zeezrom wrote:Hang on. I think we've all got some wires crossed due to my hasty posting on MDB.
Here's the summary:
* I am not actively participating in Sunday meetings. * Dear Wife still wants some involvement in the community and actively fosters relationships with active members. * We have dear friends that are interested in Mormonism and who also have friends that are active Mormons. * I am viewed as an outsider to some TBMs but I feel that is an innacurate view because of my huge investment in the church. * I feel I am qualified to do missionary work because of my investment. * I feel my view on Mormonism is more objective than that of other TBMs who are friends of our nevermo friends. * I feel I deserve a voice in Mormonism just as much as any other TBM due to my investment. * I feel I deserve to call myself a Mormon as long as I wish to do so because Sunday activity is NOT an indicator of Mormon-ness.
I agree. You have ever right to want to be numbered among Mormons even if you don't fit the mold 100%. I've had my records removed, but still do a ton of socializing at the local ward. We didn't just up and move when I resigned. Most of my close friends are Mormon. My wife is still Mormon. So even though I am not counted on the rolls of the church and find great joy in claiming I am no longer a Mormon, I still consider myself Mormon by my upbringing and social ties. If I were to ever move from Utah, I would not seek out Mormon subculture to associate with, but while we reside here, I find no problems with it. This is why I am still a BYU football fan.
Tchild wrote:I thought about continuing activity for social and community cohesion, but just going close to LDS chapels makes me naseous and sick to my stomach. It is like I picture the whole place being filled with Pahoran types. It makes my skin crawl and gives me the creeps...
If the "whole place" was even partially filled with Pahoran types, those of us that consider ourselves active and somewhat forgiving/liberal in some of our views and the views of others would probably have to reconsider our weekly attendance. In fact, most of the active and somewhat uber-orthodox members in my ward would have to hold their nose as they attend church. God forbid that the day would ever come where Pahoran's would rule the world and or have greater influence within the church.
Sanctorian wrote:I agree. You have ever right to want to be numbered among Mormons even if you don't fit the mold 100%. I've had my records removed, but still do a ton of socializing at the local ward. We didn't just up and move when I resigned. Most of my close friends are Mormon. My wife is still Mormon. So even though I am not counted on the rolls of the church and find great joy in claiming I am no longer a Mormon, I still consider myself Mormon by my upbringing and social ties. If I were to ever move from Utah, I would not seek out Mormon subculture to associate with, but while we reside here, I find no problems with it. This is why I am still a BYU football fan.
Everyone goes through a mid-life crisis. I'll laugh if you rejoin the church in the future and wonder why you did such a stupid thing as resign?!?
"You lack vision, but I see a place where people get on and off the freeway. On and off, off and on all day, all night.... Tire salons, automobile dealerships and wonderful, wonderful billboards reaching as far as the eye can see. My God, it'll be beautiful." -- Judge Doom
zeezrom wrote:Hang on. I think we've all got some wires crossed due to my hasty posting on MDB.
Here's the summary:
* I am not actively participating in Sunday meetings. * Dear Wife still wants some involvement in the community and actively fosters relationships with active members. * We have dear friends that are interested in Mormonism and who also have friends that are active Mormons. * I am viewed as an outsider to some TBMs but I feel that is an innacurate view because of my huge investment in the church. * I feel I am qualified to do missionary work because of my investment. * I feel my view on Mormonism is more objective than that of other TBMs who are friends of our nevermo friends. * I feel I deserve a voice in Mormonism just as much as any other TBM due to my investment. * I feel I deserve to call myself a Mormon as long as I wish to do so because Sunday activity is NOT an indicator of Mormon-ness.
What do you mean by investment? When I think of that word, I think that there's some future benefit from making the investment. Is that what you mean?
Trimble, you ignorant sack of rhinoceros puss. The only thing more obvious than your lack of education is the foul stench that surrounds you.
zeezrom wrote:I am a Latter-day Saint because I invested a lot of time and money in it since childhood. I consider myself a member because I recognize I am vested and invested even though I don't currently participate in Sunday meetings. I recognize that my financial and time investments in the church are meaningful; I am counted as one of the many other Mormons in this world.
Unless the church is going to return your money with interest, you have nothing financially invested in the church. You've given it to them, and it is gone. It sounds to me that you are just having a hard time realizing that what you gave all that money to was really a sham. Yes, it hurts, but the truth will set you free.
What can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence - Hitch
zeezrom wrote:I am a Latter-day Saint because I invested a lot of time and money in it since childhood. I consider myself a member because I recognize I am vested and invested even though I don't currently participate in Sunday meetings. I recognize that my financial and time investments in the church are meaningful; I am counted as one of the many other Mormons in this world.
Unless the church is going to return your money with interest, you have nothing financially invested in the church. You've given it to them, and it is gone. It sounds to me that you are just having a hard time realizing that what you gave all that money to was really a sham. Yes, it hurts, but the truth will set you free.
ROFL
The LDS Church isn't a sham. It exists. I've seen it. If Zeezrom wants to give his money to the LDS Church, then he is welcome to do it. If he feels that sacrifice makes him invested in continuing to attend, so be it. There is more to life than money. Maybe one day you'll realize that.
"You lack vision, but I see a place where people get on and off the freeway. On and off, off and on all day, all night.... Tire salons, automobile dealerships and wonderful, wonderful billboards reaching as far as the eye can see. My God, it'll be beautiful." -- Judge Doom
Tobin wrote: Everyone goes through a mid-life crisis. I'll laugh if you rejoin the church in the future and wonder why you did such a stupid thing as resign?!?
Why would you laugh? Since you believe in this rubbish, you should express joy in a lost sheep returning.
Tobin wrote: Everyone goes through a mid-life crisis. I'll laugh if you rejoin the church in the future and wonder why you did such a stupid thing as resign?!?
Why would you laugh? Since you believe in this rubbish, you should express joy in a lost sheep returning.
I don't believe in rubbish. And doing silly things is part of a mid-life crisis. The LDS Church is a church and for some a lifestyle. You identify with that and it is ridiculous you felt the need to resign (yet still attend). I attend lots of organizations and don't feel the need to formally resign from them. If I don't want to go, I just don't. It's no more difficult than that.
"You lack vision, but I see a place where people get on and off the freeway. On and off, off and on all day, all night.... Tire salons, automobile dealerships and wonderful, wonderful billboards reaching as far as the eye can see. My God, it'll be beautiful." -- Judge Doom
Tobin wrote: I don't believe in rubbish. And doing silly things is part of a mid-life crisis.
Did I say it was a mid-life crisis?
The LDS Church is a church and for some a lifestyle. You identify with that and it is ridiculous you felt the need to resign (yet still attend).
Why is is ridiculous I felt the need to resign?
I attend lots of organizations and don't feel the need to formally resign from them. If I don't want to go, I just don't. It's no more difficult than that.
So if you were married and you didn't want to be married anymore, you would just stop and not make it official by divorce? If you believed the church was selling a lie (this might be hard for you to imagine, but it's true), you would not want to be numbered and counted on a deceitful organization. Yes, you can stop attending and a lot of people do just that, but for some of us, resignation is the divorce we need from the church.
