Christian: The Need for a Fresh Word from God (grace, homosexuals)

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by angellous_evangellous

I had no idea that the OP would appeal to Mormons. Of this I am completely innocent.

I'm surprised, Daddy-o! This is right up our alley.

By the way, I don't mean to be hostile in the least, but I don't think that Mormonism escapes Plato in the slightest. Unless there is a complete revision of LDS thought, it will remain Neo-Platonic for the forseeable future.

You lost me entirely. How so?

[angellous_evangellous]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

I'm surprised, Daddy-o! This is right up our alley.

You lost me entirely. How so?

Darn... I was hoping not to have to explain that.

Read Plato's Timaeus and compare it to what you believe. Nailing down precisely what LDS theology is is fairly difficult, so I won't try. What I've heard, however, is thoroughly Platonic.

The Internet Classics Archive | Timaeus by Plato

[Buttercup]

Originally Posted by angellous_evangellous

Of course. Philo and Josephus were Hellenized Jews and wrote quite a bit.

I did at least know that fact.

Christians were much more Greek than Jews.

The fact of Greek philosophical influence just never really stood out to me about first century Christians other than language. Looks like I have a reading assignment to undertake. Thanks.

[angellous_evangellous]

Originally Posted by Buttercup

I did at least know that fact. The fact of Greek philosophical influence just never really stood out to me about first century Christians other than language. Looks like I have a reading assignment to undertake. Thanks.

All aspects of "pagan" life influenced the New Testament, from grammar to cultural practices to philosophy. Some of these influences were mutually exclusive: philosophy was often counter-cultural, yet philosophy was part of the culture. It's a madhouse in there!

[MaddLlama]

Originally Posted by angellous_evangellous

What I've heard, however, is thoroughly Platonic.

Aww, so this means they're not kissing cousins?

*running away now*

[Katzpur]

Originally Posted by angellous_evangellous

Read Plato's Timaeus and compare it to what you believe.

Holy Cow! You're going to ask me to read a book?!?!?

Nailing down precisely what LDS theology is is fairly difficult, so I won't try. What I've heard, however, is thoroughly Platonic.

So why can't we just discuss "what you've heard"?

[angellous_evangellous]

Originally Posted by Katzpur

Holy Cow! You're going to ask me to read a book?!?!?

So why can't we just discuss "what you've heard"?

Ah, it's not that long. You can just read a few lines and pretend like you understand the whole thing.

Anyway, LDS get partial credit in my book at least for having modern-day prophets.