I am not LDS but I am a Mormon

Dear LDS Friends and Family,

I am choosing to tell you that I am not a Latter Day Saint. Although some of you already know this, most of you don't and I imagine it is a little bit of a shock. I am writing this letter as an apology for not being real with you for the last four years and also to reach out to you to let you know that I would really like to maintain a real, authentic friendship with you, however that looks.

What I mean when I say that I am not a Latter Day Saint:

1. At this moment, I do not support the LDS Church organization and where it is going. I know that most of you do. That is OK. I think the Church does many wonderful things but it is not something that I want to tie my allegiance to and this is why: In my mind, it is totally possible for a church to start out on the right path and fall away. It has happened in the past. The church restored by God through Moses fell into apostasy and its leaders condemned Christ as a heretic several hundred years later. The church restored through Jesus fell into apostasy and turned into the Catholic church. Why couldn't the LDS Church experience the same thing? You may believe what Joseph F. Smith taught, "If [the President of the Church] should become unfaithful, God would remove him out of his place. I testify in the name of Israel’s God that He will not suffer the head of the Church, him whom He has chosen to stand at the head, to transgress His Laws and apostatize; the moment he should take a course that would in time lead to it, God would take him away. Why? Because to suffer a wicked man to occupy that position, would be to allow, as it were, the fountain to become corrupted, which is something He will never permit." However, it seems to me that it is circular reasoning to assume that the President of the Church could never apostatize simply because the President of the Church said that such a thing could never happen. In addition to that, that idea is defied by history. The fact that Moses was a prophet does not make Caiaphas a prophet. The fact that Jesus was the Son of God and his 12 apostles were prophets, seers, and revelators does not make the current Pope and Cardinals prophets, seers, and revelators. In the same vein of reasoning, I would argue that just because Joseph Smith was a prophet of God does not necessarily mean Brigham Young, John Taylor and all the rest of the presidents down to Thomas S. Monson are prophets. Does that mean they are evil? No, of course not. Their fruits should determine that. However, I think it is very dangerous to assume they cannot fall when they are merely humans and God has never stopped a human from falling in the past and has often let them pull a lot of people down with them because those people chose to follow them. For that reason, I do not want to tie my allegiance to an organization. If you choose to do so, that is your prerogative.

2. I am not leaving the Church because I want to live a life of sin "eating, drinking, and making merry". I am leaving because it feels empty to me and I have found something that is more filling to me. A little over four years ago, my parents introduced me to the idea that the opportunity to "see my face and know that I am"(D&C 93:1) might be more important than following a church and its leadership.  I was hopping mad at them for suggesting such an idea. After I got over the shock of realizing that the checklist sold to me my whole life might not be worth a penny compared to a relationship with God, I realized that I am just not too interested in building a spiritual resume to show God how awesome I am. I am more interested in seeing how awesome He is and how He sees me, His Creation. Through His love and grace I have experienced a closer relationship with Him than I ever experienced while I was in the Church. Right now, I am content to continue building that relationship with Him without the Church. I know that most of you feel that a relationship with God is facilitated and increased by membership in the Church and that is OK. I don't feel that way and that is OK too.

3. I want to be friends with you, but I want to be real friends with you. I don't want to have to pretend that I am super excited for General Conference. When you assume I want to marry a returned missionary in the temple, I want to be able to say, "Actually that isn't what I want." instead of thinking, "Oh, if they only knew..." I want to be able to worship on Sunday the way I feel happiest worshiping without the fear of becoming a "to reactivate" case because I don't want to go to church. And I don't want you to feel awkward talking to me about religion. If a general authority quote really meant a lot to you, I want to hear it and how it made a difference in your life. I want to be able to discuss ideas with you and both of us feel uplifted by the exchange. I want to "claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of [my] own conscience and allow [you] the same privilege." The whole reason I am writing this is because I want our friendship to be open and honest and REAL. Now that you know this about me, I would rather not be treated like a "missionary case" but if that is what is real for you, then that is OK. I would love for you to think of me when someone asks you to think of someone that has positively influenced your life, but if you think of me when your bishop challenges you to think of someone you could invite to church, then I will be OK with that too. I still love you either way and I will choose to take your "reactivation" attempts as an act of love.

