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I’ve something of a creative reputation at church (not founded on much substance). I’ve been asked to create an “advertising board” to put in the entrance of our chapel for visitors etc.
I was initially going to decline as I didn’t feel I could “advertise” the church. But then I thought about our “by degrees” ocean liner discussion. I realised it was an opportunity to contribute to “setting the tone” for our little corner of the ship.
So… Help me out. What are the best things about being members of the church from a “middle-way” perspective? Why would a non-mormon want to join this faith tradition?
I like being a Mormon. It’s one of the reasons I stay (it’s not solely for the friendships).
I was thinking of basing it on Elder Uchtdorf’s 3 reasons in his Saturday morning conference talk.
Any other reasons? If a friend asked you “what do you enjoy most about being a mormon?” What would you answer?
1) This sounds strange, but I actually enjoy the fact that its created tension in my life where I have to learn a whole new philosophy of worship. At first it was really painful and almost scary — like breaking up with a girlfriend I loved and had given my life to. But now I have moved on and feel greater peace when I think of the demands the church makes on us. I don’t feel pressure anymore from the church as I have reduced their ability to influence me. 2) The church engaged me when I was a HP teacher and had to figure out how to be unorthodox and orthodox at the same time. To rock the boat, without sinking the ship.
As a career teacher, this was very challenging and I welcomed the challenge.
3) I suppose I like the fact that the church has given me an opportunty, through the flaws in its system of callings and releases, to develop my own philosophy of leadership and organizational effectiveness.
I guess this is a backhanded thank you to the church for helping me grow in unusual, albeit emotionally painful ways — at least, in the beginning – born out of the opposition it created in my life. Its many flaws have caused me to seek new pastures, new growth, and develop a philosophy that so far, others tell me is characterized by deep respect for their talents, their time, and the ways in which they want to contribute.
1) The core, base, foundational theology: “I am a child of God” is powerful and meaningful to me – because of the eternal growth / progression it teaches. “Becoming” is important to me – far more than traditional, verbal praising. I also LOVE that I can see the theology as far more universalist than many members believe.2) The focus on strengthening families – even with the corresponding issues that focus can cause. I would like that focus to be expanded to focus on all families, regardless of their composition, but I like the focus.
3) The complexity: I love the fact that I have to think actively in order to build my own faith, but I’m wired that way. Conversely, I like the fact that so many others don’t have to struggle actively to find a faith that resonates for them.
4) Generally speaking, the people: Mormons tend to be good, sincere people, and I like being around and with most of them.
5) The Church’s welfare system. This one is personal to me, since I have been unemployed and helped more than once in my life.
There is more, but these are the ones that hit me first.
I like our expansive and complex theology, and how modern revelation paves the way for unlimited growth in understanding. As Terryl Givens says we have the ability to appeal to more secular seekers if we choose to emphasize those parts of Joseph Smith’s teachings. I was baptized my first year of college and a couple things drew me to the church. One was the lifestyle. This may not be appealing to a lot of people but it was to me and it still is. I appreciate the word of wisdom, not having grown up with it. I appreciate modesty and being careful about the movies I watch. I appreciate the effort most members I know make to live a good, honest life. The other thing that drew me to the church is it’s acceptance of science. I love science, history and learning. I felt like the church was open to scientific thought and wasn’t as conservative about creationism as some other churches. I still feel this way.
If I were to investigate the church now, I would look more to Christ and healing. Does the church bring healing and hope in a difficult world? Does it allow me to really know my Savior and relay on his grace? Do I feel peace because I know the grace of Christ is powerful enough to mend broken people regardless of their circumstances? This is what I would look for in a church now.
Oh and another thing I appreciate is the church’s teaching about non-believers. All will have an opportunity to learn about Christ. People are not punished for what they don’t know or have the opportunity to know in this life. Many Christians believe that all non believers go to hell, which makes no sense and drives me a bit crazy :wtf: I’ve never been anything else, so it’s hard to say. I like how hands-on it is with a lay clergy and rotating callings. Even though it is dysfunctional at times, I still have the sense of the enormous people power of the church – organized and harnessed to do good. I think we mean it when we say that there are no small callings. Every little thing we do contributes. On our best days we also mean it when we call each other “brother” and “sister.” mackay11 wrote:I was thinking of basing it on Elder Uchtdorf’s 3 reasons in his Saturday morning conference talk.
I think this is a brilliant approach.“There is room for you!”
That could be a good Ad poster.
1) This is Christ’s church
2) It is an active faith
Quote:Believing in God is commendable, but most people want to do more than listen to inspirational sermons or dream of their mansions above. They want to put their faith into practice. They want to roll up their sleeves and become engaged in this great cause.
I loved the part of the talk where he says to bring your talents and gifts and add to the body of the church. Wonderful ad materials…we need you…and all you have to offer.
3) Treasured blessings, such as
– Eternal families
– Strength and support from fellow saints
– Feeling the Holy Spirit
– Scriptures and modern prophets to guide is in our lives
– Answers to many questions of “Where we came from, why we are here, where we are going.”
– Activities: Social activities like Trunk or Treat or Christmas can be plugged here in the ad, also Youth Activities, Primary, Young Single Adults, sports like basketball/volleyball, RS Enrichment nights, etc there is something for everyone.
What a great project. Let us know how it turns out.
Compassionate Service – When one of our own is experiencing a physical loss (Job, illness, death, relocation) our church members are genuinely good at rallying to their aid. Funeral potatoes? J/K. I like the theology of Zion and Zion-building. – The sense of belonging. Being part of a “club” or family where everyone is accepted. As an introvert, being involved in social activities, like pot-luck dinners, that I wouldn’t be involved with otherwise. Knowing that I can disappear to the kitchen and do the cleaning or cooking, etc and it is encouraged and not be seen as weird..
Knowing you can walk into any ward and feel at home.
– The health code.
I come from a background of generational alcoholics, it is a pleasure to be able to go to events and know that I will not be sneered at for not drinking, knowing I will not be involved in an alcoholic fight, there will be no violence and my children will not be subjected to that. Knowing I can take my kids to church/events and my son is not at risk of an asthma attack from 2nd hand smoke.
The hope that with church teachings as back up, my children will continue my lead and break the cycle of generational dysfunction.
– The Moral grounding.
My children are seeing wholesome values in action, and it is normal behaviour (not just mum and dad saying so).
They also are taught and shown clear boundaries and limits of what is acceptable.
The focus on families in a world where they have very few school friends with both parents in the home.
I realise that none of these reasons are specifically Christ centred, and that does come into it, however as a convert with a faith crisis right now – these are the things that I want to stay for. The people are kind, good and honest – and I don’t want to lose that.
Thank you, ct, for sharing that. Some things that are trivial and even seen as stifling to some people really are valuable and deeply important to others. It’s easy to forget that sometimes.
turinturambar wrote:J/K. I like the theology of Zion and Zion-building.
I like it too…and I find you can build Zion anywhere. In your families, in your presidency, in other contexts. Organizational theory tells us there are certain drivers of culture that need to be managed to create the culture you want.
Great thread. Many things I enjoy about being Mormon, not necessarily in order of the value I place on them: * Uplifting music – MOTAB, well played hymns on the organ, encouragement to develop musical talents
* Teaching children moral values and practical skills
* Ready-made social network in much of the world
* Encouragement to be responsible, productive, and self-reliant citizens
* Teaching of principles like kindness, love, family, education, service, honesty
* Perpetual Education Fund
* BYU, other church schools that can provide a good education for a good price
* BYU football
* Helping the poor and needy
* Sense of purpose and community
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