Even though I left the LDS church over a year ago, most of my close friends are still active Mormons. My friends tend to be intelligent, open-minded, politically moderate, compassionate individuals...who are also informed by their individual spirituality and religious convictions.
Yesterday I spoke with one of these friends about Boyd K. Packer's talk and the ensuing controversy. We discussed the heartache each of us and many of our acquaintances (on both sides of the issue) had experienced over the weekend. As we talked, my main question was this - How can we all learn to live with, love, and reach out in understanding to one another, in spite of significant idealogical differences?
My friend expressed her view (and I agree) that different groups - like Mormons and Exmormons - often share many common values, but allow hot button issues to polarize and divide and prevent working together productively on shared goals. She reminded me of Jon Stewart's recent admonition that we all "take it down a notch."
We need a more constructive dialogue. I don't agree with the LDS viewpoint that any sexual relationship, other than that of 1 man and 1 woman legally married, is impure. I believe that to publish such a viewpoint is hurtful. But I also think - to be fair - I should acknowledge that LDS teachings emphasize individual worth, compassion, empathy, and tolerance. I think it's telling that I can talk with many of my Mormon friends about my atheist perspective and lifestyle choices and not feel judged, but rather, loved and accepted.
In another conversation I had with a loved one the other night, I began to suggest that there is a way to share your views such that others will feel loved or at least respected, and there is a way to share your views such that others will feel angered and alienated. As soon as the words left my mouth I realized I needed to take my own advice.
Let's stand up for what we believe without demonizing those who disagree with us. We will never all see things the same way - it's the blessing and curse of diversity. But through understanding and tolerance, I hope we can find a way to work together for the good of mankind.
10/7 edited for clarity
Yesterday I spoke with one of these friends about Boyd K. Packer's talk and the ensuing controversy. We discussed the heartache each of us and many of our acquaintances (on both sides of the issue) had experienced over the weekend. As we talked, my main question was this - How can we all learn to live with, love, and reach out in understanding to one another, in spite of significant idealogical differences?
My friend expressed her view (and I agree) that different groups - like Mormons and Exmormons - often share many common values, but allow hot button issues to polarize and divide and prevent working together productively on shared goals. She reminded me of Jon Stewart's recent admonition that we all "take it down a notch."
We need a more constructive dialogue. I don't agree with the LDS viewpoint that any sexual relationship, other than that of 1 man and 1 woman legally married, is impure. I believe that to publish such a viewpoint is hurtful. But I also think - to be fair - I should acknowledge that LDS teachings emphasize individual worth, compassion, empathy, and tolerance. I think it's telling that I can talk with many of my Mormon friends about my atheist perspective and lifestyle choices and not feel judged, but rather, loved and accepted.
In another conversation I had with a loved one the other night, I began to suggest that there is a way to share your views such that others will feel loved or at least respected, and there is a way to share your views such that others will feel angered and alienated. As soon as the words left my mouth I realized I needed to take my own advice.
Let's stand up for what we believe without demonizing those who disagree with us. We will never all see things the same way - it's the blessing and curse of diversity. But through understanding and tolerance, I hope we can find a way to work together for the good of mankind.
10/7 edited for clarity
1 comment:
I completely agree with you :)
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