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I am completely tired of the racism, sexism and viscious social surveillance (gossip, cliques) that is inherent in Mormon culture as well! The woman who said she did not believe in education because it causes people to “get liberal ideas” is nuts and if she doesn’t believe in education, then she doesn’t believe in what the church teaches, because we are taught to get all the education we can. That is certainly what I did and what I am teaching my children AND especially my daughter.
There is nothing wrong with being an LDS feminist. I applaud you for seeking to work on racsim in society. I do not think you are alone in the church, caring about racism. Maybe you feel alone in your area, but worldwide I don’t see that. However, I can tell you a few stories my missionary son has told me that support your claims of racism in the church. When my son was in the MTC learning Spanish, he and his group were doing their assigned cleaning duties. Some of the other missionaries were complaining about having to clean, and one said something like, “They just want us to know what it’s like to do meanial jobs like the Mexicans.” My son was SO MAD. And this is a missionary sent out to teach Mexicans and he feels this way? Also, my son’s latest companion OFTEN said the “N” word, which about made my son go through the roof. Of course there are members of the church that are racist but we cannot expect church members to be perfect. This should not be because we SHOULD know better.
I would report the teacher that outlined scriptural refrences linking Obama to the anti-Christ. That’s ridiculous and completely wrong.
I can see why you are tired of being associated with people who can be so hateful to each other, who tear women down and who TRY to castigate anyone who dares to disagree. At the same time, I know all members of the church are not like this. I also firmly believe that our prophet and apostles are aware of these types of situations and if you listen to their talks in general conference, you will not find any encouragement or support to this kind of behavior. The church NEEDS people like yourself to speak the voice of reason on these issues! I also see you as a great role model for young women. I would LOVE for my daughter to associate with you. Truly. The scriptures are on your side.
The church needs people like my son. I’m so proud of him. Do you know what he did? Those other missionaries were constantly saying racists things about Mexicans. He talked to his Branch President about it because it made him so upset. That Branch President was not pleased and had a discussion with the missionaries about how wrong that is! We need good people in the church to stand up and defend their brothers and sisters. What I’m saying is, the church would be much less without you. The question is…how can you stand up and be strong without losing your mind? LOL That’s what I’m trying to answer myself. I think the answer is to be found in the enabling power of Christ. We need to tap into it more.
I believe there is real power in God’s words. Think of all the things God has accomplished by the power of his word. The Bible says in Isa. 55:11, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” I have found this to be true! I’m not sure exactly how it works, but I believe there is a real power in God’s words. They will do the work they are meant to do to our souls, and we will propser…grow…develop. This is the beauty of the scriptures. They are maco and micro in nature. We can each read something and it will affect us each differently. God is accomplishing his purpose in us through His word. There are answers in the scritpures for you. God’s word is powerful beyond measure…moreso than words of man in other sources. I truly believe God has sent out words for you in the scriptures and when you read them, you will prosper.
I’m comfortable sharing the many aspects of my testimony of Jesus Christ, the impact of the Holy Ghost in my life, and in any way it manifests itself, my acknowledging God for his goodness, greatness, and mercy…and in giving HIM the glory. I couldn’t agree more. There is a tendency by some to “tough it out” so to speak, without seeking the enabling power of Christ as they travel on their journey. Being humble and seeking his grace is advised in the scriptures: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” (Ether 12:27) There is a source of power beyond our own that is there for the asking. Why wait? That makes complete sense to me. I would HAAAATE that. But then again I don’t like the idea of home and visiting teachers “reporting” on how I’m doing. How is that not like spying? 🙄 Oh…yes….here’s the link: http://mormonstories.org/?p=225 You have to listen to this podcast. I see now what my problem was. I’m a convert and I believed when they said you should never turn down a calling…so I never did. As we moved from ward to ward through the years, the Bishop didn’t care what I’d been doing in my previous ward. He just had a calling to fill. So I eneded up in Primary for over 20 years. I’m practically brain dead now. I didn’t have an LDS mother to help guide me and give me clues about the LDS culture. I am planning to be that LDS mother for my daughter. I won’t let this happen to her.
Some people (women) are ridiculous in what they do to “magnify” their callings. I believe the church leaders have seen this and have tried to tell us less is more, but it’s the culture. I have noticed that LDS women are NUTS and do ridiculous things. Why? I don’t know. Competition? Trying to “look good”?
You are going to love this podcast. Enjoy. Come back and tell me how you liked it.
