their projects.
So, what then does LDS Humanitarian Services do? First of all, they focus on five major global initiatives:
1) Clean Water: Helps set up access to clean water for the estimated 1 billion people on the earth who still don't have access to clean drinking water. (For development nerds like myself who want to see how this fits in line with the UN's Millennium Development Goals, see goal number 7).
2) Neonatal Resuscitation: Provides profession training which helps greatly reduce child mortality. A few months ago, a great Neonatal Resuscitation training took place in Romania. (See MGD number 4).
3) Vision Treatment: It is estimated that nearly ½ of the people who go blind in the world (over 20 million people) could have their blindness cured through a simple surgery for cataracts. Thousands of local doctors in developing countries are trained on how to treat these problems.
4) Wheelchair Distribution: This is one of my favorite programs. Just a couple of months ago I was able to be present for LDS Humanitarian Services distributing 80 wheelchairs in the area.
5) Emergency Response: Perhaps what Humanitarian Services is known for best, the Mormons have made a name for themselves both by the level of post-emergency aid they provide, as well as the organization and rapid response they are able to provide.
In addition to these major programs, the the Humanitarian Services general fund allows for thousands of small projects around the world. The manner in which these projects are identified is about as grassroots as you can get. Many funding organizations require those seeking funding to come to them with specific requests. LDS Humanitarian Services, does just the opposite. Humanitarian representatives independently seek out and offer assistance to organizations which they identify as most deserving. Their criteria is based on both need and the level to which representatives feel the organizations are truly providing a positive social change.
All aid given through these small projects goes directly to material goods, thus ensuring that all donations are used for their intended purposes. In just the last year in our area alone the humanitarian representatives have provided equipment for a sports club for handicapped people, as well as replacing the transmission on the only van used by a struggling aid organization for children.
A few other interesting tidbits about Humanitarian Services: Some may be familiar with two different names, “LDS Humanitarian Services,” and “LDS Charities.” In fact, these two organizations the same. The name they use depends upon the country in which they work. Countries in which the religious organization of the Church has been officially recognized work under the name Humanitarian Services. “LDS Charities” is the name of the Church's non-profit organization which functions in those countries without official church presence.
Another thing I found very interesting was the fact that no tithing is used in conjunction with LDS Humanitarian Services programs. All funding comes from individual donations, which, for those who have ever made donations to the Church of Jesus Christ, are found on the “Humanitarian Aid” line on a standard tithing slip.
LDS Humanitarian Services is also unique in the fact that none of the public donations go toward overhead costs (salaries, rent, utilities, etc.), and all donations go directly to humanitarian aid. This is possible for a number of reasons. Firstly, operations are run in conjunction with existing church infrastructure (sharing offices, etc.). Secondly, the vast majority of LDS Humanitarian Services “staff” are in fact volunteers. Most of the in-country humanitarian representatives are retired couples opting to serve are missionaries for 1 ½ – 2 years. The small full-time staff which does exist is funded through separate, non-donated funds coming from the Church's for-profit management corporation.
All in all, I have been quite impressed with the Church's Humanitarian Services program. I hope you have found this very brief description of LDS Humanitarian Services to be interesting as well. If you have other questions, please let me know!
Further Reading:
And Who Is My Neighbor
Talk given by Presiding Bishop H. David Burton in the April 2008 General Conference, outlining many of the humanitarian efforts of the Church.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Mormon Diplomacy Part II: Public Affairs
I enjoyed writing about Mormon Diplomacy so much last week, I decided I wanted to write a small series on the subject. I felt it might be interesting to point out some of the Church's major institutionalized diplomatic efforts, as well as discuss some of the diplomatic needs of the Church.
Today I want to focus on what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints refers to as “Public Affairs.” This wing of Church-sponsored diplomacy has become particularly interesting to me since coming to Romania. This interest, in part, stems from one of the callings I have received in our small branch: public affairs representative. Basically, my job is to help coordinate any and all church media efforts in our area.
As part of my calling, I have been lucky enough to receive some training in the public relations system of the Church. They have a very grand objective: To bring the Church out of obscurity. In other words, they seek to help more people who don't know anything about the Mormons know something about them, and most preferably, something positive.
The calling and trainings have led me to take an even deeper interest of some of the various efforts the Church makes around the world to help promote themselves. Using the power of the internet, I began to search for more information. Being aware of much of what goes on among the Mormons, I didn't expect to be too surprised by what I might find. I couldn't have been more wrong. I have been amazed by the extent and the organization of the Church's worldwide efforts.
