Liahona And Iron Rod Mormons

[Cal]

Recently I described two fundamentally different approaches to mormonism that has historically differentiated mormons by reference to how they interpret mormon doctrine and history. Liahona and Iron Rod. Does anyone use this terminology anymore, or am I totally "dating" myself.

[Snow]

Originally posted by Cal@Jun 15 2004, 03:35 PM
Recently I described two fundamentally different approaches to mormonism that has historically differentiated mormons by reference to how they interpret mormon doctrine and history. Liahona and Iron Rod. Does anyone use this terminology anymore, or am I totally "dating" myself.

As I recall we reviewed that topic last year on this board. I have never heard anybody not an internet regular use the venacular.

I heard it about 2 years ago...but haven't heard of it since.

[Jenda]

I heard about it the first time about 2 years ago and read some articles about them then (on the internet).

[DisRuptive1]

Um, what?

[shanstress70]

Originally posted by Cal@Jun 15 2004, 05:35 PM
Recently I described two fundamentally different approaches to mormonism that has historically differentiated mormons by reference to how they interpret mormon doctrine and history. Liahona and Iron Rod. Does anyone use this terminology anymore, or am I totally "dating" myself.

I have heard of the two terms, of course. But I wasn't aware that it was two different approaches to Mormonism. Would you care to explain?

[shanstress70]

Never mind Cal. I just read your explanation in the other thread. Makes sense now.

So how is one with the Liahona mindset regarded in the church. You said that Iron Rod Mormons think the Liahona's are 'going to hell in a handbasket'. But are Liahona's usually active in church? Do they have callings? Or are most of them quiet about it around other members, and pretend to be an iron rod?

[curvette]

This is a problem that probably plagues most religions and organizations! I see this as more of a personality issue than an "obedience" issue. People who have the 'iron rod" mindset are simply more judgemental by nature and so, of course, everyone else is going to hell in a handbasket from their perspective. Liahona types absolutely drive them crazy. On the other hand, the iron rodders are the ones who do the lion's share of the work. They build the church, and the liahonas try to make it more spiritual and fun. It really takes both types for a balanced organization. (But shhhhhhh...don't tell the iron rodders that!)

[Jenda]

Originally posted by curvette@Jun 16 2004, 02:59 PM
This is a problem that probably plagues most religions and organizations! I see this as more of a personality issue than an "obedience" issue. People who have the 'iron rod" mindset are simply more judgemental by nature and so, of course, everyone else is going to hell in a handbasket from their perspective. Liahona types absolutely drive them crazy. On the other hand, the iron rodders are the ones who do the lion's share of the work. They build the church, and the liahonas try to make it more spiritual and fun. It really takes both types for a balanced organization. (But shhhhhhh...don't tell the iron rodders that!)

This is the problem that has been plaguing the RLDS church for the last 30-40 years. The only problem is, the liberals (who would be equivalent to the Liahona types) have successfully driven out the fundamentalists (the restorationists (to us) the equivalent to the Iron Rodders). The only conservative faction left in the church are the quiet ones who don't make a fuss or rock the boat, giving silent approval to the liberals who are taking the church down the path of liberal protestantism.

The only ones who seem to understand that the church needs the liberals and the fundamentalists in order for it to be a healthy, thriving institution are the fundamentalists that have been tossed out on their ear.

[curvette]

Originally posted by Jenda@Jun 16 2004, 05:42 PM
This is the problem that has been plaguing the RLDS church for the last 30-40 years. The only problem is, the liberals (who would be equivalent to the Liahona types) have successfully driven out the fundamentalists (the restorationists (to us) the equivalent to the Iron Rodders). The only conservative faction left in the church are the quiet ones who don't make a fuss or rock the boat, giving silent approval to the liberals who are taking the church down the path of liberal protestantism.

The only ones who seem to understand that the church needs the liberals and the fundamentalists in order for it to be a healthy, thriving institution are the fundamentalists that have been tossed out on their ear.

This is incredibly ironic. No middle ground in either one of our churches. Maybe it's only the persecuted minority who really see and appreciate their own value. Maybe in a religious environment (where everyone is expected to be civil to one another) extreme differences in outlook make it too hard to peacefully coexist. It does make it hard to ever make any decisions. I think Congress calls it deadlock.