Am I the only person who completely buys it?

[cowboy]

The more I read the Foyer, the more I wonder if I'm the only person who has drunk the Kool Aid. I guess I'm being somewhat facetious, but I'm beginning to wonder if the majority of church members don't really buy into what the church is selling.

I believe Jesus is the Christ, and I believe in the atonement. I take the BoM literally, I believe God appeared to and directed Joseph Smith, and I believe that the church leadership holds the keys and authority to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel. I've had some negative experiences with leaders, but I blow them off and figure that the Lord has to do what He can with who He has.

I see a lot of people express doubts, concerns, and sometimes outright disbelief here. If it helps them, then I encourage it, but I have to admit that it surprises me when I see how many CUFers are in that camp. Is ours a unique subset, or does this group represent and accurate cross-section of church members?

Note: I'm posting this after editing multiple times to try not to sound self-righteous. I believe what I believe, but I don't think any less of anyone else for disagreeing or believing something different.

[Portland Ute]

The more I read the Foyer, the more I wonder if I'm the only person who has drunk the Kool Aid. I guess I'm being somewhat facetious, but I'm beginning to wonder if the majority of church members don't really buy into what the church is selling.

I believe Jesus is the Christ, and I believe in the atonement. I take the BoM literally, I believe God appeared to and directed Joseph Smith, and I believe that the church leadership holds the keys and authority to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel. I've had some negative experiences with leaders, but I blow them off and figure that the Lord has to do what He can with who He has.

I see a lot of people express doubts, concerns, and sometimes outright disbelief here. If it helps them, then I encourage it, but I have to admit that it surprises me when I see how many CUFers are in that camp. Is ours a unique subset, or does this group represent and accurate cross-section of church members?

Note: I'm posting this after editing multiple times to try not to sound self-righteous. I believe what I believe, but I don't think any less of anyone else for disagreeing or believing something different.

To you it has been given to believe. Be grateful that you have been blessed with that gift and pray that others will someday be granted the same.

Be grateful that you don't struggle. Be happy.

That's really my only reply.

[byu71]

The more I read the Foyer, the more I wonder if I'm the only person who has drunk the Kool Aid. I guess I'm being somewhat facetious, but I'm beginning to wonder if the majority of church members don't really buy into what the church is selling.

I believe Jesus is the Christ, and I believe in the atonement. I take the BoM literally, I believe God appeared to and directed Joseph Smith, and I believe that the church leadership holds the keys and authority to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel. I've had some negative experiences with leaders, but I blow them off and figure that the Lord has to do what He can with who He has.

I see a lot of people express doubts, concerns, and sometimes outright disbelief here. If it helps them, then I encourage it, but I have to admit that it surprises me when I see how many CUFers are in that camp. Is ours a unique subset, or does this group represent and accurate cross-section of church members?

Note: I'm posting this after editing multiple times to try not to sound self-righteous. I believe what I believe, but I don't think any less of anyone else for disagreeing or believing something different.

I have wondered the same thing, about the subset. I however don't see so much doubt about the major things you mentioned. However, on other matters I am sure those who wondered about polygamy, blacks sitting on the fence, birth control and many other things in the past, just didn't have a chat board to express their doubts. Their only contact with other members was in church where one not dare mention their doubts.

[Surfah]

The more I read the Foyer, the more I wonder if I'm the only person who has drunk the Kool Aid.

You're not alone. From an earlier thread:

http://cougaruteforum.com/showpost.p...8&postcount=22

To you it has been given to believe. Be grateful that you have been blessed with that gift and pray that others will someday be granted the same.

Be grateful that you don't struggle. Be happy.

That's really my only reply.

