Chapter 1: Religion Background
Religion for the first the first 36 years of my life shaped all that I did. I was a 100% committed christian until 1997. I was raised in the Mormon faith since birth. The Mormons teach about God and Jesus, that they want us to be happy so there are rules. No smoking, no alcohol, no pre-martial sex, no illicit drugs, pay 10% to the church, follow the 10 commandments, follow the example set by Jesus and serve a volunteer 2 year mission for your church, especially for men.
I can say that I did all of the above. The only exception was one puff of a cigarette when I has about 6 or 7, that I gagged on and never tried again, even til this day. But he was a whole grade ahead of me, I was used to trusting older people.
I followed the ideals faithfully, serving a two year on my own coin for the church. This involved flying to another country and trying to "spread the gospel" 100% of the time. You have probably seen two young men wearing white shirts and ties walking down the street - I was there. On the phone, knocking door to door or thru referrals it was to convert people to the religion. Yes, that dedicated and committed. As luck would have it - I went to an area that my best friend was currently serving in. I knew God was looking out for me.
It was a tee totaling family, following the Word of Wisdom that told its followers that smoking, illicit drugs or drinking alcohol was not something good to do. I never did. Another story is how a "Word of Wisdom" became a "rule".
Sex? Well, yes, no intercourse or oral sex, but there was the occasional grope here and there after all I was male and a teenager, but I felt overwhelming guilt - that had and was confessed to the leader of the congregation and before God.
Going to church? Yes. Every week, for three hours. There was Sunday school where we divided into classes. There was Relief Society/Priesthood where men and women separated and then there was sacrament. One hour each, meaning lots of time. The only occasion in my life I did not go every single week was a two month posting away from home when I was in the navy. I was 18 and did not go. All my peers tried to get me to drink, but I held fast to my beliefs. The worst that I did was swear a little, but never the Lords name in vain.
In Mormon theology, one can get married in a temple - but only fully fledged members. Those that follow all the rules qualify. It is regarded as a place of higher spiritual learning. It is reminiscent I believe of masonry. I was married there, for "time and all eternity". I ate those concepts up as the spoke to me.
Mormonism uses a lay clergy. You are volunteered for positions in the church. I accepted all such callings, like teaching Sunday school, presiding in a quorum for a priesthood group and even as a congregational (aka a Ward in Mormonism) job specialist!
One belief that was powerful for me was the "Families are Forever" campaign. In Mormonism, a family that has a husband and wife married in the temple can enjoy being a family in the next life. I toed this line because as for as long as I can remember I have wanted to have such a thing. In fact that is what kept he out of drugs/drinking/sex in high school - to keep worthy of such a blessing. I can remember thinking my life as follows:
My wife and I had three kids. From our marriage until their arrival we returned to the temple many times for spiritual rejuvenation. That is what is expected of church members. There are spiritual teaching and activities there. One such activity is that you are given a secret "new name" to remember for the rest of your life. I am no longer a Mormon in theology or even a luke warm christian, however, I respect what I held as sacred and what others hold as sacred and I leave that and all other "sacred not secret" things alone.
Mormonism also includes a "Book of Mormon" and a "Doctrine & Covenants" and "A Pearl of Great Price" in their canon. These were created by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon faith. I read and prayed about such things and believed they were from the mouth of God. I prayed about many things, although an angel never visited I did believe that I received some answers, enough that I believed that I would never be writing what or where I am today. That *would* never be me, I knew that.
Utah and America is really the home of Mormonism. Other places were referred to as the "mission field". That is where I was. Always in the real minority in any community, we banded together for activities and friendship. The church became our community. They have consistent doctrine across the world. That has its good points but also a down side. The benefit was that I knew that I could go anywhere in the world, walk into a Mormon church and be accepted instantly. I could easily integrate anywhere. That was gratifying to know, and I did that exact thing a few times. I know the language, the nuances and could still do it, but I could not lie and deceive so now.
In all respects I was a full fledged member of the Mormon faith. I did not have the rebellious period that many others did, yes, a little boring, but that was me. By and large I was happy and life was progressing. There were kinks in some things but I was committed to God and doing the best I could.
