True to the Faith

I resonate with the post “Living a Lie.” Ironically, an LDS friend of mine gave me this web address, which had been featured in a recent newspaper article. Since it is extremely difficult to leave the only religious culture I have ever known, I was hopeful. However, I must say that it merely served to solidify the idea that I need to go with the path that I feel is more in line with what Jesus taught (and the Bible)–plain Christianity from the Bible and personal salvation solely through grace, faith, and scripture. And this led me to Lutheranism (can’t accept the idea of praying to saints and Mary like Catholicism). Yes, I have been LDS my entire life and went through the temple. I cannot resolve salvation by tokens and signs. Works, yes, but not for my salvation, only to bless others through them (even Benjamin of the BOM admitted, “yet we would be unprofitable servants”).

That being said, I am hugely disappointed with the ELCA’s recent decision to allow the ordination of openly gay and lesbian pastors in committed, monogamous relationships. Coming from the LDS tradition, how can humans dare to “vote” on doctrine, especially when the Bible clearly teaches against the lifestyle? Now what? Martin Luther may well be rolling over in his grave. I myself feel I’ve had the rug yanked from under me for the 2nd time in 4 months (I started attending ELCA congregation in May, though I attend my LDS ward 1-2 times per month, still read the Ensign, and will be watching Conference this weekend). Furthermore, frankly I’m feeling a bit alone. My LDS ward is definitely a much warmer and welcoming congregation. Still how can I base my salvation on social needs? Yep, this is quite a difficult transition and decision.

Anyway, who am I? I’ve been a member all my life, grew up in a split faith family (LDS mom, Catholic dad). Mom’s side of family though is all Lutheran, of course. I attended Primary more times than not, Mutual fairly consistently, Girl’s camp, Seminary, EFY in Provo once, attended and graduated from BYU, took out endowments in Provo, and have been semi-active in my adult working years. Thank goodness I’m single, so all this is not rocking anyone else’s world (other than my ward family, huh?), oh yeah and my still LDS mom. So, I’m not exactly ignorant of LDS beliefs by a long shot. But I will NEVER be anti-Mormon or accuse Mormons of not being Christian. I love my ward. I love the people. It’s killing me to leave them…but I cannot believe anymore. Heavy sigh.