Things I Still Believe

[Libs]

I believe in those things, as well. Good things to believe in and practice.

[darkandlight]

I believe in those things, as well. Good things to believe in and practice.

Hello Libs. Yes. Good things to us all.

[Libs]

Yes, indeed.

[Libs]

I'm curious if in seeing these connections Libs, it brings you closer to considering how and/or if you would consider returning to the church?

Sorry, I just now saw this.

I don't think I could ever return to full activity in the church. Not so much because of the teachings, but I didn't really fit in with the conservative culture. Plus...I never really had a testimony of Joseph Smith...except that I did feel some inspiration from the Book of Mormon (in some parts). Too many things I was unsure of, I guess.

I've enjoyed a more universal outlook, outside of the church.

Edited January 7, 2012 by Libs

[Mehrdad]

Sorry, I just now saw this.

I don't think I could ever return to full activity in the church. Not so much because of the teachings, but I didn't really fit in with the conservative culture. Plus...I never really had a testimony of Joseph Smith...except that I did feel some inspiration from the Book of Mormon (in some parts). Too many things I was unsure of, I guess.

I've enjoyed a more universal outlook, outside of the church.

I understand how you feel, I left the Church when I was in my teens and decided to become an atheist for a few years. Growing up in a household that was half LDS and half Islam drove me away from the belief in a creator, due to parents clashing over religion every single day. My parents getting a divorce didn't help either. I absorbed myself in science and was content with my new found "faith".

When I turned 19, my Stake President asked my mother if I would ever consider going on a mission, I thought he was crazy since I didn't go to church and was a devout atheist. However, needless to say, the lord has a plan for each of us.

After my mother relayed the Stake President's message, I had some amazing experiences, I'll share one with you. One early morning I decided to go over to my cousins house which was close by and on the beach, it was at dawn and the sun was barely visible over the horizon when I felt this huge rush of love in my bossom, and it was as clear as anything I heard a voice that said "My son, its time to come home". I had never felt anything like that in my whole life. I was overcome with joy, I knew right there and then, that there was a God, and he loved me more than I could imagine.

Two years later I ended up going on a mission at the ripe old age of 21.

Let me tell you, till this day, I still don't fit in with the Conservative culture in the Church, because of some of my political beliefs, but nothing on this earth will sway me away from the Truth. I know it is true and that Joseph Smith was the Prophet of God, assigned to restore his truth, in this last dispensation of times. I hope and pray that you will one day feel the same way too.

[Kate]

Mehrdad, that is a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

I no longer attend the LDS Church, but there are things the church teaches that I still believe are true. Sometimes, when I am reading or contemplating something spiritual - something I believe, like "God gave us free will", it will occur to me that it is, also, a Mormon belief. I rather like making the connection.

Lately, I have been trying to see the connections, rather than the divisions, between the various belief systems/religions, and that has been such an uplifting pursuit, that I thought I might share just a little of it.

A few ideas/concepts that most religions share:

Creator God(s) who are Good/Pure/Holy

Worship of this Creator

We came from this Creator

We are trying to go back or reconnect with the Creator/God

Good and evil have consequences

We can communicate with the Creator (prayer/meditation, etc)

We like to sing/chant about this Creator

Afterlife of some kind

Can you think of other things that connect the worldwide spiritual/religious communities?

BTW; I mean this is a truly platonic way…I love you so much! I am also sorry for the criticism you have received on both sides.

[Libs]

Awww, thank you, Papa! I love you, too (like a brother ).. (just saw this - I haven't peeked in here in awhile)

I am very sorry that we, as humans, spend so much time judging one another...and, I certainly include myself in that. We are all really more alike than different and we are all God's children, everyone of us.