Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Infallible Hypocrites


                              The Stone of Destruction

“For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words--they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels.”—1 Nephi 19:7

There are some more of those niggly things rattling in the back of my mind these days. They are some of the statements by the CJCLDS leaders that have bothered me for quite some time. Intuitively, I knew they were inherently wrong, but being too distracted with other matters as we so often are in this modern world, I set them aside. Today they flowered under the auspices of discussing reconciliation and forgiveness with my daughter over her struggles.

Dallin Oaks has caused quite a furor in his abnegation of accountability speech before the press, stating:

"I know that the history of the church is not to seek apologies or to give them," 1-27-2015

This is a typical Mormon testimony if I ever heard one. In reviewing this morning the Seven steps of Repentance outlined by Assistant to the Twelve, William Critchlow to BYU students in 1964, I wrote down the following:

Recognition
Remorse
Relating
Restitution
Resolution
Reformation
Realization

Surely “apology” fits in there somewhere? Like Recognition and Remorse, and Restitution? Isn’t this the very concept that apology connotes? I will proceed with this accepted premise by all rational and moral people. It is after all, the Webster definition which people use most:

2    an acknowledgment of some fault, injury, insult, etc., with an expression of regret and a plea for pardon

If the reader does not accept this premise, they live by a different model of reconciliation than the rest of us and what I write is of no value to them.

The very first indictment Dallin makes against themselves is, that since the beginning of the Church, it has not been a policy, practice, or precept, for the Church leaders to exercise repentance for past harms they have committed. Apology IS an essential part of repentance. I don’t know how to make this more plain. The leadership of the CJCLDS has committed errors and mistakes, born of their zeal. The leaders of the CJCLDS never have, nor will they ever, repent of any offenses nor harm they have committed against members of the Church. That’s what I get out of it, and that is what the context of his speech upholds.

The significance of this bold self-indictment begins with realizing who is making this justification. Dallin is an ex State Supreme Court Justice. As such he has a professional history of executing justice and clemency on behalf of the People of the State of Utah. To get there he first had to undergo coursework in law, which includes recitations on the founding principles of our moral codes, their theories, their precedents by the early magistrates of English judicature. To be considered for such a prestigious civil appointment an attorney must demonstrate able command and adroitness in administering justice, accountability, and restitution. But what we find here since he vacated that office is a Chief High Priest, speaking for all his associate Apostates, that they as head of the CJCLDS do not have to comply with their own precepts!

A chief judge!
A chief high priest!

Reminiscences of the priests of Noah and the Gadianton robbers.

In making such a declaration Dallin, on behalf of all the Church leadership, sets at naught both the civil and Mormon ecclesiastical moral codes. They are all above the moral foundation of the principles of the Gospel, i.e., 2nd, Repentance (4th Article of Faith).

Well, so? Well the Atonement of Christ as they preach it is predicated upon repentance. If a person does not repent, one cannot have their transgressions forgiven. If the 15 Apostates have no need to repent, according the doctrines of their own Gospel (which applies to all men), then they have no need of the Atonement either. They are innocent and guiltless, even though they confess having made offenses and errors against members and nonmembers (LGBT etc ad nauseum). They don’t need  a Redeemer. They set at naught the agony, blood, and death, as well as the teachings of the very man whom they insist they represent on earth. This kind of infallibility not even the Popes claimed.

What does their sacred Book of Mormon say about this behavior?

“Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One--yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.”—Helaman 12:2

“Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide.”—Helaman12:6

So the 15 Apostates now assent to the crucifixion of Christ, because they claim they are above the need for repenting, the need to apologize and make right, being reconciled with the offended, and leaning upon the mercies of Him whom they claim is their head. They are without culpability even though they have offended the poor, meek and submissive of the Redeemer.

By their own Scriptures they indict themselves of their own wickedness. As Joseph did before them, boasting he did more for the “Church” than Jesus, they too say they have no need for Him, His works, His sufferings unto death, His permission to enter the highest degree of exaltation.

How did they get there?

