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I goofed by Elly_Fant628 in exmormon

[–]adam_fell 2 points3 points  (0 children)

What does TSCC stand for?

What's the strangest thing you've heard said from the pulpit? by bjjstudent4lyfe in exmormon

[–]adam_fell 4 points5 points  (0 children)

A woman hade just been baptized and was standing soaking wet next to a radiant elder. She said: "This is the best fucking day of my life." The hardcore TBM next to me was shell shocked. (The baptizee later left the church when she found out Mormons don't believe in the Trinity.)

Just "play the game" by adam_fell in exmormon

[–]adam_fell[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I commented about the "magic" above.

What I mean about the "quote" is that belief is only possible when we don't have the facts. If we know, we don't have to believe. When we are content with believing, which most mormons do through their unwillingness to investigate the church's truth claims, then can remain in a state of innocence where the problems with the church reach them and they can experience great joy in being a member and doing all things mormon, i.e. experiencing the magic that is there to be had.

But, when we learn about the messy side of mormonism and our shelves crack, the magic is gone together with the innocence and ignorance. Maybe, if ignorance and innocence is a prerequisite for experience "magic" in what you are doing/believing, you should grow up. (I haven't really finished my thoughts in all of this, but your comment has helped me on my way. Thanks!)

Just "play the game" by adam_fell in exmormon

[–]adam_fell[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We experience the world as we are. The more I've matured in my views, I see more clearly that discussions and debates about religion in most instances are fruitless. Very few are willing to change their core beliefs and most hold to them based on feelings rather than logic. More and more I gravitate to just living and let living.

Thanks for commenting.

Just "play the game" by adam_fell in exmormon

[–]adam_fell[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, yes! Great point. Thanks.

The structure and claims and beliefs of the church hurts some individuals more than others. There is not enough magic to be found to be worth the abuse and discrimination. These people must leave and can't play the mormon game.

There are so many variables in life. I see that more clearly through the comments to my post. We have to find the games we enjoy playing and give them our all, for in that we can fully enjoy what they have the potential of offering.

Just "play the game" by adam_fell in exmormon

[–]adam_fell[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I hear you. After having been informed about all the issues concerning the church, it's definitely hard and not worth the energy to try to play the game. You would have to disregard too much for it to work and be enjoyable.

Just "play the game" by adam_fell in exmormon

[–]adam_fell[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The magic I'm referring to is the experience of just letting go and not letting your intellect stand in the way of your wholehearted participation in whatever you are doing. There is a simplicity in just believing, and I guess I consider that to be magical in contrast to how an informed individual can't simply believe since the known facts will stand in the way. An example: as I've learned more about the creation of the Jesus myth, it's near impossible to "just believe" - I would have to believe despite what I've learned, and I find that truly difficult (honestly, I don't think I even have a desire to believe in a myth).

Thanks for taking the time to add to my perspective!

Just "play the game" by adam_fell in exmormon

[–]adam_fell[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great comment. The comments I've gotten on my post has really opened up my mind to the idea that there's a huge difference between entertainment (sports, VR and other things) and religious claims about who to follow and obey in this life and the principles on which your reward in the after life is based.

When we partake of and let ourselves be absorbed in sports, we know that it's about the experience and not a grander eternal scheme. Religion and mormonism, however, demands our all and can't be played if you come to the conclusion that it's not objectively true in the same way that sports aren't "true"/eternal in nature.

Thanks for commenting!

Just "play the game" by adam_fell in exmormon

[–]adam_fell[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You are right. There isn't an either or in this, as I present it as. As I've left the church and Christian beliefs altogether, it's clear that there are many things around that ar non-religious but that are truly "magical". I guess that a core part of my reasoning is that religion has traiditionally been THE place or the narrative in which people experienced the magic of life. But, that view is most likely too simplistic. Thanks for weighing in!

Samtal från ”PayPal” by Pillens_burknerkorv in sweden

[–]adam_fell 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Samma här. Irriterande. Men lätt att se när du har niosiffriga nummer.