Righteousness never was happiness

[_ajax18]

First of all, thank you for an excellent thread Buffalo.

Do not suppose that because it has been spoken of concerning the gospel that ye shall be rewarded for your sacrifices with happiness. In spite of what it says in the Book of Mormon, my life experience has shown me that righteousness never was happiness. I knew that before I made the sacrifices. But I believed that those who sacrficed would be blessed. But modern Mormonism basically says that your reward is having the spirit with you right now. Sorry, I've lived with that spirit and worthy of it, and I can testify with certainty that I was not more happy during that exact time. No matter how much you blame the individual, when you cut off the idea of eternal recompense, people can see for themselves that this assertion that living the gospel equals an increase in earthly happiness is damnable lie, and an insult to those that made sacrifices in good faith.

[_Buffalo]

First of all, thank you for an excellent thread Buffalo.

Do not suppose that because it has been spoken of concerning the gospel that ye shall be rewarded for your sacrifices with happiness. In spite of what it says in the Book of Mormon, my life experience has shown me that righteousness never was happiness. I knew that before I made the sacrifices. But I believed that those who sacrficed would be blessed. But modern Mormonism basically says that your reward is having the spirit with you right now. Sorry, I've lived with that spirit and worthy of it, and I can testify with certainty that I was not more happy during that exact time. No matter how much you blame the individual, when you cut off the idea of eternal recompense, people can see for themselves that this assertion that living the gospel equals an increase in earthly happiness is damnable lie, and an insult to those that made sacrifices in good faith.

“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.”

I guess not!

[_ajax18]

“Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.”

I guess not!

That could still be true, but the happiness comes in eternity. It bothers me because I agree with my father about nearly everything. But it always irritates me that when he was bishop he said, "Do you ever notice that when you're living the gospel you're much happier?" No actually I notice quite the opposite. I gave up happiness now for something better. If I wanted to be happy right now, I sure wouldn't be in church and I absolutely would never have went on the mission.

[_Drifting]

I felt like I should read the scriptures more, or pray more or go to the temple more.

This is the message of every Sacrament talk and every Sunday lesson.

'You aren't doing enough, do more [insert topic].'

Each and every Sunday is an example of how to make people feel guilty.
That is one of the reasons why coverts leave. They didn't realise they would have to work that damned hard. Nor did the Missionaries tell them what to expect.

For those of you who went on Missions and converted people - did you explain the hard work they would have to deliver? The time committment required?

[_ajax18]

For those of you who went on Missions and converted people - did you explain the hard work they would have to deliver? The time committment required?

I think our lives as missionaries was testimony enough of that.

[_Buffalo]

I felt like I should read the scriptures more, or pray more or go to the temple more.

This is the message of every Sacrament talk and every Sunday lesson.

'You aren't doing enough, do more [insert topic].'

Each and every Sunday is an example of how to make people feel guilty.
That is one of the reasons why coverts leave. They didn't realise they would have to work that damned hard. Nor did the Missionaries tell them what to expect.

For those of you who went on Missions and converted people - did you explain the hard work they would have to deliver? The time committment required?

No, I never explained that. I'd mention that everyone had callings, but not how much work was involved. And of course I'd never talk about difficult issues like polygamy, the priesthood ban, etc, unless asked.

And here's the thing - even though I knew I was holding a lot back from investigators, it never occurred to me that I was being dishonest. It was so important to me that people convert and be saved, I didn't want to do anything that would jeopardize their conversion. I had totally good intentions, but the result was I was engaging in fraud. I think that's important to remember - Mormonism may be perpetuating a fraud in the same way as a home seller who doesn't disclose termites or a leaky foundation, but intentions are often for the best. With some exceptions, of course.