Tag: faith crisis

God’s Nudge

Verse: ‘Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it’, (Isaiah 30:21).

It can be hard to know how to live our lives at times. Sometimes the lines between what is right and wrong can become blurred and significantly less defined than we initially thought when outside of the situation. It can be easy to view the world as black and white, or right and wrong, when we are not experiencing what others are. I think this is something that all of us have experienced at some time or another and it is no different than when navigating our faith. This is why it can be seen as essential that we have some sort of grasp of our faith, whatever that may be, for these exact situations. I personally take pleasure in reading and studying the Bible and the Book of Mormon (among other scriptures from religious traditions such as the Quran and Guru Granth Sahib). In doing so I am able to learn and apply teachings of morality, philosophy, and ethics into my daily life and into any situations that may arise. Although abundant in wisdom and theology, the scriptures sometimes may not have the solutions we need in our daily challenges, especially in this modern and constantly evolving world. However, the scriptures do contain a host of wisdom when it comes to seeking advise from God.

In this regard one way the above Bible verse can be interpreted is that God is with us in scripture and our religious education to guide us when we may walk off the right path and become lost. It can be comforting to recall this verse when we are unsure of which direction to take, which decision we should select, or what action we should select. It is very common among my Latter Day Saint brethren to pray for guidance when the need to make a decision arises. Simply praying and asking for guidance and then waiting for a tug or push from the Holy Spirit can feel a bit ridiculous, especially if your faith is lacking, but is often the best way of breaking an impasse. To be nudged by God. I think it’s really important that we view God as Father. Yes, God is far greater than we can possibly imagine, but he also cares a great deal about us and seeks a personal connection with each and every soul. If I am stuck on something, no matter how insignificant it may seem, I know that God cares about me and if it’s something that troubles me, then it will trouble God too. He wants us to be happy. It is so important to know that we can come before God with our troubles and allow him to help us along with the Holy Spirit.

Keeping a Prayer Journal

Verse: ‘I call on you, my God, for you will answer me; turn your ear to me and hear my prayer’, (Psalm 17:6).

There is an almost unlimited number of ways to pray, some of my favourite methods have been covered before on this blog, one of these methods is something that was completely new to me. It was something that I thought I would at first struggle with but, in fact, thoroughly enjoyed. I am talking about the spiritual practice of keeping a prayer journal. There are a variety of different methods with which to conduct a prayer journal. The way that I found was best was to keep it in a similar way to a gratitude journal or diary. There is something so beautiful in thanking God for our blessings, even on the most testing and tiring of days.

I try to find things to thank Him for and then reflect on things I need to work on or perhaps vices which I have noticed myself falling into, asking God for help and faith in correcting these failings in the future. At the end of each day, either in the evening or early night, I sit for a few minutes and do a miniature version of the prayer of the Daily Examen. I then pick one blessing and one vice or error made that day and write them down in the form of a simple prayer. It may be helpful to add a date or use a diary so you can look back and see how you have progressed or grown in your faith and as a human being. I think that this is an important distinction between keeping a journal and other prayer practices which are similar such as impermeant methods of writing and burning for example. It is important to keep it and reflect on it as you go along.

Using a prayer diary or journal as a practical form of prayer can also be greatly beneficial for some practitioners. I have found it useful in the past to simply write prayers down on the pages of my journal and then once I have reread them sit in quiet contemplation waiting for the Spirit to reveal something to me. Once I have an answer – not necessarily the one I want – I can then move onto another prayer and so on and so on. I find this method effective as all too often we can stumble over the right words or get caught up in our thoughts when we try and say a prayer. It is much easier to simply write whatever prayer or request or concern comes to mind and then read it after it is written. I think this method is also useful as it allows us to sit and do something whilst we pray, praying can seem tedious if we simple try and sit still for long periods of time, this method allows you to engage multiple parts of your brain and also keeps you active as you are moving while you write.

Book of Ether

Verse: ‘And it came to pass that when they were buried in the deep there was no water that could hurt them, their vessels being tight like unto a dish, and also they were tight like unto the ark of Noah; therefore when they were encompassed about by many waters they did cry unto the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters’, (Ether 6:7).

