In between all the repetitive claptrap about John Dehlin and his impending disfellowshipment/excommunicaiton, I found a delightful article about a atheist in England who initially logged onto Mormon.org to harass whomever chatted with him. Instead of getting the better of the Mormons, he ended up being converted.
See: The Unbelievable Love Story of an Atheist and a Mormon.org Volunteer
In fact, he ends up marrying the volunteer he chatted with. Now, he lives in Utah, is getting his M.B.A. at B.Y.U. and has a large extended Mormon family.
I never studied probability with much interest, but I have to think the odds of this story are long.
So, John Dehlin. Well, most of us are surprised he's managed to hang on this long. Apparently, he is not attending church and has no intention of doing so in the future. He states quite clearly he does not believe in the basic tenants of the LDS faith. What's more, he weakens the faith of others.
Okay, I made that last one up.
He insists his intentions are to help support those with weak faith and help them remain in the Church. I won't argue his intent. Only he and God know that one for sure. I am still highly doubtful his efforts are consistent with his intent, if he's indeed being honest about his intent.
How could he think his efforts help strengthen people and shore up their faith? Everything he does suggests it achieves otherwise.
In fact, his journey out of the church looks like just about everyone else's. People have been leaving for the same reasons he is. It's the same old, same old. I'm tired of hearing this same story. Even the violins in the background don't change.
Back to my point.
Gary Vahey's journey into the Church is profoundly more interesting, unusual and inspiring than Dehlin's journey out of it. Isn't that what makes a good news story? Interesting. Unusual. Inspiring.
None of these influences are present in John Dehlin's exit.
See: The Unbelievable Love Story of an Atheist and a Mormon.org Volunteer
In fact, he ends up marrying the volunteer he chatted with. Now, he lives in Utah, is getting his M.B.A. at B.Y.U. and has a large extended Mormon family.
I never studied probability with much interest, but I have to think the odds of this story are long.
So, John Dehlin. Well, most of us are surprised he's managed to hang on this long. Apparently, he is not attending church and has no intention of doing so in the future. He states quite clearly he does not believe in the basic tenants of the LDS faith. What's more, he weakens the faith of others.
Okay, I made that last one up.
He insists his intentions are to help support those with weak faith and help them remain in the Church. I won't argue his intent. Only he and God know that one for sure. I am still highly doubtful his efforts are consistent with his intent, if he's indeed being honest about his intent.
How could he think his efforts help strengthen people and shore up their faith? Everything he does suggests it achieves otherwise.
In fact, his journey out of the church looks like just about everyone else's. People have been leaving for the same reasons he is. It's the same old, same old. I'm tired of hearing this same story. Even the violins in the background don't change.
Back to my point.
Gary Vahey's journey into the Church is profoundly more interesting, unusual and inspiring than Dehlin's journey out of it. Isn't that what makes a good news story? Interesting. Unusual. Inspiring.
None of these influences are present in John Dehlin's exit.
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