Before sharing a couple of examples of these efforts, I wanted to point out two important facts of reality that have helped me understand the purpose of Public Affairs.
1) The first is a reality check. Most people know nothing about the Mormons. Despite the 13 million+ membership of the Church and its presence in most nations, the vast majority of people still know little to nothing about Mormons or their Church.
2) The second is understanding the difference between Public Affairs efforts and the job of the full-time missionaries. While the missionaries certainly do have much influence in representing the Church around the world, their scope is fundamentally different. Their task is that of teaching the religious doctrines of the Church. While they do a tremendous job of this, the truth is that not everybody is interested in learning about what the Church teaches. Public Affairs' direct purpose is not teaching or baptizing religious converts. It's role is purely informative and diplomatic.
Understanding these facts helps us to understand the importance of Public Affairs. While the Church certainly benefits from converts to their religion, it also benefits from genuine friends. These friends are ordinary people from all walks of life who are not members of the Church, but those who nevertheless have positive impressions of the Mormons. Public Affairs efforts promote Mormons as a people and as an organization, and to help people see that “hey, Mormons aren't so bad after all!”
A few of the Public Affairs programs struck me as particularly interesting. The first is an ambassadorial/diplomatic outreach to representatives from other countries serving in the United States. Ambassadors, diplomats, foreign ministers, and other official representatives receive invitations both to attend special church functions in the Washington, DC area, and for visits to Salt Lake City, Brigham Young University, etc. For instance, in 2006, 621 official visitors from 100 different countries came to Utah. In 2007, 562 visitors from 103 countries came. I was very surprised by how many people have participated in this program.
Another interesting and relatively new program is the Church's diplomatic outreach to the United Nations. A few years ago, Olene Walker, former governor of Utah, and her husband Myron, were called as the first “Ambassadors to the United Nations” for the Church. During their time in New York City they met with hundreds of officials from all over the world, and were able to share with them much about the work of the Church. For a more in- depth look at their work with the U.N., check out this video.
These are just two examples of the many institutionalized diplomatic outreach programs promoted by the Church's Public Affairs office. As they continue in their efforts, hopefully we too can all do our part in winning friends for the Mormons. In two weeks, I will talk more about some ways we can do this better.
For further reading, see the following article:
http://www.ldsinternationalsociety.org/isdb/publications/19th.pdf
Next Week: Mormon Diplomacy Part III: LDS Humanitarian Services
Today I want to focus on what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints refers to as “Public Affairs.” This wing of Church-sponsored diplomacy has become particularly interesting to me since coming to Romania. This interest, in part, stems from one of the callings I have received in our small branch: public affairs representative. Basically, my job is to help coordinate any and all church media efforts in our area.
As part of my calling, I have been lucky enough to receive some training in the public relations system of the Church. They have a very grand objective: To bring the Church out of obscurity. In other words, they seek to help more people who don't know anything about the Mormons know something about them, and most preferably, something positive.
The calling and trainings have led me to take an even deeper interest of some of the various efforts the Church makes around the world to help promote themselves. Using the power of the internet, I began to search for more information. Being aware of much of what goes on among the Mormons, I didn't expect to be too surprised by what I might find. I couldn't have been more wrong. I have been amazed by the extent and the organization of the Church's worldwide efforts.
Before sharing a couple of examples of these efforts, I wanted to point out two important facts of reality that have helped me understand the purpose of Public Affairs.
1) The first is a reality check. Most people know nothing about the Mormons. Despite the 13 million+ membership of the Church and its presence in most nations, the vast majority of people still know little to nothing about Mormons or their Church.
2) The second is understanding the difference between Public Affairs efforts and the job of the full-time missionaries. While the missionaries certainly do have much influence in representing the Church around the world, their scope is fundamentally different. Their task is that of teaching the religious doctrines of the Church. While they do a tremendous job of this, the truth is that not everybody is interested in learning about what the Church teaches. Public Affairs' direct purpose is not teaching or baptizing religious converts. It's role is purely informative and diplomatic.
Understanding these facts helps us to understand the importance of Public Affairs. While the Church certainly benefits from converts to their religion, it also benefits from genuine friends. These friends are ordinary people from all walks of life who are not members of the Church, but those who nevertheless have positive impressions of the Mormons. Public Affairs efforts promote Mormons as a people and as an organization, and to help people see that “hey, Mormons aren't so bad after all!”