As mentioned in a post from a while ago now, the Book of Ether is one of my favourite books within the Book of Mormon; quite possibly my most favourite. I think that this relatively small book deserves a chapter of its own for two reasons. The first being that is can often be ignored by readers, especially those starting out with the Book of Mormon, as it may at first glance not seem to be particularly relevant to the main story line of the wider works. The second is that it is a perfect, and tiny, encapsulation of the important teaching that can be found within the Book of Mormon and is therefore vital to understanding the importance of key doctrines within the Latter-day Saint tradition. The story itself appears to be a miniature version of the story contained in the wider Book of Mormon. In the Book of Ether, the Jaredites leave a sinful community and go to a promised land, in the same manner that the Nephites did. One of my favourite parts of this text is their journey across the ocean.

This story is interesting as, like the Book of Mormon, the fate of the inhabitants of this promised land is reliant on their following of God’s commandments and laws revealed to them. This is a resounding theme within the Bible as well as the Book of Mormon. Like the wider Book of Mormon wickedness does ultimately come forth and spread and the nation of the Jaredites is indeed destroyed. The story of the Jaredites travelling over the oceans in their boats always intrigued me, and was a fantastic example of faith prevailing over worldly fears – in this case the vast fathoms of ocean and colossal waves. This seemingly impossible journey can be translated into the issues we find in our own lives and the ultimate success of the Jaredites in reaching the shore safely can fill us with hope too that our own fears may be eased and we too may reach these shores of safety.

The Book of Ether is small, and while there are many lessons contained within its pages, I think that it is best to conclude that the best thing about it is that it is a short summary of the basic teachings of the Book of Mormon. For me, when I first started reading the Book of Mormon, I found the Book of Ether to be a nice segue into the wider story line and a simple book to begin my explorations. It is a mirror copy, albeit far less detailed, to such an extent that it is placed as being set before the Nephites even set foot in the Americas, so in this regard can be seen as a failed nation already having had a go at what the Nephites are setting out to achieve, and now what we are setting out to do in the name of Zion.

Eternal Rest

Verse: ‘…the Lord will be your everlasting light’, (Isaiah 60:19).

A prayer that I have rapidly become familiar with due to working in a Roman Catholic school is the Eternal Rest. After Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s death there was a heavy focus on her life and praying for her peaceful rest, in class as well as in Mass. It is a wonderfully simple prayer, yet one that contains much symbolism and meaning. Easy to remember, and easy to pray, for many reciting it brings both comfort and peace. During October, and more commonly November, countless Christians and members of other religious traditions will be praying in earnest for the dearly departed souls of our dead.

Whether one believes in any specific theological assumptions about the afterlife, or instead lives in hope that perhaps one may well exist, praying for our loved ones – and strangers too as many religions advocate doing – can be a cathartic experience and can help us feel like we are helping them somehow. This can help lessen grief and help us to manage, to varying degrees, the pain that we are in.

The words of the prayer in its common form are as follows:

Eternal rest, grant unto them, O Lord,

And let perpetual light shine upon them.

May they rest in peace.

Amen.

In this prayer are two very important theological concepts. The first is the concept of eternal rest in the Lord and the second is the perpetual light of the Lord. It is fairly common to pray for the peaceful rest of those who are departed and the concept of rest is frequent in the Bible; in the Book of Psalms there are even a collection known as Psalms of Rest. Within the psalms are also references to the Lord being our everlasting light, or, in the light of this prayer, our perpetual light. In Isaiah 60:19, the full verse of the shortened one at the start of the post, the importance of God’s light over any other source is emphasised, ‘The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory’.

What Happens Next?

Verse: ‘Now, this restoration shall come to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, both the wicked and the righteous; and even there shall not so much as a hair of their heads be lost; but every thing shall be restored to its perfect frame, as it is now, or in the body’, (Alma 11:44).

I think one of the most important questions adherents of almost any religious tradition can ask themselves is the age-old question of what happens next. What happens to my body? My soul? Do I go anywhere after death? Do I still know what is going on? For me this question isn’t one necessarily rooted in fear, but more curiosity of the unknown, and due to my religious faith and understanding I find it helpful to turn to the Book of Mormon for answers. Within the Book of Mormon there are several passages which go into varying levels of detail as to what happens and where one goes after death.

