I went to church this afternoon. Primarily, because I was taking kids to primary. Secondarily because I still care about and enjoy seeing many of the people there. I sat down in Sunday School, and was chased in by an attorney in our ward who has gone through the divorce and remarriage game many (and I mean many) times, and took it upon himself to offer me advice on beginning the dating game once again. UGGGH. But no big deal.
Then I was waiting in the hall for Priesthood to start, when one of the ward members was taking it upon himself to lecture a few of the young men about the length of their hair and how he had this urge to bring in his clippers while they were asleep and cut it to "missionary length." I pointed out that Jesus didn't wear his hair at missionary length. Everyone chuckles, then he starts on his circle of logic.
It basically is what Mormons use to explain away all inconveniences. Something to the effect that if you believe the brethren are chosen by God (and therefore Jesus) then its Jesus who wants all of us in missionary haircuts and white shirts perpetually. I felt this crashing feeling in my stomach. I wanted to leave, and shortly thereafter headed out. I had receieved enough of mormon culture for one day.
It felt so exclusionary, and I felt honestly shocked to think he really could think that way about what Jesus really cared about.
Then I was waiting in the hall for Priesthood to start, when one of the ward members was taking it upon himself to lecture a few of the young men about the length of their hair and how he had this urge to bring in his clippers while they were asleep and cut it to "missionary length." I pointed out that Jesus didn't wear his hair at missionary length. Everyone chuckles, then he starts on his circle of logic.
It basically is what Mormons use to explain away all inconveniences. Something to the effect that if you believe the brethren are chosen by God (and therefore Jesus) then its Jesus who wants all of us in missionary haircuts and white shirts perpetually. I felt this crashing feeling in my stomach. I wanted to leave, and shortly thereafter headed out. I had receieved enough of mormon culture for one day.
It felt so exclusionary, and I felt honestly shocked to think he really could think that way about what Jesus really cared about.
I can't bring myself to step one foot in those buildings anymore.
ReplyDeleteDude, I share this crashing feeling too. I use to be able to tuck it away. I can't anymore.
ReplyDeleteMormons are whack!
ReplyDeleteIn my ward, the Bishop's assistant in the Priest Quorum has a thick blond ponytail that extends halfway down his back. He is a great kid - but is his own kid, and happens to love long hair (as do I).
ReplyDeleteI wish I could be as bold and self-assured as this priest is and grow my hair longer as well. But the real point is - no one gives him grief at all. They see him for the great kid he is and nothing else!
Why do we concern ourselves with these things. When did the desire to look like Corporate Lawyers overcome our desire to be better people?
ReplyDelete