In the Rough - The Blog of Joel McDonald Jr.

Officially leaving Mormonism

2008-12-30T06:39:31Z

Ever since before completing my service as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I knew that I would someday resign from the church and have my name removed from its membership rolls. I had read about the process over at Mormon No More, and knew I would submit my resignation someday.

The first year after my mission was a little spiritually and emotionally rocky for me. The internal debate still waged on. It wasn’t as severe as when I was a missionary due to the church not being a priority in my life. However, I still continued to argue both for an against the church, its validity, and its benefits. Eventually, I found a community of people on PostMormon.org who let me know that I wasn’t alone in this struggle. My discussions with these people helped me tremendously. I realized that I did not believe in or agree with many doctrines and practices of the church. It just wasn’t the true church it claimed to be.

On the 18th of November I mailed my resignation to the member records division of the church, requesting that my name be removed from their records as I no longer considered myself a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My letter read, in part:

I understand the seriousness of this request. I�??m fully aware that this request cancels the effects of baptism and confirmation, withdraws my priesthood, and revokes my temple blessings as prescribed by the doctrine and practices of the church. However, it is my firm belief that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is not the true church.

Evidence of the church being in conflict with what I believe God represents is most apparent in the past and current discriminations of African Americans, women, and homosexuals. In addition, the culture of the church is one that discriminates against those who hold views contrary to the dogma, doctrine, traditions, and practices of the church. I can not be a member of a church which does not accept the diversity that exists throughout the world, nor do I believe any such church to be representative God, from which that diversity springs. These inconsistencies are far from being all inclusive; however, a statement covering all evidence which contradicts the church�??s claim of validity would take far more time and much more room than is needed for this letter.

On December 12th, I was mailed a reply from Gregory Dodge, manager of member and statistical records acknowledging my request and letting me know that the request was forwarded to local leadership for proper handling. While mailing my letter directly to the church records division legally separates myself from the church, there are institutional procedures the church follows.

Yesterday afternoon I received a phone call from the branch president of my singles branch letting me know he had received my request and confirming that removing my name from the rolls of the church was indeed my desire, and that I understood the effect of my request and the requirements I would need to meet in order to return to the church as a member. I confirmed my desire to removed, and we ended the call amicably.

According to my understanding, I’ll receive a letter informing me that my request to be removed from the rolls of the church has been honored.

I don’t feel conflicted about this decision. In fact, there is very little emotion attached to it at all. I’ve known in my heart for a long time now that I’m not a member of the church. The resignation just makes the separation official. Now I’ll be able to say that I’m not a member, and not have to think, or even sometimes say, that I’m a member on paper only. This is a good step for me. This is progress.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-24T23:19:18Z

Christmas is a good time to take inventory of your life, and share with friends and loved ones the triumphs and challenges of the ending year, and the hopes for the next.

2008 has been a whirlwind of a year for many, including me. As a nation, we truly began feeling the hardships of a recession and the oppression of the high cost of fuel. We�??ve also seen change. We�??re finally fighting to take back our place in the world for economic development, industry, and technological advancement; and we�??ve elected political leaders to help us get there, primarily Barack Obama. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I had to serve as a volunteer for Obama for America. My involvement, and Obama�??s example, reignited a flame that I had extinguished a while back. While always interested in politics, government, and law, I also felt that I wouldn�??t be able gain the education needed to really pursue those interests. Two things have happened for me because Barack Obama ran for president. The first is that I�??ve become a political blogger covering politics affecting Virginia Beach. The second is that, now that I�??ve completed my Associates Degree in Information Technology from The University of Phoenix, I�??ve decided to shift gears and go back to school to study Political Science and Journalism. This is an exciting move, filled with sacrifices and risks; but it�??s one that I need to make and one where I am determined to succeed. I have applied to, and hope to attend, Virginia Wesleyan College, starting Fall 2009.

I was also very fortunate to enter the world of community theatre this year, playing Richard Henry Lee in the musical 1776, and Lucas Brickman in Neil Simon�??s Laughter on the 23rd Floor. Beyond being on stage again, after a six year hiatus from theatre, I have been extremely blessed with the friendships I have formed in the theatre community. I have been in some wonderful casts and crews, and hope to continue this trend into the next year. Currently I�??m slotted to work with light design for two upcoming shows.

