"The future of this world has long been declared; the final outcome between good and evil is already known. There is absolutely no question as to who wins because the victory has already been posted on the scoreboard. The only really strange thing in all of this is that we are still down here on the field trying to decide which team’s jersey we want to wear!" (1)
There is truth in this world. There is a singular truth about God and His expectations for his children. Finding that truth in the chaos of cultures, generation gaps, religions, governments, societal trends, economic classes, educational pursuits(etc) is a difficult task and one that many claim is impossible in this life. A friend of mine described his belief that no person on earth knows what is going to happen when we meet death so there is no real need to worry about it until it happens. I appreciate conversations like this that I've been privelaged to have with intelligent and insightful friends who are offering their perspective on a deeply personal issue. My appreciation doesn't mean I agree however and that is because even though there are many details about life, death, and God's vision for us His children that I do not know (and will wait to learn about), I do believe that God has sent us to earth at whatever time and place to accomplish one mission. That is to stand for what is morally right and true (according to what opportunity each person has had during their life to learn of God and His expectations) in a standard that God has established for His children.
Religion has been given a bad rap in this generation. Somehow traditional or conservative Christianity is identified and so associated with Right wing politics, a certain turnoff to the tide of liberal and often young thinkers of our day. While I am not actively interested in politics(though my opinions about corruption and lack of moral fiber among all the parties could make for its own blog post) I declare that any such association between being religious and being republican or conservative or right wing nut job are misdirected. I'm certain that intelligent debates could be had on this topic but my claim is that there IS and always will be a place for organized religion. Why though? When every person can determine their own type and style of spirituality? It is simple. God has given us specific and personal information since the creation of mankind.
Personal spirituality, while a beautiful focus for any person to have, is missing the pieces that we cannot come up with on our own. It is missing the specific revelation that God has already sent to man on earth. Information about His plan for sending us to earth. Information about His expectations for us. Information about giving us weakness and trial. Most especially information about how to rise above our shortcomings and grow closer to Him in our trials. Religion holds the pieces to those puzzles. This is where it gets sticky, however, because for as many types of religion that the world holds there are many more interpretations of each type which are then further complicated by culture and history. With such a complicated web it is no wonder to me that the sensability of most women and men is to turn away from organized religion in pursuit of their own balance off spirituality to meet their personal needs for peace. I believe, however, the pursuit of digging and searching for God's revealed truth on earth today and as it was given throughout history is worth the search; however uncomfortable, confusing, or complicated it may feel on the onset of such a journey.
The question returns however to WHY? What is wrong with the approach that what is good for one person may not be the flavor for another? When an individual is already satisfied in their faith whether traditional or personally formed, what is gained by beating down a path that could complicate, change, or challenge what is presently comfortable?
The reason in my mind is simple. God is. He has created us as His children. He knows and loves us individually. He has a mission for each one of us and that mission has to do with the choices we make in this life. He wants us each to have more than just our thoughts and feelings to rely on as we take on such a mission. He offers His hand in guiding us with literal instructions as well as personal instructions that can come from Him if we seek that hand in our life.
A few weeks ago a heard a quote(2) about the parent-child relationship between God and me and you.
"Nothing is going to startle us more, when we pass through the veil to other side, than to realize how well we know our Father, and how familiar his face is to us."
That is why I write about religion and reach out to you, my friends and family. When I heard that and each time I read it and think about it, my heart is pierced with a knowing it is true. That penetrating feeling compels me to ask others to consider God beyond the context they may already hold. That when you die, you will recognize Him. You will remember Him as a Father. His face will be familiar to you. You're life on earth will become the microcosm it actually is in the history of your existence, only a sliver in your timeline.
What will you do with your sliver of time? What have you done to seek God's guiding hand?