First of all, we know that the soul, the unique thing that makes us who we are, leaves the body after the death process and the soul is taken back to God (Alma 40:11). This is then followed by an intermediate state of being, it is not a permanent or final place of rest, but one in which we stay until the eventual Last Judgement (Alma 40:14). This intermediate state is one in which the righteous spirits reside in a state of constant happiness, which is referred to as paradise. It is a peaceful state of rest without trouble or sorrow (Alma 40:12). However, for some, those who committed deliberate acts of sin and wrongful deeds, their state of rest is known as outer darkness. The Book of Mormon describes it as a state of ‘weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth’ due to the sinner’s own iniquity (Alma 40:13).

It is important to remember that this is not a permanent state of existence and at some point in the future there will be the Last Judgement in which those who are in this temporal death will be raised from death (Alma 11:42). At this moment ‘death and hell must deliver up their dead, and hell must deliver up its captive spirits, and the grave must deliver up its captive bodies’ before the bodies and spirits of all are restored together (2 Nephi 9:12). Those in paradise must also come for judgement and so ‘the paradise of God must deliver up the spirits of the righteous’ also (2 Nephi 9:13). In the physical resurrection all parts of the body are restored and the spirit is reunited to it. The knowledge of good and even will be in us all so we come before God knowing and recalling our guilt. We shall then all be judged for our deeds before God.

This may bring fear to those who sin, but those who live well can hope and look forward to the day we shall all be brought forth again, to exist with our loved ones and with God.

Book of Mormon Reading Plan

Verse: ‘For he that diligently seeketh shall find; and the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them …’, (1 Nephi 10:19).

I recently began reading through the Book of Mormon again. I must admit it has been a while since I last read it cover to cover and I felt a sense of longing to explore its pages once more. Of course, like many, I began in the depths of 3 Nephi examining the teachings and ministry of Jesus Christ and his disciples. As I began to read other passages too, I wondered how one could easily traverse the Book of Mormon in a quick and easy manner. Especially perhaps newcomers who don’t have the time or commitment to read all. I’ve sat down over the last week or so and put together thirty individual chapters that take no time at all to read so that someone can read through the Book of Mormon using one chapter a day. For obvious reasons this list is highly personalised and is my own opinion only, but it has been useful for myself and may therefore be useful as a ready-made list for others.

In the process I had to be fairly cutthroat and readers may notice that sections that they themselves may have chosen are missing. For example, the Book of Alma which takes up almost a third of the Book of Mormon has been cut from the list, as has the Book of Ether which is a personal favourite of mine and in an upcoming post I will be discussing why I love it so much. The aim of this list is to provide a general introduction to the Book of Mormon story, as well as including key parts such as King Benjamin’s Speech or the coming of Jesus to the Nephites. Although these chapters can be understood when read alone it is my hope that during the course of reading these chapters people will desire to delve deeper and so read around each one for further context should they feel drawn to do so. In this manner to perhaps the Holy Spirit can assist in reading through connected chapters.

Daily Reading List –

Day 1: 1 Nephi 1

Day 2: 1 Nephi 2

Day 3: 1 Nephi 17

Day 4: 1 Nephi 18

Day 5: 2 Nephi 5

Day 6: Jarom

Day 7: Words of Mormon

Day 8: Mosiah 2

Day 9: Mosiah 3

Day 10: Mosiah 4

Day 11: Mosiah 5

Day 12: 3 Nephi 6

Day 13: 3 Nephi 8

Day 14: 3 Nephi 9

Day 15: 3 Nephi 11

Day 16: 3 Nephi 12

Day 17: 3 Nephi 13

Day 18: 3 Nephi 14

Day 19: 3 Nephi 15

Day 20: 3 Nephi 16

Day 21: 3 Nephi 17

Day 22: 3 Nephi 18

Day 23: 3 Nephi 28

Day 24: 4 Nephi

Day 25: Mormon 1

Day 26: Mormon 6

Day 27: Mormon 8

Day 28: Moroni 7

Day 29: Moroni 8

Day 30:  Moroni 10

Queen Elizabeth II and Christian Faith

Verse: ‘Christ not only revealed to us the truth in his teachings. He lived by what he believed and gave us the strength to try to do the same – and, finally, on the cross, he showed the supreme example of physical and moral courage’, (Queen Elizabeth II).

