I’m A Newbie Here–Do Be Kind

[Anonymous]

[quote=”Bill Atkinson”Here is a link to an interview John Dehlin did with Greg Kearney a life long Mormon and Mason that pretty well answers most issues with Mormons and Masons: http://mormonstories.org/?p=14

Welcome and I look forward to sharing with you and learning from you.[/quote]

Thanks Bill! It is comforting to know my unease is shared by many. I have never lived in Utah before and it is a VERY hard adjustment. I listened to Greg Kearney’s Mormon and Mason podcast as you suggested and thoroughly enjoyed it. I greatly appreciate the information! At first I was angry b/c people I asked would give me the wrong information about the Mason/Mormon connection which I KNEW was wrong but I couldn’t find the answers I was seeking. I have Masonic books of my father’s and I KNEW there was no denying the connection, but no one seemed to be forthcoming with the origin of the endowment. Now I see that my anger was probably misplaced because I was looking for answers from people who simply did not know what they were talking about–they were simply parroting back what they had heard, being totally uninformed themselves. I have been praying and seeking and I feel I’ve finally found answers. I’m stuggling with WHY there has to be such mystery around the temple endlowment origins. So Joseph employed a Masonic teaching method which made sense for the people of his time. I can deal with that. I don’t think that teaching method works any more though–it certainly doesn’t work for me. I have attended the temple pre 1990 and I’m thankful that certain elements have been eliminated–elements that were most certainly Masonic–but I doubt I’ll be comfortable until it is all removed. I don’t understand why the Lord, who teaches us individually with his Spirit, would create a one-size-fits all experience in the endowment. Ah well…all these questions are probably for another section here…not in the introductions, right ? Thanks so much. You have NO idea how this has helped me.

[Anonymous]

MWallace57 wrote:

“Praise to the Man” is different. It reads, “Mingling with Gods”, and places JS on the par with Jehovah, not as a humble spirit. I simply cannot relate. I go to church on Sunday to praise the Lord. I also agree that anything that JS accomplished, he did so by the power and gift of God and not of his own accord. I would give anything if the Church would just achieve “Praise to the Man” and replace it with, “Oh How Lovely Was the Morning”.

YES! MWallace57…you speak sweet words to my soul. 😆

[Anonymous]

MWallace57 wrote:

This is for Newbie,

The Lord will let you know him. He will let you have a very personal relationship with him. It isn’t about you and the prophet, it is about you and the Lord.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwbkU7_rsBU

Thanks…that was a very beautiful video. I know you are right, which is why I don’t like singing Praise to the Man. It is so unscriptural! I even doubt that Joseph Smith would approve of that song! Seriously!

[Anonymous]

Valoel wrote:

Hang on to what has value and brings you goodness. Go slow and always try to “trade up” when we make changes.

Welcome aboard!

Thanks for the welcome Valoel….and I appreciate the above statement. I will hang on to what has value and brings me goodness. I have a strong feeling I was led here in answer to my pleas to the Lord for help.

[Anonymous]

silentstruggle wrote:

Welcome. I share many of the same opinions. At least know you are not alone and not crazy!!!

Thanks Silentstruggle. I LOVE your name because that says it all, doesn’t it? I appreciate learning the fact that I am not alone and not crazy. Thank you so much.

[Anonymous]

Heber13 wrote:

Welcome Daisy. I have been a member my whole life and live outside Utah, and still feel many of the same things you expressed. I think it is a natural progression for many people like us. And that is ok……I think you have found a safe environment where you can ask your questions, share your answers, or your doubts or your feelings…and find we can all benefit from sharing our stories. Thanks for sharing yours.

Welcome to the forum.

Thank you Herbert13. I felt so happy reading this: “for many people like us.” I honestly felt I was alone. I think you are right in that I have found a safe environment where I can ask questions and interact. I appreciate your support so much!

[Anonymous]

dash1730 wrote:

Daisy, Herzlich willkommen! (A hearty welcome) … Some of us, me included, have worked through the crap and come out the other end the better person for it, and even can start to function within the Church with some sense of peace and equanimity. But I can’t pretend to tell you if or how that might work for you …. who knows, you may be able to show some of those know-it-all’s what it means to love the Savior. If you could do that, how would that feel?

That would feel good dash…so long as I learn not to act like a know-it-all myself. 😆 I am encouraged by the fact that you have worked through the crap and came out the other end. That is my goal. I want to be able to function within the Church with peace (but I have to go look up equanimity. Me so stoopid. LOL) I’m certain that the Lord will guide and direct me on the path that will work for me. I appreciate your help along the way!

[Anonymous]

I was shocked too when I started having questions about the church leaders and got such negative responses! My thought was… why would anyone want to keep me from giving all the glory to God! Doesn’t it seem like a strange thing to have to fight for? My thought is to encourage you to surround yourself with people that lift you up. I know you might have to be around the people you mentioned, but then work harder to find others that make you feel light, happy and accepted. I am working on this myself. I wish you all the best, I can tell you are an amazing person.

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