Predatory Disbelief

Despite the rhetorical posturing of many critics of the Church, it does not excommunicate people for asking questions, much less for “thinking.”  (Note the equally absurd implication that only critics and dissenters can be Mormon “intellectuals.”)  Indeed, the Church was founded by a young boy asking questions.  Asking questions is a very important path to greater light and knowledge.  Nor does the Church excommunicate people for doubt.  Part of the inevitable consequence of the human condition is uncertainty and ambiguity.  This makes doubt the inevitable companion of faith: “I believe; help thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:24).  Doubt is not the opposite of faith; disbelief is the opposite of faith–or, as the the scriptures generally describe it, “unbelief.” Disbelief is the rejection of faith-claims of the Church: rejection of God; rejection of the divinity and atonement of Christ; rejection of the prophethood of Joseph Smith; rejection of the authenticity of his scripture; rejection of the authority of LDS priesthood.  But the Church doesn’t even excommunicate members for disbelief.  Many members of the Church disbelieve one or another of the Church’s claims while continuing in Church activity and membership.  The problem that leads to possible excommunication is predatory disbelief–the open and public attempt to convince other members of the Church that they, too, should disbelieve its truth claims.  If the Church is true, then predatory disbelief aims to destroy the eternal salvation of Church members.  Clearly and publicly identifying predatory disbelievers is an obligation the Church has to its members.