The Ensign…

It might be helpful to know which month you are referring to. Like you, I used to be a regular reader in my TBM days, but find it difficult to read because it’s filled with the kinds of things that bug me about the more blind and deaf of the TBMs. They are around here, but the article you refer to doesn’t seem to be in any of the few I could easily locate.

That said, and without reading the article, I only recently realized that I had been the subject of a “rescue” at least a couple times over the past two years (explaining why the bishop & HPGL suddenly took an interest after several years of almost no contact). I didn’t want to be rescued, but didn’t know I was actively resisting rescue when I expressed some of my doubts. But that’s the point – I don’t want to be “rescued,” I don’t want to be someone’s project, and I don’t want to have someone be assigned to be my friend. I truly think TSM is trying to find something that can be his legacy since I find most of what he says pointless and I think I’ve heard all the stories. ETB has the BoM, GBH had a few things, mostly temples and communication, SWK has repentance/forgiveness, etc. I’ll still try to find the article, but if you’re cynical I probably am too.

OK, found it. I didn’t realize the Oct issue had come and TBM DW took it to our room where she always takes the new one (she reads it at bedtime).

I will admit that my coat was roughed by the first part. I am sure the church leadership is concerned about activity levels and that is an attack point for the antis (that we claim millions but the actual attending membership is much lower). This line in particular got a rise out of me (it came after talking about the aged and infirm): “There are, of course, others who need rescue. Some struggle with sin while others wander in fear or apathy or ignorance.” I am none of those things, I don’t struggle with sin, I don’t have fear of church or religion or people at church, I’m not apathetic (OK, maybe a little), and I am far from ignorant. I think there are lots more of us questioners and doubters than anyone knows about, and we’ve been left out of that list of those who need rescue (which of course is fine with me on one hand). I’m not sure if leaving us out was intentional and I am completely open to the idea it may not have been. I am also open to the idea it was quite intentional because I think many in the church see us questioners and doubters as more dangerous than the antis (although I don’t believe we are). I like the end of the article, though, where he comes back to the Second Great Commandment. While I don’t want to be anyone’s project or assigned friend, I would be quite open to genuine Christian love and friendship. Seriously, invite me to dinner, I love to eat food other people cooked! Just don’t judge me and don’t preach at me.

I don’t have that issue yet. I’ll try to remember to comment on it when I get a chance to read it.

Oh, the rescue. I just love the rescue.

This is where it takes some practice to understand when people are faking it and when they are genuine. I’m OK at it, but could be better. Usually when members invite us to dinner it is to feel us out and see if they need to “help get Jay” more active. I go, don’t say much (I’m an introvert anyway) and leave. Usually they never bother us again. Well, this one family invited us over after we had just moved into the ward (by the way, I pay the young men to move me so I never feel guilty for not helping with the moves). I did my duty of going (you know wife always wants me to go and a happy wife is a happy life). Two weeks later I am talking to the husband about guns and ammo and shooting. Eventually he tells me he doesn’t go to church. He doesn’t say why, and I couldn’t care less. We are shooting buddies now. That was one family dinner that I completely misread.

Anyway, to dodge the rescue is pretty easy generally. Most people will just “try” to talk to you in church about something that they think you are interested. You can usually tell they don’t know the subject, so you know they are faking it. Those you be cordial, but when they ask about the missionaries or ward missionaries to “practice” the lessons with you, you say no.

I haven’t had an issue with dodging them.