How are we a “light” to the world?

Most relationships are complicated… not all good… not all bad…  My relationship with my religion and Christian people in general (especially after this election season and some of the trends we saw from the “religious right”) definitely falls into this category. The gospel messages and basic principles are so beautiful, helpful and true.

Love one another. Serve one another. Do not fear. Do not judge each other. Charity never faileth. Take care of the poor among you. Be a good Samaritan. Turn the other cheek. Forgive one another. Be my disciples. Be ethical. Be compassionate. Be as little children. Seek a spiritual path. Love God. Above all else, love one another!

Whether or not you believe in Christ – these concepts were revolutionary in Christ’s time and still are when you consider culture, law, and most religious “rules” that get caught up in many details that are generally arbitrary and do not make a difference when measuring “righteousness.” 

My own church — that does so much good in the world and comes up with beautiful messages (like the video linked to below) — turns around and blatantly discriminates against its LGBTQ+ members, excommunicates women and allies who advocate for gender equality, focuses so much on people’s behavior and sin that the terms “unworthy” and “disciplinary courts” are commonplace, and ignores or minimally addresses issues that need to be addressed head-on (i.e. child abuse, treating normal sexual behavior like a sin, racism, domestic violence, reasons that contribute to people feeling suicidal that have to do with religious/cultural pressures, etc.). 

It is easy to love what we are comfortable with. The teachings of Jesus Christ challenge us to go way beyond what we are comfortable with. And to stand and empathize with those who we are least likely to want to do so for.

So I am going to take the 25-day challenge talked about in the video found on lds.org, Light The World  in regards to “sharing light and love” — and try to serve those who I feel are disenfranchised in some way or another by our society. I will also challenge myself to be more empathic of those in power or who have privilege and who I feel do harm — not stop challenging the issues but try to be more understanding of why people are where they are at in their own convictions, ideas and belief systems. I have much to work on and am always grateful for the messages found in my faith that emphasize ongoing progress, patience and the ability to renew and better ourselves daily through small, consistent steps. 

And I hope church entities, that usually emphasize these messages during this time of the year, will also be willing to look at ways they can embrace social issues that would make a tremendous difference in the quality of life of millions and the amount of peace we could enjoy as a human race (i.e. LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, war on poverty, racism, discrimination, sexual rights, etc.). Any aspect of doctrine distortion or harmful tradition can be done away with by leaders willing to do what they ask their members to do on a regular basis. Find humility, soften our hearts, repent, apologize and repair damages and go forth by “sinning no more.” Individuals and organized entities can all benefit from these relational, doctrinal processes that lead to growth and compassion.

May we all enjoy this holiday season we are embarking on together. And may our faith traditions and worship always exemplify the basic gospel teachings that serve to unify mankind and bring peace and harmony to our relationships with self and others.

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Natasha Helfer Parker, LCMFT, CST can be reached at natashaparker.org. She authors the Mormon Therapist Blog, hosts the Mormon Mental Health and Mormon Sex Info Podcasts, writes a regular column for Sunstone Magazine and is the current president of the Mormon Mental Health Association. She has over 20 years of experience working with primarily an LDS/Mormon clientele.