“Why are People Leaving the Mormon Church?”

This item will provoke some discussion, I expect:

http://www.churchistrue.com/blog/why-are-people-leaving-the-mormon-church/

Here are four quick reactions of my own:

1)

I’m not eager to toss people from the Church for regarding the Book of Mormon as ahistorical.  I don’t seek to drive them out.  But I also strongly disagree with that view of the Book of Mormon, and, because I believe it to be false (and somewhat incoherent), I don’t believe that the Church should ever welcome it as a viewpoint on a par with belief in Lehite historicity.  Moreover, it doesn’t seem remotely likely to me that acceptance of a fictional-but-inspired Book of Mormon is a path toward the flourishing of the Church, the strengthening of the commitment of the Saints, or the success of our missionary mandate.  As Exhibit A in support of my skepticism, I submit the example of the Community of Christ (formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints).

2)

I strongly believe in being kind and charitable to members of the Church (and others) who experience same-sex attraction.  (I hope and am confident that those with whom I’ve interacted who are so inclined can attest that I’ve been respectful and sympathetic to them.)  I do not believe, however, that the Church can relax or change its standards regarding sexual behavior without direct and powerful divine revelation.  And, frankly, I don’t expect such revelation — if what is expected is, say, authorization for sexual relations outside of heterosexual marriage.

3)

I don’t believe that we can back away from our exclusive claims without effectively transmuting Mormonism into another faith and casting aside the claims of the Restoration.  Personally, if I ever became convinced that the Restoration isn’t what it has always announced itself to be, I would stay home on Sundays.  I would see very little point in a continuing (and often sacrificial) commitment to Mormonism.  Which, I think, is what often happens in liberal churches.  And, once again, I offer the Community of Christ as Exhibit A in support of my thinking on this.  I know and like a number of adherents of the “Reorganization,” including some of their leaders, but I don’t see their path as one that leads to growth or, overall, to vigorous member commitment.

4)

I cannot, frankly, regard Gina Colvin as a reliable guide to the Church’s optimal future.