interfaith combustion

Light Explosion by MindStep

I recieved a comment today on this post about Islamic stages of life that made my day and reminded me what this project is about. Janie writes:

"...as I try to catch up on your postings, I am overhelmed at the vast similarities in different faiths. I feel like I could take my faith (LDS) and our beliefs of the Plan of Salvation and check off all of the similarities to these beliefs. We too believe we lived before this life - this life is a short journey - we will all be in the spirit world waiting until judgment day - and denying God after you have truly KNOWN him is a very heinous sin - but many people who consider themselves 'religious' have not developed a knowledge of God. this is so fascinating I talked my husband's ears off about your blog late into the night - and I said my night nightly prayer in the submission pose like a Muslim does, just to see if I felt the spirt stronger. I did think it helped me to listen in my heart better after my prayer was done. "

When I started this project, it was NOT because I wanted to write yet another theological or academic book on women, feminism, or religion. The only "Academic" part of my project is the research I've done into the religions as I write, but only so that I understand where they are coming from, not so that I can delve into theology about fundamental belief systems. This project is, and always has been, about how women relate to God in the context of their faith.

Mormonism - Interview with Emily

I found Emily through a series of clicks. It turns out, that is how I find out about a lot of things! I was online looking for local Mormon women groups and happened upon a Mormon women’s magazine where Emily had written an article (read that article HERE). Lioness at the Gate is her blog aimed at encouraging women to maintain their femininity in motherhood and their roles as women. I read some of the posts on her website and decided to email her to see if she would be interested in being interviewed for my project. She is a mom, a wife, and a writer, and is passionate about her religion. Enjoy the interview!

Joni: Before we really get started, I wanted to explain about my project. Basically I am writing about God and women’s perspectives on God and relationship with God (read the whole explanation of my project here). Do you have any opening thoughts on the project or Mormonism?

Emily: I think my initial thoughts on God are that he is our loving Father. In “Mormonism” ((we typically say The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or LDS)), we refer to him as “Heavenly Father” or our “Father in Heaven.”

Recently as I've studied my role as a mother/woman (you can see the results of that on my blog: http://www.latg.blogspot.com/), I realize that if we call him Father, that must be his most important role -- or the one he wants to be known as -- not king or president of the universe or something. If we look at all the good traits of a father, that is what He is. We should be able to turn to Him as we would a good, kind, loving earthly father.

Mormonism and the LDS Church - Lindsey's Story

I met Lindsey when we went to high school together in Tyler, Tx. Her street dead-ended into mine growing up, so we had the same stomping grounds. I have always admired Lindsey's ability to say exactly what was on her mind without filters - she has changed that a little as she's gotten older (as in, gained more tact!), I think, but it was one of the things I greatly admired about her and one of the things that made me admire her religious beliefs. I am delving into Mormonism starting today, and Lindsey was kind enough to write her story for everyone to read. Her blog Nuclear Family Meltdown never fails to make me laugh, and her authenticity and honesty in how she approaches her life and her writing is inspirational to many! Thanks, Lindsey, for writing about your life! Enjoy!

This is Lindsey’s story.

I am a Mormon woman, but I do not bake fresh bread each morning. My home is not always spotless. I do not always have a smile on my face or a baby in my belly. In fact, my nuclear family of only two children is not typical within my religion, but it works for me. Even though I live in Phoenix ((where the summers, I am convinced, are the exact temperature of Hell)), you will never see me wearing clothes that show 90% of my skin. In fact, you will not even see me wearing a tank top. “Modest is hottest!”

Coming Soon to a Blog Near You...

I have a few more interviews to wrap up for the bloggy part of my Protestant Christian experience (as opposed to the book part - those interviews will continue for a while on ALL religions) and then, on Monday March 11, I'm on to Mormonism! I'm pretty excited about Mormonism because I have some fabulous women to interview and I'm even having a couple of guest post-ers who (I think) you'll find relevant and inspiring, not the least of which is Lindsey Parker Williams of Nuclear Family Meltdown, Emily of Lioness at the Gate, and a couple I'm saving for a surprise! (Oh, goody! I love surprises!)