“And now my beloved brethren, I say unto you, can ye withstand these sayings; yea, can ye lay aside these things, and trample the Holy One under your feet; yea, can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts; yea, will ye still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the vain things of the world, upon your riches?
Yea, will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than another; yea, will ye persist in the persecution of your brethren, who humble themselves and do walk after the holy order of God, wherewith they have been brought into this church, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and they do bring forth works which are meet for repentance--
Yea, and will you persist in turning your backs upon the poor, and the needy, and in withholding your substance from them?”—Alma 5: 53-55

With annual salaries in excess of 6-7 figures, it is no wonder their hearts have become so hard they can rationalize their mistakes under the broad definition of apology. In the Book of Mormon, no High Priest was better at subverting the laws and corrupting the moral codes than those who were also lawyers. With billions of wealth at their control, to construct extravagant apartments in prestigious and convenient locations downtown, with a modern shopping mall for their convenience, while less than 1% of the Church’s wealth is distributed to the poor, how could they not declare themselves privileged?

“And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor's trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation.”—Mosiah 26:31

Dallin Oaks and Boyd Packer also tell us that the "intellectual is an enemy to the Church." I should say! God forbid that anyone use the intelligence God endowed them with to search out Truth and Light (D&C 93:36). Forbid them to ask reasonable and perspicacious questions, demanding rational answers. Forbid them to find Truth anywhere useful, as counseled three times in their Doctrine and Covenants (88:118, 109:7, 109:14). In our search for Truth to increase our intelligence let us cover the Church leader's transgressions (D&C121:37), even though in so doing their Priesthood comes to an end because the heavens withdraw themselves.

Hannah Arendt, Holocaust survivor and researcher (a Jew), found from investigating the cause for the Hitlerian regime and the atrocities they committed, wrote the chief cause was failure of people at all civil levels was not to think, just obey their superiors, and ignore the consequences. As I have written elsewhere, the rise of Totalitarianism derives from this root behavior, a behavior characteristic of all religious cults. Don't think, don't question, don't challenge. Its done for you. Just obey. A totalitarian organization run by men declaring themselves above the doctrines of Salvation as they taught for over 150 years.

Notwithstanding this, I am astonished at the magnitude of cognitive dissonance permeating the minds of the members, who when learning of these things did not refuse to enter any chapel on the following Sunday, staying home to fill out their formal resignations from such a Church run by an abominable cadre of proud, doting men.


SethSmee

References
http://www.sltrib.com/lifestyle/faith/2122123-155/no-apology-really-mormons-question-apostle

Helaman 12:2
Yea, and we may see at the very time when he doth prosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of precious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do harden their hearts, and do forget the Lord their God, and do trample under their feet the Holy One--yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.

Helaman 12:6
“Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide.”

Alma 30:32
“Now Alma said unto him: Thou knowest that we do not glut ourselves upon the labors of this people; for behold I have labored even from the commencement of the reign of the judges until now, with mine own hands for my support, notwithstanding my many travels round about the land to declare the word of God unto my people. And notwithstanding the many labors which I have performed in the church, I have never received so much as even one senine for my labor; neither has any of my brethren, save it were in the judgment-seat; and then we have received only according to law for our time. And now, if we do not receive anything for our labors in the church, what doth it profit us to labor in the church save it were to declare the truth, that we may have rejoicings in the joy of our brethren?”

Mosiah 26:31
“And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor's trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation.”

Alma 5:53-5
And now my beloved brethren, I say unto you, can ye withstand these sayings; yea, can ye lay aside these things, and trample the Holy One under your feet; yea, can ye be puffed up in the pride of your hearts; yea, will ye still persist in the wearing of costly apparel and setting your hearts upon the vain things of the world, upon your riches?
Yea, will ye persist in supposing that ye are better one than another; yea, will ye persist in the persecution of your brethren, who humble themselves and do walk after the holy order of God, wherewith they have been brought into this church, having been sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and they do bring forth works which are meet for repentance--
Yea, and will you persist in turning your backs upon the poor, and the needy, and in withholding your substance from them?

