One can interpret faith as a subjective experience. Many of us approach religion in our own personal way. Whether that means rejecting the entire idea of religion or following in our family’s religious footsteps, it is a personal choice that we all come to make at some point in our lives. I’ve always been very open to the idea of religion.
The air of mystery that surrounded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the reason I chose it as my listening post. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its followers are almost always painted in a negative light. Media portrays them as this cult-like religion plagued with polygamous families. Because of this, the religion has become something of a taboo to those …show more content…
Coated in neutral tones, the walls were identical to the attire of the people that populated the pews. After trading names with two young gentlemen at the door, Lori Houseman, my guide for the day, greeted me. She expressed that the boys were missionaries. Missionaries are single women and men aged 18-26 that chose to leave home and complete service for a year. Lori also added that her son was on a mission in Italy.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is geographically broken up,” Lori began to explain. “You attend a church that is in your geological area.” At that point, I was curious to know the origin of Lori and her family. She explained that she and her family moved from Nebraska to Columbia 17 years ago because her husband was offered a job teaching entomology at MU.
As we moved into the temple, Lori explained what exactly the service consisted of, “The first hour is Sacrament. The purpose is for taking Sacrament. It’s similar to Communion, but instead of wine, we drink water.” When I asked about the water instead of wine, Lori explained that “[it] was not about what you used, it was the purpose behind it.” Lori’s explanation of why the church used water instead of wine put into perspective the idea of religion. It wasn’t about how you worshiped or what your faith was or wasn’t, it was the purpose behind it all; the reason that you …show more content…
Also, I could take a look at the different things that the members are doing in Columbia. A story on Lori’s husband, the entomology professor, could be interesting; how his beliefs coexist with his scientific research. Also, when we discussed missions, Lori mentioned that the church was helping the city’s Syrian refugees. All in all, everyone in that church has a story and that is what I believe the “talks” they have try to get at. I definitely think I have a start to some very good
The air of mystery that surrounded The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was the reason I chose it as my listening post. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its followers are almost always painted in a negative light. Media portrays them as this cult-like religion plagued with polygamous families. Because of this, the religion has become something of a taboo to those …show more content…
Coated in neutral tones, the walls were identical to the attire of the people that populated the pews. After trading names with two young gentlemen at the door, Lori Houseman, my guide for the day, greeted me. She expressed that the boys were missionaries. Missionaries are single women and men aged 18-26 that chose to leave home and complete service for a year. Lori also added that her son was on a mission in Italy.
“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is geographically broken up,” Lori began to explain. “You attend a church that is in your geological area.” At that point, I was curious to know the origin of Lori and her family. She explained that she and her family moved from Nebraska to Columbia 17 years ago because her husband was offered a job teaching entomology at MU.
As we moved into the temple, Lori explained what exactly the service consisted of, “The first hour is Sacrament. The purpose is for taking Sacrament. It’s similar to Communion, but instead of wine, we drink water.” When I asked about the water instead of wine, Lori explained that “[it] was not about what you used, it was the purpose behind it.” Lori’s explanation of why the church used water instead of wine put into perspective the idea of religion. It wasn’t about how you worshiped or what your faith was or wasn’t, it was the purpose behind it all; the reason that you …show more content…
Also, I could take a look at the different things that the members are doing in Columbia. A story on Lori’s husband, the entomology professor, could be interesting; how his beliefs coexist with his scientific research. Also, when we discussed missions, Lori mentioned that the church was helping the city’s Syrian refugees. All in all, everyone in that church has a story and that is what I believe the “talks” they have try to get at. I definitely think I have a start to some very good