An Apology and Clarification

[Guest Jenn348]

First, I wanted to apologize to anybody who may have felt like I was belittling their struggles with the church. I didn't intend to harm anybody or make them feel like my good experiences should in any diminish others' sufferings.

Second, I wanted to clarify some things about my opinions here.

I think it extremely sad that we all have to face such a challenge in our faith because of our true selves. Unlike many other religions, there is a deep cultural phenomenon behind Mormonism. For many members, it isn't just a Sunday thing; it's something that affects nearly every aspect of our lives. The beliefs on gender (particularly as misinterpreted by many leaders) can cause a whole heap of suffering and amplifies our gender dysphoria.

The thing I want to do most is give everybody cause for hope. i really look forward to the day when a child with gender identity issues can have the help they need when born into an LDS family instead of being treated like a sinner.

We should all work hard to make that day a reality.

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Thank you for that clarification Jenn. I am not a Mormon so I cannot comment on the religion, but I can say that religion is a very sensitive topic for many reasons. Some people are very devout in their religions and some people don't care for religion at all. Be that as it may, we all must try to be sensitive and respectful of other people's religious views (hence the religion forums). Those who do not believe in religion should not be posting in the religious forums because that is not what they are for.

I appreciate all those who share their religious beliefs here because sharing something so important and intimate is a good way for me to get to know them better.

Let's all just move on and respect one another.

Love.

Brenda

[VickySGV]

I think it extremely sad that we all have to face such a challenge in our faith because of our true selves. Unlike many other religions, there is a deep cultural phenomenon behind Mormonism. For many members, it isn't just a Sunday thing; it's something that affects nearly every aspect of our lives. The beliefs on gender (particularly as misinterpreted by many leaders) can cause a whole heap of suffering and amplifies our gender dysphoria.

This is something very few of us who are non-Mormon can comprehend. I have a basic, but not gut level, understanding of it from having worked with many Mormon families during my time as a volunteer youth leader, and having taken an intense leader training course with a group of Mormons. Without knowing or respecting this issue, other Christians will find things that are integral parts of a Mormon's life seem to run contrary to other brands of Christianity. Notions of authority in the Mormon church can deeply puzzle the rest of us, but the system makes sense to them, and we need to be considerate of the differences.

[Guest Xeriis]

I very much agree. Mormonism is very often misunderstood or hard to understand. For many, if not most, of its members it really is a way of life and affects everything in their life. I am happy to be raised in it as it has always put me in the group(s) that have been scrutinized and sometimes kicked under the bus. This may sound bad, but it has always helped me to remember that I need to be understanding of others and their situations. That I will often never know what brought them to where they are today, but there are always reason (usually good).

Though I may post a lot of info, I want to clarify I have done so in hopes it will answer some peoples questions or concerns. I hope I have done so without causing others to have negative feelings about it. If there are people here hoping to 'set us straight' or something similar, you are likely in the wrong forum, sorry. I feel that I was respectful in my answers and have tried to keep a positive attitude and good perspective.

[Guest Jenn348]

Yeah, one thing that baffles me is how many Mormons are apt to engage in persecution of others when our history is full of being persecuted by others. If we would just use a little more empathy and treat others as we want to be treated, it would go a long, long way.