Any Mormons Here?

[dbjay417]

I always thought spiritual imperialism was a great sin. In highschool I was highly confused about religion/sprituality like anyone. My parents never took me to church, I had been to catholic ceremonies for baptisms and weddings, and the sort, but I was allowed to experiment with my own spirituality, and for a long time i thought that ment I had to choose a religion, or join a church or something. That became a disparaging scenario for me because I have serious authority issues. I settled into agnostisism for a while and one day, while i was on the roof of a building skipping school, I saw God. I saw nothing, but suddenly looking out over the city I was struck with the notion that I can have a relationship with God, that didn't have to have dogma, or pointless formalities. I was my own preacher, and I'd write my own personal book for worship as I grew physically, mentally, and spiritually. I didn't need prophets, apostles, saints, or anything of the sort. My gut instincts and my own conscience would serve as a direct line to Gods will. I know whats fair and whats just, and when I act against those precepts i feel guilty, thats God telling me I messed up.

I've ran with it ever since. The only piece of doctrine I've ever actually wrote out, was that trying to get people to believe what I believe is a sin, because everyone is unique and God reveals himself at different times and different ways to everyone. The only thing you'll ever catch me preaching is to be receptive to the idea of God, and to be a good person. I've faith that it'll click for everyone at some point like it clicked for me on that roof top.

I find that when dealing with any organization that openly recruits, one must be weary of brainwashing techniques. There are no ray guns, or spinny spirals or anything, but there are techniques that make the human brain more suseptable to suggestion. Every church and military organization in the world uses some form of these techniques. Both Hitler and Martin Luthor King used versions of these techniques, thats why they went down in history as "great orrators".

I'm not suggesting that they deliberately try to brainwash you, but over thousands of years, they've stumbled across techniques and use them without any scientific knowledge of why they work.

Fasting or limited diets are one method, exaustion is another, speaking in a specific tone and rhythem.

For the catholics, you've probably never thought about why collection comes after prayer, but reality is, after reciting and standing and kneeling 30 times at the request of the preist, your a lot more likely to donate, because your mind is already in a state of compliance.

Its just something to be aware of, nothing inherently evil about it. Exept how pick up artists use these techniques to seduce women. But thats a story for another day.

 

[BlueDevilGirl67]

My husband does this with any body who wants to talk about religion. I'll give you 45 mins of my time but you should be courteous and give me 45 mins of your time so I can tell you about Christianity. They have never taken us up on our offer.

 

[TransplantedTexan]

Rosalind - you sound like my mother.

 

[Galaxie_Man]

Like many others here, I have respect for other faiths. What I dislike is the intrusion onto my property uninvited. If you want to approach people at a public place like a state fair, parade, or park that's fine. I will tell you thanks but no thanks. We have mostly JW's that come around in southern new england, but there are non-religious solicitations as well. I thought living out where I do this problem would have gone away. Nope. They trek all the way down my back country road and up my driveway. Well, I hope my problem has now gone away, I simply posted a "No Soliciting" sign under my house number sign at the foot of my driveway.

 

[Rosalind]

Rosalind - you sound like my mother

Is that good or bad?​

 

[TransplantedTexan]

As i stated in the previous post, my mom would do the same.
Any Morman or J.W had a tough roe to hoe when they came talkin to my mama. She would whip out her bible and turn the tables on them.

 

[Nifty-Chicken]

I actually enjoy discussing religion and learning about other's beliefs. I learned a TON on my mission, met so many wonderful people, and had some fantastic discussions. Only problem is when it becomes too personal and people get upset / defensive (which often happens) and then all ability to have a civil / friendly conversation are out the door.

So, kudos to all those who have kept this conversation friendly.

 

[LoneCowboy]

I too would like to thank you for being so civil in this discussion. I too am a Mormon, a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I say the whole name, because some out there call themselves Mormon but are not.

I too served a mission, to Portland Oregon. I loved it there. Just want to ask you to all just be polite. If you are not interested just say so, and let them go on their way. Just treat them the way Jesus would. Kindly, and let them go on their way with unhurt feelings.

I am an extremely shy person, and I really hated tracting. (going door to door) I'd get doors slammed in my face and dogs sicked on me. Missionaries have to spend all their time doing missionary work, and if they don't have an appointment then they have to go door to door. Most of them don't like it anymore than you like them coming to your door. But it's their way of trying to bring something good to you.

Also, I have to smile at some of the things people think Mormons believe. Taking things out of context can be very humorous sometimes.

