Exploring Mormon Thought: Volume 2, The Problems of Theism and the Love of God

by Blake T. Ostler

Book annotation not available for this title.

Genres: Religion, Philosophy

503 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the first book in the series (see my review), parts of the book were a little slow-going, but overall the book was very interesting. One of the most interesting topics discussed is the Atonement. The most prevalent view of the Atonement among LDS holds the following: when someone commits a sin, divine justice requires that a punishment be suffered, and Christ suffered the punishments for everyone's sins so that everyone wouldn't have to suffer if they would repent. Ostler argues that such a view of the Atonement is unsound. I will highlight a few of his reasons. First, the penal substitution model is unjust: allowing sinners to get off scot-free while requiring the only innocent person, Christ, to suffer is not just, even if Christ willingly submits to the suffering. For example, assume that a mother catches one of her young sons stealing something. As she is going to punish him by whipping him, the young boy's brother steps in and says, "mom, I am stronger than he is, whip me." The mom then whips the stronger, innocent boy to placate her anger. The mother's action of whipping the innocent boy is in no way just; it is manifestly unjust. Which brings me to my second point: moral guilt is not transferable, so, as stated above, justice is not satisfied when Christ suffers for my sins. Justice requires the guilty person to be punished (unless he repents), and nobody else. Sin and its consequences are not like an impersonal commercial transaction, where one person can pay the debt of another. Sin and punishment are personal, and therefore the analogy to a commercial transaction is not a good one. Third, if justice is always satisfied by someone being punished then there is no room for mercy. Mercy is forgiving someone without requiring punishment or repayment, which God is fully capable of doing if someone sincerely repents. Ostler whole-heartedly admits that Christ suffered our pains, afflictions, and temptations, but he denies that such suffering was required by some universal law of justice that needed to be satisfied. If you want to know how he views the Atonement you'll have to read the book.

[Samcwright · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read second volume of Exploring Mormon Thought about 10 years ago. I came across powerful concepts that challenged my view of God and theology. In the intervening 10 years, I’ve studied the basics of theology and philosophy much more and have finally returned to these books. I now wonder what, if any thing, I took from these books the first time. Ostler does an incredible job of laying the philosophical and theological framework to evaluate Mormonism and its doctrines. He shares insights that have taken me years to develop and articulate. I don’t believe these are for everyone. And they do not represent the definitive philosophical response on Mormon thought. But they are an important contribution in the continuing dialogue about Mormon theology and highlight the unique and powerful ideas found in the faith.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume Two of Ostler's highly philosophical and logical look at traditional Christian doctrines and how Mormonism compares with them. I've been working my way through this particular book for months now, and I'm sure I've only grasped a small part of it. But what I have understood, I have loved and tried hard to internalize. I especially like Ostler's look at the Atonement (quite logically dispelling some of the common explanations of it that we accept so easily) and grace.

Of course, when all is said and done, we still know so little about God and the way he loves us. The more we think we know, the more we don't know!

On to Volume Three...

[Ryan Treft · Rating 5 out of 5]

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