Why I go to church

Every time I read an SN&R article by some “ex-Mormon” who has finally “seen the light” after years of “oppression, suppression and blind obedience,” I just roll my eyes and chalk it up to the typical closed-minded, utterly cool downtowner mentality that seems to plague many SN&R readers.

Granted, my knee-jerk judgmental reaction is only due to the fact that I’m describing the “old” me, and I’m basically rolling my eyes at my past self.

But when I read “Why I go to church,” by Ted Cox (SN&R Sacreligious! January 22), I felt differently. Although I disagreed with his notions that “Mormons” look down on other religions and that they believe that thinking about sex is a sin, I did identify with Mr. Cox’s feelings that led him to atheism.

Those same feelings trouble me as I try to live the Gospel as prescribed by the “Mormon” religion (which is actually called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

I have a difficult time believing that God answers prayers for the same reason Mr. Cox cited, regarding the less fortunate. I also have come across some church members that seem to have no clue what hardship really is; however, that doesn’t change my belief in the religion.

I grew up in the LDS Church, but unlike Mr. Cox, I did not go to seminary or go on a mission. I hated church and stopped going at age 14. Then, at 20-something, I was looking for a less porn-filled dating scene.

After going to church a few times, I remembered the typical convert’s story—“I read the Book of Mormon, prayed and found out that it was true.” They always seemed so sure of this, like they had no doubts. I figured, why not? I’ll try it.

Let me first make a disclaimer by saying that a conversion experience is different for everyone; what works for me probably wouldn’t work for you, and vice versa.

For me, one day something seemed to click in my mind, and suddenly it was clear: Everything God has been telling us is true. All the guidelines—no drinking/drugs, no sex outside of marriage, etc.—had always seemed so restrictive, but suddenly I saw that God was just giving us a way to stay out of trouble.

Mr. Cox’s misinterpretation that “even thinking about sex is a sin” (the actual suggestion: Avoid thinking about sex with someone other than your spouse) could even be seen as good advice. Thoughts lead to action; if you control your mind, you control your behavior, which in turn could prevent a lot of heartbreak.

There are so many major life problems that could be avoided just by following what God had been teaching for thousands of years. I felt like it was so obvious; D’oh! It was there all along.

Although these teachings are found in many religions, the LDS Church specifically makes sense to me. Besides having a feeling that I can’t really explain (I just know the Book of Mormon is true; you’ll have to find out for yourself), the organization and functionality of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes perfect sense to me, and I see a parallel between the way the church is organized and the way many things in nature are designed (don’t worry, I also believe in evolution).

I’m in my 30s now, and I still struggle with things like having faith and going to church—I don’t share Mr. Cox’s delight in attending church meetings—but I have no doubt that the religion is true and that church is the right place to be.