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Several years back, I was doing some research on near-death experiences. I came across this website http://www.mellen-thomas.com/stories.htm Mellen-Thomas Benedict recounted his NDE and shared the following:Quote:I asked God: “What is the best religion on the planet? Which one is right?” And Godhead said, with great love: “I don’t care.” That was incredible grace. When Godhead said, “I don’t care,” I immediately understood that it is for us to care about. It is important, because we are the caring beings. It matters to us and that is where it is important. What you have is the energy equation in spirituality. Ultimate Godhead does not care if you are Protestant, Buddhist, or whatever. It is all a blooming facet of the whole. I wish that all religions would realize it and let each other be. It is not the end of each religion, but we are talking about the same God. Live and let live. Each has a different view. And it all adds up to the big picture; it is all important. ~ Mellen-Thomas BenedictAfter reading what Mellen-Thomas experienced, I came to the understanding that it does not matter what religion you follow. As they say, “It’s all good.”
I have been drawn to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and that’s where I believe God wants me to be on my life’s journey.
What are your thoughts on God’s response “I don’t care?”
Kalola wrote:Several years back, I was doing some research on near-death experiences…Mellen-Thomas Benedict recounted his NDE and shared the following:
Quote:I asked God: “What is the best religion on the planet? Which one is right?” And Godhead said, with great love: “I don’t care.” That was incredible grace. When Godhead said, “I don’t care,” I immediately understood that it is for us to care about…It matters to us and that is where it is important….I wish that all religions would realize it and let each other be….Live and let live. Each has a different view.After reading what Mellen-Thomas experienced, I came to the understanding that
it does not matter what religion you follow.As they say, “It’s all good.”… What are your thoughts on God’s response “I don’t care?”Makes sense to me. If God really wanted everyone that deserves to be saved to be Mormon then it seems like he could have easily done more to make the LDS Church look more credible to honest truth-seekers with the best possible intentions. A few “revelations” at the right times could have made a world of difference. As far as I’m concerned, religious organizations and beliefs should exist mostly for the good of people as a whole if at all. Like Jesus said, “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath” (Mark 2:27).
Wonderful post, Kalola. I agree totally that it is up to the individual to find what works for her – and that God won’t condemn someone for that choice. It’s part of my own view of pure Mormonism – the idea that everyone except those who look God in the eye, recognize God, and then swing their fists will be rewarded and saved (whatever those words mean).
I do think God cares – about the overall happiness and joy of their children. I think God wept over the Inquisition. I think God weeps over the killings done in God’s name.
Those things, however, are very different than caring about exactly which religion / denomination each person chooses to believe and follow.
Kalola wrote:What are your thoughts on God’s response “I don’t care?”
I agree with him.
I would also agree that he doesn’t care if one decides to be mormon either, even with all it’s flaws.
I remember reading a blog post when I was researching NDE that proposed the thesis that Joseph Smith’s vision was a NDE. If we see it as that, it makes a lot of sense for the vision to have changed overtime as JS ideas about religion changed and his desire to set his religion apart from those around him grew. The first vision is similar to the NDE you described in my opinion. Of course we will never know but I thought it was an interesting perspective.
I agree that God doesn’t care much what religion we belong to or if we belong to one at all. I do believe there are many paths to God and mormonism is one of them if we are open to personal revelation, intuitions etc.
CG
I’ve heard the vision explained as many things from an epileptic experience to an alien abduction, but that’s a new one on me. I have always felt that religion is a stepping stone in getting back to heaven. It didn’t matter the religion, it was all for the same ultimate goal. So that response doesn’t surprise me. I would think that if we are earnestly trying to do what is right and doing good to those around us then it is all good! I get what he is saying. Totally. I argue slightly different than some. Many conclude that all religions are the same, as long as you are a good person.
I do think it matters what religion we participate in. All religions have a story, and take you on a trip somewhere. Just like all roller-coasters are not the same, even though they are all roller-coasters.
Which roller-coaster(s) do we want to ride on while we are staying in Disney World?
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