Thinking Of Leaving The Church
The following is from Ecawilson in answer to a Guest's post (Lia) here:
QUOTE (Lia) |
I have seen this way too often. This judgment emanating for temple card holders, who are living the word of wisdom, yet not really. Over indulgence in any form is a form of impurity and distorts the spirit. I, in consequence, will not be returning to the church. There are too many double standards, too much self righteousness from less than a righteous people, too much pride within them, to desire to be among them. |
QUOTE (Ecawilson) |
I believe it is important to never claim that a difficult decision, to reject something so integral to a person's understanding of God and Heaven, is 'simple'. I do not know why she is saying the things she is saying, or why she is making the decisions she is making. Could it be that the hatred, judgment, and evil works be so bad in that ward really be that bad? Possibly. Could her personal self-hatred, self-judgment, or guilt over her works be why she is making these statements or decisions? Also possible, but I have found a happier life by relegating this possibility to the last possible option. Often, it is somewhere in the middle, but since I do not know her or her specific case, I will not venture to guess. Also, no matter what the catalyst is, knowing will make very little difference in my or anyone's ability to help her. Or in what anyone here would offer as her next step, if we knew her. Defending her ward, I think, would be a natural knee-jerk reaction for many people I know. However, though everyone on this board accepts the underlying assumption that the church is true, I doubt many here would say that every ward is true. As a matter of fact, many of us who have served missions might argue that there are some wards that are distinctly not true. So, I really do think that it is possible that her ward is that bad. I hope not, but it makes little difference now, doesn't it? My question for Miss Lia, however, has to be: Where will you go? What other group is there, that is less self-righteous, that is less prideful, yet still at least claims to help people is such an important endeavor as this church? I have experienced many organizations that make similar claims with similar vices, but never found one better. Or will you give up entirely on your quest to become an eternally happy person? I realize that it may be none of my business, but giving up would be the most horrible thing anyone could ever do. As I don't know you, I can't ask you to not give up, but I will anyway. As you are now not giving up, my suggestion to you would be to go and talk to someone you can trust. For many people that is God, but I will not make any assumptions here. This person might be a member of the church, or not. Family member or not. And ask them where you should go. This is an important enough decision that asking for help would be prudent. My own personal testimony is that the most excellent decision you can make is to go back to church for good, and forgive those evil people. However, that is likely the hardest one. I, for one, will not judge you if you make an easier decision, or if it takes a while to make the best decision, but again would ask that you at least not give up. |
Ecawilson or could it be a simple case of the most infamous yet popular phrase between our church members "I am offended". Oh come on lets use some common sense shall we? She can be in the WORST ward the church could ever have in the world yet is it that people are stopping her from partaking the sacrament and renew the covenants she made? She can only answer that for herself but I tell ya if people are stopping you from renewing a covenant with Christ then there is much more in the picture you know what am I saying?
Are you referring to Elder Bednar's wonderful talk on becoming offended? Very moving and touching. He spoke about how he cared individually for those people. How he asked them about themselves. He asked them about their reasons for being away from church. He cared about their answers. He testified. He testified of his love, the love of the Bishop, and the love of the Savior. Only then, after the Spirit was present, would he ask them, not in a judgmental way, if their reason was enough to prevent them from renewing their covenants.
I am of the opinion that the order here is at least as important as the content. And that it applies to our current situation as well.
Rather off topic, but... May not be the worst, but... How about a ward where the sacrament is not blessed by the priesthood, but by crystals made of human hair and urine? These crystals gain their power through recharging stations on a large pyramid that is created and sold by a ward member, for tens on thousands of dollars. Kind of gross, huh? Of course, this ward was shut down, quickly, but would this situation have prevented you from taking the sacrament? Maybe, maybe not... But can you see how it might be possible for a person or group of people to prevent someone from taking the sacrament? |
QUOTE (ecawilson @ 22-Aug 09, 3:52 AM) |
Are you referring to Elder Bednar's wonderful talk on becoming offended? |
Rather off topic, but... Crystals? What are you talking about? Please explain |