So, this week the worldwide web of Mormonism has been studying the Book of Ruth — one of my favorites.

From poetry to local color, the book holds a lot to ponder.

For one thing, Ruth is the heroine of the story, but we never learn what she looks like. That's because it doesn't matter. The Book of Ruth is all about inner qualities, not outer appearances.

In fact, the book itself is about the inner workings of Israel — the customs, the rituals, the traditions — not the spectacle outer events such as battles and escapes across the Red Sea or the reign of kings and princes.

"Outer" history is important. It gives us the sweep of things; it gives us a context for understanding what has gone before.

But "inner" history gives the past its blood and bones, its sweetness, softness and humanity. It was true 5,000 years ago, and it's true now.

Ruth's story is inner history.

The best of Mormonism is, too.

For many years, modern religions have talked in terms of "high church" and "low church."

High church is the big picture — the grand events and major leader. Low church is the parish priest making his rounds.

In Mormondom, high church would be the leaders, the conferences, the proclamations and the big decisions.

Low church would be the branch president in Honduras checking on the health of a Primary child.

But I've never liked those terms — high and low church. And I don't think the churches like them either.

I don't think the LDS apostles see themselves as "high church" and I doubt they see local bishops as "low."

I like the terms I used earlier — outer church and inner church.

In Mormonism, outer church would be the Restoration, the flight from Nauvoo, the persecutions, the trek West and the grand design — the warp and woof — of things.

But inner church, that's where the LDS religion gets its strength.

Inner church is the Scoutmaster telling inspirational stories around the campfire. It's the Relief Society teacher showing sisters how to make first aid kits or the home teacher who shovels your walks, knows your kids by name and leaves a pleasant feeling and prayer in your home when he goes.

History needs both the inner and outer, of course.

The outer gives history its shape. It's a container where we can pour all those inner church miracles we experience every day.

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The writer of the Book of Ruth knew that, I think. He knew all about the big miracles, but he wanted to show us a small one.

Because he did, we get a glimpse into the hearts and souls of people who cherish their relationship with God and their relationships with each other.

And the Bible — and our lives — are much richer because of it.

e-mail: jerjohn@desnews.com

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