Comments on: Pity for the Damned

Comment by: jana

2007-06-17T20:47:28Z

Been there. Done that. Guilty as charged on all counts.

I do hope (but it’s certainly a vain one) that I won’t be judged as I judged others.

Comment by: tracy m

2007-06-18T08:45:33Z

As a convert (5 years) with a husband who was a practicing Budhist for 12 years before he became a member (2 years ago)- let me just say: Worry not.

Not all members have a one-dimensional picture of people, or of how people express themselves spiritually. Even though I am a convert to the LDS faith, I have not left behind what I knew before, and neither has my husband- we are richer people for that. I don’t feel the gospel of Christ requires me to leave behind all that made me who I am- I just look at things differently.

We get into trouble as a religion when we confuse the culture of Mormonism for the teachings of Christ. Not even in the same ballpark, folks.

No judgement will ever come from this quarter.

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2007-06-18T09:23:20Z

jana,

Life has a funny way of turning our judgments back on us. It’s almost enough to make me believe in literal Karma.

tracy m,

Thanks for the reassurance. My biggest worry is about my children being made ashamed of me, but I suppose that is par for the course (at some point and to some degree).

Comment by: tracy m

2007-06-18T09:27:28Z

If someone tries to make your children ashamed of you, the shame is on them, not on you or your children. I am so sorry for your worries.

Comment by: Rodney

2007-06-18T10:48:01Z

As someone is a similar situation, it is not that I fear one or several people trying to make my children ashamed of me, rather, it is the group-think/culture that will cause it to happen. So in the end there is no one to blame or confront. It is insidious and vague. And it happens slowly and subtly so that combatting it is nearly impossible.

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2007-06-19T07:38:37Z

Rodney,

Well said. I don’t think anyone is going to explicitly try to make my children ashamed. It’s just the pervasive message that anyone who isn’t LDS is somehow… defective or lacking. And well, there’s crazy ol’ Dad being his embarrassingly un-Mormon self. Can’t he just hide while my friends are around? sigh

Comment by: Rodney

2007-06-19T13:02:59Z

It at least helps me to know that there are others who understand and empathize with me. Love your blog. It is an important part of my support network.

To stay sane, I visualize a day when others will go through the ‘awakening’ and I will be able to be there for them. If only they would realize that I will be no more there for them than I am right now.

Comment by: Jonathan Blake

2007-06-19T13:30:43Z

I’m happy you find some support in my ramblings. It helps me to come to terms with my religious background to talk things out. I’m glad you’re along for the ride.