Great And Spacious

Last fall I read several comments on blogs, mine included, where protesters at LDS temples were likened unto those in Lehi's dream who were pointing and laughing at the righteous from the "great and spacious" building. For those unfamiliar with this reference, here's a little Lehi 101.

Okay, I had known for years, even before leaving the church, that Joseph Smith drank alcohol. That he had a bar in his house, had a license to distribute and sell liquor from his home, had no objection to having a brewery nearby, frequented the local tavern and even drank in jail directly before he was killed. (Google for details.) Then, also while still a believer, I attended a symposium wherein journals and city records were read giving clear evidence that several members of the Smith family, including Joseph's father - Joseph Smith Sr, were alcoholics. This information had no bearing on my future decision to sell my testimony to the gypsies, but at the time I was struck with a thought that made me giggle to no end.

I had previously learned, from several different sources - as, I think, we all did - that, according to Lucy Mack Smith (the prophet's mother), her husband, Joseph Smith Sr, had actually had what became "Lehi's Dream" in 1811 while they lived in Lebanon, New Hampshire. Joseph Jr. was five years old at the time and heard the dream repeated by his father several times throughout his childhood.

Growing up I was taught that the fact that Joseph's father had the dream long before it was discovered in the golden plates was remarkable and miraculous and clear evidence that God was working in the Smith family. But, sitting in that lecture on Smith Family history I was totally knocked over by even the possibility that Lehi's vision of the Tree of Life could have just been a dream had by an alcoholic man while he was passed out in the early 1800's. The notion that an alcohol induced hallucination snuck it's way into scripture and is now held sacred by millions of people who have paintings of it in their homes made me laugh my ass off. Still does - especially since I no longer believe it to be true.

So, given that I now believe scripture to basically be metaphoric, mythological and man made, as well as, oftentimes, beautiful, poetic and even inspired - and given that I am now considered by many individuals to be one in the "great and spacious" building - I would like to speak for my fellow pointers and loud laughers.

The view from where we are is breathtaking. We look down and see so many in the wilderness, struggling in the storm, holding on to a cold railing to keep from falling into the mud. We look out and see the vast view from where we stand. From our perspective we see beyond the path and the rod and the valley. We can see past the trees and hills to the sea and the stars. Then we look down again and we hear the cries and prayers. We see the fruit and, yes, it is desirable. We know because it is also in here where it is warm. In here there is fruit and meat and chocolate and wine and warmth and music. In here we sing and meditate and read and learn and sometimes even pray. We live and we love and we celebrate.

We laugh because there is joy. And, this I promise you, we are not pointing with our fingers, we are beckoning with open and outstretched hands.

Just wanted you to know.