Lastly, I would like to say that I am a Mormon, and I am proud of it! I believe that God speaks to men on Earth! I find it very likely that the Book of Mormon is inspired scripture and Joseph Smith restored the Gospel that Jesus taught. I know that Jesus Christ loves me and I know He suffered the Atonement. I believe that sex should be saved for marriage and parents should be responsible for their children. I believe that people should love God and care for their neighbor (without government assistance). I believe that being financially responsible and living below your means is important and liberating. I love large families, powdered milk, primary songs, funeral potatoes, and making the date-asking a bigger event than the date and all the other wonderfully quirky things that Mormons do.  I love reading missionary letters and hearing about that spiritual RM you are dating. Most of all, I am thankful for the role that the Church has played in making me who I am today. I can honestly say I don't know where I would be if I had been raised outside the Church, and I am grateful for what I have learned there. My hat is off to all the good it does, and I wish good riddance to all the ungodly manipulation and deceit happening within it. For now, I am bidding it farewell, and that is OK.

Friends, I love you and I am grateful for your respect and interest in me...as evidenced by reading this far. I am sorry that it took me four years to trust you enough to share this part of me. I'm sorry I was not honest with you and I am sorry that I lost time I could have spent connecting with you because I believed you wouldn't find value in a relationship with me if you knew I didn't believe the same way that you do. Some of you might agree with my views and I think it is safe to say that most of you will not. And that is OK. I am not sorry for the way I believe because I know that it works for me. I am grateful that you let me share this part of me with you. May this be the beginning of a more honest and authentic friendship for the both of us. 

I love you!

Love,

Jaylee - Age 21

Oh Henry - Studying and Teaching Iniquity

It saddens me that Henry Eyring would use the sacred teachings and the name of Jesus Christ to collect money for the wealthy corporation of the LDS church. I was outside the conference center before this talk was given, and I watched the broadcast from the north visitor center.

Before the meeting began, thousands of Mormons walked by the beggars on both sides of the street and heeded them not. In this large and spacious palace, people are being taught to deny the beggar and only give to the wealthy corporation. These donations may or may not be used to help the poor. We don't know. The financial books are not open to the public. On the bottom of the new tithing slip it says, "Though reasonable efforts will be made globally to use donations as designated, all donations become the Church's property and will be used at the Church's sole discretion to further the Church's overall mission."

While members think they are giving to the poor, the money is being used however and wherever the top leaders deem necessary to build their financial empire. This is big business. They can and have used these sacred funds for the the building of a multi-billion dollar mall. The evidence is there. You can look across the street and see it. Outside the mall and the unnecessary conference center, the beggars sit on the streets denied access to these beautiful “Christian” structures.

When we go down to Salt Lake City, we often see our friend Samantha at the North gate between the visitor center and the conference center. Her story is usually the same, and she talks of being on and off the streets. I can see her trying to explain why she is still on the streets begging. Does it matter why she is begging? Aren't we all beggars who depend upon God for our every breath? She is a child of God and is asking for help. She told us yesterday that she appreciates our friendship more than our money. Most people walk by and ignore her. I don't know why she begs or what her life story is, but I do know she is asking for love. When I beg God for help, he freely gives and doesn't bring up the fact that I'm taking advantage of him again.

So let's look at how Henry has studied and taught iniquity to the people Mosiah 13:11. When I heard the first part of the talk, my heart took courage. I thought he was going to teach the people to care for the poor. He used scriptures that have a powerful and true message.

