Once again, and for what I'm sure won't be the last time, my church is being targeted in the media. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has been the target of persecution and hatred since it was founded. In the early days, the governor of Missouri actually put out an extermination order against "the Mormons" and thousands of people had to flee or be killed. Many of them were killed.
I honestly don't care if someone calls us a cult. It's just a word. It can only do harm if I allow it to. Intelligent people will go straight to the source if they want to know if we're all just a bunch of cultists.
We teach our children (and each other) to be good and honest people. To serve others. To have integrity. We try our best to live clean lives; to avoid those things that are damaging to the soul - and we teach our kids to do the same. Chastity before marriage and complete fidelity within marriage. Is that so bad? We believe that families are eternal and strong families build strong societies. We're taught to pray continually; to keep a little prayer in our hearts. We send our 19-year-old boys out into the far reaches of the world, not simply to convert others, but so that they might convert themselves. So that they can spend two years learning to depend on and trust in God; that sacrificing something good now will result in something better later. They learn about other cultures and learn to love and respect the people they meet and serve. They come home as men who are ready to tackle their education, careers, and who hopefully understand what it means to actually be a man. And just for good measure, a lot of our young women go out there and show the boys how it's done! Most importantly, we believe Jesus Christ is the Savior, the Messiah, the Redeemer of the world. We strive to "choose the right;" in other words, to do what Jesus would do.
If we're a cult, then I am ALL IN.
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Very well put, Cindy.
ReplyDeleteRick Perry's becoming much more efficient. He doesn't need to shoot himself in the foot anymore. He has friends (megachurch pastor - Jeffress - commenting on his take on Mormonism) who do it for him. I am not a member of the Mormon religion. Though I have always believed there is a reason why I was friends with Mormon kids in school that have carried into adulthood. - John
ReplyDeleteMakes me want to round up as big a mix of friends (Mormon, Catholic, atheist, agnostic, goth, punk- rock, gay, lesbian, etc.) as possible and take a tour of the Focus on the Family Center in Colorado Springs. No true civil disobedience... just calmly and quietly annoying with our mere presence as we take time to learn about their organization. Up for a road trip, Cindy? - John
ReplyDeleteYou got it, John. I hear Colorado is lovely this time of year!
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