Proving Contraries - October 2022

Dec 21

Written By Kim

Notes from October 11, 2022:

"Joseph Smith taught that “by proving contraries, truth is made manifest.” In this episode, we spoke with Jared Halverson about this concept and how to recognize and productively wrestle with polarities in our own life. Once you begin to see the world this way, many doctrines and personal attributes that might seem to be in irreconcilable conflict can instead be understood as existing in a healthy and life-affirming tension.”

https://faithmatters.org/proving-polarities-a-conversation-with-jared-halverson/

Comments:

Proving contraries

Situation specific for contraries (example of Eve's decision)

Example: Christ honored justice and mercy - neither do I condemn thee (mercy) go and sin no more (justice)

James: Faith without works is dead

President Oaks: Works without faith is even deader

Not black and white - using And instead of Or - Trust our personal authority - rings around a tree, the rings add they don’t take away.

Good to talk through “what do we think of this?” - okay not to agree

Level of progression when we do things because we figure it out through our understanding

The merciful Christ and the Christ of destruction or justice - some ignore the destroying Christ.

Sometimes we want and need the destroying Christ to protect us

Halverson - the merciful Christ

Each person may receive guidance and it might look different for each person, keeping one’s covenants is what really matters.

Our biggest issue is not making our own decisions but judging others for making those decisions - stop monitoring each other -

Young adults think we should be better because we know better

We connect through the struggle - simplicity after complexity

Do we follow the prophet prayerfully or conveniently?

How not to judge: training your brain to be aware - listening to others' stories - knowing and living the doctrine of Jesus Christ - practicing the first two commandments -

The struggle is the connection with each other

Connecting to Deity

Trust each of us to make our own decisions because our Heavenly Parents are with us.

Quotes mentioned:

Brigham Young's quote regarding following leaders

“Authenticity is not about telling all—or telling all at once. It’s about making wise decisions about HOW and WHEN to tell WHAT to WHOM” Harriet Lerner

Richard Bushman (BYU Easter Conference) - sharing more and opening up more with the youth - gives the youth hope and connects them to the leader

Books mentioned:

Adam Miller -

Original Grace

Neal Maxwell -

The Enoch Letters

Susan Cain -

Bittersweet

James Ferrell -

Falling to Heaven

Talks mentioned:

Francine Bennion - “The Theology of Suffering”