let me share with you what I have typed. If it does not look like a philosophy paper, at least consider it as my journal entry here at my blog. hihi :> thanks :D
My Faith, My Religion
Phenomenology of Being a Mormon (Latter-day Saint)
Are you a Mormon?
What's the difference? What comes to mind when a person hears this religion is
the stereotype of men or 2 companions wearing white polo and black slacks with
necktie and a nametag. Some will mention that Mormons have other book aside
from the Bible, while some will say that they know that a person called Joseph
Smith, Jr. is involved in this religion. Yes they are all true. These
descriptions characterize a Mormon. I know, because I am a Mormon. And these
are what people usually see and perceive about us. This brings me up to
reflecting what being a Mormon really means and how does it affect me by first
considering it as something that is separated from me, as if it is not part of
my being, and next by embracing it again as my own, as a big part of my life.
Before anything else, let me tell you some facts me as I live by my religion…
As a Mormon, I have
higher standards that I have to live. I was baptized when I was 8 years old (it
was the minimum age requirement for us to be a member of the Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-Day Saints). Even before I turned 8, I am already acquainted
with the routine that Mormons do because of my mom. She made Kuya and I grow in
the church, until now. Now, my brother is a missionary in Cagayan de Oro since
June 30, 2012 and will be back on July 2014. I am here, studying in Ateneo de
Manila, doing the best that I can in academics and as an example of my
religion. I don't drink alcohol, wine, coffee, or tea. I don't smoke, say foul
language, curse nor swear. I dress appropriately and highly value virtue and
chastity, thus marriage and creating a family is sacred and important. It has
been a constant habit of mine to always inquire of the Lord and what he wants
for me. I always read His scriptures to receive inspiration and guidance; I
listen to uplifting songs, which are pleasing to the Lord's ears. I attend
sacrament meeting for 3 hours every Sunday, and Scripture Study class on a
weekday to keep me guided and protected. Everything is centered at the Lord's
gospel and commandments for me. Now, some will say and react that being in this
religion is a lot more complicated, I say otherwise, it is liberating. I never
felt neither restricted nor limited, rather I felt freedom and security. I am
going to live by this for my whole life. How I exist now is because of how I
abide by my religion.
I remember, a
friend of mine once said to me, "It's just a religion, it does not
matter." I paused for a moment, I did not respond. And here enters my
primary reflection. Indeed, it is a just a religion, just like any other sects.
Everyone worships one God, who just happens to have different names. Everyone reads
the same Bible and obeys the commandments written in it; everyone allots time
to go to church, to pray and to praise the Lord. And to spread the gospel,
every church has missionaries sent to places to proclaim the Word. Just do good
things and you will be blessed and saved from your transgressions. Why would
the Mormon Church be of any difference? I can exist even without that religion,
and without being a part of it. I can just easily say that I am a Catholic, or
a Protestant because in the end, it is still me, I sill am a person with
religion. Saying this leads to the question, does my religion really exist? Or
do I exist with this kind of religion? And does it really affect my identity as
a human being?
When I was in
second Year College, our professor required of us a book to read in order to
fully understand our lesson. I soon realized, after buying the book that this
reading is not for me, for it is lower than my standards. It is not appropriate
to be read by a student, especially by a Mormon like me. There were times when
I was tempted to read it because it was somehow required to be able to
participate in the discussion and to know more about the topic to dices, which
is related to it (the structure of writing, not the story). However, I have to
make a stand. Before I did, I consulted my mom, my Institute of religion
teacher and my best friend about what I should do: if I should read the book or
not and fail a test if ever there will be one about it. I was uncertain, but my
teacher told and reminded me of this: "Do what is right, and let the
consequence follow." Because of this, I realized how important my religion
was to me. Using the secondary reflection, knowing that being a Mormon was just
a religion, I was still able to be conscious of my actions - that the standards
taught in my religion are the basis of my existence, even when I was little. If
not, I could have decided to read that book immediately after buying it, and
not taking into consideration the standards set by the gospel that I know. That
moment, I was afraid to lower my standards just to please my teacher and say
that I have read the book. That time, I was so worried of what the Lord will
think of me if ever I chose the wrong decision. With this, I realized that even
in simple decision-making, my religion is a part of it. It exists within me. It
is a part of me that I cannot doubt nor deny. Not only am I living because of
my religion, but I am also living for it. With my life centered to the Lord, I
feel a sense of definite existence - that I exist for a reason, that I am a
creation worthy of love and protection, and that I am also tasked to spread the
love that I received to others as well, for them to realize their existence. As
stated by Marcel, I exist: I have something to make myself known and recognized
both by other and by myself. This is me, being a Mormon, being a Latter Day
Saint. I exist with this religion, and my choices are very much affected by
what I faithfully follow.
You may ask, what
happened after that experience? Well, I talked with my professor and asked if I
could be excused for that session/class since the things that will be discussed
are not appropriate for my standards. He willingly agreed after explaining my
side. It was really a relief; there was neither exam nor recitation about the
book. Everything went fine and I felt a sense of contentment.
Being able to use
phenomenological method in understanding my religion and myself has helped me
look first at a general view, and next at a closer and specific one. I was able
to savor the moments in that experience and see them in a clearer view. Now,
the question should be, am I a Mormon? And, the answer will be, Yes, I am. I
know it, I live it, and I love it. Or should you even ask me that; it is
already manifested through the way I am, thus unifying myself, and my religion
within, as a human being. I am a Mormon everyday, I live by this religion in
everything I do; it is part of my body and my being. It is part of everything I
experience in this mortal life.
--there you go. :)
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