[Eric Merrill]

Heber13 wrote:

I just wondered what things you like about church that you want to hold on to, or are still of value to you?

The things I like most about church are (in no particular order):

-the sense of community (going anywhere there’s an LDS church hand having an instant support structure).

-the unique doctrines that add purpose to life (Such as pre-mortal life, post-mortal progression, humanized God)

-support and drive towards becoming a better person

-opportunities to serve/love others.

I’ll refrain from making a similare list of things I least like about the church… 🙄

[Eric Merrill]

cwald wrote:

church0333 wrote:

… I worry more about how I am going to handle the rest of this life than I do the next life at this stage.

The end.

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+1

Love this. I would also answer “no” and, like Ray, TR status has nothing to do with concern for salvation. Rather, my lack of concern is fueled by my personal beliefs on the atonement, grace, trials, plan of salvation, etc. All is well in Zion. :lolno:

[Eric Merrill]

Heber13 wrote:

What are some of the things about the church and gospel that you cling to that you don’t want to throw out? What’s your “taste of choice” at the buffet?

I’m not entirely sure how to answer this…Are you asking what my favorite aspects of the church (or gospel, I would differentiate these) are? Are you asking what I don’t want to choose to disbelieve? Or maybe, why I choose to stay? I’ll wait to answer so I don’t ramble incessantly in the wrong direction.

[Eric Merrill]

Well, since Alien = extraterrestrial, and God isn’t of this world, one can definitively conclude that Joseph Smith, did in fact, receive a visit from an alien.:lolno:

I’ve always found the alien/creator theories fascinating, especially the one about the race of the Elohim. Very fascinating, though being the cynic I am, I don’t put any weight in any of them…

[Eric Merrill]

Ann wrote:

I am a little envious of your decisiveness; you seem to know where you’re going. I’m pretty sure I will never leave outwardly, but I would like to be inwardly more comfortable.

We’re all so different. Yet faith progresses in very predictable ways (at a high level, which is why people like Fowler and Kohlberg’s develop theories about it) that we’re able to relate so well to each other. I think the strength of these communities is in learning to see the incredible differences we have while also seeing how much we are alike, and learning to love and respect them. I know for many people, going slow is the best advice. For me? I’m an all or nothing kind of guy. I tend to be single minded, unable to focus on more than one thing at a time. When my shelf crashed, I was given advice to go slow. I was told I spent 25+ years building my faith and it might take many years to rebuild it. I was told to take one thing at a time. But like others, I don’t work this way. I spent the next few months devouring church history, podcasts, books, forums, etc. I had a goal. I had heroes. I saw others with the type of faith I wanted to emulate and so I went for it. My transition from mostly unbelief to where I am now took around 6 months.

Ann, I have faith. I understand what that means for the first time in my life. I understand how much I truly don’t KNOW! I lack certain knowledge of most things that would be considered the standard LDS testimony. I have a sure knowledge of the principles of the Gospel that I can experiment on. When I really think about it, this is how it was instantly….from the time my shelf collapsed. I lacked knowledge but had a testimony of practical things. What I wasn’t, was comfortable with this state of being. I hated not knowing! My whole life was built around certainty! As I felt better and better it was because my expectation of having certainty faded. My acceptance of uncertainty grew. I even felt excited that I could believe whatever I wanted to! freeeedoooom! I think of the scripture in John where Jesus teaches “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The truth is uncertainty is and always was required to have faith.

I’m glad to be here. I Look up to so many of you. And I relate very well. I’m new, but I have many of the same opinions and feelings as many of you. I too, often feel as though there is no oxygen in sunday school.

[Eric Merrill]

writer63 wrote:

One question, how have you dealt with all of this family and friends?

Other than my wife, I haven’t “dealt with it.” Earlier on in my faith transition I sometimes felt a desire to share my new faith perspective with family and friend. I felt like doing so would make me feel more authentic. But I never knew how and so never did. Eventually I just got to the point where I thought, “what would I share?” As I became more comfortable with my changed faith, it just became a part of me. Sharing it would be the same as randomly explaining any other part of my story. So I strive to be authentic all the time while being sensitive to others in their journey. I have no doubt others at church are aware that I think differently, but don’t know why or exactly how.

My poor wife on the other hand was with me during the beginning when I was “adjusting.” On that account I handled it poorly. I didn’t know what to say our how to say it. I made many mistakes and caused way more tension than I needed to. I wish I had a support community like this from the beginning. I’ve read the advice of others here about slowing down, not spilling everything you’re feeling right away, etc, and it’s sound advice. The “crisis” part passes and feelings change. Prudence is best.

Thanks!

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[Eric Merrill]

mackay11 wrote:

I’m not sure whether he had the vision or not. I’m not even sure it’s as important as leaders make it out to be. I believe Joseph was inspired and left behind some important concepts and scripture. I don’t know about the origins but I know I still like the output.

+1

I really like this perspective Mackay.

Though having this perspective (underlined part) justifies the first line of thinking. Unfortunately the church does little to help us develop this type of thinking.

I for one am happy to see this stuff on LDS.org no matter how white washed they make it. as others of you have said, it opens doors to discuss these issues in church.

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[Eric Merrill]

Thanks for all the warm welcomes! To answer you, Heber, I’m here for two reasons. You nailed the first. I do find I sometimes want to discuss things that would not be appropriate to discuss in Sunday school. Second, when my shelf collapsed, it was online groups like this that helped me work things out. I wish to make friends and be part of this vibrant community.

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[Eric Merrill]

mackay11 wrote:

I’ve been saying for a while that there is a place for people like us in the church, that we don’t have to sit quiet in the corner and bight our tongue.

I just wanted to say I think it’s wonderful of you to take this on Mackay. Your branch is lucky to have you. I quote the above because this aligns nicely with what I believe. I choose to come on as my real name because I am in a place where I am 100% comfortable with my journey. It may not look like the “normal” Mormon experience, but it is what it is and it’s becoming more common in the world in which we live. I hope that as more people (in church) are exposed to members with more independent, thoughtful approaches to faith, the more loving, accepting, and understanding they will become. When they call you, they get you. This could end up being a very inspired calling. Good luck! :thumbup:

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