Yes it is:

http://cougaruteforum.com/showpost.p...2&postcount=24

If I may add to what I shared previously, I like that the Church is hard. I have ups and downs in my relationship with God just like everyone else. My desires to serve are all over the place at times. But I don't think this is supposed to be easy. I like that there is so much expected of us. That keeps me active. Maybe someday I'll burn out. But my faith strengthens me. And I hope that it always sustains me. To that end I try and build it and nourish it as much as possible by trying to be the best husband, father, son, and friend that I can be. The church has done more for me in that regard than any other vehicle I have discovered.

[cowboy]

To you it has been given to believe. Be grateful that you have been blessed with that gift and pray that others will someday be granted the same.

The one thing I've done directly as a result of reading the posts here is pray for the testimonies of my children. I've come to realize that it is a gift, and a very, very precious gift. I'm still trying to understand why I have had the experiences that have reinforced my testimony, and others who are better people than me struggle to find answers.

... I am sure those who wondered about polygamy, blacks sitting on the fence, birth control and many other things in the past, just didn't have a chat board to express their doubts. Their only contact with other members was in church where one not dare mention their doubts.

This is why I think the Foyer can be awesome. As frustrated as it makes me at times, I think it is a valuable resource for many, including myself.

[Drunk Tank]

I am ok with most teachings, restoration, prophet, atonement, etc. I have issues with local leadership and the controlling nature of the church. I think there are many members who dont believe 100% or have issues with some principles, but they choose to keep it to themselves for fear of reprisal or feeling outcast.

[Borg]

I would fall in line with you Cowboy. You and I are one and the same.

Though I struggle in other areas of my life...my faith remains intact pretty much how you describe.

[RobinFinderson]

I don't know if CUF represents an anomalous subset or not, but I can say that the general body of CUF has made me come to love again a culture and people for which I had just about lost all hope. Until IPU wised up and chose to ignore me, he was constantly ripping on me in public and PM's telling me to stop being a bitter apostate that insists that everyone see things my way. These tiresome verbal beatings perplexed me, because while I do see things in my particular way, and while I enjoy talking about that way, the truth is I'm far too interested in seeing different ways of thinking and being (the breadth of human experience) than I am in making everyone think like me. This is why I am thrilled to see RoseBud gird up her loins to prep her bishop about sex talk with her daughter. This is why I am moved by Cardiac's public faith and private doubt. I enjoy learning more about the subtle differences between some of our versions of apostasy. And I'm fascinated by the cowboy who seems really genuinely nice, and a true believer, and a near embodiment of what I wish most true blues could be like. There are a lot of people here who are radically taking personal ownership of their faith and their lives, and seeing that is inspiring. What IPU can't seem to understand about me is that I could hardly care less whether anyone takes their name off the record of the church or not. What matters is that people are free and having the courage to radically be whatever kind of Mormon they want to be.

Anyhow, cowboy, I really think there is some change afoot in the church. I don't think that CUF is that much of an anomaly. There are plenty of smart faithful professionals here, and they will eventually be called to be bishops and SP's and GA's, and things will be different.

[Art Vandelay]

The more I read the Foyer, the more I wonder if I'm the only person who has drunk the Kool Aid. I guess I'm being somewhat facetious, but I'm beginning to wonder if the majority of church members don't really buy into what the church is selling.

I believe Jesus is the Christ, and I believe in the atonement. I take the BoM literally, I believe God appeared to and directed Joseph Smith, and I believe that the church leadership holds the keys and authority to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel. I've had some negative experiences with leaders, but I blow them off and figure that the Lord has to do what He can with who He has.

I see a lot of people express doubts, concerns, and sometimes outright disbelief here. If it helps them, then I encourage it, but I have to admit that it surprises me when I see how many CUFers are in that camp. Is ours a unique subset, or does this group represent and accurate cross-section of church members?

Note: I'm posting this after editing multiple times to try not to sound self-righteous. I believe what I believe, but I don't think any less of anyone else for disagreeing or believing something different.

No you aren't alone http://cougaruteforum.com/showpost.p...40&postcount=1

This forum has been such a refreshing experience for me. I have been touched by the openness and honestly posters like Portland Ute, Rosebud, Faith and numerous others. In private messages Seattle Ute and others have been very kind and compassionate to me.

