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MWallace57 wrote:
If I could change one aspect of being a cultural Mormon, it would be to help members of my faith embrace social justice and equality. So far, I have failed completely.
You have not been able to change actual social justice? That’s a pretty tall order.
How about just changing a few people, even a little, to help them be more compassionate towards the cause? If you are not able to do that, why not?
I can think of one instance that I got away with. To be open and honest, SSM is not something that I am passionate about either way. But I did get pretty much everyone in EQ to agree a couple of months ago, when I had the chance to teach the topic of Apostasy, that having a different view on Prop 8 does not make someone automatically an “apostate.”
Did I change the whole Church? No. Did I effect the minds of a few? I am pretty sure I did.
Valoel wrote:By staying, and being a part of it, I think in a small way I will be a part of change. I don’t really have expectations or time tables. I hope that by staying, and encouraging other wonderful “misfits” like me to stay (that I love), we will become an influence on the overall direction.
My personal approach is to *BE* the person I wish others would be. Do I wish members were more compassionate, understanding and accepting of different views? Then I will be compassionate, understanding and accepting of views that are different than mine (which might be traditional ones), *AND* an active part of the community — an agent of change by example, not by proclamation.
QFT! I may not be attend as often as you, but I agree with you here and thanks for being compassionate towards me. Gandhi once said, we must become the change we seek.
I am the only active member of the church in my immeadiate family right now. I take the good I can and leave the rest. But, I have done some real good in changes in my ward and stake in regards to loving and understanding homosexuals because of my gay son. It has made a big difference and changed how people treated gays in our area. So, I am happy for that. Bridget
http://evergreenbooksales.com/bookstore/product_info.php?cPath=27&products_id=84 Or:
http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail.aspx?bookid=12053 @jmb said it so well, it would be hard to improve. The magic is in staying LDS while staying my authentic self, and my personal opinion is that the more diversity in the church, the more people who are comfortable in their own skin, the better for the church.
There was a story printed in the Improvement Era (I know, I’m old!) many years ago. I have never forgotten it. A grandson has gone to see his aging, sick, grandfather. They have had a mellow discussion with lots of love shown and he prepares to leave. As the last moment, his grandfather pauses, makes eye contact and asks pleadingly, “Jason, is the Church still true?” I would have answered that question much differently years ago. Today, I would rush to testify of my own love for Christ and the promises all Christians (LDS included) find in the Grace that so freely HE offers us. I struggle to stay LDS. I hope for change in the church. And more importantly, I have become that grandfather from decades ago. I may phase it a little differently, but I ask my grandchildren about their beliefs all the time. It’s what grandfather’s do.
jmb. I’m sorry I hadn’t previously read your post. You inspire me. The Wisdom of Crowds is now on my radar. Thanks. On another thread today John Dehlin suggested that we will see within 5/10 years much more acceptance for the liberal’ites in the church. I hope so. I’m at church every week, but I also suffer CogDis as I sit and listen. I could well be in the last decade of my life, I’ve served in the church for fifty years. For those of you who are younger, I offer a challenge. Regardless of your age, if you continue in the Gospel net, remember (note in your wallet, purse?) in 2019, to look back at today, and ask yourself if conditions have really changed. If they have, rejoice! If they have not, consider what enduring to the end brings to your table. “I add no more, God bless you all…” the King Follett(?) address. I agree, ironically, with george’s last comment – but I would add something: If you haven’t grown in ten years of association in the Church, the “blame” probably is at least 50/50. I believe strongly that there is AT LEAST as much opportunity for growth in all ways in the LDS Church as there is in ANY other church on earth. It’s harder for some than others, but it still is available for those who are dedicated to pursuing it. If that’s true of Darius Gray, for example, it’s true of you and me. (If you don’t understand that last sentence, learn about him.)
Thanks Ray for agreeing with my last comment. I’m going to give a little testimony (I hope that’s OK – I’m still new around here). What do I love about the LDS church. Service, I love that it taught me the value of service. Education, I love that it taught me the value of getting a higher education. My sweet humble parents (Native American mom) did not value education, having known only hard work. I love that the church brought me Jesus. He is center to who I am. I also love the church for helping me meet my ex-wife (ha). She was the bride of my youth and I have children & grandchildren who bless my life. There, that’s about it and it’s enough. “I add no more, God bless you all.” Oh, thanks Brother Joe for that interesting sermon, especially “I don’t blame anyone for not believing me…” King Follett Funeral Sermon, Nauvoo, April 1844.
After my crisis of faith, I “stayed LDS” because I thought I had to. As a skeptic, I felt trapped. I resented things that had brought me comfort and strength in the past…prayer, reading inspired works, temple attendance. I’ve felt alone as a “stage 4” Mormon living a “Stage 3” life. Sharing my feelings of unbelief with loved ones has really helped. This has given me the space to dig deep and find out my own truth. I StayLDS because that’s my vehicle for personal change. It motivates me to pray to a god, who may or may not exist. But in the end I think I’ll be a better person. Change the church?…nah. I just want to change myself. The folks at StayLDS.com rock!
George wrote:I love that the church brought me Jesus.
Amen, George. Amen. And that is a Happy Thought while I sit in church and look at the youth and kids.
@Scott Well said Scott. Good to have you among us!
Remember that Christ said that you can’t put new wine into old bottles? It is very difficult for the Church to change in “new” ways because the bottle has been caste. When we “whine” the bottle may break.
We don’t want breakage. I don’t.
What bothers me, is that I can see major cracks in the bottle; have tried to have others notice; see leakage, contemplate major leakage, and have been terribly saddened at the prospect of the bottle completely breaking.
I also see those serious cracks and am concerned. By myself, I am powerless to attempt any repair. Indeed, such effort would be suspect. To raise an army, would be to invite real disaster. Thus I continue on the course I have for half a decade. You will always get a warm welcome and a smile, when we meet inside the burlap walls (ha). I share those things I can testify of, I take from the banquet those items I can enjoy and swallow. The church has survived many trials in its short history. It is changing. The question is, is it changing quickly enough? Time will tell. jmb275 wrote:@Scott
Well said Scott. Good to have you among us!
Amen to “Well said Scott. It is good to have you among us.” I recognize a kindred spirit in your path upward. It is nice having company.
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