A few of the Public Affairs programs struck me as particularly interesting. The first is an ambassadorial/diplomatic outreach to representatives from other countries serving in the United States. Ambassadors, diplomats, foreign ministers, and other official representatives receive invitations both to attend special church functions in the Washington, DC area, and for visits to Salt Lake City, Brigham Young University, etc. For instance, in 2006, 621 official visitors from 100 different countries came to Utah. In 2007, 562 visitors from 103 countries came. I was very surprised by how many people have participated in this program.
Another interesting and relatively new program is the Church's diplomatic outreach to the United Nations. A few years ago, Olene Walker, former governor of Utah, and her husband Myron, were called as the first “Ambassadors to the United Nations” for the Church. During their time in New York City they met with hundreds of officials from all over the world, and were able to share with them much about the work of the Church. For a more in- depth look at their work with the U.N., check out this video.
These are just two examples of the many institutionalized diplomatic outreach programs promoted by the Church's Public Affairs office. As they continue in their efforts, hopefully we too can all do our part in winning friends for the Mormons. In two weeks, I will talk more about some ways we can do this better.
For further reading, see the following article:
http://www.ldsinternationalsociety.org/isdb/publications/19th.pdf
Next Week: Mormon Diplomacy Part III: LDS Humanitarian Services
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Mormon Diplomacy
Since last week, I trust we are looking to fill the gaping hole in our metaphorical hearts that was once occupied by clever military comparisons to religion. Never fear – I have just the solution. Rather than the enlisting in the Lord's Army, we can apply for service in the Lord's Diplomatic Corps!
I know what I said about repetitive metaphors, but in this case, I make an exception. The reason? This isn't a metaphor at all. In every literal sense of the word, as Mormons, or as representatives of any group, we automatically become diplomats to the rest of the world.
I admit that I have an unusual passion for diplomacy. I believe that good diplomacy is an essential tool for progress in the world. In fact, my own career goal is to become a diplomat for the United States. I believe this fondness for diplomacy stems from the diplomatic opportunities I have had in life, including visiting 35 different countries, and living in four, and representing both my religion and my country as a missionary and a Peace Corps volunteer, respectively. Countless time I have been the first American that somebody has ever met. Even more frequently, I have been the first Mormon that they have ever met.
Perhaps this is a scary thought. But the truth is, it could be any of us. Whether the impressions we make are good or bad depends on our diplomatic efforts.
For whatever reason, Mormons stand out sharply wherever they go. Maybe it's because of our “peculiar” way of life, maybe it is because of a glowing countenance, or maybe we just smell different, I don't know. Whatever the reason, it usually takes less than fifteen minutes after meeting somebody before they find out that I'm a Mormon. No matter where I am, I find that my job as a Mormon Diplomat is unceasing.
There are many different definitions of diplomacy. One of my favorites that I learned in graduate school is this: “Diplomacy is telling someone to 'go to hell' in such a way that they look forward to the trip.” While it makes me laugh, I'm quite certain that isn't the message a religious organization wants to send. To me, true diplomacy is being open and honest about who you are in a way that helps people 1) respect you for who you are, and 2) desire to know more about you. It is building relationships of mutual trust and cooperation.
Some might say that missionaries are the diplomats of the Church. True, for many, the face of Mormonism is found in the faces of these young men and women. However, I think even more far reaching are the diplomatic impressions made by members everywhere. Sometimes those impressions are good, and other times, well, let's just say they need to work on their approach a bit.
To make it even more difficult, it seems that for some reason Mormons are held to a higher standard of scrutiny. Former church President Gordon B. Hinckley described this as a sort of “back-handed compliment.” Suffice it to say, the impressions we make as Mormon Diplomats can have long-reaching effects.
I have witnessed the handiwork of successful Mormon Diplomats in the past. I recall moving into an apartment. During my first conversation with the landlady, she found out I grew up in Utah. Immediately, she asked “oh, are you Mormon?” I admitted that I was, and was met by an awkward pause. I thought I had lost the apartment. However, after a few seconds she said “Well why didn't you say so? I am happy to rent to a Mormon!” She even refused to accept a deposit from me, saying “I know I won't have to worry about you.” Her respect for Mormons, she claimed, stemmed from having a Mormon roommate in college who left lasting positive impressions on her. A great diplomat.