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(1) Elder Jeffrey R. Holland: Source: Cited in John Bytheway, When Times are Tough, (Deseret Book, 2004), 30
(2) President Ezra Taft Benson. Source: “Jesus Christ, Gifts and Expectations,” Ensign, December 1988, 6.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Combatting Spiritual Drift
I recently read an address given by Elder Russell M. Nelson(a leader in the LDS Church) at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, Illinois on September 2nd, 1993. It was after reading his message that I began writing this post. He concluded by quoting a statement from the leaders of the church at that time: “Our message is one of special love and concern for the eternal welfare of all men and women, regardless of religious belief, race, or nationality, knowing that we are truly brothers and sisters because we are the sons and daughters of the same eternal Father.” I feel that same love and concern.
While much of my day is spent caring for, teaching, and enjoying my two tots, my mind is alive with questions, ideas, and inner conversation. This conversation always includes questions and dialogue about life, spirituality, and the entire human family and why spirituality really does matter; prompted I feel by the passing of my Grandpa Don. His death has changed my focus FROM inward appreciation for the role of faith in my life TO the reality of our short time to live and the Eternal life that is to follow. That our time on earth, while vivid and full of seasons, emotions, relationships, and change, is only a shadow of the life that is to come. And what is to come? I believe it is a beautiful reunion. A rebirth of our spiritual remembrance of what we were up to before we were born to physical parents on this earth. Also when we will be joined with those we have lost in our life, anscestors who preceded us, and most importantly to come home to our Father. Surely all hearts have ached for this reunion. Yet how many have identified this ache or feeling of something missing to missing their spiritual Father?
In general I believe the trend of cultures and societies in this era is to downplay spirituality, dismissing the bigger picture as if all that matters is our immediate surroundings and physical satisfaction. When our immediate senses can be plugged into our electronic connections 24/7 there is little time left for spiritual feeding and reconnecting with God our Father. The lie is that we are physical beings - while this is true the truth is that we are spiritual beings first
A while ago I saw someone on a late night show and he said something like "have you noticed how everybody has everything but nobody is happy?" The audience was laughing the way he was talking about it but that line has stuck with me. What more could we possibly want? Though things aren't perfect most Americans have freedom to live how they choose, access to healthy, affordable food, clean water, somewhere warm to sleep, public education and access to vaccines and medical treatments to keep us tickin'. Then there is the middle and upper class who in addition to the basics have amazing techology at their fingertips, new cars, beautiful homes, the list can go on. Somehow with all these blessings there is still a feeling of discontent and unsatisfaction with life. It is like a contagious sickness that remains undiagnosed. I believe it is a spiritual sickness of the heart caused by the spiritual drifting or dismissing of God in our life. Revering God seems out of date, ignorant, unpopular but I firmly stand by the notion that popularity has never been a test of what is true.
I guess I've always been a philosophical type. Always more interested in arts and expression than science or math. I wrote an entry recently about my desire to be part of an inter-religious community where discussion is open, encouraged, and about understanding one another. I shared this entry with my many facebook friends who are of different faiths and asked for any and all response. I was grateful and inspired to hear from several friends I grew up with and have known since I was a white haired tot. Their respect and willingness to tell me about their personal beliefs and experiences has encouraged me to take the next step on this journey. I'm going to create another blog dedicated to this purpose. I'm not sure what form it will take yet but I do know I want to learn about other faiths, their doctrine, culture, and the people who live it. I'll speak from my perspective as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints(often called Mormons), referring to the doctrine of this faith and my perspective on how we all fit into the puzzle together.
"Given these realities, religion must shoulder greater responsibility in healing the spiritual sickness that engulfs our globe...The dismal dusk of today’s spiritual drift provides a rare opportunity for the radiance of religion to light the way to a new tomorrow. This can happen only as we proclaim eternal truths that have the power to engender spiritual strength. Human nature cannot be changed by reforming public policy; that kind of change comes by exposing the human mind and heart to the transforming teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have learned that when we teach His correct principles, people govern themselves appropriately."
