Headlines: Thousands Resign from Church

Not sure what to feel about this.

On one hand, perhaps this is considered a sign of modern times, that there will be a divide between the traditional Mormon and the people who adopt attitudes that reflect mainstream values in society?

On another hand, I admire people who stand up when they feel there is unjustice. This is one way to do so.

At the same time, severing the their relationship is saddening…as are the policies that led to it.

It seems to me it is almost a cathartic display, a way to mourn. Separations were likely already there. I can understand their feelings that they don’t like the policy.

But why demostrate? It is a way to do something to make one feel better.

It even helps feel connected to others and not feel like the problem is the internal feelings, if others also feel the same way.

I think it is a way to move forward and heal for some who made up their mind where they stand.

I think for some it’s important to feel like those around them support their actions. I know for sure that’s how many feel within the church, but likewise if they are striking out and leaving, particularly if their families disagree. Personally, I think all approval seeking is cautioned against by Jesus. If others approve of your actions, you have your reward.

But in any case, I for one feel it’s a loss to us all to be told to embrace such a divisive policy.

I find it very irritating when church members dismiss these folks as “mostly inactive” or otherwise not worth saving. Do we believe in the gospel or not? Do we believe we have saving ordinances or not? The callousness is hard to watch.

If others approve of your actions, you have your reward.

I always factor in the benefits of actions into my decision making process. I believe it is just part of my wiring. I dislike feeding the missionaries – I tell my wife that I would rather invite a young family over for dinner. At least that way whatever friendship or goodwill might be generated will stick around rather than disappearing every few months. I recently accepted a calling to be scout leader for the 11 year old scouts. I find that to be one of the few callings that I can put down as community service on my annual work evaluation. I bare my testimony in F & T meetings for the similar reasons – it is my opportunity to make sure that my bishop and ward community know that I am there and am “one of them” to some extent.

The alternative of being rewarded in some unknown future is very hard for me to factor in.

Interestingly, this same cost benefit analysis is why I could never be part of an organized resignation. If I were to do that then too many people would write me off. I do not publicly resign precisely because I want to maintain the approval and goodwill of others, and I have my reward!!! Bwa -ha ha ha!!! 😈

I’m grateful for the people that resigned en masse. There, I said it.

The fact that many people banded together to resign is what made this headline news. “Brother NoOneCares Privately Resigns” isn’t going to make the NYT, this event did and it got people talking.

The church really comes across in an unfavorable light with their recent policies, at least from the perspective of the world. The resignation event was another thing for the world to consume. Something that might give people pause before they paint all Mormons with the same brush. This event balances the equation, at least in part. I’d rather have a friend wondering where I stand rather than making assumptions based only on what leaders are saying. Maybe there’s a still small voice now thinking, “I wonder if nibbler agrees or disagrees with the policy.” It starts a discussion and creates space for people.

Time will tell whether same sex marriage finally gets a seat at the table. If SSM does eventually get a seat at the table will people look back on the resignation event similar to how some people now give indirect credit to OW for helping to usher in an age where the general women’s session is an official session of general conference, women can offer prayers during general conference, women are included in some of the good ol’ boy committees, etc.?

Once upon a time I understand that people boycotted BYU athletic competitions because of the priesthood ban. Do we frown on those actions now or do we say “thank god they helped cut that stone out of the mountain, it needed to be uprooted.”

Maybe people need to band together because they feel bullied by a larger, more powerful group. The exact same rhetoric I hear in church, we’re awesome because we are standing up to the world, could be applied to these people. They are standing up to their world (church) and it takes every bit of the same amount of courage to be a minority in the church. The church and the world really aren’t as different as they would like to believe.

If the resignation event isn’t kosher what is the agitation that will drive further light and knowledge? Thousands resigning is neither inherently good nor inherently bad. It happened, it left it’s impression in the world, and change isn’t always a bad thing.

Maybe so.

I’m coming from a place where someone might ask me where I stand now that they’ve seen people taking action, people that wouldn’t necessarily follow how active I am at church. I mean, they have to find out whether I resigned somehow.