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The Bell Curve of Belief

Belief has many degrees and forms. It shapes who we are and defines our destiny. Understanding the various aspects of belief and where we are in our progression can help us make powerful choices to achieve our goals, and better able to understand what may be happening to those we love around us.

This video sheds some light on belief, but I failed to mention a few random things, which I'll include here:

  • I have frustrations with the dogmatic views of societal culture, as well as the culture of my faith (no problems with the doctrines). Having said that, I have no intentions of leaving it. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the governing component of the kingdom of God on the earth.
  • Curiously, I find that believers have a lot in common. If they tend to believe in a near-death experience of someone, I find they are more likely to believe in other unpopular beliefs such as energy work, a "conspiracy theory" or two, or things like the power of essential oils. 
  • I recently heard that "the majority of the crowd determines what is true and what is heresy". This principle is at work in our culture. Sometimes it seems the tail wags the dog, doctrinally speaking. 
  • I am a witness that some of the most true things are only held by the minority, heretics. If a heretic defends truth despite its unpopularity, then I proudly stand as one and will go to my grave defending it. Joan of Arc, Abinidi, Jesus Christ, Isaiah, etc. 
  • Could it be possible that excommunication itself could be one of those curious Abrahamic tests that prove to the Lord that the person on trial puts God before ALL else? I feel we are in the midst of witnessing two kinds of excommunication. 1) Those on the left side of the line, who are motivated by doubt and disbeleif, and 2) those on the right of the line, who are extremely faithful, but whose peculiar behavior (having crossed the red line) makes those who fill the seats of the Sanhedrin who are below the red line uncomfortable. 
See video below: https://youtu.be/jT8GAxyqEmk


Download Graphic here:

Comments

  1. TraciJanuary 26, 2019 at 7:17 AM

    Thanks Eric, this is interesting! This visual is clearly inspired and has caused me to ponder where I am at. It also helps me understand where others may be. The use of scripture verses is very helpful, as are your thoughts that go along with each. I appreciate your time and effort in putting this together. Thank you for sharing!

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2019 at 8:19 PM

    what an awesome teacher you are! I am a visual kind of student and your graph gave great context to the scriptures used. Thank you for putting this together. I hope to see more of your teachings.

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  3. HeatherFebruary 14, 2019 at 6:48 PM

    I love that you are firm in your faith and convictions and putting yourself out there, showing what side you will be on in the final battle. Having recently made a breakthrough in the confusing voices trying to get me to ignore my believing heart I stand with confidence that what your are sharing here is true and I’m willing to pay the price it will cost me to believe in truth coming forward even if it seems contrary to the culture of my faith. My whole heart wants to sing with the truths the Lord is teaching me for they are glorious, and the way I see it, confirms His omniscient merciful loving nature.

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  4. VictoriaFebruary 15, 2019 at 9:21 AM

    Thank you, Eric. You put a fine point on all that is going on in my head , especially since Bro Stroud’s testimony and where he finds himself. Perhaps this is his Abrahamic test. We will all have one. For me, this is what I measure by: “By their fruits ye shall know them.” I am so thankful he will continue his BOM podcasts. I appreciate your spirit and gain so very much from your essays.

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    Replies
    1. Eric SmithFebruary 15, 2019 at 9:45 AM

      Thanks Victoria. I love your points about Abrahamic tests, and "by their fruits". Best wishes!

      Delete
    2. LisaFebruary 15, 2019 at 10:38 AM

      Thank you Eric, both my husband and myself just watched this and really enjoyed it.

      Delete
  5. SkyBirdFebruary 16, 2019 at 9:42 PM

    I have found that "Lectures on Faith" is the most profound teaching of God's beliefs (His Faith in the attributes of godliness) and the opposite would be the faith or beliefs in the fallen or carnal nature which Paul describes as the "lusts of the flesh." One is the "fruit of the Spirit" and the other would be the "fruit of the flesh." One brings us to god/God and the other away from god/God.

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousFebruary 17, 2019 at 4:16 PM

    Does your bell curve represent number of people? If the x axis goes from fear to faith, I would think the people with the most faith would be on the rightmost side of the bell curve-- the right tail. Most people would fall in the middle with a mix of fear and faith. Maybe you could turn your tiers 90 degrees? I see what you are saying with more effort (people can labor in sin or righteousness), but it seems at odds with how a histogram works.

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    Replies
    1. Eric SmithFebruary 17, 2019 at 5:47 PM

      I know what you mean. This model doesn’t seem complete. But it is more conceptual than actual so I dont have a use for actual data . I think Lehi’s opposition in all things creates an even distribution on both sides, which I honestly feel is accurate. I don’t think most people act in faith - maybe, but it’s probably more even in my mind.

      Delete
  7. Seeker42May 30, 2019 at 12:16 PM

    Thanks Eric. This is well thought out and very compelling. Keep it up!

    ReplyDelete

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