As more and more faithful Latter-day Saints are heartbroken by the increasing numbers of people disavowing their faith and leaving the church completely (count me among the heartbroken), I see more and more emphasis being brought to the “tough questions” in our theology and history.
As much as I celebrate any transparency and additional information when it comes to difficult questions related to doctrine and church history, I might be the only person who thinks that isn’t the solution to solving the problem of faith loss.
Let me explain what I mean by drawing a parallel to the institution of the United States of America and more specifically capitalism.
Many individuals have deep concerns with events in the history of my country, to say the least.
Slavery, internment camps, civil war, government overreach, school violence… Just to mention a few.
As a capitalist country, more immorality can be pointed out as some describe what they see as a system of greed, inequality, and the rich getting richer.
However, many of those same people with strong concerns about our powerful United States of America and the economic system can’t help but use it.
Even those passionate enough to protest it in public streets and outside public buildings can’t deny the convenience of that supercomputer in their pocket, the 12 different types of gluten-free granola bars on the grocery shelf, or the outrageously inexpensive flat-screen TV that cost many tens of thousands of dollars 20 years ago.
I too have found myself from time to time frustrated with the institution of my beloved country and even the shadiness of capitalism; however, at the end of the day I can’t deny it works for me and my way of life and I want the entire world to experience it.
In short, the institution of the United States of America hasn’t done an exceptional job easing the concerns of so many questions and inequities that many have pointed out; however, few leave the institution and its capitalistic system because IT WORKS FOR THEM.
Now, pivoting back to the many concerns people have with the institution of the church and why answering the tough questions isn’t enough.
Not only do people find concerns with points of our theology and systems therein, but they also don’t see how it works for them.
No matter how much they heard scripture study, prayer, covenant path, etc. preached from their Sunday School classes at a young age, many didn’t figure out how to get the gospel to work with them.
Then, when mortality faces them with social pressures, overwhelming schedules, mental illness, a gay son or daughter, hurt, heartache, and evil, many have no idea how to find redemption, surrender, healing, and peace.
This leads to a more expansive discussion that I am not going to take time to explore in this message; however, do you want to know why I haven’t lost faith?
Yes, of course, I have had experiences of clarity through the Spirit.
I have received a witness in my heart.
I have even borrowed from the basket of logic such as how a young boy in the 19th century could produce such a magnificent book of scriptures.
All of that is important; however, I live and thrive in the gospel of Jesus Christ because IT WORKS.
Better said, HE WORKS.
When push comes to shove in mortality, I feel strength from my Redeemer.
I can put the key in the ignition of covenants and the engine turns on.
It doesn’t make life easy or force happiness.
But I have received healing, peace, encouragement, and strength because of the gospel.
Some may claim they have found similar results from other systems outside the church structure.
Maybe so, but I guarantee they will run dry and cause you to consider The Well once again.
Maybe one should spend much less time finding answers to tough questions, and figure out how to turn the key of the restored gospel so that it works for them.
Sincerely,
Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints
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