lds bibliolatry
"i know that the book of mormon is true and that by reading it you will have the power to..."
in some christian circles they call the near worship of the bible bibliolatry.
do latter-day saints hold up the scriptures as idols of worship, or instructions from god? every fast and testimony meeting people get up and tell everyone that "the book of mormon is true." latter-day saints post scriptures on their walls, doors, and refrigerators. scriptures are read ritualistically on a daily basis. some treat the material paper, ink, and binding as if there was power contained in the very objects. interpretations of scripture are used as the measuring stick of others' faith. the believing in, the reading of, the memorizing of, and the orthodox interpretation of the scriptures have replaces the living of the scriptures. scripture has become more important than scripture living. the standard for righteousness is measured less by how one lives the scriptures and more by how often one reads the scriptures.
today, if a latter-day saint came upon a beggar on the street, would she be more willing to tell the beggar her testimony of the book of mormon, or follow its teachings, open her wallet, and "administer of [her] substance unto him that standeth in need; and ... not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to [her] in vain, and turn him out to perish"?
i'm placing my bets on the former.
The scriptures also say not to cast your pearls before swine. How many times I have seen a "beggar" on the corner asking for alms only to see him walk out of a store with his new pack of cigarettes and/or beer. Would it not be as acceptable to give to a charity of ones choosing that helps the poor by offering food, clothing, and shelter? -- Or does scripture indicate that it should be given directly to the "begger"???
ReplyDeleteOut of personal experience, I don't believe that -- "the orthodox interpretation of the scriptures have replaces the living of the scriptures" -- I know, personally three stake presidents and quite a few bishops that don't follow that. They have followed "the spirit" in determining people's "worthiness". ie My good friend drinks beer and holds a temple recommend. Yes, his bishop and SP know he drinks. etc. Yeah, there are those that "hold the line" ... but I think they are in the minority.
ryan o
Sometimes I think you're silly.
ReplyDeleteThe scriptures also say not to cast your pearls before swine.
ReplyDeletethe scriptures also say that nephi was the son of lehi. unfortunately neither of these are relevant to the issue.
How many times I have seen a "beggar" on the corner asking for alms only to see him walk out of a store with his new pack of cigarettes and/or beer. Would it not be as acceptable to give to a charity of ones choosing that helps the poor by offering food, clothing, and shelter? -- Or does scripture indicate that it should be given directly to the "begger"???
i think this is a very good point. however, most people i know who use this arguement (including myself) don't turn down the beggar and give to a charity, but turn down the beggar and buy a cd, a junior bacon cheeseburger, or a boat.
while i do not deny that many *beggars* do turn around and buy alcohol/cigarrettes, i'm guessing that the answer to the question "How many times [ryan has] seen a "beggar" on the corner asking for alms only to see him walk out of a store with his new pack of cigarettes and/or beer?" is anywhere between zero and 1 (or maybe 2).
Out of personal experience, I don't believe that -- "the orthodox interpretation of the scriptures have replaces the living of the scriptures"
neither do i. but i do believe that "he believing in, the reading of, the memorizing of, and the orthodox interpretation of the scriptures have replaces the living of the scriptures." i am of course speaking in generalities here. this is more of a reflection on the discourse of the church (and especially my elders quorum on sunday).
I know, personally three stake presidents and quite a few bishops that don't follow that.
as do i, but techincally they are going against their instructions and against the current trends of the church.
one more thing. the trend i see in the church today is a placement of greater importance on a ritualistic reading of the scriptures (reading for the sake of reading) where the actual reading of the scriptures grants power to the individual, and less importance on actually living out the ideals of the scriptures.
ReplyDeletei have too often heard that reading the scriptures will help me in school. that reading the scriptures will bless me with the spirit. that reading the scriptures will give me power to ______ (fill in the blank). this is idolatry.
I remember some discussions I had with born-again christians on my mission along these lines. You could say, "If God Himself, came down, and commanded you marry another wife, would you do it?" Some would answer, "No, because it is not in the Bible!" Now that's Bibliolatry. If there are LDS that would replace God with the scriptures to that extent, they are surely in the minority.
ReplyDeleteI would put my money on the same horse as you in the scenario you've painted about the beggar, but I think that it's important to point out that in choosing to share testimony, she is still actually applying the scriptures to her life, albeit the wrong lessons at the wrong time.
I like this post, although I am mixed. Even though it is ritualistic and sometimes superstitious, for most Mormons the ritual is only a means to inspiration, renewal and understanding. I think that it can become bibliolatry based on how the ritual is used. Is it used as to solidify “personal righteousness?” Is it used to bolster one’s intellectual ego? Is it used to complete a checklist? Or is it used for sincere communion with God, as a means of reorienting oneself in a materialistic world, and as a method transform oneself in their relations with others?
ReplyDeleteI guess I’ll show my cards and say that any ritual can turn to idolatry as soon as it begins to support egoism. And conversely it is not idolatrous, regardless of how superstitious or repetitive, if it serves the cause of human transformation and liberation. I actually think that the Mormon practice yeilds both ends at times.
s.o.,
ReplyDeleteYou are right that lds biblioatry is of a different sort from that which is found among fundamentalist christians. However...
You could say, "If God Himself, came down, and commanded you marry another wife, would you do it?" Some would answer, "No, because the prophet did not say so!" Now that's Seerolatry.
johnny,
you do have a point. i suppose scripture reading can have a value in seeking a sort of transcendental experience. i still assert though that when the reading of scriptures (especially in a repetitive ritualistic manner) is placed in a higher importance than living the teachings of the scriptures, then it is idolatry because it is ultimately supplanting god and god's work.
When I read the scriptures more, I tend to have a desire to live a better life. Studying the scriptures increases my faith in God and inspires me to live by the principles taught within their pages. And I think that's what scripture study is supposed to do.
ReplyDeleteBut I'll admit that I frequently only open my scriptures because I'll feel bad if I don't. I'll read a page or so and go right to bed. These experiences don't have any kind of spiritual or practical benefit.
So I guess it comes down to my own attitude and purpose in opening my scriptures. If I want to get something out of them, I will. If I'm reading them ritualistically or merely out of obligation, I'm wasting my time.
So I guess this is what you're getting at. Merely reading our scriptures isn't enough. Emphasizing the memorization, ritualistic reading, and orthodox interpretation of scriptures isn't getting us anywhere. I think you're totally right.
However, I think there is a disconnect between the teachings of Church leadership and actual practice among the members. For instance, last year Pres. Hinckley encouraged members to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year, for the purpose of bringing specific blessings into our lives.
Many overlooked the real purpose of the challenge, and just read for the purpose of getting to page 531. I knew of many who were in about Mosiah by December 29, and had all-night reading marathons just to say that they finished the book. This seemed pointless to me. They obviously hadn't been reading much and probably missed out on most of the blessings Pres. Hinckley had promised.
I confess that I did not read every page of the Book of Mormon by Jan. 1. But the challenge did get me to read more often, and there were several parts that I read more than once. While I technically didn't complete the challenge, I think I received some of the blessings Pres. Hinckley had mentioned, which (to me) was the purpose of the challenge in the first place.
Anyway.