Life and times of an astrophysist who is actually a former journalism student who is really a NERD nerdy retarded weird girl pretending to be an astrophysisist...mispelling INTENDED!


NERD nerdy retarded weird girl central...well mostly my mussings and random interludes whilst I am working towards getting a car and licence so my random adventures and time spent in Australia was worth while. It should be intersting Enjoy! While in Australia...I was sunburnt,went to Sydney and wrote my first novel. So far back in Canadia I have been couch hoping and meandering from city to city. More adventures to come. Hopefully they are as interesting as my Australia ones.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

My final Public Post: Me and Mormonism Part 4

Yesterday was a big day. I got so caught up over opinions regarding my blog that I forgot to mention something I find truly freeing.

I had just arrived home and I saw a pile of envelopes on the table underneath my roommates mail was….

A letter from The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints saying they acknowledge my letter, but it has to be sent to the Branch President in Terrace to hand it as it’s an ecclesiastical matter as well as a very pretty brochure encouraging me to come back and they are so very sorry if they offended me, etc.

Here is it as follows: (I know my friend whom in my elation was the first one to read said I should scan it and post it but I cannot wait to share :P I promise I shall post it and the brochure next time once I find a scanner.)

“Dear Sister McKenna:

I have been asked to acknowledge your recent letter in which you request at your name be removed from the records of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

I have also been asked to inform you that the Church considers such a request an ecclesiastical matter that must be handled by local priesthood leaders before being processed by Church employees. Therefore, your letter and a copy of this reply are being sent to President of the Canada Vancouver Mission. He will have President Ivan D. Bohle of the Terrace Branch contact you concerning the fulfillment of your request.

In view of the eternal consequences of such an action, the Brethren urge you to reconsider your request and to prayerfully consider the enclosed statement of the First Presidency.

Sincerely,

Gregory W. Dodge

Manager, Member and Statistical Records.”

So very soon I could be getting a phone call, maybe even some missionaries, home teachers or the bishop paying me a visit because they are so very concerned about me leaving the church, never mind the fact I asked them not bother me. Figures.

The thing is I don’t consider myself a Latter Day Saint. I follow a different Jesus then they do. Their prior President Gordon B. Hinckley even admitted they follow a different Jesus then orthodox Christians. I don’t think Mormons are bad people they are just misguided and on a different path then the one I want to be on. It’s personal it’s not an attack against them or anything. I know they want to stop me out of love, but if they love me they will let me go.

I know this sounds weird but I think I was being set up for this time as I had to deal with a couple of Jehovah’s Witnesses earlier that day. I failed miserably I couldn’t even at least witness to them that I was comfortable with my faith. I couldn’t even say thank you for your interest but I am Christian. Can I say that to a Mormon missionary or whomever accosts me at home or over the telephone? They consider themselves Christians too, despite that most religious scholars say otherwise and have considerable evidence to prove their standpoint.

Also what is going to happen when Sue-Woman and Jim- Lady Man find out? Will they disown me? My aunt and uncle might be a bit PO’d as well. You know what though; it’s not for them to decide is it?

In regards to the disaster this blog has created. I edited all the posts in which I feel made any reference to anyone I know that was inappropriate. I am not going to write about anyone I know anymore. In fact as I know there are a lot of online readers I haven’t met. I am considering making this blog private again to ensure this nonsense and hurt can’t happen anymore. Therefore, if this happens you may need to request an invitation to read. Sorry this has to happen but I’m sick of the BS and grief it has caused me. I can’t be putting anymore people into therapy over what I write. I am truly sorry I hurt anyone and I know that I am not the only one hurting. The whole world is!

Melissa :)

P.S. Pretty Blue Eyes is officially no more! I’d rather have a Hawk Eyed Pearce or a Captain Kirk instead. Hmmmph!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

With respect, it is hard to learn how to swim without getting in the water. BY that I mean if you never had the confirmation that what the LDS Church teaches is correct then you were a Mormon in name only. That's the deal. Lots of people never get that far. Maybe because they never understood. I suspect that is the case with most people who leave. It is a case of "It never happened to me therefore it couldn't have happened to anyone and therefore it must be a sham." Some I suppose took what other church detractors said and never got beyond what they said. Again, how could they know if they never took the plunge? It devolves into a he said she said thing. The key to understanding the gospel is to read it, pray about it and expect the confirmation of you are correct. The process is built upon one abiding by correct Christian principles to the best of their knowledge and ability. It requires repentance and changing one's behavior in an effort to become more Christlike. It is a process. It requires rejecting worldliness and all the things the world finds popular. It is a process and not an event. But once you get that first confirmation from the Holy Ghost, you never forget it. You can never deny it - unless you give up and stop trying.

Lidia said...

I'm amazed at the process involved in leaving mormonism. To me, religion is a very personal thing and as soon as we get caught up in the administration of it, we lose sight of what it really means. I respect your decision completely and think it's good you've taken the time to truly decide what faith you believe in...

Also will write you an email sometime! I know it has been so long!

princessjo1988 said...

Personally, I think God, and the church, are what you make them, and where you put them.

For me, God/Christianity are in a box on a shelf, busy getting dusty. But that is just me, and I by no means recommend it for everyone.

That being said anon, your holier than thou, "if you do this, you feel better/improve your life/become more Christ-like (ie, perfect)" attitude really bugs me. Yes, it may have worked for you, but there is no guarantee that it will work for anyone else, and to give a particular formula as the be all and end all, is just wrong.

I firmly believe that people have the right to choose their own path, but equally, they have no right to choose another person's path for them.

Melissa, I still want to read: I do love reading your thoughts!


I am sorry that they didn't just accept your resignation. But ultimately, if they start to harass you, remember that you can always just ignore them. Don't answer their phone calls, don't come to the door when they come to call.


Jo

Kate said...

I'm with Amy on this one. Beliefs are a very personal thing and when administration or political process comes into it, it loses its reality and meaning to us.

Stand by your faith Melissa. Believe what you will. Be strong.

Remember this verse always : I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!