Posted by Ryan on November 19, 1999 at 13:05:19:
In Reply to: A difficult experience posted by JAK on November 16, 1999 at 20:30:16:
I believe your intentions are honorable, however, you missed my point. "outside" information is wonderful, and should never be withheld. Here's the tricky part, though--when people come across some new information, they tend to either embrace it or shun it. In my opinion, they should not judge it until they have it all. As far as irrational religious claims, I do not believe that all the information God gives us is rational to our understanding. And, we should not accept something anyone else tells us is of God until we know ourselves. There is a God, though.
I believe all religions are precious to him, so your judgement that I felt my church (ahem--formerly) was the only "true" one is incorrect. I do feel, however, that those seeking after great truths--intermixed with imperfect leaders and people(and, yes, some imperfect or erroneous doctrines)--should look into Mormonism. Am I a victim? NO WAY! Also, I do not base my beliefs on "feelings" or "emotions", like you pre-supposed. When I asked God if the Church was true, I did not know. But, the answer that came transcended "emotions", and I don't expect you to believe me--it is just true.
Right now, you are not open to the possibility, and then you wonder why it is not minifested to you. Like a blind person who insists there is no such thing as sight---that sight is only an emotion.
That doesn't mean that you are blind, it is only an analogy. You may even be a spiritual person...I am just refering to a particular type of knowledge which you apparently have not been blessed to receive.
peace.
: JAK:
: Surely this has all be a tremendous emotional experience for you. I think all religions appeal to the emotions. Clearly, your experience has done so. One thing that most (perhaps not all) religions have in common is this: Each insists IT is the TRUE religion. All others are false. The more irrational the religious claims, the greater the need to protect the religion and its converts from outside information. It appears you have been victimized more than most in your experience. If that is the case, you have my sympathy even though you have no idea who I am.
:
:
: : I was excommunicated (LDS) in July, but I can never deny the strong witness from the spirit I received that the Church is true.
: : Whenever someone says something which seems to refute the gospel, there is always an answer.
: : i remember going to a magic show when I was younger and I could not figure out how the tricks were done.
: : I thought it must be real magic! But, after the show, the magician showed me how he did everything.
: : I learned a valuable lesson--never pass judgement on an argument until you make sure there is nothing up the other persons sleeve--
: : information which they are keeping from you.
: : I was excommunicated becuase I live a promiscuous lifestyle. But, I am man enough to admit
: : that I need to take personal responsibility for that, instead of wishing away things I know deep down to be true.
: : peace.