Since moving to Utah I find myself increasingly frustrated by the "follow without questioning" mindset of the majority here. Persons I encounter will often spout out their opinions or beliefs and when I set about questioning the reason as to why they hold such views, they seldom have a justifiable answer for me.
The simple answer for this lack of reasoning on their parts is not because they don't authentically believe what they are sharing with me, it's more or less because their beliefs are not truly their own. This is especially true when it comes to spiritual matters in the LDS Church. Mormons are so spoon fed in their faith that they've begun passingly accepting anything taught by the Church officials.
It's even more sinister than one might first think. Not only do Mormons have an attitude of open acceptance, they are also blatantly refusing to question anything offered by the Church officials. It's generally seen as a weakness/disobedience of faith to question anything of the Church. It could also mean quick ex-communication to be found voicing strong questions or opinions that oppose the LDS Church.
These serious problems inevitably lead a Mormon to only one certain conclusion, that their faith is justifiable by the LDS Church alone. These sadly, deceived individuals aren't able to provide poinant answers to my questions since the reasons for their beliefs aren't rooted in Christ alone. Instead of being able to point to the one figure (Jesus Christ) who justifies all who believe in Him; they are forced to point to the one thing that gives rationalization to their beliefs, the LDS Church.
I use these terms justification and rationalization simply because of an amusing comment I read today by Brendan:
"who needs justification when you have rationalization?"
The comment made me think how often individual's in the LDS Church use rationalization because they have no justification for what they believe. This I find very sad and disheartening. So, my answer to this simple questions is, Mormons need justification and not rationalization. Let us be out in the world telling those about the justification we have in Christ Jesus.
"The Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment