Zenock, have you ever read Joseph Campbell the mythologist? The idea of literalism isn’t just a Mormon product, but a modernist product. We have traded myth and meaning for science and logic. Since the Temple is “symbolic myth,” it comes across to the modern logical mind as incomprehensible. To the earliest of Latter-day Saints the Temple was an extension of things they already understood. It was, and continues to be, a culmination of all that went before put into an ironically literal act. The symbols are not to hide the truth, but to illuminate the abstract. Frankly, if you don’t understand the Temple and its symbols it is because you aren’t listening to the endowment.

I was amazed by her ability to be positive and constructive while still acknowledging what I’d call gray areas (I wish I could think of a better phrase.) For instance, she mentioned that she still has questions, and that some of her questions are “on the shelf for now”. She also mentioned how she was uncomfortable with some of the “cultural” and “dogmatic” aspects of the church community. -All this while still being upbeat and supportive of her chosen faith. For me, this gave authenticity to the rest of her comments and testimony. I am glad she is on our team.