Sunday Soapbox #5

WOW! Today's gospel doctrine lesson was, well...should I say uncomfortable.

I was corrected that the three Nephites were not changed at all, even though the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 28) and my lesson manual, as produced and published by the church as doctrine mind you, says that they were indeed lifted up and transfigured to behold the workings of God and then changed that they could continue living as mortals over an continuation of time.- aka translated. This particular person told me I was wrong on this issue twice. I ignored him and just kept reading from the scriptures and my manual about what I know and have learned to be truth. I wasn't sure what to do about it. Stressed me right out! I even came home and studied it once again.

Brother Yarmulke (see reference here) proceeded to announce to Sunday school participants that during his years in Florida, he called off all hurricanes from destroying his town each time they would come through that area, until one time he let the destruction occur and such was the effect of a hurricane. All of this while in the middle of me teaching about the characteristics of Christs' church. Relation to the topic- NONE- and a little freaky I might add! I didn't have a response and just continued on with my lesson, desperately searching my brain as to the thought I had before his comment. Oh ya, that we belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- Christs' church, not Mormons' church, as many people refer to us as Mormons (a nickname).

Then I'm quite certain that I offended someone by saying you either believe it (the gospel, Christs' church) or you don't. It's either black or white. Now, this is just my personal opinion, but he called me on it, and I do feel bad if I offended him. He asked me how I know it's black or white. I replied with my testimony of the gospel and what I know to be true. I don't sit on the fence, never been a fence sitter in any facet of my life. What else could I do? He was considerate and respectful in his comments, which I appreciated. I'm learning I need to curb personal opinion and stick with the facts. I follow the manual for every lesson, and add in some personal touches. This will be a struggle for me.

Another man came up to speak with me after everyone else left. He told me I was wrong about the gospel being black or white in regards to truth. He related a story about how he gained a testimony of the Godhead as we believe, years after he believed it, but he told me I was wrong. In my opinion, he hadn't gained a testimony of it yet. That's what's so great about the gospel. You can search it, test if out and then receive a witness. It's black or white. you believe it or you don't. I don't get it. I guess some people see the gray. I don't so much. This is not science, it's belief. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. I apologized and told him that it was not my intent to offend him, this was just how I view my beliefs.

About 5 individuals told me that they enjoyed my lesson, that I did a good job, that I handled some situations well, despite the circumstance. Who knows. I'm frustrated. I know I didn't teach topics that are not doctrine, just shared my opinion about how I accept the gospel. I'll be over it in time for the next lesson.

Suggestions anyone?

I'm grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and His truths. I'm grateful for my testimony of it, and how it impacts my life daily. I do not claim to know everything- no one can, but I love to research the scriptures and learn as much as I can. I will continue to do so.