The weakness within me.

[_stemelbow]

Ultimately I just want to be a better person. Well by "just" I don't' mean to say that's my only focus and goal but its definitely a high priority--not to belabor that point.

If Mormonism the religion will be helpful to my stated objective I'm happy. In sum, looking back I don't know where I'd be without my religious faith (by that I mean I sincerely don't know, not the crying in testimony meeting meaningof I don't know). In some ways its helped shape me, but granted some of that shaping I could have gotten elsewhere or without the religion. So I suppose that means I"m at elast somewhat open to exploring other "life-styles" if that's what you want to call it. I'm not trying to state I'm going to actively leave the Church or decry publically the things about it that I find troubling or disagree with. Oh no. That's not what I'm doing. I'm just stating that I truly think there is good out there. Good and truths being found, practiced, and taught outside the realm of my religion. I mean for one, my religion is steeped heavily in western culture. I hope one day there's more of an embrace of outside influences within this western, oh I forgot, conservative culture. I recognize there's weakness sitting in my vantage point (as a faithful LDS) and trying to find truth whereever it may be. (another decent example in found in Just me's recent thread about the age of the earth).

Anyway, and I've said this before, the Church to me is nothing if not a sanctuary to help its people learn the concept of love. LDS call charity greater than love, but its all the same. loving the Savior. Loving others. Building unity. Building camraderie. I realize in the Church's efforts there may be, or may just appear to be, things done or said that seem to contradict the purpose I find in the Church. I don't think the Church is inerrant--that's my justification. One of these days, i truly hope the Church proves to me, beyond any shadow of my doubts, that it is the best org around that I can align myself with to help me accomplish a better person. I guess my faith and that hope I just described keeps me believing, keeps me going, keeps me "defending" (if anyone can call what I do that).

So here we are. What say you, if you care to say anything at all?

[_Turkey]

I believe that your reliance on an org to make you a better person might be limiting you. That's not to say you shouldn't embrace the restored gospel 110% if you truly believe in it. You should. But you'll find love everywhere in life, if you carry it in your heart.

[_Kishkumen]

I support stemelbow in what makes him happy. What works for him is fine with me. Who am I to say what is best for stemelbow?

Just because it works for him does not validate or invalidate my own choices.

[_stemelbow]

I believe that your reliance on an org to make you a better person might be limiting you.

That could be true. I don't know. My take is, i really feel it appropriate to find a group that is all about something bigger than itself--something that hopes to develop unity, love, appreciation and ways to help something other than itself. I don't' know if the church is perfect here...but its been pretty good, in that sense.

That's not to say you shouldn't embrace the restored gospel 110% if you truly believe in it. You should. But you'll find love everywhere in life, if you carry it in your heart.

Oh I agree with your last line, and I tried to get that across in my OP.

[_stemelbow]

I support stemelbow in what makes him happy. What works for him is fine with me. Who am I to say what is best for stemelbow?

Just because it works for him does not validate or invalidate my own choices.

Hey thanks, Kishkumen. Nice to see you around again.

I very much agree with your last line too. Who am I to assume that what I find as so helpful to me is going to be all the helpful to everyone? I'm learning that more and more as I learn about others. Its not for everyone.

[_Doctor CamNC4Me]

Grow up. Stop being a Retard (like Joseph & Simon).

[_stemelbow]

Grow up. Stop being a r***** (like Joseph & Simon).

Hey there, you exude a certain warmth and kindness. Its a delight to read your contributions.

[_schreech]

Lots of people have found meaning, purpose, acceptance and love in lots of different organizations...

KKK
People's temple
Scientology
Branch davidian
The stonecutters
Justin Beiber fan groups
etc.

I, too, am glad you found your place and that it makes you happy...

[_Kishkumen]

Lots of people have found meaning, purpose, acceptance and love in lots of different organizations...

KKK
People's temple
Scientology
Branch davidian
The stonecutters
Justin Beiber fan groups
etc.

I, too, am glad you found your place and that it makes you happy...

So, screech, are you a Bieberite?

[_schreech]

So, screech, are you a Bieberite?

There is no such thing as a Bieberite....It's Bielieber or True Bieliebing Man (TBM)