While much of my day is spent caring for, teaching, and enjoying my two tots, my mind is alive with questions, ideas, and inner conversation. This conversation always includes questions and dialogue about life, spirituality, and the entire human family and why spirituality really does matter; prompted I feel by the passing of my Grandpa Don. His death has changed my focus FROM inward appreciation for the role of faith in my life TO the reality of our short time to live and the Eternal life that is to follow. That our time on earth, while vivid and full of seasons, emotions, relationships, and change, is only a shadow of the life that is to come. And what is to come? I believe it is a beautiful reunion. A rebirth of our spiritual remembrance of what we were up to before we were born to physical parents on this earth. Also when we will be joined with those we have lost in our life, anscestors who preceded us, and most importantly to come home to our Father. Surely all hearts have ached for this reunion. Yet how many have identified this ache or feeling of something missing to missing their spiritual Father?
In general I believe the trend of cultures and societies in this era is to downplay spirituality, dismissing the bigger picture as if all that matters is our immediate surroundings and physical satisfaction. When our immediate senses can be plugged into our electronic connections 24/7 there is little time left for spiritual feeding and reconnecting with God our Father. The lie is that we are physical beings - while this is true the truth is that we are spiritual beings first
A while ago I saw someone on a late night show and he said something like "have you noticed how everybody has everything but nobody is happy?" The audience was laughing the way he was talking about it but that line has stuck with me. What more could we possibly want? Though things aren't perfect most Americans have freedom to live how they choose, access to healthy, affordable food, clean water, somewhere warm to sleep, public education and access to vaccines and medical treatments to keep us tickin'. Then there is the middle and upper class who in addition to the basics have amazing techology at their fingertips, new cars, beautiful homes, the list can go on. Somehow with all these blessings there is still a feeling of discontent and unsatisfaction with life. It is like a contagious sickness that remains undiagnosed. I believe it is a spiritual sickness of the heart caused by the spiritual drifting or dismissing of God in our life. Revering God seems out of date, ignorant, unpopular but I firmly stand by the notion that popularity has never been a test of what is true.
I guess I've always been a philosophical type. Always more interested in arts and expression than science or math. I wrote an entry recently about my desire to be part of an inter-religious community where discussion is open, encouraged, and about understanding one another. I shared this entry with my many facebook friends who are of different faiths and asked for any and all response. I was grateful and inspired to hear from several friends I grew up with and have known since I was a white haired tot. Their respect and willingness to tell me about their personal beliefs and experiences has encouraged me to take the next step on this journey. I'm going to create another blog dedicated to this purpose. I'm not sure what form it will take yet but I do know I want to learn about other faiths, their doctrine, culture, and the people who live it. I'll speak from my perspective as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints(often called Mormons), referring to the doctrine of this faith and my perspective on how we all fit into the puzzle together.
"Given these realities, religion must shoulder greater responsibility in healing the spiritual sickness that engulfs our globe...The dismal dusk of today’s spiritual drift provides a rare opportunity for the radiance of religion to light the way to a new tomorrow. This can happen only as we proclaim eternal truths that have the power to engender spiritual strength. Human nature cannot be changed by reforming public policy; that kind of change comes by exposing the human mind and heart to the transforming teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have learned that when we teach His correct principles, people govern themselves appropriately."
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Respect driven or patronising?
I spent some time yesterday reading the doctrine of the LDS regarding the second coming of Jesus Christ, the period that we refer to as The Millennium, and about Post Mortal Life. As I did so I had to clarify a few things with myself. First of all I asked myself why I care to be part of a religious forum? Second whether my approach is open and respectful or just patronising?
The answers aren't very simple but nothing really is below the surface.
So, why a religious forum?
1. I believe a relationship with God is essential to the spiritual health of each and every person on this earth. It is among the first forms of nourishment in the soul of every person. I see an open and respect driven religious forum as one way to combat the spiritual drift or spiritual sickness we see throughout the world that manifests itself in the form of addiction, self destruction, war and civil strife, and the hate in the heart of men for anything different. The more support we give each other to seek spiritual nourishment individually, the stronger, healthier, and more peaceful this world will become.
