Long odds

[Anonymous]

Disengaging from the LDS Church doesn’t have to be an all or nothing transition. A lot of people who become disillusioned do that, which I accept, but there is no reason it has to be that way.

I have disengaged fully at times by not attending for months. I found I missed the Church after a while and would come back. I currently choose not to hold a Temple Recommend, and it is mostly for the same “simplicity” motives you mentioned. I haven’t had one in probably 6 years. It is just easier for me that way. I don’t stress about a lot of things on the “checklist” anymore. I guess I am coming around to saying that the “Buffet” approach is another equally valid disengagement.

I enjoy going to Church now a lot. I enjoy being there, but it is through disengaging from the things that used to bother me.

On the topic of one true path versus many paths. I know the first assumption is to then take the step to say that none of the paths matter. They are all the same and all lead to God. And if that is true, then the only “pure” path is no religion. I strongly disagree. All paths are different. All religions and churches are different. They are all an experience with unique flavors. They lead to different results and places. I just no longer see that as a success/fail, heaven/hell journey. They are all different experiences. None of us are ever far from God anyway.

There is so much beauty out there, I almost hope there is reincarnation.

[Anonymous]

seanhess wrote:

Now, I’m taking your advice to heart, but to be thorough, here’s one more thing I’m thinking. I definitely don’t want to burn any bridges (remove my name from the records of the church, or announce my apostasy to my family), but in general I learn things about life by trying them. When I couldn’t pick a major in college, I just tried some until I found one that worked. I just quit my job because I think starting a business is a good next step. I’ll know whether or not it was after I try it for a while. But it’s not like I’m going to drive myself to ruin because I’m trying it. The worst thing that can happen is I will be poor and get another job in a year (no debt/capital needed).

So when I say I’m considering stepping away from the church, it’s not like I couldn’t change my mind. I might even continue to make an appearance at church. Might doing that be the same as trying out a job or career? Things aren’t as permanent as they sometimes seem.

I think that it is wise to avoid burning bridges, as that only serves to limit your future options. Only you can decide what is the best course of action for you. If you aren’t sure, I think it is valid to experiment on it and see what works and what doesn’t. I’m trained in the scientific method and I think experimentation is a great way to discover all sorts of truth. As long as you don’t burn bridges, the changes you make definately do not have to be permanent.

[Anonymous]

Thanks again everyone for all your help. I’ll stay in touch as I go through this

[Author]

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