PBS broadcast a fantastic documentary by Helen Whitney called
The Mormons a few years ago. This segment's been on my mind lately.
When you didn't fit in, but part of you still kinda wishes you had.
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This is agonizing to watch; it gets me every time.
ReplyDeleteI can relate to it. Part of me misses going to the temple, the solemnity of it, believing I was taking part in something ancient and eternal and important. I can't be in that place anymore, not just physically because I can't get a recommend, but mentally and emotionally, because I can't believe it anymore. There's something about it that I miss, even though I know it wasn't real. I've been thinking about that the last few days.
ReplyDeleteThere are other ways to celebrate infinite mystery and awe and reverence without misogyny and homophobia, without fear of shunning or damnation, without rigid dogma or oppressive moralism. I don't believe Jesus intended any of this for us, nor for us to be alone in our spiritual journeys. I also don't believe that Jesus invented a new religion, but made a way to be a global community founded on inclusive love and liberation from fear, hatred, oppression and violence--in this world, just as Micah calls us "to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly." God is not a mean old man in the sky looming to punish or reward, but perhaps simply the Oneness that all life actually shares--physically, emotionally, spiritually.
ReplyDeleteBlessings of resurrection in your life and in our life together on this planet.
There are other ways to celebrate infinite mystery and awe and reverence without misogyny and homophobia, without fear of shunning or damnation, without rigid dogma or oppressive moralism. I don't believe Jesus intended any of this for us, nor for us to be alone in our spiritual journeys. I also don't believe that Jesus invented a new religion, but made a way to be a global community founded on inclusive love and liberation from fear, hatred, oppression and violence--in this world, just as Micah calls us "to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly." God is not a mean old man in the sky looming to punish or reward, but perhaps simply the Oneness that all life actually shares--physically, emotionally, spiritually.
ReplyDeleteBlessings of resurrection in your life and in our life together on this planet.