Mormon Diplomats are always facing pre-conceptions, many of which are negative. Indeed, other groups have similar obstacles they face when making their diplomatic case to the world. No matter who we are, if we improve our skills of diplomacy, the difference will be amazing. Whatever cause you represent, do so with the heart and mind of a diplomat.
What diplomatic experiences have you had? Have you benefited from the diplomatic skills of others?
I know what I said about repetitive metaphors, but in this case, I make an exception. The reason? This isn't a metaphor at all. In every literal sense of the word, as Mormons, or as representatives of any group, we automatically become diplomats to the rest of the world.
I admit that I have an unusual passion for diplomacy. I believe that good diplomacy is an essential tool for progress in the world. In fact, my own career goal is to become a diplomat for the United States. I believe this fondness for diplomacy stems from the diplomatic opportunities I have had in life, including visiting 35 different countries, and living in four, and representing both my religion and my country as a missionary and a Peace Corps volunteer, respectively. Countless time I have been the first American that somebody has ever met. Even more frequently, I have been the first Mormon that they have ever met.
Perhaps this is a scary thought. But the truth is, it could be any of us. Whether the impressions we make are good or bad depends on our diplomatic efforts.
For whatever reason, Mormons stand out sharply wherever they go. Maybe it's because of our “peculiar” way of life, maybe it is because of a glowing countenance, or maybe we just smell different, I don't know. Whatever the reason, it usually takes less than fifteen minutes after meeting somebody before they find out that I'm a Mormon. No matter where I am, I find that my job as a Mormon Diplomat is unceasing.
There are many different definitions of diplomacy. One of my favorites that I learned in graduate school is this: “Diplomacy is telling someone to 'go to hell' in such a way that they look forward to the trip.” While it makes me laugh, I'm quite certain that isn't the message a religious organization wants to send. To me, true diplomacy is being open and honest about who you are in a way that helps people 1) respect you for who you are, and 2) desire to know more about you. It is building relationships of mutual trust and cooperation.
Some might say that missionaries are the diplomats of the Church. True, for many, the face of Mormonism is found in the faces of these young men and women. However, I think even more far reaching are the diplomatic impressions made by members everywhere. Sometimes those impressions are good, and other times, well, let's just say they need to work on their approach a bit.
To make it even more difficult, it seems that for some reason Mormons are held to a higher standard of scrutiny. Former church President Gordon B. Hinckley described this as a sort of “back-handed compliment.” Suffice it to say, the impressions we make as Mormon Diplomats can have long-reaching effects.
I have witnessed the handiwork of successful Mormon Diplomats in the past. I recall moving into an apartment. During my first conversation with the landlady, she found out I grew up in Utah. Immediately, she asked “oh, are you Mormon?” I admitted that I was, and was met by an awkward pause. I thought I had lost the apartment. However, after a few seconds she said “Well why didn't you say so? I am happy to rent to a Mormon!” She even refused to accept a deposit from me, saying “I know I won't have to worry about you.” Her respect for Mormons, she claimed, stemmed from having a Mormon roommate in college who left lasting positive impressions on her. A great diplomat.
Mormon Diplomats are always facing pre-conceptions, many of which are negative. Indeed, other groups have similar obstacles they face when making their diplomatic case to the world. No matter who we are, if we improve our skills of diplomacy, the difference will be amazing. Whatever cause you represent, do so with the heart and mind of a diplomat.
What diplomatic experiences have you had? Have you benefited from the diplomatic skills of others?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
The Lord's Army
Like anybody, I am always up for a good metaphor. Metaphors make wonderful learning tools, and they help us understand concepts more clearly. Even Jesus Christ was a big fan of metaphors, using parables to explain spiritual concepts to His disciples.
Another great learning tool is repetition. Repetition seldom has negative side-effects, and often helps us improve memory. I generally need to hear something several times before it truly sinks in.
Despite the value of these two great tools, I think they can become dangerous when they are mixed together too frequently. Like a concoction which slowly affects our ability to think clearly, when the same types of metaphors are used over and over again, the metaphor can have the affect of losing its metaphorical value, and becoming just a little too real.
