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We had a very interesting discussion in priesthood today about not judging those with doubts or different beliefs. Some of the points made: -We talk about “doubting Thomas”, forgetting that he was someone who had great faith and was even willing to die with Jesus. The same person can behave in different ways at different times, and we shouldn’t define them by the worst thing they ever do.
-The teacher talked about how he was grading students’ papers, looking for thesis statements that took a stand either for or against something. He said that while this is a useful way to write papers, it is a horrible way to classify people, whose beliefs are far more complex.
-We need to stop treating people with doubts as if they had a contagious disease.
-We shouldn’t try to answer all of someone else’s questions, because answers can be different for each person.
-Someone suggested that we should spend as much time with those with doubts or different beliefs as we do with “faithful members”.
-Stereotyping those who doubt or leave the faith is a mental shortcut that leads to discrimination. When we instead take the time to get to know someone, we understand they have reasons for what they do and believe.
I must say, this is the first time since my faith crisis that I haven’t felt completely ostracized. It gives me a lot of hope to see things like this discussed openly at church. I hope that this becomes part of a general trend towards a more accepting church culture.
It would be interesting to know more about the background of the teacher. I would be asking a lot of questions. One on one.
Arrakeen wrote:-We need to stop treating people with doubts as if they had a contagious disease.
-Someone suggested that we should spend as much time with those with doubts or different beliefs as we do with “faithful members”.
-Stereotyping those who doubt or leave the faith is a mental shortcut that leads to discrimination. When we instead take the time to get to know someone, we understand they have reasons for what they do and believe.
Interesting to come across this thread after my day yesterday where I came home with the feeling of not knowing anybody at church. With a few exceptions it’s like people steer clear of my presence. I know I don’t have the enthusiasm I once had, I guess it shows. As my crisis has evolved so has the reaction from my friends and ward members. Warmth is so conditional.
Arrakeen wrote:
I must say, this is the first time since my faith crisis that I haven’t felt completely ostracized. It gives me a lot of hope to see things like this discussed openly at church. I hope that this becomes part of a general trend towards a more accepting church culture.
I wouldn’t hold out hope on this becoming a trend, nothing starts at the bottom at church. It amazes me that there are wards where this type of discussion could take place, I just can’t imagine it happening where I am. My experience tells me people who are going through tough times spiritually or having a true faith crisis are seen as out of form and just need to come around. There are no legitimate issues that could induce the anxiety and stress we (I) feel. It has really become difficult to be.
I’m always happy to hear about experiences like this! :clap: There are good people out there, and there are more than we usually think. Sometimes it just takes the right mix and circumstances for things like this to happen.
What a wonderful discussion. Thank you for sharing it with us.
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