history, Elijah, and the Kirtland Temple

9 March 2024 - kudos:

As I’ve written before, I don’t necessarily believe that the dubious historicity of a particular religious event ought to undermine its theological significance, but I do strongly believe that dubious historicity undermines the ability of an individual or organization to insist that others agree with their theological conclusions. To take a major example, the unlikelihood of a literal resurrection in scientific terms isn’t going to stop me from finding value in the resurrection story at Easter, but it sure as heck is going to stop me from insisting that my atheist spouse make that story an important part of her life.

6 February 2023 - kudos:

If Elijah can make infinite flour and oil happen, demanding that the widow feed him first really comes off as a jerk move.