Mormon Stories Podcast 150: Daymon Smith Pt. 2 - The Life and Death of Mormon Speculation and the Rise (and Costs) of Correlation
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May 13, 2010 Daymon Smith, an LDS anthropologist, delves into the birth of the correlation department within the LDS Church and its significant impact on modern beliefs. He explores how early doctrinal speculation among church leaders led to the necessity for a unified doctrine. The conversation shifts to the challenges faced during the transition from diverse theological perspectives to a structured curriculum post-World War II. Smith also discusses the personal journeys of disillusionment among members and the costs of maintaining unity in faith.
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Early LDS Metaphysical Speculation
- Early LDS leaders like Orson Pratt engaged in rich, metaphysical speculation about the spirit world and doctrinal concepts.
- His detailed analogies connected physical concepts to spiritual realities, showing a dynamic early theological creativity.
Debate on God's Progression
- Brigham Young believed God eternally progresses, while Orson Pratt argued God is already perfect and doesn't progress.
- This fundamental theological dispute reflected deep divergent views on God’s nature within early LDS leadership.
Post-War Growth Drives Correlation
- Post-WWII growth and global missionary expansion pressured LDS leaders toward curriculum simplification.
- Harold B. Lee aimed to standardize teachings to prevent fragmentation and bureaucratize the church efficiently.
