Is it possible…

[Anonymous]

Minyan Man wrote:

Is it possible to find one thing that you find comfort in, regarding the gospel, and be active in the church?

The reason I ask is, when I first joined the church, I was excited about everything.

I liked:

– going to church.

– attending & organizing meeting.

– attending SS & PH.

– accepting callings.

– reading scripture.

– socializing.

– even paying tithing & going to the temple.

I liked everything about it. As a result, I thought the gospel had the “answer” to every aspect of my life.

I never questioned things like:

– church history.

– church doctrine (polygamy).

– church policy or administration.

(For the most part, I still don’t question. I do wonder why? sometimes.)

Then my “crisis of faith” came along and everything changed. It didn’t change for the better.

A number of years of complete inactivity passed by. Then we decided to go back to church & see if anything changed.

Since we’ve been attending again, we have accepted one calling only. We do a modified “Ministering” assignments.

We do some socializing but usually one on one not a group or party setting.

My 2nd question: Is that enough or do I have to be “all in” once more?

I do notice one significant change and that deals with Jesus Christ.

He is the focus of my beliefs. Not the church. Not church policy or doctrine. Not Joseph Smith or the current leadership.

That has removed a lot of the pressure I felt before & during my FC.

Greetings Minyan Man: Your post caught my attention because your thinking is so much different from mine. I am very connected to the concept of agency and choice, and I realize we are all different. Hopefully you will not think me too critical but the idea of partial commitment is illogical to me. I have also discovered that lack of commitment is more associated with failure and defeat than success with anything. All my disappointments in life have all come from being less committed than I should – except for being committed towards something I knew to be flawed.

I feel it necessary to explain something. I was in the army for a time during my youth. More out of obligation than by choice or service. I was somewhat disappointed to discover that many of those in my chain of command were incompetent. I quickly realized that if I focused on their incompetence rather than the task at hand (regardless of the foolishness of it) that I would put myself and my comrades in greater danger. There are times it is better to just put one’s efforts into completing a task rather than efforts to improve, for all, a better direction. In short there are often times that it is better to work together and be united than it is to be right. I do not intend to imply this is always the case, but this understanding has served me the better in the partnership of marriage.

If I may, I would highlight Moroni chapter 10. Skip over the part in the first of the chapter that many reference concerning missionary efforts to convert those to the Book of Mormon. In my view the rest of the chapter is far more important and ought to be our focus of Moroni’s last words of counsel for our day. Note the number of times Moroni uses the word “exhort” as he talks about spiritual gifts (individualized genus). We all come into this life with a genus that can benefit all who we encounter and serve. Each of us has the power to do things that no one else can do. I would suggest that whatever it is that we can add – that we do whatever we can (as an act of love and service to Christ) especially concerning that which G-d has given uniquely to us to do.

[Anonymous]

I had what I’ll describe as a bad dream last night (it wasn’t quite to the nightmare level). I dreamt I had returned to church and for some reason the speakers didn’t show for SM. The bishop was absent (he actually is on vacation right now) and the counselor conducting was at a total loss. So he decided instead of talks, we’d all sit around and chat for the rest of the hour. In my dream this caused me a great deal of anxiety (it probably would in real life as well) and I got up to leave because it was pointless to stay. However, I was accosted (for lack of a better word) by several members trying to convince me to stay. This only led to more anxiety. Then I woke up.

My own interpretation of the dream was that it’s not time for me to go back yet.

Note to readers who may not know me well enough, I do not believe Satan (if there actually was such a being) has the power to create such dreams or to influence our thoughts in any way – so don’t go there. Even if there were such supernatural beings I see know logical reason our loving God would allow such things.

[Anonymous]

Is it possible to find one thing that you find comfort in, regarding the gospel, and be active in the church?

Roy wrote:

One benefit that I see right now is that my son with autism can pass the sacrament. This is a visible service and role that he can perform in the faith community. I feel that this increases my son’s sense of confidence but also his feeling of connectedness. I value this.

In addition to having Autism, DS is also homeschooled. This severely limits his opportunities for social interaction. The other boys in the ward have been largely nice and accepting of Roy Jr.’s quirks. Passing the sacrament with them gives him a sense of community involvement with peers his own age.

My daughter recently went to trek. This seemed to require a small supporting army to pull off for our stake. I am thankful for all those that volunteered their time.

DW has had recurring surgeries for lingering and chronic health issues. Each time she has a surgery, we ask for and receive 3 days of meals. This is a tangible gesture that makes us feel like part of the community.

My 2nd question: Is that enough or do I have to be “all in” once more?

What is “enough” depends on who you ask. The beauty of the gospel is that you will never be “enough” if measured by your achievements and actions but you have always been “enough” if measured by who you are and the love that Heavenly Parents and JC have for you. That is how I understand the “Good News.”

[Anonymous]

My (younger) BIL was born with mental & emotional defects. He went to church every week with my in laws & prepared as best he could

for baptism. They “main streamed” him in school. I believe it was special ed classes. When he turned 8, the Bishop told them he didn’t

need to be baptized because of his condition. After that he didn’t really feel like he belonged because the other children his age were

able to be baptize & confirmed. (I’m not sure if that policy has changed or not.) I know it not only bothered him but other members of

the family as well.

[Anonymous]

Minyan Man wrote:

My (younger) BIL was born with mental & emotional defects. He went to church every week with my in laws & prepared as best he could

for baptism. They “main streamed” him in school. I believe it was special ed classes. When he turned 8, the Bishop told them he didn’t

need to be baptized because of his condition. After that he didn’t really feel like he belonged because the other children his age were

able to be baptize & confirmed. (I’m not sure if that policy has changed or not.) I know it not only bothered him but other members of

the family as well.

Depending on how long ago this took place – I would suggest your family (parents) approach the bishop again and request baptism for your brother. Most likely baptism is not necessary but that does not mean it cannot happen. If the bishop has not changed – I would suggest that an appointment be made with the Stake President and what is posted here is explained to him.

[Anonymous]

My cousin is autistic, though he is fairly high functioning. He was baptized about 20 years ago. When I’ve asked him, he doesn’t remember that he was ever baptized. He can’t even differentiate our church from a different denomination. His mother went inactive shortly after his baptism, in part because she felt their ward wasn’t supportive enough with his autism. It wasn’t the only reason, but I do wonder how differently things might have gone the last two decades if their ward had been a better community for them.

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