Posted by:
imaworkinonit
(
)
Date: July 24, 2014 11:28AM
daughter of perdition and all.
I remembered a quote from JS that said to deny the Holy Ghost would be like looking at the sun directly and saying it wasn't there. Here's a link to it.
http://emp.byui.edu/ANDERSONR/itc/Book%20_of_Mormon/04_jacob/jacob04/jacob04_02sinagainsthg_js.htmGrowing up in the church, I got the impression anyone who has EVER had a testimony and then leaves the church is going against the Holy Ghost, and would be like a son of perdition. You hear that echoed in the testimonies of people who say they "can't ever deny" the things they have felt, as if they have a responsibility to never re-evaluate their feelings in light of new information, or that their feelings can't ever change. Instead, they must protect the conclusions they made early in life, and repeat "I know the church is true" like a protective mantra, or risk going to outer darkness. Many people are afraid of outer darkness when they leave the church.
In thinking about this whole issue, I realized that I couldn't become a 'daughter' of perdition, even if I tried. I had never felt like I had a testimony in the first place, and certainly not any kind of sure witness or manifestation. Very few people, according to Mormonism's own beliefs would be eligible.
In fact, it doesn't even mention women. Maybe it IS just SONS of perdition.
So I'm not a daughter of perdition. But I'd proudly wear the 'apostate' label. I think it's funny. It's like calling someone a 'rebel' for wanting to live a normal life, free of magical thinking.
One more thing. This quote is clearly made to threaten and malign people who leave the church. It's ugly, and it shows part of JS's character. Ultimately, it has shaped the character of the LDS church and the 'us vs. them' and the fear-based 'don't-ever-question-or you'll-lose-the-Holy-Ghost' culture it exhibits.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/24/2014 11:38AM by imaworkinonit.