Why I go to church

You don’t have to be crazy for sitting in pews to know it’s the right place to be

Rachel Star Gillis goes to church.

Rachel Star Gillis goes to church.

Photo By Rachel Star Gillis

Every time I read an SN&R article by some “ex-Mormon” who has finally “seen the light” after years of “oppression, suppression and blind obedience,” I just roll my eyes and chalk it up to the typical closed-minded, utterly cool downtowner mentality that seems to plague many SN&R readers.

Granted, my knee-jerk judgmental reaction is only due to the fact that I’m describing the “old” me, and I’m basically rolling my eyes at my past self.

But when I read “Why I go to church,” by Ted Cox (SN&R Sacreligious! January 22), I felt differently. Although I disagreed with his notions that “Mormons” look down on other religions and that they believe that thinking about sex is a sin, I did identify with Mr. Cox’s feelings that led him to atheism.

Those same feelings trouble me as I try to live the Gospel as prescribed by the “Mormon” religion (which is actually called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

I have a difficult time believing that God answers prayers for the same reason Mr. Cox cited, regarding the less fortunate. I also have come across some church members that seem to have no clue what hardship really is; however, that doesn’t change my belief in the religion.

I grew up in the LDS Church, but unlike Mr. Cox, I did not go to seminary or go on a mission. I hated church and stopped going at age 14. Then, at 20-something, I was looking for a less porn-filled dating scene.

After going to church a few times, I remembered the typical convert’s story—“I read the Book of Mormon, prayed and found out that it was true.” They always seemed so sure of this, like they had no doubts. I figured, why not? I’ll try it.

Let me first make a disclaimer by saying that a conversion experience is different for everyone; what works for me probably wouldn’t work for you, and vice versa.

For me, one day something seemed to click in my mind, and suddenly it was clear: Everything God has been telling us is true. All the guidelines—no drinking/drugs, no sex outside of marriage, etc.—had always seemed so restrictive, but suddenly I saw that God was just giving us a way to stay out of trouble.

Mr. Cox’s misinterpretation that “even thinking about sex is a sin” (the actual suggestion: Avoid thinking about sex with someone other than your spouse) could even be seen as good advice. Thoughts lead to action; if you control your mind, you control your behavior, which in turn could prevent a lot of heartbreak.

There are so many major life problems that could be avoided just by following what God had been teaching for thousands of years. I felt like it was so obvious; D’oh! It was there all along.

Although these teachings are found in many religions, the LDS Church specifically makes sense to me. Besides having a feeling that I can’t really explain (I just know the Book of Mormon is true; you’ll have to find out for yourself), the organization and functionality of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints makes perfect sense to me, and I see a parallel between the way the church is organized and the way many things in nature are designed (don’t worry, I also believe in evolution).

I’m in my 30s now, and I still struggle with things like having faith and going to church—I don’t share Mr. Cox’s delight in attending church meetings—but I have no doubt that the religion is true and that church is the right place to be.