2. I believe there is nothing to fear in opening my heart to others. In turn I believe there is nothing to fear in learning about their beliefs and life experiences. I know what my life experience has been as a female, American, Mormon, friend, mother, and wife but admit that leaves me limited only to that perspective and culture I'm familiar with. I want to be a real neighbor and friend who people can be authentic with.
And is my approach open and respectful or just patronising?
1. This question is tough but I'm trying to figure it out. I know I believe I am being open and respectful. I want to hear what people really think, not just what I want them to think or what I assume they must think. I have no intention of trying to press my beliefs on anyone though I have no hesitancy to share my beliefs with those who want to hear them either out of personal desire to learn more as an option for their own faith or out of sheer curiousity. There are a few unspoken rules in either situation. Myself and anyone involved is welcome to state their beliefs exactly as they are and without apology. They are never to be taken as a personal threat or invitation for debate. Questions to further discuss the statement are welcome as long as they are generated with genuine interest in the answer. Obviously statements of belief from different people of different faiths will be different from each other. Of course! Sometimes even contradicting to the point of being complete opposites. This is where the respect enters a respect driven forum because this is where the passionate spew usually begins. But why? Anyone who cannot handle that situation should look somewhere else for a religious forum, try googling religious debate communities. I'm sure we could find plenty.
2. I still have to tackle the question of whether my belief that a forum can happen without debate is realistic or just patronising. Has anyone got the feeling from me of a please all who is saying "hey, maybe we're all right so let's just sing Kumbaya and give each other hugs." If so then I have been patronising. I do not believe it's okay as individuals to just sit back and chill in regards to questions of life, death, where we came from and where we're going. I cannot respect anyone who says it all just doesn't matter because that is the ultimate disrespect to the beauty and gift of life. There are a lot of different perspectives and ideas about WHY it all matters and even though I disagree with many or most of them I can still respect them. But to embrace ignorance as a course of life? That is to say, to live without thinking about the bigger picture is in my mind the ultimate laziness, too lazy to seek truth. It is that journey for truth that I hope every person will embrace, a journey that offers no promises of what you might find. And what reason could anyone have for avoiding truth if not laziness. But for those who are not lazy is it that they are afraid of what they might find? What it might mean about their own life and the choices they make? And if so, for how long do they think they can avoid the inevitable? I'm afraid that if it is only through death that they face truth, by force rather than by their own seeking, they will then have a sadness to endure of what their life might have been if only they'd faced it head on. The way I see it this draws only one line in the forum and that is between those who have or want to think about their beliefs and those who do not.
The answers aren't very simple but nothing really is below the surface.
So, why a religious forum?
1. I believe a relationship with God is essential to the spiritual health of each and every person on this earth. It is among the first forms of nourishment in the soul of every person. I see an open and respect driven religious forum as one way to combat the spiritual drift or spiritual sickness we see throughout the world that manifests itself in the form of addiction, self destruction, war and civil strife, and the hate in the heart of men for anything different. The more support we give each other to seek spiritual nourishment individually, the stronger, healthier, and more peaceful this world will become.
2. I believe there is nothing to fear in opening my heart to others. In turn I believe there is nothing to fear in learning about their beliefs and life experiences. I know what my life experience has been as a female, American, Mormon, friend, mother, and wife but admit that leaves me limited only to that perspective and culture I'm familiar with. I want to be a real neighbor and friend who people can be authentic with.
And is my approach open and respectful or just patronising?
