Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics
Providing thoughtful and faithful responses to criticisms and questions of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
The field of apologetics is not about manipulating, deceiving, or even victimizing people. It is to give a defense of one's faith for understanding, education, and learning. Only in this context are people able to engage in real authentic conversations that challenge and uphold the character and integrity of both individuals.
As meaningful as our desire is to reach out to those who are lost, and specifically more so to those suffering from active substance use and mental health disorders; we do well to remember the wise and therapeutic recommendation to do no harm. And erroring on the side of ignorance is not cutting it anymore. What I propose is for the Christian community at large, and each individual Christian personally, to come to understand some things when engaged in ministry work. That is, to become aware, educated, and understand the true nature of recovery, the healing process, and the restoration of an individual to a meaningful and purposeful Christian life and relationship. Not just with our Savior, Jesus Christ, but also in relationship with others that are supportive, understanding (through empathy and compassion). A sanctuary that is considered safe.
The greatest deception of one who is living an active and sinful lifestyle is one who is imprisoned by their own denial. In essence, we lack the awareness and fortitude to admit there is something wrong with us. Because of this, we build systematic defenses to protect ourselves from the reality of our condition. For the alcoholic and addict, this defense system protects them from an awareness they have an inherent problem with drugs, alcohol, and/or other addictive behaviors.
There is an awakening that occurs in the heart and minds of every person who is suffering and perishing. Those who awaken to their awful condition and state of being see the destruction for what it really is. We see ourselves as unclean. Filthy. And, a great burden is on our back that weighs us down. As much as we do not want to face this truth – we must face it or continue to suffer and perish. This is where we find Christian. Faced with the reality of a coming destruction. The reality of the burden we bear.
I recently came across an article entitled: 11 thoughts that the daughters of unloving mothers carry with them. This article happened to show up in my Facebook news feed. Curious, I read through the brief article and became fascinated with the quick breakdown of symptoms and prescription related to these thoughts. As important this is… Continue reading 11 Permanent Emotional Scars Men of Dysfunctional Families carry with them
In the last three articles, we explored the following: Human authenticity and conscious living; Premise One: Authenticity is essential to the human experience; And, Premise Two: Emotional intelligence and our human experience. In this third installment, the discussion focuses on having a vision in order to move forward. Vision gives us a sense of direction.… Continue reading Premise Three: Having a vision to move forward
Depression forces the individual into a feeling of sadness that persists for long periods and significantly interferes with one’s ability to perform everyday tasks, at home, school or work. ~ Krishnee Appadoo It is a very dark place to be. At least when it comes in like a flood. Suffocating any sense of reason. Once… Continue reading Suffering in silence
Those individuals who are contemplating suicide are dealing with some very serious intense and distressing emotions. They feel they are at the brink of complete and total hopelessness. They feel unworthy, unlovable, and feel severely inadequate in dealing with the stress in their lives. They want the pain to go away. To them, suicide is the only answer and there is no arguing or reasoning with them.
The past few days (except for today) reminded me of how important rest is to the human mind, body and soul. Since Sunday, I have experienced emotional, mental, and spiritual exhaustion because of an event that had occurred. Normally, I spend either Saturday or Sunday as a day of rest in order to prepare myself… Continue reading Sometimes, you just need to rest
Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable - if there is any moral excellence and if there is any praise, dwell on these things ~ Philippians 4:8, ESV ~ The Savior taught his disciples a fundamental truth when he responded to a… Continue reading Being Grateful
As a moderately seasoned counselor, one of the frustrating aspects of working with individuals suffering from substance use is the lack of motivation and engagement in their treatment and recovery. I become frustrated because they appear to be unmotivated, and underachieving. In my attempt to work with these individuals I am experiencing some consternation. This… Continue reading The Mystery of the Unmotivated patient
Carl Jung (1865 - 1961) worked with a gentleman by the name of Rowland H. This gentleman was a gifted affluent young businessman. He suffered from Alcoholism and sought out any possible cure for his problem. Rowland's attempt to address his drinking problem failed. Traveling to Switzerland, Rowland sought out Carl Jung. In their conversations, Rowland… Continue reading Addressing recovery from a Christian and Biblical worldview
There is a deep rooted problem in society today. It appears that many people in our society has lost the art of speaking kindly to one another. Sure, there are probably small pockets of decent humanity where the art of speaking kindly is a delicatessen. However, in general, we seemed to have forgotten the importance… Continue reading The lost art of speaking kindly
How does one create a life full of passion, full of meaning, and full of purpose? Pick up any book on the subject matter. Preform a google search on the subject matter. Pilfer through the pages of books, articles, research and studies: And yet, one still comes away with an unsatisfactory answer. How is it… Continue reading Human authenticity and conscious living
Mindful Latter-day Saint Apologetics 
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