How can you talk to these people?

[Euhemerus]

Very interesting thread. I believe that in a couple of Sundays, we'll be dealing with the topic of "creation" in the Priesthood manual. I have not studied the manual, but am looking at offering a rebuttal of sorts to the expected onslaught of young earth baloney that will be spewed that day. Are there any websites from LDS scientists who back up the idea of evolution? I have been encouraged to read some quotes from Eyring's father and from the Roberts-Smith debates, but are there current writings about it? Let me make it clear: I believe Adam was the father of mankind as we NOW know him and that God did indeed direct the creation, but I am a strong believer that man is a product of evolution. Your thoughts?

Henry Eyring was a believer in both evolution and a 4 billion year old earth. And in fact, he had several conversations with JSF in that vein. Henry Eyring's response to JSF's book "Man his origin and destiny" was "Faith of a Scientist." Also, take a look in "Mormon Scientist" for Eyring's views on these issues.

I agree that I don't think many Mormons believe the earth is 6000 years old. However, I was very surprised when one of my close friends seems to be very reluctant to agree with me that the earth was over 4 billion years old. It seems many don't quite know what to think.

[Tigger]

My thanks to all of you for your help. I had studied some of the material ahead of time, being properly armed just in case the teacher started getting off on a tangent (B.H. Roberts, Eyring, Brigham Young) and started extolling the virtues of young earthism and anti-scientific evidence. Minutes before the class was to begin, I was informed that the teacher had not arrived. I was asked to give the lesson. I decided to play the middle ground, and emphasize the importance of a creator, but also placing equal importance on use of appropriate scientific facts. I made it clear that God respects such principles as laws on which he "organized matter." Not one person disputed my assertion.

This was a pleasant surprise as I had heard the ridiculous "man from monkey" anti-evolution statements in prior classes. I was sort of hoping somebody would bring it up, but maybe the Lord knew I would have gone ballistic, had the topic reared its ugly head. I was uneasy going into the class, but felt inspired after finishing it.

Let me also take this opportunity to thank everyone here at staylds.com. You have no idea what it means to me to read your posts everyday. After experiencing spiritual disaffection, I often feel YOU are the only ones who understand. There have been so many times I've wanted to "leave," but have decided against it after reading the posts here. I actually do feel the spirit reading your thoughts and ideas. There is an aura or brotherhood (and sisterhood) that mystically permeates this site that has given me so much comfort. I cannot talk to my spouse or family about these things, as they have told me that I am an apostate. I don't feel that I am. I have just disavowed a cursory, simple look at Mormonism and religion in general, peeling it off for a more intellectual, profound understanding.

Again, thank you my brothers and sisters. As you pray for all of us (is that like a NOM prayer list), I feel your power. I will also continue to pray for all of you.

Please excuse my incongruence as I have jumped around probably too much for the moderator's liking, but I did want to take this opportunity to share my feelings.

[Ray Degraw]

I loved it. No problem from the one most likely to moderate things.

[Brian Johnston]

Thanks for sharing your experience Tigger. That is so very encouraging! I am glad you are finding peace and progress.

[SamBee]

How can I talk to these people? Virtually every non-church topic ends up like this.

I've only read the first page of this topic so far, but my two cents would be that it's quite simple...

All you have in common with these people is your church. It happens. All through life I've bumped into people who I have little in common with, and little to talk about with... it's not like the church has the monopoly on such people, they're everywhere. Most human beings are mediocre - doesn't make them bad folk, just a bit boring. I live in suburbia, so I should know!

[silentstruggle]

I've been away for a few weeks (busy and two colds), but it was fun to come back and read all of this.

The place I settle to in my mind is that an old earth and evolution do not detract from the miraculousness of its existence. If anything, it adds. Even the most callous atheistic scientist stands in awe of the universe, of the earth and of life. The bible gives us metaphor and framework. Written by people thousands of years ago, even if under inspiration, it is unrealistic for us to expect it to encompass the knowledge that would come about later.