Are Doubters Welcome

[pogi]

Doubt and faith coexist and in fact faith is about moving forward in spite of the doubts one has

 

Moving forward in spite of doubts (I prefer "uncertainty") is called "hope". 

 

Hopers (if that is a word) are always welcome in spite of uncertainty.

Edited January 21, 2015 by pogi

[thesometimesaint]

But we were referring to faith, not belief.

 

And it is very easy to believe that it is both possible my car will start and possible it won't. But I get in and turn the key because I hope that it will start. So by turning that key I'm exercising faith.

 

In the context given they are one and the same. You can't have faith that your car will start and faith that it won't start at the same time.

 

My car is more reliable than yours obviously.   Ever hear of Schrodinger's Cat?

[DBMormon]

Moving forward in spite of doubts (I prefer "uncertainty") is called "hope". 

 

Hopers (if that is a word) are always welcome in spite of uncertainty.

Faith is uncertainity too ---> Hebrews 11:1

[HappyJackWagon]

In the context given they are one and the same. You can't have faith that your car will start and faith that it won't start at the same time.

 

My car is more reliable than yours obviously.   Ever hear of Schrodinger's Cat?

To me, belief and faith are very different things and being faithful is yet another.

 

I've only heard of Schrodingers cat because of the Big Bang Theory but I get your point. Yes, my car has 236K miles on it but still runs like a champ.

[LoudmouthMormon]

Two experiences:

 

1. After 6 years of inactivity and doubt, and zero testimony, I was willing to try to see for myself.  I read the scriptures, prayed, and came to church and listened.  Occasionally clarified what I was hearing, to make sure I understood it.  I was open about who I was (inactive guy who wasn't sure what I believed).  I was totally and unconditionally welcomed by everyone.  This situation lasted around 6-8 months.

 

2. Years later, as a believing mormon, someone invited me (or I invited myself) to an Are Mormons Christian? class held in a local Mega-church.  I was open about who I was (active temple-worthy LDS with 10 years experience dealing with criticisms).  I was treated differently by different people - some friendly, some guarded.  Lots of strained smiles.  I was sort of set-up by the teacher once, who said something to the tune of "So it seems obvious (and correct me [Loudmouth] if you disagree) that details about the temple is left out of the Preach My Gospel manual because mormons don't want investigators to know about the temple until after they're baptized and it's too late because if they heard about becoming a God or baptizing dead people or ..." (This run-on sentence continued for another minute or two, and then she quickly moved to the next topic, never giving the slightest pause for me to politely indicate my disagreement.)

 

After their deal on DNA-themed criticisms, I mentioned the FARMS resources on the issue.  The audience furiously scribbled in their notebooks.  The next week there was a new older gentleman in attendance who spent the entire session glaring at me.  Shortly after that, they changed the time of their meeting, and when I asked if I could continue to come, was told "The purpose is not to "defend" or "debate" matters of the faith, rather educate people on the differences.".  Most politely worded "no you can't come" message I've ever received in my life.

[pogi]

Faith is uncertainity too ---> Hebrews 11:1

 

Absolutely, and there is nothing wrong with uncertainty.  I think that people who question will feel more welcome and accepted at church when they embrace the spirit of hope over the spirit of doubt.  The funny thing is, those who hope and those who doubt are in the exact same boat, simply looking in different directions.  The one comes off more confrontational with accusations, the other comes off as humble and inquisitive.  There is a noticeable difference in spirit between the two approaches.  They are both welcome at church, but one is more likely to get something out of church and feel welcome.

 

A hopeful inquisitive nature over doubtful accusations will always go over better at church. 

Edited January 22, 2015 by pogi

[Kenngo1969]

... A hopeful inquisitive nature over doubtful accusations will always go over better at church. 

Well said.