This is my third year as the Data Support Specialist at Luxford Elementary School. The job has been one where I�??ve enjoyed solving problems through the use of data and technology and aiding teachers in targeting their instruction. In addition to my regular duties, I serve on the School Planning Council of the Luxford Leadership Forum and also sponsor or co-sponsor the afterschool student running, drama, and computer clubs.

I am anxious and excited about what 2009 holds in store for me, and for you. There are challenges ahead, but we can overcome them. I really believe that. I hope you find joy this Christmas season, especially in the little things. This is the season where we remember that love was sent into the world so that it could wash away the stains of hate, and lift us all to a higher level of living.

Merry Christmas,

- Joel McDonald

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T17:48:41Z

I wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving. May we all take inventory of what we have been blessed with, and continually seek to bless the lives of others.

The Road to You

2008-11-24T04:54:13Z

Often, when driving in my car, I have the realization that the segment of asphalt I’m on is connected to another segment, and another, and another, stretching to places I’ve been and to places I haven’t. When I’m traveling from here to there, keeping a schedule, mixed in with the bustle of my city; I think that with more time, and with more gas, with the piece of road I’m on linked to you; I could be there. This road links you and me together, but I try not to think about it too much because I know this is true: I could keep driving on this road, and go to you.

[Image: "A Lonely Tarlac Road" by Storm Crypt, Flickr Creative Commons]

Help the Victims of the Southern California Fires

2008-11-17T16:12:49Z

From the Obama HQ Blog:

Over the past few days, wildfires in Southern California have destroyed more than 700 homes and burned over 35,000 acres of land, forcing many more families to evacuate their communities.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by the fires.

The Red Cross and Salvation Army are coordinating relief for the victims, and volunteers on the ground are being organized to help with long-term recovery efforts in the days and months to come. If you live in or near Southern California you can volunteer now, and no matter where you live you can help by donating to the relief efforts.

Throughout the campaign, we saw time and again that when ordinary people act together, they can make a huge difference.

Visit CaliforniaVolunteers.org for more information on how you can help.

Civil rights activists ought to be angry, determined, but not violent

2008-11-14T17:33:50Z

I’ve been monitoring the backlash that has flooded throughout California, and is evident throughout the nation, caused by the passage of of California’s Proposition 8 which infringes on the fundamental right of some individuals to marry due to the gender of their partner.

The anger and the determination to somehow reverse the damage done by the passage of this proposition is warranted, and understandable. Any people treated as though they are below some false standard the majority has set into place, and therefore not privileged to equal protection, privileges, and justice under the law should respond visibly and forcefully. Throughout the nation, rallies and protests are being organized and held; however, while people should not take any limitation upon the freedoms of individuals lying down, violence is not the path best taken on the way to ensuring equality under the law.

Yes, there is anger; but that anger should be bridled and used for constructive purposes. It should fuel the research, the protests, and the legal struggles. Truly, anger is not the best word to describe the outrage that every American should feel when another’s rights are threatened. It is indignation that we should all be feeling. Those who fight for civil rights will never stop fighting. Theirs is the just cause. Their victories lead to a more civil society. The victories of those who fight against the rights of the people only fuel the indignation that gives the people the cause, and the will, to continue to fight.

Those who supported the proposition to infringe upon the rights of the minority should be held accountable. The business and coalition of religious organizations that have done so should be made known. Somehow, they should feel the inconvenience of being restricted by the protests of the people against their actions. They should lose money, and members. They should be held responsible for their involvement in the political process and their attempt to influence the outcome of an election. I wonder, what ever happened to separating what is Caesar’s and what is God’s?

For those fighting discrimination in our government; please continue. Do all that you can to ensure the equality of all in the eyes of the law, but do so without vandalism and violence. We must remember that we are not the aggressors here, and fighting a battle about love cannot be won through attacks of hate.

A story yet to come

2008-11-10T21:46:50Z

One sunny day in 2009 an old man approached the White House from across Pennsylvania Avenue , where he’d been sitting on a park bench. He spoke to the U.S. Marine standing guard and said, ‘I would like to go in and meet with President Bush. The Marine looked at the man and said, ‘Sir, Mr. Bush is no longer president and no longer resides here.’ The old man said, ‘Okay’ and walked away.

