Let me briefly say a couple of things in response to questions.

The list of doctrines is short, not exhaustive, out of my sense of the etiquette of posting. If yours did not make the list, I apologize and hope what I wrote helped you think about what makes you study the gospel.

The list of intellectuals is even shorter. There is a vast and rich history of faithful intellectual encounters with Mormonism.

I have known a number of intellectuals who left the Church in the 40′s and 50′s. It seemed to me they never got it. Thank goodness that so many of us can share our excitement now.

As I look at my bookshelf now, I can see I should have included Spencer W. Kimball, a brilliant writer and careful thinker who has added much to my life and Hugh B. Brown who brought my mind to life with spectacular sermons, independent thinking, and a twinkle in his eye when he thought we were taking ourselves too seriously.

Culture masquerading as doctrine seems to me to be the biggest challenge the international church faces. While I won’t name names, powerful minds in the church have been writing books to try to make a certain brand of western American Mormon culture the only acceptable culture in the church. There is constant pressure on all of us to give away some of our rich intellectual heritage in the name of a very sophisticated call to conform. I hope we’ll keep thinking and sharing.

Kevin (#10) – Exactly. It has always amazed me that people think Mormonism is dull and simple. It’s spiritually and intellectually breathtaking to me.

And how cool is it to have a genuine intellectual (Henry B. Eyring)in the First Presidency?

Our wards are full of people who have pondered for years on the same scriptures and discourses we have. However, we have each taken a different piece of the Mormon narrative to heart, and come to different conclusions as to its import in our lives. For example, I loved the strands that developed from DK’s “What is Doctrine?” posting today.

Developing our own thoughts and keeping them to ourselves is isolating and frustrating. We don’t have a church of intellectual silos. Rather, each of us is given the chance to testify, teach, edify, and expound. Our callings and talks encourage us to rub off on each other. Taking this role seriously, and remaining open to others with a similar pleasure is a core aspect of life as a Saint.

I agree with you that intellectual spiritual experiences are sacred. I didn’t intend to suggest otherwise.