For instance, sports metaphors seemed to be used and reused in the business world. True, competition is an inherent part of a capitalist system, but there is a great difference between competition with yourself and competition against another person. When a businessman or businesswoman applies the first type of competition, they can make great things happen. However, if they get caught up in the second type of competition, such determination may lead them to compromise their integrity. Now I am not saying such is caused by sports metaphors, I am saying that perhaps they don't help prevent unhealthy competition. But that is a different topic altogether. Let's look at a repetitive metaphor associated with religion.
Perhaps, because along with religion, war has been another constant in human culture, it gets used quite frequently in religious metaphors. Whether it is the “Lord's Army,” the “Armor of God,” or fighting in the “battle against evil,” militaristic metaphors are used again and again in demonstrating religious concepts.
I have nothing against the military, but I wonder if repetitive use of such metaphors at times leads us to mistakenly view religion as a genuine military action.
We are all aware that acts of war have been committed, motivated by religion, throughout history. While this horrible misuse of religion continues even today, I think even lesser forms of associating religion with war can become damaging.
The major negative side-effect I have seen coming from such metaphors is the “identification of the enemy.” For instance, I hear again and again that we are in a “battle” against evil. I fully agree that there is always a conflict of interests between good and evil in the world. However, I feel that viewing this battle in a militaristic sense can lead towards the need to create a tangible enemy.
In a real war, you must inevitably fight against opposing armies, which, until we invent robot-only warfare, means real, living, breathing people. However, in this “battle against evil,” we are not fighting against other people. In fact, if you want to be specific about it, we are fighting FOR the well-being of ALL other people. In reality, it is not a fight against anything, it is the struggle for peace, righteousness, and good.
Nevertheless, it seems that those who view this life as a battle against evil seem to need to assign people as their antagonists, whether they be Muslims, Mormons, Democrats, Atheists, Republicans, Catholics, Jews, etc. Rather than seeking to fight for the well being of these people, they become “the enemy.”
Ultimately, such thinking is destructive to the true purpose of religion. When we allow ourselves to identify other people as our enemy, how will we ever be willing to “fight” for their well-being, if such is actually required for us?
So, maybe we could lay off the military metaphors just a bit?
Another great learning tool is repetition. Repetition seldom has negative side-effects, and often helps us improve memory. I generally need to hear something several times before it truly sinks in.
Despite the value of these two great tools, I think they can become dangerous when they are mixed together too frequently. Like a concoction which slowly affects our ability to think clearly, when the same types of metaphors are used over and over again, the metaphor can have the affect of losing its metaphorical value, and becoming just a little too real.
For instance, sports metaphors seemed to be used and reused in the business world. True, competition is an inherent part of a capitalist system, but there is a great difference between competition with yourself and competition against another person. When a businessman or businesswoman applies the first type of competition, they can make great things happen. However, if they get caught up in the second type of competition, such determination may lead them to compromise their integrity. Now I am not saying such is caused by sports metaphors, I am saying that perhaps they don't help prevent unhealthy competition. But that is a different topic altogether. Let's look at a repetitive metaphor associated with religion.
Perhaps, because along with religion, war has been another constant in human culture, it gets used quite frequently in religious metaphors. Whether it is the “Lord's Army,” the “Armor of God,” or fighting in the “battle against evil,” militaristic metaphors are used again and again in demonstrating religious concepts.
I have nothing against the military, but I wonder if repetitive use of such metaphors at times leads us to mistakenly view religion as a genuine military action.
We are all aware that acts of war have been committed, motivated by religion, throughout history. While this horrible misuse of religion continues even today, I think even lesser forms of associating religion with war can become damaging.
The major negative side-effect I have seen coming from such metaphors is the “identification of the enemy.” For instance, I hear again and again that we are in a “battle” against evil. I fully agree that there is always a conflict of interests between good and evil in the world. However, I feel that viewing this battle in a militaristic sense can lead towards the need to create a tangible enemy.
In a real war, you must inevitably fight against opposing armies, which, until we invent robot-only warfare, means real, living, breathing people. However, in this “battle against evil,” we are not fighting against other people. In fact, if you want to be specific about it, we are fighting FOR the well-being of ALL other people. In reality, it is not a fight against anything, it is the struggle for peace, righteousness, and good.
Nevertheless, it seems that those who view this life as a battle against evil seem to need to assign people as their antagonists, whether they be Muslims, Mormons, Democrats, Atheists, Republicans, Catholics, Jews, etc. Rather than seeking to fight for the well being of these people, they become “the enemy.”
