I get lonesome is one The other is to see how subtly I can plant doubt into the subconcious computer of the other attendees. Most of the peole who attend regularly haven't got a clue as to the true purpose of the oragnization which in my opinion is total 24-7 control over the minds and wills of the members. I have no doubt that one day my subterfuge will come to light and I will be called upon to answer for my deception. But that is OK because I will have played out the game for the maxumun enjoyment. This should bring forth comment from among members of this forum
PHIL Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > You will be discovered and turned into the > Authorities for severe punishment. > BTW have you completed your ministering assignment > this quarter? Yes I hit on the RS presidency 3 times to no avail
I too have attended church out of loneliness, and to see if I could get that old time feeling.
But after a while I realized I wasn't doing myself or anyone else any good. I did not believe. I never again would believe. I had no business being there. But I know what you mean, feeling lonely and isolated.
As for putting a seed of doubt in anyone's head, that is something I would never do.
This is the age of the internet. Anyone wanting to find out the truth of the LDS church can find it with a few clicks of the mouse. There are no secrets anymore.
So I can only assume people who keep believing want to keep believing. Far be it from me to enlighten anyone.
loislane Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I too have attended church out of loneliness, and > to see if I could get that old time feeling. > > But after a while I realized I wasn't doing myself > or anyone else any good. I did not believe. I > never again would believe. I had no business > being there. But I know what you mean, feeling > lonely and isolated. > > As for putting a seed of doubt in anyone's head, > that is something I would never do. > > This is the age of the internet. Anyone wanting > to find out the truth of the LDS church can find > it with a few clicks of the mouse. There are no > secrets anymore. > > So I can only assume people who keep believing > want to keep believing. Far be it from me to > enlighten anyone.
Elder Berry Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > So many other churches are so much more inclusive > and inviting to people who will commune just for > community.
I agree with this. Why don't you try it desertrat? You can go in as a visitor to a mainstream church and people will perhaps say hello or send you a smile but won't be overbearing or pushing expectations on you. That's my experience anyway. They might have activities you can join in with such as meals or other types of general gatherings (however, perhaps less so than usual because of the pandemic but maybe some still find a way to still do some activities safely).
You can just look up any of the churches in your general area and read their web sites to see what their basic beliefs are and what types of meetings and activities they have. Most, if not all, in my experience, don't hound visitors to join or to attend meetings or activities but just leave it up to you to make your own choices. I know that is a new concept for Mormons and members of more controlling faiths.
In my experience with the Mormon church, where I didn't find people to be all that friendly, I certainly didn't expect them to provide me with pleasant company because that isn't what they're about, in my experience. I could have more enjoyable interludes with strangers in a grocery store line-up.
I predict that you could find some company desertrat if you branch out a little. Look online for groups in your area, perhaps of folks who share your interests such as art or photography or bird-watching or singing. Many groups are finding ways to stay connected such as online or in person in safe settings. There are also organizations that help set up telephone visitors for people who are on their own.
Try it - you may be pleasantly surprised.
I always had that awful pressured feeling with Mormons that I wasn't meeting their expectations and that I didn't fit in and that they didn't care about me except just as a number. Who needs it? There are other better ways to find company. I hope you find one soon.
as I'm an introvert. I never enjoyed going to church. I'm shocked when people say they miss the sense of community. I hated going to activities, but my husband "made me." I assume I was lonely in the years after he left, but I didn't have a lot of energy to be lonely. I was just suicidal is all. I felt like mormonism was forced friendships. My "husband" told my daughter, "Your mother never was happy as a mormon." Nope. I wasn't. I thought I HAD TO BE MORMON.
It seems to me that you are living with someone you feel you need to go to church so you can continue living there. Isn't that what you've said before?
Well, we just want you to return and report anything new and interesting like Secular Priest does. Like how is going with them trying to get members to get vaccinated? Have they been talking about it at church?
Actually I have on occasion attended Universal Unitarian meetings and I found them to be quite open and friendly. However there ar enot many of them near orem Utah
I'd say just don't take what's said too seriously, this is my trouble while everyone else is dozing off, my ears capture everything and I get annoyed, GC is coming and it's all going to be a guilt trip and very negative by a bunch of old men laying on being disappointed in how people are not obeying more, covenant people and pondering your sacred covenants bla bla bla. But most everyone will say inspiring it all was, etc. And if you ask them anything they'll not remember anything
I can understand being lonely and just looking for some activity outlets, but I’d suggest trying almost ANY church but TSCC. If you lean left politically, try an Episcopal Church, or Unitarian. If you lean more to the right, try any big mega church. Any large church will have all sorts of extracurricular activities, and no mandatory tithes, no assigned callings. You give what you like (including zero), and volunteer and participate in what you like (including nothing, although that would defeat the purpose of going for social engagement).
After my wife passed I attended a grief support group for a while at a local medium sized mega style church. They were so busting at the seams that there was never any clingy “are you coming back” kind of interaction. No guilt trips.
I also go to an Episcopal with my daughters now and then (mostly Christmas Eve and a few other Sundays). The people are always friendly and happy to see us, and likewise no guilt trips or demands.
Like TSCC, I’d suggest avoiding the JWs, and tiny “independent” churches. But almost any traditional non-cult church will let you engage on your own terms. So if you want to go, please don’t go back to TSCC.