1. This question is tough but I'm trying to figure it out. I know I believe I am being open and respectful. I want to hear what people really think, not just what I want them to think or what I assume they must think. I have no intention of trying to press my beliefs on anyone though I have no hesitancy to share my beliefs with those who want to hear them either out of personal desire to learn more as an option for their own faith or out of sheer curiousity. There are a few unspoken rules in either situation. Myself and anyone involved is welcome to state their beliefs exactly as they are and without apology. They are never to be taken as a personal threat or invitation for debate. Questions to further discuss the statement are welcome as long as they are generated with genuine interest in the answer. Obviously statements of belief from different people of different faiths will be different from each other. Of course! Sometimes even contradicting to the point of being complete opposites. This is where the respect enters a respect driven forum because this is where the passionate spew usually begins. But why? Anyone who cannot handle that situation should look somewhere else for a religious forum, try googling religious debate communities. I'm sure we could find plenty.
2. I still have to tackle the question of whether my belief that a forum can happen without debate is realistic or just patronising. Has anyone got the feeling from me of a please all who is saying "hey, maybe we're all right so let's just sing Kumbaya and give each other hugs." If so then I have been patronising. I do not believe it's okay as individuals to just sit back and chill in regards to questions of life, death, where we came from and where we're going. I cannot respect anyone who says it all just doesn't matter because that is the ultimate disrespect to the beauty and gift of life. There are a lot of different perspectives and ideas about WHY it all matters and even though I disagree with many or most of them I can still respect them. But to embrace ignorance as a course of life? That is to say, to live without thinking about the bigger picture is in my mind the ultimate laziness, too lazy to seek truth. It is that journey for truth that I hope every person will embrace, a journey that offers no promises of what you might find. And what reason could anyone have for avoiding truth if not laziness. But for those who are not lazy is it that they are afraid of what they might find? What it might mean about their own life and the choices they make? And if so, for how long do they think they can avoid the inevitable? I'm afraid that if it is only through death that they face truth, by force rather than by their own seeking, they will then have a sadness to endure of what their life might have been if only they'd faced it head on. The way I see it this draws only one line in the forum and that is between those who have or want to think about their beliefs and those who do not.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
What is Real?
There are no words for this feeling in my heart. I want to try though because it is a feeling I'd wish for every person I've ever known and even those I haven't.
There has been a reassurance in my heart of what is real and I've had moments in the last few days that, though simple, I hope never to forget.
Ever since Ryanna drew her first depiction of the nativity(above) there have been little stick figure nativities drawn on every scrap paper in our house. I picked up a half dozen pages with these little sketches, sometimes 4 or 5 to a page, off of Ryanna's floor today and paused enough to let Him, the little baby, into my heart. The king of kings came to earth as a baby to a virgin mother... Far off leaders of other lands, or wise men, follow a star that brings them to the Christ child... Humble shepherds saw angels and were part of that silent night... Who could possibly believe such a story? Many minds believe it cannot be so. That these things are not real. The feeling I felt in that moment however was so much more real than the scraps of paper in my hand. I felt my heart burn in a way I can only describe as an authentic confirmation of truth in my soul, that it all really happened.
I have a favorite Christmas show(The Forgotten Carols) with a character named John who identifies the perspective of disbelief in his nurse Connie Lou. She says she cannot believe the Christmas story though she wishes she could. He tells her that that is a great Christmas wish which she says isn't what she meant. He then tells her something that helps illustrate the feeling I'm trying to explain. He says he knows that isn't what she meant with her head "...but that's the thing about hearts, it doesn't care so much if it makes sense. The Christmas story...who could possibly believe it if there wasn't something in our hearts that said YES! It Is True!"
All the time lately I'm aware of the dichotomy of this life. In this very moment for example I'm feeling hungry and beginning to feel ready for bed; very real feelings for this physical being named Kristin. In fact, physical feelings are often the victor of the constant battle for my attention. Also awake at this very moment is what makes me more than a hungry, tired woman; awake is my spirit that resides in this physical body. That spirit is the heart of who I truly am and have been for much longer than 27 1/2 years. It is spiritually that I feel the soothing peace of communication though writing this. It is spiritually that my mind continues an inner dialogue of life, mankind, faith, and Christ's place in each. It is spiritually that I'm reflecting on what is real to me and why I care so much to identify it. I know in my heart that the baby who was born in Bethleham matters. I know that He is the Son of God. I know that He loves each and every one of us.
