Mormon Heretic

I am active in the LDS church. This is a place to talk about the “meat” of the gospel and not just the “milk.” I want to be able to ask thoughtful (some might say provocative) questions, and not worry about damaging someone else’s faith or testimony. I certainly don’t have all the answers, and welcome those of you who can fill in some answers for me regardless of your religious affiliation. This blog will hopefully be a thoughtful and respectful forum.

Gallileo

This is a portrait of Galileo Galilei, one of my favorite heretics. The artist was Giusto Sustermans.

Some have wondered why I call myself a heretic.  I have 2 reasons.  First, many say that Mormons are “not Christian”, but I believe they really mean that Mormons are heretics.  Mormons don’t subscribe to some aspects of traditional Christianity, such as the Trinity.  To many Christians, such as stance is heresy, but they confuse the issue by saying that we’re not Christian.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Not only do we share a belief that Jesus was born, died on the Cross, and was Resurrected, but we go further and have another set of scriptures called the Book of Mormon, which contains a record of Christ’s visit to another group of people.  However, this set of scriptures is also considered heretical, because most Christians believe that the Bible is all of God’s word.

Secondly, Here is a definition I really like,

Heresy is a controversial or novel change to a system of beliefs, especially a religion, that conflicts with established dogma.^[1] It is distinct from apostasy, which is the formal denunciation of one’s religion, principles or cause,^[2] and blasphemy, which is irreverence toward religion.^[3] The founder or leader of a heretical movement is called a heresiarch, while individuals who espouse heresy or commit heresy, are known as heretics….Heretics usually do not perceive their own beliefs as heretical.

I see Abraham, Jesus, Joseph Smith, and Galileo as not only heretics, but probably a group of heresiarchs (Galileo is a stretch.)  These are the people I would like to emulate because I view them as “good heretics.”  I’m just trying to be a heretic like Jesus!

In February 2009, I was asked to be a permablogger over at Mormon Matters, so you can see some of my posts there as well.   (Unfortunately, many of the comments are no longer available.)  In October 2010, a group of bloggers left Mormon Matters and formed the new blog Wheat and Tares.  I currently blog there as well.  I am also active in the History and Doctrine forum at StayLDS.  I’ve listed most of my other posts here.  (There is also a link at the top of the page.)

In 2010, I became a member of the Mormon History Association, and I am a member of the John Whitmer Historical Association.

If you would like to contact me privately, send an email to mormon heretic at gmail dot com.