Given the nature and timing of Her Majesty The Queen’s passing I thought it fitting to rearrange my planned upload for this week and instead focus on reflections around two of her main qualities in life; faith and service. Her understanding of Christianity was widely respected, with even those in high-ranking positions within the Church intimidated by her knowledge. As the Queen of the United Kingdom, she automatically held the title of Defender of the Faith. This, however, wasn’t a simple title and nothing more, she was incredibly passionate about her faith, both in private and in public, and regularly discussed theological topics. For her, as should be for us all, the perfect role model was none other than Jesus Christ, who died for our sins on the cross. She regularly mentioned his teachings and life in her Christmas addresses and in various discourses throughout her long reign as Queen.

Her Christian faith deeply reflected itself in her life and character, her forgiving nature was perhaps no more obvious than when she shook hands with Martin McGuinness, the former IRA commander, in 2012. No matter where your allegiance lies in this highly contested issue, the fact remains that it was a moment that had the potential to change the course of history in this part of the world for the better. As the newspapers said in amazement, it was even more impressive considering that Prince Philip’s uncle had been assassinated by the IRA during the Troubles. The Queen has also been quoted as saying in one of her Christmas addresses, that Jesus Christ is ‘a role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance, and healing. Christ’s example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people of whatever faith or none’.

The Queen, during her life, was indeed a living example of how a good Christian should live out their days in service and kindness for the betterment of all people. She did not use her strong Christian faith to oppress or diminish others, but instead used it as a foundation on which to love those who were different and to protect those who needed her assistance. Christianity, for her, was not simply being morally or ethically right and holding the spiritual truth as a beacon for others loudly proclaiming the Lord. No, it was following in Jesus’ footsteps as best she could, helping those who needed her help, visiting the oppressed or fearful, and ministering to her people all around the world. The kind and warm love she had for her people was mirrored in the way that they loved her, and now sadly mourn her passing. Let us seek to live up to her standard as we too are called to be Christians.

Interfaith Dialogue And Unity Today

Verse: ‘Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone … Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’, (Romans 12:17-21).

To conclude this series of posts around the topic of unity and inclusivity I thought it fitting to acknowledge the good work that is being done by countless organisations, church denominations, religious/non-religious organisations, and individuals alike. Interfaith dialogue has seen a significant increase and many organisations have been formed to improve the capacity for good together. Some of these are the International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), The Inter Faith Network (IFN), and the United Religions Initiative (URI). There are many more organisations and charities that are seeking to form friendships, union, and understandings with one another in slightly different ways, one example would be the Anglican and Eastern Churches Association (AECA).

Within the Bible there is a clear instruction for living in harmony, peace, and for helping everyone. The full bible verse of the one paraphrased at the start of this post is as follows:

‘Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay”, says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’ (Romans 12:17-21).

The reference to burning coals may at first appear problematic to notions of peace and goodwill, but a common interpretation for this is that they symbolise remorse and embarrassment. Through acts of peace, inclusivity, and unity will Zion be created. Not with violence, aggressive treatises and letters, religious gatekeeping, or any other mode or cause of division within society in the name of a religion or faith tradition.

As mentioned, in today’s society there are increased levels of interfaith dialogue occurring at local and international levels, and this is amazing. Many universities, prisons, and hospitals in the United Kingdom now have a chaplaincy team that consists of representatives of many different worldviews. Each of these chaplains work together in unity to help those in their care. Within the military there has been change to become more inclusive, although looking at chaplain job roles via the recruitment websites for all three services (RN, Army, RAF) there is still a need for a potential chaplain to be a member of a ‘Sending Church’. Other Chaplains do exist such as Imams but they are referred to as advisors within articles on the topic. Clearly the religious and spiritual support available in the military in the United Kingdom has significant room for improvement.

We, as Christians, as followers of Christ, should follow this example of unity. For too long theological or historical differences of opinion have segregated followers. When too much time is spent fortifying metaphorical walls and towers with essays of apologetics and letters of defence, we lose sight of God. Now is the time to unify under the collective mission of Christ on Earth; to help, to aid, and to support those less fortunate than ourselves. To establish Zion on Earth.

Part 3/3

All Are Welcome At Christ’s Table

Verse: ‘…he doeth nothing save it be plain unto the children of men; and he inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile’, (2 Nephi 26:33).

