The Book of Mormon Mind vs the Humanist Mind

Posted on May 25, 1988 by Admin

Chauncey C. Riddle
25 May 1988

  1. Assumptions:
    1. Book of Mormon Mind—The mind of the Book of Mormon prophets
    1. The Book of Mormon prophets were of one mind.
    1. We understand by comparison: The Book of Mormon mind will be compared with the mind of contemporary Humanism (which is not of one mind).
    1. It is impossible to separate a description of mind from theology (theology is metaphysics).
    1. This study creates a social commentary.
  2. Epistemology
Book of Mormon Mind Humanist Mind
Heart fundamental, mind importantMind fundamental, heart said not to be important
Vertical orientation: manticHorizontal orientation: sophic
Base: Natural man: Carnal, sensual devilish unless redeemedBase: Ordinary man: superstitious, inept unless educated
Redemption: Yield to the light of Christ, and choose good; it will lead one to the Holy Ghost, by which one learns the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Upon accepting it, the ordinances, and the Holy Ghost, one may know what to do in all cases. If one then does what one knows one should, one will be redeemed by Jesus Christ.Rescue: Go to the best schools, learn the learning and wisdom of men, especially science. Science is a description of the universe which has been empirically grounded, rationally articulated and socially accepted by certified human beings.


Test: Power to be righteous. Test: Power to do what one desires.
(This leads to a showdown of power.)
Evaluates the confirmed Humanist as hard-hearted.Evaluates Book of Mormon mind as insane.

Fundamental Concepts

Book of Mormon MindHumanist Mind
God and SatanMyself, and everyone else
Choosing good over evilAttaining pleasure, avoiding pain
Saint/Natural manLearned, powerful/ unlearned, impotent
Space for repentanceLong life to have much pleasure
Place to prosperTurf to dominate
Redemption: To be restored to the presence of GodAdvantage: Some edge on others by which to be superior to someone
(No human competition)(Based on human competition)

Dichotomies

Book of Mormon MindHumanist Mind
Good/evilGood/bad
Righteousness/sinSuccess/stupidity
Righteous/ wickedAdvantaged/disadvantaged
Nephites (covenant people)/ Lamanites (non-covenant)Enlightened/backward
Throne of God/ gulf of miseryAll the latest technology/primitive conditions
Tree of Life/spacious buildingHonors of men/ignominy
Heaven/hellWealth/poverty
Happiness/miseryPleasure/pain
Church of Jesus Christ/secret combinationsLiberal civilization/reactionary persons
Liberty/captivityFreedom from economic concerns/ fending for oneself
Records of prophecies/ records of kings and warsReligious/ secular

3. Metaphysics

Book of Mormon MindHumanist mind
Time is finite for the group and the person.Time is infinite for the group, finite for the person.
Eternity is infinite for each person.Eternity does not exist.
Space is finite, assigned by God for repentance.Space is infinite, waiting to be conquered.
Causation: God creates all opportunities. Man determines those opportunities. No such thing as luck or chance.Causation: Blind chance creates all opportunities. Man chooses according to his conditioning. Luck and chance important.
History: All is foreknown: men act out the play.History is not determined; men create history in existential angst.
Groups exist to help individuals.Individuals exist for the sake of the group.
Reality is spiritual and physicalReality is only physical
Universals are guides to particulars.Particulars are guides to universals.
Particulars are the true and the good, to be treasured.Universals are the true and the good, to be treasured.

4. Ethics

Book of Mormon MindHumanist Mind
Man should rejoiceBlue is the common theme
Wisdom is Faith in Jesus ChristWisdom is prudence
Means to wisdom: Yield heart to GodMeans to wisdom: Shake off traditional religion and embrace the learning of men.
Duty of man: To love God with all of one’s heart, might, mind and strength.Duty of man: To thine own self be true.
Classes of men: Servants and those served.Classes of men: Leaders (intelligensia) and masses.
Social mobility: attained by personal repentance (abundance economy).Social mobility: attained by gaining some advantage over others (scarcity economy).
Success is to gain a pure heart.Success is to attain pleasure, acclaim, and might.
Lineage is all important.Belonging to the right contemporary group is important; lineage is only a burden.
Doing is most important. Knowing is most important.
The good: RighteousnessThe good: Pleasure, acclaim and might.
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