Let me try to explain

[Anonymous]

Mr. Nobody wrote:

…3. Over the past 5-6 years, I have been on a spiritual journey. I feel like God has taught me some very interesting truths. These truths have become the basis for what I believe and my personal sense of identity. So basically I have my own “philosophy.” In my opinion, this philosophy is totally compatible with the LDS gospel, but it’s a bit outside mainstream LDS thinking. The problem is that I trust in my ability to receive personal inspiration, but I have a hard time trusting in the church as an institution. I feel like I’m not getting anything out of church. And I find myself getting angry at people for not seeing things the way I do. I feel like the culture of the church needs to change in many ways, but I’m confused about what my role ought to be (if there is a role) in making those changes happen.

I can relate, although I’m finding ways to “live in the church” while not being “of it” (not seeing everything the exact same way).

A few things have helped… first and foremost – I’ve learned to keep things simple, and to serve, serve serve. I’m so busy serving that I don’t have time to focus too much on the doctrine (which some may say is not good, but in my case, is a God-send).

Another thing that helped me is that I redefined gospel terms, so that when I hear talks, or lessons about something, I’m often inspired and learn because I would see a deeper meaning.

IE: A condemningly annoying talk about sin and repentance could turn into something very uplifting, when I consider that sin (to me) is incorrect thought… and metaphysics (“As a man thinketh in his heart so is he”) help explain how Jesus said, “Whether I say arise and walk, or thy sins be forgiven… it is the same” (Paraphrasing).

And always in the back of my mind, I try to remember that we are all works in progress… That just a few years ago, I was spealing off all kinds of cognitive distortions that now, I see more clearly for what they are.

Quote:

BTW I am married and my wife feels the same way as I do regarding the points I mentioned above.

Count yourself blessed for having a wife that is on the same page with you (if I understood you correctly).

[Author]

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