Why I Stay: The Challenges of Discipleship for Contemporary Mormons

by Robert A. Rees

Mormonism is a community with two progressive and conservative. This is true of nearly all faith traditions, which can be alternately open or defensive, traditional or innovative, accepting or judgmental. In the case of the LDS Church, it continues, a century after having shaken off the stigma of polygamy, three decades after embracing blacks as equals, and in the face of international growth, to wrestle with freeing itself from its past insularity. In doing so, it will find its place within the larger religious world and its accommodation to the challenges of modernism. This all represents a challenge for individual members, especially for artists, scholars, and independent thinkers. The poet Robert Haas has made a distinction between religion, which is communal worship centered on shared ideas of the sacred, and spirituality, which has to do with the individual soul s struggle with its own meaning. In this anthology, sixteen Latter-day Saints explain how they balance the demands of religion and spirituality in the modern Church. It brings to mind the example of LDS educator Lowell Bennion who offered the image of carrying water on both shoulders to explain the binary nature of balancing faith with reason, institutional commitment with individual integrity, obedience with love. It is encouraging to discover so many Latter-day saints who, the editor writes, neither stay with their faith blindly nor leave it rebelliously, but rather choose to struggle with challenges and strive for a more mature discipleship. The contributors to this anthology are Lavina Fielding Anderson, Mary Bradford, William Bradshaw, Claudia L. Bushman, Fred Christensen, Lael Littke, Armand Mauss, Chase Peterson, Grethe Peterson, J. Frederick Toby Pingree, Gregory Prince, Robert A. Rees, Tom Rogers, William D. Russell, Cherry Bushman Silver, and Morris Thurston.
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Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Mormonism

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 15, 2010

About the author

Robert A. Rees is an educator, scholar and poet.
He was a bishop of the Los Angeles 1st Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Reviews

[Niko · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Why I Stay" is a collection of essays by presenters at the Why I Stay session of the annual Sunstone Symposium in Salt Lake City. All are very educated and thoughtful individuals. They do not write as apologists for the LDS faith. Indeed, each outlines serious concerns and conflicts they have had with various aspects of it, above all regarding church practice and policy. References to testimony of gospel principles are few and fleeting. Yet each contributor provides reasons for why they have made the conscious choice nevertheless to remain engaged and to consider themselves "Mormon."

I personally found relief in quite a few of the essays. They reflect feelings I have had – positive and negative – much more articulately than I could ever have framed them. It is reassuring to find you are not the only one with concerns in a church that eschews concerns and dissent, yet have personally reconciled them in favor of what you believe to be the right path: adherence and activity. Not all essays had this effect. Some are real duds to me (primarily those that reject basic gospel principles but stay for social reasons), but I related to most of them. These are folks I would like to have in my ward.

I don't suspect this book will drive anyone out of the church or convince anyone back into it. But they may offer comfort to reflective Latter-Day Saints who recognize that Mormon culture is not the same as Mormon doctrine, and that the church, its history, and its leaders, like all earthly institutions and people, are working toward perfection without yet having reached it.

[Maggie Maxfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so drawn to the premise of this book. Each contributor gives me beautiful reasons to maintain my convictions in my chosen religion. My little sister and I concocted an inside joke 15+ years ago, attempting to define the awkward embarrassment that arises from a realization that we are the butt of a joke or the last person to figure out a scam. When either of us are in that position, we cry Uncle by saying, "Aw, somebody watched me BELIEVE!" There are times in my life when I have wondered if my belief in God, in His communication with me, in His Son's influence in my life, will be met with a giant void. But after reading this book, I felt buoyed up by the words of such respectable people standing, writing, not afraid to be seen believing.

[Cami · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good to read the thoughts of other saints who have doubts about their religion, yet still stay as active and worshipping members. Culturally, the feeling is that we have to have a perfect knowledge/ testimony about all doctrines, prophets,etc... and say the rote things like "I know (insert topic) is true." Instead wouldn't it be wonderful if it were culturally accepting to confess not only the personal truths we've discovered but doubts that plague our minds and souls. The testimonies in this book are diverse and are helpful for anyone who experiences religious doubt and is searching for others who may be in their same shoes.

[Lara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really, really liked reading this book. I found it super interesting. These essays had me thinking about my testimony and activity in the LDS church with a new/fresh perspective. I had fun writing my own 'Why I Stay' essay (in my head) while reading the many different essays. I have subscribed to Sunstone magazine for several years and have enjoyed reading articles by many of the authors in this book. I do understand why many people have hated this book (some of the authors feel very ego driven and bit out of touch with real life) but for me it wasn't offensive it was open and honest. I appreciate the author's perspective despite that I don't share many of their beliefs. I also, don't believe that most of these essay belong on the fringe of Mormonism but rather many of them would be and are totally comfortable in the "mainstream".

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I was not sure this was going to prove helpful to me, but the additive effect of person after person finding a home in the Church despite difficulties has indeed been helpful to me.

[David Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one with more than a passing interest in Mormon history, culture, doctrine, and intelligentsia I have followed the longtime series Why I stay. I have been acquainted either personally or by the body of work with many of those that have given the annual Sunstone lecture by the same name. I am a big tent advocate and appreciate the diversity these statements bring to our religious tribe. Robert Rees is the editor and has long history in this genre and in my view provides a lifeline to some who at times feel their questioning, places them too far outside of orthodoxy. I grew up in a home where that questioning was not only present but encouraged. Sunday dinner in my home was an exercise in critical analysis of the lessons we heard that day. For me, the questioning process was both normal and affirming. I realize that may not have been the norm for many. I wish it were.