Ultimately, such thinking is destructive to the true purpose of religion. When we allow ourselves to identify other people as our enemy, how will we ever be willing to “fight” for their well-being, if such is actually required for us?
So, maybe we could lay off the military metaphors just a bit?
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Keystone
Continuing on the subject of scripture, I wish to use the Book of Mormon as the explanatory tool for today's post.
In recent years, I have gained appreciation for good literature. I am certainly not “well read,” but I have read dozens of great books and hope to read hundreds more throughout my life. Out of all these books, however, only one has drastically affected the course of my life. That book is the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon was written by prophets living on the American continent from about 600 B.C. until around 400 A.D. 180 years ago, a young farmer named Joseph Smith received their writings and translated them into modern English. The translation period lasted just under three months, and the Book of Mormon was first published in late 1829. Since that day, over 130 million copies of the book have been distributed throughout the world (the 9th most distributed book in history), and it has been translated into over 100 languages.
I have been aware of the Book of Mormon for as long as I can remember. However, despite growing up in Utah among Mormons, I never read the book until I was nearly 17 years old.
One day, a friend suggested that I read the Book of Mormon. This was not unusual, with most of my friends and neighbors being Mormons. I usually changed the subject when challenged to read what seemed an inevitably boring book. But for some reason, on this occasion I reacted differently. I decided to ask him questions about the book. He provided some basic answers, and for the first time, I felt the desire to read the Book of Mormon.
Over the next several weeks, I began to read it bit by bit. I found the initial stories interesting, and from time to time a passage would strike me as profound. About 100 pages into the book, one thing stood out to me abruptly. It was the name “Jesus Christ,” used by one of the prophets in reference to the future Messiah who would come some 500-600 years in the future.
Now, I didn't consider myself to be a Christian at the time, let alone a member of any religion. Nevertheless, I had read parts of the New Testament, and was aware of the basic history of Jesus Christ as told therein. I knew that Jesus lived in Jerusalem, continents and an ocean away from this Book of Mormon prophet. It struck me as odd how he could name someone who wouldn't be born for hundreds of years, moreover in a completely different part of the world. For whatever reason, this notion peaked my curiosity, filling me with an intense desire to read on and to understand.
It was after this that I felt I had unlocked some secret compartment of the book. As I read, I felt like there was a light slowly growing brighter and brighter, filling me with a holistic sense of understanding that I had never before experienced. Reading only a few passages seemed to open into a huge volume of wisdom, which taught me profound life lessons. These ideas that I had never before considered were not only laid out in the clearest possible way, they stayed with me too. These lingering thoughts carried with them a certain confidence of truth.
At the end of the book, a passage (which I would later learn is one of the primary scriptures used by missionaries when teaching) stood out to me: “...when ye shall read these things...ask God...if these things are not true...he will manifest the truth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moroni 10:3-5)
At that moment, I felt assured that I had discovered an essential key of truth that would unlock the door to the rest of my existence. I have never since felt so certain about anything else, and I have not been able to forget that feeling.
I understand why Mormons call the Book of Mormon the “keystone” to our religion. By gaining this personal conviction of truth, logic follows that other Gospel teachings merit a closer view. For millions, the Book of Mormon has been that key which has unlocked the door to their perception of God-revealed truth. This experience becomes the solid foundation, the stone, of their understanding of the meaning of life.
I continue to read and enjoy many wonderful books, but none of them has influenced my life as the Book of Mormon. It is a bottomless spring of wisdom. In the years since that first reading, each subsequent read has yielded similar results.
For those who have read the Book of Mormon, I am curious to hear your experiences. Mine has led me to all things in my life, both religious and secular. In your own lives, have you found a similar “keystone” which has led you to where you are now?
In recent years, I have gained appreciation for good literature. I am certainly not “well read,” but I have read dozens of great books and hope to read hundreds more throughout my life. Out of all these books, however, only one has drastically affected the course of my life. That book is the Book of Mormon.
The Book of Mormon was written by prophets living on the American continent from about 600 B.C. until around 400 A.D. 180 years ago, a young farmer named Joseph Smith received their writings and translated them into modern English. The translation period lasted just under three months, and the Book of Mormon was first published in late 1829. Since that day, over 130 million copies of the book have been distributed throughout the world (the 9th most distributed book in history), and it has been translated into over 100 languages.
I have been aware of the Book of Mormon for as long as I can remember. However, despite growing up in Utah among Mormons, I never read the book until I was nearly 17 years old.