“My dear brothers and sisters, it is a joy for me to extend my love to you in this general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That joy comes from the witness of the spirit that the love of the Savior reaches out to each of you and to all of Heavenly Father's children. Our Heavenly Father wishes to bless his children spiritually and temporally. He understands each of their needs, their pains, and their hopes. When we offer succor to anyone, the Savior feels it as if we reached out to succor him. He told us that was true when he described a future moment we all will have when we see him after our life in this world is complete. A picture in my mind of that day has grown more vivid in the days that I have prayed and fasted to know what to say this morning. The Lord's description of that future interview was given to his disciples, and it describes what we want with all our hearts to be true for us as well.”

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” Matthew 25:34-40

Look at how the Lord's admonition is twisted into a money making venture for the church:

“You and I want that warm welcome from the Savior, but how can we deserve it. There are more hungry, homeless, and lonely children of Heavenly Father than we can possibly reach and the numbers grow ever farther from our reach. So, the Lord has given us something that we can each do. It is a commandment so simple that a child can understand it. It is a commandment with a wonderful promise for those in need and for us. It is the law of the fast. The words in the book of Isaiah are the Lord's description of the commandment and the blessing available to those of us in his church.”

“Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the Lord shall be thy rearward. Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, Here I am. If thou take away from the midst of thee the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking vanity; And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.” Isaiah 58:6-11

“So the Lord has given us a simple commandment with a marvelous promise. In the church today we are offered the opportunity to fast once a month and give a generous fast offering through our bishop or branch president for the benefit of the poor and the needy. Some of what you give will be used to help those around you perhaps someone in your own family. The Lord's servants will pray and fast for the revelation to know whom to help and what help to give. That which is not needed to help people in your local church unit will become available to bless other church members across the world who are in need.”

It looks like Henry is saying, there is so much need in the world, and it is increasing. You don't need to worry about it, just give your charitable contributions to the church so we can use it to further our purposes. You don't need to pray and fast to learn how to bless those in need; we will do it for you. Isaiah is talking about a personal sacrifice where we administer to the poor with our own substance in our homes. Isaiah never said give your money to the church; Henry made that part up. Henry mingled his money making philosophy with the word of God. Don't go out and just give to the poor because we won't be able to get our hands on it.

“The commandment to fast for the poor has many blessings attached to it. President Spencer W. Kimball called failing to follow that law a sin of omission with a heavy cost. He wrote, 'Rich promises are made by the Lord to those who fast and assist the needy. Inspiration and spiritual guidance will come with righteousness and closeness to our Heavenly Father. To omit to do this righteousness act of fasting would deprive us of these blessings.'”

The church members are then led to believe that their blessings come from giving generous funds to the church.

Henry then goes on to relate a heart touching story of poverty, want, and distress. This appeals to the people's tender hearts.

“. . . Other storms and tragedies will come across the world to people the Lord loves and whose sorrows he feels. Part of your fast offerings and mine this month will be used to help someone somewhere whose relief the Lord will feel as if it were his own.”

Now he admits that only PART of the money is used for the poor. We don't know what percentage is used for the poor. That is not disclosed. Why couldn't Henry say something like: “ALL of your fast offerings and mine this month will be used to help someone somewhere whose relief the Lord will feel as if it were his own.”

We don't know if 1% or 99% is given to the poor. Henry then goes on to tell another heart warming story of an African woman.

If Henry understood the scriptures, he never would have used this story. “Verily I say unto you, it shall come to pass that all those who gather unto the land of Zion shall be tithed of their surplus properties, and shall observe this law, or they shall not be found worthy to abide among you.” Doctrine andCovenants 119:5 Surplus property is tithed, not the family's income that is needed to take care of their basic necessities. This is what Isaiah has to say about this kind of talk:

“Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! And what will ye do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which shall come from far? to whom will ye flee for help? and where will ye leave your glory? Without me they shall bow down under the prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.” Isaiah 10:1-4

Watch where the strong emotion is interjected. This talk has been carefully crafted.

