Troubling more than doubt
I've been honest about my struggles with faith for quite some time. I have faith. I also have doubts. That's life. That's the struggle we all face to a point. There are two things that aren't helping me or anyone else. One comes from outside the faith the other within. I've experienced and watched both lately and I gotta say something.
The first is that I would hope that as someone who professes a faith in Christ and desires to live as he would have me live that I would have more support from others who do the same. Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts the cross-hairs on ones back so to speak. It leaves little room to be real and frank about doubts that naturally accompany faith. When I wonder if Christ really atoned for me, or if God exists, is he answering my prayers, I'm honest about it. I've been talking more about my belief, my faith, my testimony. Sometimes it invites commiseration, other times it takes a darker turn. What begins as recognition of commonality and questions of common understanding turn to questions challenging. Questions that are meant to break down and cast doubt. We all come to faith in our own path. It's a truly personal experience. To spend the time tearing down another's faith has always boggled my mind. The fact the greatest questions and challenges come not from the faithless but from those that share at least some of my beliefs will be something I always struggle to understand.
The second thing.is the criticism of life choices that comes from inside of the church and the faith. Things like music, sports participation are a bit innocuous, but they can be worrisome, but the most troubling is in political decisions and affiliations. I've watched it drive people away. The majority of the church is conservative. But that is not the only affiliation of it's members. Nor is it the only way to express, exhibit, and practice the gospels in what is a secular world. It's troubling to me that we place so much of a person's worth and perceived morality on their political affiliation, especially when both factions have and practice truth, and are also misguided. There are good people on both sides. We need to remember that. We also need to watch and see that choices of clothing, music, or the like do not determine their conviction or morality. Nor do their sins. That's not our place to judge. If we are not being rendered harm, we shouldn't feel the need to step in.
Now I can't say I'm not guilty of judging one's personal decisions in regards to either their choice of religion or how they practice it. But I'm trying to be better. I've thought of a couple things that I can do, that I hope others agree with.
First is when we're dealing with other faith. We should readily practice what had been called holy envy. There is something about just about every other faith tradition that we could admire. Maybe even things we could contemplate bringing into our own conviction and worship. Especially in individuals and families we know, but if we can send that feeling onward to congregations, denominations, or even other religions all the better. If we witness devotion in another that inspires or strengthens our own, it should be celebrated for the wonderful thing it is.
The second is to recognize we all need grace. We don't go to church to be perfect. We go to become more perfected. I need to remember that. I need the grace extended to me. I don't know what trials others are facing. I don't know what experiences they have that have informed their decisions. As long as they are not attempting to harm me, or bring down my own beliefs I shouldn't worry about what they're doing.
I need to focus on the core of faith and worship. For me that's Christ. It's being more like him. And asking for his help in all things. I keep that in mind I think I'll be alright.
The first is that I would hope that as someone who professes a faith in Christ and desires to live as he would have me live that I would have more support from others who do the same. Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints puts the cross-hairs on ones back so to speak. It leaves little room to be real and frank about doubts that naturally accompany faith. When I wonder if Christ really atoned for me, or if God exists, is he answering my prayers, I'm honest about it. I've been talking more about my belief, my faith, my testimony. Sometimes it invites commiseration, other times it takes a darker turn. What begins as recognition of commonality and questions of common understanding turn to questions challenging. Questions that are meant to break down and cast doubt. We all come to faith in our own path. It's a truly personal experience. To spend the time tearing down another's faith has always boggled my mind. The fact the greatest questions and challenges come not from the faithless but from those that share at least some of my beliefs will be something I always struggle to understand.
The second thing.is the criticism of life choices that comes from inside of the church and the faith. Things like music, sports participation are a bit innocuous, but they can be worrisome, but the most troubling is in political decisions and affiliations. I've watched it drive people away. The majority of the church is conservative. But that is not the only affiliation of it's members. Nor is it the only way to express, exhibit, and practice the gospels in what is a secular world. It's troubling to me that we place so much of a person's worth and perceived morality on their political affiliation, especially when both factions have and practice truth, and are also misguided. There are good people on both sides. We need to remember that. We also need to watch and see that choices of clothing, music, or the like do not determine their conviction or morality. Nor do their sins. That's not our place to judge. If we are not being rendered harm, we shouldn't feel the need to step in.
Now I can't say I'm not guilty of judging one's personal decisions in regards to either their choice of religion or how they practice it. But I'm trying to be better. I've thought of a couple things that I can do, that I hope others agree with.
First is when we're dealing with other faith. We should readily practice what had been called holy envy. There is something about just about every other faith tradition that we could admire. Maybe even things we could contemplate bringing into our own conviction and worship. Especially in individuals and families we know, but if we can send that feeling onward to congregations, denominations, or even other religions all the better. If we witness devotion in another that inspires or strengthens our own, it should be celebrated for the wonderful thing it is.
The second is to recognize we all need grace. We don't go to church to be perfect. We go to become more perfected. I need to remember that. I need the grace extended to me. I don't know what trials others are facing. I don't know what experiences they have that have informed their decisions. As long as they are not attempting to harm me, or bring down my own beliefs I shouldn't worry about what they're doing.
I need to focus on the core of faith and worship. For me that's Christ. It's being more like him. And asking for his help in all things. I keep that in mind I think I'll be alright.
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