Hello from a Weirdo!

[LeKook]

Hi All,

New here (naturally!). Just thought I'd introduce myself. I'm a former Jehovah's Witness from Maryland. I'm almost 50 and sort of free-fall mode where spiritual things are concerned - currently reading the Book of Mormon.

One of the key reasons I'm having problems with ALL Bible-based belief systems is the fact that I have things that would be considered "paranormal" happen all the time (since I was old enough to start walking - I had a near-death experience around that time). I don't look for these things to happen, they just do, and randomly. And any time I ever mention a situation to a Christian, I get hit with, "It's from Satan, reject it." Okay. So I reject it, and then it happens again.

Anyway if someone could explain to me why something that has been happening naturally to me since I was a very small child is "from Satan", I'd love to hear it. And I'd like to know why something that happens randomly, without my seeking it, can't just the same be from God. I have to reject many beliefs outright or reject part of who I am. To me, that's just crazy.

Okay, yeah, I have a little chip on my shoulder about this one issue, but I'm a friendly person, don't be skeered. :)

- LeKook

[NeuroTypical]

Hi LeKook,

LDS folks aren't big on blaming natural phenomenon on satan. I don't believe that not every emotionally impacting thing that we encounter is a message from either side - although I guess you can find some mormons who do believe that.

We're big on "If it's true, accept it. If it's false, reject it." Knowing one from the other can be tricky, and sometimes we're just not given the tools to tell one way or the other. That can be very hard for some people to accept, but there it is.

Anyway, welcome!

LM