7/29/2019 Parable of the Good Apostate
1/2
The Parable of the Good Apostate
by Luke Matthews
Joshua raised his hand.
Yes, Brother Fadersen?
I dont know... I am a bit ambivalent about temple ordinances,
Josh said, glancing at Temple
Work and Family History, neatly underlined on the chalkboard.
Doesnt it seem like we should
strive to save people here on earth, before we worry about their
status in heaven?
Perhaps the dead could do each others work he added with a wry
smile.
Sister Parrish looked uncomfortable. What do you mean by save
people here on earth? Isnt
receiving the temple ordinances more important than anything
else? I have been so inspired bystories of families who give up so
much so they can take out their endowments or be sealed.
Let me explain by telling a story. Bear with me. Josh shifted in
his cushioned seat.
One Sunday morning a car slammed into another car, sending it
hurtling into the median. The
hood was crumpled, the window broken, the air bag engaged. Among
the many cars speeding
by was a dark luxury sedan. What a pity, one suited man said to
the other. I hope that driver is
ok. How close are we to the Regional Training Meeting?
We will be there in a few minutes.
A moment later, a small car stopped at the scene. A tattooed man
got out, rushing toward the
wreckage. He opened the door and lifted the bloody, unconscious
man. He sped toward the
closest hospital.
After the doctors took away the crumpled form on the stretcher,
the man handed his debit card
to the nurse behind the window. Please put all charges on my
card, whatever the cost is until
my friend is recovered.
The dark haired woman looked shocked. That is... highly unusual.
Not sure we can do that. Letme check. That is mighty Christian of
you, sir.
Oh, I havent been called that in years. The Church doesnt like
my kind, and I dont know what I
believe any more. But please, do what you can for that man.
All eyes were on Joshua in his worn purple shirt. His own brown
eyes were piercing,
disconcerting. I tell you, Father and Mother are more pleased
with that tattooed, gay atheist than
