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This is a very worthwhile sermon on scruples (i.e. orthodoxy, or what we might call ‘culture vs doctrine’).
Paul provides us a great framework in Romans, and this sermon is a great starting point for Latter-day Saints.
I’ll share some of my thoughts on application. https://twitter.com/gmillerjr/status/1283403332732817411
Paul provides us a great framework in Romans, and this sermon is a great starting point for Latter-day Saints.
I’ll share some of my thoughts on application. https://twitter.com/gmillerjr/status/1283403332732817411
I'm a bit slow, but I saw a thread today that persuaded me to come back to this.
One application question for Latter-day Saints: How can we be one, as different as we are?
The answer? PICK YOUR BATTLES, siding with the Savior.
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One application question for Latter-day Saints: How can we be one, as different as we are?
The answer? PICK YOUR BATTLES, siding with the Savior.
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@BrianBranam reads from Romans 14, where Paul cautions us from using orthodoxy as a point of division:
"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations....
"Why dost thou judge thy brother?... Every one of us shall give account of himself to God."
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"Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations....
"Why dost thou judge thy brother?... Every one of us shall give account of himself to God."
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(As a sidenote, let's not ignore that Paul explicitly classifies the vegetarian as weak of faith. 
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Our individual orthodoxies - or scruples, as Brian calls them - can be wonderful tools! They can function as guides for ethical decision-making, keep temptation at bay, or even satisfy personal appetites for spiritual closeness or meaning.
But they can also be misused.
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But they can also be misused.
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And Paul gets to that.
"Guys, don't quarrel" (1)
"Guys, don't set up stumbling blocks for others" (13)
"Guys, really, this is divisive and it's impeding the work" (20)
When we lean into scruples over doctrine, we create these serious issues in our wards and communities.
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"Guys, don't quarrel" (1)
"Guys, don't set up stumbling blocks for others" (13)
"Guys, really, this is divisive and it's impeding the work" (20)
When we lean into scruples over doctrine, we create these serious issues in our wards and communities.
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How do we ensure we're not hung up on scruples, creating division and impeding the work?
The scriptures tell us that we must be one (meaning one with the Savior).
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The scriptures tell us that we must be one (meaning one with the Savior).
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4 Nephi describes a near perfect society that moved beyond all manner of -ites. That didn't happen out of nowhere:
- equity, consecration (2, 3)
- family! (11)
- commandment keeping, righteousness (12, 16)
- no contention (2, 13, 15)
and *therefore*, we have no -ites.
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- equity, consecration (2, 3)
- family! (11)
- commandment keeping, righteousness (12, 16)
- no contention (2, 13, 15)
and *therefore*, we have no -ites.
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Moses 7 shows us another perfect society:
- one heart, one mind
- *dwealt in righteousness*
- no poor among them
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- one heart, one mind
- *dwealt in righteousness*
- no poor among them
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It's not uncommon to see zeal derided as divisive.
And while it's true we must be unified, unity by itself is not sufficient; we must be unified with the Savior.
(Not to mention how zeal - a "lower light" - might save a brother or sister.)
https://twitter.com/KoloheDan/status/1283948113703473152?s=20
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And while it's true we must be unified, unity by itself is not sufficient; we must be unified with the Savior.
(Not to mention how zeal - a "lower light" - might save a brother or sister.)
https://twitter.com/KoloheDan/status/1283948113703473152?s=20
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If we're talking about scruples, we need to ease off the zeal - stop the quarrels, stop the stumbling blocks, and stop the division.
"Why dost thou judge they brother?" We all will account to God.
No scruple is worth dividing you ward or community.
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"Why dost thou judge they brother?" We all will account to God.
No scruple is worth dividing you ward or community.
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If we're talking about doctrine - a "major," as Brian calls it - we need to draw bright, clear lines and invite others to raise their sights.
It wasn't just the lack of fighting that exalted these people, but they way they unified around Jesus and His gospel.
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It wasn't just the lack of fighting that exalted these people, but they way they unified around Jesus and His gospel.
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