Quick Thought on Mormons and Their Church
In a speech at BYU Jeffery R. Holland said:
“For anyone out there seeking the courage to repent and change, I remind you that the Church is not a monastery for the isolation of perfect people. It is more like a hospital provided for those who wish to get well. Do whatever you have to do to come into the fold and be blessed” (BYU Speeches, May 2, 1997)
The quote above was the highlight of a post on the Mormon Channel’s Facebook page this morning. I was both unsurprised and heartbroken by what I read in the comment section. Many people praised the Church saying it was the best place to be, while others shouted “Amen” to Mr. Holland comments.
And then there were others who spoke of feeling unaccepted, unloved and judged in the Mormon Church as they struggle to come back. Yet despite those feelings they solider on because they feel this church is the “only place to be”. This reminded me of a saying I heard time and time again when I was a Mormon that went something like “the church is perfect, but the people are not”.
This type of mindset is very frustrating for the members who struggle. While the church leaders think they are doing the right thing by encouraging them to stay, what they’re really doing is leaving the member with the feeling being trapped. They feel as though they have no way out, they can’t make themselves reach the bar of perfection in Mormonism and yet they feel they have no place else to go. As much as the church tries to deny it there’s this feeling within Mormonism that one must be perfect. If you’re not doing all you can do, then you’re not doing enough.
I looked up this quote so I could reference it in my article and noticed they left out this sentence, “Do whatever you have to do to come into the fold and be blessed.” As I think about what this means in Mormon lingo I can’t describe the sadness I feel for them. What happened to just resting in Jesus, and finding strength and comfort in Him?
As much as I love going to church and being with my brothers and sisters in Christ it’s in Jesus that I find comfort. I know it’s Him that helps me to seek to change and repent when I’ve disobeyed God. It’s not my church that makes me “well” or a better person. Only the Holy Spirit can do those things. I can do nothing to add to or reinforce what Jesus has already done.
If I could talk to talk to those who struggle to be perfect in Mormonism I would tell them to stop trying so hard. I would ask them to come to Jesus and allow Him to heal them from those things they struggle with. He’s the only one who can make you whole, and give you courage to change.
In Christ,
Melissa Grimes
Yet again, you are getting the church wrong. Frequently the leadership has said that perfection is a process. As to those who feel that they’re not good enough, well, we have only your assertion to back that up, don’t we? And you’re a proven, unrepentant liar.
A process with an end goal you’ll never achieve, yet expected to work toward, isn’t that right? You’re supposed to fake it until you make it. If you don’t have it all together just pretend that you do, right? Attend the temple, obey the Word of Wisdom, hold Family Home Evening, follow the prophet, then obey, obey, and obey some more, right? Where’s Jesus in all your obedience to all the busy work your leaders have given you?
You can call me all the names you want Michael, I’m not the one with rose colored glasses on when it comes to Mormonism. I look at it square in the eye and see it for the ugly thing it is.
Since you want to call names you’re officially cut off from commenting on the blog. – Melissa Grimes