The Gospel is not the Army

 

 

 I was released as Bishop Sunday November 15th 2020. I served 5 and a half years as Bishop. I find it interesting that I was called in 2015, a few months before Trump first started his campaign for President in 2016 and then released a week after it was evident that Biden won the election, and that Trump Lost, Although Trump is still fighting tooth and nail to turn over the vote of the people. I stood as a counter balance (at least for our Ward) against the deceit, corruption and harmful influence of Trump. Now that I am released I can relax a little. 

Although the person who has replaced me as Bishop is a staunch Republican ex Military type. I have hardly heard him give a talk without referring to his Military service, or wars, or combat and somehow trying to tie it into a Gospel lesson. He is a nice enough guy, if you don't mind strict by the book. But he will most likely run the Ward like a military unit. The Church unfortunately is very structured and with that structure comes the possibility of feeling like it is run in a commanding way. That is Not the way I see the Lord. 

The Gospel is not the Army, The Gospel is Love, compassion, not compulsion. One should not feel compelled or forced into serving. It should come from the heart. I am reluctant to continue to take part.

I love aspects of the restored Gospel, but there are aspects of the Church I do not like. There are aspects of it's structure, aspects of it's past (polygamy)(treatment of LGBT)(etc), aspects of it's associations. The fact that it is viewed as a Cult by the outside world. And in some ways it can feel like a cult, depending on who is steering the ship, either at a local level or higher up the latter. But I do have respect for those who serve because I know the commitment it takes and I know they believe they are doing good, and for the most part they do. 

But I need a break from it. Time to cut ties, at least some.  

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