What are the benefits of being a member of the church?

[Anonymous]

Heber13 wrote:

Happiness doesn’t come from others in church talking great about you or the absence of them talking negatively behind closed doors.

I have to speak up on this one — I do agree that happiness doesn’t come from these things, but TRUST most certainly does. And trust is a precursor to community, and one upon which good relationships are predicated.

[Anonymous]

I have currently stepped away from activity and doing so has helped me see more clearly some of the benefits I am missing out on. Most obvious to me is the community of fellowship. For me, a religion should be about love and kindness and looking for meaningful opportunities to serve others. For many, the church fills this role beautifully, particularly those who fit the mormon mold. For those who don’t fit, it is certainly a greater struggle to get these benefits but not impossible.

I have been satisfied with stepping away but I do miss the community and a convenient structure that gives opportunities to serve others. I am still working to fill this gap in other ways without the church. The church is such a convenient way, if you can look past all the flaws. Especially when it is already an integrated part of your family, friends, and aquaintences. It’s definitely not the only source, or maybe even the best, but it may be the easiest way for someone to achieve when they are already integrated into mormon culture.

[Anonymous]

Quote:

To you, what are the second-half-of-life questions?

1. How can we make this interesting and less drudgerous?

2. How can we make the experience truly uplifting?

3. How can we co-mission the LDS experience with the needs and interests of members?

4. How can we satisfy questions that, in the first half of life, where easily answered with shallow answers, which now, cannot?

5. How can we create a true community, and not one that is so conditional on full-activity and complete faith?

6. How can we be inclusive of people who don’t have families anymore?

[Anonymous]

SilentDawning wrote:

Quote:

To you, what are the second-half-of-life questions?

1. How can we make this interesting and less drudgerous?

2. How can we make the experience truly uplifting?

3. How can we co-mission the LDS experience with the needs and interests of members?

4. How can we satisfy questions that, in the first half of life, where easily answered with shallow answers, which now, cannot?

5. How can we create a true community, and not one that is so conditional on full-activity and complete faith?

6. How can we be inclusive of people who don’t have families anymore?

I think you really nailed it with these questions.

I am in a similar boat as you are, wondering these things.

I am not sure the church can answer them for me.

I’m searching for my own answers.

[Author]

Posts