When
one attempts to represent Mormon experience in a fictional form, doors are
opened for understanding and honest experiences. I think there is power in
sharing these experiences in this genre, as opposed to sharing similar life
experiences in nonfiction writing.
Mormon
experiences are unique. Latter-day Saints are daily striving to achieve
perfection, or to become like Christ. And while falters are inevitable and
common, they are not the main focus. Saints normally try to focus on the
positive and uplifting aspects in life. While there are circumstances where
learning and love can grow through the sharing of common sorrows, there tends
to be a line drawn about the kinds of sorrows that are comfortably heard. There
is a tendency for trials of life (losing a loved one, losing a job, illness,
etc.) to be heard easily. But often times as soon as one mentions a moment
where their faith has waivered or a question about doctrine, it becomes an
awkward situation that is not as inviting and open for love and support.
By
writing about these moments of teeter-tottering faith, or questions about
doctrine in fiction, it provides a safety net and safety zone where I believe
Latter-day Saints are more comfortable to discuss and listen to the questions
of beliefs at hand. Why this is so, I do not know. But I think it is important
for such works to be written, so that we can open our eyes to things that
really are going on around us that we may not know how to deal with.
Douglas
Thayer in his novel “Will Wonders Never Cease” provides for a conduit for
Latter-day Saints to see first hand some of the experiences in Mormon life that
aren’t normally talked about. By using fiction, there is the safety net, which
allows for the candor and honesty to be openly received (at least in most cases).
By having the inside scoop into the protagonist’s thoughts, we are able to be
candid, and are more likely able to relate to the thoughts and experiences—especially
to the ones we have tried to keep private from others. This kind of writing is
not only eye opening, but I think it is also a healthy release that others can
relate to similar feelings in a safe way.
-Lizzy
S.
I completely agree with the points made in your post. I think that many times LDS people inherit an unhealthy perspective on how perfect they have to be. Mistakes are hidden too often and not dealt with, often leading to more severe consequences down the road.
ReplyDeleteI love that you called it a "safety zone" and a "safety net" . It's true, in LDS culture doubt, controversial topics or anything off the line of strict mormonism can be looked down upon. But it really is good to ask questions. The Restoration started with a question. I think if we didn't have works like this where controversial topics and doubt were brought up, I think a lot of youth would fall away and feel very misunderstood rather than digging deep and figuring out what exactly they believe in.
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