The Rise of Totalitarianism Hannah Arendt

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Destiny and the Meaningful Life


Destiny and Autonomy

“…people raised in the atmosphere of a mass movement are fashioned into incomplete and dependent human beings even when they have within themselves the making of self-sufficient entities.”—Eric Hoffer

Wait a sec, does Morgdoc really answer the Big Three Questions? Telling me I am a child of God explains who I am? Telling me this mythological tale about a war in heaven explains where I am from and where I am going?

Knowing who my parents are doesn’t tell me anything about who I am. Telling me I am a product of some Omniscient, Omnipresent, Omnipotent Creator only makes matters worse. That leaves a person spiritually infantilized until death.

As for the Plan to save everybody, doesn’t the premise for Salvation seem fairly stupid? Saved from what? The original war in heaven is a mythical tale several thousand years old, harking back to a time when the planets were in disarray from intrasolar cometary impacts. The Fall truly was the end of the Golden Age, when an advanced civilization was obliterated by celestial disorder which culminated in a massive cataclysmic event. The origin of the "War in Heaven" is solely derived from these ancient accounts. Just like the magical thinking of a child who believes he is the cause of his parent’s divorce, Man created this tale to explain why the Gods went away and took Paradise (the Hebrew Edem) with them. Capricious Gods with unrefined passions squabbling among themselves over how their children are going to grow up, to be eventually like them? I don’t need a Plan to do that. Just keep me infantilized. Enter the modern Mundunugu.

Who are you? Morgdoc tells you that you’re a child of God, born of earthly parents kind and dear, but when an adult you are a worker bee provider if you’re male, and a worker bee baby-factory if female. People are encouraged to identify themselves with roles, instead of their identity being a discovery on life’s journey.

What do you want? Morgdoc says you should become a God. First you must be a good follower and do everything, rituals, roles, and incantations the Chief Shaman tells you to do, no matter the spiritual, economic, or social cost. Everyone wants a return to the Golden Age of Paradise where all temporal needs are met, with love and peace abounding in an ageless world. But Mordoc insists (like ALL other religions) it can only be accomplished by their program.

Where are you going? Morgdoc prescribes the Celestial world, and anything less is failure, notwithstanding the lower ones are kingdoms of glory. Total happiness can only be had at the top, even if your cherished family and friends don’t make it. Once you get into any of these, you’re stuck there for eternity. But at the top you get to have infinite numbers of children, worlds without end. You’ll be so busy there will be no boredom. No need for adventure, retirement or vacation.

Who do you serve, and who do you trust? Morgdoc wants you busy with Church programs, procedures, and implementing policy. Just follow the Chief Shaman, he’ll never lead you astray. Someday, in losing yourself in these rituals, so they proclaim, you’ll discover who you are, and then all your posterity will serve you as God. Wonderful. Just what I always longed for--to become a megalomaniac being worshiped and served by my multitudinous offspring in endless fawning and choir cantatas.

Which Personality Are You?

There are basically three types of personality, those who want to be taken care of, those who want to dictate to the first group, and those who eschew both to find their own Path.  The latter are frequently the pioneers, seekers, dreamers, and the inquisitive.  The former are predominantly those who are conformists, followers, socialites, females, and yes-men.  A true leader never evolves from the first group, but feminists, tyrants, politicians, and priests do.  Those of the third group are the visionaries who stake out the boundaries of new frontiers in spite of the objections of others.  They are the ones who advance civilization, and are frequently scapegoated.  The first and second groups have nothing to offer but plagiarism, boasting, and stagnation.

Good leaders were never good followers and don’t need them—precisely why others follow them.  Only those who are dedicated to a Cause perpetuate this myth of leadership.  These personalities span the breadth of Mania (egomaniacs, etc.).  Followers are those who are ignorant, often gullible, lack self-confidence, seek purpose through other’s mandates, and live life in a fog.  Together they form a binding symbiosis of reciprocal worship.

Wrote Eric Hoffer: “The frustrated follow a leader less because of their faith that he is leading them to a promised land than because of their immediate feeling that he is leading them away from their unwanted selves. Surrender to a leader is not a means to an end but a fulfillment. Whither they are led is of secondary importance.”

We come into this world naked and screaming.  We go out sighing and apprehensive.  In between is best enjoyed treating everything as a stewardship within the self and an adventure. If life is anything but an adventure, you're a masochist. Such an excellent approach to screwing up your stewardship.