Just remember if you want to learn about Chiropractors, it seldom helps to ask an MD. Same with religion.

If you are feeling especially kind. I'd let them come, share with you their thoughts on Jesus, and then just explain you aren't interested. Trust me, you will totally make their day if you just give them a few minutes and listen.

 

[CarlaRiggs]

I, too am LDS. I'm a little surprised at the mis-information and some hostility toward the church. Really, we're good people!

We are a Christian church. LDS stands for Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Saints is what the members of Christ's church were called when He was on the earth. We believe that Christ is the son of God, the Eternal Father, who atoned for our sins through his infinite atonement. We believe in God the Father and the Holy Ghost. The gift of atonement is through the grace of the Savior and is freely given to every human being born.
We believe there is goodness in ALL religions. All religions are respected no matter what they teach sincerely. Buddhism is a very gentle religion. I don't know much about Toaism, but I'm assuming that it's basic tenets are to give service to others, and treat everyone fairly.
We believe in doing service for others. Charity is the essence of Christianity. We pay tithing on 10% of our gross income; not everyone does, but this is what we strive for. The church gives millions of dollars to charities every year, not only in this country, but also internationally. We are also expected to give of our time in service. We have plenty of chance to volunteer with the church, in our neighborhood, our community or wherever we feel the need. This is encouraged. Some of our middle aged, or senior couple missionaries serve in third world countries, teaching the people there good hygiene practices, helping them build wells, showing them better farming practices and other service. Please, if the missionaries ask you if they can help out, let them do so. This is not a subterfuge to brainwash anyone

but an offer for Christian charity. Our missionaries want to serve Christ, and this is one way to do so. We don't 'brainwash' (these are just 19 year old kids, remember!), we teach to those who want to know more ....
Our church has no paid ministry; we all serve at various times in different positions. My husband currently serves as a bishop of our ward (local church); he puts in lots and lots of hours each month with no renumeration. We have no paid choir, pianists, teachers, etc. This gives us plenty of opportunity to serve.
Women are NOT treated as second class citizens. I have sat in councils many times and specifically been asked for my opinion pertaining to the discussions. I've never *felt* second class. Scriptures state that man is not without woman in the Lord. Equal importance; different duties, but equal importance.
If you would like to read the Book of Mormon, the missionaries will give you one. This book is central to our religion. It's either true, or it's not, but one can't know unless it's read.

We believe this scripture is the record of those Jews who came to Central America during chaos of the reign of King Zedekia. The Book of Mormon is another testament to Jesus Christ. It stands as a witness for Him with the Bible. Out of the mouth of two or three witnesses shall all things be established was an ancient Jewish law. The Bible is the history of the Jews in Israel; the Book of Mormon is the history of the Jews in Central America, or Christ's other sheep of whom He spoke.
Most people won't read the Book of Mormon; the majority of people don't read the Bible, either.

The majority of people in this country have good moral values, as do the Latter Day Saint people. Please don't bash us because of what you've heard from someone else. Most of the time this is distorted and just plain untrue. If you want to know something about Mormons, ask the missionaries or your neighbor or co-worker or whomever. We are a very open and friendly bunch!
Remember that each missionary is someone's son or daughter and a good person who enjoys seeing a friendly face.

 

[speckledhen]

That is one side, Carla. I agree with some of what you have said and disagree with much of the other. I have read the Book of Mormon, the Bible, helped a ministry teach the Bible, lived in Utah among Mormon people more than once, spoken with countless missionaries, both in my livingroom and as my neighbors, been to the "public" areas of the temples in Salt Lake and Ogden. You can ask a Mormon what he believes, but many of the "deeper truths"will not be told to Gentiles, as non-Mormons are called. They just will not. The plurality of gods is not something you'll hear in the basic missionary spiel, for instance. Yes, they are mostly very nice young men, but many are, bless their hearts, pretty clueless about the Bible, beyond the standard passages they are taught to use in their conversion process. I even considered staying in Utah after my DH retired from the Air Force when we were living in Utah, but finally opted to come back south. I had good neighbors there and my son had some wonderful friends I loved to hang out with. We were Christians among Mormons and did just fine, but we knew where we stood on all fronts.
In anything, know what you believe and why you believe it. Question everything and if your faith is based on solid ground, it can stand up to questioning. If not, then maybe you need to look closer at yourself and why you are holding onto something that shaky. That goes for all religions, IMO.