What is truth?
 

One of the central issues around the debates of the last few days has been the LDS Church's claim to be the "only true and living church" on the earth, and what that means.

So let's hear it. When we say the church is true, what do we mean? What SHOULD we mean?

In the sense that it is the only church within which resides the divine authority to perform and receive the saving ordinances that will lead us to exaltation.

1. authority to perform ordinances
2. a message of redemption, most close to the truth
3. guidance directly from God, i.e. to prophet(s)

I don't take all guidance from the First Presidency to be from God. I think the FP letter stating that powerpoint should not be used in a sacrament talk to be one of educated guess, personal opinion, or shaping of game plan.

Fair enough. Let us know mutually acknowledge our inability to know the minds and speak in behalf of the myriads of saints who get up every fast and testimony meeting and say "I know this church is true", and proceed to do so anyway. What do you think they are saying when they get up and say "I know the church is true"? Does it mean the same thing to them as it does to you, as you said in your previous post?

Honest question. Maybe it does. But I suspect that there's more to it than that.

Oh boy, here comes the can of worms.

Why's that? What makes this a topic over which no edifying discussion can be had?

I remember back in high school when I met a friend of a friend who was not a member of the church. The discussion came up, and she asked me what makes our church "true" and every other one not. It was the first time anybody ever asked me that, and I couldn't think of a good response. I've got some ideas now, but I'd like to hear what the rest of you think, too.

Besides, I'm teaching Elder's Quorum on Sunday on the "organization and destiny of the church," and I feel no shame in fishing for a little discussion fodder.

TO my kids: WHatever I say it is becasue I SAID SO

To me: Yes, Dear, you're right. I'm sorry.

To my wife: It's better than a sharp stick in the eye.

Well, I had heard of polygamy, and monogamy, but your response to yourself makes me think that you are, in fact, autogamous. Which is remarkable.

You should consider it, especially with the price of gas these days.

I now understand what 2 for 1 means.