An Admission: I am Religious and Unashamed

I've been meaning to write this post for a while, but have been afraid.

Even now, I stare at the screen and wonder if what I'm doing (and how I'm doing it) is the right thing. However, I justify it because this is my blog and I can write things that mean something to me. I don't expect everyone to agree because that would be boring and unrealistic. In fact, I really don't want everyone to agree. I love having friends with different beliefs and views and opinions and passions. That's what makes the world beautiful...and painful.

Without pain, we cannot have beauty. It's something I try to remind myself every day.

Here we go.

I strongly believe and am active in my religion.

(Yes, this is a religious post. Fair warning. Turn back now if you are allergic to religious topics. I don't not have that type of EpiPen on hand.)

I am happy when I see friends also embrace their beliefs, whether that be in general spirituality, metaphysics, empathy for their fellow man or in an organized religion. Whatever it is, I have seen joy and peace brought to many hearts when they have found what speaks to them spiritually. Do not shy away from your spiritual side. Yes, I truly believe we all have one. If you feel bitterness or anger when I mention that fact, I urge you to look deeper into that emotion and why it's sparked at the mention of mere spirituality.

What I don't understand is the fear and hatred and intolerance for different beliefs. If you are completely solid in your own beliefs, why would different beliefs threaten that? Why is there a need to bring down, insult, perjurer, or denounce another religious  or spiritual belief? Did it personally hurt you in some way? If it did, I am sorry for your experience. That is not what religion or spirituality is supposed to be.

Religion is about acceptance, love (true love which does not judge or condemn), peace, family, righteousness, purity of heart and spirit, compassion, and charity.

I also think some people use those words to suit their needs and twist their meanings. "Purity" has some negative connotations, as does "righteousness".

For purity, I'm using this context: 

 "When one extends mercy to others, he develops purity of heart." (Link to source)

And

"Christ tells us that purity of heart leads to love and knowledge of God. A love of God and of our fellow beings brings purity of character." (Link to source)

For righteousness, I'm using this context:

"In righteousness there is the fulfillment of faith and hope." (Link to source)

And

"We earnestly hope and pray for universal peace, but it is as individuals and families that we achieve the kind of peace that is the promised reward of righteousness." (Link to source)

And 

"Continually bless your life with the power of righteousness. It builds confidence. It engenders trust. It yields enduring, worthy achievement. To be righteous is to seek intently to be obedient to the commandments of God. It is to be clean in thought and act. It is to be honest and just. Righteousness is shown more in acts than in words. A righteous life requires discipline. Discipline is that characteristic which will give you the strength to avoid giving up what you want most in life for something you think you want now. It is a friend, not a harsh taskmaster that makes life miserable. Discipline is easier to acquire when it is rooted in faith in Jesus Christ, when it is nourished by an understanding of His teachings and plan of happiness." (Link to source)

Yes, these are some of the things I believe in. Yes, I stand by those articles completely. They are my own personal beliefs and ones that I don't try to force on anyone else. (If you're reading this, I hope I don't seem preachy. It's your choice to continue reading.)

They are ones that I help my family and me continue to find peace.

They are the ones that encourage the service of others without looking for a reward or recognition.

They are the ones that help me be more understanding, loving, kind, and open-minded to others.

They are the ones I turn to when I feel beaten, raw, angry, terrified, broken, or rejected. Sometimes I feel all of those things at once. I feel at least one of these things every day.

They are the ones help me look forward. They help me see some of the good that exists in this world instead of being bogged down by all the horrors.

Whatever your beliefs are, I truly and passionately hope they do the same for you. I will never push you to have my beliefs and I will never put down yours. But if you ask, I will share what I believe. If you need it, I will give it.

I have no secrets, I am not ashamed, I am unapologetic.

And now, to the point: 

I will no longer meekly stand by and hear other people's beliefs thrashed. Including my own.

Recently, I've had a few opportunities to speak up and I have failed. I said nothing and allowed the perpetuation of prejudice.

This is me turning a corner. I'm sure in the future I'll chicken out again, but I vow to start banishing the fear. I will not be afraid to admit I'm religious. I don't think religion should be something in which to be afraid or ashamed. The world has become quite backwards in this regard. It makes religion something awful when it should be lauded as something that makes us more charitable, humble, loving, and accepting. But this isn't always the case. Unfortunately, religion has done a bad job of presenting itself in a good light. I do not support those beliefs that actively try to harm, condemn, or vilify others. (Do you like my use of the thesaurus?)

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am a Mormon. I love my church, I love the people of my church, and I wholy believe in its teachings. I believe that Thomas S. Monson was called of God as a modern-day prophet, as was Joseph Smith. I believe in the restoration of Christ's church on the earth in the modern day. I believe that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ and goes hand-in-hand with the Bible. I believe Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon.

This knowledge brings me joy. Why must others attack it? Why must other beliefs be attacked besides this one? Does my belief offend you? I must warn you, feeling offended is a personal choice. I know, that's pretty shocking. It blew my mind when I realized it. We can actually choose not to feel offended by other people's beliefs, opinions, lifestyles, choices, etc.

I know.

Crazy concept.

(I apologize for the snarkiness. It's apart of my personality and cannot be contained for more than short periods.)

But I challenge you to try it. Next time someone actively tries to offend you on purpose, brush it aside and walk away. Shrug it off. No biggie. At most, feel saddened that they are so ignorant/bitter/angry and move on. You'll feel better and have less ulcers. Promise.

I think this is about the time to wrap things up. Thanks for sticking with me this long.

My main point, and I hope it came across, is to stop being so reactive. Let's start using our compassion more. Stop attacking and take a step back. Forget the whole "hate the sin, love the sinner" crap. Simply love. Period. No contingencies. This goes for everyone- religious and non-religious alike. Guess what? We're all human-beings. If we simply loved everyone we met- no matter what- most of the horrors in the world would disappear overnight.

Stop the political wars. Stop the religious wars. Stop the gender wars. Stop the racial wars. Stop the whatever wars. We could use that energy for much more useful things. Also, while I'm in the middle of the whole ranting-thing, stop trying to control everything and everyone around you. (Yes, I'm talking to myself because this post is mostly for therapeutic purposes and by now I really only expect Mike to be reading.)

That's all. Should be simple enough, right? I expect the world to be changed by morning.

You're welcome. (Ah man, I'm already failing at that humility thing...)