Post
by SilentDawning » 04 Feb 2019, 10:59
I have a few thoughts.
1. Your Bishop sounds like a progressive guy to take a risk with a class like this. It's out of the norm. I wonder if his stake president knows. This is normally something that happens in the homes of doubting members, not as a regular class. Church is for building testimonies, even if it means avoiding doubtful topics. So having a class that is meant to expose and deal with doubt is an interesting class.
2. If I was asked to participate in a class like this, I would probably have said 'no'. StayLDS is the only place I know of that is truly safe. The anonyminity, open-mindedness and acceptance of people along the spectrum, and the absence of formal church heirarchy makes it so. If you are truly authentic in this class, you'll be shooting yourself in the foot for future ordinations, or return to your former TR holding status if you want. All the other rank and file members there will use whatever you share to form an impression of you, and that will disseminate a reptutation you might not want. That is what happened to me.
3. Now that you've decided not to be part of the experience, I think you need to consider developming an exit strategy. They will undoubtedly want to know why you want out, so I think it's time to get the reasons together. Whatever you do, I wouldn't be candid. I would share something true and complementary -- perhaps that you felt is served its purpose, that it shows the church is accepting of people who have questions (not doubts, questions). Perhaps along the lines that it has done much to enhance your opinion of the church as a caring place. That is enough.
"It doesn't have to be about the Church (church) all the time!" -- SD
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. No price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself."
A man asked Jesus "do all roads lead to you?" Jesus responds,”most roads don’t lead anywhere, but I will travel any road to find you.” Adapted from The Shack, William Young