The Church must sit on the witness stand

[_Inconceivable]

wow. You know, you're the first person other than myself that I paid attention to from their discovery phase to official non-believer.

Just roll with it. You've been on both sides. You know exactly what they are thinking, you can predict and tell them exactly what they will say. Have some fun but don't forget to love them.

I think Jersey Girl and Liz are off. Cults want you to be silent. Cults need to blame the apostate for the disruption of their craft. It works best for them if apostates remain sheepish during family get-togethers. How about Nauvoo Expositor napkins?

Zee, some non-believers are afraid of how apparently mature adults will react when they tell them they have embraced the truth (or rejected the lies). Will it hurt their loved ones? Give them concerns? Frankly, that's life. Permit them to deal with real life. They're grown ups so treat them like grown ups. Be bold and let them know why you left and plant some seeds - because you do love them.

rant off.

[_zeezrom]

Thanks all for your great points. I'll let you know how it goes. The big dinner is this Sunday (with my side). my wife's side will happen during the break, i think. The problem is that one of our sibling families is already avoiding us. It's a long, sad story that began as soon as they found out we take issue with Joe marrying Zina et al.

[Guest]

Maybe you should try to enjoy the occasion and avoid putting everyone in a position to be offended, saddened, or argumentative. Judging by the idea you threw out in the OP, as well as your perspective that the church has changed but you are the same, I'd recommend avoiding anything drastic until your head is settled.

You may think you act the same towards the relatives that are 'avoiding' you. However maybe your different perspective and attitude have also caused you to act differently toward them and you simply don't notice it yet. Just relax for a bit before going around and burning, or damaging, bridges. If you need to kick ideas around on this forum that's fine. Better to look like a fool here where the consequences are nothing.

[_Rambo]

The problem is that one of our sibling families is already avoiding us. It's a long, sad story that began as soon as they found out we take issue with Joe marrying Zina et al.

Zee, I am sorry to hear about this. When I told my family I don't believe anymore and I wont be going to church anymore I basically kept quiet of the reasons why. I said that it we talk about it then it tends to go into an arguement and I don't want to do that. All my siblings I have been able to still be pretty close friends with and same with my parents. My Dad and I are a little more distant than we use to be but I do see him everyday so we pretty much have to get along. We have agreed not to tak about the church and that seems to be working out so far. No doubt about it I am sure he will bring up the preaching again and if he does well he better watch out!

[_zeezrom]

Maybe you should try to enjoy the occasion and avoid putting everyone in a position to be offended, saddened, or argumentative. Judging by the idea you threw out in the OP, as well as your perspective that the church has changed but you are the same, I'd recommend avoiding anything drastic until your head is settled.

You may think you act the same towards the relatives that are 'avoiding' you. However maybe your different perspective and attitude have also caused you to act differently toward them and you simply don't notice it yet. Just relax for a bit before going around and burning, or damaging, bridges. If you need to kick ideas around on this forum that's fine. Better to look like a fool here where the consequences are nothing.

We plan to enjoy the occasion. Here is how our last family get together went down so you can get some context:

"Hey what did you all think about BKP's talk in GC?"
"I think the Salt Lake Tribune is making a bigger deal out of it than necessary."
Zee, gets up to get a drink in the kitchen.
When Zee gets back, the conversation has turned to this:
"I think being gay is the same as prostitution."
Zee: "I don't think you can compare these two things."
"Why not?"
Zee: "Well, for starters, in prostitution you are breaking the law and you are paying for sexual favors."
[15-yr old nephew looks at mom with a worried look and leaves the room because he heard the word "sex"]

Quaker, let me be clear. I do not start these conversations, okay? I have never in the last year brought up religion at a family outing. I don't give a crap about religion anyway.

Regarding the family that is avoiding us (and gossiping about us regarding extremely personal matters). You have no idea so “F” off Mr. Quaker.

[_quaker]

Don't bring things up here if they are irrelevant or you don't want any comment about it. All we have to consider is what you post here and how you post it.

Like I said, let out all here and clear your head so whatever's in there doesn't carry over to Thanksgiving. Let it all out. Everyone treats this place like a depository anyways, we understand.

[_zeezrom]

Don't bring things up here if they are irrelevant or you don't want any comment about it. All we have to consider is what you post here and how you post it.

Like I said, let out all here and clear your head so whatever's in there doesn't carry over to Thanksgiving. Let it all out. Everyone treats this place like a depository anyways, we understand.

Are you Yahoo Bot?

[_Blixa]

Don't bring things up here if they are irrelevant or you don't want any comment about it. All we have to consider is what you post here and how you post it.

Like I said, let out all here and clear your head so whatever's in there doesn't carry over to Thanksgiving. Let it all out. Everyone treats this place like a depository anyways, we understand.

Are you Yahoo Bot?

Hey, hey, Zeez! Don't go from zero to 60 so fast! Your OP just asked us all for "thoughts" so you can't blame quaker for sharing his.

Was it the poster's nickname that set you off? Remember, all Quakers don't live on the moon. I can't recall if quaker actually is a Quaker or not, but it's an interesting religion and maybe after the holiday we can talk about it on the board.

Good luck!

[_zeezrom]

Hey, hey, Zeez! Don't go from zero to 60 so fast! Your OP just asked us all for "thoughts" so you can't blame quaker for sharing his.

Was it the poster's nickname that set you off? Remember, all Quakers don't live on the moon. I can't recall if quaker actually is a Quaker or not, but it's an interesting religion and maybe after the holiday we can talk about it on the board.

Good luck!

You are right. I was mad because of some personal things on the home front. Calming down now.