Year: 1989
Type: article
Abstract: This allegiance to the gospel and Church generates both personal and institutional strength.Bruce R. McConkie's Mormon Doctrine and the General Handbook of Instructions provide not only instruction but an enabling security and self-assurance that leads to unequivocal church-directed action, from asking golden questions to sand-bagging river banks -though as every bishop knows, it's not quite enough to ensure that "the home teaching gets done."With answers in the Ensign and the demands of planning the ward Christmas party, the kinds of introspective struggles that preoccupy the Liahona rarely rise to the issue stage for the Church-centered member."For in an activity-centered Church it is quite possible to be deeply and satisfyingly involved without looking seriously at the philosophical implications of some Gospel propositions which are professed" (Poll 1967, 112).1 Personal Inspiration ( the Charismatics) I would prefer a Mormon symbol consistent with Iron Rod and Liahona to denominate the Charismatic type, but I have not as yet come up with an equally felicitous label.I have elected to use the respectable "charismatic" (personal) as a contrast to the "priestly" (Iron Rod) or Liahona approaches to the gospel.Regardless of the unhallowed label, let me emphasize that the Charismatics are also faithful members of the Church who sustain their leaders.Devotion to the Church, however, does not inhibit them from seeking unmediated spiritual direction, which is their defining characteristic.The Charismatics are, then, those who rely on the Holy Spirit as their primary source of guidance.Liahonas easily mistake them for Iron Rods.These Saints, however, share a common experience with the Liahonas: inevitable ambiguity stalks both Liahona and Charismatic quests for truth and light, though Charismatics quietly endure uncertainty rather than systematically engaging doubt.The Charismatics' personal and church experiences confirm Paul's observa-
DOI: 10.2307/45225758
Author: Jeffrey C. Jacob
Language: English
Subfield: History
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4312413969