This is #7 in a series of posts in which I share some of the things I have experienced because I am a Mormon. In each of these posts, I will give you a basic background and share a small experience. I hope that through the sharing of these small things you can have a glimpse into my experience as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I will also try to explain principles and doctrines of my faith that bring me so much happiness.
Rejoice and be exceedingly glad: dealing with persecution
Living in Texas and Arizona, we were surrounded by friends and neighbors of different faiths. That was a good thing. I loved them, regardless of their religion.
There were some difficult times over the years, though, as I learned that our religion was not respected or tolerated by some. The details and players are not important, but I have found anti-Mormon literature addressed to me on my doorstep and we were excluded from some activities because of our faith. As I served as a volunteer, someone said to me and my associates at a community event, “These people won’t want anything to do with you once they find out you’re Mormons.”
My initial reaction to these things was to curl up and hide for a few days. The answer was never to fight back. What would that accomplish? As I allowed myself to look deeper, I learned that some of these people truly cared about my salvation. They weren’t all motivated by intolerance or hatred. One person in particular said that she thought I was wonderful and she wanted me to know how misguided I was. She acted out of concern, even though her methods were unwittingly hurtful.
I believe that ignorance and intolerance will continue as long as people of different faiths refuse to associate with one another and show respect despite doctrinal differences. I also believe that the truest test of a religion comes by experiencing it, not by debate or blindly trusting rumors and sensational stories.
Healing and understanding have come over time as I have come to understand that my role is not to quarrel with people, but to show that we are striving to be disciples of Christ.
I find healing as I continue to be friendly to all. My progress in healing is hindered when I indulge in feelings of resentment. I love my Church because there is no place for religious intolerance. It’s a lovely statement that there is no manual or instruction about the evils of other faiths in Mormon meetings. The campaign for our religion is a positive one. Just look at those missionaries we send out to the world!
Mormons love truth, and that means that the truths of other faiths are not automatically written off as evil. We’re taught to be good neighbors and friends. When dealing with religious intolerance, the answer for any disciple of Christ is to turn the other cheek. I am thankful for a patient, kind, and loving religion; it truly is the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth today.
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted .
Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness : for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness ’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice , and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
-Matthew 5:3-12