. . . (Eyring With emotion) “A visitor from the United States sat with Abi not long ago. During his time with her, he found his eyes drawn to a set of scriptures that were on a table. He could tell they were a treasure well marked with notes in the columns. The pages were worn, some were torn. The cover was detached from the scripture binding. He held the scriptures in his hand and gently turned the pages. As he did he found a yellow (with greater emotion) copy of a tithing donation slip. He could see that in a country where a dollar was worth its weight in gold. Abi Tory had paid $1 as her tithing $1 to the missionary fund and $1 as a fast offering for those who in her words were truly poor. The visitor closed Sister Tory's scriptures and thought as he stood with this faithful African mother that he was on sacred ground . . .”

Well, I won't quote the whole talk. You can listen to it yourself. The sad part is that I have bought into these teachings for most of my life and have donated way too much to the LDS church. I too am an iniquitous woman. The Lord has shown me my iniquity and is teaching me how to repent. I make no claims to be righteous. I am still in process of repenting and separating myself from this kind of thinking.

Come Forth and Be Baptized

Jesus Christ invites everyone everywhere to come unto him and be baptized. The requirements are simple and are not controlled or managed by men or institutions . . . only by God himself.

“Those who believe Christ's doctrine will need to have the baptism you will minister to survive the judgments to come. This is the only way they can face Him when He comes again.” Preserving the Restoration page 21

So what is the doctrine of Christ?

“Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, I will declare unto you my doctrine. And this is my doctrine, and it is the doctrine which the Father hath given unto me; and I bear record of the Father, and the Father beareth record of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and I bear record that the Father commandeth all men, everywhere, to repent and believe in me. And whoso believeth in me, and is baptized, the same shall be saved; and they are they who shall inherit the kingdom of God. And whoso believeth not in me, and is not baptized, shall be damned. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and I bear record of it from the Father; and whoso believeth in me believeth in the Father also; and unto him will the Father bear record of me, for he will visit him with fire and with the Holy Ghost. And thus will the Father bear record of me, and the Holy Ghost will bear record unto him of the Father and me; for the Father, and I, and the Holy Ghost are one. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and become as a little child, and be baptized in my name, or ye can in nowise receive these things. And again I say unto you, ye must repent, and be baptized in my name, and become as a little child, or ye can in nowise inherit the kingdom of God. Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso buildeth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And whoso shall declare more or less than this, and establish it for my doctrine, the same cometh of evil, and is not built upon my rock; but he buildeth upon a sandy foundation, and the gates of hell stand open to receive such when the floods come and the winds beat upon them. Therefore, go forth unto this people, and declare the words which I have spoken, unto the ends of the earth.” 3 Nephi 11:31-41

After being taught the doctrine of Christ, this is what Alma did:

“And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord. And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you? And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts. And now it came to pass that Alma took Helam, he being one of the first, and went and stood forth in the water, and cried, saying: O Lord, pour out thy Spirit upon thy servant, that he may do this work with holiness of heart. And when he had said these words, the Spirit of the Lord was upon him, and he said: Helam, I baptize thee, having authority from the Almighty God, as a testimony that ye have entered into acovenant to serve him until you are dead as to the mortal body; and may the Spirit of the Lord be poured out upon you; and may he grant unto you eternal life, through the redemption of Christ, whom he has prepared from the foundation of the world. And after Alma had said these words, both Alma and Helam were buried in the water; and they arose and came forth out of the water rejoicing, being filled with the Spirit.” Mosiah 18:7-14

If this is the desire of your heart, come forth and be baptized :)

“And this I do that I may establish my gospel, that there may not be so much contention; yea, Satan doth stir up the hearts of the people to contention concerning the points of my doctrine; and in these things they do err, for they do wrest the scriptures and do not understand them. Therefore, I will unfold unto them this great mystery; For, behold, I will gather them as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if they will not harden their hearts; Yea, if they will come, they may, and partake of the waters of life freely. Behold, this is my doctrine—whosoever repenteth and cometh unto me, the same is my church. Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me, but is against me; therefore he is not of my church. And now, behold, whosoever is of my church, and endureth of my church to the end, him will I establish upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against them. And now, remember the words of him who is the life and light of the world, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God. Amen.” D&C 10:64-70

Our Daddy's Beard

A couple weeks ago I was talking to my little Emma about her dad. She said, “My dad, bued.”

