From Greg Williams (930520)
Joel Judd 930520
Their message is not ethical neutral--it's not meant to be. But I
have yet to hear a representative from another religion present the
message with the caveat that each individual determine its
"truthfulness" for himself.
I suggest that you read some Buddhist scriptures (for example). At
their heart (it appears to me) is "seek for yourself -- don't trust
what we're saying on our authority." The Buddha himself was supposed
to have refused to speculate in public on the supernatural, and, just
before he died, supposedly told his followers to "Seek your own
salvation."
Perhaps that didn't come through in your dialogue (or monologue?) with
him. Did he tell you were wrong if you didn't accept their message?
That's not part of the preparation we receive (though again,
missionaries are people too and decide how and when to say
something).
I have respect for the fellow for taking on such an obviously hard
case (me). I explained to him at length that I was on a different path
than his, and I explained why I couldn't (given where I am on my path)
buy into "God" having a wondrous "Plan" for me. No, he didn't say I
was "wrong" in my path in so many words; he just excused himself. What
was truly disheartening was that he was obviously not interested in
hearing about my ideas. He acted like a confirmed True Believer who
had found The Answer for himself and then decided (was convinced?)
that it must be The Answer for everybody else, as well.
Being a missionary teaches the missionary as much or more about life
than he or she ever teaches anyone else.
It COULD, if the missionary had an open mind.
As ever,
Greg
P.S. (for direct reply?) Do you think the Book of Mormon really does
present a Plan for me by God? If so, I'd be interested in hearing
about it. (open minds are as good for gooses as ganders!)