Is the church true? Am I wasting my time? Am I throwing 10% away? All very valid questions.
Just this guys two rambling bits. To me it boils down to two things. The culture vs. the doctrine:
The doctrine is sound. I have struggled with the LDS culture my entire life. So judgmental! If you don't fit the cookie cutter mold you are mentally ostracized from the hearts of so many who view themselves as fitting within that mold. Most times, they aren't even aware they are being so judgemental. I had a very unconventional upbringing. Divorce, homeless, eventually taken in and raised by another family when my own abandon me. And yet again in middle age, divorce has shown me the bitter side of many who don't want to be "infected" by something outside of the cookie cutter mold. Yet because of my trials, these things have made me stronger, given me a resolve that doesn't sway with popular opinion. Of course the judgment of others affects me. It usually just pisses me off.
Seriously though, what would Jesus do? Would he view and categorize members and non-members? Converts and non? What's the difference? We are ALL God's children. Why is this even a struggle to comprehend and treat every one of God's living creatures the way He sees us.
The church does a lot of good and is a greater force for good than any other I've ever known and I want to be a part of that good. Although run by men, who are flawed and frequently make personal and even leadership mistakes within the church. It is this guys opinion that the Lord still, very much has his hand in leading His church. He even allows us to make mistakes. We are all His children, not just LDS, but ALL his children. So many LDS put themselves above others, especially above those without the church. I know each of us have a very personal perspective. I resolved years ago that even despite my wildly different cultural views from so many within the church, I can be a greater force for good within, than without.
Originally Written 06/13/2018
Just this guys two rambling bits. To me it boils down to two things. The culture vs. the doctrine:
The doctrine is sound. I have struggled with the LDS culture my entire life. So judgmental! If you don't fit the cookie cutter mold you are mentally ostracized from the hearts of so many who view themselves as fitting within that mold. Most times, they aren't even aware they are being so judgemental. I had a very unconventional upbringing. Divorce, homeless, eventually taken in and raised by another family when my own abandon me. And yet again in middle age, divorce has shown me the bitter side of many who don't want to be "infected" by something outside of the cookie cutter mold. Yet because of my trials, these things have made me stronger, given me a resolve that doesn't sway with popular opinion. Of course the judgment of others affects me. It usually just pisses me off.
Seriously though, what would Jesus do? Would he view and categorize members and non-members? Converts and non? What's the difference? We are ALL God's children. Why is this even a struggle to comprehend and treat every one of God's living creatures the way He sees us.
The church does a lot of good and is a greater force for good than any other I've ever known and I want to be a part of that good. Although run by men, who are flawed and frequently make personal and even leadership mistakes within the church. It is this guys opinion that the Lord still, very much has his hand in leading His church. He even allows us to make mistakes. We are all His children, not just LDS, but ALL his children. So many LDS put themselves above others, especially above those without the church. I know each of us have a very personal perspective. I resolved years ago that even despite my wildly different cultural views from so many within the church, I can be a greater force for good within, than without.
Originally Written 06/13/2018
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