Topic: Power
Religious freedom is something I believe in, just as much as racial or gender equality. People have a right to believe and practice whatever they choose when it comes to religion, provided they do not undermine the rights of others.
However, I'm going out on a limb today. At the risk of sounding like I am seriously prejudiced against one of the largest growing religious groups in the world. I do not know that anyone else has ever suggested it. Some people may ask what gives me the right to be so bold. Well, it's not the first time I was out on a limb!
After carefully looking at the history of Joseph Smith, the prophet of Mormonism, I am convinced that his story has some classic themes of clergy sexual misconduct. Perhaps one of the most "successful" and long-running stories of all time. Yes, I believe this prophet was an incredibly credible perpetrator! In no uncertain terms.
He deceived his wife and followers, then covered it over to say that he had received a revelation from God that he was to follow the Old Testament patriarchs. What a creative way to suddenly gain MORE power. Blame it on God!
Not unlike what many people who refuse to accept scientific evidence that would change some basic fundamentalist beliefs that no longer help us to do anything except keep our delusions.
I'll be talking more about Joseph Smith's victims tomorrow.