I questioned, “Your dad builds?”

“No! Bued!”

“Oh, your dad has a beard.”

“Ya, my dad has a bued :)”

Yesterday as I was resting on the couch, Emma wanted to lie next to me. It wasn't too comfortable for me because her fuzzy hair kept tickling my face. I told her that she had a fuzzy face. She corrected me, “No, me don't have a fuzzy face. . . Dad has a fuzzy face.”

I'm going to write about the new addition to our family . . . John's new beard. A few months back he had a feeling to start growing a beard and since then we've learned a lot about beards. BTW, I think he is quite handsome with his new beard. Wouldn't you agree?

Here's a few things I found out about beards. It is in no way a comprehensive list. I've never thought too much about beards, but now it is an interesting topic.

Throughout the course of history, societal attitudes toward male beards have varied widely depending on factors such as prevailing cultural-religious traditions and the current era's fashion trends. Some religions (such as Islam and Sikhism) have considered a full beard to be absolutely essential for all males able to grow one, and mandate it as part of their official dogma. Other cultures (while not officially mandating it), view a beard as central to a man's virility, exemplifying such virtues as wisdom, strength, sexual prowess and high social status. However, in cultures where facial hair is uncommon (or currently out of fashion), beards may be associated with poor hygiene or a "savage," uncivilized, or even dangerous demeanor. Wikipedia - Beard

In the bible, having your beard shaved or plucked is seen as a sign of disgrace.

1And it came to pass after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his stead.

2Then said David, I will shew kindness unto Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father shewed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants for his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

3And the princes of the children of Ammon said unto Hanun their lord, Thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?

4Wherefore Hanun took David’s servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle,even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

5When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them, because the men were greatly ashamed: and the king said, Tarry at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return. 2 Samuel 10:1-5

I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting. Isaiah 50:6

The Iranians were fond of long beards, and almost all the Iranian kings had a beard.  Wikipedia - Beard

In ancient India, the beard was allowed to grow long, a symbol of dignity and of wisdom (cf.sadhu). The nations in the east generally treated their beards with great care and veneration, and the punishment for licentiousness and adultery was to have the beard of the offending parties publicly cut off. They had such a sacred regard for the preservation of their beards that a man might pledge it for the payment of a debt. Ibid

The ancient Greeks regarded the beard as a badge or sign of virility. Ibid

In the Middle Ages, a beard displayed a knight's virility and honour. Ibid

Beards also play an important role in some religions. Ibid

Christianity: Iconography and art dating from the 4th century onward almost always portray Jesus with a beard. Ibid

Latter-Day Saints: Since the mid-twentieth century,The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has encouraged men to be clean-shaven, particularly those that serve in ecclesiastical leadership positions. The Church's encouragement of men shaving has no theological basis, but stems from the general waning of facial hair's popularity in Western society during the twentieth century and its association with the hippie and drug culture aspects of the counter culture of the 1960s, and has not been a permanent rule. Ibid

"In the minds of most people at this time, the beard and long hair are associated with protest, revolution and rebellion against authority," Oaks said in that 1971 speech. By the 1980s, beards were more a matter of style than protest and mainstream Americans — including many Mormon professionals and converts — went with them. Standards of Dress and Grooming by Dallin H. Oaks, How beards became barred among top Mormon leaders By Peggy Fletcher Stack The Salt LakeTribune

