Something
funny happened. Someone mistook me for a Mormon apologist, so I thought I’d
clarify myself here. I’m not a Mormon apologist. I’m a Mormon enthusiast. A
Mormon enthusiast is one who is highly interested in, motivated by, and
invested in Mormonism. You might consider this the testimony of a Mormon
enthusiast.
I believe in
Christ as exemplified by Jesus. I take Jesus’ invitation to join the diverse Body
of Christ seriously. I believe in an immersive interpretation that requires
both faith and works.
I believe in
atoning, forgiveness, redemption, and healing. I trust that through our
participation in the Atonement nothing is beyond reconciliation.
I believe in
miracles and understand they aren’t unknowable epiphanies from a supernatural source.
I believe in miracles that are a product of extraordinary events which cannot
be adequately explained. I believe technology and science are among the means
to understanding and discover more sophisticated explanations and
implementations of the miraculous.
I love. I
agree the greatest commandment given by scripture is: thou shalt love. I
believe in radical
love—which is the kind of love which enables humanity to create, express,
and manifest the tangible realities of divine desires.
I believe in
prophets, seers, and revelators. I understand those roles are not simply
designated to ordained patriarchs. Prophets are those who speak the words of Divinity,
which is why we need discernment. Seers are those who have the capacity to
envision the future, predicated on the past. Revelators are those who reveal
new insights, information, and knowledge concerning humanity’s divine
potential. We should all be prophets, seers, and revelators, and are when we
act as such.
I am more
orthodox than I appear.
I am more
radical than I appear.
I believe in
stories. I believe in the power
of honest fiction.
I believe in
immortality, restoration, and resurrection, not because these events will
inevitably come to pass without effort on our part, or because I “know beyond a
shadow of a doubt” that these promises are sure. I put trust in and work toward
these goals, because I believe humanity is capable of discovering and harnessing
powers that I can only describe as godly.
I raise my
hand, speak honestly, and let my community know when there is room for
improvement.
I understand
the LDS Church, though its the largest denomination, doesn’t own Mormonism.
I believe in
priesthood
power, the power to act in the name of God, and the communities which give it
power. There is nothing supernatural about it. We collectively invoke and embody
priesthood power when we perform godly acts to bless the lives of each other. I
trust priesthood power operates by persuasion,
long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, and pure
knowledge.
I know
Mormonism is more than patriarchy even when others or policy suggest otherwise.
I believe people and their communities are more than their worst moments. In
Mormonism, anything is subject to change through restoration and continuing revelation,
even though things don’t change as quickly as I would like.
I am peculiar
and queer—a descendent of a peculiar people. I won’t pretend to be something I
am not to appease the masses or coddle insecurities. I know that despite many attempts
by others to reject Mormonism’s queerness, I too am queer and
I belong with my peculiar people.
I believe the
scriptures to be the word of God so far as they are translated, interpreted, and
implemented correctly.
I claim the
privilege of worshiping according to the dictates of my conscience and allow
others the same privilege.
I worship,
though I may not be found in a church pew every Sunday. I often worship in the
mountains, and even more often in the library. I worship in service. I worship with
my words. I worship with my body. I prefer the safety of private worship, but
also understand the value of public and/or communal rituals. I understand
worship takes many forms and don’t limit myself or others to only one modality
of worship.
I am a
Mormon Transhumanist, a radiant
Mormon. I seek to elevate and improve the world through the authentic practice
of my religion. I am
authentic and engage in my religion authentically. I am creative and engage in my
religion creatively. I am practical and engage in my religion practically.
I see my
body as a temple, gift, and technology. My body is sacred and I’m unashamed.
I subscribe
to eternal
progression. I believe as we continue to evolve and increase in knowledge,
complexity, intelligence, love, and compassion, the more godly we become.
I believe in
theosis, because evolution demands it.
I believe in
eternal sealings through a network of connections, because love demands it.
I believe in
truth, let it come from whence it may. If there is
anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, I seek
after these things.
I know
Mormonism is more than any single policy, ritual, or individual. I recognize
the diversity of interpretations, and know not to privilege discursive,
dogmatic, or harmful interpretations.
I believe in
continuing revelation, which is not a task reserved for an elite group of
individuals, but an ongoing process implemented by those seeking improvement. Continuing
revelation is the percolation of powerful ideas through a robust network of individuals
and influences. We embody continuing revelation.
I believe
the earth can be renewed and receive paradisiacal glory. I recognize as agents
and stewards that we have an integral and necessary part in its preservation and
renewal.
I am a
theist. I trust in God,
even though I
don’t know precisely what God is.
I am a
Mormon enthusiast.
