Posted on 10/11/2013 6:51:02 AM PDT by colorcountry
Our Transition of Faith
Everyone knows the story about our political ups and downs, if you don’t you can read back to the beginning of our blog. But what no one knows, and what we didn’t expect to come out at this time is the story about our religious transition.
Recently, a door opened that offered Carl an opportunity to run for the Utah State Legislature, a position that he once held and thoroughly enjoyed. My first instinct was to say, “H*ll no!” But, since I don’t use that sort of language, I settled for, “I know you’ll make the right decision, Dear.” Then I went into a three hour lecture on how simple and sweet life has been this past year.
Our Utah House Representative recently accepted the position as Lieutenant Governor, which means that his seat is now open for someone else. Being a person with much political ambition, Carl’s phone immediately blew up with calls from political friends as well as those in the media wondering if he was going to run for the position.
I’ll be honest; the pull to politics is strong, even for me. I enjoyed the five years he was in the legislature. It was a wonderful opportunity for our entire family as we grew leaps and bounds in our knowledge of the working government and the issues. We developed many lasting friendships as well as a strong sense of patriotism. It was an amazing overall experience.
The Congressional loss brought about a different kind of opportunity for our family. It taught us humility. Faced with multiple options at the time of the loss, we decided to make decisions without really seeking God’s help. Boy, did He teach us! He allowed us to stumble to an all-time low in order to convince us to look up and say, “God, you are in control.” As soon as we accepted this knowledge, the doors opened for the right path that we needed to follow. That path brought us to Gunnison.
Fast forward a year, and now we are faced with another open door to politics. What a tricky spot to be in as we have questioned whether this is a test or an opportunity. Ultimately, and with much faith, we have decided that this is not the right time. However, God works in mysterious ways, and this wasn’t all for nothing.
I mentioned that the media has been inquiring about his status. Salt Lake Tribune writer, Paul Rolly, finally reached Carl and asked about his religious beliefs of all things. Specifically, “Have you left the LDS Church?”
The answer is yes. Yes, we have left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormonism. We did so this year, but looking back, the process that got us here has been ongoing for many years. It wasn’t that we were lazy in our religion or faith, nor was it because we were offended or desired to be sinful. The reasons are much deeper and varied but won’t be shared at this time. Rest assured we have felt God’s guiding hands through the entire process.
Most of our family and some of our friends already knew about our transition, but many close and very dear friends did not know. We were not trying to keep it a secret; rather we were waiting for the right opportunity to tell others.
Some of you will be shocked, possibly hurt that we have made such a decision. Those of you who are active and faithful members in the church will sincerely question why, but you may hesitate to ask in fear of learning our response. A few will choose to believe we have been misled by Satan. The day I told my family about our decision, my brother posted a picture on Facebook of the “Kool-aid” man in jest. There’s no doubt that we will be watched closely by many and even judged by some. But there will also be those who are going through a personal crisis of faith who will reach out to us for help.
Although our political beliefs in individual liberty and freedom are as strong as ever, this was not the time for us to enter back into politics. However, the door was opened for a reason. We would love to share our testimony of faith to those who are seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
-Sherry
You heard right about Mormonism being a cult, but I seriously doubt that the Mormon false church has "spies and kidnappers everywhere".
What? My approval? What the heck are you talking about? The Gospel of Christ versus a satanic cult? Seriously? And, no, I'm not talking about any denominations, just the Bible.
Oh, are you accusing me of being a leftist hippie?... Because Jim Rob, Sheila and Chris know me personally.
“Are we a cult too? Should I seek God’s forgiveness, and your approval? “
Baptists are Christians, unless you are in a group that denies the deity of Christ, etc.
You should always seek forgiveness, if you’ve sinned. Examine your heart.
You only need His approval
You knew all that, right?
I guess because he was quoting a passage from the King James version of the Bible.
Oh and another thing, oh follower of Chinese philosopher....Mormonism IS a religion, but not Christian.
As far as I understand, FR supports Christianity, not just any ol’ ‘religion.’
Yes, that is why.
Oh Yeah! An previously LDS “politician” has left a religion that celebrates God our Heavenly Father and his Literal Son Jesus Christ for the
Three in one, sometimes three, sometimes one, but nver really one and never really three non-biblical political compromises of the Godhead from the 4th, 5th and 6th centuries!
Yes those marevelous political/religious inventions which God subsequently showed his great appreciation for by allowing the authors of this invention, the Roman Empire and it to crash into the dustbid of history ..... And God then also ceases to talk to mankind until Joseph Smith because clearly no one on earth with those biblical political non-biblical compromises will listen to him anylonger!
Witness 2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
Personally I thin it’s ironic that you celibrate an LDS politician’s rejection of the LDS doctrine of Christ’s parantage to accept the 4th century politicians construct the Christian religion.
It is odd the hysterics that ignite when one offers prayer.
You love Mormonism. I have no doubt that you don’t celebrate a man and his wife coming to Christ.
Nuff said
No. It is NOT a pro-religion thread. It is a celebration thread! A man and woman come to Christ is always reason to celebrate.
Lao, I do not join non-christians in prayer to whatever god they worship. “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.
I really don’t care if you have a problem with me not joining you in the mocking of this couple. When and what I pray for, and about, is between me and God.
huh?
The thread document was written by a mormon.
I commented I had not heard of such violence, I did not clarify, I meant in more modern times.
Shunning is typical, mormons who have left have lost families, friends, spouses, jobs that is current.
The replier mentioned the past violence and I agreed.
I really do not understand your reply.
They do?
Where are those anti-religious threads?
This is the Religion Forum, one would think a reasoned person would understand there will be discussion about religion, and sometimes it will be heated.
Where are these bashing religion threads you keep talking about?
Unless, you are talking about Christians who say it is about Christ not religion, that could be considered bashing religion.
mormonism is not Christianity.
God was not once a man as mormonism teaches
God did not have intercourse with Mary as mormonism teaches
God did not say you must work for Salvation as mormonism teaches
Jesus is eternal, mormonism does not teach that
God did not say Joseph Smith was equal to Christ as mormonism says
Just because mormonism has Christ in their name does not mean they are Christian, anymore than living in a garage make you a car.
What? FR doesn't endorse Zoroastrianism?
Praise God!
I find this thread educational in that it is a perfect example of the mocking and disdain commonly shown by mormons when someone is led away from the falsity of the mormon church to become one with Jesus. The mormon tendency to adopt an attitude of superiority is in full view here. Thanks for posting, CC.
How is that a “spank” exactly?
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