(I debated on whether to ask you this privately, in an e-mail, or on your blog. I felt like others could benefit from your answer, that is why I am doing it here. And, I hope you know, by now, of the love, affection, and friendship I feel for you. I ask this with the utmost regard.)
I have been thinking about many of the things that I would not be able to participate in, and which I would lose, were I to be excommunicated from the Church: the gift to pay tithing, wear my garments, partake of the sacrament, not participate in Church meetings, go to the Temple, etc.
Tonight as I was again thinking about it, I thought about my baptismal day, and consequently, when confirmed, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost to be with me always.
Here is my question: Does an excommunicated member lose the gift of having the Holy Ghost wih them, as an aftermath of the excommunication, or does one lose access to the Spirit because of the choices they make to run him off?
I hope this question even makes sense. And, I look forward to the understanding I will receive from your perspective. Thank you so much.
Yeah. (Can I say 'amen' non-sacrilegiously?)
ReplyDeleteJohn, may I ask you a question?
ReplyDelete(I debated on whether to ask you this privately, in an e-mail, or on your blog. I felt like others could benefit from your answer, that is why I am doing it here. And, I hope you know, by now, of the love, affection, and friendship I feel for you. I ask this with the utmost regard.)
I have been thinking about many of the things that I would not be able to participate in, and which I would lose, were I to be excommunicated from the Church: the gift to pay tithing, wear my garments, partake of the sacrament, not participate in Church meetings, go to the Temple, etc.
Tonight as I was again thinking about it, I thought about my baptismal day, and consequently, when confirmed, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost to be with me always.
Here is my question: Does an excommunicated member lose the gift of having the Holy Ghost wih them, as an aftermath of the excommunication, or does one lose access to the Spirit because of the choices they make to run him off?
I hope this question even makes sense. And, I look forward to the understanding I will receive from your perspective. Thank you so much.
Love, always, slp
slp - The answer to that question deserves of its own post, so that's what I'll do.
ReplyDeleteThank you, John. I look forward to your post. I know you are a busy man and I appreciate you taking the time to answer me.
ReplyDeleteLove and respect, always.
Though you and I have different opinions about the film, I could not agree more with Göran's review of the Vatican. Good grief.
ReplyDeleteYS, your posts are one of my highlights of the week. Very thoughtful and insightful. I enjoy reading them.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sean! I really appreciate it.
ReplyDelete