Tossed to & fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, Eph 4:14
January 13, 2010Paul speaks of us having apostles and prophets so that we can all ” come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God”.
In recent years as I have gotten more involved in Mormon Studies, I have enjoyed it so much there are moments that have given me such insight and spiritual strength, I have gained knowledge and made personal decisions that has been invaluable.
However there are occasions whilst studying some of the historical accounts of the past I’m shunted into a spiral of crisis, I think the reason that I take it so badly is that growing up I developed an Idealistic view of the Church additionally during my Mission I had more of a judgemental attitude towards other religious institutions, I quickly realise that the type of rational arguments I used against other faiths we are equally guilty of.
This hypocrisy damages me the most, as I read post on differing sites I’m initially sceptical of anything that puts the church in a poor light, sadly as I look into the issue further I find it to contain truth (sometimes the interpretation of the motive is off).
I find on so many times I’m tossed to & fro by every whisper of negative historical events, I’m quickly uplifted and hold on to the little ray of hope provided by others who suggest all might not be what it seems only to find that the answers give me more questions and are more unsettling.
Sorry to be a persistent poster, but I appreciate your comments against my thoughts and feel that I would like to reciprocate.
btw, I loved your comment the other day about teaching EQ using John Dehlin.
The history of the Church has been fascinating for me but, and I am not sure why this is, I have never felt that my faith has gone into crisis. I can understand it but I have instead experienced movements in my faith. In the 5 yrs since coming back from my Mission, I spent the 1st year becoming more conservative. The next three 3 1/2 becoming more liberal and the last 3-6 months moving back into the center a little (and just a little). I guess I feel rooted to Mormonism and so although I am tossed to and fro I do feel anchored.
My issues come up when I feel alienated from people in my ward (particularly good friends) who are quite uncomfortable with some of my ideas, or who just do not care. I find the older members much more open.
Rico – Thanks I appreciate your comments and I welcome your persistent posting.