And by that I mean I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Just when I was feeling like that statement was beginning to get respect or at least tolerance from most, strange stewings of controversy arise in the political and therefore national scene and it seems that, in some instances, we are back in the former days of persecution. I don't get personally offended by the ravings of self proclaimed mormon bashing scholars but rather personally empowered in my own testimony with greater enthusiasm to speak out. While I know this is just a small way of doing that, I'd like to spend the next few minutes, unedited, to throw some randomness out from my mind and heart so that I can more organize my impressions and ask for yours. A few thoughts...
First of all
Mitt Romney.
(wow, I've gone and done it now, inviting politics onto my blog..but you wouldn't really get a true picture of me if I pretended I wasn't involved and totally interested in the scenes of campaigning. And quite honestly, I feel we are not doing our duty to our country and therefore ourselves if we aren't. We can not depend on others info to base an opinion on who most qualifies to govern this free world. We need to research, listen and watch- to be actively involved) OK, I'll just get it out there, he is my favorite. And that is not coming from some ignorant,go with the crowd Mormon, who just wants to see him do well because he is "one of us". In fact I have been more impressed by some other candidates on certain issues, but overall: the problems he puts focus on, his honesty, willingness to change, the trust I feel in his abilities to manage,prioritize and organize, similar ideals and principles,- matches what I am looking for in a commander and chief. In saying this, I do not wish to convince any other person that he is the man for them, but rather put influence on the fact that it is crucial that we not only decide what issues matter most to us but who can most effectively take on the challenge of them. As always my opinion is subject to change as I become more informed. I do not wish to defend Mitt Romney, but regardless of anyone's political opinions, his running for President has opened the door for reviews and rebuttal's of the LDS church and we have the opportunity to defend THAT! I get excited to think of helping others understand the restored Gospel because I know it will increase my own understanding.
Onto my next thought...
It is not all roses but that doesn't change the truth.
One day on my mission I was run off a doorstep by what seemed to be a ranting crazy man, yelling out "you murderers! Your people are murderers! You kill innocent people!" He continued to describe details of a mormon massacre which I assumed he was making up or misinformed about because I wasn't familiar with. I was shocked when I found out it was true and embarrassed at how I must've responded to him. I couldn't believe I had never heard anything (that I remembered at least) about the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Another example: While discussing some church history with a friend (who was brought up in the church) she paused to say "wait, Joseph Smith had more than one wife too?"
I couldn't believe she didn't know that and yet why should she know any differently? Many of the church manuals (including the new one of Joseph Smith's teachings) mention nothing of this or any other of the controversial history of the early church. Do I think they should? No, at least not most of the time. Sometimes I wish they would though, even though I know it is better that they don't. I was so pleased with the
article in the September Ensign that shared the accounts of the Mountain Meadows Massacre- the first detailed account shared with the entire church. I'd just love to hear one of the Apostles share some of their personal thoughts and understanding on the churches history with plural marriage, but why should they? We have far too much truth and light to share that it seems a waste of time to spend our precious teaching moments reviewing incomplete records of the past or principles that are no longer needful at this time... not to mention all the mistakes members of the church have made. Yet we can not ignore the past while others not of our faith are informed. So how do we prepare for their questioning then, like the one I experienced on my mission? I am no sure exactly, but I do think we have to do our own research, with the spirit. Joseph himself would not have received many revelations with out first having stirrings and questions of the soul. We can't be afraid of thorns and let imperfections of man startle our Faith in God and His church. A thorough study of the early church history and the life of our prophet Joseph could leave the tender dependent testimony questioning. For the past few months I have read some (and discussed more) of "Joseph Smith-Rough Stone Rolling" by Richard Bushman. For me, I enjoy knowing that Joseph was a man- called to be a prophet, but very much a mortal with struggles and weaknesses. It gives me more hope and faith to know that Father can take a humble man and make him into someone who can be used for such a marvelous work. While Joseph may have been one of the most Christlike men to live, he is not our Savior.
He has done more for the world to know the Savior than any other man yet it should not be expected that he made no mistakes simply because of his calling.
I wish we weren't so afraid of showing and sharing weaknesses. So often I feel we go through our lives surrounded- in stores, homes, congregations and classrooms with hungry souls, questioning, struggling and even unbelieving, yet we feel we can't share with each other. That somehow we are not faithful or good if we have a questions or don't understand something. That we need to be perceived as perfect. There is so much more we could do for each other. Is it pride? One of my favorite testimonies was from a couple who shared humbly that although they firmly believed in Christ they were struggling with some specific parts of their testimonies but trying to receive answers through the spirit. If we all had perfect testimonies on every principle of the gospel it seems our test and learning on earth may as well be over...but since we're all still here, apparently we could use a bit more. :)
Well, I had no agenda in writing this. Just a lot on my mind. If you are still reading this, I hope you might take a moment to share some of your thoughts, agreeable or not, on this blog or your own.
I am imperfect, yet striving to know Christ better.
I AM A MORMON and couldn't be happier!
