Posted by:
CrispingPin
(
)
Date: August 26, 2020 05:41PM
I haven’t attended church in several years. For most of my life, I was a very devout member (former missionary, married in the temple, served in a couple of bishoprics, served in a couple of stake callings, was a stake missionary-back when there was such a thing, been a Sunday School president, been a gospel doctrine teacher, etc., etc.). These days, on those extremely rare occasions when I’m asked about my religion, I describe myself as a “born again agnostic.” And yet, I’m still a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I’m lucky in the fact that it’s truly my choice to be a member or not. I can’t disappoint my parents, they’ve both been dead for many years. I have a couple of siblings that are very TBM, but they’re also non-judgmental (they have no problems with extended family members who range from evangelical Christian, to Buddhist, to Wiccan, to atheist). I would suffer no loss of social standing nor negative impact on employment if I resign. There is certainly no urgency for me to resign. They pretty much leave me alone. Back when home teaching was still a thing, I’d get one or two visits a year, but not anymore. About a year and a half ago, the full time missionaries came by. I had a nice chat with them where I politely and respectfully explained why I no longer believe. I haven’t been visited since then.
There are many factors, but for me, it comes down to two arguments:
Reason to resign: I would no longer be part of a fraudulent, dishonest, sometimes harmful organization.
Reason to not resign: It feels like playing their game-it’s an acknowledgement that I’m still part of their club.
For those of you who faced the resignation question, what factor(s) pushed you one way or the other? Thanks.