Comments on: My friend, the Apostate http://segullah.org/daily-special/my-friend-the-apostate/ Mormon women blogging about the peculiar and the treasured Wed, 23 May 2012 16:56:53 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 By: Harmoni http://segullah.org/daily-special/my-friend-the-apostate/#comment-101555 Harmoni Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:06:51 +0000 http://segullah.org/?p=870#comment-101555 "Kate" I just wanted you to know that, your religion doesn't define you as a person. I have known you for many many years and I know you are a Thinker, a Friend, a great mother, and a GREAT sister etc.. Please know that we (your friends) support you know matter WHAT. Love always The Hamz “Kate”
I just wanted you to know that, your religion doesn’t define you as a person. I have known you for many many years and I know you are a Thinker, a Friend, a great mother, and a GREAT sister etc.. Please know that we (your friends) support you know matter WHAT.

Love always
The Hamz

]]> By: nanajan http://segullah.org/daily-special/my-friend-the-apostate/#comment-99454 nanajan Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:40:55 +0000 http://segullah.org/?p=870#comment-99454 Thanks for a thoughtful and inspiring post. I share your testimony, as well as your love and respect for those who have different views. Thanks for a thoughtful and inspiring post. I share your testimony, as well as your love and respect for those who have different views.

]]> By: Claudia http://segullah.org/daily-special/my-friend-the-apostate/#comment-99176 Claudia Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:26:46 +0000 http://segullah.org/?p=870#comment-99176 I've been away for awhile. But, the quotation attributed to Brigham Young intrigued me so I decided to look it up. I cannot find the exact words. The one I found makes it clear he is talking about the Millennium and has a little different emphasis. Just for informational purposes I am entering it here. "Let me say a few words with regard to Zion. We profess to be Zion. If we are the pure in heart we are so, for 'Zion is the pure in heart.' Now when Zion is built up and reigns, the question may arise with some, will all be Latter-day Saints? No. Will there be this variety of classes and faiths that we now behold. I do not know whether there will be as many, or whether there will be more. But be that as it may, Jesus has gone to prepare mansions for every creature who. Who will go down as 'sons of perdition' and receive the reward of the damned? None but the who have sinned against the Holy Ghost. All others will be gathered into kindoms where there will be a certain amount of peace and glory...In the Millennium men will have the privilege of their own belief, but they will not have the privilege of treating the name and character of Deity as they have done heretofore. No, but every knee shall bow and every tongue confess to the glory of God the Father that Jesus is the Christ." I’ve been away for awhile. But, the quotation attributed to Brigham Young intrigued me so I decided to look it up. I cannot find the exact words. The one I found makes it clear he is talking about the Millennium and has a little different emphasis. Just for informational purposes I am entering it here. “Let me say a few words with regard to Zion. We profess to be Zion. If we are the pure in heart we are so, for ‘Zion is the pure in heart.’ Now when Zion is built up and reigns, the question may arise with some, will all be Latter-day Saints? No. Will there be this variety of classes and faiths that we now behold. I do not know whether there will be as many, or whether there will be more. But be that as it may, Jesus has gone to prepare mansions for every creature who. Who will go down as ‘sons of perdition’ and receive the reward of the damned? None but the who have sinned against the Holy Ghost. All others will be gathered into kindoms where there will be a certain amount of peace and glory…In the Millennium men will have the privilege of their own belief, but they will not have the privilege of treating the name and character of Deity as they have done heretofore. No, but every knee shall bow and every tongue confess to the glory of God the Father that Jesus is the Christ.”

]]> By: jendoop http://segullah.org/daily-special/my-friend-the-apostate/#comment-98379 jendoop Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:34:45 +0000 http://segullah.org/?p=870#comment-98379 After quickly reading through all this I appreciate the comments and agree with most. One thing I have to add is a thank you to everyone who lives with integrity. I applaud Kate for living the life she feels is right for her, aligning her lifestyle with her beliefs. I also applaud those who believe the church is true and live it. For those who don't believe but fake it, my heart mourns for you. Every path is different, be brave and live the life your heart speaks to you. You'll grow and learn and have joy where ever you are, doing your best to be righteous as you see it. Never 'fake it til you make it'. After quickly reading through all this I appreciate the comments and agree with most. One thing I have to add is a thank you to everyone who lives with integrity. I applaud Kate for living the life she feels is right for her, aligning her lifestyle with her beliefs. I also applaud those who believe the church is true and live it. For those who don’t believe but fake it, my heart mourns for you. Every path is different, be brave and live the life your heart speaks to you. You’ll grow and learn and have joy where ever you are, doing your best to be righteous as you see it. Never ‘fake it til you make it’.