“Being clean-shaven is generally a requirement for men to be Mormon temple workers . . . The temple-worker policy parallels requirements for the faith's full-time missionaries and has become the standard for the church's seminary and institute teachers as well as its top governing hierarchies. Indeed, starting in 1951, every LDS "prophet, seer and revelator" has been clean-shaven, as has nearly every apostle. That standard has trickled down to the local level, even though facial hair is not mentioned in the church's Handbook, which lays out institutional rules and guidelines. It remains despite the fact that nicely trimmed beards are popular again across the generations and professions — including doctors, lawyers, advertising executives, teachers, sports figures and many others.” Ibid

Joseph Smith said, “I love that man better who swears a stream as long as my arm yet deals justice to his neighbors and mercifully deals his substance to the poor, than the long, smooth-faced hypocrite.” TPJS Section Six 1843-44, p.303 

Judaism: In Judaism, shaving with a razor is a prohibition that is based on rabbinic interpretation of Leviticus 19:27, which states; You shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard. The Mishnah interprets this as a prohibition on using a razor on the beard.This prohibition is further expanded upon in kabbalistic literature. Shaving in Judaism

Sikhism: Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, commanded the Sikhs to maintain unshorn hair, recognizing it as a necessary adornment of the body by Almighty God as well as a mandatory Article of Faith. Sikhs consider the beard to be part of the nobility and dignity of their manhood. Sikhs also refrain from cutting their hair and beards out of respect for the God-given form. Wikipedia - Beard

Rastafari Movement: Male Rastafarians wear beards in conformity with injunctions given in the Bible, such as Leviticus 21:5, which reads "They shall not make any baldness on their heads, nor shave off the edges of their beards, nor make any cuts in their flesh." The beard is a symbol of the covenant between God (Jahor Jehovahin Rastafari usage) and his people. Ibid

So, Sweetie there might be a lot more to your beard than making you more handsome than you already were :)

True Followers of Christ? Apostasy?

I've been thinking . . . There's so much talk about apostasy, and there's a lot of finger pointing. How is someone to identify a true follower of Christ? I've heard it said, “We can't go wrong! God has promised us that we can't be led astray!” That doesn't make sense. God gives everyone a choice.

There are a few people who did not choose to turn away from God. “And Enoch and all his people walked with God, and he dwelt in the midst of Zion; and it came to pass that Zion was not, for God received it up into his own bosom; and from thence went forth the saying, Zion is Fled.” Moses 7:69

Now, there's another group of people who chose God for a long time. We read about them in 4 Nephi, but eventually even these people chose to apostatize and turn away from God? 4 Nephi 1:20-49

What are the characteristics of these people when they were choosing God?

1. There were no contentions and disputations among them, and every man did deal justly one with another. 4 Nephi 1:2
2. They had all things common among them; therefore there were not rich and poor, bond and free, but they were all made free, and partakers of the heavenly gift. 4 Nephi 1:3
3. They did heal the sick, and raise the dead, and cause the lame to walk, and the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear; and all manner of miracles did they work among the children of men; and in nothing did they work miracles save it were in the name of Jesus. 4 Nephi 1:5
4. There were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God. 4 Nephi 1:16

This is what I would expect from any group who claims to be God's people. Anything less than this would be categorized as some form of apostasy.

Melchizedek found himself among a wicked people. Look at what he did . . .

Now this Melchizedek was a king over the land of Salem; and his people had waxed strong in iniquity and abomination; yea, they had all gone astray; they were full of all manner of wickedness; But Melchizedek having exercised mighty faith, and received the office of the high priesthood according to the holy order of God, did preach repentance unto his people. And behold, they did repent; and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days; therefore he was called the prince of peace, for he was the king of Salem; and he did reign under his father.Alma 13:17-18

Finding myself among an apostate group where do I start? It would seem sensible to start with myself . . . then my marriage . . . then my family . . . and then my community. It's time for us to rise up and become the happiest people among all the people who have been created by the hand of God.