Coca Cola wrote:I remember as a missionary thinking that the gospel message would bring so much happiness into others' lives. I've always believed Mormons must be the happiest people around.
But in reality, I've never really been made deliriously happy by the church. In fact, I would say my religious experience was more about fear and guilt than true happiness.
But, perhaps others feel differently.
I felt the same way while in the church. I see my friends in the church guilt tripping themselves daily for little things that some suit told them not to do.
There is a difference between pleasure and hapiness. Fun, as the world sees it, brings a great amount of pleasure.
The gospel of Jesus Christ teaches and instructs a person to live after a manner of happiness. This often involves setting aside temporary pleasures for long term goals. For example, sacrificing individual freedoms for a relationship and marriage. Settign aside persoanl time for children and their upbringing. Short term, these things may at times eeem a burden, but over time they bring the most gratification.
A person does not have to call themselves christian to enjoy these things, but an understanding of the plan of salvation does give one a proper perspective and point of view on life.
We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light. - Plato