For those who might not be aware of Mormon happenings, you should know two things:
1. Twice yearly the leadership of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints holds a conference that is broadcasted worldwide. Men and women, whom we believe are called of God to speak in His name, give "talks," or sermons, that give instruction on how we can best serve God and others. This past weekend we had this conference, often referred to as General Conference or snuggleonthecouchinyourpajamastime. This is where I learned that,
2. We shouldn't call ourselves Mormons anymore.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm open to any new suggestions for nicknames.
Anyways.
One of the main vibes I was picking up from the conference (and this is just my personal opinion, I'm sure others were feeling other lovely feelings) is this idea that people are being persecuted for their beliefs, and it's important to stand strong and hold fast to your principles. Amiright? And I thought, "Oh! That's me! I feel that way a lot!"
But then there were lots of stories and thoughts shared about those with strong religious convictions who have stood firm in the faith through their trials of challenging "immorality" and other sins, which according to Church leaders are quickly becoming the status quo. Encouragement to not lose hope was given, as well as instruction to lovingly correct others in their paths.
My immediate thoughts were as follows:
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Do my very religious friends and family really feel attacked or persecuted for their beliefs? In what ways? How often?
As a religious minority in my hometown, there were of course instances in which I felt that I need to defend my faith, but for the most part everyone was warm and loving and very tolerant of my "Mormonism." It wasn't until I lived among those who share my faith that I felt any sort of persecution or intolerance (read story here), but that was usually for my political beliefs. Having lived in this environment for the past several years, it was hard for me to imagine while listening to this conference that those who had often said harsh words to me about my beliefs were also feeling like they were constantly defending their faith as well.
And then it hit me.
WE ARE ALL SO STUPID, GUYZ.
Seriously though, do you not see this? Everyone is feeling under attack. Everyone is acknowledging intolerance and a lack of love, no matter what side it's coming from. Everyone is trying to find truth and to live it and to do so without feeling like they constantly have to defend the way they live or why they think the thoughts they think. Everyone is feeling wounded by others' arrows of bitterness, and we're all too concerned about hiding behind the giant fortresses of pride we've built instead of communicating with each other honestly and openly.
Can't we all just go back to being friends? Is it possible to create a safe space where everyone can express themselves and contribute to a loving conversation in which we discuss our differences? Does judgement need to be our constant companion? And can we all have the patience and humility to admit when we're wrong and when we need to adjust our ideas?
Because Jesus.
1 John 4:8
He [or she] that loveth not knowth not God; for God is love.
ps. Please take note at the "Kittens" poster in the corner. That is not a coincidence.
I thought the same thing during Conference. As a missionary, I used to watch Conference thinking, "I know someone who needs this talk," because I wanted to share a talk that answered their questions. Now, I listen to Conference thinking, "Okay, what am I lacking? How can I improve?" It's so easy to think of ways to change others, but if we all listened to the prophets or read the scriptures in order to take out the beam in our eyes, it WOULD be a lot easier to feel less threatened and hurt.
ReplyDeleteI am mortally terrified of saying certain things in social media because I would automatically be branded a "hater" or some other convenient label. I guess I worry too much about what I think others think of me and I don't think I am going to convince anyone that my view isn't so stupid after all. I don't feel like I am the victim of anything, but I know that a lot of people (members/religious people) do, to varying degrees because such labels have been used on them for voicing their beliefs.
ReplyDeleteI think you have articulated in your own way what Elder Holland said in his talk, which means one should defend what one believes (i.e., voice your opinion when you think it is called for) and listen to others with courtesy. Talk to each other and do it nicely. I would add "assume the best in others." Just because someone has different beliefs (religious, political, or otherwise) does not mean that you have to de-humanize them or brand (judge) them just to make your own opinion seem more acceptable.