It seems that a lot of people leave the Church because they've been offended or had their feelings hurt by someone in their Ward. The personal example I'm aware of involved a Bishop being the offending party, but I seem to come across a lot of stories about people walking away from the LDS faith completely because of the way they were treated by their fellow church members.
What's up with that?
Hey, Mormons, don't all chime in at once now.
ReplyDeleteHow funny...I just noticed that you "follow" my blog and yet I don't think I even know you, and then here's this question about Mormons and you say you love Mormons, and by coincidence I just happen to be one! I honestly don't know the answer to your question. It's one I've asked myself before. Mostly in the sense of "Why the heck are people so easily offended?!" But I think it's a difference between people that have a firmly rooted testimony in the church and those that have a loose root and are merely there to socialize. Some think the Bishop is a "fallen" authority if he says something they disagree with (usually a truthfully spoken chastisement...Certainly the "guilty taketh the truth to be hard" as they say). But I always remember that no one is perfect...we are all mistake-prone humans, including Mormons, and YES including Mormon Bishops. But that doesn't mean that the church organization isn't perfect. This is still Christ's church. And I do firmly believe that and nothing anyone says to me can offend to the point to make me think otherwise. Just my thoughts on the subject. Are you interested in the church or just fascinated with our peculiar culture?
ReplyDeleteI've had a lot of people in my life of whom i thought very highly who also happened to be LDS. I explored the Church in my late teens and nearly converted, but didn't. Interested in the Church, yes, but not in a way that's going to lead to conversion. Fascinated by the culture? Absolutely, but not because it's any more "peculiar" than any other. Mainly, Mormons blog a lot. That makes it really easy to read stuff about Mormon culture.
ReplyDeleteI think that could likely be said of any faith--the difference is that the mormons (on the whole) tend to require high activity. I bet if you asked a lot of Catholics why they stopped going to church, a fairly high percentage would have to do with PEOPLE or something they did or said. That's because even though religion is about GOD, it is really about people worshipping God, and Imperfect People (everyone but God) are prone to both offend and take offense. That's my very disorganized two cents. I also think people use it as an excuse. Being Mormon is hard. It requires a lot. A lot of work, a lot of sacrifice and a lot of being different. If you want a reason to opt out, take offense and blame someone else. Ultimately we are all responsible for our own spirituality, and if you REALLY believe the church's teachings, there's no way in HELL you would let anyone get in the way of you and your own salvation, or you and your relationship with the Savior. So, obviously those people either didn't really believe or they were looking for an excuse to opt out.
ReplyDeleteHey girl! Had to stop by since your comment on my blog doesn't allow me to email you back!
ReplyDeleteBut I'm 27. :D
Now, as for your blog and your question. I had to laugh a bit as I've read about you and how much you know of us Mormons. I think you sound like a rather fun and fascinating person! I love it!
I think what Amy and Whidget said are both very good answers.
Being LDS is more than just a religion, it's a way of life. It's who we are. Someone truly converted to the gospel is someone who understands that our choices here have eternal consequences.
But no one is perfect, no one. I too have known many a person who has been offended by someone else. My dad was a bishop once and on more than one occasion had someone come over to our house to chew him out because they were offended by him. Heck, I've been chewed out before!
But you can't associate one person, even the bishop, as the whole of the church. It is the doctrine, not the people that make it true.
Both of my parents are converts, joined separately, went on missions where they met and got sealed in the temple.
My dad had a great experience with his conversion. The people were very welcoming and made the effort to fellowship him. He gave up drinking, drugs, etc.
My mom, on the other hand, had a different experience. No one went out of their way to make her feel welcome to included. Even had some people be flat out rude to her. That by itself would be enough to drive many people away from the church. But she said she was committed to the gospel, not to the people. But that didn't mean it was easy!
Some areas are more friendly and welcoming than others. I've personally known many who were only LDS in title, not in spirit. But the same can be said for any and all religions.
Anyhow, i could probably go on and on but don't want to bore you to death. :D
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