Mixed Lds Messages

[Calm]

The Russian soul can be considered bi-polar. On the one hand, it can be extremely beautiful showing wonderful poetry, art, literature and design. In Soviet Times, Russians would read poetry as if it flowed in their blood. But on the other hand, their soul can be very cruel. So, we have opposites. When one lives in Russia one can see wonderful people, however, in how they treat each other, it can be rather brutal. Such is the nature of their soul and its reflection on their history.

When were you there, why me? We were there in 95.

[why me]

What would the LDS say if a member converted to catholicism but still wore their garments? How would catholics react when sharing a locker room with a former lds person who still wore the lds garments? What thoughts would go through that catholic's head? Or other catholics? The garment is closely linked to the lds faith. I think that it may be a symbol of a person not totally free of their former faith.

Or a religious jewish person who converts to christianity but continues to wear the yarmulke which is closely linked to orthodox Judaism? The garments, the yarmulke are not cultural manifestations but religious ,manifestations of faith.

Edited January 5, 2013 by why me

[Calm]

Why me, I think at this point, where these kinds of comments have already been numerous in this thread, that such may feel more like badgering than informing....most of the time when a point has been made, it is probably better to let it settle in rather than attempt to hammer it in.

[why me]

When were you there, why me? We were there in 95.

I studied Russian history and politics. I also read a great deal of Russian literature and poetry. Russia was my major focus during my undergraduate studies. My daughter has also served a mission there. And I have come in contact with many Russians and have heard what they said about their own history and culture. The Russian soul is very beautiful but also dark. What else could have given birth to such a glorious culture fulled with contradictions?

[why me]

Why me, I think at this point, where these kinds of comments have already been numerous in this thread, that such may feel more like badgering than informing....most of the time when a point has been made, it is probably better to let it settle in rather than attempt to hammer it in.

I agree. But it seems that people still look upon the hijab as something cultural. For my own point of view, I don't care about what people wear as mormons. But we need to sympathize with people about why they may seem confused when something occurs that is new and unexpected as mormons who encounter a mormon with a hajib.

Edited January 5, 2013 by why me

[Calm]

I hope you get a chance to visit there someday. I wish I had more warning when we went there so I could have studied up and learned to read the language at least (I can't 'hear' languages very well at all, but can pick up reading pretty quickly though the new letters slowed me down) and studied more of the history so I could understand the context of what I was seeing better.

[Hamba Tuhan]

Or a religious jewish person who converts to christianity but continues to wear the yarmulke which is closely linked to orthodox Judaism?

I would (in fact, do) have no problem with this at all. I personally know converted Jews who still wear Stars of David around their necks, and this likewise gives me no pause. We have Latter-day Saints in my ward who wear crosses, and one of our Young Men wears a crucifix. Is any of this supposed to bother me somehow?

I know it's not completely connected, but somehow you just jolted my memories back to the day I received a letter at work from my father, in which he informed me that he'd been diagnosed with cancer. I approached my manager, explained the situation, and asked if there was a room then available in which I could go to pray. He pointed out that we had a musholla and encouraged me to use that. I reminded him that I'm not Muslim, to which he replied, 'It is a room set aside for people to speak to Almighty God. You need to speak to Almighty God, so the room is for you'. I've since many times prayed in musholla. Should that bother someone, either Latter-day Saint or Muslim?

[why me]

I would (in fact, do) have no problem with this at all. I personally know converted Jews who still wear Stars of David around their necks, and this likewise gives me no pause. We have Latter-day Saints in my ward who wear crosses, and one of our Young Men wears a crucifix. Is any of this supposed to bother me somehow?

The star of david is on the Isreali flag. It is also a symbol of jewishness not necessarily a religious symbol. I think that many are not comfortable discarding their former religious symbolisms. So, if a jewish person wears the yarmelka and is a christian, he does not want to give up such religious symbolism. Likewise for the hijab or lds garments.

If I converted to protestantism and still wore the garments, what would that signify? And would it send a mixed message to my new pastor?

Edited January 5, 2013 by why me

[Yirgacheffe]

When I converted from Islam to the LDS, church, I was told that I should bring the things I had learned in my old religion to the LDS church and we could share them. I think that concept is an actual part of LDS doctrine.

I hope that what I am about to relate does not sound too negative. I've been very ill and may still be somewhat crabby.

When I first started attending church, I still wore my beloved Hijab and dressed with great modesty. Almost imediately, I had presure to meet with the missionaries, remove my Hijab and dress more in line with American customs. I was so grateful for the love of Heavenly Father that I somehow decided that I needed to look more American once again, not thinking through what his wishes might be.

So, it being winter here, it has been around freezing with at times very strong Easterly winds. The other day, We all went for a hike in a very scenic area, so it meant our warmest clothing. So, for me it was warm leggings, long skirt, warm top and arctic coat. I do not own a warm hat so, without thinking I just put my Hijab on in the usual fashion.

On the hike, someone who should know better asked me if I still had Muslim leanings! What does a Hijab have to do with what is in my Head?

So, I am mad now! When I came to the church they said I could bring some of the things I liked. But, when I do, I get the most stupid, inane questions. Does anyone see the hipocrisy in this?

Again she is not wearing the hijab all the time, she wore it once because it was cold. Her friends, who should know her better than that questioned her belief.

[Hestia]

For what it is worth. I have a lot to think about now, so this thread no longer has any value to me. What is left must be handled through prayer and thought.

Much Peace

Ellen

Since Ellen started this thread let's leave it at this.