049. There is No New Thing Under the Sun

Last September I wrote a (really long) letter to the LDS church stating my beliefs and raising some concerns I had about the predicament of some of the foundational doctrinal underpinnings of our faith juxtaposed against the church's historical narrative and current practices/policies. I did so in a sincere effort to know what my church leaders would have one do given they held such viewpoints.

Much has transpired since then and I feel the time has come to make what I wrote publicly available. Perhaps some aspect of my letter might be of use to you. I'm really not interested in any attention or endless debates...I've only included my name with my letter to give what I say some authenticity and so that others will know that I stand by what I believe. I have held most of these beliefs for years. If you knew me before this disclosure, I'm the same person now. If we were friends before this disclosure, I hope we may remain friends now. I echo the words of Thomas Jefferson: "I never considered a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend."

I honestly harbor no ill will towards anyone. I only want to be of service to both God and my fellowman. I'm sure I've offended and hurt others over the years, and if I have, I'm very sorry...it was not my intent. It is also not my intent to hurt or offend anyone by sharing the contents of this letter. So, please, if you feel you will be hurt or offended by reading this letter, then don't read it. I share it only to inform and in an effort to help others deepen their faith in Christ, who is the ONLY one that can save...no other man or system will get you there, as good as they might be. I must stand up for what I believe is the truth.

This letter represents one weak and foolish man's effort to organize his thoughts and beliefs. There is really nothing new, special, or innovative in this letter as most of it is available in other formats elsewhere. There are many other sources that state these notions better than I have. In the words of Ecclesiastes, the Preacher, (1:9):

"The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be;
and that which is done, is that which shall be done:
and there is no new thing under the sun."