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I don’t “know” much of anything anymore, and in fact I’m personally convinced that Mormonism = Every other religion on the earth. So in making decisions on how to interact with the church it helps me to think of the church as if I was on the outside looking in. I imagine if I was in Iran and attending an Islamic Mosque, for example.
Would I bring talking points to the Mosque that obviously prove that Mohammad wasn’t really a prophet?
Would I be quiet and respectful during their prayers and religious observances?
Would I attend every prayer services with everyone that I care about, would I refuse to ever step foot in that building, or something in between?
Would I participate in social events or community service activities that they organize?
Would I order pork ribs at a dinner with a table full of Muslims?
How I answer these questions helps me know how to interact in a healthy way with the church and my LDS family. I don’t have to give the church any power over my life whatsoever, but it is also important to be cognizant and respectful of the beliefs of my sincere friends and family.
How has your relationship with the church changed over time, and after your faith crisis?
Tim wrote:How has your relationship with the church changed over time, and after your faith crisis?
The largest change was to readjust where church fell in the list of priorities in my life. Now the church is in a much healthier position on my list.
I really like this analogy. To make it through boring or frustrating lessons at church, I often take a step back and play the role of an anthropologist, observing as a respectful outsider. It can really help. I find myself even more driven to push against it. Not in a rebellious way but in a “make it the best of itself way.” Before I think I fulfilled membership but now it’s a choice and I want it to be full of it’s best. Tim wrote:I don’t “know” much of anything anymore
I think with age and wisdom, we start to come to this realization.The fear is that it could mean “nothing matters”. But something inside me fights against that…and so I have come to work on an approach that helps me view things best I can, respect and honor others in how they view things, and continue to seek more.
Looking outside in is a very charitable view of things. It doesn’t take things for granted, avoids the pride of certainty, and reduces the “us vs them” mentality that is unkind.
Nobody ever argues with me that what we should do is LOVE. It is all in how we do it.
If you believe…
Tim wrote:I’m personally convinced that Mormonism = Every other religion on the earth
that is fine to me. Start from that position and move forward living truth and love. Because it does not sound like you are saying you hate or dislike the church or know it is false.
It sounds like you are on solid ground as you move forward to keep learning.
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