Over the past year or two I have thought about a subject that has penetrated deeper into my life: personal apostasy. I've had family members leave the church, but that was a while ago. In the past few years I've had several roommates leave the church, some declare they were homosexual, etc. I've really thought long and hard about why people leave the church. That is not exactly why I'm writing here today.
Sometimes when people leave the church they become antagonistic towards it and religion in general. Back when I checked Facebook more regularly I was always disappointed in friends posting huge essays (along with daily smaller comments) about religion being stupid or some intellectual reasoning against religion. Also many essays on homosexuality, anti-mormon propaganda (kinderhook plates, temple ceremonies, etc.) and other things.
It was as if the social network was not only good for keeping in contact with friends, but spreading beliefs be they true or untrue. I have often thought to combat this.
I was religion writer for the newspaper at BYU and I wrote for LDS Living. I've come into contact with uber amounts of anti-mormon propaganda, interviewed religion specialists from across the country. I think it could be a good thing for me to do, given a certain amount of dedication.
Most recently I heard of a couple I knew very well from high school. I even had a crush on the girl for a while. I thought these individuals were spectacular and that together they were amazing. They have now left the church and are somewhat anti-religion. They have made me think more about this project. I often thought about doing it alone, but decided I'd throw it on here for thoughts.
What if we started an essay blog or essay collection on facebook. We could call it Writers for Religion or something. If we had more time, we could do a podcast. Basically, this would be like a religion column in the paper, like the ones Orson Scott Card does for Deseret News. It would be about religious topics that we feel are pertinent to our time. One major one I would want to do is the logic of God. If our faith is to be tested, would God give us a 100% fool-proof scientifically proven test? Would there be questions about ceremonies, archaeology, the Book of Abraham? I've written some about this because I had a roommate who loved logic, but couldn't see this simple logic for why we have unanswered questions about our church.
Any thoughts on the subject? It could be another project we toss in the trash can, but I might still do it alone....sometime in the future. I see the great value of it and what it could become. It would just take some effort.
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I think this is an excellent idea, and one with a lot more merit than something like e radio show. Not only would it be more eminently doable, but could have a good deal more positive impact.
ReplyDeleteI think that in the information battle of religion that is now raging, more so now with the Internet, it is a good deal easier to find persuasive opinions against than for. There is no shortage of passionate rhetoric in both directions, but I think there is certainly a place for more reasoned, level-headed discussion on the topic, and I think that taking part is such a discussion is in the spirit of not only the official efforts of the Church to engage in the social media space, but also in concert with messages from the Bretheren of late to do so.
I would like to contribute in some fashion. If we do this as a group I will write essays, and if you go it alone, I will be a guest author if you like. I think it's a worthy effort, and I'd like to help.