The following day, the same man approached the White House and said to the same Marine, ‘I would like to go in and meet with President Bush. ‘The Marine again told the man, ‘Sir, as I said yesterday, Mr. Bush is no longer president and no longer resides here.’ The man thanked him and, again, just walked away.

The third day, the same man approached the White House and spoke to the very same U. S. Marine, saying ‘I would like to go in and meet with President Bush. ‘The Marine, somewhat agitated at this point, looked at the man and said, ‘Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking to speak to Mr. Bush. I’ve told you already that Mr. Bush is no longer the president and no longer resides here. Don’t you understand? ‘The old man looked at the Marine and said, ‘Oh, I understand. I just love hearing it.’

A picture of history made

2008-11-05T22:08:02Z

President-Elect Barack Obama in Chicago

2008-11-05T14:53:07Z

It’s the message that he’s been sharing from the start. We must have the hope that we can change our nation for the better, and the grit and determination to work for that change.

What a night…

2008-11-05T13:11:47Z

Democrats and progressives in Virginia Beach, and around the nation, couldn’t have asked for a much better result from the 2008 election. I’m absolutely amazed at the outcomes of some of the races and mostly pleasantly surprised.

I spent the evening at Guadalajara�??s in Town Center, here in Virginia Beach. We had some VIP guests throughout the evening; including Meyera Oberndorf, who was running for reelection. It was great to see some familiar faces from the primary campaign and meet some new friends.

Of course, the race that everyone was watching was the race for the white house. Senator Barack Obama started strong, and just kept going throughout the evening. Several “too close to call” states were placed into his column once polls closed on the west coast. Seeing the results from each time zone roll in was amazing. The first celebration of the evening came when Pennsylvania was turned blue. We knew the campaign was banking on picking up Pennsylvania, and that doing so would give the campaign a very big start to the election. Virginia, however, was too close to call; keeping us on edge throughout the evening.

Once polls closed on the west coast, it seemed as though Obama was immediately projected as being the winner of the election. Virginia turned blue by 1 point (now at two), and I can not fully describe the eruption of emotion that all experienced. All who could jumped up to their feet to cheer and applaud. The trademark chant was begun by someone, “Yes, we can!”, which then transformed throughout the crowed to, “Yes, we did”. In the midst of the cheering and the chanting, I turned to see a man in the middle of the crowd with his head in his hands, weeping with joy. It was at this time that I realized that I too was teary eyed, and struggled not to be completely overcome as I watched the results continue to roll in on the television.

Obama won the nation with a larger margin of victory than we’ve seen in some time. His campaign, which included numbers of volunteers and efforts difficult to comprehend, was spread far and wide throughout the nation. The campaign turned red states blue, breaking historical barriers. Those in attendance at this party were mostly volunteers for the campaign, and we all felt some ownership of Obama’s election; something we’re proud to own.

Mark Warner’s win over Jim Gilmore for U.S. Senate was pretty much a given. While we were excited by the win, there were no surprises there.

The first surprise of the evening, besides how well Obama really did nationally, was Glenn Nye’s projected win against Thelma Drake. It’s been difficult to get Nye’s name and biography out to the public. Almost everyone I talked to about the race for the 2nd Congressional District didn’t know Nye. Maybe that changed recently due to an influx of ground troops, but I think many were surprised that Nye was able to take the lead tonight. There is some talk of a recount, and absentee ballots to consider, so this race may not be over.

Meyera Oberndorf’s most viable challenger, Will Sessoms, surprisingly turned out to be more of a challenge to Oberndorf than I think many had imagined. While many I’ve had conversations with express their appreciation for her and personally like her, they’ve also felt it was time for someone else to take over the mantle of the Mayor of Virginia Beach. Currently the race between Oberndorf and Sessoms is too close to call, with Sessoms holding on to a slight lead.

As for the three additional candidates I endorsed: Glenn Davis successfully won a seat on City Council, defeating incumbent Reba McClanan, and Dan Edwards successfully won reelection to the School Board. Andrew Jackson was unsuccessful in his campaign for a seat on City Council.

It was an exceptional evening of celebrating Democratic and progressive victories nationally, and locally. Glenn Nye echoed the words of Obama during his speech tonight: Tomorrow, we must focus on the work that needs to be done.