Candygal's Story

[_candygal]

Dear Candygal,

The great majority of non-LDS Christians have always believed that there will be a next life, and that we can hope to see our loved ones there.

Joseph Smith created his own special version of Christianity for his own personal reasons - including the wish 'not to labor' and to be a special person whom God wanted to have whatever he desired by way of, well ... personal relationships. He effectively parasitized Christianity, and managed to persuade his followers that no other version but his was the real kind. The LDS church keeps that up today.

There is however absolutely no reason for you to give up hope of seeing your husband again just because you have realized that Joseph Smith was not what he pretended to be. As I said, that hope is shared by nearly all other Christians.

Chap,

Your response to Candygall was both kind and wise, and you have my sincere respect for providing it.

I agree. Knowing that others believe as I do...that I can be with him again without the secret signs, names and passwords is nothing but relief!!

[_candygal]

Rockslider..just wanted to mention..that YOU are so worthy of being loved. None of us deserve to be put below a church. No one.

[_Tator]

Thanks for sharing. Chap's post describes my desires. Blessings.........

[_Jersey Girl]

You. guys. your. responses.
<3

[_RockSlider]

I'm sorry, Rockslider. When I left it was like I was an animal caught in a trap that had to chew its leg off to survive. Some wounds don't heal. The phantom limb still aches.

Thanks for the words ... it does help

[_RockSlider]

God bless you. I so admire you..it is hard and your character as a man is very evident on every level. I understand where you are coming from. Sometimes the anger instills a strength.

You are a good women, funny how we connected from MDDB with little correspondence with each other. I'm glad you share here and support your continuation at mddb and elsewhere, you can only bring a freshness, and a wisdom (gained, as we now get a gimps of you) that is positive.

ty

[_candygal]

God bless you. I so admire you..it is hard and your character as a man is very evident on every level. I understand where you are coming from. Sometimes the anger instills a strength.

You are a good women, funny how we connected from MDDB with little correspondence with each other. I'm glad you share here and support your continuation at mddb and elsewhere, you can only bring a freshness, and a wisdom (gained, as we now get a gimps of you) that is positive.

ty

Thank you for introducing me to a new family here. Love you all!

[_Red Ryder]

Candy, this is my worst fear. Having to sit outside the temple one day while my kids are inside getting married to the morg. All because I see Joseph Smith differently than they do. It's just so crazy and dumb!

Are you still in contact with the in-laws?

[_candygal]

Candy, this is my worst fear. Having to sit outside the temple one day while my kids are inside getting married to the morg. All because I see Joseph Smith differently than they do. It's just so crazy and dumb!

Are you still in contact with the in-laws?

No..I am not in touch with them. The parents have since passed away..but I don't get invited to wedding receptions or any inclusions like that. My children are still members...they don't care enough about the church either way. But I feel bad that because of my resignation, they have lost their Dad's family. Oh well...my only regret??? Not playing "Hotel California"!!! My mom stood outside the Temple when my brother got married there. She was no "up" on her tithing..it is mean, it is cruel..and yes, it is so stupid to deprive people of any kind of mutual joy.

[_DrW]

Chap,

Your response to Candygall was both kind and wise, and you have my sincere respect for providing it.

I agree. Knowing that others believe as I do...that I can be with him again without the secret signs, names and passwords is nothing but relief!!

Candygal,

If you have followed Chap on the board much, you may have been a bit surprised that he wrote about core Christian beliefs in a hereafter in such an empathetic and understanding way.

Many of us here, as atheists, agnostics or secularists (myself included), don't often show or express much deference to those particular core beliefs.

Chap, however, is a mature individual and a real gentleman, who was able to skillfully express real concern and empathy for your situation without reference to his own worldview regarding a hereafter.

In the same vein, I will tell you that I was touched by your OP as well.

Best wishes.