Nuanced Mormonism is like unto four hikers, who set about a steep path early in the morning. By midday the air was hot, and there was little shade along the route. Although they soon realized that their water supply was insufficient, they determined to continue along the trail, despite already being very thirsty. They all agreed that a stream was bound to cross the path eventually, at which point they could filter more water for their journey.
Some time later, one member of the group noticed a spring along the mountain. It was set a little way off from the path but still within sight, and she determined to walk over and refill her water supply. She was surprised to find that no one else wanted to go with her. "It is not along the path", they said, "so we're clearly not supposed to use it". Determined to quench her thirst, she offered to bring their empty bottles with her, but they declined, saying they still expected to cross a stream, and they continued walking.
She went to the spring, filled her water, and was hailed with enthusiasm when she returned to the rest of her party. After quenching her own thirst, she offered a drink to her very thirsty companions. They declined, saying there was probably a good reason why the trail didn't cross the stream, and therefore drinking from it should be avoided.
I will, for the most part, leave this parable to you. I will merely offer my observation that many members who "stray" (and yes, please examine what that word means to you) from the church are often welcomed back wholeheartedly and praised for having seen the light. It is often a story of redemption for sin, and rejoicing in a now "mutual" understanding that it was wrong to leave in the first place. I would simply like to posit that we change that story. May we begin to acknowledge that straying from the path often brings knowledge, resources, and perspective that were not obtainable in other ways, and our church is stronger for people having ventured outside its borders. They bring something back with them that we should rejoice in, too.
The four pillars of Spiritual Sovereignty
mental awareness • emotional intelligence • value affirmation• SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT
When scripture is difficult
It is not always easy to feel inspired in the scriptures, nor should you feel like you need to. Disagreement and frustration are a valid way to begin or end your study, and a necessary one for scripture to come alive. Return to the scriptures when you can, but remember to do it for your own curiosity, not out of obligation. Bring your imagination to the scriptures, and as always, lay your assumptions on the table and be willing to challenge them.
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