Mormons & Muskets with Jim Bennett: Mormonism Live: 126

Hey Bill. My my 7 year old is doing a research paper on Mormonism, and he has some questions. If possible, could he interview you?

Here are the questions

In light of the historical development and evolution of Mormon theology, how would you reconcile the concept of eternal progression with the notion of a pre-existent intelligences’ agency in choosing to enter mortality, and its implications for the teleological framework of the Plan of Salvation?

Given the multifaceted nature of the Book of Mormon’s authorship and the implications of its translation, how do you interpret the interplay between Joseph Smith’s role as both translator and revelator, while taking into account potential influence from contemporary religious movements such as the Second Great Awakening?

With regards to the principle of plural marriage and its discontinuation in the late 19th century, how do you reconcile the official LDS position on this practice, as expressed in the Manifesto of 1890, with the continued belief in celestial marriage and the doctrine of eternal families?

Could you expound upon the doctrinal nuances surrounding the LDS concept of exaltation and its relationship to theosis, highlighting the theological implications of theosis within the broader context of the Mormon notion of divine potential and progression?

Given the variegated theological interpretations of the Word of Wisdom within the LDS community, how do you navigate the tension between its original intention as a health code and its subsequent expansion to include principles of spiritual and physical well-being, particularly in light of modern advancements in medical science and nutrition?

In the context of the historical development of the Church’s stance on race and the priesthood, could you elaborate on the process of doctrinal revision and the theological implications therein, while considering the intersectionality of race, spirituality, and divine worthiness within a global religious context? 😀

How do you reconcile the fundamental doctrines of free will and God’s foreknowledge within the LDS framework, particularly in light of the belief in a pre-mortal existence and the omniscient nature of God, while accounting for potential paradoxes and their implications for individual agency?

Considering the evolving perspectives on gender roles and the expansion of women’s leadership within the LDS Church, how do you interpret the theological underpinnings of the complementarian model and the practical implications for gender equality within ecclesiastical and familial dynamics?

Expounding upon the eschatological framework of the Millennium as outlined in LDS teachings, how do you reconcile the belief in a future Zion society with the complexities of societal progress, political systems, and individual agency, while considering the prophetic visions outlined in the Doctrine and Covenants?

Given the distinctive LDS perspective on theosis and the eternal progression of humans to godhood, how do you engage with the implications of this doctrine on the nature of divine embodiment, while considering the relationship between materiality and spirituality within the eternal scheme of things?