I am a physical person all of the time,
who slows down enough some of the time,
to remember I am a spiritual being first.
Maybe that only makes sense to me but that is what is real even if I can't explain it. I'm so grateful to feel these spiritual witnesses of Christ this Christmas season. It's made me feel like I'm celebrating Christmas for the first time. I have countless blessings, supportive friends, and loving family. My prayer is that we can all open our hearts to the immeasureable love of God and remember the blessings that came from a baby born on that silent night long ago.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Christmukkah! (Especially to my favorite Missoulans)
Love you all!
There has been a reassurance in my heart of what is real and I've had moments in the last few days that, though simple, I hope never to forget.
Ever since Ryanna drew her first depiction of the nativity(above) there have been little stick figure nativities drawn on every scrap paper in our house. I picked up a half dozen pages with these little sketches, sometimes 4 or 5 to a page, off of Ryanna's floor today and paused enough to let Him, the little baby, into my heart. The king of kings came to earth as a baby to a virgin mother... Far off leaders of other lands, or wise men, follow a star that brings them to the Christ child... Humble shepherds saw angels and were part of that silent night... Who could possibly believe such a story? Many minds believe it cannot be so. That these things are not real. The feeling I felt in that moment however was so much more real than the scraps of paper in my hand. I felt my heart burn in a way I can only describe as an authentic confirmation of truth in my soul, that it all really happened.
All the time lately I'm aware of the dichotomy of this life. In this very moment for example I'm feeling hungry and beginning to feel ready for bed; very real feelings for this physical being named Kristin. In fact, physical feelings are often the victor of the constant battle for my attention. Also awake at this very moment is what makes me more than a hungry, tired woman; awake is my spirit that resides in this physical body. That spirit is the heart of who I truly am and have been for much longer than 27 1/2 years. It is spiritually that I feel the soothing peace of communication though writing this. It is spiritually that my mind continues an inner dialogue of life, mankind, faith, and Christ's place in each. It is spiritually that I'm reflecting on what is real to me and why I care so much to identify it. I know in my heart that the baby who was born in Bethleham matters. I know that He is the Son of God. I know that He loves each and every one of us.
I am a physical person all of the time,
who slows down enough some of the time,
to remember I am a spiritual being first.
Maybe that only makes sense to me but that is what is real even if I can't explain it. I'm so grateful to feel these spiritual witnesses of Christ this Christmas season. It's made me feel like I'm celebrating Christmas for the first time. I have countless blessings, supportive friends, and loving family. My prayer is that we can all open our hearts to the immeasureable love of God and remember the blessings that came from a baby born on that silent night long ago.
Merry Christmas!
Happy Christmukkah! (Especially to my favorite Missoulans)
Love you all!
The problem with the world is that we draw the circle of our family too small. - Mother Teresa
(*NOTE* Here's the link to the book/study about religion in America that I haven't read yet but have read about and got me going on this train of thought. http://americangrace.org/ And here is the link about just some of what the book had to say about Mormons in American Culture http://beta-newsroom.lds.org/article/major-new-study-of-religion-has-much-to-say-about-mormons )
I could probably write half a dozen separate posts right now but I think I'll just see what I can get down in one. I think it starts with my faith as a Mormon and more specifically my devotion to Jesus Christ.
Sometime last summer I had one of my brain clouds - I get a feeling to learn more about something and feel compelled to collaborate and learn from/with others. I call it a "brain cloud" because it just kind of slowly moves in like a fog and stays around until I either do something about it or ignore it long enough it fades into the background. Well this particular brain cloud had to do with religion.
