Quote:
Originally Posted by Requiem
I am currently reading Ken Follett's new book World Without End (sequel to Pillars of the Earth, outstanding read). Set in 14th century Europe, the book vividly describes life in a community dominated by activities related to the local Cathedral and religious hierarchy. Without giving anything away, it is clear that people of that time held an absolute belief that their earthly blessings were inextricably tied to their level of obedience. Religious leaders used that psychology to extract sacrifice in terms of material goods (e.g. crops, goods and money), and blind obedience.
Fast forward to our present time. I am struck by how little has changed. Regardless of sect, organized religion seeks believers who will obey their particular creed and donate time and money in exchange for promised blessings - either in this life or the next.
With these brief thoughts in mind, I ask the following serious questions:
1. Obedience What is the driving force behind obedience to religious doctrines? Are we in it for the blessings (e.g. health, wealth and salvation), or is it out of love for our fellow men? Do we pay tithes and offerings as protection against personal misfortune (i.e. opening the "windows of heaven")?
2. Divine Intervention Does God intervene in our daily lives according to our level of obedience? If so, why is God apparently so selective in bestowing said blessings? Why do we observe some individuals and families escape this life seemingly unscathed - while others experience such great suffering? Similar to the fourteenth century, do we judge those who suffer as being less worthy?
I pose these questions in a serious vein and am honestly interested in your intelligent and well thought responses. Please refrain from boorish personal attacks and sexual innuendo. Think of it as my final attempt to find value here.
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There is a law irrevocably decreed in heaven upon which all blessings are predicated...so what law did socalcougar keep to get a new and unused set of 38C's to play with?
I don't believe the religion I belong to promises great blessings in mortality for obedience. I think it teaches obedience to God's laws because it is the lifestyle God himself lives. The purpose is to progress to become more like Him. I do believe the religion to which I belong promises that our financial needs will be met.
Now as for the culture, I am sure everyone will have a great story from their mission president about how he paid 20% tithing and kept getting richer and richer and blah blah blah. God doesn't promise wealth and there are those in the Mormon church who will claim but He gives it to those he trusts, perhaps he does. I don't think He really cares a great deal and I think the fact that everyone's mp was wealthy was because the mp had skills the market valued.
I don't think God intervenes based upon a level of obedience, I think He intervenes based upon His purposes. I don't think He views mortality like we do.