Seems like the “War on Christmas” starts earlier every year, doesn’t it? Mostly because people (like me!) would rather cover a humorous culture-war non-issue than tackle real politics. Real political news is so depressing these days! Just to give you a taste, have a look at some of the reactions to the latest breaking political news. * shudder *. Anyway, doesn’t that put you in the mood for some fluff, like a Jon Stewart War on Christmas special?
Sure, the “War on Christmas” is imaginary, but that’s part of the magic of Christmas! And Britta got to participate personally in the festivities!! And she’s not the only one enjoying this magical tradition. Not only that, the Post-Mormons got into the act with the following (not-Merry-Christmas!) message:
Encouraging all to set aside differences and embrace family and community.
The nerve!
Of course there are more holiday traditions than that! Like Christmas and Hanukkah songs! shopping! homemade gifts! And — please! — don’t forget charity this season.
In community media, our own Simply Sarah did an “I’m and ExMormon” video (as you can see in our sidebar), and did a fantastic job!! That guy with the hair also made some amusing videos about Mormonism. I also posted a family video featuring Mormons and exmos having fun together. And JulieAnn was interviewed in SL City Weekly!
Now, it’s time to round-up everyone’s tales of how they’ve interacted with Mormons and Mormonism itself this past week! The Internet sure makes it easy for our Mormon friends and family to discover our disaffection. And there are other ways to get outed. At least you can always lie…
We’ve been talking to mom, to brother, wife, son. We have more tales of how it happened. Of wanting to be authentic. Finally facing buried issues. Mountain Dew failed to foil a jerk. And how depression is confused with Satan.
In gay (and don’t forget porn) issues, well, just have a look at this:
I came out to my bishop today. Told him that I have been toying with suicide. After all was said and done he told me its best to follow through the suicide then to give into men.
Wow! Molly follows up by analyzing the question Which is better: Gay or Dead? Kiley discovered that leaving the church clarified other points as well:
It has amazed me how my feelings towards myself have automatically changed as I have worked through my disaffection. I have not had to deal with being gay. I have not had to get used to being gay. As I have worked through church issues I have simply joyed in being myself.
The faithful blogs also have interesting thoughts on civil liberties, but the week’s topic trend on that side of the fence was LDS church publications.
And if I dare close with a controversial statement — Happy Holidays!!!
I am utterly beside myself with the gay dot’s bishop. How on earth do people like that get called to be bishop?
Pretty astonishing, isn’t it? Perhaps sometimes the lay ministry could use a little more training…?
chanson, thank you. As always, I’m amazed at the bountiful linky goodness. As always, it will take me the better part of the week to explore even some of them.
Thanks SLK! I’ve enjoyed the better part of the day reading and organizing them. š
Congratulations to JulieAnn! Though I do wish I had the print edition of the SLWeekly. That side is hard to read on the screen.
No, not my bishop! That was the bishop of the person who sent that email!
Actually, I didn’t personally participate in the parade, but my atheist group did. They are thinking of doing it on a yearly basis now, to the great disappointment of a lot of the local citizens. Lol!
“It has amazed me how my feelings towards myself have automatically changed as I have worked through my disaffection. I have not had to deal with being gay. I have not had to get used to being gay. As I have worked through church issues I have simply joyed in being myself.”
Isn’t it amazing that the only people who “struggle with homosexuality” are the ones who have anti-gay bigots harassing them for being who they are?
So, I posted this week about my bishop’s visit as a result of a note I posted on Facebook. For the record, the bishop hadn’t “found out” I was disaffected as a result of the Facebook note – indeed, I haven’t attended church in 18 months, and I have been blunt with our bishop every time we have met with him that I don’t believe and don’t like church. The note wasn’t “news” to anyone local, or to family – just to distant college friends.
He and the first counselor came to visit my house to ascertain how “public” I was being with my disbelief, so they could “protect the good name of the Church” (their words, not mine). It wasn’t about bringing me back to church or helping me with my testimony or any of that. They didn’t even hint or try to insinuate that they were at my home for my family’s welfare. They were trying to see whether I was spreading unfaithful rhetoric online, on my blog or on Facebook.
I actually asked them if there was any other purpose to their visit (there wasn’t), or if they wanted to ask my husband anything (they didn’t).
Apparently a disaffected Mormon with a following of 20 fellow disaffected Mormons on her blog has the power to stop the stone cut out of the mountain with no hands. Who knew?
Madame Curie — Sorry about slurring over some of the details in my link, It’s tricky to piece together so many posts into a coherent paragraph. Quite a story, though!
No worries, not offended or upset – just clarifying š
It is a great story. Now if they would just stop stalking my blog, I would be happy.
I wish I was referenced more often, there’s gotta be a 31st follower out there who will love my blog out of all the haters, lol š
J-Dog — I linked to you this week (in the tales of disaffection section). I enjoy your blog, and should perhaps link more often.