What are the potentials for change from what I currently experience as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints if I become a Reform Mormon?
Daily Social Activity, Church Attendance
As a Reform Mormon, you’re encouraged to attend any Church you like; you are not limited to any single organization. A common LDS perspective is that the Mormon theology is inseparably connected to the LDS church attendance model and can only go hand-in-hand. As a Reform Mormon, you can consider your attendance at Catholic Mass one week, attendance at a Buddhist Prayer service the next week, and the three-hour LDS stint the following week equally valid spiritual experiences. You can even take a Sunday off and just relax, if that seems the most appropriate thing to do. A Sunday in the solitude of nature, or with a text that is offering you meaning at this point in your life, or listening to a musical work that allows you to reflect and restore yourself, can be far more beneficial to your spiritual growth than the routine of weekly meeting attendance. You will learn to make these weekly decisions on your own, in harmony with what you need in your life.
The Word of Wisdom
As a Reform Mormon, your perspective on God as a law-giver will likely begin to shift. As a result your view of Section 89 will likely change, but that doesn’t mean that you have to give up your preferences in life. While the discussions of hot/cold, caffeine/non-caffeine, etc. will begin to seem silly, the wisdom of how your treat your body will become the larger question for you to explore.
Following the Brethren
As a Reform Mormon, you’re letting go of the “iron rod” and using your own “Liahona” to navigate through life for a while. Instructions from the General Authorities are likely to seem much more harsh and obedience/control-oriented than you recognized in the past. You will need to begin to evaluate what they say to you for its relevance, usefulness, and motivation before you insert it into your personal moral construct. As a Reform Mormon, you must take personal responsibility for the moral decisions you make in life, not simply follow the instructions of others; in this way you learn to progress.
Revelation
You’ve always been entitled to personal revelation; it’s a Mormon tradition. You’ll likely begin to see revelation occurring much more commonly than just through a particular person in Salt Lake City. Remember to use caution as you evaluate revelation and how it applies to you; revelation that suggests illegal, hurtful, or destructive acts is likely more from others who wish to influence you than from God.
Use of Scripture
Reform Mormonism view of Scripture (see the Book of Michael, Chapter 5) tends to do two things: first, your love and respect for scripture increases dramatically, including texts not normally considered part of the LDS Orthodox “cannon” (Bible, Book of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price.) You will find great value and benefit in the other religious texts of the world, and as BoM Chapter 5 suggests, some of it will appeal to you while other parts will not – based upon your state of progression. This will be an exciting arena of new discovery for you. You may wish to start in our Library area and explore.
Second, in response to this perspective and appreciation, you will find that the common LDS practice (also common in other religions) of attempting to use Scripture to “prove” and “disprove” things begins to seem both inappropriate and a waste of time. Those who fully understand the nature and purpose of scripture rarely use it to engage in argument or debate.
Tolerance
As a Reform Mormon, you don’t have to pretend you hate gays, or pretend to love them but not their “sin.” As you begin to realize that homosexuals and everyone else are going to be in the afterlife right along with you, and that you don’t have to automatically accept political and moral decisions made for you by ecclesiastical leaders, you’ll find yourself developing an appreciate for those with differences. Why? Those who are the same as you rarely have anything new to offer you. As a Reform Mormon, you’ll begin to appreciate those things in life than bring difference and newness, since that is where growth occurs. So, instead of asking gays to change, you’ll find yourself wondering what perspective about life those who have tread this other path might be able to illuminate for you. What a refreshingly different approach than suggesting gays aren’t part of our family. And if you are gay, remember to be tolerant of all the straight people as they struggle to figure this out.
Women
No more pretending that women are shown the ultimate respect by subjugating them to a system of male superiority. Section 132 of the D&C will begin to seem twisted to you – and the idea that women cannot hold the priesthood will begin to also seem strange – since they already hold it! The tradition of mothers and daughters in Zion does not change – but the manner in which policies and preferences are formed and enforced certainly must change. Reform Mormonism honors patriarchy and matriarchy, and our parents in heaven are equal, too. Have you spoken with your Heavenly Mother lately? Why wouldn’t she like to hear from you?
History, Knowledge, Intellectualism
As a Reform Mormon you may find that the LDS Church’s resistance to things like full disclosure, unfettered historical research, and embracement of intellectuals (including such things as “Symposia”) will begin to appear counter to such concepts as “the glory of God is intelligence.” This will dovetail with your new perspectives on following the brethren – you will likely begin to view this resistance as another aspect of man’s desire for control, rather than instruction from God; for what has God – or anyone else – to fear from historical inquiry, or intellectual exploration? Reform Mormonism has no fear of these things, and doesn’t think you should, either.
Tithing
You will likely decide to make charitable contributions wherever you feel they can be most appropriate used to improve the condition of others, rather than only to the LDS Church.
Temple Attendance
Reform Mormon rituals are only beginning to develop; in the meantime, only LDS temples exist as an option for ritual and tradition in this regard, unless you elect to engage personal rituals.
The Sacraments of Life
Important milestones in life are often accompanied by religious ritual that celebrate the milestone. As a Reform Mormon, the religious rituals of the world are open to you to use for this purpose (see our Library.) As specifically Reform Mormon rituals develop, you are welcome to consider (and adopt) them.
Missionary Work
You are as respectable a representative of Reform Mormon views as anyone else, so represent it to others if you feel that is appropriate. However, remember that Reform Mormonism, as a movement, does not seek the conversion of others – it merely exists as an option. We do not attempt to force our beliefs on others; we welcome those who seek a similar approach.
Becoming a Reform Mormon
Are you one? You will know if you are: the next time you’re asked what religion you belong to, you’ll reply “Reform Mormon.” At that moment you will realize your conversion.
Coming from an LDS history and tradition, it can be very liberating and exciting to identify yourself in this manner.