Last Sunday I had a brother come into my office with serious concerns about his testimony. Because of some of the thoughts and experiences that people have shared on here, I think I was a better listener and hopefully gave better counsel than I would have before I discovered CUF.

I think what I like most about the discussions is the respect most posters show one another. Unlike the Water Cooler or even the Stadium very few come across as "I'm right and you're wrong". That is extremely rare in any religious discussion and in my experience almost entirely unique the Mormon experience.

[byu71]

This is why I think the Foyer can be awesome. As frustrated as it makes me at times, I think it is a valuable resource for many, including myself.

The foyer has become far less frustrating for me since I feel the personal attacks against church leadership past and present has gone down significantly. I sincerely want to thank those who have seen fit to refrain from doing so.

I don't feel questionning their authority, opinions or actions as a personal attack and am interested in posters thoughts in this regard.

Likewise those who express sincere and unfailing belief, I am interested in their opinions and thoughts too.

[wuapinmon]

The more I read the Foyer, the more I wonder if I'm the only person who has drunk the Kool Aid. I guess I'm being somewhat facetious, but I'm beginning to wonder if the majority of church members don't really buy into what the church is selling.

I believe Jesus is the Christ, and I believe in the atonement. I take the BoM literally, I believe God appeared to and directed Joseph Smith, and I believe that the church leadership holds the keys and authority to administer the saving ordinances of the gospel. I've had some negative experiences with leaders, but I blow them off and figure that the Lord has to do what He can with who He has.

I see a lot of people express doubts, concerns, and sometimes outright disbelief here. If it helps them, then I encourage it, but I have to admit that it surprises me when I see how many CUFers are in that camp. Is ours a unique subset, or does this group represent and accurate cross-section of church members?

Note: I'm posting this after editing multiple times to try not to sound self-righteous. I believe what I believe, but I don't think any less of anyone else for disagreeing or believing something different.

I'm glad there are people like you and my wife, who just "know" it. I didn't get that gift. Mine was the gift of tongues, which is fine by me.

[RobinFinderson]

The foyer has become far less frustrating for me since I feel the personal attacks against church leadership past and present has gone down significantly. I sincerely want to thank those who have seen fit to refrain from doing so.

You can only beat up a paraplegic for so long, and then it gets boring.

[byu71]

I'm glad there are people like you and my wife, who just "know" it. I didn't get that gift. Mine was the gift of tongues, which is fine by me.

I am not so fine with my gift. Mine was the gift to be a butthole. I am sure I was given it for a fine and noble purpose, although I am not sure what that purpose is yet.

[byu71]

You can only beat up a paraplegic for so long, and then it gets boring.

Yes, I do appreciate how you have toned it down.

[SeattleUte]

No you aren't alone http://cougaruteforum.com/showpost.p...40&postcount=1

This forum has been such a refreshing experience for me. I have been touched by the openness and honestly posters like Portland Ute, Rosebud, Faith and numerous others. In private messages Seattle Ute and others have been very kind and compassionate to me.

Last Sunday I had a brother come into my office with serious concerns about his testimony. Because of some of the thoughts and experiences that people have shared on here, I think I was a better listener and hopefully gave better counsel than I would have before I discovered CUF.

I think what I like most about the discussions is the respect most posters show one another. Unlike the Water Cooler or even the Stadium very few come across as "I'm right and you're wrong". That is extremely rare in any religious discussion and in my experience almost entirely unique the Mormon experience.

I used to think all BYU fans were bad people. Then one day on Cougarboard some poster said something like I was the lowest life form on the planet. All of a sudden a bunch of posters came out of the woodwork and said they actually liked CatBlue. I was shocked. It was like a epiphane. Then the poster who had attacked me pmed me and apologized. It was like the world had been turned on its ear.