Posted by Dinah on June 18, 2011, at 9:35:39
In reply to Re: more questions, anyone? + one for hp » hyperfocus, posted by floatingbridge on June 13, 2011, at 17:17:54
I think it enriched my life no end to grow up as a member of the Mormon church. There I was taught the very important lesson that I was a child of God and that he loved me. And as important, that everyone else was also a child of God and that he loved them as well. That assurance is part of who I am today, and why at the core I will always have a sense that I am valuable and love-able. And that others are also valuable and love-able. And that we had a purpose here on earth, to be God's hands and help make the world a better place.
Unfortunately, I felt I had to leave the church I still love because my theological beliefs weren't a good fit, although I still believe what to me is the important part. Eventually, I joined my current church not only because of their views but because they were tolerant of my heretical views. And I daresay my views would be heretical no matter what religion I belonged to. I was completely honest with the minister before I joined, and he said that God liked when people thought about faith matters, even if their conclusions weren't the same as the majority. I am of course respectful of the views of others in the church. After all, I figure it would be a tad presumptuous of me to believe that I could speak for the Almighty, the maker of heaven and earth and of all that is seen and unseen. Overall I have no problem with people believing in heaven or how to get there. I have more problem with beliefs about who *won't* get there should it exist. I worry more about this world. Whatever happens after death is, no doubt, what it should be. I trust my God.
I'm happy in my current faith home, and have found an open minded, thinking, community of people who care more about what I care about. Who go on mission trips to help rebuild homes, feed the hungry, etc.. (Although I'm a bit hypocritical here, as I've never gotten the nerve to go on one.) I think that may depend more on a particular congregation and their pastor than it does on the denomination. I was with another congregation whose pastor I loved, but where the people were a bit more traditional than my current congregation. A wonderful group of people, but not my spiritual home.
My son no doubt hears things that don't tally with my belief system. I talk to him about what I believe. Without for the most part, trying to influence his conclusion. If it's really important to me, such as verses of the Bible that can be used in a way that is not respectful of other faiths, I speak very strongly to him. Beforehand if possible.
I would be very sad if he didn't have the firm conviction that he was a child of a God who loved him. And honestly, I don't think that is emphasized as much in our current faith as it was in my childhood one. I miss being Mormon. I used to sing to him some of my favorite Mormon songs, when he was little.
My Heavenly Father Loves Me
Words and music: Clara W. McMasterWhenever I hear the song of a bird or look at the blue, blue sky,
Whenever I feel the rain on my face or the wind as it rushes by.
Whenever I touch a velvet rose or walk by our lilac tree
Im glad that I live in this beautiful world Heavenly Father created for me.He gave me my eyes that I might see the color of butterfly wings.
He gave me my ears that I might hear the magical sound of things.
He gave me my life my mind my heart; I thank him reverently,
for all his creations, of which Im a part.
Yes I know Heavenly Father loves me.
poster:Dinah
thread:985024
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20101230/msgs/988646.html