I finished the book...
I enjoyed the book although it was as much to do with the author's inner struggle with her relationship with her father, her bike and her apparent lack of faith on leaving the Mormon Church as a teenager, than her great-great grandmothers who risked their lives to remain faithful. I find her relationship with her Mother who remained faithful throughout, particularly special.
There are many contradiction and inaccuracies but I think she was being as honest as she could. After all, it is her story and she tells it very well. The clue to her struggle is actually in the title...a woman's story.
I think it's fair to say that Jana is a feminist and, as such, is unable come to terms with what she considers a male dominated church. The majority of women within the church would disagree with her, and to her credit she even presents a case against her own viewpoint.
I think she quietly takes comfort from the fact she is sealed to her mum...or that may be the other way round.
I have personally met, talked with and sat next to Gordon B Hinckley...a man Jana singled out for criticism on the subject of women. I've also listened to him over many years and consider him to be one of the most sincere, humble and influential men in the world. I know what his stance was with regard to women and it wasn't what Jana is portraying...albeit in just one sentence. Sadly he's no longer with us but all that he said on the subject is a matter of record.
When all is said and done, I enjoyed the read and I like Jana over the 300 pages she shared with me.
Now it's back to finish off Edith...
PAINTINGS... I've decided not to include any paintings here in my daily journal, but put them directly onto the paintings blog (see my other blogs).
Had a nice walk around a sunlit lake with Bev and am just about to sit down to watch The Mentalist.
ps, Thanks for making contact with me Jana. It was a very pleasant surprise. I look forward to responding.
Hi Just catching up with blogs after a short trip t0 the UK so glad that I didn't fly. It is always sort of sad for me when I get to the end of a good book. Looked around for a solution to your blogroll not updating have no solution that I can understand. Best wishes Blu
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of GBH and I've just spent a while reading about him on Wiki. Organised religion and I don't really see eye to eye but I'm glad you enjoyed this book.
ReplyDeleteHi Blu
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about coming to the end of a book...especially a good book. There's a void that needs filling.
Thanks for trying to find a solution for me. Hopefully It's just a temporary thing. Hope you enjoyed your visit to England.
Hi Julie
I think organised religion IS something you will get on with...to continue with the metaphor...you just haven't had your eyes opened.
Let me explain. Organised religion isn't about going to church on a Sunday. It's about responding to emergencies where real people are dying, or homeless, or injured, or abandoned or alone and helpless.
It's a matter of record, but I would say 100's of countries have been the recipient of financial or commodity aid from the 'Mormons' totalling countless millions of dollars. We are totally prepared to respond immediately to any disaster world-wide. You have to be organised to do this. It's what organised religion does and what non-organised religion or isolated individuals can't do.
Galations 6:2 talks about bearing one another's burdens. Yes we can do that on a one-to one without the need to attend church, but isn't it fantastic to be able to offer such assistance locally as well as to millions world-wide?
I've been involved and seen people break down in tears when they think all is lost and no-one cares. I've cried myself. I know what organised religion can do, and it's infinitely more than what we can achieve on our own. I dare say you are a caring person and I don't decry the efforts of individuals, but we are talking a whole new ball game here.
A lengthy response Julie, but you've touched on something I feel strongly about.
ps, I checked out the Professor. Quite a fella!
So well said Ken "..After all, it is her story and she tells it very well. The clue to her struggle is actually in the title...awoman's story" admire your narration of other view point as well - sometimes its difficult to take a neutral stand ! Thanks again
ReplyDeleteActually Ken your reply has made me think quite a lot. I was thinking about the two ambassadors for your religion that seem like the kindest and nicest of souls (apart from your good self of course). I'm talking about Donny Osmond and The Killers' singer, Brandon Flowers. It might be trivialising it to mention celebrities, but to a lay person like me it is usually the first thing one thinks of.
ReplyDeleteAs for helping crisis-torn countries, my charity of choice in all these circumstances is Medecins Sans Frontieres - the most wonderful organisation imaginable. That's not decrying your good selves of course, but I as a non-Mormon wouldn't donate money to your church, whereas I would (and do) to MSF.
When I talk about organised religion it is not the Mormons I am thinking of - they seem to keep a very low profile. It's the others (no names of course).
(did that make any sense at all?)