Welcome to the second part of the blog posts focussing on inclusivity and unity within the Church. Often churches of various denominations will focus on the fact that everyone is a child of God and therefore is called to God, often followed by a call to conversion into that particular strand of Christianity. In fact, for a sizeable number of denominations, certain sacraments are closed off unless one should convert. For example, Communion. If all are welcome to come to God, and share and partake in Christ and His message, why do we as humans see fit to restrict this gift?

There is a focus on inclusivity and openness within the Community of Christ. Set in the Enduring Principles are examples of this. With Grace and Generosity we are expected to share our sacraments according to our true capacity. All Are Called to follow Jesus Christ and become His disciples. The Worth of All Persons calls us to God as equals, for all people have inestimable and equal worth. If all people are of equal worth, then how is it possible for some to be allowed at His table and others not? How can some be welcomed into a church community and others ostracised based on opinions of worldview, culture, sexuality, gender identity, etc? Instead, all are welcome to come to Christ, and experience Communion should they wish.

Within the Community of Christ the invitation to Communion begins with this premise. That all are welcome and all are equal:

‘All are welcome at Christ’s table. The Lord’s Supper, or Communion, is a sacrament in which we remember the life, death, resurrection, and continuing presence of Jesus Christ. In Community of Christ, we also experience Communion as an opportunity to renew our baptismal covenant and to be formed as disciples who live Christ’s mission. Others may have different or added understandings within their faith traditions. We invite all who participate in the Lord’s Supper to do so in the love and peace of Jesus Christ’, Invitation to Communion, Community of Christ.

For many the Lord’s Supper is the most important moment within a church service, whether one prescribes to notions of transubstantiation or views it simply as symbolic, many will testify of its importance. It can often be hurtful and discouraging to attend collective worship only to be turned away at this pivotal moment. One of the most inclusive aspects of the Community of Christ for myself is the openness and welcoming nature of their Communion Service. As we can see in the invitation above, all are welcome to participate whether baptised or not, members or not. To be able to participate wholly in a group setting such as that is an incredible blessing and a true depiction of Christ’s love for all.

Part 2/3

Importance Of Unity

Verse: ‘I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought’, (1 Corinthians 1:10).

Identity is very important, in religion as in any organisation, but it can also lead to problematic situations further down the road. As followers of Jesus Christ it is important, and often forgotten, to reinforce the concept that we are Christians first and foremost. By Christian I mean simply those who follow the teachings and example of the biblical figure that is Jesus Christ. As believers we have been called to, and initiated into, a fellowship with one another through Christ. We are part of a large collective who are unified in their devotion to the path and teachings of Jesus and His disciples.

If we examine the concept that each of us are in Christ, by that I mean each and every believer and each and every Church, then it is logical to presume that we are the ones who create the differences that separate us. It is not God who draws theological lines or philosophical treatises on which denomination or which abstract and obscure teaching is incorrect. In this bible verse Paul is reinforcing this point. He does not say that we all have to think alike, for what family is built of people with identical thoughts and ideas? Instead, he is insisting that disagreements do not have to mean divided families, divided churches.

Today, we see religion constantly featured in the news and on social media. Often with slogans campaigning for some sort of cause, or against a cause. At the time of writing abortion rights and freedom of choice are being widely publicised due to the situation in the United States. Lines are being drawn in the sand and people everywhere are finding themselves forced to choose a side. At the most basic level of debate, it may appear to not be about which denomination you belong to, but which ethical argument you find the most reasonable in your own heart and soul. For many though, this ethical dilemma is also complicated with church loyalty and religious membership.

When Christianity is studied, at the most basic level, three prominent branches are typically discussed. Protestantism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy. Granted the theological doctrines of each of these traditions are important and form strong foundations upon which each is built. In doing so they also create walls – and reinforced ones at that. For example, with certain historical and theological exceptions, Roman Catholic’s may partake in Orthodox and Roman Catholic communion but Orthodox Christians may only receive communion from within their own theological tradition. Protestants are not accepted at Jesus’ banquet in either of those traditions. We do not see the Jesus of the New Testament refusing Himself to those who ask, nor do we see Him turning people away.

Part 1/3