The Objective of Mormon Thinking

Mormon Thinking is designed as a place for the doctrines and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ to be addressed, considered, and discussed.

The reader should be made aware from the beginning that Mormon Thinking is an inherently pro-Latter-day Saint (LDS) blog. The author is an active and believing member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is not seeking to critique or contend. The author hopes that readers will come away both with both a deeper understanding of the fundamental beliefs of the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as an increased appreciation for the gospel.

That said, all published material is not affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in any official capacity, and therefore, should not be taken as authoritative statements regarding gospel doctrine or church policy. For readers interested in receiving official statements from church authorities, you are encouraged to visit www.lds.org or www.mormon.org.

In order to facilitate a more organized approach to the discussion of the doctrines and principles of the gospel, blog posts will seek to meet one or more of the follow three criteria:

1) Articles which directly explain and elaborate upon the doctrinal beliefs and fundamental gospel principles in a succinct and clear manner.

2) Articles which address questions or concerns that commonly arise concerning the gospel coming from the perspective of one who holds a Christian belief system or world view.

3) Articles which address questions or concerns that commonly arise concerning the gospel coming from the perspective of a non-religious/atheist/agnostic belief system or world view.

It should be noted that this blog is not intended to be a work of "apologist" literature, nor is it a place for the comparing and contrasting of religious beliefs or worldviews. While readers of all backgrounds are invited, and even encouraged, to participate in the discussion, please keep in mind that this isn't designed to be a forum for arguing over opinions or beliefs.

This blog is dedicated to the doctrines and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As such, it will avoid, as far as possible, and discussion regarding church policies, political issues, or other topics not directly related to doctrine. Please be aware that this reorganized policy took effect in April, 2011, and may not be reflected in earlier articles.

The primary target audience for this blog includes those individuals who have a vested interest in understanding the beliefs of the Latter-day Saints. This includes, but is not limited to:

1) Those who are investigating the Church and are making life decisions regarding conversion,

2) Family members of those who have recently become, or are considering becoming, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who seek deeper understanding as to why their loved one has chosen another religion (or chosen to be religious at all),

3) Church members who have questions or concerns about their own beliefs, who are seeking answers to their prayers, or deeper understanding of the gospel in which they profess to believe, or

4) Anybody else who is interested in learning more about what "the Mormons" believe and why they believe it.

For the purpose of this blog, please take the following definitions into consideration:

Gospel: When the word "gospel" is used, it refers to the to the culmination of all of the doctrines and principles espoused by believing members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Doctrine: A doctrine of the gospel is a factual truth which has been canonized within official Mormon belief. In this case, truth can be defined as that which has been revealed by God to his authorized servants (which to Latter-day Saints includes those designated as "General Authorities" of the Church, whom they sustain as living prophets, seers, and revelators) and made publically available to church members through an official channel (doctrinal statement, canonized scripture, officially recorded general conference address, etc.). It should also be noted that a true gospel doctrine will always have an attached principle.

Principle: A principle of the gospel is, in essence, the result of the doctrine. It can be phrased following the "cause and effect" methodology. In other words, "If ABC....then XYZ." Principles teach behaviors that, if applied, will consistently result in the same consequences. Principles are universal laws.

Other definitions of words will be provided as needed as articles are published.

As a final note, all commenters or those who otherwise participate are urged to be civil in all comments made. No direct attacks, inflammatory comments, or otherwise offensive behavior will be tolerated.

Thank you for your interest in Mormon Thinking.