You know, I appreciate your post for a couple of reasons. I am married to a really great Mormon. She’s the mother of our child and she’s my companion. Sure we’ve had our ups and downs, but you know, we’ve stuck it out. Out of curiosity, I’ve been following many “Mormon” or Mormon themed threads. My background does not include a strong belief in religion, I’ve been doing much soul searching and reading, but nothing has really “struck” me yet.
I’ve been learning alot about the religion that I didn’t otherwise know and it’s been enlightening from both perspectives. However, I must agree with your sentiments. The lack of decorum in those threads turns me off completely. My grandfather is a Southern Baptist and when he found out I married a Mormon, his “gift” to us was a book called “The Godmakers”.
Now any Mormon will tell you how insulting and incorrect the book is and a non Mormon will tell you how truthful the book is. The point is, there was never a chance for my wife to have any type of “normal” relationship with my grandfather and it hurt us both, me because she was hurt and her because he did what he did. My grandmother on the other hand embraced my wife and my grandfather played it close to the vest which made it a bit easier in the passing years.
She treated my wife like a grandaughter and it made a world of difference to us. What she said or did in private, I don’t know or care. All I know is she at least did the right thing and did not declare her personal religious objections to my wife. My wife and I made it a point to never discuss religion with them. We are family after all. No point in widening the rifts.
However, once my grandmother passed this past year, my grandfather has decided to show his hand. He actually encouraged me to leave my wife because she was a Mormon and he was scared for me. What does one do or say to that? (rhetorically speaking) I am not going to leave my wife over religion, it didn’t matter to me when I met her, it doesn’t matter to me now and I suspect it won’t matter to me for the rest of our lives.
Why do I spill my heart out? To show you and all the others that the words “spoken” do have an effect on those of us who may be interested in learning the truth but will not compromise basic human decency or disregard the basic Christian tenet to “Love one another” in the name of religion.
I will not ever investigate the Southern Baptist or Baptist church because of what my grandfather did. I believe he did what he did out of the bidding, training, education, or whatever of the Baptist church. I don’t believe that is Christ’s message. As you state, Christ said to love one another (paraphrased). Not just on Sunday.
Sure there is alot wrong with the Mormons, their own scriptures say some pretty damning things against others which causes much angst and animosity. Every person is imperfect, every church is imperfect. I believe the whole point is for each individual to earnestly strive to learn and follow the principles Christ taught.
I’m sure the folks who are constantly “battling” (I use the term loosely) regarding Mormonism will have some really helpful and insightful remarks or comments about what I’ve posted, some have in the past and it only served to prove what I already suspected. No compassion, no love.
Thanks for your post, well said.
FRegards,
SZ
Thanks for your honest remarks. Being a Mormon married to a Catholic, I appreciate your position. I couldn’t ask for a better husband. He’s my better half, I always say.
I feel we should not “judge, lest we be judged” as to the religious doctrine of others. We’re all supplicants at his feet, aren’t we?
I want a VP with competent ideas, personal moral strength, ability to understand all sides, and a willingness to pray to providence for guidance. Since Duncan Hunter is not considered at this point for VP, I’ll take Mitt. He certainly seems more qualified to me.
Regards,
Yellow Roses