Thanks for posting these links. They were VERY helpful and hopeful. I have a greater understand of what is happening to me. 
dash1730 wrote:Daisy, Herzlich willkommen! (A hearty welcome) … Some of us, me included, have worked through the crap and come out the other end the better person for it, and even can start to function within the Church with some sense of peace and equanimity. But I can’t pretend to tell you if or how that might work for you …. who knows, you may be able to show some of those know-it-all’s what it means to love the Savior. If you could do that, how would that feel?
That would feel good dash…so long as I learn not to act like a know-it-all myself.
😆 I am encouraged by the fact that you have worked through the crap and came out the other end. That is my goal. I want to be able to function within the Church with peace (but I have to go look up equanimity. Me so stoopid. LOL) I’m certain that the Lord will guide and direct me on the path that will work for me. I appreciate your help along the way!Heber13 wrote:Welcome Daisy. I have been a member my whole life and live outside Utah, and still feel many of the same things you expressed. I think it is a natural progression for many people like us. And that is ok……I think you have found a safe environment where you can ask your questions, share your answers, or your doubts or your feelings…and find we can all benefit from sharing our stories. Thanks for sharing yours.
Welcome to the forum.
Thank you Herbert13. I felt so happy reading this: “for many people like us.” I honestly felt I was alone. I think you are right in that I have found a safe environment where I can ask questions and interact. I appreciate your support so much!
silentstruggle wrote:Welcome. I share many of the same opinions. At least know you are not alone and not crazy!!!
Thanks Silentstruggle. I LOVE your name because that says it all, doesn’t it? I appreciate learning the fact that I am not alone and not crazy. Thank you so much.Valoel wrote:Hang on to what has value and brings you goodness. Go slow and always try to “trade up” when we make changes.
Welcome aboard!
Thanks for the welcome Valoel….and I appreciate the above statement. I will hang on to what has value and brings me goodness. I have a strong feeling I was led here in answer to my pleas to the Lord for help.
MWallace57 wrote:This is for Newbie,
The Lord will let you know him. He will let you have a very personal relationship with him. It isn’t about you and the prophet, it is about you and the Lord.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwbkU7_rsBU Thanks…that was a very beautiful video. I know you are right, which is why I don’t like singing Praise to the Man. It is so unscriptural! I even doubt that Joseph Smith would approve of that song! Seriously!
MWallace57 wrote:“Praise to the Man” is different. It reads, “Mingling with Gods”, and places JS on the par with Jehovah, not as a humble spirit. I simply cannot relate. I go to church on Sunday to praise the Lord. I also agree that anything that JS accomplished, he did so by the power and gift of God and not of his own accord. I would give anything if the Church would just achieve “Praise to the Man” and replace it with, “Oh How Lovely Was the Morning”.
YES! MWallace57…you speak sweet words to my soul.
😆 [quote=”Bill Atkinson”Here is a link to an interview John Dehlin did with Greg Kearney a life long Mormon and Mason that pretty well answers most issues with Mormons and Masons: http://mormonstories.org/?p=14 Welcome and I look forward to sharing with you and learning from you.[/quote]
Thanks Bill! It is comforting to know my unease is shared by many. I have never lived in Utah before and it is a VERY hard adjustment. I listened to Greg Kearney’s Mormon and Mason podcast as you suggested and thoroughly enjoyed it. I greatly appreciate the information! At first I was angry b/c people I asked would give me the wrong information about the Mason/Mormon connection which I KNEW was wrong but I couldn’t find the answers I was seeking. I have Masonic books of my father’s and I KNEW there was no denying the connection, but no one seemed to be forthcoming with the origin of the endowment. Now I see that my anger was probably misplaced because I was looking for answers from people who simply did not know what they were talking about–they were simply parroting back what they had heard, being totally uninformed themselves. I have been praying and seeking and I feel I’ve finally found answers. I’m stuggling with WHY there has to be such mystery around the temple endlowment origins. So Joseph employed a Masonic teaching method which made sense for the people of his time. I can deal with that. I don’t think that teaching method works any more though–it certainly doesn’t work for me. I have attended the temple pre 1990 and I’m thankful that certain elements have been eliminated–elements that were most certainly Masonic–but I doubt I’ll be comfortable until it is all removed. I don’t understand why the Lord, who teaches us individually with his Spirit, would create a one-size-fits all experience in the endowment. Ah well…all these questions are probably for another section here…not in the introductions, right ? Thanks so much. You have NO idea how this has helped me.
