“We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”
Article of Faith 11
My pen name is Erin Arthur.
A little bit about me: I was born to two loving, middle-class parents who are devout members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I grew up in Mesa, Arizona and went to a school with release hour seminary. I earned a degree at Brigham Young University – Idaho. I was married in the temple to the love of my life. I am an active, temple recommend-holding member of the Church.
When I was young, my parents taught my brother and I to seek truth and happiness, and that truth and happiness can only come through strict, faithful observance of all Church practices. After years of meeting other people, in and out of the church, who, like me, sought to find joy and peace in their lives, I have come to the realization that while members of the Church are meant to be of “one heart and one mind” (Moses 7:18), we don’t have to be of a hive mind. We can unify in our efforts to help others know God without expecting everyone to think exactly alike. People of all backgrounds, cultures, and opinions can come unto Christ, and can do so according to the “dictates of [their] own conscience.”
I believe that members and non-members alike should be free to express respectful, sincere feelings about their experiences and opinions. Candor from humble saints, even if their perspectives are uncommon or unpopular, can help listeners learn how to be more kind, compassionate, and understanding.
Candor from humble saints, even if their perspectives are uncommon or unpopular, can help listeners learn how to be more kind, compassionate, and understanding.
We each have the responsibility and opportunity to live our own lives according to our individual consciences. If, after pondering and seeking revelation on a subject, you still morally disagree with a mainstream belief and feel at peace with God on the matter, you can still stay true to your morals and remain a “good member.” Further, members have the right to openly discuss concerns and questions about the Church, so long as they do so with the same courtesy and respect they expect in return.
That’s why I created this blog; I wanted to make a space wherein earnest minds can freely discuss matters that press upon their hearts.
It is my hope that this blog can serve as an opportunity for everyday people to express themselves without fear of social retaliation within the church or their communities. Together, we can learn from one another as “we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children [and all other spirit siblings] may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins” (2 Nephi 25:26).
Want to add your voice to the conversation? Use this Google Form to submit your thoughts and questions!
Latter-day Nuance 
Leave a Reply