Amy Middleton Loves New York

I admit to being somewhat captivated by Tal Bachman’s over-the-top missionary experiences in last night’s PBS documentary “The Mormons.” I think his point about having been willing to do ANYTHING he was asked to on his mission, contrasted with his current belief that the “thing” presented is not real and therefore not worth it, is really the crux of most religious motivation. If “it” is true, it can justifiably require everything from us. If it was invented, then we have no obligation to be involved in it.

I wish this point were given more consideration throughout the documentary, particularly in regards to dissension and excommunication. Margaret Merrill Toscano, who disturbingly became the ‘voice’ of feminism and LDS women, expressed that she was excommunicated from a religion and community she loved because she tried to make her voice heard. I am sympathetic to many of the issues she raised; I think a lot of her perceptions are correct. But even if she is right, she is still wrong. Her decision to violate the covenant she made to be a follower of Christ is far more significant than which path it was that led her there.

The call to leave behind a personal agenda in order to more fully follow the Savior is not one that is uniquely issued to feminists or intellectuals.

Matthew 4: 18-22

• And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
• And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
• And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
• And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
• And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

Simon, Andrew, James and John were asked to leave their employment and their families to follow Christ, which they immediately did. They didn’t stop to argue about the merits of fishing or make that the basis of their decision to follow. They proved their loyalty to their Savior in their obedience.

What could make a person more Christian than being given the choice between self and Christ, and choosing Christ?

If someone doesn’t believe that Christ is who He says He is, then the decision to not leave everything to follow Him seems reasonable. If someone believes in Christ but doesn’t believe that He leads and directs the LDS church, then they would be right to not claim membership in it. But if someone believes in Christ, and that the church is governed by Him through His appointed leaders, then where is the argument for dissension?

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