Rees explains that evolving religious and world conditions led to Volume Two of Why I Stay, such as the prevalent, across religious traditions, “faith crisis”. Rees notes that the internet has made it impossible for religions to control their own narratives. Both the divine and unsavory aspects of truth and myth are available to anyone. Many who venture there are not equipped to analyze and understand truth, myth, and misinformation. Rees argues that the faith crisis represents not just a failure of institutions of faith but also a failure of reason and, especially, a failure of love.

The essays seek to help people who want to keep a connection with the Church but are struggling with valid concerns. The essays are effective in giving hope to those that seek progressive voice in LDS culture. These essays give hope to those that are struggling but looking for hope to stay in the fold while also helping those that are not struggling to have greater empathy for others that are in a different place in their faith journey.

There are some notable LDS “rock stars” among the essayists. That is both inspiring and a little off putting for me. I love to listen to most of them, yet I would rather at times here from the meek and lowly. Just last night I perused the latest Deseret Book catalogue that arrived in the mail. I was frankly disgusted by commercialism and hero worship in its offerings. In a way by offering up the “rock stars” Sunstone contributes a little to the same cultural flaw. Nonetheless, I enjoyed every essay and would enthusiastically recommend them to others.

[Dlora · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading these personal essays very much. In some cases they confirmed what I already know, in others they expanded my understanding of things I’d never thought of, and in some I found myself in disagreement—but they were all beautifully written and held my attention. I think it is important that the reader knows these essays were all given prior to 2011 when the book was published. Many of their concerns about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been ameliorated since then, and yet I suppose other concerns have surfaced. I thought there was an interesting dichotomy between believing in the Church or organized religion and believing in gospel doctrine and beliefs. It seemed most of these writers had issues with the Church rather than the spiritual leanings of their hearts, although one fellow I’d classify as a social Mormon, loving the organization but being lukewarm about its tenets. On another note, I loved the shape of this tall, narrow book, 5 inches by 9 ¼ inches. Not your normal books size; it was a lovely shape in my hands.

[Tricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the premise of this book. I was inspired by all these individuals, contributions they have made tho the world and their heartfelt considerations on why they choose remain.

[Kristen Glenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book because I felt like the individuals sharing their experiences, questions, and struggles were speaking from a place of honesty and integrity.

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are happy in your religion I would recommend reading another book. I just loved all of the personal essays presented here that were given at Sunstone Symposiums from 2003 - 2010. This is a book I will want to read again. I found each essay interesting and unique and very thought provoking.

Some stay because it is who they are, because of the life experiences it has given them, they are better people within the church, they love the variety of friends they have in church, they have had sacred spiritual experiences, and on and on.

Fred Christensen p.131: How different my life would have been had I not had the refining influence of the gospel and my allegiance to a church community. . . . I want my children and my grandchildren and many others to hear the same voices that I heard.

Chase Peterson p141: (his grandson died) in the virtual arms of hundreds of Saints who cared for him, and his parents and grandparents experienced a oneness of life and mortal death and a oneness of caring spirits that is hard to put even in words.

Robert Reese p 184: I stay because I love to sing the Mormon Hymns.
Also
p 186: "I believe," credo, which is literally "I place it in my heart."

Credo.

[Blair Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Why I Stay" is a collection of personal essays published by Signature Books. The twenty contributors—9 women and 11 men, an assortment of PhDs, JDs, MBAs, etc.—answer the title’s question in their own way in hopes that their experiences might help others carry on in the faith. Despite the tally of academic credentials, most of the essays are apologetic and personal in tone; testimonies.

Robert A. Rees, the collection’s editor, selected essays originally presented at the annual Sunstone Symposium in Salt Lake City, Utah, between 2003 and 2010. Rees’s selections signal the book’s greatest strength: the various perspectives show that there are many reasons people consider leaving and different reasons people stay. For some, leaving has never been a real consideration, while others wrestle with the possibility occasionally or on a regular basis.

Overall, it is a good collection of personal testimonies from Mormons who have encountered questions or doubts but retained/regained a stronger faith.

[Brent Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am bugged by the title: Why the hell DO you stay in a religion unless it feeds you spiritually?? It seems so self-congratulatory or side-swipingly critical to set "why I stay" as a theme.

Still the contributions are thoughtful and uplifting. A veritable who's who of Mormon cognizanti.

The book was definitely worth my time even though I have listened to most of the talks given at Sunstone. Good to have the collection in one place!

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought this was a fascinating read. One of the contributors was my professor at BYU and I loved him. Another is the wife of another favorite BYU professor. Some thought-provoking ideas. Lots I agreed with, some I didn't.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book moving, enlightening, and edifying. The various essays were heartfelt and approach the topic from every imaginable angle.

[Paulette Henriod · Rating 4 out of 5]

These essays were heartfelt and resonated easily with me.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved and appreciated the carefully considered and committed essays. I needed to read something like this.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I finally got around to reading this collection of essays by "Progressive" LDS intellectuals.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Compelling.

[Angela Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read. What was the question again?