Something has really been bothering me lately. A lot. I feel misunderstood and a little hurt by some recent accusations concerning my beliefs- which are dear to me. I don't talk about religion much on this blog- for a reason. I don't like to be misunderstood and I'm not always good at expressing things in words. I don't particularly like controversy either or the chance that I might offend someone. When it comes down to it though, I will stand up for what I believe in. And I kind of want to set the record straight about something- and sorry if this is a little jumbled- I am not a smooth writer but I hope it all connects in the end.
There's been talk out there that I possibly might be a member of a cult. That part doesn't even really bother me. It makes me laugh. But what DOES bother me is the accusation that I am not a Christian- or that I don't believe in or follow Jesus Christ. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, otherwise known as Mormons. I was born into a family that belonged to this church and baptized when I was 8 years old. I knew then what I was doing was the right thing. As I grew older though and my world changed, I have had to test my own faith in my beliefs many many times. It hasn't always been easy. I struggled with thinking people would find me strange and wouldn't accept me for what I believe in. I was afraid I would never have any friends. Growing up in the Bible belt is not necessarily easy for a Mormon. It's easy to even get defensive and get into arguments with people. But if I have learned one thing it is this. It's not worth it.It never ever is- and it doesn't produce any positive results on either end. Opinions are opinions and are not easily changed. This is a major reason why I don't share a lot of things religious or political on my blog or on facebook. I'll be happy to share what I believe if asked until it turns into a battle of words. But right now I think this is important.
I don't think I need to mention any names as to why I might be bringing up this subject. It's all over the news. And you know what? I actually kind of get it. I can see where people MIGHT be misled into thinking we are not Christian. There is a lot of misinformation out there.
We don't worship Joseph Smith. That would be like people in the New Testament worshipping Peter, or people of the Old Testament worshipping Moses. He was a prophet. But he was also human- and like all of us, was imperfect.
Actually, we believe in Jesus Christ and follow his teachings according to the Kings James Version of the Bible, which we believe to be the most accurate of the Bibles out there. I respect the other versions of the Bible- but I believe in trying to make it more understandable we sometimes can change very important things to mean something they were not necessarily meant to. I've read the Bible. I've studied it thouroughly. In fact, in Sunday School at church right now we are intensely studying the New Testament and the life of Jesus Christ.
I've heard a lot of people say we are not considered Christians because we don't follow the "traditional" Christian view of the trinity or other topics. Who decided that view? A council of people who professed themselves to be Christians. Look up the Council of Nicea and the Nicean creed if you've never heard of it. I won't quote any sources because I feel we should all do our own research and come to our own conclusions. Since this was decided by Men, and not Christ or God Himself, I don't particularly believe it should be taken as docterine without further consideration. Moreover, those men still didn't agree on everything apparently because there are still many different views amonsgt Christians themselves- Methodists, Baptists etc. all have their own points of docterine that don't match each others. I'll tell you how I've decided on my point of view a little later. The truth of the matter is, that no matter what men decided was a traditional Christian viewpoint, I still believe in Jesus Christ of the New Testament, and I know that he is my personal Savior. And despite what people tell me, I believe that makes me a true Christian.
I'm also a little puzzled by people who attack us because we claim to be the only true church. Does not most every religion do that? Isn't that the reason why we join a particular church and not the other? Well, I think it SHOULD be. Do all Christians believe that ALL Christians will be saved? If that's the case, then I feel I'm safe anyway! If following the teachings of the Savior as taught in the Bible and getting baptized and having faith in Him is all it takes, then I'm good! I don't think that's the case though. I know there is a unity among Christians, but there is a reason, I'm sure, each has it's own congragation. Which is why it is so puzzling to me why the attack against Mormon's beliefs are so strong!
In the Old Testament, Adam and Eve were obviously taught the one and only true Gospel. Cain was the first to rebel from the truth. It's men's nature to stir things up and change things- don't you agree? (Ever played the game telephone?) But it was still necessary for God to bring in prophets to put us back on the right course every now and then- to remind us of the only way to salvation. So if you really really think about it, all religions would have a little bit of truth since it all originated from the first family who was taught by God Himself. (unless completely fabricated by an evil person but we'll take that out of consideration) When I was a missionary in Thailand I learned something quite interesting. It BLEW ME AWAY. Now I may not have this 100% correct as I was still learning the language, but from what I understand the Buddist religion there teaches of a man to come with prints in his hands. The timing is off by a lot, but there is that belief nonetheless. What's crazier is when I visited a Buddhist temple in Bangkok. No cameras were allowed or I would have taken pictures. But here were all the people worshipping a golden statue... a Buddhist statue of a man with his arms outstretched, with a hole in each hand. You can't be a Christian and not be a little puzzled by that- which only supports my belief that at some point this same people must have been taught about Christ- but that maybe, just maybe their beliefs strayed just a little. Coincidence? Maybe... but that is one strange coincidence. That is just the beginning of the similarities though. There are little pieces of of these things all throughout Buddhism and all it's different sects as well as in other religions.
I could go on and on about docterine... our "peculiar" and "strange" beliefs (has anyone ever taken the time to consider some things in the Bible would also be considered that in this day and age?) but that's really not my point. (although if you sincerely want to know what we believe or are curious, just ask me or visit Mormon.org) I'll be the first to admit there may be a few "blind" followers of our faith out there, but that's not me. My knowledge isn't perfect and I am still learning new things but I know what I'm doing and making my own decisions. And I won't try to convince you to join my church either because I don't think it's necessary. When it comes to things of God there is only one source you SHOULD believe in and that is God himself. He is the only one with all the answers- and I think we can all agree on that. We don't have to take other people's words for it. People are always imperfect. ALWAYS. ALL MEN. Even our beloved leaders. If you believe that God will answer your prayer and you have true intent in wanting to know what the truth is, you'll get the truth! No matter what church you belong to!
James 1:5 KJV "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
This is why I am a Mormon. This is why I know Christ is my Savior. I've been given answers from the source. And everyone can. I go to church to learn about my Savior and his teachings, to learn how to be a good person and to share with other people. But I don't take everything they say as truth. Not until I have gone and asked God himself to tell me if what I learned was truth or not. I think answers can come in different forms, but there has never been a doubt in my mind or heart when I've recieved one. This is also why someone could throw any weird piece of our history or beliefs at me and it won't sway me. This is how I know that I am a true Christian- whether it's your definition of Christian or not.
I hope that makes sense, and I'm glad I got that off of my chest. I just never want anyone to doubt that I am a Christian. That I believe in Jesus Christ and that He is my Savior. He died for my sins. I don't want to debate, I don't want to cause contention, I just want to put it out there that I believe in Christ. I guess you can decide for yourself if I am a member of a cult of not.
