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October 30, 2015 at 7:35 am #210271
Anonymous
GuestA few months ago I felt inspired to write about how all of us are in a different point on their journey. I mentioned some believe without question others are having difficulty accepting some points of our religion etc etc etc etc . Well I had thought my own faith crisis had passed but once again I was wrong . I still questioned many of the things I had run across but the past couple of days I ran across something different something that I feel can help me and hopefully others as well. It has already been mentioned on this site but i want to reiterate the value of it and that is the website “Churchistrue.com ” Specifically “New Mormonism” this approach as some of you i am sure already know takes a different approach when looking at Mormonism. In short it goes on to say that don’t worry about the literal and historical points of the church !!!! To some this may not work but for me as I read through it it was I had been searching for all along. I need not worry if everything thaT jOSEPH sMITH DID AND SAID WERE TRUE ANYMORE it just doesn’t matter !! Same goes with the book of Mormon . I don’t care if the BOM is true or not I believe it is inspired and can lead a man or woman to Jesus Christ , what else do you need !!! At any rate I am sooooo excited about this I hope it may help others who are going through a faith crisis like mine. I have argued so much with my wife over the church we have even considered divorce !! Please even if you don’t think it will help you check it out anyway , I’m pretty sure you will not be disappointed. October 30, 2015 at 3:05 pm #305498Anonymous
GuestThanks for sharing this. I sense a lot of enthusiasm and excitement about your discovery like a light bulb went on (or as some say…the spirit inspired you)…and I love to hear about that from others. The longer I study, the more I believe there really isn’t a “New” mormonism. It was new when Joseph Smith restored some things, and has been new and refreshed constantly since then.
I am glad things didn’t have to go the way of divorce for you by arguing about interpretations of spiritual topics. Your words rang true to me.
October 31, 2015 at 3:02 pm #305499Anonymous
GuestGlad to hear that you got to this good point in your faith evolution, that was a big step for me as well. Letting go of some of my assumptions was a huge break for me. Redefining what a prophet is has helped me immensely. Harmony in the home is a plus too. It can be devastating for a spouse or loved one to see another go through a fc. It’s an evolving process as I see it and hasty decisions don’t make for good transitions imo.
October 31, 2015 at 10:36 pm #305500Anonymous
GuestJgaskill: I am thrilled to hear that you found that website helpful. I did not. (Sorry ChurchIsTrue). Different things are helpful to different people.
New Mormonism would serve no purpose in my life.
In my community, to be LDS is to be viewed as a cultist. If all the history of the church is thrown away, and we just focus on the modern church, then I literally have no reason to stay. All the other denominations in my community have more to offer if we are just looking at the modern church.
To be better integrated within the larger community, Methodist or non-denomination Christian would be best. For powerful connections locally, Baptist, Catholic or Methodist would serve. To be a better accepted minority, Judism, Islam, or Sikh would be a better pick. All those sects have better physical facilities, more active congregations, better youth programs, more interesting activities, and expect less from me.
I understand the New Mormonism argument. It might be important in Utah where the church has such a huge cultural and religious presence, but not where I live.
November 1, 2015 at 9:12 pm #305501Anonymous
GuestIf I understand AP correctly, she is saying that in “New Mormonism” all religions represent man’s best and inspired attempts to draw closer to God. Therefor there may be other churches that offer better programs, facilities, and community support and STILL can be effective at helping us draw closer to God. I remember when I first was in the depths of a faith crisis reading the book “Believing Jesus” and was sooo excited about the more grace and mercy filled depictions of Jesus found in the scriptures. I was personally deflated when the same scriptures that were being quoted in “Believing Christ” were given different interpretations in my Institute manuals. My new perspective was so life giving for me….but it was not a joy that I could fully share with my church community. I even remember one individual asking me curiously how I could believe in “easy grace”. He was not trying to be dismissive. It was just so foreign to all that he had ever known in the LDS church.
In summary, I am really glad that you have found an approach that works for you. I especially hope that your wife will take comfort that you are focusing on the good of the church regardless of truth claims. Finding a good paradigm is half the battle. I believe that the other half is becoming comfortable in your own skin. By this I mean that you may not get to share your perspective fully at church and when you do there will probably be some pushback. It takes work to feel ok in your beliefs … even if what seems to be the entire world believes something different.
I like you thread title. “New Mormonism” is not the destination. I hope that it can be a helpful tool to you in your “long journey back home.” May God guide your steps.
P.S. I am not sold on the “New Mormonism” term but use it here for the sake of brevity. I personally prefer “sacramental paradigm.”
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