The Blessings of Apathy

[_Runtu]

I noticed that our friend Darrick is back, repeating the same old stuff as always, and seemingly with the same raw and stinging emotions as ever. I can relate to the pain of leaving the church, and for a time I was probably as bad as he is about blaming my problems on the church.

But when I saw his posts appear again, I thought, for heaven's sake, how long has it been since he left the church? I know he left at least several years before I did. How long does it take for the raw emotion to fade? Then I realized I was starting to sound like one of those people who say, "Just get over it and shut up about the church."

There's no magical time period after which you should be "over" Mormonism and able to "move on" with your life, but I am grateful that it's possible. It's been a real blessing that I've reached a stage of peaceful apathy.

A week or so ago, I went to a doctor's office for an appointment, and the only magazines in the waiting room were a magazine I had already read and an Ensign. So, I picked up the Ensign, and I quickly realized I just am not interested anymore, at least not enough to read through that stuff. It's like trying to force yourself to watch a mediocre film for the seventh time. I put the magazine down and just sat their with my thoughts until I was called in.

Watching all this silliness between the boards lately has felt like that to me. I really couldn't care less what anyone is posting on the other board, and I can't even muster the interest to read threads about the whole thing over here.

It used to bother me that people questioned my motives, but once I realized that I don't have to defend my motives (because I know what they are and know they're well-intentioned) I stopped worrying about it. Besides, people who threaten my family have a bigger problem with motivation than I'll ever have.

why me used to annoy me with his insistence that no one has ever proven Mormonism false, but then I just remember that it's been proven sufficient to me. Who cares if why me or anyone else disagrees?

bcspace said again this week that the only reason people lose faith (well, besides sin) is that all criticism of the church involves lies or "yellow journalism." By implication, then, all of us who have left are either liars or have been duped by liars, which once upon time would have offended me. But then I just remind myself that bc knows as well as I do that this is not true, and it doesn't bother me. The things that trouble a lot of us here are true, and it's OK to state the obvious.

So, why do I stick around here? Because I have made good friends and learned a lot from people here. That's about it. I could list all the people I genuinely love and who love me here, but then you know who you are. Thank you.

As for the haters? I'd rather read the Ensign than get involved in that again.

[_Yahoo Bot]

Too bad such a fine fellow is [personal attack deleted].

Oh well. More power to you, brother.

AADSAY

[_Runtu]

Too bad such a fine fellow is [personal attack deleted].

Oh well. More power to you, brother.

I'm sure we'll have a good long talk when you get there with me.

ETA: I didn't take that as a personal attack at all.

[_harmony]

Too bad such a fine fellow is [personal attack deleted].

Oh well. More power to you, brother.

I'm sure we'll have a good long talk when you get there with me.

Then so's my dad. And my momma. And most of my family. And most of my friends. And most of my neighbors.

I only know one Saint. And he'll probably be bringing the marshmellows.

Since all the fun people are going to hell (via handbasket, bells, or assorted slippery slopes), heaven's going to be a pretty boring place.

[_Yahoo Bot]

Is telling a person they're going to hell a personal attack? I mean, really now, I'm just stating doctrine. The editing/moderation here is too obnoxious. It isn't a personal reflection upon Mr. Runtu.

[_Dr. Shades]

Is telling a person they're going to hell a personal attack?

Yes.

I mean, really now, I'm just stating doctrine.

"Runtu is going to Hell" is not a doctrine. It's an attack-statement that isn't backed up by anything.

The editing/moderation here is too obnoxious. It isn't a personal reflection upon Mr. Runtu.

Yes, it was a personal reflection on Runtu. If it wasn't, then you would've backed up your assertion with scripture, quotes from prophets or apostles, etc.

[_Runtu]

I guess that's another thing I'm apathetic about: being told I'm going to hell. Maybe it's happened so often that I'm just numb to it. :)

[_harmony]

I guess that's another thing I'm apathetic about: being told I'm going to hell. Maybe it's happened so often that I'm just numb to it. :)

At least you'll have the dubious comfort of knowing Joseph Smith is with you.

[_cacheman]

Apathy's alright... I guess...

[_moksha]

Engaging in yellow journalism and being the Red Menace! Bcspace must see you all as orange.