In religion (and/or politics), as in life, (though we grate upon one another at times) we need the tuning fork of voices in opposition -- our orthodox and our heretics. If the church wishes to be relevant, inclusive and inviting for the next generation of Mormon born and potential converts, it will have to change somewhat for those who have moved into these communities of heresy – so widely disparaged by the orthodox. This group will demand transformation, or they will leave. Of course the more extreme voices relish the opportunity to have the church all to their ultra-orthodox selves – ‘Good riddance’ they crow. But as is often the case in intra-group religious conflicts, the orthodox will be diminished by the absence of the heretics, and vice versa – we simply need each other. The orthodox work hard to give the church historical traction and continuity, the heretics ask the hard questions to make the church relevant and meaningful at the level of the soul. However, come what may the church is changing even as we speak, with every Facebook update, every blog post, every dinner time conversation, every tear, every cruel barb, every troll, every snide comment in church, every resignation letter, every kind word of support, every Bishop or Stake President who weeps with their agonised flock, and yes, every threat of excommunication. It will never be the same again.
Posted on: Sat, 28 Jun 2014 06:51:53 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015