]]> By: wendy http://segullah.org/daily-special/my-friend-the-apostate/#comment-98323 wendy Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:17:52 +0000 http://segullah.org/?p=870#comment-98323 Too many thoughts and too late an hour to write anything sensible, but I've found this conversation very interesting, and am going to give it a go anyway. For me, there are things I know, things I believe, things I don't know yet, and things that really bother me. I had a serious questioning time over a decade ago where I held fast to the thought that repeatedly came to mind: "Keep your covenants, keep going to church, and this will sort itself out in time." I did and it did. At present, I hold fast to the things I know and believe, and I occasionally pray for understanding about the other stuff (I was recently surprised when I received insight into a scripture verse--and related gospel topic--I've been confused about for years). I strongly agree with all the comments of the LDS church not having the corner of the market with goodness and truth. I also love what Jonovitch wrote and give an amen to all that was written. The authority and the saving ordinances are key, and are among the things I know. Too many thoughts and too late an hour to write anything sensible, but I’ve found this conversation very interesting, and am going to give it a go anyway.

For me, there are things I know, things I believe, things I don’t know yet, and things that really bother me. I had a serious questioning time over a decade ago where I held fast to the thought that repeatedly came to mind: “Keep your covenants, keep going to church, and this will sort itself out in time.” I did and it did. At present, I hold fast to the things I know and believe, and I occasionally pray for understanding about the other stuff (I was recently surprised when I received insight into a scripture verse–and related gospel topic–I’ve been confused about for years).

I strongly agree with all the comments of the LDS church not having the corner of the market with goodness and truth. I also love what Jonovitch wrote and give an amen to all that was written. The authority and the saving ordinances are key, and are among the things I know.

]]> By: Red http://segullah.org/daily-special/my-friend-the-apostate/#comment-98319 Red Thu, 28 Aug 2008 05:31:51 +0000 http://segullah.org/?p=870#comment-98319 My Dad is apostate (rather late in his life) and I am always pleasantly surprised at how little that fact changes the fundamental relationships we share with him as father/in-law/daughter/grandchild. My sister, on her LDS mission in Armenia, considered buying him Armenian vodka because she knew he'd enjoy it (customs were going to be a killer $). Mature people can love those who don't share every value in common. What a nice post and what a civil, decent dialogue has taken place here. Thanks. My Dad is apostate (rather late in his life) and I am always pleasantly surprised at how little that fact changes the fundamental relationships we share with him as father/in-law/daughter/grandchild. My sister, on her LDS mission in Armenia, considered buying him Armenian vodka because she knew he’d enjoy it (customs were going to be a killer $). Mature people can love those who don’t share every value in common.

What a nice post and what a civil, decent dialogue has taken place here. Thanks.

]]> By: Stephen M (Ethesis) http://segullah.org/daily-special/my-friend-the-apostate/#comment-98287 Stephen M (Ethesis) Wed, 27 Aug 2008 23:58:27 +0000 http://segullah.org/?p=870#comment-98287 <i>Stephen M (Ethesis) Just as my name was changed, so was the church that we’ve attended since departing from the LDS church — no Baptist am I!</i> Ok. I was just thinking about many of the issues and wondering how you went from LDS to Baptist with your feelings on them. Sorry if I wondered and didn't realize things had been changed. Thanks for the kind comments. Stephen M (Ethesis) Just as my name was changed, so was the church that we’ve attended since departing from the LDS church — no Baptist am I!

Ok. I was just thinking about many of the issues and wondering how you went from LDS to Baptist with your feelings on them. Sorry if I wondered and didn’t realize things had been changed.

Thanks for the kind comments.

