Thoughts after the PBS documentary on Mormons

I have been thinking quite a bit about the PBS documentary on Mormons. I found it insightful and interesting. Overall, I would agree with what my brother-in-law wrote on May 6th (he is officially a hooded historian now!). I liked his insights and will let his words speak for me as well.

The most interesting part of the documentary for me was the introspection it provoked. I have been spending some time since I saw it thinking about why I believe and why I go to church. I have often felt like a square peg in a round hole where church is concerned. Perhaps, It would be appropriate to say I have felt like the odd duck, to use the words of one of the individuals in the documentary. (Although, my reasons for using the term are very different than the reasons this contributor felt like an odd duck.) As time has passed and I have kept participating in church, I have realized that the reasons I felt different or “square” were what made me an important addition to the church. I have also realized over time that those aspects were not really the heart of the matter. The most important reason for my participation is the witness, from the Holy Spirit, that I received when I prayed about its truthfulness. Although, I could sight some specific instances when I knew my prayers were answered, the most powerful witnesses come everyday in very small ways. I recently read an essay by Clayton Christensen, an area seventy for the Church and Harvard Business School professor, entitled, “Why I belong, Why I believe”. I think his insights encapsulate how I feel.

In the end, I really appreciated the documentary. It prompted me to think about why I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and what my membership means to me. It promoted discussion in our home and helped me to re-examine why I participate actively in the church. I realized that I participate because I choose to do so. I participate because it is a wonderful vehicle to serve others. I participate because it brings me closer to God.