Blog

Amanda coached on the following:

1. (01:54) I am struggling to find my place in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I feel like every time I go to church, it’s so thick on cultural norms, expectations, traditions and routines that I don’t feel like I’m learning the gospel. It feels… Fake?

   I realize now that I have been so dependent on that culture to get that ‘spiritual high’ my whole life, that I’m not sure I can tell the difference anymore between the gospel and the culture, within the church services. I want religion, I believe it is so important. But if I don’t like or agree with such a strong culture anymore, why am I still participating?

   My best friend is getting married in the temple in November, and she explicitly told me she wants me there for her sealing. And I want to be there for her too. But my temple recommend has lapsed. With such struggles as I have, I’m not sure I could honestly renew it right now.

   How could I go about reconciling my distaste for the “culture” of the church, with my love for religion and the gospel, so that I can honestly renew my recommend before my friend’s wedding? Or should I just tell her I can’t come to the ceremony?