Recently, I have read a couple of articles from those who say they have been raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but have for one reason or another decided to no longer practice their faith. One of these articles was written by an acquaintance from my undergraduate days at BYU. I am certainly not in a place to judge anyone's experience or personal feelings. I don't know their experience, and I believe everyone is free to choose to lead their lives the way they feel is best. I also believe we should be compassionate towards all people. However, I don't believe compassion means accepting all behavior as correct. I believe the doctrines of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be correct, and I lead my life accordingly.
That being said, I would like to describe my own experience with regard to two points this article addressed—education/intellectualism and the place of women in the Church. I write this not to discount the experiences or feelings of the author of the above article but to explain my own experience, which has been so different than the one described in the article.
Education and Intellectualism
I grew up in a family that encouraged curiosity and valued education. I always felt like the Church has encouraged its members to search and find answers to their questions. In the Doctrine and Covenants, a widely referenced scripture explains this process of finding answers:
"But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right." Indeed, as members of the Church, we believe the "glory of God is intelligence."
I believe the key is combining critical thinking with prayer. Prayer has helped me many times to reconcile what is perceived to be contradictions between knowledge of scholars and the truth of God. We have an unmitigated channel to truth as we combine spiritual and secular things because the Spirit testifies of all truth, including secular truth.
In my academic studies, I have felt the Holy Ghost guide me in many things—from communication theory and British literary history to the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Instead of my faith being opposed to education, I found that faith and education not only coincide but exist in complete harmony together. In fact, one of the Church's leaders described scholarship as a form of worship, as I described when I first went back to school. For as many " dissident Mormons" who find their academic studies contradict what is taught in the Church, there are just as many or more who say their academic studies coincide and strengthen their faith in God and Jesus Christ. Henry Eyring, a renowned scientist, believed inspiration and academic research go hand-in-hand.
As far as BYU goes, the search for truth has always been part of its mission. I have found that to be true in my six years of school there.
Women in the Church
The author of the article mentioned above stated her belief that the Church has an "anti-woman" doctrine. To say such a thing shows a complete lack of understanding relative to our Church's doctrine about men and women. I could list article after article from leaders of the Church who state women should be actively involved in their families and communities, especially as righteous influences to others. The message from these is clear: women are not to be voiceless, uneducated second-class citizens. Everything I have heard or read sends the clear message that men and women have equal importance in the eyes of God, and both have a vital role to play in this world.
That being said, the Church isn't, and shouldn't be, apologetic about emphasizing the important role of mothers. To say the most important role a woman can fulfill is motherhood is not to demean her; it is to show the importance of a family. Where else can a woman have such an influence for good than in her own home? I say that as a person who does not yet have a husband or children. I still see motherhood as the greatest role a woman can fulfill.
What other religions have an organization specifically for women, who have organized to offer relief to those in needs since the day it was organized? At its first meeting, the Relief Society's president said the organization was going to do "something extraordinary." That extraordinary work has included donating much-needed grain to people in Europe after Word War II, working for women's suffrage alongside Susan B. Anthony, working on the national level as charter members of the National Council for Women, and working to help families on a local level in neighborhoods around the world. Women of the Church are teachers, nurturers, and leaders. In addition, men and women in the Church have always been encouraged to get an education. On more than one occasion, women specifically have been encouraged to gain an education.
In short, my experience in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has showed me that education and seeking truth is encouraged and expected, and women in the Church are encouraged to gain an education and use their talents for good throughout the world.
