On Blind Obedience

I read the phrase today that people of the LDS faith are referred to as "sheeple" rather than "people," and was prone, after a period of indignation, to consider blind obedience. Before examining blind obedience, I first elucidate my personal considerations on the principle of obedience. To begin, I quote Aristotle and Boethius:

"In practical matters the end is not mere speculative knowledge of what is to be done, but rather the doing of it. It is not enough to know about Virtue, then, but we must endeavour to possess it, and to use it, or to take any other steps that may make us good." --Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics, X, 9, 1

"Do you try to satisy your desires with external goods which are foreign to you because you have no good within you which belongs to you?" --Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy, Book 2, Prose 5

There is some obvious necessity of creating an 'end product' of our lives, deciding a statement of character and performing the acquisition of self-determined characteristics. Both Aristotle and Boethius coin this final life-statement as 'good,' but I believe it aligns with the admonition of the Saviour when he commanded to "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect (Matt. 5:48)."

The object toward which our lives culminates is perfection in Christ, through the Atonement, to the highest degree which we are personally able. Toward this goal of improvement we are each (mercifully) spiritually urged, as was stated by Pres. McKay,

"Man is a spiritual being, a soul, and at some period of his life everyone is possessed with an irresistible desire to know his relationship to the infinite... There is something within him which urges him to rise above himself, to control his environment, to master the body, and all things physical and live in a higher more beautiful world." --McKay, "True to the Faith," p. 244

Once distilled, that 'something' which urges provides nourishment to that portion of our bodies which is infinite, and implants continued desires toward goodness and perfection, and also the motivations needed to accelerate toward those attributes.

Obedience is the pathway for obtaining such perfection. As such, if properly instituted in our lives, it becomes a repeated occasion toward fulfilling our righteous desires, imbuing us with happiness. Obedience requires breaking necessary detrimental habits, instilling requisite new habits, and obtaining a knowledge of those laws to which one must be obedient. Although it is difficult, the sum product of our efforts results in spiritual contentment. Often, when feeling 'rebellious,' it is the hope of future peace that propels my obedience. Ultimately, from my experience, after exhibiting obedience is sincere gratification through the companionship of the Holy Ghost.