The first teachings that come to mind when I reflect on the messages of the current LDS prophet, Thomas Monson, have to do with being present in others' times of need and carefully attending to the duties of service. I don't find much fault in any of that. I think it would be wonderful if we all tried to pay more attention to others and offer whatever assistance we are capable of.
But Tommy's also said plenty of bullshit. Here's an example that fits nicely within the general scope of this blog:
Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other.
Should
doubt knock at your doorway, just say to those skeptical, disturbing,
rebellious thoughts: “I propose to stay with my faith, with the faith of
my people. I know that happiness and contentment are there, and I
forbid you, agnostic, doubting thoughts, to destroy the house of my
faith. I acknowledge that I do not understand the processes of creation,
but I accept the fact of it. I grant that I cannot explain the miracles
of the Bible, and I do not attempt to do so, but I accept God’s word. I
wasn’t with Joseph, but I believe him. My faith did not come to me
through science, and I will not permit so-called science to destroy it.”
May you ever frame your life with faith.
Did you catch all of that? The appeal to tribalism? The denigration of agnosticism? The plea to stop thinking critically about natural history, scripture and Church history? The encouraged distrust in science? This is God's message to us today? This is what he wants to tell the world? Not a fucking chance.
Take the time to doubt brother Tommy, dear brothers and sisters, if only for a day or two.