How do different faiths interact? How do the individuals generally view one another? What perceptions do we have of each other? Which of these are based in truth or misconception? What common ground do we share? What kind of neighbors do we make? And then more personally, what is it about the Mormon faith that makes others so uncomfortable? How do I open the door to discussion?
Last summer I had the great opportunity to spend time with some best friends(you know who you are!) in Montana who are of a variety of faiths. I was somewhat surprised when one friend hesitantly(and respectfully I'll add) asked if it was okay to ask me a question about being Mormon. I indicated I was an open book to any of their questions or comments no matter how controversial they may seem. So the big question was what did I think about the South Park episode about Mormons?? Okay, it was a funny moment. First of all I hadn't seen it but regardless of what was in the show I told them it didn't really bother me. And honestly it doesn't. I mean I suppose it was full of UNtruths and DISrespectful jokes but that really has nothing to do with a religion.
Here's an example: For hundreds of years in literature, media, and television, Judaism has been MISrepresented, MISjudged, and DISrespected. But where has most Christians(and others) received their information to form opinions on Judaism in general and in America? From the MIS- or DIS- sources(I'm referring to books, media, TV, etc MISinforming and DISrespecting). Not usually from a direct source...you know like an actual person who practices Judaism. What a concept!
So I've asked myself. What would a "direct source" about a religion or faith look like? What about an entire community of individuals who can turn to a real person and find out what that actual person believes, what faith they follow, and how that faith lives and breathes for them? I don't really mean in a missionary/spread the word type of way. Rather I mean as an informative, respect driven forum? Obviously technology makes this concept exceptionally easy even for the less tech savvy of folks. But still I hesitate because it just seems a little too good to be true. Easiser said than done.
Religion is a lot like politics and its discussion can turn your average person into a bubbling brew of passionate lecture, spewing out vague phrases like "burn in hell" - what does anyone really mean by that anyway?? I mean does anyone out there actually believe in a little red devil with horns and a spiked tail? And likewise an uncompassionate God who simply sends masses to "burn" for not being born at the "right" time or within the "right" culture? I don't know. I guess maybe there are some who do but my gut tells me that MOST people are sincere and sophisticated in their faith. They choose to live the way that they do based on real feelings of what they see as right and wrong.
I believe MOST people feel brotherhood and compassion for the people in their community and in the world. And yet I also believe that MOST people are uneducated or misinformed(comfortably in some cases) about the core doctrines of any other faith than their own. Is there something to be feared there? In understanding what another group of people believe?
I can understand that what I'm referring to is no small task. There are probably professors of world religions who dedicate their lives to simply learning about the many faiths in this world and only scratch the surface. So is that what I'm suggesting...if so that is simply not reasonable. But what about opening or offering ourselves to those around us? Asking our friends and neighbors what they believe and with only one motive; of knowing them better. Isn't that the heart of real friendship? Sincerity. Feeling safe enough to share what makes us real and vulnerable. And religion is like that to most people. It's not a joke or a game. It's not a club or an obsession. It is where our heart feels truth - sometimes like a comforting whisper and other times like a fire burning.
That is what my faith as a Mormon is for me. It is where my heart feels truth. Like the ringing of a bell in my soul; I am a child of God. I have a purpose on this earth.
So that is where I'm coming from and a little introduction to where I think I'm going. So to all my friends of all faiths(yes, that means you!) what would an open forum of religion look like to you? Would you share what you know about your faith(Doctrines, culture, etc) and what it means to you? And any parting words of wisdom (like "hey you're a nutjob and should shut your trap")?
I'm looking for some more "open book" people out there...Is that you????? Regardless this should be interesting and I'm looking forward to it.
I could probably write half a dozen separate posts right now but I think I'll just see what I can get down in one. I think it starts with my faith as a Mormon and more specifically my devotion to Jesus Christ.
