Just was reading the papers, and saw this article. The world has changed amazingly since I was in high school 20 years ago. Back then, unless you lived in San Francisco, you probably would never have come out in high school. Those on the religious right (and I accurately include many of our own faith in that group) would tell you its just another sign of how evil the world is getting.
My belief is changing. I now see it as a sign of enlightenment. A sign that people can be who they really are instead of putting on a life long act. I know many teens won't feel they can, or live in a safe environment. But we've come a long way.
www.sltrib.com/news/ci_1510937 (if this doesn't work, just look to the left on the page it brings up--click the article on LGT teens)
I was having lunch with a fellow today who has adopted a black child (he is as white as snow). He hasn't told his own grandfather because of bigotry. His grandfather, near the end of his life, maybe would not react in a rational manner. His mother insists he keep it to himself, though she loves the child more than any of her "blood" grandchildren. The child is beautiful. Black, and beautiful.
When I was a boy, I gained a "brown" but beautiful sister. It gave me an understanding for how unimportant race, and blood really were in a family. Now I'm gaining an understanding that I never planned on.
I was reading a fellow MOHO blog earlier about another topic which stirred my interest. The topic in my view was whether or not their truly are conditions for feeling the "spirit." The church would say yes, that obedience is the pre-requisite. Experience teaches me that there might be more to it.
For example, what's the fastest way to drive out the "spirit." Simply put, anger. Anger, and negative emotional feelings are really good at it. Inattention to God will do it too, but it seems slower. Fail to pray, fail to be grateful, and soon enough, it fades away. Then comes the tricky ones. Will going on a date with a gay guy drive it away? Will holding his hand? What about kissing him? See where I'm leading....
None of those three sounds terribly serious, does it. You won't get excommunicated for them. Probably nothing serious if you confess them to the Bishop. I just don't believe that any of these things is capable of booting you out of the eligible "spirit" crew. Why not--because love and affection, (when real) feel the same on both sides of the fence. Lust filled sex likely feels the same on both sides too. Fun but empty.
Share your own views. Its a topic worth exploring. Its one I can't help but explore and think about as I try to figure out who I am.
I like the exporation of what invites vs. drives the spirit away. I think some members feel threatened by things or people who are differet than they are. Their discomfort brings out anger or negative emotional reactions and they take this to mean that the thing or person who is different is not good or evil because it brought on the negative emotions, instead of stopping to consider that maybe the negative emotions are brought on by their own bigotry or discomfort with anything that is different than the norm.
ReplyDeleteYes, most members interpret "positive emotion" as "feeling the spirit" and "negative emotion" as "the absence of the spirit".
ReplyDeleteSo a member might perceive a friend as a very spiritual person because of the positive feelings they have for him. Until the friend comes out. Then the member's homophobia kicks in and despite the fact that the friend has changed absolutely nothing in his behavior or demeanor, the member will suddenly perceive a "dark spirit" about him.
It's also commonly believed that only the obedient can feel the spirit. This makes no sense. Who needs the promptings of the spirit more? The person who is doing what they are supposed to, or the person who is making mistakes?
Am I more likely to offer suggestions and corrections to my children when they are doing well, or when they are doing poorly? Am I more likely to offer them comfort and support when they are safe and secure as a result of adherence to the guidelines I've set for them, or when they have gotten themselves in a sticky spot by failing to heed my direction?
Why would God reserve His guidance and comfort for those who are doing everything right?
In my opinion, the only thing that can close a person off from God's love, or from the spirit, is a refusal to feel or to listen. And it's as easy for the most pious and strictly obedient churchgoer to fail to listen as it is for the "worst" sinner.
Scott: great comments, would seem its something you've thought about. Having your monthly fiesta Saturday?
ReplyDeleteA week from Saturday--the 29th (always the last Saturday of the month)
ReplyDelete