One day, a friend suggested that I read the Book of Mormon. This was not unusual, with most of my friends and neighbors being Mormons. I usually changed the subject when challenged to read what seemed an inevitably boring book. But for some reason, on this occasion I reacted differently. I decided to ask him questions about the book. He provided some basic answers, and for the first time, I felt the desire to read the Book of Mormon.
Over the next several weeks, I began to read it bit by bit. I found the initial stories interesting, and from time to time a passage would strike me as profound. About 100 pages into the book, one thing stood out to me abruptly. It was the name “Jesus Christ,” used by one of the prophets in reference to the future Messiah who would come some 500-600 years in the future.
Now, I didn't consider myself to be a Christian at the time, let alone a member of any religion. Nevertheless, I had read parts of the New Testament, and was aware of the basic history of Jesus Christ as told therein. I knew that Jesus lived in Jerusalem, continents and an ocean away from this Book of Mormon prophet. It struck me as odd how he could name someone who wouldn't be born for hundreds of years, moreover in a completely different part of the world. For whatever reason, this notion peaked my curiosity, filling me with an intense desire to read on and to understand.
It was after this that I felt I had unlocked some secret compartment of the book. As I read, I felt like there was a light slowly growing brighter and brighter, filling me with a holistic sense of understanding that I had never before experienced. Reading only a few passages seemed to open into a huge volume of wisdom, which taught me profound life lessons. These ideas that I had never before considered were not only laid out in the clearest possible way, they stayed with me too. These lingering thoughts carried with them a certain confidence of truth.
At the end of the book, a passage (which I would later learn is one of the primary scriptures used by missionaries when teaching) stood out to me: “...when ye shall read these things...ask God...if these things are not true...he will manifest the truth of it unto you by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moroni 10:3-5)
At that moment, I felt assured that I had discovered an essential key of truth that would unlock the door to the rest of my existence. I have never since felt so certain about anything else, and I have not been able to forget that feeling.
I understand why Mormons call the Book of Mormon the “keystone” to our religion. By gaining this personal conviction of truth, logic follows that other Gospel teachings merit a closer view. For millions, the Book of Mormon has been that key which has unlocked the door to their perception of God-revealed truth. This experience becomes the solid foundation, the stone, of their understanding of the meaning of life.
I continue to read and enjoy many wonderful books, but none of them has influenced my life as the Book of Mormon. It is a bottomless spring of wisdom. In the years since that first reading, each subsequent read has yielded similar results.
For those who have read the Book of Mormon, I am curious to hear your experiences. Mine has led me to all things in my life, both religious and secular. In your own lives, have you found a similar “keystone” which has led you to where you are now?
Saturday, May 2, 2009
The Good Book, or the Perfect Book?
Not long ago, I shared a polite conversation with a missionary from another Christian church concerning his religious beliefs. He particularly stressed the importance of understanding scripture, which, he claimed, contained the inerrant word of God. The Bible, he highlighted, is the only true source through which we can learn the will of God.
A few days later, I read an article about a man whose profession as a Biblical researcher brought about a life transition which led from being an evangelical Christian with a literalist view of the Bible to becoming agnostic. This change began with the scrutiny of a single scripture. He discovered a Biblical verse which was contradicted in multiple places throughout the Bible. Finding no satisfactory rationalization, he was left to conclude that some mistake had been made in recording or translating the Bible. This discovery was the stone that shattered his belief in a 100% infallible and inerrant Bible.
These situations led me to think more about this idea of the Bible being the “infallible word of God.” The definitions of the words “perfect” and “infallible” differ from person to person. There are many who consider the Bible to be 100% accurate in every aspect. Some even go so far as to conduct extensive apologetic research aimed at rationalizing scriptural details which contradict historical, scientific, or other evidence.
For others, the Bible is not a “perfect” book, according to the literalist definition. I put myself into this category. I truly value the word of God I believe is contained therein, but also believe that “perfection” isn’t necessarily found in 100% inerrancy.
According to Joseph Smith, the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly” (Article of Faith 8). In other words, there might be errors in the scriptures.
The Bible and other scriptures were at some point written or otherwise recorded by human hands. In most cases, they have not only gone through one translation, but through many. Moreover, the original authors of the books of scriptures wrote based on their own understanding of their surroundings.