Sometime last summer I had one of my brain clouds - I get a feeling to learn more about something and feel compelled to collaborate and learn from/with others. I call it a "brain cloud" because it just kind of slowly moves in like a fog and stays around until I either do something about it or ignore it long enough it fades into the background. Well this particular brain cloud had to do with religion.
How do different faiths interact? How do the individuals generally view one another? What perceptions do we have of each other? Which of these are based in truth or misconception? What common ground do we share? What kind of neighbors do we make? And then more personally, what is it about the Mormon faith that makes others so uncomfortable? How do I open the door to discussion?
Last summer I had the great opportunity to spend time with some best friends(you know who you are!) in Montana who are of a variety of faiths. I was somewhat surprised when one friend hesitantly(and respectfully I'll add) asked if it was okay to ask me a question about being Mormon. I indicated I was an open book to any of their questions or comments no matter how controversial they may seem. So the big question was what did I think about the South Park episode about Mormons?? Okay, it was a funny moment. First of all I hadn't seen it but regardless of what was in the show I told them it didn't really bother me. And honestly it doesn't. I mean I suppose it was full of UNtruths and DISrespectful jokes but that really has nothing to do with a religion.
Here's an example: For hundreds of years in literature, media, and television, Judaism has been MISrepresented, MISjudged, and DISrespected. But where has most Christians(and others) received their information to form opinions on Judaism in general and in America? From the MIS- or DIS- sources(I'm referring to books, media, TV, etc MISinforming and DISrespecting). Not usually from a direct source...you know like an actual person who practices Judaism. What a concept!
So I've asked myself. What would a "direct source" about a religion or faith look like? What about an entire community of individuals who can turn to a real person and find out what that actual person believes, what faith they follow, and how that faith lives and breathes for them? I don't really mean in a missionary/spread the word type of way. Rather I mean as an informative, respect driven forum? Obviously technology makes this concept exceptionally easy even for the less tech savvy of folks. But still I hesitate because it just seems a little too good to be true. Easiser said than done.
Religion is a lot like politics and its discussion can turn your average person into a bubbling brew of passionate lecture, spewing out vague phrases like "burn in hell" - what does anyone really mean by that anyway?? I mean does anyone out there actually believe in a little red devil with horns and a spiked tail? And likewise an uncompassionate God who simply sends masses to "burn" for not being born at the "right" time or within the "right" culture? I don't know. I guess maybe there are some who do but my gut tells me that MOST people are sincere and sophisticated in their faith. They choose to live the way that they do based on real feelings of what they see as right and wrong.
I believe MOST people feel brotherhood and compassion for the people in their community and in the world. And yet I also believe that MOST people are uneducated or misinformed(comfortably in some cases) about the core doctrines of any other faith than their own. Is there something to be feared there? In understanding what another group of people believe?
I can understand that what I'm referring to is no small task. There are probably professors of world religions who dedicate their lives to simply learning about the many faiths in this world and only scratch the surface. So is that what I'm suggesting...if so that is simply not reasonable. But what about opening or offering ourselves to those around us? Asking our friends and neighbors what they believe and with only one motive; of knowing them better. Isn't that the heart of real friendship? Sincerity. Feeling safe enough to share what makes us real and vulnerable. And religion is like that to most people. It's not a joke or a game. It's not a club or an obsession. It is where our heart feels truth - sometimes like a comforting whisper and other times like a fire burning.
That is what my faith as a Mormon is for me. It is where my heart feels truth. Like the ringing of a bell in my soul; I am a child of God. I have a purpose on this earth.
So that is where I'm coming from and a little introduction to where I think I'm going. So to all my friends of all faiths(yes, that means you!) what would an open forum of religion look like to you? Would you share what you know about your faith(Doctrines, culture, etc) and what it means to you? And any parting words of wisdom (like "hey you're a nutjob and should shut your trap")?
I'm looking for some more "open book" people out there...Is that you????? Regardless this should be interesting and I'm looking forward to it.
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