Austin's faith crisis went on for 10 years. After his search for more light and truth he wrote his own response to the CES Letter.
Sep 22, 2024
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Austin, who faced a decade-long faith crisis, shares his journey of doubt and discovery. He argues that belief in a higher power is both rational and reasonable, emphasizing the importance of balancing emotion and intellect in faith. Austin details his creation of the 'Light and Truth Letter,' aiming to provide evidence for the church's truth. He encourages those struggling with faith to explore their doubts while maintaining a relationship with God, promoting a thoughtful dialogue about belief within families and communities.
Belief in a higher power can be rational and logical, allowing individuals to develop a testimony through prayer and study.
Faith crises can arise even in strong believers, illustrating that questioning and doubt are part of spiritual growth and exploration.
Supporting loved ones through their faith journey requires patience and open dialogue, fostering relationships that promote healing and understanding.
Deep dives
Experience with Surf Clothing
Surf Clothing is praised for its high-quality apparel, particularly for professional and church settings. One user highlighted the shirt's four-way stretch, which accommodates movement while maintaining comfort at work. Additional features such as a mesh collar that prevents stains and enhances comfort during meetings or church services were also emphasized. The inclusion of arm vents is particularly beneficial for larger individuals, allowing for breathability and improved wearability.
Addressing Faith Crises
The conversation delves into the complexity of faith crises in individuals who have had strong church foundations and experiences. One guest shared a personal journey through doubt and how the impact of losing significant figures in their life led to a profound questioning of faith. Despite initially experiencing a lack of belief, there was an acknowledgment of the profound blessings derived from church membership throughout their life. This narrative illustrates that faith crises can arise even among those who have been significantly supported by their beliefs.
The Exploration of Truth
A focus on personal exploration of truth emerges, where individuals are encouraged to ask hard questions and seek genuine answers to their doubts. One speaker reflects on the importance of understanding that the journey toward faith is not merely a crisis but rather a developmental process that everyone experiences. Instead of viewing faith transitions as emergencies, they can be seen as opportunities for growth where one engages with complex questions. The emphasis on patience and exploration underscores that every individual’s spiritual journey can differ in significance and depth.
Supportive Relationships During Doubt
The importance of supporting loved ones who grapple with their faith was discussed, emphasizing patience and curiosity. One approach involves asking open-ended questions about their experiences rather than attempting to argue or convince them to return to previous beliefs. This fosters a space for dialogue, allowing the person in doubt to articulate their feelings and exploring new perspectives. Such interactions can help strengthen relationships, creating an environment conducive to healing and understanding.
Finding Light and Truth
The discussion promotes the notion that individuals should search for light and truth regardless of their current beliefs. One guest emphasized the need for community involvement in exploring diverse perspectives and experiences, treating discussions about faith journeys as collaborative rather than confrontational. The Light and Truth Letter was presented as a tool to navigate questions about faith, encouraging individuals to contemplate their beliefs within a rational and supportive framework. The vital belief in an ongoing exploration of spirituality is echoed, reminding everyone that faith is a journey enriched by inquiry and discovery.
"There's very logical reasons to be members of the church, and very logical reasons to believe in a higher power --something beyond that's bigger than us, that has a spiritual aspect. This isn't irrational, this is rational. And so once you can get back into realizing that belief is reasonable, then you can ask the questions that will truly give you a testimony through prayer and study and pondering those primary answers we hear all the time. I talk about the heart and the head. I believe that we can, and should, have knowledge in our heart, feeling emotion, yearning for God, along with rationality and reason. For me, the church of Jesus Christ of Latter -day Saints is God's true and living church on the earth. I know that in my heart and I know it in my head. I have both of those. I think critics have had their way for a long time trying to convince people that there's no reason to have a rational testimony. But the 'Light and Truth Letter,' it's showing that it is reasonable -- and rational to believe, there's a lot of space for belief. My hope is that if you're struggling and you're a believing member, but having doubts -- If that's the case for you and you're telling yourself, there's no way the church could be true. That's not you talking. That's the critic parroting. You're parroting a critic, because there's lots of reasons to believe. I try to lay it all out in the 'Light and Truth Letter.' To show all of the positive evidences that there are for the church and that it's actually really rational and reasonable to believe. There is a preponderance of evidence that is more for us than against us. And for me -- that's enough to believe. And once I made that decision, then God could do something with me."
https://www.lightandtruthletter.org/
Come Back Team:
Director, Founder & Host: Ashly Stone
Producer and Senior Editor: Lauren Rose
Outreach Manager: Jenna Carlson
Editor: Michelle Berger
Art Director: Jeremy Garcia
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