In a recent post at BCC, Kristine Haglund presents a charming and charitable view of Mormonism from a man named Jim Burklo.  I found his descriptions generally delightful, even though he disagrees with the stand the church has taken on gay marriage.  There was a statement about three-fourths of the way through that really rubbed me the wrong way (although at least one commenter agreed with it).  The statement had to do with Mormon doctrines being the price, not prize, of membership.

My take on this statement is that he is saying that to be a member of the church one must sacrifice something (reason, good judgment, common-sense, clear reading of scripture?) in order to be a Mormon.  It suggests that Mormonism does in fact have good things to offer, as long as one can swallow the unsavory doctrines.  I object to this characterization, because for me the doctrines/theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are the prize of membership.

At the core of Mormon testimony, is the claim of a restoration.  This restoration is the stuff of gospel, doctrine, priesthood, plan of salvation, etc.  This restoration is not, in my opinion, a restoration of social interaction and charitable service – for example.  One can get social interaction and charitable service from many worthy sources, but one cannot get a restored gospel, with its associated doctrines and priesthood, anywhere else.

I am a member of this church because I believe it.  There is a price of membership, but for me it is not doctrinal.  The price is paid in the practice.  The sacrifices come in the form of tithing, Sabbath observance, home teaching, and callings, etc.  Yes, these sacrifices have associated blessings, but I make the sacrifice because I believe in the restoration and doctrinal claims of the church, not in spite of them.  I certainly do not feel that I am alone in this.

The post had such a positive feel to me, that I find myself not greatly offended by the statement, yet if the tone were any less pleasant, I would find the statement offensive and insulting.