House built on Sand

[WANDERER]

I think I have lost my faith. While looking at Mormon beliefs and investigating my own beliefs somehow things didn't stack up quite the way I imagined they would. I feel like my faith is a child's fairytale and everything is a lie. I just don't believe anymore. I don't know if it's a permanent or temporary case. I guess when you start pulling apart the foundations apart in your faith, that you don't quite expect not to be able to put them back together again. I'm wondering whether examination is foolishness or wise...and rational faith seems rather irrational if it leads to none. I thought it would be more like building on rock, but it seems not. If Christianity is so diverse, then what is the truth, if any.

The whole grace aspect of standing because God holds you there and there is nothing that He cannot do...I mean if I had faith it was entirely through grace and the faith in that was there in a personal way. I guess it was integral or perhaps borrowed...if not completely childlike. Religion seems so much of a construct. Is there really any more to life than living it as best you can...I think perhaps not and that all else is illusion and as elusive as believing in something that is as chameleon as faith.

I don't know if that makes any sense. But putting it out there for discussion.

[Jenamarie]

I've been in your shoes.

One thing I want to ask: has your search been one of looking for a religion to have faith in? Or have you been focusing on finding faith in God/a God? When I lost my faith the first thing I did was look for my faith in God, *then* I was able to better focus on religion. Religion helps to strengthen our relationship with Him, but we have to first have that relationship, before religion can do much to help us. Faith in a religion cannot substitute for our faith in God.

[Dr T]

Diversity does not, in itself, show "no truth" Wanderer. The truth that matters is in the fundamentals not the peripheral aspects. It's about Christ and Him crucified where I suggest you begin and focus. Start reading in John.

[BenRaines]

I can not look out on the day and not see God in all around me. The beauty of creation, new birth, even in death. I agree what earlier posters have said. Find faith in God and His Son, Jesus Christ, then seek to find religion where you can learn more of him. Build the foundation first as you earlier said. Good luck in your search.

Ben Raines

[tomk]

Wanderer

It seems your name is perfect for you right now.

It makes perfect sense to me. I have gone through similar struggles.


I remember taking an ethics class in college and one thing the instructor invited us to do was amazing. I'll never forget it. It was simple but very profound, and I have found it to be true. He taught us that no matter our religion, we need to find-out for ourselves if it is really what we want. He invited us to "own" our beliefs. For emphasis he repeated it several times. "Own it.....OWN it." Up to that point I really had never questioned my beliefs. I had accepted them on "blind faith" and had never scratched below the surface.

We have to believe what we believe for ourselves. Independent of any other person. And, some how, some way, we have got to learn to love God and obey Him out of love, not fear, not out of a sense of duty, or tradition, or for appearances sake, or for any other reason than we actually, genuinely, believe it to be true.

Contemplating this process scared me to death. But as I have persevered, great blessings of actual knowledge have come. Signs follow those who choose to believe.


John 7: 17
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.


Isn't that what we are trying to figure-out?


Is the Mormon religion just feeding us a bunch of platitudes, or is it actual revelation?

Does it really come from God, or did Joseph Smith make it all up?

Well the formula for finding this out was given to us by Christ Himself:

John 7: 17
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.


This applies to any principle of the Gospel.


Alma 32 is also a fantastic description of the process.



There is much, much more to the Gospel than going to Church every Sunday for 30 years or 60 years and then dying.


The Gospel holds the keys of the mysteries of godliness, the mysteries of the knowledge of God. Knowledge of God like Joseph Smith had. Knowledge of God like the brother of Jared had. Personal knowledge. A visit from the Savior Himself. A literal visit, not figurative. We can come to the point where we can see within the veil. Christ will embrace us and will minister unto us. He will comfort us. He is called the "Second Comforter." He is called that for a reason. When He comes it will be to comfort us. We will need that comfort.


That is the "fullness of the Gospel" -- seeing Him face to face. All of scripture points to this. The temple ceremony points to this face to face meeting. The pattern of the scriptures points to this. Christ will come to His people. He personally, will lead them along. He is the Keeper of the Gate.


This is what I aspire to. For the most part, it is a private, personal thing. I declare it here only to let you, and others who are ready, know what this is all about and what this is all pointing to. For those who are not ready, this will seem like nonsense. That is as it should be.



I hope these words help.



Tom

[WillowTheWhisp]

Brilliant post Tom, especially:
There is much, much more to the Gospel than going to Church every Sunday for 30 years or 60 years and then dying.

[WANDERER]

Tom, I don't know what to say...except there's a lot of wisdom in that there post. In my current state of confusion it probably needs a bit of time for me to work through what you've said. I will think it over and I've copied and pasted it onto my puter
Thankyou.

[lilered]

Tom, what a great and insightful response. Thx.

[Traveler]

Wanderer: You and I are similar but at different points of journey. Tom has posted some useful things concerning values. A value is something you own. I would point you to observe one thing of G-d as something of value. That is -> What we tend to desire and get for ourselves feeds our selfishness and in reality is of little value (including salvation). When we labor to serve it feeds our concern and compassion of others and is of greatest value.

In short:

to get for one’s self – though attractive and alluring, is shallow and an illusion

to give of one’s self – though less attractive and less alluring, is deep and of great substance and worth.

G-d gives of himself and the only to know him and have faith in him is to give of one’s self.

The Traveler

[tomk]

I appreciate the comments.

Although the testimony behind the words is my own -- I have been significantly influenced by the incredible words and testimony found in this book:


Amazon.com: The Second Comforter:: Conversing with the Lord Through the Veil: Denver C. Jr. Snuffer: Books


I have read this book through several times now. I am on my 3rd reading as I write this.

Those who read this book "with real intent" will be exposed to some wonderful insights into the "next steps" beyond the routine of going to Church each Sunday. After reading this book, you will see the "more" that I speak of.

The book is written by an obscure member of the Church. As he says, it is doubtful you have ever heard of Him. But he claims to have seen the risen Lord face to face. His book flows from his journey to receive the Second Comforter.

Reading this book fills me with a peace and calm assurance I find hard to describe. I believe his witness. I seek for the same.


Tom