This world is about accountability or its lack thereof.  What we hear is it is either God or the Devil who did it.  Seldom is “it” attributable to the works of man. All religion is based on this scam and artifice. But ultimately, full autonomy is dependent upon being your own best agent for growth, happiness, and worth. If you don't radiate it, you can't receive it in kind. The magnitude of one's divinity is not orchestrated by obeisance to a dogma or movement's leader. It resides solely within your own desire for Good.

However possible, find a way to remove oneself from the clutches of those who must dictate other people’s lives.  Such beings are empty and their souls decayed.  They have no internal worth to manifest to the world.  Their boring and vacuous personalities and gross feelings of inadequacy compel them to interpose their ethereal Utopian visions upon others to relieve their internal emptiness with the vanity of their hubris.  From these ranks the megalomaniacs are born. It is instructive to note here that everyone of them are men of charisma. As if that is a perfecting human quality. What did we learn about America's Revolutionary pseudo prophet?

The happiest possible course in life is dependent upon two principles of Stewardship: a) one’s destiny is solely and irrevocably centered in the individual and their level of accountability, and b) their public liberty is entirely dependent on minding their own business, helping others only where invited and their accountability is manifestly demonstrated by their behavior.

Recently it came to my attention the efforts of David Blankenhorn's Institute of American Values to "restore" marriage to its former social prestige. A Harvard graduate (a college founded by the Massachussets Bay Colony composed of 1000 Puritan "refugees", read early ultra conservatives, for the sidereal purpose of educating America's clergy), David is intent on growing his own movement to realize this social restoration. While an admirer of Charles Murray's (also a Harvard graduate) research and several conclusions, he has been oblivious to Charles' repeated admonitions that this objective cannot be accomplished by David's methodologies and politics. Harvard undergraduates are required to take coursework in the following areas:
  • Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding
  • Culture and Belief
  • Empirical and Mathematical Reasoning
  • Ethical Reasoning
  • Science of Living Systems
  • Science of the Physical Universe
  • Societies of the World
  • United States in the World
Somehow David missed the boat in these classes concerning marriage and its co-optation by the Catholic church during the late Roman Empire. Prior to this period marriage was a cultural institution, with as much variety and diversity of social values as there are cultures in the world. In the 1600s it became a European institution of divine love with the High Voyeur at its head by Popish influence, rather than the economic union it had been for millennia. Being an economic union, it had little to do with the integrity or solidarity of the family (i.e. marital and sibling bliss) although its intent was to service family economic requirements. In sum, marriage do not create the filials bonds, it was an attempt at enlarging them. Such notions of family solidarity still persist within Mediterranean cultures which are largely clannish or tribal, independent of marital economic concerns. Today such an objective can be accomplished by an endowment by the wealthy. Conversely, companionships and romance, particularly during Roman and late Greek times was serviced outside of marriage. But David wants to resurrect this Hydra of love AND economic union within an economic climate vastly outstripping the resources and rewards available to more than half of America's population. David is dyed in the second personality traits, while Charles is mostly of the third, albeit with some dangerous leanings toward the second. For all his Harvard education--the most prestigious in the world by some standards--he misses the most fundamental dilemma of today's rising generation: the rewards are no longer there because those entrusted with it preservation are those who broke the "social contract." David would have everyone become the first personality type. The rising generation does not have faith in the institutions and values of their elders. Because the same opportunities their parents enjoyed are no longer within their reach (by their own skill and acumen and not artificially induced by the government or Church), they are abandoning the so-called "traditional" values for a revamped framework that gives a modicum of reward, dysfunctional or not. To realize satisfaction in their life's endeavors, they are recreating Charles Murray's four elements: Religious Faith, Family Bonds, Vocational Pursuits, and Communal Identity. They are doing what their ancestors have done since the dawn of recorded history--creating God in their own image, for better or worse. 

 Bruce: What if I need you?  What if I have questions?
God:    “Ha ha ha.  That’s your problem Bruce—that’s everybody’s problem.  You keep looking up.”

Thou Art God

Seth Smee