]]> By: Anoner http://segullah.org/daily-special/my-friend-the-apostate/#comment-98269 Anoner Wed, 27 Aug 2008 22:10:40 +0000 http://segullah.org/?p=870#comment-98269 Well said Jonovitch! Well said Jonovitch!

]]> By: cheryl http://segullah.org/daily-special/my-friend-the-apostate/#comment-98262 cheryl Wed, 27 Aug 2008 21:34:58 +0000 http://segullah.org/?p=870#comment-98262 Anon- But just as Members of the Mormon Church "pity" those that leave, I have many, many friends and family members that "pity" me for believing. I think it cuts both ways, unfortunately. Anon-
But just as Members of the Mormon Church “pity” those that leave, I have many, many friends and family members that “pity” me for believing. I think it cuts both ways, unfortunately.

]]> By: anonymous http://segullah.org/daily-special/my-friend-the-apostate/#comment-98252 anonymous Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:09:18 +0000 http://segullah.org/?p=870#comment-98252 I left the church 21 years ago. I grew up going every week, graduating from seminary and then I started to question. At some point in your life, you have to ask yourself if everything you have been taught since the time you could walk was true. Did you have a choice? The guilt of not believing everything you were told starts to set in and you wonder why you are the only one with doubts. Why is it so easy for others to follow? What's wrong with me? I have been an "apostate" for more than 21 years which is now more than 1/2 of my life. All of my friends are Mormon, I live in a predominantly Mormon neighborhood and my family is still Mormon. I am used to the "ward" talk and most of the activities associated with it.I enjoy some of the activities and knowing the people around me. I feel happy and fulfilled and have surrounded myself with people that don't care what I believe. Like some, I don't feel bitter or bothered. I feel grateful for my amazing husband and children and the friends who just accept me for me. Sundays are a great day for our family to just be together. I feel like I am in a better place outside because it forces me to see all sides of belief and experience things without preconceived ideas of how "it should be" or how it "compares". As religion is sometimes forced, I feel that being open to feeling spiritual should come naturally. I feel spiritual in so many ways. Going to church doesn't always cultivate spirituality. It just doesn't work for everyone. I believe that should my children decide to ever become "active" and maybe even marry in the temple, I would gladly support their decisions because they are happy. Why should others be unhappy or sad if their child/friend/family member decides to leave the church? We on the "outside" don't want your pity, just your unconditional love and respect. I know there will always be some that think they KNOW and that I just don't get it,or I haven't prayed hard enough,but it's all about respect. I've prayed too and I just get different answers. So "Kate" hang in there, you will be just fine. I left the church 21 years ago. I grew up going every week, graduating from seminary and then I started to question. At some point in your life, you have to ask yourself if everything you have been taught since the time you could walk was true. Did you have a choice? The guilt of not believing everything you were told starts to set in and you wonder why you are the only one with doubts. Why is it so easy for others to follow? What’s wrong with me? I have been an “apostate” for more than 21 years which is now more than 1/2 of my life. All of my friends are Mormon, I live in a predominantly Mormon neighborhood and my family is still Mormon. I am used to the “ward” talk and most of the activities associated with it.I enjoy some of the activities and knowing the people around me. I feel happy and fulfilled and have surrounded myself with people that don’t care what I believe. Like some, I don’t feel bitter or bothered. I feel grateful for my amazing husband and children and the friends who just accept me for me. Sundays are a great day for our family to just be together. I feel like I am in a better place outside because it forces me to see all sides of belief and experience things without preconceived ideas of how “it should be” or how it “compares”. As religion is sometimes forced, I feel that being open to feeling spiritual should come naturally. I feel spiritual in so many ways. Going to church doesn’t always cultivate spirituality. It just doesn’t work for everyone. I believe that should my children decide to ever become “active” and maybe even marry in the temple, I would gladly support their decisions because they are happy. Why should others be unhappy or sad if their child/friend/family member decides to leave the church? We on the “outside” don’t want your pity, just your unconditional love and respect. I know there will always be some that think they KNOW and that I just don’t get it,or I haven’t prayed hard enough,but it’s all about respect. I’ve prayed too and I just get different answers. So “Kate” hang in there, you will be just fine.

]]>