Thinking it's time to resign

[_Runtu]

For some reason, Bob's dossier on me has had me thinking about a lot of things all weekend. One of them is the idea that I have one foot in and one foot out of the church. Maybe it is time to get out, once and for all. What has kept me in has been the very real threat of divorce. We've been as far as my having all my belongings packed in the car, but we didn't go through with it. Who knows what will happen? But I'm tired of walking this particular line. Maybe it's time.

[_CaliforniaKid]

Glad you're not resigning the board, which is what I thought this thread was gonna be about.

I don't know about any dossier, but I certainly don't think you should let Robert Crocket intimidate you into resigning from the church (or from your marriage!). Obviously I have none of the life experience necessary to offer meaningful insight into this issue, so I will merely offer my heartfelt prayers that whatever decision you mke will be the right one.

[_Runtu]

Glad you're not resigning the board, which is what I thought this thread was gonna be about.

I don't know about any dossier, but I certainly don't think you should let Robert Crocket intimidate you into resigning from the church (or from your marriage!). Obviously I have none of the life experience necessary to offer meaningful insight into this issue, so I will merely offer my heartfelt prayers that whatever decision you mke will be the right one.

No, Bob's not intimidating me into anything. I don't know what to do. Probably nothing for the time being, but I've been thinking about it.

[_Ray A]

For some reason, Bob's dossier on me has had me thinking about a lot of things all weekend. One of them is the idea that I have one foot in and one foot out of the church. Maybe it is time to get out, once and for all. What has kept me in has been the very real threat of divorce. We've been as far as my having all my belongings packed in the car, but we didn't go through with it. Who knows what will happen? But I'm tired of walking this particular line. Maybe it's time.

Don't let Bob make your decisions. Or anyone else. Do what you think is best for you, and your family.

[_Dr. Shades]

I agree with Ray A.

[_Sethbag]

I'll tell you that from my own perspective, things which would have seemed very difficult to do a year ago, like contemplate resigning and what it would mean to my wife and family, are gradually seeming more and more realistic as time goes on.

I don't know that there's a rush. I guess it all depends on the impact to your marriage and family. If resigning will put your marriage at grave risk, then perhaps it's not a good idea at this time.

[_truth dancer]

Hi Runtu...

One little thought for you... :-)

In most churches of which I am aware, if you do not want to be a part of the congregation or the community, or if you do not believe the particular doctrine or teachings, you just stop going. There is none of this formal resignation, taking one's name off the roles, or a big deal... you just stop going and move on.

Why do non-believers feel there is this big need to make departure an ordeal other than the fact that the LDS makes it so?

I TOTALLY understand the point of resignation... I'm not saying there is not value to this, (of course there is for many), but for those for whom the ritual or formal process will cause difficulties for their famliy, I wonder if just an acknowledgment of one's own personal truth is enough?

In other words, CAN (for some), the very idea of of needing a formal resignation be, once again, buying into the "authority" or rules of the church?

Just saying... I find goodness in doing what is best for one's family rather than accomodating an organization that does not have your best interest at heart.

My heart goes out to you...

~dancer~

[_Blixa]

It's hard to give advice on such a delicate and volatile situation, runtu. I can't imagine what it would be like to live in that unteneble a position, with that amount of emotional and psychological stress. But people do need to be able to live with themselves, need to be able to sort out and live by their own principles.

[_Yoda]

Although our situations are not exactly identical, I do understand some of what you are going through, Runtu.

I am in a tenuous situation because I see the good in the Church, but there are also major doctrinal issues such as polygamy, which I strongly disagree with.

I don't think that you should allow Bob, or anyone, to influence you into doing something that you're not ready to do.

Your marriage has gone through hell the past year. I would hold off on doing anything this dramatic.

Strike the kind of balance that is acceptable for you. If attending Sacrament Meeting with your family is something you're comfortable with, then do it.

If the Bishop asks you about a calling, you don't have to go into any more detail than you're comfortable with. Just tell him that with work and health issues, it's not something you can handle right now. Period.

[_truth dancer]

If the Bishop asks you about a calling, you don't have to go into any more detail than you're comfortable with. Just tell him that with work and health issues, it's not something you can handle right now. Period.

I do not quite understand...

Why would a Bishop call someone who doesn't believe to a calling?

And, why would a non-believer feel a need to meet with a bishop to get a calling?

And, why is there any need whatsoever to offer an excuse to turn down a calling? How about, "no thanks".

Maybe I'm missing something? :-)

~dancer~