[Scott]

Interesting points and thanks to Tom for reminding me of the purpose of this forum. Even though there are other forums, I find this one most helpful because it helps me focus on myself rather than the faults in others.

I wonder if the naming conventions come from the leaders or those who surround them…my guess is the latter doing their best to establish a tone of reference and respect. The funny thing is, I often add my middle initial to things where it isn’t needed.

In the spirit of soul searching, I have to confess that some of the more hefty introductions of GAs make me feel uncomfortable. I wonder if this makes the GAs uncomfortable as well. Part of me gets cynical to the point that I miss out on the message. I don’t like this because I’m the only one that gets hurt, aside from those affected by my bad mood. Oddly enough, I probably wouldn’t have the same feelings if the conductor was introducing a non-LDS dignitary. Somehow, when it’s tied to the Church I get defensive. I wonder if this is my inner-self screaming out when I feel trapped.

Tom, good words of advice. I aught remember them when I start getting cynical.

Tom Haws wrote:

I don’t have any special respect for Brother Packer or Monson because of their position. But I respect them as divine human beings who are earnestly filling a calling to the best of their ability.

[Scott]

After my crisis of faith, I “stayed LDS” because I thought I had to. As a skeptic, I felt trapped. I resented things that had brought me comfort and strength in the past…prayer, reading inspired works, temple attendance. I’ve felt alone as a “stage 4” Mormon living a “Stage 3” life. Sharing my feelings of unbelief with loved ones has really helped. This has given me the space to dig deep and find out my own truth. I StayLDS because that’s my vehicle for personal change. It motivates me to pray to a god, who may or may not exist. But in the end I think I’ll be a better person. Change the church?…nah. I just want to change myself.

The folks at StayLDS.com rock!

[Scott]

Here’s another snippet from the interview:

Quote:

What about people who question the history of the Book of Mormon?

There are plenty of people who question the historicity of the Book of Mormon, and they are firmly in this church — firmly, in their mind, in this church — and the church isn’t going to take action against that. [The church] probably will be genuinely disappointed, but there isn’t going to be action against that, not until it starts to be advocacy: “Not only do I disbelieve in the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, I want you to disbelieve.” At that point, we’re going to have a conversation. A little of that is more tolerated than I think a lot of people think it should be. But I think we want to be tolerant any way we can. … “Patient” maybe is a better word than “tolerant.” We want to be patient and charitable to the extent that we can, but there is a degree beyond which we can’t go. …

That’s a good bit of advice. I recently shared my doubts with a member of the stake presidency. I was careful to point out that these are MY feelings and I have no intention to advocate those beliefs to others. He signed my temple recommend with the counsel to pray, read the scriptures, and attend the temple often.

I think this approach is also good for creating healthy relationships with our families. For example, I’ve found that my TBM wife is more understanding when I express love and respect her for her beliefs. In our efforts to be “understood”, we don’t have to convert others to our way of thought.

[Scott]

1. Theravada Buddhism (100%)

2. Liberal Quakers (95%)

3. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (95%)

4. Unitarian Universalism (92%)

5. Baha’i Faith (90%)

6. Mahayana Buddhism (88%)

7. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (87%)

8. Hinduism (86%)

9. Jainism (86%)

10. Jehovah’s Witness (84%)

11. Sikhism (79%)

12. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (77%)

13. Neo-Pagan (74%)

14. Orthodox Judaism (73%)

15. Orthodox Quaker (68%)

16. Eastern Orthodox (63%)

17. Roman Catholic (63%)

18. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (60%)

19. Secular Humanism (59%)

20. New Age (57%)

21. Islam (56%)

22. New Thought (55%)

23. Reform Judaism (55%)

24. Seventh Day Adventist (53%)

25. Nontheist (52%)

26. Taoism (51%)

27. Scientology (32%)

Wow. I’m surprised that “on my own” I’m 87% LDS.

[Scott]

redhatjunker wrote:

Hi,

I think the problem with the various understandings of the scriptures, that for every verse you find supporting one opinion, you can find others with a different spin.

…

My personal belief came from the baptism of Jesus and his Cruxifiction and if Jesus is going to sit on the right hand of God, would that be his own right hand?

redhatjunker,

Thanks for your personal insight on the Godhead. It’s interesting to hear your perspective coming from the opposite direction. Like you, Christ’s Crucifixion (especially the wording of the intercessory prayer in John 17) added some clarity to me. But in the end, I realized that the Bible is simply a collection “ensign articles” written by individuals with unique perspectives. The message also changed depending on the audience. Throw in a couple thousand years and we have a text that contradicts itself.

[Scott]

Heber13 wrote:

Welcome Scott. Have you read any of Fowler’s Stages on Faith? Did you find any of that pertaining to you?

I’m glad you’re here.

Thanks Heber13.

I finished the 1st of 3 podcasts on Fowler’s Stages on Faith. I look forward to hearing them break it down further. Then I might know where I’m at.

[Scott]

redhatjunker,

It’s hard to relate to your situation and even harder to give any advice since I’m not in your shoes. With that said, agree with hawkgrrrl that your husband’s communication with fundamentalists is going to reinforce his position of power over you. I’m worried about you and don’t want you to loose your identity as a person. Keep in touch.

-Scott

[Author]

Posts