I can say that I did all of the above. The only exception was one puff of a cigarette when I has about 6 or 7, that I gagged on and never tried again, even til this day. But he was a whole grade ahead of me, I was used to trusting older people.
I followed the ideals faithfully, serving a two year on my own coin for the church. This involved flying to another country and trying to "spread the gospel" 100% of the time. You have probably seen two young men wearing white shirts and ties walking down the street - I was there. On the phone, knocking door to door or thru referrals it was to convert people to the religion. Yes, that dedicated and committed. As luck would have it - I went to an area that my best friend was currently serving in. I knew God was looking out for me.
It was a tee totaling family, following the Word of Wisdom that told its followers that smoking, illicit drugs or drinking alcohol was not something good to do. I never did. Another story is how a "Word of Wisdom" became a "rule".
Sex? Well, yes, no intercourse or oral sex, but there was the occasional grope here and there after all I was male and a teenager, but I felt overwhelming guilt - that had and was confessed to the leader of the congregation and before God.
Going to church? Yes. Every week, for three hours. There was Sunday school where we divided into classes. There was Relief Society/Priesthood where men and women separated and then there was sacrament. One hour each, meaning lots of time. The only occasion in my life I did not go every single week was a two month posting away from home when I was in the navy. I was 18 and did not go. All my peers tried to get me to drink, but I held fast to my beliefs. The worst that I did was swear a little, but never the Lords name in vain.
In Mormon theology, one can get married in a temple - but only fully fledged members. Those that follow all the rules qualify. It is regarded as a place of higher spiritual learning. It is reminiscent I believe of masonry. I was married there, for "time and all eternity". I ate those concepts up as the spoke to me.
Mormonism uses a lay clergy. You are volunteered for positions in the church. I accepted all such callings, like teaching Sunday school, presiding in a quorum for a priesthood group and even as a congregational (aka a Ward in Mormonism) job specialist!
One belief that was powerful for me was the "Families are Forever" campaign. In Mormonism, a family that has a husband and wife married in the temple can enjoy being a family in the next life. I toed this line because as for as long as I can remember I have wanted to have such a thing. In fact that is what kept he out of drugs/drinking/sex in high school - to keep worthy of such a blessing. I can remember thinking my life as follows:
- Follow the commandments.
- Serve a 2 year mission.
- Follow the commandments.
- Get married in the temple.
- Follow the commandments.
- Have children.
- Have them follow the commandments.
- Have children repeat the above.
My wife and I had three kids. From our marriage until their arrival we returned to the temple many times for spiritual rejuvenation. That is what is expected of church members. There are spiritual teaching and activities there. One such activity is that you are given a secret "new name" to remember for the rest of your life. I am no longer a Mormon in theology or even a luke warm christian, however, I respect what I held as sacred and what others hold as sacred and I leave that and all other "sacred not secret" things alone.
Mormonism also includes a "Book of Mormon" and a "Doctrine & Covenants" and "A Pearl of Great Price" in their canon. These were created by Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon faith. I read and prayed about such things and believed they were from the mouth of God. I prayed about many things, although an angel never visited I did believe that I received some answers, enough that I believed that I would never be writing what or where I am today. That *would* never be me, I knew that.
Utah and America is really the home of Mormonism. Other places were referred to as the "mission field". That is where I was. Always in the real minority in any community, we banded together for activities and friendship. The church became our community. They have consistent doctrine across the world. That has its good points but also a down side. The benefit was that I knew that I could go anywhere in the world, walk into a Mormon church and be accepted instantly. I could easily integrate anywhere. That was gratifying to know, and I did that exact thing a few times. I know the language, the nuances and could still do it, but I could not lie and deceive so now.
In all respects I was a full fledged member of the Mormon faith. I did not have the rebellious period that many others did, yes, a little boring, but that was me. By and large I was happy and life was progressing. There were kinks in some things but I was committed to God and doing the best I could.
posted by cs at 12:11 AM
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