In true Mormon form, allow me to introduce this blog (talk) by giving the definition of the topic:
Mormon – 2. LATTER-DAY SAINT (LDS); especially : a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1)
Inquiry - 1: examination into facts or principles : research
2: a request for information
3: a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest (2)
Author’s definition of Mormon Inquiry: Investigating the possibilities of religious thought, interpretation, and interactions within and outside of Mormonism. (Emphasis on the word, possibilities.)
It is easiest to introduce and explain the purpose of this blog in terms of the LDS belief, “The Plan of Happiness”. Where did Mormon Inquiry come from, why is it here, and where is it going?
Where did Mormon Inquiry come from?
There was once a Mommy Mormon Inquiry and a Daddy Mormon Inquiry, they got together and… scratch that, lets try this again.
I try to live as an open book. I try not to be convoluted (most of the time). With an understanding of my background I hope we’ll be able to better communicate with each other.
My Name is Colin Faux. I was born in Boston, MA and raised in Des Moines, IA. I was raised in an LDS family. My Father has LDS heritage dating back to the Mormon Hand-Cart pioneers. My Mother and her family are 1st generation members. My first religious experience occurred when I was five years old. At the queue of my primary teacher, I bore testimony about The Book of Mormon as she wrote what I said on the inside cover. At 8 I was baptized and began to develop a love of studying religion and especially arguing religion. On a regular basis I would sit down at the lunch table during elementary school and argue with Evangelical Christians, defending LDS positions, theology, and thought.
My Father, S. Faux (aka Fox Goku. foxgoku54@gmail.com), who is a Professor at a private institution in Des Moines and also the blogger of the recently closed “Mormon Insights”, prepared my mind to think critically and NOT accept concepts at face value. With my Mother and Father’s preparations I served in leadership positions 20 of the 24 months I served in the Utah Salt Lake City South Mission under the direction of Brad and Elaine Risenmay.
I returned to Des Moines after serving in Utah and attend Drake University. I graduated with a BA in Religion and a BSBA in Entrepreneurial Management.
OK I’m tried of typing background stuff…
Elder Terrence Smith (recently added to the Sixth Quorum of the Seventy), spoke to the Young Single Adults (YSA) of the Des Moines, IA stake on June 11, 2010. I am impressed with Elder Smith’s insights from that night. He spoke with deep understanding. The purpose of this blog is designed from some of the statements he made that night, “Questions are a good thing. The best answers come from the best questions. I would like to write a response to the book, ‘Answers to Gospel Questions’ titled, ‘Questions to Gospel Answers’”.
Why is Mormon Inquiry here?
We are here to question. To discover the possibilities of Mormon thought, to develop the “best questions”.
It is my intention to blog about different subjects within Mormonism and inquire (not the tabloid) about those subjects. Readers can take the discussion and try to develop the “best answer” or further develop the “best question”.
I recognize some LDS individuals will be uncomfortable with this blog and the possible subjects raised here. Religious philosophy is not for everyone, but it IS certainly found within Mormonism and the Mormon experience.
Not that I feel philosophy is unsafe, but it does have the possibility of changing an individuals opinions on the matter it is investigating. So, religious philosophy may do the same. Religious philosophy may strengthen an LDS individual’s testimony, weaken it, or do nothing. It is not my intention to weaken an LDS individual’s testimony, only develop the best questions, but consider this a fair warning :).
Mormon Inquiry is also here for my own selfish reasons. I need an outlet to deposit my thoughts and research. At some point I would like to further develop my religious studies. Also, I’d like this blog to somehow motivate my Father to maintain his blog and begin writing his religion/evolution book.
Where is Mormon Inquiry going?
I don’t know!
I recognize faith differently now than a few years ago. I recognize faith as having a desire to believe something is real, so acting as if that something is real.
My faith is a desire to believe, rather than a knowledge of truth.
So, I have faith (desire to believe) that Mormon Inquiry will begin to develop the best questions, but I am not certain.
Let us test my approach to this blog with an inquiry!
Is there a “best” way to recognize faith?
Respond to the question, provide an answer, develop the question further, or just smile. Those are your (only) options :).
References:
(1) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mormon
(2) http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquiry
DISCLAIMER: Although the subject of this blog is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this blog is not affiliated with the LDS organization and should not be taken as official statements from the LDS Church.
© Colin Faux 2011, All rights reserved. Request permission for distribution: Colin.e.faux@gmail.com