All these individuals who participated in the creation of scripture, just like you or me, were imperfect. The title page of the Book of Mormon even contains this caveat: “…if there are faults they are the mistakes of men…” There is admittedly room for error, even in scripture.
For some, this notion is troubling. However, this needn’t be the case. Two key considerations of scripture are important in confronting such a challenge:
1) Focus on the big picture, not on minute details or semantics
2) Recognize the true purpose of scripture
First, keeping the “big picture” in our perspective is always healthy. A Church leader once shared a parable concerning this concept. Imagine the Bible as a wonderful tapestry or masterpiece painting. As you view this beautiful work of art, you notice some flaws. In one corner there are some loose threads, or perhaps flaking paint. Do such errors negate the greater beauty?
Second, the true purpose of scripture should always been considered when reading them. Just a few months ago, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, one of the Apostles in the Church, visited Romania. One of the messages which he shared was this very principle – understanding the true purpose of scripture. He declared that if we read the scriptures for the purpose of understanding history, science, archeology, sociology, etc., we will be left wanting. The primary purpose of scripture is to record doctrines and prophecies, not travelogues or narratives. The word of God means the principles by which we should live.
In conclusion, I leave you with some questions. Do you feel the Bible, or any other book of scripture, requires literal accuracy? If so, why? Even if the Bible were infallible, would it be of use to us if we didn’t understand its true purpose?
I value the words of the Bible. This wonderful book, errors and all, contains truth, which, if properly applied, can lead along the path of perfection. However, before scriptures can become “perfect books,” we must first recognize “the good book” within them all.
A few days later, I read an article about a man whose profession as a Biblical researcher brought about a life transition which led from being an evangelical Christian with a literalist view of the Bible to becoming agnostic. This change began with the scrutiny of a single scripture. He discovered a Biblical verse which was contradicted in multiple places throughout the Bible. Finding no satisfactory rationalization, he was left to conclude that some mistake had been made in recording or translating the Bible. This discovery was the stone that shattered his belief in a 100% infallible and inerrant Bible.
These situations led me to think more about this idea of the Bible being the “infallible word of God.” The definitions of the words “perfect” and “infallible” differ from person to person. There are many who consider the Bible to be 100% accurate in every aspect. Some even go so far as to conduct extensive apologetic research aimed at rationalizing scriptural details which contradict historical, scientific, or other evidence.
For others, the Bible is not a “perfect” book, according to the literalist definition. I put myself into this category. I truly value the word of God I believe is contained therein, but also believe that “perfection” isn’t necessarily found in 100% inerrancy.
According to Joseph Smith, the first president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly” (Article of Faith 8). In other words, there might be errors in the scriptures.
The Bible and other scriptures were at some point written or otherwise recorded by human hands. In most cases, they have not only gone through one translation, but through many. Moreover, the original authors of the books of scriptures wrote based on their own understanding of their surroundings.
All these individuals who participated in the creation of scripture, just like you or me, were imperfect. The title page of the Book of Mormon even contains this caveat: “…if there are faults they are the mistakes of men…” There is admittedly room for error, even in scripture.
For some, this notion is troubling. However, this needn’t be the case. Two key considerations of scripture are important in confronting such a challenge:
1) Focus on the big picture, not on minute details or semantics
2) Recognize the true purpose of scripture
First, keeping the “big picture” in our perspective is always healthy. A Church leader once shared a parable concerning this concept. Imagine the Bible as a wonderful tapestry or masterpiece painting. As you view this beautiful work of art, you notice some flaws. In one corner there are some loose threads, or perhaps flaking paint. Do such errors negate the greater beauty?
Second, the true purpose of scripture should always been considered when reading them. Just a few months ago, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, one of the Apostles in the Church, visited Romania. One of the messages which he shared was this very principle – understanding the true purpose of scripture. He declared that if we read the scriptures for the purpose of understanding history, science, archeology, sociology, etc., we will be left wanting. The primary purpose of scripture is to record doctrines and prophecies, not travelogues or narratives. The word of God means the principles by which we should live.
In conclusion, I leave you with some questions. Do you feel the Bible, or any other book of scripture, requires literal accuracy? If so, why? Even if the Bible were infallible, would it be of use to us if we didn’t understand its true purpose?
I value the words of the Bible. This wonderful book, errors and all, contains truth, which, if properly applied, can lead along the path of perfection. However, before scriptures can become “perfect books,” we must first recognize “the good book” within them all.
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