I was talking to my brother last night and we were discussing the LDS culture’s sacred cows, so to speak. You see, my brother taught at the same writer’s conference I did a few weeks ago. He was privileged to attend Robison Well’s class on Humor in LDS Fiction. (I was teaching my screenplay class at the same time so missed the whole thing.) Somehow, the topic of sacred cows came up. It got me thinking.
It is often too common for Latter-day Saints to deify the culture rather than absorb, internalize and utilize the doctrine. In other words, just as an example, until the not too distant past, it was common for the elders of the church to bless and pass the sacrament at the beginning of every month. This wasn’t doctrine. It wasn’t laid forth by the brethren. Just somewhere, one day, somebody decided that it would be cool if the elders did this every fast Sunday. Here’s the problem with that.
The office of Elder in the Melchizedek priesthood carries its own duties, responsibilities, privileges and rewards. The office of Deacon in the Aaronic priesthood carries ITS own duties, responsibilities, privileges and rewards. When the elders of the church take over the duties of the deacons, they rob both.
It is important for Latter-day Saints to learn the doctrine of the church. It is equally important that they understand that Jesus Christ is God, Heavenly Father is the supreme God of the Universe, in addition to the gospel plan of salvation They have laid out for us–this is what we must hold sacred. Not traditions, not false doctrine, not elevation of one above another because of knowledge, finances or possessions. We are a humble, loving people who strive to live the teachings, principles and precepts of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Cling to the truths which have been given us, for they are precious and release all others which would pull us from that path.